Tjörnin City Pond
A serene urban oasis in Reykjavik, Tjörnin City Pond is a haven for birdlife and a peaceful escape with picturesque views of City Hall.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bird activity
Tjörnin City Pond
Best Time
Peak bird activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene urban oasis in Reykjavik, Tjörnin City Pond is a haven for birdlife and a peaceful escape with picturesque views of City Hall.
"Super atmosphere in downtown of Reykjavík city but so beautiful and calm !!!"
🐦 Feed the Birds (Responsibly)
Bring bird-friendly snacks like oats or peas. Avoid bread, as it's not healthy for them!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Paths
Enjoy leisurely walks on the clean, well-maintained paths surrounding the pond. Great for a relaxing break.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Abundant Birdlife
The entire pond
Witness a vibrant array of ducks, geese, and swans gracefully navigating the water. A true haven for bird enthusiasts!
City Hall & Museum Views
Surrounding the pond
Enjoy picturesque views of Reykjavik's City Hall and several museums, creating a beautiful urban-nature blend.
Hljómskálagarður Park
Southern shore
Relax on the grassy shores of this adjacent park, offering peaceful spots to sit and admire the scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Birdwatching & Serenity
Winter Skating Potential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Skating Outdoors in Reykjavik
🐦 Feed the Birds (Responsibly)
Bring bird-friendly snacks like oats or peas. Avoid bread, as it's not healthy for them!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Paths
Enjoy leisurely walks on the clean, well-maintained paths surrounding the pond. Great for a relaxing break.
How is the ice on Tjörnin? Good for skating?
⛸️ Winter Skating Caution
Observe locals before skating on frozen Tjörnin. Ice thickness varies; safety is paramount.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The pond offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially with the City Hall backdrop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐦 Feed the Birds (Responsibly)
Bring bird-friendly snacks like oats or peas. Avoid bread, as it's not healthy for them!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Paths
Enjoy leisurely walks on the clean, well-maintained paths surrounding the pond. Great for a relaxing break.
⛸️ Winter Skating Caution
Observe locals before skating on frozen Tjörnin. Ice thickness varies; safety is paramount.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The pond offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially with the City Hall backdrop.
🧘♀️ Find a Peaceful Bench
Numerous benches offer perfect spots to sit, relax, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tjörnin City Pond is widely praised as a beautiful and tranquil urban oasis, perfect for birdwatching and relaxation. Visitors appreciate the abundance of wildlife, the scenic views of City Hall, and the peaceful atmosphere. Some minor concerns include the variability of winter ice safety for skating and the need for responsible bird feeding.
"This is the small city lake in the centre of Reykjavik. It is surrounded by municipal buildings, church, museums and is bordered by Hljómskálagarður Park to the south.
The lake is frequented by quite a few bird species and is lined with a handful of monuments as well filling in the grassy shorelines.
There is a pedestrian and motor vehicle bridge across the middle of the lake that you can cross as well. Worth a visit if you have some time in Reykjavik."
Brad
"Super nice garden and lake.
With many birds, ducks and airplane.
Super atmosphere in downtown of Reykjavík city but so beautiful and calm !!!"
Vala
"The lake is so pretty and tranquil. There are several places to sit and take in the view. I was there on a slightly rainy, summer day with little sun (a pretty typical day in Reykjavik, as I understand it), and I still really enjoyed my time there. It's a great spot to visit after a meal, or just to give your feet a rest."
Bryan Stoops
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tjörnin City Pond is centrally located in Reykjavik, easily accessible on foot from many downtown hotels and attractions. It's situated right by the City Hall. If you're coming from further afield, local buses stop frequently near the pond.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the pond, several public parking garages and street parking options are available within a short walking distance in the downtown area. Be prepared for paid parking.
Yes, Tjörnin City Pond is a pleasant walk from Hallgrímskirkja, taking about 15-20 minutes. It's a great way to see more of the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Tjörnin City Pond is a public space and is completely free to visit. You can wander around the paths and enjoy the scenery without any cost.
Tjörnin City Pond is accessible 24/7, as it's an outdoor public area. However, the best experience for birdwatching and enjoying the views is during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tjörnin is famous for its rich birdlife. You'll commonly see various species of ducks, geese, and swans. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching.
Absolutely! There are numerous benches strategically placed along the pathways, offering comfortable spots to sit, relax, and enjoy the views.
Yes, there are well-maintained pedestrian paths that circle the entire pond, allowing you to explore its perimeter and enjoy different perspectives.
Indeed, the pond and its surroundings feature several monuments and statues, adding an artistic and historical element to your visit.
Yes, children often enjoy watching the birds and the open space. Parents should be mindful of the water's edge and any statues, as noted in some visitor feedback.
📸 📸 Photography
The bridge crossing the pond offers great views of the City Hall and the water. The southern end near Hljómskálagarður Park provides lovely natural backdrops. Don't miss the mermaid statue in the water on the opposite end!
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer, more flattering light for photography. The 'golden hour' can create beautiful reflections on the water and highlight the surrounding architecture.
Yes, the birds are quite accustomed to people, making it a great place for wildlife photography. Maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful that the pond has statues, including a mermaid statue in the water and a naked man statue nearby, which parents might want to point out or discuss with younger children. Overall, it's a safe and engaging outdoor space for families to enjoy a peaceful interlude in Reykjavik.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
With numerous benches scattered along the route, you can easily stop whenever you wish to rest, read a book, or just watch the birds. The pond's central location also makes it a convenient stop during a day of exploring Reykjavik on foot, offering a peaceful respite between attractions.
📸 Photographers
Don't forget to capture the abundant birdlife; the swans, ducks, and geese offer dynamic subjects. The bridge crossing the pond is also a popular spot for capturing panoramic views. Remember to bring a lens that can handle both wider scenic shots and closer details of the wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Haven: Birdwatching at Tjörnin
For the best birdwatching experience, aim for the early morning or late afternoon hours when the birds are often most active. While feeding the birds is a popular activity, it's crucial to do so responsibly. Visitors are advised to bring bird-friendly snacks like oats or peas, and to avoid feeding them bread, which can be harmful to their health. This mindful approach ensures the long-term well-being of Tjörnin's avian residents.
A Tranquil Escape in the City Center
Many reviewers highlight Tjörnin as a great place to visit after a meal or when your feet need a rest. The presence of numerous benches provides ample opportunity to sit back, relax, and soak in the serene atmosphere. Whether you're experiencing a typical Reykjavik day with little sun or enjoying a brighter afternoon, the pond's charm remains constant, offering a refreshing pause in your urban exploration.
Winter Wonders: Skating and Scenery
Even if skating isn't possible, Tjörnin retains its charm in winter. The stark beauty of the frozen or partially frozen pond, contrasted with the surrounding city buildings, offers a unique photographic perspective. The quiet atmosphere of Reykjavik in winter can make a visit to Tjörnin a particularly serene experience, offering a different kind of beauty compared to its warmer months.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit