Getting around Reykjavik on the city's step-free streets

The geothermal snow melting systems beneath some downtown streets and pavements help clear snow and ice. Downtown Reykjavik streets have curb cuts, or dropped curbs, at crossings that make it easier to move between sidewalks and roads. Almost every business on Laugavegur is wheelchair accessible. The Ramping up Iceland campaign installs street level ramps at shops, cafes and restaurants and has added more than 1700 ramps across Iceland. The level seaside path along Saebraut gives wheelchair users a route to the Harpa concert hall. Straeto city buses in Reykjavik are wheelchair accessible, but passengers need to be able to board and leave the bus without assistance.

Reaching attractions and estimating day-trip driving distances

Buses outside the Reykjavik city network usually do not have lifts or ramps. A privately guided tour with a dedicated driver and guide is widely considered the most flexible way for wheelchair users to travel in Iceland. Most guided tour operators can carry foldable manual wheelchairs, while powered chairs generally require an adapted, lift equipped vehicle. Adapted vehicles and lift equipped vans are available from specialist operators and some rental companies, and powered mobility devices can be rented locally. The Golden Circle and the south coast are the most common accessible day trips run from Reykjavik. Use the Driving Distance Calculator to help plan your trip.

Accessible viewpoints along the Golden Circle and south coast

Gullfoss and Geysir have paved paths from the parking areas to the main viewpoints, and Geysir has an accessible viewing deck. Thingvellir National Park has wooden boardwalk paths that run above the lava fields. The Gunnuhver geothermal area on the Reykjanes peninsula has boardwalk pathways suitable for wheelchairs.

Geothermal bathing designed for reduced mobility

The Blue Lagoon has wheelchair accessible changing rooms with roll in showers, a ramp into the water, and a pool lift that lowers guests from a wheelchair into the lagoon. The Blue Lagoon keeps a specially designed amphibious wheelchair and offers a shower chair on request, and it admits a carer or assistant free of charge when help is needed. Reykjavik has 18 public swimming pools, all heated by geothermal energy. Laugardalslaug, the city's largest pool, has a pool lift for the main outdoor pool plus a wheelchair accessible hot tub and sauna. Sundholl Reykjavikur also has a pool lift and an accessible hot tub.

Parking permits, apps and practical planning tips

Disabled parking spaces in Iceland are marked with a wheelchair symbol, and spaces marked with a person's name or a vehicle registration number should not be used. Foreign disabled parking permits that follow the EU Blue Badge or ECMT standards are recognised in Iceland under reciprocal arrangements. The Flybus airport transfer offers a wheelchair accessible taxi service for electric wheelchairs when booked at least 24 hours in advance. TravAble is a free app that maps accessible venues and services in Reykjavik using information reported by users.

Comparing accessible private tours and guides in Reykjavik

You can compare Reykjavik tours to see the current options.