Staying in Kvosin and around the Pond
The streets around Austurvöllur and the northern edge of Tjörnin make a useful starting point for several different walks. Head south beside the water for gardens and the university, or north through the center toward the harbor. Check whether your accommodation faces a square or a side street, since evening activity varies over a small distance.
At a glance
- Best for
- The pond, old streets
- At night
- Quiet, busy on bar streets at weekends
- Getting around
- Buses at Lækjartorg
- Price level
- €€€
The oldest part of town around the pond, the parliament and the cathedral, a few minutes west of Laugavegur.
Good for
- The pond and the oldest buildings on foot
- Walking to Harpa, the harbor and Laugavegur
- A calmer evening than the main street
Think twice if
- You want lots of cafes and shops beside the door in the evening
- You'd choose a place near the Austurstræti bars on a weekend night
- Stairs are hard for you: check the lift
What is near Kvosin and the Pond
The Settlement Exhibition
From Austurvöllur, walk about 3 minutes along the surrounding streets to the exhibition entrance on Aðalstræti.
Hljómskálagarður
Walk south beside Tjörnin for about 10 minutes from City Hall to reach the park paths.
National Museum of Iceland
Allow about 15 minutes from Austurvöllur, following the western side of the pond toward Suðurgata.
Eating in Kvosin and the Pond
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is a short walk north of Austurvöllur for a quick meal. Around the square, compare menus and kitchen hours before settling on a sit-down option. Streets that feel quiet during the afternoon can have more evening activity around bars.
Getting around from Kvosin and the Pond
Lækjartorg is a useful nearby bus reference point; check Strætó for current lines and the correct boarding stop. Most central sights are reachable on foot. For the BSÍ terminal, map the walk from your address and allow extra time when carrying luggage.
Hotels in Kvosin and the Pond
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Other areas of Reykjavík
Staying in Kvosin and around the Pond
Can I walk all the way around the pond?
Paths and pavements allow a circuit of Tjörnin. Use the crossings where roads interrupt your route, and take care when surfaces are icy.
Is a room facing Austurvöllur quiet?
The square attracts gatherings and evening visitors. Ask the accommodation about glazing and room orientation if uninterrupted sleep is a priority.
Does this area work for museum visits?
The Settlement Exhibition is close to the square, while the National Museum lies farther south. They fit separate visits connected by a walk beside the pond.