Welcome to Reykjavík

Reykjavík is Iceland’s capital and the world’s northernmost capital city. It is compact, safe, walkable, and easy to navigate. Even though Iceland feels remote, most services, restaurants, and attractions are modern and very accessible.

The Official Hotel, Fosshótel Reykjavík, is well located between downtown Reykjavík and the competition area in Laugardalur, making it easy to get around by foot, taxi, bus, or e-scooter.

Competition area: Laugardalur

Laugardalur is Reykjavík’s main sports district and includes arenas, pools, parks, and family attractions. It is around a 20–25 minute walk or short taxi/bus ride from the hotel.

Nearby attractions include:

• Laugardalslaug — Iceland’s largest geothermal swimming pool, great for recovery and relaxation
• Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo
• Walking paths and green spaces around the valley

If you have free time, these are the highlights:

• Hallgrímskirkja — Reykjavík’s iconic church with panoramic city views from the tower
• Harpa — beautiful architecture by the waterfront
• Sun Voyager — famous waterfront sculpture
• Old Harbour — cafés, restaurants, whale watching, and local atmosphere
• Main shopping street: Laugavegur

Downtown Reykjavík is about a 20–25 minute walk from the hotel.

Restaurants near the hotel (easy for lunch & dinner)

Within walking distance of Fosshótel Reykjavík:

• Bambus Restaurant — casual Asian-inspired dishes
• Brass Kitchen & Bar — convenient inside/near the hotel area
• Skál! — trendy Icelandic food hall option
• Hlemmur Mathöll — food hall with many choices, ideal for groups
• Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar — relaxed dinner option
• Reykjavík Kitchen — Icelandic and international dishes

For quick lunches:

• Sandwiches and bakery items are easy to find nearby
• Many cafés offer soup, salads, and healthy meals

Bakeries & coffee nearby

• Sandholt — excellent pastries and sourdough
• Brauð & Co. — famous cinnamon buns
• Te & Kaffi — popular Icelandic coffee chain

Groceries near the hotel

Easy supermarkets close to Fosshótel Reykjavík:

• Bónus — budget-friendly supermarket
• Krónan — good grocery selection
• 10-11 — convenience store with longer opening hours

Good for snacks, breakfast items, drinks, fruit, and competition essentials.

Electricity & plugs

• Voltage: 230V
• Frequency: 50 Hz
• Plug types: Type C and Type F (European plugs)
• Visitors from the UK, US, or other non-European countries will likely need a travel adapter

Useful tips

• Tap water in Iceland is excellent and safe to drink.
• Credit/debit cards are accepted almost everywhere (cash is rarely needed).
• Weather changes quickly — bring layers and a waterproof jacket, even in summer.
• Tipping is not expected in Iceland.

Reykjavík is small enough that most destinations are reachable within 10–15 minutes by taxi or 20–30 minutes on foot from the hotel.

• Laugavegur — boutiques, souvenirs, outdoor gear, Icelandic design
• Kringlan — indoor mall, about 10 minutes by taxi
• Icelandic wool products, outdoor clothing, cosmetics, and local design are popular purchases.