Reykjavik: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Highlights Walk

Summary

Wander Reykjavik’s streets, solve clues and spot local art with every step

You’ll wander Reykjavik’s colorful streets at your own pace, solving playful clues through landmarks like Harpa and Rainbow Street. Pause for coffee or photos whenever you feel like it — no schedule chasing here. With each puzzle you’ll notice details most people miss, and maybe find yourself laughing over a tricky question or two.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed in Reykjavik was the sharp smell of sea air mixed with the scent of coffee drifting from some tiny café — that and the fact nobody seemed to be in a hurry. We started our scavenger hunt right by the Sun Voyager sculpture, which looked even more surreal with a few seagulls perched on it. The World City Trail app pinged us with our first clue, and honestly, we got stuck for a minute (my partner swears it was my fault). But it made us laugh, standing there arguing about Viking history while locals just strolled past, barely glancing up from their phones.

The route took us past Harpa’s glass walls — those always catch the light in weird ways, especially when clouds move fast overhead. At one point we paused outside the National Gallery because a street musician started playing something I didn’t recognize. It felt right to just stand there and listen for a while before moving on. The clues nudged us along narrow streets painted with rainbows and murals. I tried reading out some Icelandic words on a sign; a woman walking her dog grinned at my pronunciation (I probably butchered it).

I liked that there wasn’t any pressure to rush or keep up with a group — we stopped for hot chocolate near Lake Tjörnin when it started drizzling, then picked up where we left off an hour later. The scavenger hunt kept surprising us; one clue led us to Parliament House where two kids were feeding ducks nearby. It’s funny how you notice small things when you’re not just following a tour guide but actually searching for answers yourself. By the time we reached Rainbow Street, my feet were tired but I still wanted to see what was around the next corner.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Reykjavik scavenger hunt and highlights

• Start self-guided scavenger hunt
• Visit Sun Voyager
• Explore Harpa Concert Hall
• Discover National Gallery of Iceland
• See The Culture House
• Visit Parliament House
• Walk to Reykjavik City Hall
• Admire Hallgrimskirkja
• Stroll along Rainbow Street
• Pause or resume tour anytime

Top questions

How long does the Reykjavik scavenger hunt take?

The walking time is about 41 minutes over 3.1km, but you can pause anytime and continue later or even another day.

Is this scavenger hunt self-guided or do we meet someone?

This is fully self-guided using the World City Trail app; no one meets you at the starting point.

What attractions are included in the Reykjavik scavenger hunt?

You’ll visit places like Sun Voyager, Harpa Concert Hall, National Gallery of Iceland, Culture House, Parliament House, City Hall, Hallgrimskirkja, Rainbow Street, Aurora Reykjavik and Lake Tjornin.

Do I need tickets for any attractions during this tour?

No tickets are required; all puzzles are based outdoors so you don’t need to enter any buildings.

Is internet connection needed during the scavenger hunt?

Yes, an internet connection is required to use the World City Trail app throughout your walk.

Can I do this tour in languages other than English?

The scavenger hunt is available in English, German, French, Dutch, Italian and Spanish.

Is this suitable for families or groups?

Yes! It works well for couples, families with kids, students or groups of friends — team up or compete if you want.

Are there public transport options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to most stops along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes access to the World City Trail app for navigation and clues across central Reykjavik’s highlights — start anytime you like and pause as often as you want along the way.