Sundhollhello
public swimming poolhello
Minimalist building houses Sundholl, Iceland’s oldest public pool, dating to 1937. Both indoor and outdoor pools are 25 meters long, complete with hot tubs, steam room and ice bath. Nothing better than soaking outdoors with sleet, snow and rain, forming icicles in your hair. Open early to late, in the center or Reykjavik
Reykjavik Art Museumhello
art museums x threehello
Reykjavik Art Museum is housed in three buildings: Hafnarhus, Kjarvalsstafir and Asmundarsafn. Ever-changing exhibitions.
Whales of Icelandhello
learn about whaleshello
View manmade, life size models of the various whale species found in Icelandic waters throughout its natural history.
Harpahello
culture life + conference scenehello
Concert hall and conference center with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding mountains. Designed by Olafur Eliasson, Henning Larsen Architects and Batteríið Architects. Harpa has won numerous architectural awards. Why Harpa? Harpa is an old Icelandic word that refers to a time of year and is a month in the old Nordic calendar. Harpa also refers to the instrument that resembles a harp from a certain angle.
Þingvellir Thingvellir National Parkhello
north america meets eurasiahello
the Alþing general assembly was established near 930 and convened there until 1798. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and it is held in high regard by all Icelanders. The park lies in a valley between the North American tectonic plate and Eurasia.
Blue Lagoonhello
you must spend the dayhello
The Blue Lagoon is an outdoor geothermal pool and is among the most popular attractions in Iceland. It is located in a lava field in Grindavik, in an area favorable for Geothermal power.
The geothermal water originates 2,000 metres below the surface, where freshwater and seawater combine at high temperatures. It is then harnessed via drilling holes at a nearby geothermal power plant, Svartsengi, to create electricity and hot water for nearby communities.
On its way to the surface, the water picks up silica, sulphur and other minerals. When the water emerges, its temperature is generally between 96 to 102°F). but other variables including weather and time of year, the water temperature fluctuates beyond this range.
The waters are said to have helped people with skin disease. The manmade lagoon is fed by water output from the nearby geothermal power plant Svartsengi and is milky blue and mineral rich, which is renewed every one to two days.
Other features of Blue Lagoon include sauna, steam room, in-water massage, fine dining room and casual snack areas. Advance reservations are necessary and be ready to travel a bit over an hour from Reykjavik. One of the twenty-five natural wonders of the world.
Geysirhello
geysir = geyserhello
Geysir lies in the Haukadalur valley on the slopes of Laugarfjall hill, The English word geyser is derived from Geysir. Gaysir explodes and the Strokkur spouts water 30 meters high every few minutes. The geysers in Haukadalur are situated in an active geothermal area
Gullfosshello
extraordinary waterfallhello
Waterfall located in the canyon of the Olfusa river in southwestern Iceland. Part of the Golden Circle tour. The water plummets down 32 meters in two stages into a canyon which walls reach up to 70 meters in height. Look for the spectacular rainbow on a sunny day.
Hallgrimskirkjahello
modernist churchhello
Hallgrimskirkja is both an Evangelical-Lutheran parish church and a national sanctuary in Iceland. The Icelandic parliament accounced in 1929 that they were to be responsible for the church being built. Guðjón Samúelsson began working on the design in 1937. Inspiration came from the Islandic landscape with mountains and soaring glaciers. Construction on the church began in 1945 and worked progressed until completion in 1986.
Salmagundi Clubhello
center for fine arts since 1871hello
Distinguished fine arts center founded in 1871. Private membership club with exhibitions sometimes open to the public. Center for fine arts, artists, collectors and art classes, all housed in magnificent Greenwich Village building.