Seltjarnarnes 

Positioned at the very tip of the peninsula on which Reykjavík sits, Seltjarnarnes is a wonderfully peaceful direction to take for gorgeous coastal walks from the city centre, offering outstanding ocean views across Faxafloi Bay to Esja and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

At its furthest point is the imposing Grótta Lighthouse, sited on a spit with a narrow strip of land connecting it to the peninsula.

The area is home to nesting birds in the spring and summer, with Grótta closed at times to protect the young. In the winter, it’s a great spot for hunting the Northern Lights, away from the bright lights of downtown.

There’s also a handily placed hot pot to soothe tired feet.

Hafnarfjördur

This harbour town on the edges of Reykjavík is very picturesque with a pleasant harbour walk, with an impressive array of boutiques, bookshops and more. A decent coffee can be found at Brikk.

Videy Island 

Just a short ferry ride, either from the Old Harbour or Sundahöfn a little further along Sæbraut, Videy Island is an oasis of calm, away from the bustling streets of the city. An open-air museum, there are preserved historic farm buildings, a range of modern art sculptures, including the Peace Tower tribute to John Lennon, a tiny church and a fine cafe. As well as that, it’s a haven for wildlife, with birds and bees providing the only noise.

Kópavogur

A satellite town of Reykjavík, Kópavogur possesses an interesting modern art museum, an unusually shaped church and a concert hall, but for many it’s main attraction is its coastal environment, peninsula pathways  and varied birdlife.

Grafarvogur

There isn’t a great deal to draw the visitor to this Reykjavík suburb, apart from a surprisingly impressive statue park positioned near the water, with uninterrupted views across to Esja.