The Best Free Things to Do in Iceland

It’s no secret that Iceland can be a pricy place to cross off your bucket list. Combined with a solid plan for budgeting and saving money, adding free things to do to your itinerary is the perfect way to experience Iceland without breaking the bank! If your initial thought to this post is, “aren’t the best free things to do in Iceland the epic waterfalls and national parks..that are free? That’s why I’m going!” I would totally agree with you. It’s when we try to check out an attraction, take a tour, or grab a simple bite to eat that things start adding up.. and FAST. Instead, mix in a few (or all!) of the ideas on this list with your outdoor adventures to get the most out of your trip to Iceland.

Take A Guided Walking Tour

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by City Walk (@citywalkreykjavik) on Oct 6, 2015 at 12:53pm PDT

One of my favorite ways to get my bearings and learn about a new place is by taking a walking tour. It’s the perfect way to explore a city, hear some cool facts and even get new ideas for things to do. Both City Walk and Free Walking Tours Reykjavik are highly rated and offer free tours around town. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet some locals and get the inside scoop on everything Reykjavik.

Check out the Blue Lagoon

Yes, I’m serious! While you can’t actually get into the lagoon itself for free, it IS possible to see the landscape and take some incredible photos without paying the hefty entrance fee. Adjacent to the touristy geothermal spa area of the Lagoon that most people are familiar with is a much more natural and quiet area.

When arriving at the Blue Lagoon Visitor Center from the parking area, you will see a path going off to the left. This path loops around the natural side of the lagoon, and is totally free to explore. Since swimming is not allowed in this area (the water is cold anyway) it’s the perfect place to take photos without anyone in the water to photobomb your shot!

Hallgrímskirkja church

One of the most iconic landmarks in Reykjavík is the Hallgrímskirkja church named after the celebrated 17th-century Icelandic poet Hallgrímur Pétursson. The modern design of the building was inspired by the natural textures and landscapes of the country, specifically the basalt columns found at Reynisfjara Beach.

Being the largest church in Iceland and one of the tallest buildings in the country at 240 feet high, there is naturally a fantastic view of the city below from the top. It does cost 1000 IK (about $8) per adult to visit the top, but it’s well worth it. However, the rest of the church is free to explore.

Visit The Einar Jónsson Art Museum Sculpture Garden

Right next to Hallgrímskirkja church is the Einar Jónsson Museum, the home and studio of Iceland’s first sculptor. Although there is a fee to enter the museum, the sculpture garden behind the museum is free! There are 26 bronze casts of Einar Jónssons work currently on display.

Soak in a HOT SPRING

As much as I recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon at least once, prices start around $95 for the most basic package. Yikes. Luckily there are other geothermal springs in Iceland that are free to experience.

About a 40 minute drive from Reykjavik (followed by 45 minute hike from the parking lot) is the Reykjadalur Hot Springs Thermal River. This geothermal river flows through the Reykjadalur Valley and is surrounded by gorgeous mountains. The farther upstream you hike, the warmer the water gets. Try getting in at different spots to find your ideal temperature, but be sure to pay attention to the warning signs. Some areas, including those bright blue hot pots, are boiling.

Another great option is Hveravellir Hot Spring, located about 2 hours north of Reykjavik. It’s situated between two glaciers, Langjökull and Hofsjökull. This one is a little more difficult to get to (4×4 vehicles are recommended) and can only be accessed during the summertime, but 100% worth the trip.

Nauthólsvík Beach

Nauthólsvík is man-made beach complete with a geothermal pool, hot tub, and cold water swimming area. The golden sand is a perfect spot for sunbathing in the warmer months or playing a game of beach volleyball. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, so be sure to get there early before the crowds.

Harpa concert HaLL

One of my favorite free things to do in Iceland is wander around the stunning architecture of Harpa Concert Hall admiring the architecture. This famous landmark was constructed with geometric glass panels that mimic the unique basalt rock columns found throughout the country. It’s home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera and the Reykjavik Big Band. Located along the harbour it quite literally sparkles in the sunshine.

Reykjavík Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens is an outdoor area home to over 3,000 different plant species. Arctic flowers, sculptures, and water feature can be found throughout the gardens as well. Each plant is labeled with species and genus. Although most of the signs are in Icelandic, keep an eye out for signs with QR codes to scan that translate the information to English. The best time to visit is in the summer, when free 30 minute guided tours are offered every Friday in June, July and August.

Grótta Lighthouse

This cute lighthouse is often overlooked because it’s a bit of a walk from city center (about 45 minutes to an hour). It’s well worth the trip however for the sprawling views of the Atlantic ocean and variety of sea birds found along the coastline. Make sure you are visiting at low tide to walk fully around the lighthouse. Find specifics about the tide times HERE. It’s also one of the best spots near the city to see the northern lights. Don’t miss the small hot spring next to the parking lot, a perfect spot for soaking your feet after a long walk.

Sun Voyager

This iconic statue was built in 1990 by Jón Gunnar Árnason to represent the discovery and freedom of traveling to new worlds. Although commonly thought to represent a viking ship, it’s actually a “dreamboat” and an ode to the sun. It sits right on the waterfront and although it’s a great spot for a photo opp anytime of day, sunsets are a magical backdrop for the Sun Voyager.

Hafnarfjordur Museum

The Hafnarfjördur Museum showcases artifacts and photographs of the town of Hafnarfjördur, just south of Reykjavík. There are multiple buildings to check out and exhibitions to explore depicting the life and times of the original townspeople. Inside the main building are three exhibits; a permanent exhibition on the history of Hafnarfjördur, a toy exhibit and a rotating exhibit that changes periodically.

BIrdwatching at Tjörnin

Take a stroll around Tjörnin, a pond centrally located in downtown Reykjavík. It is usually filled with birds, up to 40 different species can be spotted there throughout the seasons. Birdwatchers come from all over the world to spot the unique birds found around the pond, and feeding them is a popular pastime for Icelandic families. One thing to note, if you do stop by to feed the birds, please don’t feed them bread, which is harmful to both the birds and the water. Instead, opt for seeds, grains or natural dried fruits.

City Hall

At the northern end of Tjörnin pond sits Reykjavík City Hall. While a city hall may not be the first place that comes to mind as a tourist attraction, this one is actually a cool spot. The building itself, which appears to float over the water, was designed specifically to attract birdlife to the pond. Inside is a gallery showing works by local artists and a gigantic 3D relief map of Iceland.

Þúfa

This art piece by Ólöf Norda is a reference to simpler times in Iceland. Þúfa means little hill, and that is exactly what it is. A narrow spiral path winds around the hill to a small fish drying shack that sits on top. According to Norda, Þúfa is a place for inner peace and meditation within the city. It is also a spot for fantastic views of Harpa and the harbor.

Marshall House

The Marshall House is a former fish meal factory that was reborn a cultural center and museum. There are three art spaces inside; The Living Art Museum, Gallery Kling & Bang, and Studio Ólafur Elíasson.

Kolarpotid Market

This flea market pops up every weekend with vendors selling everything from antiques to handmade crafts. The best part (in my opinion) are the food stalls in the back, many of which offer free samples. This is a perfect time to try a taste of an Icelandic delicacy dried fish. Fair warning though, if you buy some, eat it before coming home. Otherwise you may end up with a fishy smelling suitcase for months like I did (one of MANY mistakes I made on my first trip to Iceland). Oops.

Street Art

Exploring the city for colorful and vibrant street art is almost a requirement when in Reykjavik and one of my favorite free things to do in Iceland. While it’s easy to find large murals and paintings along the main street of Laugavegur, wander away from the main roads and take a peek down side streets and into alley ways. Interesting street art can be found all over the city.

Additional Reading

• Don’t go to the Blue Lagoon without reading these tips first.
• All the mistakes I made in Iceland that cost me BIG time.
• Shopping in Iceland? Here is where to go and what to buy.
• You CAN save money in Iceland! Here’s how.