|
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
YOUR AD HERE
YOUR AD HERE
YOUR AD HERE
YOUR AD HERE |
About the City (Clicking on red colored text will link to more info or videos or official sites)
101 Reykjavik
The word Reykjavik means 'smokey bay', called this because when the first settlers arrived around 870 AD, steam from the area's geothermal activity wafted through the cool air. Everyone calls '101' home. Everyone hangs out here from fishermen working the harbour to parliamentarians shuffling into the myriad cafés and restaurants dotting the cobbled sidewalks, to rollerbladers, and to diplomats hustling down embassy row to partiers out for an alcohol-fuelled pub-crawl. |
Old Town
Throw away the maps and walk around Old Town on your own with nothing to guide you but the sights and sounds of Reykjavik. Watch hardy Icelanders dressed in overalls working the port to wrestle the ocean’s bounty from the stubborn sea. Tour the cobbled sidewalks past brightly coloured houses protected from the subarctic elements by corrugated metal sidings, and pass the bakeries and Icelandic woollen shops. The Old Harbour is not a museum, continuing to maintain its rustic history. |
Vesturbær
The oldest and most successful football club in Iceland, KR, calls this neighbourhood home. Despite being just a ten-minute walk from downtown, this peaceful self-contained neighbourhood is still referred to as a suburb, and is seen as a respite from the hip 101 postcode. There are plenty of green open spaces where local children come to play football, and even when the winter snows cover the grass, they just put on their thick coveralls and have a kick about despite the cold. |
Laugardalur
Once a Mecca for geothermal activity, hundreds of years ago residents of this valley baked bread by burying it in the ground. Today, the pastoral neighbourhood comprising Laugardalur valley marks the epicentre of Iceland’s national sports and athletics teams, and is home to the financial district where Iceland’s three largest banks went bankrupt in 2008. This is the location of Iceland’s national sports and athletic facilities. Iceland’s national football and handball stadiums are located here. |
Imagine Peace Tower
A shining tribute to John Lennon. Buried beneath the stone monument are more than 500,000 messages of peace written in numerous languages. You can send a wish by post, email or social media and they will add it to the tower's collection. The Tower, conceived by Yoko Ono, consists of 15 searchlights with prisms that act as mirrors, reflecting the column of light vertically from a 10m-wide wishing well entirely fuelled by Iceland's geothermal rich soil. Located on Viðey Island in Kollafjörður Bay, |
Hallgrímskirkja
Dominating the Reykjavik skyline, this epic Lutheran church is one of the city's most unique and prominent landmarks. In a beautiful marrying of nature and modernity, the 244ft concrete tower shooting up into the blue sky was designed to resemble the basalt lava flows that shape Iceland’s rugged landscape. While the inside is more demure, head up the tower for a spectacular view from the observation deck. Gaze down upon the rooftops of Reykjavik while taking in the snow-glazed mountains ringing the city. |
Ráðhús Reykjavíkur
The focal point for the northernmost capital’s operations, City Hall is characterized by a lighter and brighter air, both inside and outside. Architects designed the building so it split into four two-storey bays, each top-lit by an elliptical roof light. On the ground floor you can find a café with windows overlooking Tjörnin pond. Though surprisingly impressive is the massive topographical map of Iceland, highlighting the glaciers and the fjords, which will give you a real understanding of the landscape. |
The Pearl
The Pearl (Perlan) is a remarkable building, unique in Iceland and probably in the whole world. On Oskjuhlid hill, atop the huge tanks in which natural hot water is tored for heating the city, a glass dome has been constructed: under the dome is a rotating restaurant serving fine cuisine. while around the outside is a viewing platform with panoramic 360 degree views of the city and its surroundings. Access to the viewing platform is free of charge. A spacious atrium holds various exhibitions and events. |
Asmundarsafn
Few artists get the opportunity to design the museum in which their life's work will one day be displayed; the Icelandic sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson, however did just that. Drawing on architectural ideas from the Mediterranean, the domed buildings of the Middle East and the pyramids of Egypt, the artist himself designed and constructed the original structure now housing Asmundarsafn museum. Nearly thirty of the actual sculptures are located outside in the artist’s gardens surrounding the museum. |
Hafnarhús
The moody rock band Sigur Ros performed in this open-space museum. Hosting a concert by this cult-group, known for eerie yet dreamy music, reveals how modern and experimental the museum directors are. Serving as the Reykjavik Art Museum’s Institute of Contemporary Art, the directors and curators explore new developments in art through diverse exhibitions of both Icelandic and international artists. This museum holds a permanent exhibition by the Icelandic pop-artist Erró. |
Kjarvalsstadir Museum
This museum stands out as the first building in Iceland ever designed specifically for visual art exhibitions. It makes sense therefore, that it is dedicated to the most famous of Icelandic painters, Jóhannes S. Kjarval. The museum is devoted to paintings and sculptures by well established homegrown and international artists, though primarily it exhibits work by its beloved namesake Icelandic painter Jóhannes S. Kjarval. Home to the permanent collection of his work, |
National Museum
The National Museum was the leading body in preparing for Þingvellir, the site of Iceland's first parliament, to be listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Guided by the ideas of what makes a nation, the National Museum’s permanent exhibit, ‘Heritage and History in Iceland’, includes about 2,000 objects, dating from the Settlement Age to the present, as well as about 1,000 photographs from the 20th century. Iceland’s present meets the country’s past. On UNESCO World Heritage list. |
i8 Gallery
Often the best art imbues an atmosphere of simplicity, and the i8 Gallery with its understated and Spartan spacing understands this truism. The art exhibited at the downtown gallery appears simple in its complexity, yet remains provocative. It’s the type of art you'd purchase for your home to show guests you understand this world, but without being splashy and egocentric about your flare. Named ‘Best Gallery’ by the Reykjavik Grapevine newspaper. i8 now exhibits some of the world’s top artists. |
Austurvöllur
Iceland’s parliament is located here, as well as a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, who led the 19th century campaign for Icelandic independence. The Althingi (Parliament), a small building hewn with grey stones, borders the south of the square. It reminds visitors that one of the simple pleasures of Reykjavik remains the closeness between the citizens and their leaders. Lined by a host of cafés to the north, the locals pack the small park throwing down blankets to picnic or read books. |
Harpa Concert Hall
The renowned visual artist Olafur Eliasson, who has exhibited at the Tate Modern, among other prestigious galleries, designed Harpa's architectural façade. One of the best ways to penetrate a nation’s culture is through their music and the musicians who perform. Recognizing this, the Icelandic government and the city of Reykjavik funded the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, a fabulous new venue that opened May 2011, and hosts the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. |
Tjörnin
During the winter, the pond freezes, but geothermal water is pumped along the edges to melt away a small section of ice providing refuge for the Arctic terns, ducks and swans. In winter it freezes over and Icelanders slip and slide across the frozen water, which happens to be one of the most refreshing hangover cures, or they come battle out a game of ice hockey. When the 24-hour daylight melts the pond, grab some day-old bread from a nearby bakery and sit on the benches with the throngs of kids. |
Laugardalslaug Swimming Pool
If you want to take the pulse of Reykjavik, head to this outdoor swimming pool where locals congregate to gossip, especially during the long summer months. Reykjavik’s main swimming centre has a 50-metre pool, hot pots, Jacuzzi, thermal steam bath, sun lamps and an 86-metre-long water slide for the kiddies. You can also get a vibrating water massage. Climb in and invite yourself into the local conversation. Swimming is one of Iceland’s main outdoor activities. |
Culture Night
Would you like to go to town on Culture? Try third saturday of August. This is the biggest date in the cultural calendar of Reykjavík. What started out in 1996 as only an evening celebration today starts already in the morning with the Reykjavík Marathon. The day progresses with ever more cultural activities, most of them free, in central Reykjavík and culminates in several huge concerts and a fireworks show by the harbour. Attendence is usually around 100,000 or half city's population. |
National Day
The National Day celebrations on June 17th every year are probably the smallest. Nonetheless, it is a public holiday day of festivities in the city where people celebrate the date Iceland was declared a republic in 1944. It is the birthday of the Icelandic independence hero Jón Sigurðsson. The city also annually hosts a music festival and an international film festival. Iceland Airwaves (2nd weekend in October) and Reykjavík International Film Festival (Late September). |
Gay Pride
Early August. Icelanders are proud of their LGBT community, and every August they show it with one of the biggest annual festivals in Reykjavík. Typically a parade will wind its way through the city with floats of varying degrees of outrageousness. It then ends at Arnarhóll with a large outdoors concert. Gay bars and bars that normally don't self-identify as gay alike tend to be very full this evening. In the preceding days there are various events celebrating LGBT culture. |
66°North
Manufacturing the raingear and woollen pullovers worn by this country’s rugged fisherman since 1926, the clothing line has undergone a hip redesign, and now Reykjavik’s models, as well as construction workers, wear the company’s collection of hats, jackets, fleeces and pants to repel the harsh elements experienced by those living at longitudes of 66° North. Visit the flagship store downtown at the bottom of Reykjavik’s main shopping street. Can be found in ten shops around Iceland. |
Smáralind
Smáralind is a modern shopping mall with more than 80 shops and businesses on three floors. As well as a host of Icelandic products, there are also international shops like Benetton, Zara, Debenhams, Hugo Boss and Vero Moda. A mecca to consumerism, you can spend the day seeking out the top brands, resting at one of the many cafes or indulging your palate at the restaurants. The mall also houses one of the best movie theatres in all of Iceland. You will need to get a cab or bus to this gigantic mall. |
Ostabúðin
Who cut the cheese so scrumptious and delicious? The aficionados running this gourmet store have turned Ostabúðin into a beloved and popular shop any foodie will adore. The smells alone are worth the visit. The aroma swelling in the store is sweetened and soured by the fine selection of cheeses, as well as salami, smoked sausages, oils, sauces, balsamic vinegars and Italian pasta satisfying the gourmand in all of us. Don’t forget to take away pieces of Belgian chocolate for dessert. |
Kolaportið
Nowhere else in Iceland, or the world for that matter, can you shop for liquorice, old records, clothes from the 70s, grubby china sets and cured shark meat all under one roof. Welcome to Kolaportið, Iceland's largest market, where everything imaginable has been collected in this ragged warehouse off Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. As well as second hand clothes and bric-a-brac, you can try the likes of fermented shark meat and ram's testicles, if the fancy takes you. The fish market adds to the dank smell. |
Restaurant 101 Hotel
The immaculately designed hotel creates fashionable dishes in Reykjavik’s trendiest restaurant. A destination for luminaries visiting Iceland, the restaurant here not only provides guests plush Scandinavian design, but an atmosphere of a prestigious gallery. Despite its ornate interior with high walls and glass ceiling, the hotelier cultivates a casual dining experience where gourmet cheeseburgers appear next to extravagant dishes on a diverse menu, offering modern Icelandic and international cuisine. |
Hamborgarabulla Tomasar
For a real treat, dunk pieces of your cheese burger in the strawberry shakes - a delicious combo. They don’t serve sheep burgers here. Tommi's Hamburgers is run by Tommi, the burger legend who opened the first hamburger joint in Reykjavik, and this popular icon only uses pure Icelandic beef. With posters of Johnny Cash and movie memorabilia hanging from the walls, the cooks grill up burgers in a rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere in this grey hut situated in the Old Harbour, down the pier. |
Grænn Kostur
The inexpensive menu means the small café becomes crowded at lunch or dinner; however, they also offer take-away. In a nation where traditional foods include blood sausages, ram’s testicles and sheep's head, finding vegetarian places are a relief. Serving veggie burgers, pizza, spinach pie, plus an assortment of salads, Grænn Kostur (The Green Choice) stands out as the perfect vegetarian or vegan option. Mixing organic and fresh ingredients, all dishes remain free from dairy, white flour, sugar and yeast. |
Grái Kötturinn
You can eat breakfast, enjoy lunch or nurse cup after cup of robust coffee, alongside Reykjavik’s top artists and wannabe philosophers. Craving a scrumptious stack of American pancakes? Head to Grái Kötturinn (The Gray Cat). To find this six-table joint walk past the grey buildings on Hverfisgata and look for the red door. With books lining the shelves, the diminutive café, tucked peacefully away from the beaten path, gives off the air of an underground bookshop. |
NASA Nightclub
It is the biggest club in town, invigorating the local scene with plenty of live music. Selections range from hard rock to local Icelandic acts and even jazz. After midnight, it's time for disco with DJs spinning and frantic dancing. Other popular live music venues include Cafe Amsterdam at Hafnarstræti 5 and the trendy Austur at Austurstræti 7. During the week the venue hosts special concerts such as local legends the singer-songwriter Bubbi Morthens and the eclectic techno band Gus Gus. |
Faktory
Drink cheap beer while listening to tomorrow’s wannabe rock superstars. You won’t find Bjork performing, but if you like loud music with a rapid pulse this is your nightclub. At this grungy club you can watch the city’s up-and-coming bands cut their teeth, experimenting with new material before flying out to festivals like South-by-Southwest or Roskilde. The bands play loud and hard, so if the sensitive-of-ear need not enter. Drink cheap beer while listening to tomorrow’s superstars. |
b5 Bar-Bistro
The sophisticated style elevates another notch in ‘b-lounge’ where partiers mingle beneath mood lighting, making connections on plush leather couches. Drift downstairs into the White Whisky Room, once an old bank vault they've left the barred cage doors as part of the sumptuous decor. If you stop by during the day check out a book from the library or simply sip on strong coffee don't be fooled by the laid back vibe. When evening arrives, the lights dim, and alluring attracting urbane, revellers. |
Boston
Bjork sightings have been confirmed. Owned by Sigga Boston, the publican of the once-legendary Sirkus, Boston’s located in the heart of 101 Reykjavik and attracts the same cool clientele as its predecessor, including, on random nights, that world-famous singer with the eerie voice and uncanny ability to make a swan dress look cool. Dress to fit in with hipsters, thespian types mixing with jeans-and-natty-sweater crowd Icelandic beer. More beer. And then one more for good measure. |
Domestic Animal Zoo
This small zoo, in the middle of Reykjavík, is a place where city children can come and get in touch with some of the farming heritage of the country, with most species of domestic animals found in Iceland represented. They also have some non-domestic animals including reindeer and seals. Admission: Adults (12 years +): 450 ISK, Children (4 - 12): 350 ISK. The latest division at the Zoo is an Aquarium focusing on species from the North-Atlantic Ocean. |
Whale Watching
The roughly three-hour tour takes place on the North Atlantic ocean, not the controlled environment of an aquarium. Take part in Iceland’s maritime heritage with an adventure at sea! From April to October, you can catch a glimpse of amazing sea creatures in their natural habitat with short whale watching cruises that sail from Reykjavik’s old harbour through the scenic Faxafloi Bay. Offer close encounters with minke whales, humpback whales sometimes even dolphins and porpoises. |
Inter continent Snorkeling
You can swim between two continents. This might sound strange but tour companies take you to snorkel from North America to Europe and back. The crystal clear underwater world of the tectonic rift valley in Þingvellir, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet along Silfra, a narrow canyon crevassing beneath the submerged lava fields of this national park. The water in Silfra canyon is a mixture of groundwater and glacial melt from the Langjökull glacier. |
Climb Mount Esja
One Reykjavik landmark rises taller than all the rest: Mount Esja. At nearly 3,000 feet, the 3.2 million-year-old mountain stands sentinel over Reykjavik like a sentry post. A bus runs the 25km from Reykjavik to the base of the mountain. Though if you want to schedule exact drop offs and pick ups, tour agencies runs day trips. The trails marking the path to the summit are rocky, but nothing a tourist of moderate athletic ability can’t overcome in about 90 minutes. On a clear afternoon, see excellent views. |
Popular side trips (Clicking on red colored text will link to more info or videos or official sites)
The Blue Lagoon
Imagine a blizzard of snow dumping down from the sky while you bathe in water the colour of the Mediterranean. During winter’s freeze, the Blue Lagoon recreates this tropical yet subarctic scene. Iceland’s most popular attraction, the Blue Lagoon draws more then 400,000 visitors each year to the liquid paradise, which must be seen to be believed. The lagoon is located roughly 40 minutes outside of Reykjavik, but buses run frequently from BSÍ, Reykjavik’s main bus station. |
Vatnajökull Glacier
Glaciers cover 11 percent of Iceland's landscape, including Europe’s largest icecap, Vatnajökull glacier, roughly five hours from Reykjavik. Many of these glacial peaks rise within shouting distance of Reykjavik, and the tour company Icelandic Mountain Guides can take you there. rom a two-hour hike with crampons over the blue ice of the Svinafellsjokull Glacier Tongue to a full-day trek on the ice field of Svínafellsjökull guides will introduce you to this country’s mountains. |
Gullfoss Waterfall
The Golden Circle takes its name from one of the main stops: the stunning Gullfoss (golden falls) waterfall. The 105-foot, double-cascade fall of water into the churning Hvita glacial river highlights the day. The final stop on this tour of Iceland’s sublime nature is the massive geothermal geyser known as Geysir, from which the word ‘geyser’ actually derived. The perfect day trip from Reykjavik should be one to Skógafoss situated at the cliffs of the former coastline. |
Viðey
Viðey is a large island in Kollafjörður, the fjord to the north of Reykjavík. It used to be inhabited, and in the early 20th century it had a small fishing village. Nobody lives there anymore apart from the birds, but it's a popular way to get away from the city without actually leaving it. During the summer, a café is operated in one of the houses on the island. The building was built for Skúli Magnússon, an 18th century politician often called "the founder of Reykjavík". |
Copenhagen, Denmark
Boasting stunning modern architecture, world-class restaurants and cutting edge design, Copenhagen has much to offer visitors. Canals, lakes and the sea form a backdrop and are a reminder of the city's heritage as a major Baltic port. The city is one of Europe's oldest capitals with a royal touch, the monarchy in Denmark is the oldest in the world! Copenhagen is clean, safe and ridiculously easy to get to know, the locals all speak superb English and they have an excellent transport system. |
Stockholm, Sweden
A vibrant, modern city, famous for producing sleek designs, edgy fashion and world-class nightclubs. Sweden's capital city spreads out over 14 islands connected by 57 bridges in Lake Mälaren, looking out to the Baltic Sea. With its 750 year history and rich cultural life, Stockholm offers a wide selection of world-class museums and attractions. The green island of Djurgården is home to some of the city's most popular attractions. There are many different sightseeing tours to choose from. |
Helsinki, Finland
Modern and culturally progressive citiy, full of bustling, colourful market squares and halls, of outdoor summer concerts and sports events, of seaside parks, of excellent cafes and restaurants for every taste and budget, top-notch hotels and cutting-edge art in fine museums. It is also a pleasantly compact city, with many of the attractions in the central districts, within easy reach of one another. Founded in 1550, the "Daughter of the Baltic" has been the Finnish capital since 1812. |
Faroe Islands
An adorable Nordic nation where the Norse gods and their Eddas originated. Situated in the heart of the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands lie northwest of Scotland and halfway between Iceland and Norway. The archipelago is composed of 18 islands covering 1399 km2 and is 113 km long and 75 km wide, roughly in the shape of an arrowhead. National Geographic Traveler has voted the Faroe Islands the best islands destination in the world. Don't forget Binoculars and sunglasses. |