Things to do in Borgarnes

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Sky Lagoon

•Soak and relax in warm geothermal waters •Experience Icelandic bathing culture with the 7-step ritual •Enjoy the view from the infinity pool •Connect with Icelandic bathing traditions •Relax your mind, body and soul Nestled on a stark, stunning coastline, Sky Lagoon feels a world away from everyday life. Iceland's newest geothermal lagoon honours centuries-old bathing culture, embracing the warmth of a people tied closely to sea, sky and the power locked deep within the land. For centuries, Icelanders have trusted the calming, healing effects of geothermal water to help make them one of the happiest people on earth. Our 7-step rejuvenating Sky Ritual brings this culture to life for every guest and is included in the Sky Lagoon experience. Choose the admission package that suits your schedule and budget. Take part in the Ritual For centuries, Icelanders have trusted the calming, healing effects of geothermal water to help make them one of the happiest people on earth. Skjól Ritual brings this culture to life for every guest. Get a Sky Lagoon pass and immerse yourself in the warmth of an oceanside geothermal lagoon, where the dramatic North Atlantic Ocean stretches out before you. Take your relaxation deeper with a unique 7-step spa ritual included in the pass. Choose between the SÉR Pass or SAMAN Pass. With Sér Pass, you benefit from private changing facilities and shower cabins with signature botanical body products. With Saman Pass, you will use shared changing and showering facilities. Connect with Icelandic traditions and relax your mind, body, and soul. Complete the 7-step ritual to fully immerse yourself in Icelandic bathing traditions. Step 1 - Laug (Lagoon): Slow down and relax in the lagoon Step 2 - Kuldi (Cold): Cool down with the cold plunge Step 3 - Ylur (Warmth): Relax and enjoy the views in the sauna Step 4 - Súld (Drizzle): Refresh in a cold mist Step 5 - Mýkt (Softness): Invigorate and exfoliate with a rejuvenating body scrub Step 6 - Gufa (Steam) - Chill out in the steam room Step 7 - Saft (Juice) Taste the essence of krækiber — the crowberries that dot our lava fields.   After the experience, you can enliven your taste buds at Keimur Café and Smakk Bar. Discover and connect with the local flavors of the region.

The Icelandic Phallological Museum

The Icelandic Phallological Museum is located in the center of Reykjavik. It is one of the few museums in the world dedicated to specimens of reproductive organs, founded by Sigurður Hjartarson. This seemingly bizarre museum actually combines biological research with cultural interest, making it one of Iceland's unique popular science attractions. The collection covers hundreds of specimens from over a hundred mammal species, ranging from cetaceans, walruses, seals, and polar bears to native species like Icelandic horses and reindeer. A sperm whale specimen over one m long exudes an imposing presence, while the bone of a hamster's reproductive organ is only millimeters in size and requires a magnifying glass to see clearly. The specimens are systematically preserved in formaldehyde jars or mounted on walls. Human specimens are another highlight: the museum waited years for a suitable donated human specimen, and this story was even documented in a film; a set of silver sculptures modeled after Iceland's national handball team, which won silver at the Beijing Olympics, is also often talked about.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Iceland

Reykjavik Whale Watching

Participate in the Reykjavik whale watching activity and sail on one of Iceland's whale watching boats. Our large and sturdy whale watching boat Andrea offers you extra comfort, fantastic interiors and rest areas, large outdoor viewing decks, a safe family-friendly environment, and an onboard café and souvenir shop. Our professional guide and friendly crew will welcome you aboard, share interesting information about the different types of whales and seabirds you may hope to see during your trip, and teach you how to spot whales in the bay. With whale teeth, bones, baleen, plankton nets, and microscopes on display, this tour is also a floating whale watching classroom with educational and interactive significance.

The Settlement Center

Housed within two historic buildings in the town of Borgarnes, this museum focuses on the history of early settlement in Iceland and the culture of the Sagas. The museum highlights the legends of the famous Icelandic hero Egill Skallagrímsson, using sound and light displays along with immersive dioramas to transport visitors into the world of medieval Icelandic settlers. The Icelandic Sagas are an important part of Nordic heritage, and since the area around Borgarnes is the setting for many of these stories, the museum holds unique geographical and cultural significance.

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Iceland

Perlan

Perlan in Reykjavik is an iconic landmark in Iceland's capital, blending natural wonders with modern technology to create a comprehensive attraction that combines sightseeing, education, and entertainment. Located atop Öskjuhlíð Hill, Perlan captivates visitors from around the world with its distinctive dome design and breathtaking panoramic views. The heart of the structure features six massive hot water storage tanks covered by a glass dome, housing an observation deck, exhibition space, and restaurant. Visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city and surrounding natural scenery from the observation deck, overlooking Reykjavik's urban area, coastline, and distant mountains. The view becomes particularly unforgettable at night when the aurora borealis and city lights create a mesmerizing interplay. The natural museum and ice cave exhibition at Perlan offer a rich educational experience, showcasing Iceland's geological wonders and natural history. Interactive exhibits and multimedia displays allow visitors to gain an in-depth understanding of Iceland's volcanic activity, glacier formation, and ecosystem. Perlan in Reykjavik is not just a sightseeing spot but also a place that sparks curiosity and learning. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a family of visitors, or someone seeking unique experiences, it offers rich knowledge and unforgettable memories, making it an ideal destination to explore Iceland's nature and culture.

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Iceland

Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center

Aurora Reykjavik, located in the old port of Reykjavik, was founded by four local young people with big brains. Their original intention was to popularize the aurora for tourists who came from the original way. Knowledge, stories and legends, understand the science behind Aurora, and learn how to take better aurora photos. The center also exhibits aurora works by excellent photographers in Iceland and around the world. At the same time, a projection hall is also set up in the center, which plays the high-definition time-lapse impression of the aurora in a loop, accompanied by the graceful music, sit in front of the screen and feel the charm of the aurora.

No. 4 of Night Attractions in Iceland

Hallgrimskirkja

Hallgrimskirkja sits on a hill in the capital of Iceland and is named after the 17th-century Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson. The church was designed by Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson, with a design inspired by the natural forms of Iceland's basalt columns, featuring hexagonal pillars reaching upward. The tapering wings on both sides of the tower resemble a giant pipe organ standing on the city skyline when viewed from a distance. Construction began in 1945 and was completed in 1986, spanning over 40 years. The tower is approx. 73m high and is a prominent landmark on the Reykjavik skyline. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck at the top of the tower to overlook the city's colorful rooftops and the bay and mountains in the distance. The interior of the church is towering and minimalist, with a large pipe organ featuring over 5,000 pipes spanning above the entrance. It is one of the largest pipe organs in Iceland, making the church an important music venue in Reykjavik that regularly hosts organ concerts.

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal hot spring on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, set amid a stark black volcanic lava field. Its water comes from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station—after deep geothermal water is extracted for power generation, the mineral-rich residual water flows into low-lying areas between the lava, gradually forming this geothermal lagoon. The water has a high silica content, and it is this silica that gives the lagoon its distinctive milky blue color, which stands out strikingly against the surrounding black lava. Steam rises from the surface year-round, and from a distance it looks like a glowing blue sapphire in the wilderness. The signature experience at the Blue Lagoon is to visit the in-water mask bar and apply silica mud to your face, enjoying a natural mud mask. This white silica mud is formed from minerals deposited from the geothermal water; it feels fine and silky to the touch and is a bathing ritual unique to the Blue Lagoon. The hot spring area also has a sauna, a steam room, and a steam cave, where you can alternate between steam bathing and outdoor soaking to experience the shift between hot and cold. If you happen to visit on a snowy day, soak in the warm water and look up as snowflakes fall onto the black lava—the contrast of ice and fire is unforgettable. The pale blue water of the entire lagoon, wreathed in steam, together with the rugged lava landscape, creates a scene full of Icelandic character.

No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Iceland

Lava Show

The Lava Show in Reykjavik is an educational and entertaining performance that offers visitors a breathtaking visual experience. The show takes place in a pitch-black exhibition hall where audiences can witness rocks being heated to extreme temperatures until they melt into honey-like magma. During the performance, massive amounts of lava pour from an inclined channel into a reservoir at the end, while a live host provides commentary, sharing facts about volcanoes, lava, and eruptions to help viewers better understand lava's properties and volcanic processes. Additionally, visitors have the unique opportunity to feel the intense heat and observe the flowing state of lava up close. Beyond the spectacular show, the Lava Show also features a behind-the-scenes viewing session, allowing guests to delve deeper into the stories and production process behind the performance. Whether for adventure-seeking visitors or those fascinated by natural science, the Lava Show is a must-visit attraction in Reykjavik.

Borgarnes outdoor Swimming Pool