Bæjarskrifstofan

The island is part of a protected nature reserve known for its birdlife, including Arctic terns, and the shoreline has tide pools worth a look. The present lighthouse dates from the mid-20th century and replaced an earlier one. The walking paths along the shore make the peninsula a popular outing for locals.

Whales of Iceland is an indoor exhibition in the Grandi harbour district, where more than twenty life-sized whale models hang and stand through a darkened hall. Walking between them, you can appreciate just how enormous creatures like blue whales and sperm whales really are. An audio guide explains the species that visit Icelandic waters.

Harpa is a striking concert hall and conference centre on the edge of Reykjavík's old harbour. Its glass façade is made of faceted, honeycomb-like panels that catch the changing northern light and shift colour with the sky and the sea. Inside, the lobby is open to everyone and has cafés, shops and sweeping views over the bay.