Unexpected Visitor in Reykjavík: Humpback Whale Swims Close to the City Centre

Tourists and residents of Reykjavík were recently given an unexpected opportunity to see one of the North Atlantic’s most impressive inhabitants almost in the heart of the city. A humpback whale appeared close to the Icelandic capital’s shoreline, near Harpa Concert Hall and the famous Sun Voyager sculpture.

A Whale Between Harpa and the Sun Voyager

The whale was spotted very close to shore, in the area between Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture—one of Reykjavík’s most visited waterfront locations. Its appearance caught the attention of passers-by, who only had to look towards the bay for this remarkable encounter with Iceland’s marine wildlife.

Whales Are Part of Iceland’s North Atlantic

The waters around Iceland are known for their rich marine life, and humpback whales are among the species that can be encountered on whale-watching excursions. Faxaflói Bay, on whose shore Reykjavík is located, is one of the main areas from which these tours depart every day.

A Reminder of How Close Nature Is to Reykjavík

Moments like this are part of what makes Iceland so special. Although Reykjavík is a modern European capital, wild nature is never far away—and sometimes, as on this occasion, it comes almost to the very centre of the city.

For travellers wishing to discover Iceland’s marine life, seasonal whale-watching tours depart from Reykjavík into Faxaflói Bay. A sighting in the wild can never be guaranteed, but that very unpredictability makes every trip out to sea unique.

Source: RÚV, 21 August 2026.