Lake Tjörnin

Lake Tjornin

The Reykjavik audio-guided tour leads you to the edge of Lake Tjornin, a small body of water nestled in the heart of the city. Affectionately called the pond by the locals, it gives the Icelandic capital the air of a peaceful village, between pretty houses and tree-lined paths.

The cradle of the city

It was around Tjornin that the urban development of Reykjavik began. The many important buildings that frame it, such as the town hall, Parliament and the national gallery, are the best testimony to this. Loved by locals and visitors alike, the lake is a place of strolling and relaxation in the heart of the capital, where many bird species mingle.

What there is to see

You walk around the lake, watching the ducks, swans and other birds that find refuge there, and admiring the fine houses and institutions that line it. In winter, Tjornin sometimes partly freezes, offering a magical landscape. It is one of Icelanders' favourite spots to recharge in the middle of the city.

Practical information

Lake Tjornin can be seen freely, in the open air, in the heart of Reykjavik, near the town hall and Parliament. The walk around the lake can be done on foot at any time, with no fee. In winter, caution is advised on the frozen areas, whose solidity is not guaranteed.

Why is Lake Tjornin important ?

It was around its shores that the city of Reykjavik developed; it remains its peaceful heart, lined with major buildings.

What can you do at Lake Tjornin ?

Walk around the lake, watch the birds and admire the houses and institutions that line it, in the heart of the city.