If you’ve been wondering what Of Monsters and Men have been up to in the six years since their last album, the answer is: a lot. The Icelandic folk-rock group released a documentary, Tíu, and an accompanying EP in 2023 to mark the 10th anniversary of their debut, My Head Is an Animal. In the years since, they’ve pursued solo projects, started families, and eventually regrouped to create what became their new album, All Is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade.
The title may sound cryptic, but it clicks once you understand the record’s focus on duality—looking both inward and backward at the band’s lives, families, and communities, the collective “Mouse Parade.” The album has a quiet intimacy to its sound and delivery, and a warmth to its themes that feels grounded and familiar.
No strangers to the screen, Of Monsters and Men’s song “Dream Team” appears in A Big Bold Beautiful Journey starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. And who could forget their cameo in Game of Thrones, performing as a traveling theater troupe’s band during a Braavosi play as Arya Stark watched from the audience?
Next up, the band brings their unmistakable stage presence to North America this fall, with an extensive tour hitting nearly 20 cities and multi-night runs at both the Brooklyn Paramount and Hollywood Palladium. The tour continues through the U.K. and Europe in early 2026—on an itinerary that looks like Rick Steves himself might have planned it, except for one curious omission: their hometown of Reykjavík. Not to worry, since they’re the experts, Of Monsters and Men share their top 10 essential things to do if you find yourself aimlessly wandering Reykjavík, courtesy of co-vocalist Nanna Bryndís Hílmarsdóttir with input from the rest of the group.
The public pools are the best way to start your day, and it’s one of the things I miss the most when I’m not here. Vesturbæjarlaug or Sundhöllin are both great, but different. Soak in the hot tub, listen to people rant about politics, then do a cold plunge, sauna, and you’re ready for the day.
If you’re thirsty and hungry for some lunch after swimming, Kaffi Vest is right around the corner from Vesturbæjarlaug.
Bakeries
They are everywhere and they are all good in their own way. The one I find myself going to is Baka Baka. It’s right downtown, and next to it there’s a punk museum in a public bathroom…good little detour with your croissant in hand.
Coffee
Reykjavík Roasters is always solid. They have a few different locations, but I like the one in Ásmundarsalur. It’s a beautiful building that used to be the home and studio of Ásmundur Sveinsson, one of Iceland’s most-loved sculptors. Today the house is a coffee shop and an art space, with performances and exhibitions happening on the second floor. (And if you’re in Iceland before Christmas, they have a really lovely market with local artists selling their pieces.)
Record store for all your vinyl needs—you’ll find some Icelandic gems here. They also serve coffee and beer and sometimes there are live events, so it’s a good place to hang out for a while.
Ocean Time
There are many nice paths by the ocean for a walk. I like going to Nauthólsvík to swim in the ocean. Most of our beaches have black sand, so it’s a strange sight to see this manmade golden-sand beach. After dipping into the ocean, you can relax in the hot tub and order coffee.
The Reykjavík Art Museum has three locations. Plenty to explore, and all beautiful in their own way. The museums regularly exhibit works by Iceland’s most well-known artists. Always a good place to wander.
A Nordic-style bistro—good cocktails, good food, good times.
Drive Aimlessly / Rúnta
You’re never far from nature when in Reykjavík. Drive 30 minutes out of town and there’s plenty to see and many beautiful hikes. But if we are sticking to the downtown area, I’d say take the car and drive to an ice cream shop. Order a bragðarefur, then drive to the lighthouse at Grótta.
Best place for good wine… perfect place to end your night. Not loud, not too quiet. Just kinda perfect.
