Page 63 iGap travelguide 2023
P. 63
iGap Travel Guide
63
The beginning or culmination of any Icelandic
exploration inevitably begins with a stay in its vibrant
and cosmopolitan capital Reykjavik. Located in the
south of the island, Reykjavik is small in size but
mighty in spirit and offers a whole heap of activities
to suit all types of traveller. Easily accessible from
Keflavik International Airport, Reykjavik exemplifies
how all the excitement and amenities of a big city
can be appreciated and adored in the confines of a
smaller space. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie
looking for your next outdoor venture or are simply
looking to immerse yourself in a fascinating culture,
Reykjavik provides the perfect city and adventure
break all in one. And once you have exhausted all the
delights of the world’s most northerly capital city,
you are in a prime position to explore the rest of this
magnificent country.
The historic origins of the city date back to the late
9th century, when Ingólfur Arnarson, believed to
be the first Norse settler in Iceland called this area
home, naming it Reykjavik, which rather aptly
translates as ‘smoky bay’, reflecting the rising steam
from the hot springs. As the name suggests, Iceland
was never going to win over tourists with a promise
of long sunny days and scorching temperatures,
nonetheless when the mercury drops, the allure
of bathing outdoors in soothing warm waters
surrounded by picturesque scenery easily beats
being parched on a beach. Along with burly Vikings
and fiery volcanoes, thermal outdoor spas have
become emblematic of Iceland. Reykjavik possesses
its fair share of geothermic pools, boasting 17 public
swimming pools with temperatures ranging from
a toasty 29° and rising to as high as 43° in the hot
tubs. The vivid colour of the renowned Blue Lagoon
waters is almost too blue to be true and really needs
to be seen to be believed. Laugardalur Valley is the
principal recreational centre in Reykjavik and home
to Laugardalslaug, the city’s largest outdoor pool, as
well as a botanical garden and family park and zoo,
making it both a fun and relaxing day out.
63
The beginning or culmination of any Icelandic
exploration inevitably begins with a stay in its vibrant
and cosmopolitan capital Reykjavik. Located in the
south of the island, Reykjavik is small in size but
mighty in spirit and offers a whole heap of activities
to suit all types of traveller. Easily accessible from
Keflavik International Airport, Reykjavik exemplifies
how all the excitement and amenities of a big city
can be appreciated and adored in the confines of a
smaller space. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie
looking for your next outdoor venture or are simply
looking to immerse yourself in a fascinating culture,
Reykjavik provides the perfect city and adventure
break all in one. And once you have exhausted all the
delights of the world’s most northerly capital city,
you are in a prime position to explore the rest of this
magnificent country.
The historic origins of the city date back to the late
9th century, when Ingólfur Arnarson, believed to
be the first Norse settler in Iceland called this area
home, naming it Reykjavik, which rather aptly
translates as ‘smoky bay’, reflecting the rising steam
from the hot springs. As the name suggests, Iceland
was never going to win over tourists with a promise
of long sunny days and scorching temperatures,
nonetheless when the mercury drops, the allure
of bathing outdoors in soothing warm waters
surrounded by picturesque scenery easily beats
being parched on a beach. Along with burly Vikings
and fiery volcanoes, thermal outdoor spas have
become emblematic of Iceland. Reykjavik possesses
its fair share of geothermic pools, boasting 17 public
swimming pools with temperatures ranging from
a toasty 29° and rising to as high as 43° in the hot
tubs. The vivid colour of the renowned Blue Lagoon
waters is almost too blue to be true and really needs
to be seen to be believed. Laugardalur Valley is the
principal recreational centre in Reykjavik and home
to Laugardalslaug, the city’s largest outdoor pool, as
well as a botanical garden and family park and zoo,
making it both a fun and relaxing day out.
