Iceland Part 8 - Reykjavik

Most famous landmark - Hallgrímskirkja

Reykjavik is the most northern capital in the world. It has a round 200 000 inhabitants and the trip to Iceland is not complete without a stay in this place. While thinking “capital” do not think London, Paris and so forth. Reykjavik is really dinky, quaint even, so do not go into houses with graffiti on them thinking you are going to be using the underground.

Artwork inside

The place I could not wait to see was Hallgrímskirkja. The best recognised Reykjavik's landmark and for me, the most beautiful church. Iceland's ratio church: inhabitants is impressive 1:1000 It's also one of the youngest churches in the world and it could be because of this, it doesn't have an altar. It took 38 years to build 1945-1986.

Inside - huh, no altar

 If you are lucky with the weather the view of the capital from the top of the church is amazing. Well worth paying the money to go up. However - beware of it's bells when you are up there.

Very nice organ though

 You might be so taken by the views, you will forget the time and then suddenly, the bells will strike. You have been warned. The church is made out of concrete, which is frowned upon by many church experts. Personally, I'm not bothered. It looks unique and 11 months in the year it is not surrounded by scaffolding, because they are changing the sandstone. Every year. Like many cathedrals do.

Views of the capital, Mount Esja in the clouds on the left. Reykjavik is quite a colourful city

Mount Esja in the background

Tjörnin on the left, Catholic church

Harbour in the background, main shopping area

Rain is never far away in Iceland. Perlan (The Pearl) in the middle

Another famous icon of Reykjavik. With some tourists posing for scale :-)

Reykjavik is full of fancy (and less fancy) restaurants. Whatever you food preference, choice or allergy, you are bound to find something here. Also it boasts many art galleries, museums and shops. They are also famous for their night life. It is advisable you stay here over the weekend if you want to give them run (dance) for their night life money, as during a week the night life is not so busy.

The seedy side of Reykjavik? No. If you are after strip clubs, or massage parlours, Iceland is not for you. This type of activities are illegal here. However you can get your girlfriend to dress up.