Self Guided Walking Audio Tour of Iceland Reykjavik

About this experience

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio walking tour of Reykjavik and explore Iceland’s colorful capital city. Walk from Hallgrímskirkja to Parliament House, Rainbow Street, Sun Voyager, and Tjörnin Lake, uncovering Viking history, local culture, and the stories behind the landmarks that shape this scenic city.

Along the way, hear fascinating stories about churches, streets, sculptures, and lakeside views, which play automatically as you walk.

Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t.

Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location
Travel at your own pace
Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed
Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use
No time limits or expiry, and free updates
Like having a personal guide by your side on every step

Purchase one tour per person, or listen together by sharing headphones or a speaker.

Itinerary

1. Tour stop

   Hallgrímskirkja is Reykjavík’s most iconic church, inspired by Iceland’s basalt columns formed by cooling lava. Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, its towering spire and wings dominate the skyline. Inside, the minimalist expressionist design features a lofty nave and striking pipe organ. Visitors can go up the observation tower for sweeping views of Reykjavík, the surrounding mountains, and the bay. While not traditional Gothic architecture, elements like the cylindrical sanctuary have been likened to Viking‑age forms, reflecting Iceland’s cultural heritage.

2. Tour stop

   Parliament House in Reykjavík is the seat of Iceland’s Alþingi, one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world, tracing its foundation back to 930 AD. The façade of the building features carvings in low relief depicting the four guardian spirits, specifically a dragon, a great bird (often interpreted as an eagle or vulture), a giant, and a bull.

3. Tour stop

   Rainbow Street in Reykjavík was painted in rainbow colors in 2015 to celebrate Reykjavik Pride and has become a symbol of inclusion and diversity in the city.

4. Tour stop

   Sun Voyager (Sólfar) is a striking steel sculpture along Reykjavik’s waterfront, resembling a sleek ship but symbolizing imagination, hope, and exploration rather than Viking history. Visitors often stop here to admire one of Reykjavík’s most memorable waterfront scenes, where the sculpture, sea, and distant mountains come together in a setting that feels both peaceful and dramatic. The sculpture perfectly combines art, mythology, and the natural beauty of the area, encouraging reflection on dreams and adventure.

5. Tour stop

   Tjörnin, is a calm and scenic lake in the heart of Reykjavík, beloved for its peaceful setting and abundant birdlife. Originally part of a sea lagoon separated from the ocean by a gravel ridge around 1200 years ago, it now lies centrally in the city next to Reykjavík City Hall and parks. Visitors enjoy watching swans, ducks, and geese, strolling the paths around the water, and crossing the bridge that spans part of the pond. More than just a scenic stop, Tjörnin offers a relaxing pause in the heart of the capital and a chance to experience Reykjavík at its most gentle and inviting.

Know before you go

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
• Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
• Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
• Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
• Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
• Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
• Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
• Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
• Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
• Multi-Device Access: Everyone in your group can enjoy the tour on their own phone. Just share the same voucher code or setup link with each traveler in your booking. Each traveler can redeem it on one device.
• For the best experience, please bring earphones or headphones so you can hear the audio clearly while walking. We also recommend carrying a fully charged phone or a portable power bank, as GPS and continuous audio use can drain the battery faster.