Reykjavik's Old Town

Reykjavík’s Old Town (known locally as "Gamli bærinn") is the historical heart of Iceland's capital and offers a charming glimpse into the city’s past. Nestled around the Tjörnin pond and near the harbor, it features colorful, corrugated-iron houses, narrow streets, and a mix of 18th- and 19th-century architecture. This area was where Reykjavík first developed from a small settlement into a functioning town.

Highlights of Old Town include Aðalstræti, Reykjavík’s oldest street, where some of the city’s earliest buildings still stand, and landmarks like Reykjavík Cathedral, the Parliament House (Alþingishúsið), and Ingólfstorg Square—named after Ingólfur Arnarson, the Norse settler credited with founding the city in the 9th century.

Today, Old Town is a vibrant cultural hub filled with museums, cafés, artisan shops, and galleries, offering visitors both a historical atmosphere and a taste of modern Icelandic life. Its blend of preserved heritage and contemporary culture makes it one of Reykjavík’s most beloved districts.