Ruth Haines
Reykjavík Airport, also known as Reykjavík City Airport or Reykjavík Domestic Airport, is the main domestic airport serving Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. The airport is located about two kilometres from the city centre. While the airport itself offers limited amenities, including dining and shopping options, there are several attractions in the surrounding area. Reykjavík is about a 45-minute drive from the airport, and the city offers various cultural and historical sites, such as Hallgrimskirkja, the iconic church offering sweeping landscape views, and the National Gallery of Iceland. Additionally, the Blue Lagoon, a famous geothermal spa, is located near the airport and is a popular destination for relaxation and outdoor pools. For those seeking adventure, whale-watching tours are available, and the Golden Circle route offers a road trip through some of Iceland's most well-known spots.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | About 2 kilometres (1+1⁄4 miles) from the city centre |
| Owner | Owned and operated by the state enterprise Isavia |
| Number of runways | 2 |
| Alternate airport | Serves as an alternate airport for flights inbound towards Keflavík |
| Other names | Reykjavik City Airport, Reykjavik Domestic Airport |
| History | The first flight from the airport area in Vatnsmýri was on 3 September 1919 |
| Keflavík International Airport | |
| Distance from Reykjavik | 50 kilometres (30 miles) |
| Transport options | Rental car, taxi, public bus, private bus, airport shuttle bus, Flybus |
| Services | Shopping, dining, travel information |
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What You'll Learn
- The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is a famous natural attraction
- Whale-watching tours are available for adventurous travellers
- The Duushús Museum has exhibitions on NATO presence and fishing
- Iceland's government, Alþingi, first met in 930 AD in the Reykjanes Peninsula
- Hallgrimskirkja church offers sweeping landscape views of the city
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is a famous natural attraction
The lagoon's water originates from 1,981 metres (6,500 feet) below the surface and is a byproduct of the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. The superheated water, vented from the ground near a lava flow, is used to generate electricity by running turbines. After passing through a heat exchanger to provide municipal water heating, the water is then directed into the Blue Lagoon. The high mineral concentration in the water, including silica, algae, and salt, gives it a distinctive blue hue and contributes to its therapeutic properties.
The Blue Lagoon has become a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa offers a range of in-water treatments, combining massage with the powers of geothermal seawater, providing a unique and luxurious experience. The mineral-rich water is particularly beneficial for individuals with skin conditions such as psoriasis, as studies have confirmed its positive effects on the skin disease. The Blue Lagoon company even markets its own line of skin care products, utilising the natural ingredients found in the lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa provides a luxurious and soothing experience, allowing visitors to unwind and escape the stresses of modern life. The spa's volcanic architecture and culinary offerings, featuring Icelandic classics and gourmet innovations, further enhance the overall experience. The Blue Lagoon has become an iconic attraction in Iceland, with its fame reaching far beyond the country's borders. Its marketing strategies, including targeting individuals with airport transfers, have contributed to its widespread recognition.
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Whale-watching tours are available for adventurous travellers
Reykjavík Airport, also known as Reykjavíkurflugvöllur, is the main domestic airport serving Reykjavík, Iceland's capital. The airport is located about two kilometres from the city centre, where adventurous travellers can go whale watching.
Another option is to combine your whale-watching tour with other activities such as buggy riding, horse riding, or rafting. Elding offers a combo tour that includes whale watching and a snowmobile tour with Mountaineers of Iceland, available all year round. You can also choose a combo tour that includes whale watching and a visit to Viðey Island to see Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower.
If you're interested in seeing puffins, you can cruise to small islands near the city to see thousands of these birds before hopping on a whale-watching tour. You can also opt for a longer tour that includes a visit to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, where you can see humpback whales in the Eyjafjord.
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The Duushús Museum has exhibitions on NATO presence and fishing
The Duushús Museum, located near the Reykjavík Airport, offers a unique insight into the history of NATO presence and fishing industries in Iceland. The museum is situated in the heart of the city, just two kilometres from the airport, making it a convenient attraction for visitors interested in exploring the country's rich history.
The exhibitions on NATO presence showcase the organisation's significant role in Iceland's defence and security. Visitors can learn about the history of the Keflavík International Airport, which was originally built by the United States military during World War II. The airport served as a strategic hub for military operations and played a crucial role in the country's defence. The exhibitions also highlight the British-led construction of the Reykjavík Airport and the subsequent handover to the Icelandic government in 1946.
The Duushús Museum also boasts an impressive collection of artefacts and exhibits related to the fishing industry. As fishing is an integral part of Iceland's economy and cultural heritage, the museum showcases the traditions and innovations that have shaped the industry over the years. Visitors can learn about the country's rich maritime history, the development of fishing techniques, and the impact of the industry on the nation's culture and economy.
In addition to its exhibitions, the museum curates engaging educational programs, workshops, and interactive activities for visitors of all ages. The museum's proximity to the airport makes it an ideal destination for travellers interested in immersing themselves in Iceland's history and culture. By offering a glimpse into the country's military and fishing industries, the Duushús Museum provides a holistic understanding of Iceland's past and present.
The Duushús Museum's exhibitions on NATO presence and fishing are a testament to the country's resilience, innovation, and international cooperation. Through interactive displays and informative narratives, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for Iceland's unique history and its enduring relationship with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The museum serves as a bridge connecting the past and present, inspiring curiosity and fostering a greater understanding of the world.
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Iceland's government, Alþingi, first met in 930 AD in the Reykjanes Peninsula
Iceland's government, Alþingi, first met in 930 AD in the Þingvellir region of the Reykjanes Peninsula. The assembly was established as the country's general assembly and is arguably the world's oldest parliamentary democracy. Today, Alþingi is a modern parliamentary republic with 63 members, each serving a maximum term of four years.
The Reykjanes Peninsula is located in the southwest corner of Iceland, which is the most densely populated region of the country. Over 70% of Iceland's population lives in this region, which covers less than 2% of Iceland's land area. The capital city of Reykjavík is located on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula in this region, and is the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. The city's landscape is characterised by peninsulas, coves, straits, and islands, and its climate is mild enough for trees to grow.
Reykjavík Airport (also known as Reykjavik City Airport or Reykjavik Domestic Airport) is located just 1.5 km from the capital's city centre. It is the main domestic airport serving Reykjavík and the domestic hub for Icelandair flights. The airport has two runways and serves daily regular domestic flights within Iceland, as well as general aviation, private aviation, and medivac traffic.
Keflavík International Airport, the largest airport in Iceland, is located about 50 km southwest of Reykjavík. It is the country's main aviation hub for international passenger transport, with around 30 airlines flying into the airport and about 9 million people passing through annually. The airport is linked to downtown Reykjavík via a 50-km dual carriageway, and public buses and taxis are available for transport to the city.
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Hallgrimskirkja church offers sweeping landscape views of the city
Hallgrimskirkja Church, located in Reykjavík, Iceland, is a distinctive landmark with its towering spire and unique architecture. The church, which took 41 years to build, from 1945 to 1986, offers sweeping landscape views of the city and beyond.
The design of the church was inspired by Iceland's natural landscape, resembling the trap rocks, mountains, and glaciers found across the country. The architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, is said to have been influenced by the expressionist architecture of Grundtvig's Church in Copenhagen and Kirche am Hohenzollernplatz in Berlin. Hallgrimskirkja consists of three main parts: the tower, with its curved side wings; the nave, which follows a more traditional architectural style; and the sanctuary, with its cylindrical shape evocative of Viking war helmets.
Standing at 74.37 meters (244 feet) tall, the tower offers breathtaking views of Reykjavík and the surrounding area. Visitors can take a lift up to the viewing deck and observe the cityscape, including the nearby mountains. The tower also houses a carillon of bells that ring out each hour.
In addition to its architectural significance, Hallgrimskirkja Church is known for its pipe organs. The church houses two large organs, including one built by the German organ builder Johannes Klais of Bonn. This organ, commissioned in 1985, stands at 15 meters (49 feet) tall and weighs 25 metric tons. The church also features a statue of Jesus, donated by Einar Jónsson in 1948, which stands next to the entrance to the nave.
Hallgrimskirkja Church is open to visitors and offers a range of services, including morning services, meditation, and organ concerts. The tower is usually open to the public, providing access to the viewing deck, although it is closed during certain events and services. The church accepts various currencies, including EUR, USD, and GBP, and offers good accessibility for wheelchair users, with ground floor access and an elevator to the 8th floor. However, there is no wheelchair access to the top floor.
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Frequently asked questions
Reykjavik Airport is located about two kilometres (1+1⁄4 miles) from the city centre. Keflavik International Airport is about a 45-minute drive from the city.
The Blue Lagoon, a famous geothermal spa, is located near the airport. The Duushús Museum, which houses the Reykjanes Heritages Museum, is just a 10-minute drive away.
The Blue Lagoon, natural wonders, cultural and historical attractions are all within easy reach of the airport. The city of Keflavik, one of the best-known cities in Iceland, is also nearby.
The airport has dining options, including a food hall, a cafe, a bar, and a sit-down restaurant. There are also a few shops, including Blue Lagoon, Rammagerdin, and 66 North. The airport also offers free unlimited WiFi.
