Reykjavík may be a small capital city, but there are plenty of unusual attractions to discover beyond the traditional sightseeing stops.
If you have already visited Hallgrímskirkja, walked along Laugavegur and seen the Sun Voyager, why not try something a little different?
Here are 3 unique things to do in Reykjavik to add to your Iceland itinerary.
1. Fly Over Iceland at FlyOver Iceland
Want to see Iceland from above without leaving Reykjavík?
FlyOver Iceland is an immersive flying experience in Reykjavík’s Grandi area. Instead of simply watching Iceland on a screen, you are suspended with your feet hanging in front of a huge spherical screen.
The moving seats are combined with wind, mist, scents and other effects to create the feeling that you are actually flying over Iceland.
During the experience, you will virtually travel across some of Iceland’s impressive landscapes, giving you a completely different perspective of the country.
The entire FlyOver experience takes around 35 minutes, including approximately 8.5 minutes on the main flying ride.
Why visit?
It’s a fun way to experience Iceland’s landscapes from another perspective and a particularly good option when the Reykjavík weather isn’t cooperating.
Location: Fiskislóð 43, 101 Reykjavík.
FlyOver Iceland official website
2. Visit the Icelandic Phallological Museum
For one of the more unusual museums you are likely to visit on your travels, head to The Icelandic Phallological Museum, often simply called the Penis Museum.
Located in central Reykjavík, the museum is dedicated to phallology and contains specimens from numerous species.
What started as a personal collection has developed into a family-owned museum dedicated entirely to the subject, making it one of Reykjavík’s most unusual attractions.
There’s also a café and bar, plus a gift shop where you can find some suitably unusual souvenirs to take home.
Why visit?
It’s quirky, educational and definitely something a little different from the typical Reykjavík museum.
Location: Reykjastræti 4, 101 Reykjavík.
Icelandic Phallological Museum official website
3. Step Inside Chromo Sapiens
For something completely different, visit Chromo Sapiens, an immersive art installation by Icelandic artist Shoplifter (Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir).
The installation is found at Höfuðstöðin, an art centre in Reykjavík.
Chromo Sapiens surrounds visitors with colourful, textured forms made from synthetic hair. Rather than viewing artworks hanging on a wall, you can walk through the installation and experience its changing colours, textures and atmosphere from inside.
It’s also a great stop for travellers interested in contemporary Icelandic art and looking for unusual things to do in Reykjavik beyond the city centre.
Why visit?
Chromo Sapiens is colourful, immersive and unlike most traditional art exhibitions.
Location: Rafstöðvarvegur, 110 Reykjavík.
How to Visit These Reykjavik Attractions
The three attractions are spread across different parts of Reykjavík. The Icelandic Phallological Museum is in the city centre, FlyOver Iceland is in the Grandi harbour area, while Chromo Sapiens is farther east at Höfuðstöðin.
If you already have a rental car in Iceland, you can easily include these attractions in a day exploring Reykjavík before continuing your road trip outside the capital.
Having a car also makes it easier to combine Reykjavík sightseeing with nearby destinations such as the Golden Circle, Reykjanes Peninsula or other attractions around Southwest Iceland.
Are These Attractions Good for a Rainy Day in Reykjavik?
Yes. All three are primarily indoor experiences, making them useful options for a rainy, windy or cold day in Reykjavík.
Icelandic weather can change quickly, so keeping a few indoor Reykjavík attractions on your itinerary gives you more flexibility when planning your day.
FAQs About Unique Things to Do in Reykjavik
- What are some unusual things to do in Reykjavik?
Three of the most unusual attractions to consider are FlyOver Iceland, the Icelandic Phallological Museum and Chromo Sapiens. They offer three very different experiences, from a simulated flight across Iceland to an unusual museum and an immersive art installation.
- What can you do in Reykjavik when the weather is bad?
Reykjavík has plenty of indoor attractions. FlyOver Iceland, the Icelandic Phallological Museum and Chromo Sapiens are all good options when you want to spend some time indoors.
- Do you need a car to explore Reykjavik?
You don’t necessarily need a car for central Reykjavík, but renting a car is useful if Reykjavík is the starting point for a longer Iceland road trip. It also makes it easier to visit attractions outside the city centre and continue to destinations around Iceland.
- How long should you spend in Reykjavik?
One or two days gives most travellers enough time to explore many of Reykjavík’s main attractions, restaurants, museums and neighbourhoods. You can then use Reykjavík as the starting point for a self-drive trip around Iceland.
Discover More of Reykjavik and Iceland
Reykjavík has much more to offer than its famous landmarks. From virtually flying across Iceland to exploring one of the world’s most unusual museums or walking through a colourful immersive artwork, these three attractions show a different side of the Icelandic capital.
Once you’re ready to explore beyond Reykjavík, having your own rental car gives you the freedom to continue your trip at your own pace.
Explore affordable car rental in Iceland with Thrifty Iceland and start planning your Iceland road trip.