Autumn in Reykjavík | Visit Reykjavík

Autumn is the perfect time to visit Reykjavík. It starts in late August and stays until late October or early November. Icelandic nature is amazingly beautiful and colourful at this time of year, with rainbows, red and gold leaves against a dazzling blue sky, wild mushrooms, and an abundance of tasty berries that sweeten up our daily lives. And although there is no frost yet, there is definitely a shiver of crispness in the air with great opportunities to see the dances of the elusive Northern Lights.

Autumn is also the time when you’ll be able to go mushroom or berry-picking and you can even do it within the capital area, such as in Heiðmörk. Wild blueberries and crowberries are the most common wild berries in Iceland but you can also find strawberries and redcurrants in some places, although they are mainly planted and found in people’s gardens. As it‘s the season of produce you‘ll be able to eat fresh Icelandic potatoes, carrots, kale, broccoli, and more. It‘s also the time for fresh lamb meat from sheep that have fed on the rich and nourishing vegetation in the mountains of Iceland.

Furthermore, the city comes to life with big festivals like the Reykjavík International Film Festival and the popular music festival Iceland Airwaves.

Whatever you plan on doing in the city don't forget to save money by investing in the Reykjavík City Card. This city pass gives you access to our public transport system, swimming pools, many of our cultural institutions and more.

Ten rainy day things to do in Reykjavik

When you have the Gulf Stream as your next-door neighbour you can only expect the weather to become a little (or even a lot) wet, so even though it’s summertime in the land of the midnight sun, there’s always the chance of a rainy day and you should definitely prepare by packing your waterproofs, or alternatively, you could get some while you’re in town.

Geothermal Pools & Spas

Swimming pools in Iceland are nothing like in most European Cities. If you truly want to follow in the footsteps of the locals, you should visit one of Reykjavík's 18 swimming pools.

Imagine Peace Tower

Lit annually on October 9thThe Imagine Peace Tower is a work of art conceived as a beacon to world peace by the legendary artist, musician, and peace advocate, Yoko Ono. The work is designed in the form of a wishing well from which a powerful tower of light beams. The words IMAGINE PEACE are inscribed on the well in 24 different languages.

Iceland Airwaves

NovemberIceland Airwaves is a critically acclaimed international music festival showcasing the hottest new international bands and the best up-and-coming Icelandic artists.

Reykjavík International Film Festival

September - October For eleven days every fall since 2004, Icelandic people and tourists go to the cinema to enjoy the best and freshest in international filmmaking.

Krýsuvík Geothermal Area

Not too far from the centre of Hafnarfjörður rest the remarkable solfatara fields of Krýsuvík, where you’ll discover an expanse of steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs, framed dramatically by a range of multi-coloured hills.

Mt. Esja

Dramatically dominating the Reykjavík City skyline and providing a stunning backdrop to the capital area is the impressive Mount Esja, a popular destination for day-trippers and riddled with well-worn hiking trails. Once surmounted, the view from the top of this 914-metre high mountain is breathtaking.

Mt. Úlfarsfell

"Úlfarsfell" is lower than its sister "Esja", and definitely not as well known. But it's actually closer to central Reykjavík and offers just as an impressive view over the city.

Mount Keilir

Mount Keilir is a small volcanic mountain to the south west of Hafnarfjörður (Harbour Village). It can be easily visited when travelling between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport, or the Blue Lagoon.

Viðey Island

The combination of stunning views, historical ruins and contemporary art pieces make Viðey island something special. Just a short boat-ride takes you to another world, to be explored in your own time.