A colourful capital

A capital in colour

The Reykjavik audio-guided tour invites you to look up at the colourful facades of the capital. To ward off the greyness and cold of the long Nordic winters, Icelanders have bet on the colour of their houses, which brightens the urban landscape in every season.

Houses of corrugated iron

In Reykjavik, sun and light are scarce in winter. So as not to suffer the monotony of the weather, the inhabitants have painted their houses in bright colours, built of corrugated iron for insulation reasons. Deep red, fir green, chick yellow, sky blue or bright pink: no shade is forbidden, and the streets of the centre offer a real open-air colour chart.

What there is to see

Strolling through the streets of the centre, you discover a mosaic of colourful facades that make all the charm of Reykjavik. Combined with street art and tin roofs, they create a unique setting, particularly photogenic under the Nordic light. It is one of the most characteristic images of the Icelandic capital.

Practical information

The colourful facades can be seen freely, during the walk through the streets of central Reykjavik, notably around Laugavegur. There is no specific site or schedule: you just need to stroll and look up. The light changes quickly in Iceland, offering a different atmosphere at every moment.

Why are Reykjavik's houses colourful ?

To brighten the long grey and dark winters, the inhabitants have painted their corrugated iron houses in bright colours.

Where to see the finest colourful facades ?

In the streets of central Reykjavik, particularly around Laugavegur street, where the colours blend with street art.