Reykjavik City Hall

Visit the city hall on the shore of Lake Tjornin

Taking up a prominent location at the North end of Reykjavík’s central pond, Tjörnin, Reykjavík City Hall is a modern concrete and glass building that flows seamlessly with its surroundings. The building is open to visitors, accessible via a bridge over the pond, around which ducks frolic and eagerly await passersby to toss them some bread.

The building opened in 1992 and, in addition to housing the offices of the Mayor and other city officials and key staff, often hosts exhibits and events. A popular staple of City Hall is the massive topographical map of Iceland that often occupies one of its main halls for visitors to examine.

Tjörnin, the Reykjavik Pond, is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city centre. On a nice day you can sit on the benches nearby the City Hall and watch the ducks, geese and swans float by—summer and winter—or take a walk around the perimeter of the pond to take in a bigger picture of the city’s landmark and enjoy the well-preserved historical homes along the street Tjarnargata.

The park space Hljómskálagarður, at the southern end of Tjörnin, is a popular spot in the summer months for locals to bring their children to play, barbecue, and enjoy the nice weather. On the same end of the pond is a sculpture garden exclusively featuring statues by female sculptors.