Southwest Iceland: Reykjavik 10 - 12 May

10th - 12th May 2008
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland


Hallgrímskirkja

This 75m high steeple looms over Reykjavik like a set from a Norse opera, is franked by concrete representations of volcanic basalt columns. It took 34 years to be completed, starting in 1940 and finally opening in 1974. In front of it is the statue of Leifr Eiríksson, a Viking explorer who first discovered Vinland (modern-day America), standing at the prow of a Viking longboat.

Interior of the church


Close up on the church organ




View of the city from the top level of the tower


Lake Tjörn
This lake is visited by more than 40 species of migratory birds.

Perlan & The Saga Museum

The huge water tanks that supply Reykjavik with its hot water that have been developed into a tourist complex. It houses the Saga Museum, which features some eerily realistic dioramas depicting key moments in Iceland history. In the pearly dome on top of the tanks is the swish restaurant Perlan.

Main entrance


The sculptures near the entrance


View of the city from Perlan
(Middle: Hallgrímskirkja)

Some of the gruesome historical scenes in The Saga Museum

Harbour of Reykjavik

Sólfar (The Sun Voyager)
By Jón Gunnar Árnason (1931 - 1989)
Sculpture sits along the coastline near harbour






Statue of Ingólfur Arnarson

Ingólfur Arnarson is recognized as the first permanent Nordic settler of Iceland. In 874, Ingólfur built his homestead in Reykjavík. This marked the beginning of the age of settlement.

Statue of Hannes Hafstein

He is the first Prime Minister of Iceland (1912 - 1914). The statue stands in front of the Government House.

Streets and sidewalks












Eat Out@Reykjavik

My first lunch at Reykjavik is in this pub, Prikid. There is a bottle of Maltextrakt on the table. This is an icelandic carbonated malt soft drink that taste like beer but minus the alcohol. Nice!

There is a hangover killer meal under the breakfast list!


Bruce Willis "Hangover Helper" Shake, cool!

This is a hotdog stall we happen to spot as we wonder around the city. The steamy hotdog tastes exceptionally good particularly in a freezing weather here.

Accomodation: Room With A View



Main entrance

Lift lobby


The old fashioned lift - one has to open the door to get in


The buttons in the lift




View from the studio apartment window, 5th floor

Click to see next - Northwest Iceland: Reykjavik → Ósar 12 May