Page 66 iGap travelguide 2023
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iGap Travel Guide
66
Culture is king in Reykjavik and it was the first
non-native English-speaking city to receive the
prestigious accolade of being a designated UNESCO
City of Literature. The city’s literary heritage dates
back centuries and literature lovers can immerse
themselves into mythical medieval folklore or pick up
a contemporary thriller guaranteed to send shivers
down the spine. When it comes to channelling your
inner culture vulture, Reykjavik spoils you for choice
with a wealth of museums, art galleries and theatres,
showcasing everything from the latest cutting-edge
installations conceived by Icelandic artists to retelling
the heroic tales of Viking warriors. Gain a sense of the
past at the Árbær Open Air Museum, where over 20
buildings recreate traditional Icelandic life, or take
a tour of the Harpa Concert and Conference Centre,
the cultural epicentre of the city with award winning
architecture that renders it as one of the city’s most
distinguished landmarks.
From a sightseeing perspective, the star attraction is
Hallgrímskirkja, the city’s huge concrete white church.
Commanding a dominating presence in the Reykjavik
skyline, Iceland’s largest church instantly captures the
undivided attention of discerning travellers ambling
the colourful streets. This impressive archaeological
feat implores to be explored from all angles, and
with a quick trip to the top you’ll be rewarded with a
beautiful panorama of the city and further afield. Take
a stroll down to the waterfront at sunset to witness
the stunning Sun Voyager sculpture by Jón Guunar
Arnason, an intriguing display that at first glimpse
appears to be a Viking ship when in fact it is a dream
boat and ode to the sun.
Take a break from sightseeing and shop ‘til you drop
on Laugavegur Street, the city’s principal shopping
area that is bursting with hip shops, quirky cafés
and trendy bars, perfect for grabbing a tasty bite
to eat and embracing the prolific Icelandic coffee
culture. And while on the subject of food, Reykjavik
has cemented its status as a foodie’s paradise with
an abundance of restaurants serving up authentic
Icelandic cuisine as well as international favourites.
Quality restaurants across the capital sees acclaimed
chefs serving up traditional Icelandic cuisine that
draws inspiration from the country’s natural resources
and native animals, so don’t be too shocked if you
see smoked puffin on the menu. While Reykjavik is
delightful in the day time, it is really worth staying up
late and experiencing first-hand the city’s illustrious
nightlife. Its reputation for having an electrifying bar
and club scene have seen tourists from across the
globe flock there to party the Icelandic way. Believe it
or not, beer was only made legal in the country since
1989, after prohibition laws banning it for a large part
of the 20th century were revoked, and it certainly
seems that the city is making up for it with a healthy
66
Culture is king in Reykjavik and it was the first
non-native English-speaking city to receive the
prestigious accolade of being a designated UNESCO
City of Literature. The city’s literary heritage dates
back centuries and literature lovers can immerse
themselves into mythical medieval folklore or pick up
a contemporary thriller guaranteed to send shivers
down the spine. When it comes to channelling your
inner culture vulture, Reykjavik spoils you for choice
with a wealth of museums, art galleries and theatres,
showcasing everything from the latest cutting-edge
installations conceived by Icelandic artists to retelling
the heroic tales of Viking warriors. Gain a sense of the
past at the Árbær Open Air Museum, where over 20
buildings recreate traditional Icelandic life, or take
a tour of the Harpa Concert and Conference Centre,
the cultural epicentre of the city with award winning
architecture that renders it as one of the city’s most
distinguished landmarks.
From a sightseeing perspective, the star attraction is
Hallgrímskirkja, the city’s huge concrete white church.
Commanding a dominating presence in the Reykjavik
skyline, Iceland’s largest church instantly captures the
undivided attention of discerning travellers ambling
the colourful streets. This impressive archaeological
feat implores to be explored from all angles, and
with a quick trip to the top you’ll be rewarded with a
beautiful panorama of the city and further afield. Take
a stroll down to the waterfront at sunset to witness
the stunning Sun Voyager sculpture by Jón Guunar
Arnason, an intriguing display that at first glimpse
appears to be a Viking ship when in fact it is a dream
boat and ode to the sun.
Take a break from sightseeing and shop ‘til you drop
on Laugavegur Street, the city’s principal shopping
area that is bursting with hip shops, quirky cafés
and trendy bars, perfect for grabbing a tasty bite
to eat and embracing the prolific Icelandic coffee
culture. And while on the subject of food, Reykjavik
has cemented its status as a foodie’s paradise with
an abundance of restaurants serving up authentic
Icelandic cuisine as well as international favourites.
Quality restaurants across the capital sees acclaimed
chefs serving up traditional Icelandic cuisine that
draws inspiration from the country’s natural resources
and native animals, so don’t be too shocked if you
see smoked puffin on the menu. While Reykjavik is
delightful in the day time, it is really worth staying up
late and experiencing first-hand the city’s illustrious
nightlife. Its reputation for having an electrifying bar
and club scene have seen tourists from across the
globe flock there to party the Icelandic way. Believe it
or not, beer was only made legal in the country since
1989, after prohibition laws banning it for a large part
of the 20th century were revoked, and it certainly
seems that the city is making up for it with a healthy
