How to Pronounce Reykjavík

Are you dreaming of exploring Iceland’s vibrant capital city but worried about mispronouncing its name? Don’t sweat it—we’ve all been there! Saying "Reykjavík" (or any Icelandic word, really) can feel like a tongue-twister at first, but with a little practice, you’ll sound like a seasoned traveller in no time. This blog will teach you the correct pronunciation of Reykjavík, share a bit of the city's history, and even prep you to pronounce other Icelandic hotspots. Ready? Let’s dive in!

The Correct Way to Pronounce Reykjavík

Let’s get right to it! Reykjavík is pronounced "RAY-kya-veek" (with emphasis on the first syllable). Here’s a breakdown to make it easier:

"Rey" sounds like "ray" 

"kja" is like "kya" in the middle of the word.

"vík" rhymes with "week."

Practice saying it a few times slowly—RAY-kya-week—and you’ll get the hang of it. By the time you land in Iceland, locals might mistake you for a fellow Icelander!

Reykjavík: A Glimpse into Its History

Reykjavík, meaning “Smoky Bay,” is Iceland’s capital and largest city. The name comes from the steam rising from geothermal hot springs in the area, first observed by the Norse settler Ingólfur Arnarson when he arrived in 874 AD. This picturesque city has grown from a small fishing village into a bustling hub of culture, art, and innovation.

What’s fascinating is that Reykjavík is one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world! From its geothermal-powered energy system to the vibrant local art scene, the city reflects Iceland’s deep connection with nature and modernity.

Impress Locals by Pronouncing These Icelandic Attractions

Reykjavík isn’t the only tricky name you’ll encounter in Iceland. If you’re visiting, you’ll want to brush up on a few more to avoid sounding too much like a tourist. Here’s a cheat sheet:

Hallgrímskirkja (HALL-greems-kirk-yuh)

Hallgrímskirkja is the iconic church in Reykjavík with its unique design and panoramic views.

Þingvellir (THING-vet-lir)

Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland’s first parliament was established in 930 AD.

Eyjafjallajökull (AY-yah-fyat-luh-YO-kootl)

Yes, it’s the infamous volcano that erupted in 2010. This one takes some practice!

Jökulsárlón (YOH-kuls-ow-lohn)

A breathtaking glacier lagoon with floating icebergs.

Seljalandsfoss (SELL-yah-lands-foss)

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls, where you can walk behind the cascading water.

Perlan (PAIR-lahn)

While visiting Reykjavík, chances are you’ll hear about Perlan (which translates to "The Pearl"), a stunning glass dome sitting atop six water tanks with breathtaking 360° views of the city.  So when you visit Perlan’s Wonders of Iceland exhibition or take in the Aurora Borealis show, you’ll confidently call it by its proper name.

Why Learning Pronunciation Matters

Icelandic might look intimidating with its long words and extra letters like þ and ð, but locals appreciate it when visitors make an effort to pronounce their language correctly. It’s not just polite—it shows your respect for the culture and adds to your travel experience. And honestly, there’s no better way to bond with Icelanders than impressing them with your pronunciation skills over a cup of coffee!

Tips for Practicing Reykjavík Pronunciation

Listen and repeat: Use YouTube or language apps to hear natives pronounce "Reykjavík."

Break it down: Focus on one syllable at a time—don’t rush!

Ask a local: Icelanders are friendly and more than happy to help you out.

With the Reykjanes Peninsula being a hotpot of eruptions, we recommend learning the pronunciations of Sundhnúkagígaröð!

FAQ

Why is Reykjavík called the “Smoky Bay”?

The name refers to the steam rising from the area's geothermal hot springs, which early Norse settlers first noticed.

Is Icelandic a hard language to learn?

It can be tricky due to its unique sounds and grammar, but you can pick up basic phrases like a pro with practice.

What’s the best way to practice Icelandic pronunciation?

Listen to native speakers, use language apps, and break words into smaller parts to practice.

Do locals mind if I mispronounce words?

Not at all! Icelanders are friendly and understanding. They appreciate the effort you put into learning their language.

How do I pronounce "Þ" and "Ð" in Icelandic?

"Þ" sounds like the "th" in "thing," while "Ð" is like the "th" in "that."

What other cities in Iceland are worth visiting?

Akureyri (Ah-ku-rey-ree), the "Capital of the North," and Ísafjörður (Ees-ah-fyur-thur), a charming town in the Westfjords, are must-sees.

Is Reykjavík walkable for tourists?

Absolutely! The city is compact and easy to explore on foot, and there are plenty of attractions, cafes, and shops nearby.