Kópavogur

Kópavogur is Iceland’s second largest municipality. Just a stone’s throw from the centre of Reykjavík, the town boasts a number of remarkable sights and buildings including a modern dome-shaped church, a recital hall, a modern art museum and a natural history museum. Kópavogur is the perfect destination if you’re in the mood to get in touch with nature and we recommend taking some time to experience the coastal ecosystem and birdlife. After a long day of exploring, a visit to one of the capital area’s best swimming pools is the perfect way to relax. 

Culture

On Kópavogur’s Culture Hill stands a collection of institutions dedicated to art and culture, conveniently located in a cluster of buildings at Hamraborg 4-6. 

The Kópavogur Art Museum, Gerðarsafn, is a progressive museum focusing mostly on modern and contemporary art.  The museum offers temporary exhibitions with works by Icelandic and international contemporary artists as well as displaying works from the museum’s collection. The exhibitions are generally inspired by the museum’s status as the only Icelandic museum built in honour of a female artist, Gerður Helgadóttir (1928-1975). Gerður (1928-1975) was a pioneer of three-dimensional abstract art and glass art in Iceland and the museum collection holds over 1400 works by Gerður.  

Gerðarsafn Art Museum
Hamraborg 4, Kópavogur
+354 570 0440
Website
Open: Every day 10-17

Next door to the art museum is the Kópavogur Public Library. The library has an extensive selection of books and magazines, in English as well as Icelandic.

Salurinn Concert Hall was the first concert hall in Iceland to be specifically designed with regard to acoustics. It hosts all kinds of concerts, see www.salurinn.is for more information. 

The Natural History Museum hosts exhibitions, with an emphasis on geology and Icelandic wildlife, including the arctic fox, and numerous species of fish and birds. It also has an interesting exhibition of Japanese-style “marimo” lake balls. Science fans will also want to check out the Borgarholt coastal preserve just a short walk away.

Natural History Museum

Hamraborg 6A, Kópavogur
+354 570 0430
Website
Open: Mon-Thu 9-18, Fri-Sat 11-17

Health and Lifestyle

The Kópavogur swimming pool is well worth a visit. It’s a great place for young families, with an outdoor swimming pool, several hot tubs and a sauna. There is also a Nautilus gym on the grounds.

The Sky Lagoon is a new geothermal spa in Kópavogur. Opened in 2021, this man-made lagoon sits in Kársnes Harbour, just minutes away from the Kópavogur city centre. There are several different packages to choose from, including a seven-step ritual that takes you through a sauna, steam room, cold fog, and geothermal baths for a guaranteed relaxing experience. While you are there, get a refreshing drink at the bar and a snack at the Sky Cafe. The Sky Lagoon’s eco-friendly architecture, commitment to sustainability, and holistic take on the spa experience make it a must-see stop.

Kópavogur Swimming Pool
Borgarholtsbraut 17
+354 570 0470
Website
Open: May–Sep | Mon-Fri 6.30-22, Sat-Sun 8-20
Oct–Apr | Mon-Fri 6.30-22, Sat-Sun 8-18

Another great place to make a splash is the Versalir thermal pool and gym. As one of the newest facilities in the capital area, it’s well worth a visit. If you’d rather work up a sweat, you could visit the Nautilus gym on-site. 

Salalaug Thermal Pool and Gym
Versölum 3, Kópavogur
+354 570 0480
Website
Open: May–Sep | Mon-Fri 6.30-22, Sat-Sun 8-20
Oct–Apr | Mon-Fri 6.30-22, Sat-Sun 8-18

In addition to the great facilities Kópavogur has to offer, the town is also rich in green areas, walking paths and bicycle paths, perfect for a day out in nature. Whether you feel like having a day out in nature, taking in some art and culture, going swimming, shopping, or hitting the gym, Kópavogur is the perfect destination. 

The Hamraborg area is serviced by buses no 1, 2, and 4. Check out www.straeto.is or get the mobile Klapp app for more information. 

For more information, check out www.kopavogur.is