Reykjavik Botanical Garden

Reykjavik Botanical Garden, Ísland - Complete Travel Guide

Reykjavik, Iceland's busy capital, is a charming Nordic city that serves as the perfect gateway to the Land of Fire and Ice. Despite being home to two-thirds of Iceland's population, Reykjavik maintains an intimate, small-town feel with its colorful corrugated-iron houses, bustling harbor, and backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The city easyly blends modern Scandinavian design with rich Viking heritage, creating a unique cultural landscape that captivates visitors year-round. The Reykjavik Botanical Garden (Grasagarður Reykjavíkur) stands as one of the city's most peaceful retreats, offering a surprising oasis of greenery in the subarctic climate. Established in 1961, this 5-hectare garden showcases over 5,000 plant species from around the world, including an impressive collection of Arctic and sub-Arctic flora. The garden serves not only as a research facility but also as a beloved recreational space where locals and tourists alike can escape the city's bustle while learning about plant life that thrives in Iceland's unique climate.

Top Reykjavik Botanical Garden

Northern Lights Tour

Experience the magical Aurora Borealis dancing across Iceland's dark winter skies on guided tours that take you away from city lights. Professional guides use weather forecasts and aurora predictions to maximize your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon. Tours typically include warm clothing, hot drinks, and expert photography tips to capture the perfect shot.

Booking Tip: Book tours from September to March, with prices ranging from $50-150. Choose operators offering free rebooking if Northern Lights aren't visible. Look for small group tours (under 20 people) and operators with high success rates and weather guarantees.

Golden Circle Day Trip

Explore Iceland's most famous tourist route featuring three iconic natural wonders: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. This classic tour showcases the country's dramatic geological features, including the rift between European and North American tectonic plates. The route offers impressive landscapes, historical significance, and opportunities to witness powerful geothermal activity.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $60-120, running year-round with different seasonal highlights. Book small group tours (under 19 passengers) for better experience and more stops. Look for operators including Kerið crater or additional stops like Friðheimar greenhouse restaurant.

Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa

Relax in Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, featuring milky blue waters rich in silica, algae, and minerals. The Ivory Coast-made lagoon maintains temperatures between 37-39°C year-round, offering a surreal bathing experience surrounded by black lava fields. The facility includes in-water bars, silica mud masks, and luxury spa treatments.

Booking Tip: Advance booking essential, with comfort packages starting at $70. Visit during weekday mornings or evenings for fewer crowds. Premium and luxury packages ($90-400) include additional amenities, robes, and dining options. Book transportation separately or combined packages.

Whale Watching Excursion

start boat tours from Reykjavik's Old Harbor to spot minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay. Summer tours offer the highest success rates with up to 20 different whale species possible, while winter tours focus on dolphins and occasional whales. Many tours also feature puffin watching during summer months.

Booking Tip: Tours run year-round, costing $65-90 for 3-4 hour trips. Summer (April-October) offers best whale sighting chances and calmer seas. Choose operators with high success rates (90%+) and offering warm overalls. Some provide seasickness medication and guarantee policies.

South Coast Waterfalls Tour

Discover Iceland's dramatic southern coastline featuring powerful waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, black sand beaches, and glacier views. Tours often include stops at charming villages, dramatic sea cliffs, and opportunities to walk behind waterfalls. The route showcases Iceland's diverse landscapes from volcanic beaches to towering cascades.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $80-130, available year-round with seasonal variations. Summer offers longer daylight and easier access, while winter provides dramatic ice formations. Look for small group tours including Reynisfjara black beach and operators providing crampons for winter safety.

Getting There

Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located 50 kilometers southwest of Reykjavik, serves as Iceland's main international gateway with direct flights from major European and North American cities. The Flybus and Gray Line airport shuttles provide regular transfers to Reykjavik city center for around $25-30, taking 45-50 minutes. Rental cars are available at the airport, while taxis cost approximately $130-150 for the journey. Some hotels offer private transfer services, and several tour operators provide airport pickup options for multi-day packages.

Getting Around

Reykjavik's compact city center is highly walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance of each other. The city operates an efficient public bus system (Strætó) with day passes costing around $8, connecting all major neighborhoods and attractions including the Botanical Garden. Rental cars provide flexibility for exploring beyond the city, while ride-sharing services and taxis are readily available. Many visitors rent bicycles during summer months, as the city offers dedicated bike lanes and relatively flat terrain for easy cycling.

Where to Stay

Reykjavik City Center

Laugardalur Valley

Vesturbær (West Town)

Hafnarfjörður

Kópavogur

Near Keflavík Airport

Food & Dining

Reykjavik's culinary scene brilliantly combines traditional Nordic ingredients with international influences, featuring everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy coffee houses. The city is renowned for its fresh seafood, particularly langoustine, Arctic char, and cod, alongside unique Icelandic specialties like fermented shark, lamb, and skyr dairy products. Downtown areas offer diverse dining options from high-end establishments serving innovative Nordic cuisine to casual bistros, food trucks, and traditional Icelandic restaurants. The city also has excellent bakeries, craft beer breweries, and numerous coffee shops that serve as social hubs, while the weekend food markets provide opportunities to sample local produce and artisanal goods.

When to Visit

Reykjavik can be visited year-round, with each season offering distinct experiences and advantages. Summer (June-August) provides the warmest weather, midnight sun, lupine flowers blooming throughout the city including the Botanical Garden, and optimal conditions for outdoor activities, though it's also the busiest and most expensive period. Winter (December-February) offers Northern Lights viewing opportunities, fewer crowds, lower prices, and a magical snowy atmosphere, but with limited daylight and colder temperatures. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) provide shoulder season benefits with moderate weather, fewer tourists, and reasonable prices, making them ideal for visitors seeking a balance between good conditions and value.

Insider Tips

Visit the Reykjavik Botanical Garden early morning or late evening during summer for the best light and fewer crowds, plus entry is free and it stays open until 22:00 during peak season

Download the Reykjavik City Card app for discounts on attractions, free public transportation, and access to geothermal pools - it pays for itself with just 2-3 activities

Pack layers and waterproof clothing regardless of season, as Reykjavik's weather can change rapidly throughout the day, and always carry a warm jacket even in summer