Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the world’s northern national capital, and one of the smallest as well (with 178.000 citizens). It was the first place in Iceland to be colonized. Its founder, Ingólfur Arnarson, threw overboard the high seat pillars of his ancestors in the year 874, and built a farm near to the shore where they were swept in. He named this location Reykjavik (Bay of Smokes) due to the steam of hot springs in the region.

What to visit?

• Reykjavik Old Town: In the old town are located the precincts between Tjörnin, Laekjargata, the sea port and the Seltjarnarnes district. The eastern shore of the Tjörnin and both sides of the Laekjargata are also in this part of the city. The old town developed around the Tjörnin, the nice lake located in the middle of the city. The octagonal arbor Hliómskálinn was built in 1922 as rehearsal room for the Reykjavik Music Band.
• The new Raðhus (Cityhall mon-fri 8.00-19.00, sat-sun 10.00-18.00), located at the northern shore of the Tjörnin, is like a floating post-modern palace.
  Stjórnarráðið, the white building facing the Laekjartorg, hosts governmental offices. This is one of the oldest buildings in the city, from the XVIII century, and in the past it used to be a jail. Next, in Árnarhóll (the eagle hill) is the statue of the first colonizer, Ingólfur Arnason.
• The Sheriff Skúli Magnusson fabric shed (Aðalstraeti 10) is the oldest building in Reykjavik, built around 1752. Although it burnt down in 1764 it was immediately rebuilt and nowadays it hosts a pub.
• The ÞJóðmenningarhúsið (Culture House , tel 5451400; Hverfisgata 15; adults/kids 300/200 Ikr. Open Mon-Sun 11:00-17:00) shows interesting temporary exhibitions about theVikings and the Icelandic cultural heritage. It has a permanent exhibition of original manuscripts from the Sages.
• New Reykjavik: the most outstanding building in Reykjavik is the huge Hallgrímskirkja (tel 5101000) consecrated in 1986. The intention of this building is to look like a basaltic lava mountain. The simple and luminous inside is improved by the amazing views from its 75 m height tower. The use of the elevator is 300/50 Ikr adults/kids. Outside, there is a Leifur Eiríksson statue, a gift from the United States in 1930.
• The extraordinary Icelandic Phallological Museum (tel. 5668668, Laugavegur 24; 400 Ikr;) vindicates the honor of being the only museum with a collection of phallic specimens from all the local mammals with only one exception. Even though there is only missing the Homo sapiens specimen, in 2002 someone promised he would donate it.
• The Nordic House (tel 5517030; Saemundargata; 300 Ikr; open Mon-Sun 12:00-17:00 when it has exhibitions); in the south of Tjörn; is the Scandinavian Cultural Centre, and it counts with a cafeteria and a travelling program of exhibitions, concerts, conferences, and movies about Nordic matters. It also has a library of Scandinavian literature.
• In order to see the Vestmannaeyjar or the Mývatn you have to visit the incredible volcanoes show (tel 5513230; Hellusund 6; 950/750 lkr). It was filmed by locals and shows the volcanic threaten the Icelandic people have to deal with. The daily 2h show (in English) starts at 11:00, 15:00 and 20:00 in July and August; and from September to June it’s once or twice a day.
• The National Museum (tel 5528888; Suðurgata 41; 400 lkr Tue-Sun 11:00-17:00 from May 15th to Sep 15th, the rest of the year it has reduced visiting hours) is a must for those interested in the Icelandic culture and history. Its most famous piece of art is the gate of the ValÞjófsstaður Church (from Eastern Iceland), dating from the year 1200, and it represents a Nordic battle.
• The Kjarvalsstaðir (tel. 5526131; Flókagata; 500 lkr, kids free; free on Mondays; Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00) shows the magnificent artwork from Jóhannes Kjarval, one of the most known artists in the country. His surrealist paintings are inspired in the ethereal nature of the Icelandic landscapes. Near the Hallgrímskirkja is the Museum of Einar Jónsson (tel. 5513797; Njarðargata, 400 lkr, kids free; open Tue-Sun 14:00-17:00 fom Jun-Sep 15th; Sat-Sun 14:00-17:00 Sep 15th-May), a building with a shape of a cube with an interesting collection of the Icelandic sculptor from the XX century. It also includes his apartment and a garden with sculptures.
• The Ásmund Sveinsson Museum (tel 5532155; Sigtún; 500 lkr, kids free; Mon-Sun 10:00-16:00 May-Sep; Mon-Sun 13:00-16:00 Oct-Apr), with the shape of an igloo, hosts a collection of huge and interesting concrete sculptures about the sagas and the Icelandic folklore done by Ásmundur Sveinsson, in addition to other pieces made of wood and metal.
• In the shore next to Klapparstígur bay is the amazing sculpture of the Sun Rider, which represents a Viking Ship, and it deserves a picture.

Accomodation

Icelandair Nordica Hotel and Icelandair Hotel Loftleidir are two magnificent options in a great location. Castle House & Embassy Luxury Apartments is located in a quiet street, near the Reykjavik city center. In addition to its excellent location, the apartments are very comfortable, since they count with a fully equipped kitchen, with refrigerator and microwaves, a nice living room with a TV set with satellite, and a bathroom with shower. The room will be cleaned every day.

You can check all the hotels we have in Reykjavik: Hotels in Reykjavik.