Reykjavík in 1 Day for Families - Meet at Ingólfstorg (Hlöllabátar) — easy meeting point
In Collaboration with Your Friend in Reykjavik. Updated on February 8, 2026.
A 2-hour, family-friendly walking tour designed for first-time visitors and families with young children. See Reykjavik's highlights — from Ingólfstorg meeting point to Hallgrímskirkja — with short stops, playful stories about elves and Vikings, and practical tips for families.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Your Friend in Reykjavik, inspired by the tour Walk with a Viking - Reykjavik Walking Tour - Small group. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Meet at Ingólfstorg (Hlöllabátar) — easy meeting point
- Peek at a Viking longhouse (The Settlement Exhibition)
- See Hallgrímskirkja and panoramic viewpoints
- Quick taste of an Icelandic hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu
- Family-friendly stops with stroller and wheelchair access
Itinerary
Day 1
Two-hour guided walking tour for families, starting at Ingólfstorg and finishing at Hallgrímskirkja. Designed with short stops, stroller-friendly routes and regular chances to sit and snack.
Meet your guide outside Hlöllabátar at Ingólfstorg (check-in)
Gather facing the square and the two tall stone pillars. Guides usually wear light-blue 'Your Friend in Reykjavik' jackets. Please arrive 5 minutes early to check in.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5 minutes early so kids can use nearby benches and covered waiting area — useful if weather changes.
- This meeting spot is flat and step-free — easy for strollers and wheelchairs.
- If you get lost, look for CenterHotel Plaza (to the right when facing the guide) or search 'Hlöllabátar Austurstræti 1 Reykjavík' in maps.
Visit Hólavallagarður — Reykjavik's oldest graveyard (short reflection stop)
A calm, historic green space. The guide shares short stories about early Reykjavik settlers; a quiet spot to stretch legs and seat small children on low walls.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep an eye on little ones near the headstones — paths are uneven in places; stroller-friendly routes are limited to main paths.
- Benches and shade make this a good quick snack stop if kids need a break.
- Restrooms: nearest public toilets are a short walk back toward Aðalstræti — ask your guide for directions.
Peek at The Settlement Exhibition (by the surface entrance)
A quick look at the spot where Reykjavik's Viking-era longhouse was discovered. The guide explains the archaeological find — no long museum visit, just an engaging story-stop.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is designed as a visual/educational peek — if your family wants to visit inside later, plan 45–60 minutes for the museum.
- The area outside has level pavements suitable for strollers; if entering the exhibition later, there is step-free access via the museum entrance.
- Bring a light jacket — exhibits below street level can feel cooler even in summer.
See the oldest house in the city center (Aðalstræti 10)
A brief exterior stop to admire a preserved historic house and hear tales of old Reykjavik life — great for kid-friendly storytelling.
Tips from local experts:
- This is an exterior stop — good photo opportunity without queuing or moving children indoors.
- There is limited curb space — keep strollers off narrow pavements where possible and cross with the group.
- If children are tired, this is an easy place to sit on nearby steps while the guide tells the story.
Reykjavík City Hall (Ráðhús) — civic architecture stop
A short stop outside City Hall to discuss modern Reykjavik and where locals gather. The guide points out family-friendly nearby cafés for future breaks.
Tips from local experts:
- City Hall has level access and public restrooms inside — useful if you need a quick bathroom stop (check with the guide).
- There are seating areas around the adjacent pond (Tjörnin) for snack breaks.
- On sunny days locals picnic here — a good spot to let kids watch ducks for 5–10 minutes.
Elf-home alley (Grjótagata) — a playful, local myth stop
A family-favourite short stop to point out a small 'elf home' and tell gentle, kid-friendly Icelandic elf stories.
Tips from local experts:
- This is an outdoor street stop — watch for traffic and keep strollers close on the pavement.
- Kids usually love the elf tales — bring a quick snack to keep their attention during storytelling.
- If your child is nervous about myths, the guide will present the stories as playful local folklore rather than scary tales.
Austurvöllur square — local meeting place and playground vibe
A lively square where locals gather in good weather. A quick stop to point out cafés, the playground area nearby, and where kids can run safely for a minute.
Tips from local experts:
- If the sun is out this square becomes busy — hold hands and use a stroller harness in crowds.
- There are many cafés around with kids' options (high chairs) — your guide can recommend one for a longer snack after the tour.
- Benches around the square are great for a 5-minute rest while the guide tells a short story.
Parliament (Alþingi) — a short history stop
See Alþingi and learn the Viking-Age origins of Icelandic democracy in a short, family-friendly explanation.
Tips from local experts:
- The area has level walkways and steps — your guide will choose an accessible viewing spot for anyone with limited mobility.
- Keep young children close — there may be light traffic and cyclists nearby.
- If kids are curious, the guide will use simple analogies to explain how the parliament works — great for school-age children.
Tjörnin (Reykjavik Pond) — birdlife and ducks
A calming waterside stop where children often enjoy watching and feeding ducks (only bread alternatives recommended).
Tips from local experts:
- Do not feed bread to wildlife long-term; bring peas/corn or simply enjoy watching — ask guide for alternatives and rules.
- Paths around the pond are flat — very stroller friendly and a helpful rest spot.
- Seagulls can be bold around food — keep snacks in bags to avoid aggressive birds.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur — point out the famous hot-dog stand
A quick stop to point out Iceland's iconic hot dog stand (great as a kid-friendly snack later). The guide will explain toppings and ordering.
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to sample a hot dog, it’s quick service but can queue — order plain for kids or ask for milder toppings.
- There is limited standing space; consider taking snacks to a nearby bench if the queue is long.
- Allergy note: the hot dog contains meat — veg options are limited; ask the vendor about ingredients if your child has allergies.
Walk to the Old Harbour — maritime sights and boats
A family-friendly stroll to the waterfront to see colourful boats and fish-market vibes; kids enjoy watching nets and harbour activity.
Tips from local experts:
- Harbour edge: keep children close and use stroller brakes when stopping — the quay has few railings in places.
- There are kid-friendly cafés and ice-cream shops at the Old Harbour if you need a longer snack stop after the tour.
- If seasickness is a concern later (boat trips), this is a good spot to note where family-friendly boat operators meet.
Harpa Concert Hall — admire the glass facade
A stop to marvel at Harpa's architecture from outside; the guide will point out light-reflection details children often find magical.
Tips from local experts:
- Harpa has step-free entrances and accessible lifts — ideal if someone in the family needs an elevator.
- There are sheltered spots directly outside — useful if sudden rain appears (common even in summer).
- Inside Harpa there are cafés and restrooms — ask the guide if you'd like to go in after the tour.
Arnarhóll hill — short viewpoint with city views
A gentle hill offering good views over downtown — a quick pause to take in rooftops and point out Hallgrímskirkja.
Tips from local experts:
- Arnarhóll is a short climb but has level viewing areas — children can be carried, or strollers left at the base.
- Bring sunscreen and hats in June — the daylight is strong and there is little shade on the hilltop.
- The guide uses this spot for a family photo moment — they’ll suggest framing tips to fit everyone in.
Stroll part of Laugavegur — Reykjavik’s main shopping street
A short walk along Laugavegur to show family-friendly shops, toy stores and cafés for breaks later in the trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Laugavegur has many small shops — keep wallets and bags zipped; it’s a busy pedestrian street in summer.
- Families: look out for toy and sweet shops (fun quick stops) and cafés with high chairs if you want to stop after the tour.
- If you want souvenirs without the crowds, ask your guide for quieter side-street alternatives nearby.
Admire Hallgrímskirkja church — finish and photo stop
Final stop at Hallgrímskirkja to admire the architecture and hear a fun kid-friendly summary of religion and Viking history. Optionally, families can take the elevator to the tower (extra fee) after the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- There is an elevator to the tower (ticketed) — great for kids who love views; ask the guide for current opening times and family ticket options.
- Pavement around the church is wide and stroller-friendly; there are benches at the base for a final rest.
- If anyone is tired, this is a good place to arrange taxis or public transport; the guide can point out nearby bus stops and family-friendly cafés.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 15 |
| Total Places | 15 |
| Activities Types | Experience, Attraction, Culture, Neighborhood, Outdoor, Meal |
