Staying in Skólavörðuholt
Use Hallgrímskirkja as your landmark, but pay attention to which side of the hill your accommodation occupies. An address toward Njarðargata suits walks south, while one near Frakkastígur connects more directly with Laugavegur. Short distances on the map can involve an uphill return, which matters after a pool visit or when carrying shopping.
At a glance
- Best for
- Calm, views
- At night
- Quiet
- Getting around
- Buses at the foot of the hill; tour pick-ups
- Price level
- €€€
The hill under Hallgrímskirkja, with small shops, galleries and cafes, a short walk from Laugavegur.
Good for
- Quiet nights close to the main street
- Small shops, galleries and cafes on the way down
- Views of the city and the church at the door
Think twice if
- You want to avoid a steep walk home, in ice especially
- You want a wide choice of large hotels
- You'd choose a place right beside the nightlife
What is near Skólavörðuholt
Einar Jónsson sculpture garden
From Hallgrímskirkja, walk about 2 minutes to the garden beside the museum, immediately southwest of the church.
Sundhöllin
Allow about 10 minutes from the church, walking east toward Barónsstígur for a swim.
Skólavörðustígur
Walk downhill from the church for about 5 minutes to reach the lower stretch of shops and galleries.
Eating in Skólavörðuholt
Brauð & Co on Frakkastígur fits a morning walk downhill. Þrír Frakkar on Baldursgata is another named option within the surrounding streets. Check opening hours before planning an early breakfast or late meal, since the residential streets have fewer alternatives immediately beside each other.
Getting around from Skólavörðuholt
For buses, compare stops on nearby main roads with Hlemmur downhill to the east. Check current Strætó lines for your destination before choosing a stop. For an airport transfer, confirm the designated meeting point and allow time to walk there with luggage.
Hotels in Skólavörðuholt
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Other areas of Reykjavík
Staying in Skólavörðuholt
Will I need to climb the hill every day?
Most walks back from the main shopping streets involve some ascent. Choose an address lower on the slope if repeated uphill walks would be difficult.
Can I visit the sculpture garden separately?
The garden is distinct from the indoor museum visit. Check the museum's official information for current access arrangements before planning around it.
Is this a practical base for swimming?
Sundhöllin is within walking distance of the church area. Pack a separate bag for wet swimwear and account for the uphill walk back.