An Enchanted Evening
Begin your evening with a stroll down Sæbraut. Along the path, you will come across Sólfar (Sun Voyager). Sólfar is a modern interpretation of an old Viking ship. The sculpture pays homage to Iceland's maritime history and is strikingly graceful. In broad daylight and the midnight sun, Sólfar looks stunningly beautiful, illuminated by the glow of the sun's rays. It's gorgeous when nestled in the vibrant colours of sunset and regal when adorned with snow. As you look over the water, watch the sun travel westward, dip down towards the equator, and accentuate Snæfellsnes peninsula and Esja mountain. After you've experienced the enchantment of Sólfar, turn back towards Harpa to enjoy a concert in Reykjavík's famed concert hall.
When exiting Hallgrímskirkja church, past the square and over the street to your left is the Einar Jónsson museum. Mr Jónsson was Iceland’s very first sculptor, and his works blended together the mythical and the religious. Even if you don’t want to go into the actual museum (although with the 48-hour city card you get free access!), it’s worthwhile to wander through the tranquil outdoor sculpture garden which exhibits his striking works under starry skies.
Reykjavík Art Museum - Kjarvalsstaðir
Jóhannes S. Kjarval. This museum is not only where the works of Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885-1972) are housed, but it also hosts regular exhibitions with a focus on paintings and sculptures of modern artists. There’s also a cosy coffee house situated inside the museum, overlooking Klambratún park. Kjarvalstaðir is a wonderful building of impressive tall glass windows with great views of the outside park. Benches, thick bushes, an ultimate frisbee golf course (and a volleyball sand court too!).
Reykjavík Art Museum - Ásmundarsafn
Ásmundarsafn is located in the Laugardalur area and is dedicated to the artist Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982) who lived and worked on the premises. Ásmundarsafn is a venue for both the abstract works of its namesake, as well as works by modern or contemporary artists. The museum is eye-catching, with a smooth white dome exterior and Sveinsson’s giant friendly-looking sculptures in the garden next to it. The museum offers a unique experience not to be missed.
Gljúfrasteinn - The Halldór Laxness Museum
“When a man has a flower in his life he builds a house.”― Halldór Laxness, Independent People
Iceland not only has the most authors per capita, and the highest volume of published books yearly per capita, but we also have the most Nobel Prize Winners per capita - thanks to the late author Halldór Kiljan Laxness (Independent People, Iceland’s Bell, Under The Glacier). The author, Mr Laxness, won in 1955 "for his vivid epic power which has renewed the great narrative art of Iceland". That single win was enough to push the tiny nation of Iceland to the status of Most Nobel Prizes per capita (we win a lot of things when you factor in the per capita of it all). Laxness and his family lived in Gljúfrasteinn for almost half a century. It is where the author spun his tales, with diligent help from his wife Auður, all told sixty-two books written in the span of 68 years. Gljúfrasteinn is located just 20 minutes away from Reykjavik and can be accessed by car quite easily, but it is also possible to visit by bus.
The museum’s opening hours vary depending on the time of year.
Árbæjarsafn: The Life and Ways of A Bygone Era
It’s not long since Icelanders were churning their own butter and spinning their own clothes. At Árbæjarsafn open-air museum, you get a glimpse at a life lived just a couple of generations ago. You can enter replicas of turf houses and other structures from Iceland’s history and learn how our ancestors lived.
Since its opening in 2011, Harpa Concert Hall has made an indelible mark on the city of Reykjavik, making it a considerably more metropolitan destination. Iceland has had a rich and vibrant music scene, both classical and pop, for many many decades. It’s only natural that it should have a cathedral of culture such as Harpa to greet both Icelandic and international acts, which can perform in a state-of-the-art building, with its incredible design and the aural ambience that is befitting of opera, old school hip-hop, symphonies and Sigur Rós, Björk, Bubbi and Bríet. Don’t miss a chance to take in the show if you are in Reykjavík.
Swimming Pools: Connecting With The Spirit Of Iceland
It’s hard to explain to foreigners exactly why public swimming pools are so integral to Icelandic culture. There is something quintessentially Icelandic about sitting in a hot tub on a rainy day, discussing current events or genealogy with strangers (who are probably long-lost cousins).
Sky Lagoon is the local go-to place for romance, located just across the bay from Reykjavík towards the south in Kopavogur. Visitors soak in the lap of luxury in a secluded retreat not far from the city. We recommend those seeking romance to book a spot at Sky Lagoon before going because this oasis is a popular place for those seeking romance and healing in its mineral waters. It's an immersive experience in the idyllic beauty of Iceland. At Sky Lagoon, the ambience has been designed intricately and thoughtfully. When you arrive, you will be struck by how traditional architecture sculpted the inspiration for this modern turf house. Once inside, you will be greeted by friendly staff and directed to modern, Scandinavian changing rooms. When you are in your swimsuit, you will descend an aqueous stairway into the grotto. The grotto has been carved into nature using volcanic stone – adding to the mysticism and intensity of the experience. The walls will open to a breathtaking view as you move through the waters. In the lagoon, you can soak in the mysterious romance of Iceland, blissed out in an infinity pool that draws you into the horizon of the North Atlantic.
Nauthólsvík sits below Perlan and Sólland. Only open in summer, Nauthólsvík is a lovely, romantic spot. You and your "special someone" can soak in the sun while relaxing in Reykjavík's geothermal waters. Go sea swimming if you want to be reminded that you are near the Arctic Circle. You can take a dip in Nauthólsvík without freezing because the lagoon is kept somewhat warm by rerouted streams of geothermal water. After you've dipped your toes in the Atlantic, enjoy the spacious hot pot overlooking the bay and the sulfurous steam room that reminds you are atop volcanic terrain.
Head up to Perlan to view a beautiful panorama of the city. On Perlan's wraparound deck, your breath will catch as you stand in awe of the spectacular, mountainous landscape beyond the city. Let yourself be elated at the moment, feeling romantic vibes from the tip of your toes to the core of your heart.