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Don't want to drive in Reykjavík? Have no fear, the Reykjavík city buses will get you everywhere you want to go!

Menningarnótt - Culture Night - is on Saturday 22 August. This guide covers what it actually is, what happens, and how to get in and out of the city centre.

Absolutely. If you're in Reykjavík during mid-July, the Icelandic Street Food Festival is one of the city's most enjoyable summer events. Free entry, dozens of food trucks, international cuisine, live entertainment, and a lively atmosphere make it a fantastic experience for families, couples, solo travellers, and anyone looking to sample Iceland's growing street food scene.

Icelandic culture is characterized by a vivid art scene, including literature, music and performing arts. In the capital, Reykjavík, you can find a large range of museums, art galleries, music venues and theaters. Bookstores and libraries resemble the strong literary tradition. The most believed theory on settlement is that Iceland was settled by Norwegian settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries.

In November 2023, a volcanic eruption close to Grindavík led to the evacuation of its population of roughly 4000 people. Lava flowed into town, big cracks opened on the ground and houses were destroyed. Grindavík was closed to the public for almost a year but reopened in October 2024. In October last year, long-term plans for Grindavík were unveiled. Defensive walls north of the town will be raised by 2 to 3 m over a 450 m section to guard against future lava flow.

Iceland’s contribution to the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in 2025 was the project Lavaforming. This exhibition tells a story of a future society that has learned to tame lava flows for the benefit of society, by using them as a sustainable building material, turning a local threat into an opportunity for creativity.

From January 1-3, the billboards of Reykjavík were displaying art instead of ads. This was a part of an annual initiative called Auglýsingahlé (e. Commercial Break), a collaboration between Y Gallery, Reykjavík Art Museum and Billboard (a local billboard company). The project started five years ago, initiated by Y Gallery. Through the electronic billboards, it has become easy to transform the whole city, using all 500 screens at once to take over public space with one work by an artist.

New Year’s Eve bonfires are held in ten locations in Reykjavík, managed directly by the City of Reykjavík staff or an association. There is no formal schedule for the bonfires but many people sing carols to add to the festive atmosphere. The staff ensures that the bonfires are properly loaded and monitored. The bonfires will take place at ten locations in Reykjavík on New Year’s Eve. They are all scheduled to start at 20:30.

The holiday opening hours at What’s On tourist information offices are as follows: The team at What’s On wishes you happy holidays! 🎅🎄☃️