The 5 best walks in Reykjavik, ranked
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Coastal path along Saebraut with Mount Esja across the bay
Five walks in the capital ordered by how much better your day gets after doing them.
The winners
1. Saebraut coastal path from Harpa to Hofdi — 3 km flat along the sea, past the Sun Voyager, with Mount Esja across Faxafloi. Do it at sunrise in winter for the pink light on the snow. 2. Oskjuhlid forest loop up to Perlan — 4 km through the only proper woodland in town, ending at the observation deck. 3. Grotta lighthouse at the western tip of Seltjarnarnes — tidal, so check before you go; the foot pool at the point is a local secret and the northern lights view is unobstructed.
The other two
4. Ellidaardalur valley — 6 km along the salmon river inside city limits, birch woods, waterfalls, and you rarely see another tourist. Start at Rafstodvarvegur. 5. Laugavegur to Skolavordustigur to Hallgrimskirkja — the shopping-street stroll, only 1.5 km, but with cardamom buns at Braud & Co, the rainbow street painted for Pride, and the church at the top. A perfect first-morning orientation.
Before you book
What people ask before booking Reykjavik.
All five, but wear proper spikes on your boots — the coastal path and Oskjuhlid ice up. Reykjavik doesn’t salt aggressively.
Grotta. It's the darkest spot inside city limits, and there's a small car park at the end of Nordurstrond.
