Reykjavik

A 1 km-long peninsula in Elliðaárvogur bay dedicated entirely to off-leash dogs — the largest hundasvæði in Iceland. Gravel paths, black-sand shore and Atlantic swimming make it the daily gathering place of Reykjavik's dog community.

The small central lake is famous for its 40+ bird species, which is exactly why dogs must remain leashed on the paths around it. The benches on the east side and the sculpture garden behind City Hall make for short, easy walks with a dog.

Guðjón Samúelsson's 74-metre basalt-inspired church of 1986 is Reykjavik's icon. Dogs are not allowed inside the church or the tower lift, but the surrounding lawns and the Leif Eriksson statue make a fine photo stop on leash.

A white 1947 lighthouse at the tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, reachable on foot at low tide. From 1 May to 15 July the reserve closes for bird nesting, but the rest of the year it offers the best northern-lights-with-dog viewpoint in town.

Reykjavik's largest park, built around the hot springs that once washed the city's laundry, now home to the botanical garden, family zoo and geothermal pools. A fenced dog area sits at the valley's eastern edge by the Laugardalsvöllur stadium.

Former fishing docks reinvented with galleries, the Marshall House art centre, Valdís ice cream and the FlyOver Iceland attraction. Dogs on leash are welcome along the whole waterfront and on the Harpa concert hall's outdoor terraces.