03 THE PERLAN
Exhibition Sitting atop the highest hill
in the city, this glass-domed landmark
not only offers incredible views but
houses an interactive exhibition about
the wonders and nature of Iceland.
01 BLUE LAGOON
Geothermal spa Billed as an
otherworldly wonder in the heart of a
volcanic landscape, the rejuvenating
powers of the geothermal seawater are
unlikely to disappoint. You can always
elevate the experience into the next level
and have an in-water massage.
INSIDER TIPS
One day in
REYKJAVÍK
WORDS LOTTIE HOLLAND
02 RAUFARHÓLSHELLIR
Lava cave For those concerned about
cramped conditions in the lava caves
look no further than Raufarhólshellir.
It's the fourth longest lava cave in
Iceland, but is also comfortingly
spacious with 10-metre ceiling heights.
MORNING
Reykjavík, the world's most northern
capital city and one of the cleanest
and most eco-friendly cities in the
world, is very much the hub of this
geographically stunning country.
Although it's home to over half the
national population, Reykjavík still
manages to ooze a certain amount of
small-town charm. But don't think
that this means the options for a day
out are sparse - quite the contrary.
There is no lack of culture in this cool
northern capital; world-class
museums recounting the fascinating
history (the Vikings settled here in
870 AD) vie with amazing street art
(the concrete architecture calls out to
be decorated with high-class
commissioned graffiti) and just
outside of the city the natural beauty
of Iceland is dramatic and abundant.
AFTERNOON
Take the Panoramic Reykjavík
excursion where you begin with a
drive up Öskjuhlío Hill to the Perlan
vantage point, also known as "The
Pearl". This glass-domed building was
constructed upon old hot-water
storage tanks and today offers
sweeping city views. Descend into the
city and pass the Kjarvalsstadir Art
Museum, a fine example of Nordic
modernism. You will also see the
fantastic Hallgrímskirkja church, a
towering vision in white designed by
architect Guðjón Samúelsson. It's
tower points dramatically up to the
sky and is worthy of the trek to the
top (there is an elevator) to see the
sweeping views of the city below.
Journey through the city centre
passing the pond and the all-glass
Harpa concert hall. Then continue to
the old harbour and pier where you
can take a peek at the Sólfar statue.
See the National Museum, the
university and the Höfði House, the
sight of the meeting between Ronald
Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev that
marked the beginning of the end of
the Cold War. It's also worth heading
off into the side streets for a spot of
artisan shopping. There is a refreshing
lack of chain stores: instead a creative
mix of independent enterprises vie for
your attention.
EVENING
Head back to the ship for a lovely
dinner or if you want to stay out a
bit longer, all swimming pools in the
city are open into the evening. And
of course, on crisp winter evenings
you might even get to see the
Northern Lights!
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26
VIKING
