Most trips to Iceland start in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital and the base for day trips to waterfalls, geysers and glaciers. The city centre is small, colourful and very walkable, which makes a walking tour the easiest way to understand Icelandic history, politics and everyday life before heading out into the wild.
Free walking tour in Reykjavík
Reykjavík has a well-established tip-based free walking tour in English, run by local guides. It lasts about 2 hours and starts at Austurvöllur, the square in front of the Parliament building. You book for free and pay what you think the tour was worth at the end, in cash or online.
Tours do not run every day in every season, so check the dates for your trip. You can compare free and paid walks with our tour matcher.
What you will see in Reykjavík
- Austurvöllur and the Parliament (Alþingishúsið), the political heart of the country
- City Hall and Tjörnin, the small lake in the middle of town, popular with birds and locals alike
- Laugavegur, the main shopping street, and the painted Rainbow Street leading up the hill
- Hallgrímskirkja, the city’s landmark church, whose tower offers a view over the colourful rooftops
- Arnarhóll, the grassy hill with views over the old harbour
- Harpa, the glass concert hall on the waterfront
Self-guided route
Start at Austurvöllur, walk to City Hall and around Tjörnin, then head back through the centre to Laugavegur. Climb Rainbow Street to Hallgrímskirkja, then walk down towards the sea, past Arnarhóll, to Harpa. From Harpa, a short walk along the shore brings you to the Sun Voyager sculpture. Allow 2–3 hours, including a stop at the church tower.
Beyond Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the starting point for the classic day trips: the Golden Circle (Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall) and the South Coast with its waterfalls and black-sand beaches. These are guided excursions or self-drive trips rather than free walking tours, so compare options and weather carefully before booking.
Practical tips
- The currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK), but cards are accepted almost everywhere. If you want to tip your guide in cash, plan ahead.
- Weather changes quickly, even in summer: bring a waterproof layer and comfortable shoes for every walk.
- In summer the days are very long, in winter very short — plan walking tours for the daylight hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Reykjavík free walking tour really free?
Booking is free and there is no fixed price. You tip the guide at the end based on what you think the tour was worth.
Where does the free walking tour start?
At Austurvöllur square, in front of the Parliament building in the city centre. Check your booking for the exact meeting point and time.
How many days do I need in Reykjavík?
One day is enough for the city centre. Most visitors stay longer and use Reykjavík as a base for day trips around the south-west of Iceland.