The City Areas | Visit Reykjavík

The Reykjavík Capital Region is Iceland’s largest and most populous urban area, with approximately 249,000 residents as of 2025. This makes up around 64% of the entire Icelandic population, and positions Reykjavík as the heart of the nation’s culture, business, and daily life.

The area is made up of seven municipalities: Reykjavík itself, along with Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær, Seltjarnarnes, and Kjósarhreppur. Each town has its own character and local administration, but they collaborate closely on services such as transport and infrastructure, ensuring that the region feels both diverse and well connected.

Across the city’s different areas, visitors can experience Reykjavík’s many sides: a lively cultural scene, a rich tradition of swimming and wellness, a flourishing food culture, welcoming local communities, and easy access to the surrounding nature. Together, these elements make Reykjavík a truly dynamic and memorable destination.

Reykjavík City Centre

Downtown Reykjavík is the beating heart of Iceland’s capital – a compact hub where culture, history, creativity and nightlife meet against a backdrop of colourful neighbourhoods and scenic views.

Kópavogur

Just south of Reykjavík, Kópavogur is Iceland’s second-largest municipality and a vibrant blend of modern urban life, wellness, culture and nature.

Hafnarfjörður

Get off the beaten track and take bus number 1 from downtown Reykjavík for 20 minutes to Hafnarfjörður. Harbour Village is perfect to explore on foot, with free museums, curious little jewellers, cafés, boutiques and galleries.

Mosfellsbær & Mosfellsdalur

With outdoor activities as its greatest attraction, get ready for a journey of beautiful hikes in diverse landscapes, historic sites, wool shopping and more, all within the Mountain Borough area.

Garðabær

Bordering Kópavogur and the ocean, Garðabær offers a calm, scenic retreat with rich history, diverse birdlife and outdoor charm.

Seltjarnarnes & Grótta

Just a few minutes from downtown Reykjavík you’ll find Seltjarnarnes. Surrounded by the ocean, thepeninsula draws visitors and locals alike for inspiring walks and thrilling cycling paths with panoramic views of magnificent nature, the mountains and the sea.

Viðey

Just a short ferry ride from downtown Reykjavík lies the island of Viðey, a peaceful haven of nature, history and art.

Esja & Kjalarnes

Just a short drive from Reykjavík lies the striking mountain range of Esja and the neighbouring district of Kjalarnes, where outdoor adventure and natural serenity go hand in hand.

Old Harbour & Grandi District

Once the heart of Reykjavík’s fishing industry, the Old Harbour and Grandi area has transformed into a lively waterfront neighbourhood where culture, cuisine, marine heritage and modern attractions meet.

Öskjuhlíð

Just a kilometre south of downtown Reykjavík, Öskjuhlíð is a wooded hill featuring forest trails, World War II relics, and views over the city skyline and domestic airport.

Laugardalur

Laugardalur is among Reykjavík’s premier destinations for family fun and outdoor activity.

Elliðaárdalur photo Gunnar Freyr Gunnarsson

Elliðaárdalur Valley

Elliðaárdalur is an urban oasis: a lush, green valley where salmon leap in the river, waterfalls tumble through lava rock, and walking trails wind through woodlands.