WALK
Our staff have assembled the ideal 1-2 hour walk to familiarise yourself with the downtown area. Starting at the church Hallgrímskirkja, make your way down to the Sólfarið monument, following the sea past the Harpa concert hall to the old harbour. From there, cut across to Landakotskirkja and make your way around the pond, past the parliament buildings and back to the hotel. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have upon your return.
ACTIVITIES
Our front desk personnel have selected some of their favourite 3–5-hour activities to do in and around Reykjavík city, ideal for an afternoon or an evening.
Whale watching – The waters around Iceland are blessed with an extraordinary number of whales. We cannot recommend paying a visit to these gentle giants enough! Whale watching tours leave Reykjavík harbour twice a day, and typically take 2-4 hours.
Northern lights – If you happen to be visiting Iceland in the wintertime, we probably don’t need to tell you about the northern lights… This dazzling, once in a lifetime light show promises to astonish and astound. Our front desk staff will gladly help you make the arrangements!
Hiking – Iceland in the summertime is somewhat of a hiker’s paradise! You don’t even have to travel that far out of the city to find a trail. Whether you’re in the mood for an all-day hike or just an afternoon’s excursion, our front desk staff can point you in the right direction.
City tour – Reykjavík is not an exceptionally large city (in fact, it would be considered a large town in some other countries), but walking-day tours and hop-on/hop-off busses are available to do some sightseeing. Contact the front desk staff for more details.
Museums
There is no shortage of interesting museums in the Reykjavík area. We have put together four of our favourites within walking distance of the Hotel in order to familiarise yourself with Iceland’s brief, yet unique history.
The National Museum – Iceland’s national museum is located on the University campus 12 minutes from the Hotel. Iceland’s largest museum, the national museum holds many relics of Viking Age Iceland and plenty of other interesting showpieces from the country’s past.
The Saga Museum – One of Iceland’s proudest literary legacies are the Sagas of the Icelanders. Detailing the everyday lives of Icelandic settlers from the 9th to the 14th century, the Sagas are unique in that they are some of the first pieces of fiction to detail the lives of common people.
The Settlement Exhibition – Located 10 minutes from the Hotel, the Settlement Exhibition offers visitors a unique glimpse into what life may have been like in 10th century Iceland. Featuring a 1000-year-old Norse longhouse, this exhibition is not something you will want to miss.
The Maritime Museum – It should come as no surprise that Iceland has a proud and rich maritime history. This legacy, from the age of Viking exploration to the Cod Wars, is preserved and documented in the Maritime Museum, conveniently situated by the old harbour.
Tours
There is no shortage of things to do and see on this unique island we call home. We understand, however, that most of you will only be staying with us for a few days, therefore we have assembled four of our “must see” that can be treated as a day trip from Reykjavík. To book tours to these incredible locations, get in touch with our front desk.
The Golden circle – The Golden Circle has been Iceland’s most popular tourist route for decades. Featuring sites such as Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir national park, this route truly encapsulates Iceland’s natural beauty. Tours typically take 4-6 hours, contact the desk staff for more details.
Reynisfjara –Reynisfjara in Southern Iceland is a world-renowned beach. Famous for its jet-black sands and iconic basalt columns, this location is nothing short of Instagram worthy. Located approximately 2-3 hours from Reykjavík, Reynisfjara is a sight you do not want to miss.
Jökulsárlon – Straight out of a children’s fairy tale, Jökularsárlon is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions. With dazzling, blue icebergs floating atop a tranquil, clear lake, this natural wonder is bound to take your breath away. Well worth the 5 hour drive.
Snæfellsnes peninsula – 2 and half hours north of Reykjavík you will find the Snæfellsnes peninsula, complete with its national park. Replete with natural beauty and breath-taking landscapes, make sure you set out early as there is a lot to see!
Swimming pools
Swimming pools have always played an important part in Icelandic culture, and we would like to invite you to partake! This tradition dates back to the early years of settlement in Iceland, when people would convene to bathe at the many hot springs dotted around the country.
Sundhöllin – Located just 7 minutes from the Hotel, behind Hallgrímskirkja. Sundhöllin is the perfect place to relax in a hot tub or sit in a sauna after a long day of sightseeing. Open till 22:00 every day, just ask our front desk staff to point you in the right direction.
Laugardalslaug – A 10-minute drive from the city centre, Laugardalslaug is Iceland’s largest pool complex. Located in the lush, green neighbourhood of Laugardalur, Laugardalslaug comes equipped with two pool, hot-tubs, saunas, a waterslide, and a fully equipped gym.
Vesturbæjarlaug – A 20 minute walk from the hotel, in Reykjavík’s west-side, you will find Vesturbæjarlaug, an understated pool that has been a local favourite since it opened in 1961. Complete with a dry and wet sauna, Vesturbæjarlaug is well worth the walk.
Seltjarnarneslaug – Located on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, a 10-minute drive from the city centre, the ultra-modern Seltjarnarneslaug comes complete with a heated outdoor pool, a sauna, a fully equipped gym and a waterslide.
