- Distance from Reykjavík
- 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Coordinates
- 64.1123° - 21.9103° W
- Best time to Visit
- All year round
Where is Kópavogur Located?
Kópavogur is a town in the Greater Reykjavik area of Iceland, adjacent to Reykjavik’s capital. While Kópavogur itself might not be known for major tourist attractions, its proximity to Reykjavik and the surrounding area offers a variety of interests and activities for visitors.
Kópavogur is just a 10-minute ride, 5 kilometres south of downtown Reykjavík by car. Take Route 40 to Route 49. Street parking is available, and it’s easy to find parking spots.
City buses go to Kópavogur, including buses 1, 2, and 28.
Kópavogur Attractions
Kópavogur Art Museum
The Kópavogur Art Museum is named Gerðarsafn in Icelandic, after sculptor Gerður Helgadóttir, who died in 1975. In 1977, her family donated roughly 1,400 of her works to the municipality of Kópavogur so that a museum bearing her name would be opened. The museum opened in 1994. Gerður’s black-iron works in the 1950s made her a pioneer of three-dimensional abstract art in Iceland.
It’s a pretty museum with varied works of art, and it’s worth a visit if you’re in the neighbourhood.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a great place to bring kids to learn about the animals and geology of Iceland. The exhibits fall into two categories: zoological and geological. The geology section, where you learn about Iceland's major rock types and minerals, is of more interest to adults.
The zoological part focuses on the country's mammals, fish, birds, and invertebrates. It’s educational and entertaining, and kids love the exhibitions of seals, foxes, and cute birds like puffins.
The Sky Lagoon Spa
Sky Lagoon is a new gem in Kópavogur, built in 2021 . This luxurious and serene retreat offers a unique, authentic Icelandic spa experience. The design of Sky Lagoon is inspired by Icelandic landscapes, featuring natural .materials that harmonize with the stunning surroundings.
The lagoon's design allows for panoramic views, most notably the vast Atlantic Ocean on one side. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy the spectacular play of the Northern Lights in winter or the endless glow of the Midnight Sun in summer.