European City Break Destinations – Part 2 Reykjavik
Following on from the first of my European City Break Destinations series, Barcelona, in part 2, I discover the Icelandic gem that is Reykjavik.
REYKJAVIK
For a city with a population of just over 120,000, Reykjavik is pretty small compared to many European capitals. What it lacks in population, however, it makes up for it in attractions.
Things to do in Reykjavik
Visit Hallgrimskirkja
Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland’s largest church, dominates the Reykjavik skyline and is a wonderful vantage point to view the city below from its 74m high tower. This colossus of a church is so big, it can be seen up to 20km away.
Visit its incredible cultural centre, Harpa
With its distinctive coloured glass facade, Reykjavík’s Harpa concert hall and cultural centre is beauty personified. It is the first purpose-built concert hall in Reykjavík and regularly holds exhibitions, popular music shows as well as hosting the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
Learn about Icelandic history at the National Museum of Iceland
The museum displays early Icelandic artefacts through to the modern day, giving a fascinating insight into Iceland’s history and culture. Amongst the items on display is the priceless 13th-century Valþjófsstaðir church door.
Go Whale Watching At The Harbour
It was only relatively recently that the Old harbour has become a tourist hot spot with museums, restaurants and whale watching tours. Whale watching and puffin viewing tours depart from the harbour and get you up close to see these magnificent animals.
Catch The Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis is an extraordinary light show that is caused when electrically charged particles released from the sun collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen.
In the winter, Reykjavik is the perfect spot to catch the Aurora Borealis.
Visit Sundhöllin Public Baths
This is not what you would call a typical upmarket spa venue. In fact, it is pretty basic in design, the facilities, however, are very good. This is a place where locals come to relax. It has an Olympic sized pool along with outside hot baths. The feel of being in a hot bath outside while the temperate is below zero is definitely an experience worth having.
Places to eat in Reykjavik
Icelandic Street Food – Laekjargata 8, Reykjavik 101
Simple, yet delicious local cuisine including seafood and soups
Ostabudin – Skolavoerdustigur 8, Reykjavik 101
Excellent restaurant with seafood, European and Scandinavian food on the menu.
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FLIGHTS TO REYKJAVIK
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I simply love Reykjavik . the tips shared here covers almost all the to do lists. the pictures are so stunning its as if a vacation from the heaven . Blissful
I love hot baths in cold weather! They’re so relaxing, and you don’t overheat:D Looks like a great place to visit, one for my travel bucket list for sure! Awesome photos:)
Beautiful! Reykjavik is another beauty besides Belize, but for me one thing will be my finest destination/mission, is to see the Aurora Borealis, just been dreaming of it.
I have so many things to add to my bucket list! Iceland seems fun even with the small population. I would love to go Whale watching someday
I have been lusting over Northen Lights for ages now. I must plan a trip at the right time. We recently saw whales – 3 of them at Timang Beach, Indonesia. It is a moment to remember. Cheers!!
I cannot wait to visit Iceland, looks like a fabulous place to visit with loads to see and do, enjoyed reading this. Lovely photos