Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Hallgrimskirkja Church (Hallgrimskirkja) is located on a hill in downtown Reykjavík. In front of the church stands a statue of Leif Eiriksson, the Icelandic Viking who discovered America. Hallgrimskirkja Church is a popular tourist attraction, but don't forget to climb to the top of the tower. It offers stunning views of Reykjavík. A stroll along the coast, where the Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall are located, is also worthwhile. Sun Voyager is one of Iceland's most popular selfie spots, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji, Esja, and the many small islands in the bay.
Reykjavík was the last stop on our Icelandic tour, as we were immediately heading to Norway, so our two-night stay served as a break from the circumnavigation. Reykjavík is by far Iceland's largest municipality and the country's capital. The capital region accounts for approximately 60% of Iceland's total population, or about 360,000 people. Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital. Although not as large as many other capitals, Iceland is vibrant and has a very interesting arts scene, as evidenced by the presence of many renowned Icelandic bands and artists. There are also many excellent museums and attractions to visit. The city is vibrant and its people are warm and welcoming.
Hallgrímskirkja Church stands over Reykjavík, Iceland's capital city. It is Iceland's parish church and a nationally protected area. Its stepped concrete exterior is a tribute to modernism and a reflection of Iceland's natural landscape. The church is named after the 17th-century priest Hallgrímur Pétursson, author of the Passion Hymn. Hallgrímskirkja Church (Hallgrímskirkja) is an Evangelical Lutheran church and part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland. Hallgrímskirkja Church is one of the most visited places in Iceland, with thousands of people visiting the church every day. Admission is free. Tickets to the tower are 1,000 ISK (Icelandic kroner) and 100 ISK (Icelandic kroner) for children (7-16 years old). Hallgrímskirkja Church is an active church, so events and concerts may require the church and tower to be closed without prior notice.
There is a cat sleeping on it, but I can't see it if I don't pay attention.
Sun Voyager
Tucked away in a corner of Reykjavík's northern waterfront, lies a striking sculpture. Crafted from stainless steel, it's called "Sun Voyager." Dedicated on August 18, 1990, the city's birthday, the sculpture represents progress, progress, and freedom, a symbol of human dreams. Resembling a Viking longship, Sun Voyager is a steel sculpture beautifully situated on Reykjavík's waterfront. It's one of the most photographed and popular attractions in Reykjavík. Built in 1990 to commemorate the city's 200th anniversary, Sun Voyager is sometimes described as a dream ship, associated with discovery, hope, and freedom. The sculpture's shiny material gives it a unique appearance that changes depending on the weather, lighting, and the angle from which you view it. A true work of art, it's a unique experience for everyone.
Harpa Concert Hall is truly an eye-catching building, located next to the Sun Voyageur, about a five-minute walk away. Its polygonal glass façade, inspired by the basalt formations found throughout Iceland, is a truly remarkable sight. The refracted light creates a different color depending on the angle you look at it. The concert hall was just one of the buildings that was supposed to be built in the area. However, the 2008 banking crisis put an end to the "Reykjavík World Trade Center" project. Harpa opened in 2011 and quickly became one of Reykjavík's most iconic landmarks. This impressive glass building is a beautiful architectural masterpiece, changing color depending on the light, looking different every time you visit. It has won multiple architectural awards, and once you see it, you'll understand why. Good to know: Harpa's incredible interior can be toured. There's also a restaurant, La Primavera, on the 4th floor, serving dinner Thursday through Saturday. Of course, you can also check the event calendar and attend concerts here. Tip: Some city walking tours like this one also visit Harpa (interior). Also, visit the bright yellow Ingólfsgarður lighthouse.
Skólavörðustígur, Rainbow Avenue: One of the best things to do in Reykjavík is stroll through the city center. The main "tourist" areas are quite compact, and the best way to experience the city is to explore on foot. Don't miss Reykjavík's two main streets, Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur. Laugavegur is Reykjavík's main shopping street, where you'll find world-renowned and local clothing stores, souvenir shops, several restaurants, and Magic Ice – Ice Bar & Gallery in Reykjavík. Skólavörðustígur, more recently known as Rainbow Street, leads directly to Hallgrimskirkja Church. It's lined with shops (more local than Laugavegur), restaurants, and cafes. Of course, Reykjavík has much more to offer than these two main streets. Reykjavík also boasts some very beautiful colorful houses, quirky street art, and small parks. So, if you have more time, be sure to explore more of the city center.
This restaurant is in a very good location, right opposite the church, at the end of the Central Avenue. We also went in and had a bowl of mutton soup, which tasted exactly like our borscht.