Discover the Best Indoor Activities in Reykjavik

Icelanders have a particular term for a type of weather where the day is bright, but when you go outside, you discover it is freezing cold. We call this ‘window weather.’ If you are considering visiting Iceland, you must be prepared for weather volatility. It is essential to dress correctly and be prepared for certain weather changes. Sometimes the weather is just too bad for outdoor activities, but I would not worry. Iceland has a lot of fun indoor activities that are well worth doing. And that is especially true for Reykjavik, and what do you know, here is my list of the best indoor activities in Reykjavik.

Experience Magical Concerts and Events at Reykjavik’s Stunning Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center is a stunning building in Reykjavik, designed by Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. Its main hall, Eldborg, is a standout feature with superb audio quality. It won the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture in 2013 and is the residence of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra. The venue hosts significant concerts and conferences, with all events getting equal attention. Many visitors come to see its unique architecture, and Harpa creates a magical atmosphere where artists, musicians, conference guests, travelers, and locals gather under one roof. Harpa also offers various programs for travelers, such as the interactive installation Circuleight, the show “How to become Icelandic in 60 minutes,” and performances by the Mulinn jazz club. Harpa is bustling, and adding the five-star hotel Reykjavik Edition next door will make it even busier.

Experience the Thrill of Flying Over Iceland’s Natural Wonders with FlyOver Iceland’s Immersive Exhibition

FlyOver Iceland is an indoor and family-friendly activity in Reykjavik that gives visitors the sensation of flying over many of Iceland’s stunning natural wonders. The exhibition uses state-of-the-art technology, including a 20-meter screen, wind, mist, and scents, to create an unforgettable experience. Guests sit in seats that move and shift in tune with what is going on the screen, allowing them to be immersed in the show. The exhibition is based on the popular Flyover Canada in Vancouver and takes viewers on a virtual flight over Iceland’s incredible nature, showing about 30 locations all over the country. The production value is excellent, and the flight is shockingly realistic, leaving visitors laughing joyfully. Although the beauty and number of details may be overwhelming, FlyOver Iceland offers a unique perspective on pearls of Icelandic nature and places that are difficult to reach. Remember to sign up for the Stuck in Iceland newsletter to get a promo code for FlyOver Iceland.

Discover the Fascinating Viking Age at Reykjavik’s Settlement Museum and Learn the Untold Story of Icelandic History

The Reykjavík Settlement Museum, centered around an excavated Viking hall in Reykjavik, offers a multimedia experience that shows the living conditions of people in Reykjavik during the Viking age. The remains of the hall are preserved, revealing people’s everyday life during the period from the founding of the Althingi Parliament in Thingvellir (930 AD) to the adoption of Christianity (1000 AD). The exhibition showcases the tools and methods of farming, cattle-raising, corn-growing, fishing, and bird and seal hunting that people used to make their living during the Viking age. The exhibition’s displays differ from the traditional view of Icelandic history based on Íslendingabók and Landnáma. The latter claims Iceland was first settled by Viking pioneers escaping the tyranny of the ambitious Norwegian king Harald Hardrada (“The Hard Ruler”). However, recent archeological findings reveal a more nuanced and complex picture of Icelandic history.

Indulge in a World of Flavor at Reykjavik’s Hafnartorg Gallery, the New Hub for Foodies in Town

The Hafnartorg Gallery is a new food hall in Reykjavik near the Harpa and the five-star Reykjavik Edition Hotel. It has stylish decor and a great selection of shops and restaurants. These offer a different vibe than the “original” Reykjavik food hall at Hlemmur. The area used to be a derelict and windswept gravel parking lot. Now it is a vibrant and fun destination for foodies, thanks to urban regeneration. Hafnartorg has a more upmarket vibe, while Hlemmur is more “street,” but both food halls share an extensive selection of great food. The restaurants in the Hafnartorg Gallery offer a fusion of French and Nordic cuisine, New York-style pizzas, Hawaiian Poké bowls, French and Asian fusion, and more.

Step Back in Time at Bókin Antikvariat, Reykjavik’s Enchanting Bookstore That Preserves the Art of the Printed Word

Bókin Antikvariat is a hidden gem in Reykjavik. Founded in 1964, it is a cluttered jumble of books, and the smell of old books is immediately noticeable upon entering. The owner attempts to organize books by subject, but books in various languages, including Icelandic, are scattered throughout the shop. Bókin feels like a museum of an earlier time when the printed word was the primary medium for drama, adventure, science, philosophy, and political propaganda. The shop is full of historical and humorous tidbits, including framed awards for the best annual reports given to now-defunct Icelandic banks before the 2008 financial crisis. Bókin is a sanctuary from daily life where the printed word still reigns supreme.

Experience the Fiery Beauty of Iceland at The Lava Show, an Engaging and Educational Attraction for the Whole Family

The Lava Show is a family-friendly and educational indoor activity in Iceland. Visitors can enjoy a unique experience in both Vík and Reykjavik. Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir and Júlíus Jónsson created the show. The interplay of volcanic eruptions with ice and snow inspires them. Visitors can watch lava being melted at extreme temperatures. The exhibitions start with an educational video about volcanic eruptions worldwide and in Iceland. The hosts provide interactive education about how volcanic eruptions and lava flow work in the real world. The Lava Show in Reykjavik is located in the Grandi area, which is now a vibrant part of town full of design shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Sign up for the Stuck in Iceland newsletter to get a discount promo code for the admission tickets to Perlan.

Hlemmur Mathöll: The Ultimate Foodie Destination in Reykjavik

This renovated bus central turned food hall is a favorite destination in Reykjavik for foodies. The Hlemmur food hall is an excellent place to have lunch or spend an evening with friends. Hlemmur Mathöll is a must-visit destination for food lovers in Reykjavik.

The National Museum of Iceland houses Viking age artifacts, including three replicas of burial sites on permanent display. The skeleton of an infant buried without any grave goods is the most poignant.  The museum also displays artifacts of the Viking era, such as a Viking chess set and Viking swords. Brooches worn by women to fasten cloaks. Roman coins from the third century. A fragment of a second-century Roman cup found in Iceland. The museum even features an outline of a typical Viking ship used on trips across the Atlantic. The Icelandic National Museum is a shrine of Icelandic history and culture. The exhibits tell the story of the peculiar and remote island country from its Viking age origins to modern times.

Get up close with life-size whale replicas at the Whales of Iceland exhibition.

Whales of Iceland is an exhibition in Reykjavik that showcases the native whale species of the North Atlantic. The life-size whale replicas are one of the exhibition’s most exciting features. The show is a family-friendly destination that combines education with fun. It features whale skeletons, interactive kiosks, and VR goggles, making it a perfect place for people who love whales. People interested in marine wildlife should not visit this exhibition.