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Reykjavík City Hall

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Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)

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Reykjavík City Hall, known as Ráðhús Reykjavíkur, is a striking modern administrative building located on the northern shore of Lake Tjörnin in the city center. Opened in 1992, it was designed by Studio Granda architects and is characterized by its bold use of concrete and glass, with parts of the structure seemingly floating over the water. The building was designed to harmonize with the lake's environment, featuring columns that descend directly into the water. Inside, the ground floor houses a massive 76-square-meter 3D relief map of Iceland, which allows visitors to see the country's complex topography in detail. The City Hall serves as the headquarters for the Mayor and the City Council, but it is also a bustling public space used for exhibitions and information services. Its prime location makes it a popular starting point for city walks and bird-watching at the lake.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C00136911118420
Rain mm169152154119938399121181147149172

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Reykjavík City Hall is a modern building on Lake Tjörnin that is freely open to the public. Inside are the city administration and a large, walkable 3D-printed map of Iceland.
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Typical hours
City Hall is typically open weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00, with shorter weekend hours or closed. It also functions as a civic centre, so check the website for special opening times.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the public areas, including the large Iceland map. Avoid flash as the map is made of sensitive material and to avoid disturbing other visitors.
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Time needed
A visit to City Hall takes about 20 to 30 minutes to see the map and foyer. Those visiting art exhibitions or the café should allow 45 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine City Hall with a walk around Lake Tjörnin and the nearby Icelandic parliament Alþingi. The shopping street Laugavegur is also just five minutes away.
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Getting there
City Hall is located directly on Lake Tjörnin in central Reykjavík, easily reachable on foot. The nearest bus stop is „Ráðhúsið“ on lines 1, 3, 4, 6, 11 and 13.
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Insider tip
Visit City Hall early in the morning to experience the map without crowds. Ask at the information desk about a guided tour of the building to learn more about the architecture.

Geography

Population
118,918 (2025)
Coordinates
64.14620, -21.94210

Facts

  • The City Hall was officially opened on April 14, 1992.
  • The 3D relief map of Iceland covers an area of 76 square meters.
  • The building was designed by architects Margrét Harðardóttir and Steve Christer.
  • It is built on the site of a former gas station and parking lot.
  • The ground floor is open to the public seven days a week.
  • It serves as a primary venue for municipal press conferences.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

ReykjavíkReykjavík<1 km · NWExplore →
Höfði HouseHöfði House2 km · EExplore →
PerlanPerlan2 km · SEExplore →
SeltjarnarnesSeltjarnarnes3 km · WExplore →
Reykjavik Botanical GardenReykjavik Botanical Garden4 km · EExplore →
KópavogurKópavogur4 km · SEExplore →
Grótta LighthouseGrótta Lighthouse4 km · NWExplore →
ViðeyjarkirkjaViðeyjarkirkja5 km · NEExplore →

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Sights in the town Reykjavík City Hall (10)

Reykjavik City Hall

City hall of Reykjavík.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-18:00; Su 12:00-18:00

Garðahlynur

An attraction in Reykjavík.

Alþingisgarðurinn🌳 park

Park in Reykjavík.

Fógetagarðurinn🌳 park

Square in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Reykjavík 871±2🏛 museum

Museum in Reykjavík about the settlement of Iceland.

Reykjavík Cathedral

Cathedral church in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Aðalstræti 10🏛 museum

Oldest standing building in the centre of Reykjavík.

Kyiv Square🌳 park

Park in Reykjavík.

Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík

Church in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Reykjavik City Hall located?
It is located right on the banks of Lake Tjörnin in the heart of the city center.
Can you visit the City Hall for free?
Yes, the public area is free to enter during opening hours.
What is the most famous attraction inside?
The huge 3D topographical map of Iceland is the highlight for many visitors.
Are there public toilets for tourists there?
Yes, there are clean public toilets available, often used by city visitors.
What is the architecture of the building?
It is a modern concrete and glass building that fits harmoniously into the lakeside setting.
Reykjavík City Hall: where is it located?
Reykjavík City Hall is located in Iceland.
Reykjavík City Hall: what is there to see?
Highlights include Reykjavik City Hall, Tjarnarbíó, Garðahlynur.
Reykjavík City Hall: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Reykjavík City Hall: why is it worth visiting?
Reykjavík City Hall, known as Ráðhús Reykjavíkur, is a striking modern administrative building located on the northern shore of Lake Tjörnin in the city center.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Reykjavík — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.
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Hafnarfjörður — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
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A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.
Keflavík — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
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Mosfellsbær — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
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Garðabær — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
Garðabær
Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.
Selfoss — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
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Akranes — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
Akranes
Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.
Seltjarnarnes — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
Seltjarnarnes
Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.
Vestmannaeyjar — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.
Blue Lagoon (Grindavík) — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
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Grindavík — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
Grindavík
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Hveragerði — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
Hveragerði
Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.
Hveragerði — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
Hveragerði
Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

History & landmarks

Hvolsvöllur — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
Hvolsvöllur
A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.

Nature

Tjornin Lake Birdlife — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
Tjornin Lake Birdlife
Reykjavik's central lake is a vital habitat for over 40 bird species right in the city center.

More places

The Settlement Exhibition — Reykjavík City Hall (Iceland)
The Settlement Exhibition
This underground museum in Reykjavík is built around the ruins of a 10th-century Viking longhouse.