Vesturbær Neighborhood
Reykjavík's oldest residential neighbourhood — corrugated iron houses, historic streets and the Old Harbour revitalisation area on its doorstep.
About
About Vesturbær Neighborhood
Reykjavík's oldest residential neighbourhood — corrugated iron houses, historic streets and the Old Harbour revitalisation area on its doorstep.
Walk the corrugated iron streets of old Reykjavík to see what the city looked like before the 20th century — the most authentic neighbourhood in the capital.
Tours Near Vesturbær Neighborhood
Private Reykjavik LGBTQ+ City Walk
Your Friend in Reykjavik · 3 hours
Private Reykjavik City Tour
Icelimo Luxurytravel · 4 hours
Private 3 hour Reykjavik Driving Tour
Your Friend in Reykjavik · 3 hours
Private Reykjavik Shopping & Sightseeing Walking Tour
Your Friend in Reykjavik · 3 hours
Photos
Gallery
Background
History & Background
Vesturbær — Reykjavík's West Side has been a significant site in Iceland's landscape. Throughout the years, this location has played an important role in Icelandic culture and natural history.
Vesturbær — Reykjavík's West Side is a remarkable neighborhood in Iceland. Vesturbær — Reykjavík's West Side is a unique destination and attraction in Capital Region. Discover the natural beauty and cultural richness that mak... Vesturbær — Reykjavík's 'West Side' — is one of the oldest residential neighbourhoods in the city, containing some of the best examples of early 20th century Reykjavík architecture: corrugated iron houses in faded colours, old-style Icelandic gardens. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Iceland's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Vesturbær — Reykjavík's 'West Side' — is one of the oldest residential neighbourhoods in the city, containing some of the best examples of early 20th century Reykjavík architecture: corrugated iron houses in faded colours, old-style Icelandic gardens, and tree-lined streets that predate the city's post-war expansion. The neighbourhood contains Grandagarður and the Old Harbour revitalisation area on one side and the Seltjarnarnes peninsula on the other. The Reykjavík pool at Vesturbæjarlaug is one of the city's oldest and most popular. Walking through Vesturbær gives a sense of what Reykjavík looked like before glass office buildings arrived.
Did You Know?
The corrugated iron cladding on Vesturbær houses was originally a practical export product — it was cheaper to import iron sheets from Britain than to use local timber.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Engey
Engey is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Njáls saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Harðar saga og Hólmverja", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Skuggabaldur – The Shadow Creature
Skuggabaldur: A phantom dog guarding forgotten paths.
Höfði House – Reykjavík's Haunted Mansion
Höfði House: Reykjavík's historic mansion with a chilling paranormal past.
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
Best Time of Day
Visit Vesturbær — Reykjavík's West Side during golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) for the most beautiful light.
Iceland's low-angle sunlight creates long shadows and warm colors that transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary ones.
Local Knowledge
Ask locals for their favorite nearby spots — Icelanders are friendly and love sharing recommendations.
The best experiences often come from local tips about lesser-known viewpoints, cafés, or hidden natural features.
Weather Changes
Don't leave if the weather is bad — wait 15 minutes and it often changes dramatically.
Iceland's rapidly changing weather can transform a gray scene into a spectacular display of light and clouds in minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Location
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