ICELAND

Reykjavik (CAPITAL)

A capital city encircled by waterfalls, whales, and glaciers galore. Reykjavik bears the distinction of being the world’s northernmost capital, and for many Icelandic visitors it also serves as a gateway to wilderness adventures beyond. But this city merits its own exploration. Reykjavik’s creative culture includes a hip and internationally recognized music scene, great food, and nightlife that doesn’t quit. Recharge after a night out in one of the many geothermal springs or luxurious indoor spas.

Perlan

Address: Reykjavík, Iceland

Perlan is a Nature Exploratorium and among Reykjavik’s main landmarks. You can learn all about Icelandic nature in fun and interactive ways at our exhibitions. Some highlights include a real indoors ice cave, interactive exhibits, a life-size cliff full of life, and a show about volcanoes. There is also a first-class Planetarium theatre where the northern lights virtually dance all around you. The views from Perlan are spectacular in all directions. You see all over the Reykjavik area, the ocean, and the mountains around.

Hallgrimskirkja

Address: Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hallgrimskirkja is an impressive church building and the most significant of Reykjavik’s landmarks. The church tower can be seen from all over the city. The building was designed by Guðjón Samuel in 1937. The artist’s distinctive works are beautiful shapes made of lava cooled into basalt stone. Construction work began in 1945 and was completed in 1986, but the tower was completed much earlier. The 15-meter and 25-ton barrel organ was designed and built by Johannes Klais from Germany. The organ was completed in 1992 and has been used in several recordings. In front of the church is a statue of Leifur Eriksson (970 – 1020). He was the first European to discover America. He is believed to have visited the new continent in 1000, 500 years before Christopher Columbus. The statue, designed by Alexander Stirling Calder, was a gift from the United States in 1930 in connection with the Alþingi Millennial Festival. At that time, the 1000th anniversary of the founding of the Icelandic Parliament was celebrated.

Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO)

Address: Thingvellir, 801 Selfoss, Iceland

Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been identified as an international natural wonder during decades of research. The geological history and biosystem of Lake Thingvallavatn is a unique entity. New species have developed and formed in the area. The Thingvellir area is part of a crack zone that runs through Iceland and is located on a crust in the mid-Atlantic.

Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Center

Harpa is a cultural center in central Reykjavik, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Arctic Ocean. The center has received several architectural awards and has been visited by 4 million visitors since 2011, when it opened. Services also include two restaurants as well as several shops with a wide range of products.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón’s charming ice lagoon is a popular tourist destination for boat cruises. There is a guide on the trip that tells about the lagoon, the icebergs and the surrounding area. The guide also takes care of passenger safety. Waterproof and warm clothing should be brought on the trip, as the ships are open ships. The temperature of the lake is the same as on land. Visitors can also bring their own motorhome, but there is no campsite. The trip is not recommended for children under two years of age.

Strokkur

Address: Haukadalsvegur, Iceland

Strokkur is a picturesque geyser, one of Iceland’s famous hot springs. It sprays every 4 to 8 minutes, and water jets reach a height of 15 to 20 meters and sometimes up to 40 meters. Geysir is part of the Golden Circle Route sightseeing tour.