Things To Do In Reykjavík In October

Reykjavík in October is one of the most underrated times to explore the city. The summer crowds are gone, and the weather is still good for sightseeing. Shorter days mean darker nights, giving you a real chance to see the northern lights. 

With so much to experience, this guide highlights the top things to do in Reykjavík in October. For insights into the previous month, see our guide on things to do in Reykjavík in September. Now, let’s dive into the best things to do in Reykjavík in October.

1. Chase the Northern Lights

October in Reykjavík gives you a real chance to see the northern lights. The nights are long enough, and the skies can be clear, making it one of the best times to see the northern lights. This popular northern lights tour offers professional photos, homemade hot chocolate, and Icelandic treats, creating a warm and memorable experience under the autumn sky. Before heading out, you can also check the real time aurora forecast to see if conditions are good.

If the weather does not cooperate, you can still enjoy the aurora at Perlan. The Áróra exhibition inside the planetarium explains the science behind the northern lights with stunning visuals and sound. You can also check Perlan’s live aurora forecast to see if conditions are good before heading out at night.

2. See the Imagine Peace Tower

The Imagine Peace Tower is an installation created by John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, in memory of the late Beatle. It sits on the island of Viðey in the Kollafjörður Bay, just northeast of Reykjavík. 

The tower has a base that sends a bright beam of light into the sky at night. It's only lit at certain times of the year, one of those periods starting on October 9th (Lennon's birthday) and ending on December 9th (the day that he was shot). 

Yoko visits Reykjavík every year to switch her creation on for winter, and you can get a boat out to Viðey to join the ceremony. Otherwise, if you're in Reykjavík when it's lit, you can't miss this luminous wish for world peace shining into the night sky. 

3. Experience Iceland’s Top Film Festival

The Reykjavík International Film Festival starts in late September but carries on until October 6th and is a huge event in the city's cultural calendar. The festival is run by an independent non-profit organisation working year-round to bring the best of Icelandic and international cinema to the city over eleven days.

There will be cinematic screenings, seminars, lectures, discussions and much more at various locations around the city, so make sure to include the festival in your list of things to do in Reykjavík this October.

For insights into events and activities in the following month, explore our guide on things to do in Reykjavík in November.

4. See Whales and Puffins in Reykjavík

As Icelandic society gets ready for winter, the island’s nature also prepares for the colder, darker months. The puffins that nest along the coast, including the small islands just a stone’s throw from the capital, are getting ready to fly to warmer regions for six months. 

The majestic humpback and minke whales, which grace the waters around Reykjavík in summer, are also preparing for their annual Caribbean holiday. October is the last realistic chance to join a classic whale watching tour before they leave until spring.

So this is your last realistic call for puffin and whale watching until late April, and the boat operators based in the city's old harbour area will happily take you out with fingers crossed. But if your birds have flown and your whales have set sail, you can always get a flavour of Iceland's wonderful aquatic wildlife at Perlan.

The interactive cinematic experience of our Underwater World exhibit will give you the low-down on Iceland's 20-plus species of baleen and toothed whales. Our realistic reconstruction of Látrabjarg cliff, a famous puffin nesting site in the Westfjords, allows you to stand at the very foot of the rock face and look up at the sites of nesting puffins. 

Both these exhibits are truly awesome experiences and should come high on your list of things to do in Reykjavík in October.

5. Dip into Icelandic Swimming Pool Culture

Icelanders love their swimming pools. Most communities have public pools, and in a country that is never short of geothermally heated water, they often boast hot tubs and even steam rooms.

The local swimming pool (or sundlaug) serves as much as a social centre as a place to swim. It has always been a gathering point where the populace meets to swap news, discuss politics or just chat about the weather. And they're a great social equaliser: regardless of a person's walk of life, everyone looks the same in their swimming gear.

There are several choices of pools in Reykjavík, but the biggest and arguably the best is Laugardalslaug. See some Reykjavík's best swimming pools here. Situated about 3km east of the city centre, it's right next to the capital's botanical gardens and zoo. So you can visit all three in one excursion, if you time it right.

Laugardalslaug has two outdoor pools with waterslides and one pool indoors; seven hot tubs, one of which is filled with saltwater; a sauna and a beach volleyball court. Getting into hot water is so much more pleasurable when there's a nip in the air, so a dip into the 'sundlaug' culture is something you should definitely add to your list of things to do in Reykjavík in October.

6. Visit Lava Tubes Made by Volcanoes

The wild volcanic nature of the Reykjanes Peninsula, just south of the capital, has shown itself many times over the last few years as fresh eruptions have taken place with dramatic results.

But these pyroclastic events have been going on for millennia and have already left their distinctive marks on the land. One such volcanic relic is the Leiðarendi lava tube, located around 30 minutes drive from Reykjavík.

The tube, actually two connected passages, was formed by eruptions about one and two thousand years ago. As the lava cooled on the outside, the liquid rock inside kept flowing, leaving the hollow space you can now enter. Stalactites and stalagmites line the cave, while minerals like copper, sulphur, and iron color the walls in green, yellow, and red.

You can visit Leiðarendi on a day trip from Reykjavík, but you should do so with an official tour company as entering the caves on your own can be very dangerous. Before you go, make sure you catch the volcano show to learn about volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula and the awesome natural forces that created the lava tunnels.

7. Taste Reykjavík’s Food in October 

Food is an important part of any trip, and Reykjavík in October offers plenty of options. The colder weather makes it a good time to try traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb soup, fish stew, and freshly baked rye bread. Many kitchens also use seasonal ingredients such as root vegetables and mushrooms that are at their best in autumn.

Downtown Reykjavík has a mix of choices. Casual cafés serve strong coffee and pastries, while modern bistros put a new twist on classic recipes. Food halls are especially popular:

• Hlemmur Mathöll – street food, local dishes, and international flavors in one indoor hall.
• Grandi Mathöll – close to the harbor with seafood, street food, and Icelandic specialties.

For sit-down dining, visitors often choose:

• Icelandic Street Food – traditional lamb soup and fresh fish dishes at a fair price.
• Café Loki – homemade rye bread, skyr, and authentic Icelandic comfort food.
• Fiskfélagið (Fish Company) – one of Reykjavík’s most popular spots for creative seafood.
• Perlan Restaurant – panoramic views of the city with Icelandic dishes, making it a memorable dining experience after exploring the exhibitions.

Here is a list of other top restaurants in Reykjavík.

8. Explore the Top Museums in Reykjavík 

October is a great month to visit Reykjavík’s museums. The cooler weather makes indoor attractions especially appealing, and the city has plenty to choose from. Popular options include the National Museum, the Reykjavík Art Museum, and smaller galleries that highlight local culture. Perlan is also a must-see, with its ice cave, planetarium, and exhibitions that bring Icelandic nature to life.

To make the most of your cultural visits, consider getting the Reykjavík City Card. It gives you free entry to many museums, discounts on tours, and unlimited bus travel, making it one of the best ways to explore Reykjavík in October.

FAQ

Is Reykjavík in October worth it?

Yes. Reykjavík in October is less crowded, the weather is manageable, and nights are dark enough for the northern lights. It’s one of the best months to explore the city without the peak-season rush. 

Will you see the northern lights in Reykjavík in October?

Yes. Long nights improve your chances of seeing them. For the best experience, leave city lights behind or visit the Áróra exhibit for an immersive introduction to the northern lights before heading out.

Is Reykjavík walkable in October?

Yes. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot, even in October. Just be prepared for rain and wind with waterproof clothing. 

Can you see whales in Reykjavík in October?

Yes, but it’s the last chance before winter. October is the final month for whale watching tours in Reykjavík, with humpback and minke whales still sometimes spotted.

How dark is Reykjavík in October?

By late October, daylight lasts about eight hours. The shorter days mean plenty of darkness for northern lights viewing while still leaving time to explore the city.