Reykjavik: The Heart of Icelandic Life and Culture

The city of Reykjavik is the center of culture and major hub for tourism in Iceland. With an urban area population of around 200,000, Reykjavik remains to be the largest city in the country. Here you'll find a number of Iceland's iconic sites spread around the city. From concert halls to restaurants, take a stroll around Reykjavik as we unravel ten of the attractions you need to check out in the city.

1. Tjörnin

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Tjörnin, also known as The Pond, is a small lake found at the heart of of the city. It's surrounded by the Music Pavillion Park, a favorite hangout place for locals when the weather is decent. Several people from all walks of life gather near the lake to feed the ducks, take a walk and just chill out. Aside from being an excellent place for sightseeing, Tjörnin is also the ideal place to relax and marvel at the beauty of nature that Iceland is famed for.

2. Einar Jónsson Museum

Einar Jónsson Museum is a popular destination in Reykjavik dedicated to the first sculptor of Iceland, Einar Jónsson. It's home to nearly 300 art pieces crafted by Einar Jónsson during his 60-year career as a sculptor. Outside the museum, a beautiful garden where tourists can marvel at 26 bronze casts are placed strategically around the beautiful garden. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and regular admission costs 1000 ISK, while visitors under 18 can enter the museum for free.

3. Imagine Peace Tower

The Imagine Peace Tower is a distinct art installation in Reykjavik designed by Yoko Ono in memorial of her husband and Beatles star, John Lennon. The tower projects a beam of light into the sky that can be seen all around Reykjavik and serves as a beacon of world peace. The light of the tower is turned on between October 9th to December 8th every year. It's also open every December 21st to 28th during the winter solstice, Along with December 31st, and March 21st to 28th during the spring equinox.

4. National Gallery of Iceland

National Gallery of Iceland is home to an extensive collection of art pieces by Icelandic artists during the 19th and 20th centuries. It also hosts some art pieces by international artists including Edward Munch, Karel Appel, and Pablo Picasso. Additionally, the museum holds vibrant exhibitions by individual Icelandic artists, as well as foreign personalities. Regular admission fee is 800 IKR, while those under 18 can enter for free.

5. Reykjavík Botanical Gardens

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For those who want to indulge themselves in the beauty of Icelandic nature while keeping to the city limits, the Reykjavík Botanical Gardens is an ideal destination. It's home to more than 5,000 plant species divided into eight different collections. Each of the collections provide an fantastic insight into the diversity of flora in the northern temperate zone.

6. Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre

One of the most distinct destinations in Reykjavik is the Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre. It's situated by the old harbor near Reykjavik city center and features a unique colored glass facade which was inspired by the incredible basalt landscape found around Iceland.

7. Solfar Sculpture

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Solfar, also known as the Sun Voyager, is a fascinating sculpture in Reykjavik made by Jon Gunnar. The design of the art installation was made in the shape of a boat or an ode the sun. Moreover, the sculpture is intended to convey hope, freedom, and progress for the future. Solfar is one of the most beloved spots in Reykjavik due to its unique design, along with the beautiful scenery that surrounds it.

8. Hallgrimskirkja

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A symbol for the gradually modernizing city, Hallgrimskirkja is a beautifully designed Lutheran parish church that towers over the surrounding city. The church is named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, an Icelandic poet and its architecture is said to have been based on the mountains and glaciers which are found around the landscapes of Iceland. Right in front of the church you'll see a statue of Leif Ericsson, a famous Norse explorer who voyaged to North America.

9. Perlan

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The Perlan is an iconic structure situated on top of Öskjuhlíð, a hill in the southeast of Reykjavik. It's built on top of five hot water storage tanks and has an observation deck where tourists can get a stunning view of the entire city of Reykjavik, along with the mountains and ocean that surrounds the city. This famous landmark now includes a museum where a human-made ice cave and interactive show on glaciers are featured.

10. Northern Lights

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Most people don't realize you can actually see the iconic Northern Lights right in the capital city itself. Although certain conditions have to be met such as no light pollution and clear skies, this beautiful natural light show can often be seen in areas around the city during the winter months.

Conclusion

Some consider Reykjavik as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Not only does this northern city have some of the most attractive structures around Europe, but also is the perfect base to start exploring the incredible landscape found around Iceland.

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