Destination Spotlight
DS
Reykjavik Revealed
Go for a swim in a geothermally heated pool, hike up the hill
for a 360-degree city view and enjoy the eider ducks paddling
around Lake Tjornin — all this is possible in the heart of
Reykjavik. These are just a few of many ways to enjoy
Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost national capital. For
sweeping views of the harbor and the brightly-colored houses
clad in corrugated-iron, climb up to Hallgrimskirkia church’s
225 foot tower. This national monument is often a center for
art and music events.
Next, head for the harbor to line up for a famous Baejarins
Beztu Pylsur — the town’s best hot dogs and sausages.
Presidents and fishermen stop at this stand where three sauces,
crisp and raw onions and pickles are all applied with gusto.
Don’t miss the Sea Voyage sculpture and Harpa, a concert hall
that’s an architecture gem.
Back in the city center, design shops, such as Karum and
Ásta Creative Clothes Gallery, are one-of-a-kind. When art
and history call or on a chilly day, stop by the National Museum
and the National Gallery. The former traces history with
outstanding artifacts, and the latter even includes a Picasso.
When it’s time to sit down to sup, the Fiskmarkadurinn
(Fish Market) and Mararkjallarinn (Food Cellar) are two of
many great spots to rest feet and pick up a fork.
The Golden Circle
A triple crown of geologic glories is less than an hour from
Reykjavik. The Golden Circle is a great day trip for viewing
waterfalls, geysers, boiling mud puddles and a crack in the
earth that connects three continents. Geysir is the spot where
spouting spray and steam remind viewers that in 2010 one of
the nation’s volcanic eruptions grounded planes as far away as
mainland Europe. With hot springs and bubbling pools, the
Strokkur sends a waterspout 98 feet into the air.
Thingvellir National Park combines history and geology.
In 930 A.D., Icelanders established their fledgling parliament
near the creeping fissure between the North American and
Eurasian tectonic plates. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is
marked by a rift valley and the nation’s largest lake.
The thundering waters turn to mist as echoes like Niagara.
Considered one of this waterfall-filled nation’s premiere
natural wonders, this glacier-fed cascade commands respect
from outlook spots upper and lower falls. After the
exhilarating views of what locals dub the “Golden Waterfall,”
see the Gullfoss Kaffi, stocked with local fare.
When In
Reykjavik...
Getting Out
X
Many day trips can
be taken from
Reykjavík to the
surrounding
mountains, glaciers,
volcanos and
hotsprings.
Day-excursions
include horseback
riding, glacier
climbing, river
rafting, caving,
whale watching,
and more.
Taking it In
X
Many monuments,
new and old, are
also worth a peek,
such as the newly
built oceanfront
music and
conference center,
Harpa. Luckily,
everything in
Reykjavík is close
by, and the city is
perhaps best
explored by foot
or bike.
a
The Blue Lagoon, just
a few minutes from
Reykjavik, is a highly
popular destination for
visitors to Iceland.
h
The glass facade of the
Harpa was designed by
renowned visual artist
Olafur Eliasson.
d
The grass-covered lava
fields of Thingvellir
National Park, a
UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
68
THE AFFLUENT TRAVELER
|
Destination Spotlight
Photo courtesy of Visit Iceland
