Home › Destinations › Tjörnin Pond
Tjörnin Pond, Ísland - Things to Do in Tjörnin Pond

Tjörnin Pond

Tjörnin Pond, Ísland - Complete Travel Guide

Tjörnin Pond is a charming small lake located in the heart of Reykjavik, Iceland's busy capital city. This picturesque body of water serves as a tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape, bordered by colorful Nordic houses, important civic buildings including Reykjavik City Hall, and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church visible in the distance. The pond is famous for its year-round population of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, swans, and arctic terns, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. Reykjavik itself is a compact and walkable city that perfectly blends modern Scandinavian culture with Iceland's rich Viking heritage. The city serves as the gateway to Iceland's natural wonders while offering its own attractions including world-class museums, innovative cuisine, busy nightlife, and impressive architecture. With its proximity to geothermal areas, dramatic coastlines, and the Northern Lights viewing opportunities, Reykjavik provides an ideal base for exploring Iceland's unique landscapes and experiencing Nordic culture at its finest.

Top Tjörnin Pond

Feed the Birds at Tjörnin Pond

Enjoy a peaceful moment feeding the diverse waterfowl that call Tjörnin home year-round. The pond hosts over 40 species of birds including ducks, geese, swans, and arctic terns, with some species migrating seasonally while others remain throughout the harsh Icelandic winter. This simple pleasure offers excellent photography opportunities and a chance to connect with nature in the city center.

Booking Tip: No booking required - bring your own bird-friendly food or purchase some from nearby shops. Best times are early morning or late afternoon when birds are most active. Avoid feeding bread as it's harmful to waterfowl.

Reykjavik City Hall

Explore this modern architectural marvel that sits directly on the shores of Tjörnin Pond, featuring a striking design that appears to float on the water. The building houses a fascinating 3D topographical map of Iceland and offers insights into local government and city planning. The café inside provides excellent pond views and local refreshments.

Booking Tip: Free to visit during business hours (weekdays 8 AM - 7 PM, weekends 10 AM - 6 PM). No advance booking needed, but check for occasional closures during city events or holidays.

Photography Walk Around the Pond

Capture impressive reflections of colorful Nordic houses and dramatic skies in the pond's calm waters throughout the changing seasons. The area offers diverse photographic opportunities from architectural details to wildlife photography, with particularly magical lighting during Iceland's golden hour periods. Winter visits may reward photographers with snow-covered scenes and potential Northern Lights reflections.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity requiring no booking. Best lighting occurs during golden hours (varies dramatically by season). Consider joining photography workshops for 3,000-5,000 ISK that include professional guidance and local insights.

Nearby Hallgrímskirkja Church

Walk to Iceland's most iconic landmark, visible from Tjörnin Pond, featuring unique basalt column-inspired architecture and panoramic city views from its tower. The church represents one of Reykjavik's most photographed buildings and offers insight into Icelandic design philosophy and religious culture. The tower elevator provides impressive 360-degree views of the city, pond, and surrounding landscapes.

Booking Tip: Church entry is free, but tower access costs 1,000 ISK for adults. Purchase tickets on-site or online to avoid queues during peak summer months. Best views occur on clear days, typically in the morning.

Local Art and Culture District

Wander through the charming streets surrounding Tjörnin to discover local galleries, boutiques, and cultural sites that showcase Icelandic creativity and craftsmanship. The area features numerous art installations, traditional Nordic architecture, and cozy cafés perfect for experiencing hygge culture. Many galleries feature works by local artists inspired by Iceland's dramatic natural landscapes.

Booking Tip: Most galleries are free to browse, open Tuesday-Sunday with varying hours. Some workshops or guided cultural tours cost 4,000-8,000 ISK. Check local event calendars for special exhibitions or cultural events during your visit.

Getting There

Reykjavik is easily accessible via Keflavik International Airport (KEF), located about 50 kilometers from the city center. The Flybus shuttle service runs regularly between the airport and Reykjavik for approximately 2,500 ISK, taking 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and stops. Alternatively, rental cars are available at the airport, and the drive to the city follows a straightforward route along Highway 41. Once in Reykjavik, Tjörnin Pond is located in the city center and is easily walkable from most downtown accommodations, situated near major landmarks like City Hall and within a few blocks of the main shopping street Laugavegur.

Getting Around

Reykjavik is an exceptionally walkable city, and Tjörnin Pond is centrally located within easy walking distance of most major attractions, hotels, and restaurants. The city operates an efficient public bus system (Strætó) with day passes costing around 1,500 ISK, though most visitors find walking sufficient for exploring the compact downtown area. Bicycles can be rented from various shops for approximately 3,000-4,000 ISK per day, offering a pleasant way to explore the city's bike-friendly streets. Taxis are available but expensive, while ride-sharing services provide moderate alternatives for longer distances or when weather conditions are challenging.

Where to Stay

City Center/Downtown
Laugavegur Shopping District
Old Harbor Area
Hallgrímskirkja Vicinity
University of Iceland Area
Perlan District

Food & Dining

Reykjavik's culinary scene perfectly complements a visit to Tjörnin Pond, with numerous restaurants within walking distance offering everything from traditional Icelandic cuisine to innovative Nordic gastronomy. The area around the pond features cozy cafés perfect for warming up after bird-watching, serving excellent coffee, pastries, and light meals with pond views. For authentic Icelandic experiences, try local specialties like fresh seafood, lamb dishes, and traditional rye bread, while food halls and casual eateries offer more budget-friendly options. The nearby Laugavegur street and surrounding blocks host numerous restaurants ranging from casual bistros to high-end establishments, many emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices that reflect Iceland's commitment to environmental consciousness.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Reykjavik

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Fiskmarkaðurinn / Fish Market

4.6 /5
(1471 reviews) 4

Sushi Social

4.6 /5
(968 reviews) 3
Montenegro meal_takeaway

Pósthús Food Hall & Bar

4.7 /5
(732 reviews) 2

Grazie Trattoria

4.5 /5
(518 reviews)

Ráðagerði Veitingahús

4.8 /5
(338 reviews) 2
Montenegro cafe

Napoli

4.8 /5
(265 reviews)
meal_takeaway

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

Tjörnin Pond and Reykjavik can be visited year-round, each season offering unique experiences. Summer months (June-August) provide the warmest weather, midnight sun, and peak bird activity at the pond, though this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and potential Northern Lights viewing opportunities, with autumn providing beautiful foliage around the pond. Winter visits (November-March) feature dramatic snowy landscapes, excellent Northern Lights viewing potential, and a magical atmosphere around the illuminated pond, though daylight hours are limited and weather can be harsh. The pond remains partially unfrozen throughout winter due to geothermal activity, ensuring year-round bird watching opportunities.

Insider Tips

Visit Tjörnin Pond during different times of day to experience varying light conditions and bird activity levels - early morning and late afternoon typically offer the best wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
The pond's water is kept partially warm by geothermal activity, which is why birds can survive here year-round and why it doesn't completely freeze even in harsh winters.
Combine your pond visit with the free walking tour that departs from nearby City Hall - guides often share fascinating local stories about the pond's history and its role in Reykjavik's urban development.

Activities in Tjörnin Pond