Things to do Reykjavik
Things to do Reykjavik
If you are bored with traditional European vacations and want to spend a holiday that is different yet enchanting, then head for Reykjavík. The capital of Iceland, which is also the world's most northern national capital, has many attractions. In fact, this is a city that has something or other for every kind of tourists. Be it the quiet traveler who prefers to muse along the historical places or the more adventurous ones keen towards natural splendor, there are lots of Things to do Reykjavik and this place will never disappoint you.
Established around 870, this city showed no urban development till the 18th century. Today, however it has a population of about 200,000, and is a highly modernized capital of one of the most developed countries in the world. The beautiful landscape of the place makes it a perfect destination for the adventurous tourist who wants to indulge in a host of outdoor activities and a splash of fun and get the best out of Things to do Reykjavik.
Reykjavík is a city that is famous for its natural splendor. This city has a rare ambience, the deep blue ocean on one side, and snowcapped mountains and lava fields on the other side. The houses are colorful and the entire city has a lively ambience with enormous Things to do Reykjavik.
There are some must see attractions and must Things to do Reykjavik that you cannot miss while touring this enchanting city. The most well known among them is off course is the Parliament House, which in the local language is known as Alþingishúsið. This is a classical 19th century structure that stands at Austurvöllur which is located in the mioddle of the Reykjavík town. Designed by Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl this place that was built in 1881 also houses the Icelandic National Library and Antiquaries Collection.
The best view of this fantastic city can be had from top of the Hallgrimskirkja Church, which is one of the highest and most imposing structures of the town. It has a 75-meter high steeple and interestingly this can be seen 20 kms away. Unlike most European churches that are full of beautiful paintings and lavish architecture; the interiors of this church are stark and bare. What stands out is a huge organ that is inside the church. This makes a complete contrast with the pale white interiors of the place. The best part about visiting the Hallgrimskirkja Church is that you can take an elevator to the viewing platform at the top of the steeple and from there you can get one of the greatest views of the city. There is a statue of the famous Nordic explorer Leifr Eoriksson, the first man from this part of the globe to visit North America, in front of the church. This statue that was a gift from the United States to the church in 1930 is one of the well known landmarks in the city and is a must see among Things to do Reykjavik.
A fantastic piece of art that is 100% must-see among Things to do Reykjavik is Solfar Suncraft, which is basically the sculpture of a Viking ship. This sculpture can be easily seen if you take a walk along the harbor in Reykjavik. Completed in 1986 this modern work of art is made of stainless steel and is placed looking at the harbor.
If you are an art lover, a place that should be on your must see list among Things to do Reykjavik is the open-air museum or Árbæjarsafn. Built in mid 1950s, this is a place that gives the tourist an insight into the living conditions, work and recreational activities of the people of Reykjavík . The muesuem houses several interesting exhibits like the first Boy Scout cabin built in Iceland or a half stone house that once upon a time was home of landless labourers. In fact, the artefacts of the museum displays accurately Iceland's heritage . The place has an extensive collection of artifacts apart from having exhibits that shed light on Iceland's cultural history. A perfect place to know more about Vikings or Icelandic sagas, this is a place that you cannot afford to miss when you are in this town.
After you finish the tour of the museum, drop in the cultural house which contains a collection of original copies of medieval manuscripts as well as copies of some renowned Icelandic sagas, thus ranking it among the top Things to do Reykjavik.
However, if you are a person not moved much by history or art, then you need not despair. This is because, the place has many spots of such great scenic beauty that you can simply enjoy your vacation by spending your time there and not worry about Things to do Reykjavik. For instance, try visiting Lake Tjornin, which is located right in the heart of Reykjavik. Situated just behind the City Hall, this is a place where you can quietly sit and spend some quality time with your loved one.
Reykjavík means steamy bay and it gets its name from the several geothermal pools or the hot spots that characterize this place. Hence, even in intense winters, a must among Things to do Reykjavik is to take a dip in one of the geo thermal pools. A well-known hotspot to visit is the blue lagoon, which is a geothermal spa. In fact, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions of Iceland. The warm waters in this spa are rich in minerals like sulphur and silica, and are hence believed to cure many people afflicted with skin ailments like psoriasis. The temperature of water in this spa is around 40 °C and water here is supplied by a nearby geothermal power plant.
Located in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland, visiting this spa located around 39 km from the capital city of Reykjavík is a must in the Things to do Reykjavik list.
If it is satisfaction and sheer delight, be sure that the elaborate spread of Things to do Reykjavik will surely make your holiday absolutely memorable, and will certainly make you return to this incredible destination again and again.
