Kópavogur Days (Kópavogsdagar)
Annual town festival in Kópavogur celebrating local culture with concerts, art exhibitions and family programmes.
PlizioGo
Kópavogur
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Kópavogur
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- A great alternative base to Reykjavík if you have a rental car, often with better parking options.
- Visit Kópavogskirkja, the town's prominent church, which has excellent panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Relax like a local at Sundlaug Kópavogs, one of the largest and best thermal swimming pools in the region.
- The extensive network of walking and cycling paths makes it easy to explore the town without a car.
🍽 Food
🍽
Food Hall at Smáralind
Enjoy a variety of international and local food options in the food court of Iceland's largest mall.
🍽
Modern Icelandic Cuisine
Try upscale Nordic dishes at restaurants located near the local cultural center (Gerðarsafn).
🍽
Skyr Desserts
Stop by a neighborhood café to taste desserts made with traditional Icelandic Skyr.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Smáralind Mall
Visit Iceland's largest shopping center for a mix of international brands and local stores.
🛍
Hamraborg Area
Explore the commercial center around Hamraborg for local bakeries, specialty shops, and everyday essentials.
🧘
Kópavogsdalur
A beautiful green valley running through the town, well-suited for a peaceful walk or a picnic away from the traffic.
🧘
Fossvogsdalur
A quiet natural park at the border of Reykjavík and Kópavogur, featuring dense trees and tranquil paths.
Water temperature…
Kópavogur is the second largest municipality in Iceland, located directly south of Reykjavík within the Capital Region. Its name translates to "Seal Pup Bay," referring to the historical presence of seals in the surrounding waters. Historically, the site is significant for the 1662 Kópavogur Meeting, where Icelanders formally accepted the absolute monarchy of the Danish King. Following World War II, the town experienced rapid population growth, evolving from a rural district into a major modern urban center. Today, Kópavogur is an important economic hub, housing Smáralind, the largest shopping mall in Iceland, and the Smáratorg Tower, one of the country's tallest structures. Cultural highlights include the Gerðarsafn Art Museum and the distinctive Kópavogskirkja church, which overlooks the city from a prominent hill. Despite its urban expansion, the city maintains numerous green spaces and coastal paths that are popular for outdoor recreation.
- Location: Iceland
- Top sights: Náttúrufræðistofa Kópavogs · Borgarleikhúsið · Borgir
- Nearby: Reykjavík (4 km)
- Population: ~40.040
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 169 | 152 | 154 | 119 | 93 | 83 | 99 | 121 | 181 | 147 | 149 | 172 |
Live webcam – Kópavogur
See what it looks like near Kópavogur right now.
Reykjavik: Arnarneshæð · 1.4 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Second largest municipality in Iceland by population.
- Site of the historic 1662 Kópavogur Meeting.
- Home to Smáralind, the largest shopping mall in the country.
- The Smáratorg Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Iceland.
- The Gerðarsafn Museum is named after sculptor Gerður Helgadóttir.
- The town's coat of arms features the Kópavogskirkja and a seal pup.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→15:584 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Your day in Kópavogur begins with architectural beauty at Kópavogskirkja. The morning is dedicated to culture, with visits to Gerðarsafn art museum and the Natural History Museum, broken up by a brief stop at Salurinn concert hall. After lunch, you spend the afternoon relaxing at the Sundlaug Kópavogs geothermal pool, an authentic Icelandic experience. The day concludes atop Borgarholt hill, enjoying a stunning view over the capital region as the sun sets.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Kópavogskirkja Church
Admire the unique wave-like architecture and the panoramic view.
🚶 7'0.19 km
📍
10:04 · 47'
Gerðarsafn Kópavogur Art Museum
Focus on the works of Gerður Helgadóttir, the museum's namesake.
🚶 5'0.09 km
📍
10:56 · 47'
Salurinn Concert Hall
Check if there's a short lunchtime matinee during your visit.
🚶 7'0.21 km
📍
11:50 · 47'
Kópavogur Natural History Museum
Great for families, with interactive exhibits on Icelandic fauna.
🚶 34'1.53 km
📍
13:11 · 47'
Sundlaug Kópavogs Geothermal Pool
Try out the different 'hot pots' with varying temperatures.
🚶 43'2.01 km
09:00→15:584 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
In the morning, the modern architecture of Kópavogskirkja protects us from the first shower. We spend the midday hours dry in the Gerðarsafn gallery and the Natural History Museum. In the afternoon, the rain is actually enjoyable in the steaming Sundlaug pools. We end the day at Borgarholt, where the wet asphalt dramatically reflects the city lights.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Kópavogskirkja Church
The wide roof overhangs are great for waiting out a sudden downpour.
🚶 7'0.19 km
📍
10:04 · 47'
Gerðarsafn Kópavogur Art Museum
An excellent sanctuary with inspiring art during a heavy downpour.
🚶 5'0.09 km
🚶 7'0.21 km
📍
11:50 · 47'
Kópavogur Natural History Museum
Dry indoor experience, good for ignoring the Icelandic weather.
🚶 34'1.53 km
📍
13:11 · 47'
Sundlaug Kópavogs Geothermal Pool
The warm water will make you forget the cold raindrops on your face.
🚶 43'2.01 km
09:00→15:584 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
The frosty morning begins in the silence of Kópavogskirkja. We dash quickly between the warm exhibition halls of the museums. In the afternoon, the Sundlaug pool offers a mystical experience as steam meets the freezing air. Since it gets dark around 4 PM, Borgarholt already shines in the bright glow of the night city lights.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Kópavogskirkja Church
Warm up inside while enjoying the view through the windows.
🚶 7'0.19 km
📍
10:04 · 47'
Gerðarsafn Kópavogur Art Museum
A wonderful place to forget the cold, thanks to the underfloor heating.
🚶 5'0.09 km
📍
10:56 · 47'
Salurinn Concert Hall
The wooden interior cladding creates a particularly cozy atmosphere.
🚶 7'0.21 km
📍
11:50 · 47'
Kópavogur Natural History Museum
Learn about the Arctic while it is truly arctic outside.
🚶 34'1.53 km
📍
13:11 · 47'
Sundlaug Kópavogs Geothermal Pool
Winter geothermal bathing is a must; watch out for frozen hair!
🚶 43'2.01 km
09:00→15:546.7 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
Your bike tour of Kópavogur starts actively with a climb up Borgarholt hill for a great view. From there, you'll roll down to the iconic Kópavogskirkja and the nearby Gerðarsafn art museum. The highlight of the day is a long, relaxing break at the Sundlaug Kópavogs geothermal pool, perfect for soothing your muscles. In the afternoon, you'll make a quick shopping stop at Smáralind before ending the day with a gentle ride through the Hjallar natural area.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 4'0.17 km
📍
10:01 · 47'
Kópavogskirkja Church
Cycling up the hill gives you a sense of accomplishment before admiring the architecture.
🚲 4'0.19 km
📍
10:52 · 47'
Gerðarsafn Kópavogur Art Museum
Park your bike and immerse yourself in Icelandic art for a while.
🚲 14'1.77 km
📍
11:53 · 47'
Sundlaug Kópavogs Geothermal Pool
A soak in the hot pots is the first-rate reward for your muscles after cycling.
🚲 11'1.38 km
🏛️
12:51 · 84'
Smáralind Shopping Mall
A good place to warm up and have a coffee before continuing.
🚲 22'3.17 km
📍
14:37 · 47'
Hjallar natural area
End your bike tour with a relaxing ride through this green area.
09:00→15:546.7 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
Despite the rain, the tour through Kópavogur offers a sporty appeal. From the wet rocks of Borgarholt, we head to Kópavogskirkja. The museums provide welcome dry breaks for cyclists. After relaxing in the hot Sundlaug pool, we head for shopping at Smáralind before experiencing the green Hjallar area in the rain.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Borgarholt Hill
Be careful when descending with the bike; the rock is extremely slippery.
🚲 4'0.17 km
🚲 4'0.19 km
📍
10:52 · 47'
Gerðarsafn Kópavogur Art Museum
Use the museum visit to let your rain gear drip dry.
🚲 14'1.77 km
📍
11:53 · 47'
Sundlaug Kópavogs Geothermal Pool
The hot tubs are the best reward after a rainy ride.
🚲 11'1.38 km
🏛️
12:51 · 84'
Smáralind Shopping Mall
Generous bike parking spaces right at the main entrances.
🚲 22'3.17 km
09:00→15:546.7 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
Winter cycling in Kópavogur requires courage and good equipment. We start frosty at Borgarholt and warm up in Kópavogskirkja. After the art at Gerðarsafn, the Sundlaug pool is the ultimate place to thaw out. In Smáralind Mall, we enjoy the warmth before crossing Hjallar in the blue hour of twilight.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 4'0.17 km
🚲 4'0.19 km
📍
10:52 · 47'
Gerðarsafn Kópavogur Art Museum
The parking lot is usually cleared, but watch out for black ice.
🚲 14'1.77 km
📍
11:53 · 47'
Sundlaug Kópavogs Geothermal Pool
Wear a hat even for the short walk from the bike to the entrance.
🚲 11'1.38 km
🚲 22'3.17 km
📍
14:37 · 47'
Hjallar natural area
In winter, this area gets dark very early; lights are mandatory.
09:00→16:033.4 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 22€ · Transport 1€
Your car day in Kópavogur is designed for efficiency. Start at the Hamraborg cultural cluster, where you'll park and explore Kópavogskirkja, Gerðarsafn Museum, and Salurinn Concert Hall on foot. After this cultural morning, take a short drive to Sundlaug Kópavogs for an immersive Icelandic pool experience and lunch. The afternoon is reserved for an extended visit to Smáralind shopping mall, where you can shop, catch a movie, or dine at one of its many restaurants before ending your day.
← swipe for more places →
🏛️
09:10 · 84'
Hamraborg Cultural Cluster
Park your car here for the morning. Parking is usually easy to find.
🚗 3'0 km
📍
10:37 · 47'
Kópavogskirkja Church
A short walk from where you parked. Enjoy the view from the top of the hill.
🚗 4'0.19 km
📍
11:28 · 47'
Gerðarsafn Kópavogur Art Museum
Just down the street from the church, an easy walk.
🚗 3'0.09 km
🚗 9'1.71 km
📍
13:14 · 47'
Sundlaug Kópavogs Geothermal Pool
Drive to the pool cluster. There is ample parking. A must-do for an Icelandic experience.
🚗 8'1.38 km
🏛️
14:09 · 84'
Smáralind Shopping Mall
End the day with some shopping or an early dinner at Iceland's largest mall.
09:00→16:033.4 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 22€ · Transport 1€
In the rain, the car is the ideal mode of transport for Kópavogur. We start at the Hamraborg cultural center and visit Kópavogskirkja. The Gerðarsafn gallery offers an artistic experience in the dry. After Salurinn, we relax at Sundlaug, then comfortably end the day at Smáralind Mall.
← swipe for more places →
🏛️
09:10 · 84'
Hamraborg Cultural Cluster
Nearby parking garages keep you dry when getting out of the car.
🚗 3'0 km
📍
10:37 · 47'
Kópavogskirkja Church
Parking right in front of the church for minimal walking in the rain.
🚗 4'0.19 km
📍
11:28 · 47'
Gerðarsafn Kópavogur Art Museum
A short sprint from the parking lot to the entrance is all it takes.
🚗 3'0.09 km
🚗 9'1.71 km
📍
13:14 · 47'
Sundlaug Kópavogs Geothermal Pool
The parking lot is large but often very crowded when it rains.
🚗 8'1.38 km
09:00→16:033.4 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 22€ · Transport 1€
The winter tour by car is safe and comfortable. We admire the snowy Kópavogskirkja and warm up in the Gerðarsafn gallery. Salurinn offers a cozy break. The highlight is the hot bath at Sundlaug while snow falls outside. We end the day safely in the warm ambiance of Smáralind Mall.
← swipe for more places →
🚗 3'0 km
📍
10:37 · 47'
Kópavogskirkja Church
The driveway to the church can be slippery during icy conditions.
🚗 4'0.19 km
📍
11:28 · 47'
Gerðarsafn Kópavogur Art Museum
The entrance area is often heated to avoid ice formation.
🚗 3'0.09 km
🚗 9'1.71 km
🚗 8'1.38 km
🏛️
14:09 · 84'
Smáralind Shopping Mall
Park in the parking garage to protect the car from frost.
Sights in the town Kópavogur (19)
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kópavogur from Reykjavík?
It is located just south of Reykjavík, part of the Capital Region (about 10 mins drive).
What is the main attraction?
The Kópavogskirkja church with its unique architecture and Smáralind shopping mall.
Are there any museums there?
Yes, the Gerðarsafn Art Museum and the Natural History Museum of Kópavogur are worth visiting.
Where is a good place to swim?
Kópavogslaug is one of the largest and best thermal swimming pools in Iceland.
Does the town offer good views?
The hill by the church provides great views over Reykjavík and the surrounding ocean.
Kópavogur: where is it located?
Kópavogur is located in Iceland.
Kópavogur: what is there to see?
Highlights include Náttúrufræðistofa Kópavogs, Borgarleikhúsið, Borgir.
Kópavogur: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kópavogur: why is it worth visiting?
Kópavogur is the second largest municipality in Iceland, located directly south of Reykjavík within the Capital Region.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Iceland →
Nearby cities
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.
Hafnarfjörður
Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.
Hafnarfjörður
A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.
Keflavík
Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.
Mosfellsbær
Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.
Garðabær
Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.
Selfoss
Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.
Akranes
Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.
Seltjarnarnes
Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.
Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)
Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.
Grindavík
Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Hveragerði
Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.
Hveragerði
Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.
Þorlákshöfn
Þorlákshöfn is a port town on Iceland's south coast, featuring the only harbor in the region with safe access for large ships.
