Let’s start with a brief question: how many people do you know who have been to Iceland? Hardly anyone. Isn’t this fact alone enough to take a look at a couple of websites and find the best ticket?
What is more, there are some great offers for weekend getaways (depending on where your whereabouts are, of course), and in those 48 hours you’ll be able to really get to know the city. Here are a couple of must-sees for a weekend visit.
Take a Dip
The capital has only 123,000 people (not taking into consideration the wider area), but it has a lot of swimming pools! 18 of them, to be more precise. Now, if you know a little bit about Iceland, then you are aware they are absolutely rich with hot springs, which makes these pools open all year round. Therefore, you needn’t worry about the best time of year for swimming!
If you wish to save up on time, you can visit Laugardalslaug pool in the city and make small talk. This is the locals’ favorite way of socializing – chatting in a hot (open) pool. What is more, you could go to a pool which is some 30 miles further.
Of course, we are talking about the Blue Lagoon, its turquoise blue water and black lava stones. An amazing experience, but mind you, it may take you half a day.
Go (in)to the Light
You can go for a swim any time of the year, but if you have the desire to see Aurora Borealis, then book your vacation between September and mid-April. You can see the fascinating Northern Lights from the city, though there are also tours which take you outside to places like Thingvellir National Park.
However, bear in mind no one can guarantee you will see the lights if you leave the town – the magical phenomenon doesn’t really take place according to a strict timetable.
Huge Harpa Conference Center
Harpa concert hall and conference center is one of the best examples of contemporary architecture, which astonishes both experts and ordinary tourists. It’s situated in the city harbor and hosts a variety of events, so make sure you check what you can enjoy while staying.
If chess is your favorite pastime, you’ll relish visiting Reykjavik Open Chess Tournament. Indeed, Icelandic capital is an inevitable stop when we discuss chess tourism. After all, this is where Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky played their historic match.
Enjoy the View
When you finish window shopping in the city center or your break in one of the many local pubs, head for the place from which you’ll have the best view of the entire city – the renowned Hallsgrimskirkja Church, a brilliant example of expressionist building.
The 73 m tall bell tower will give you an amazing view on the city (by the way, you get there by elevator). Moreover, on the ground level you can observe the statue of Leifur Eiriksson, the very first European who discovered America.
One of a Kind Museum
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but this is certainly an attraction everybody will ask you about upon your arrival back home. They will all want to know if you visited the Icelandic Phallological Museum.
The building houses an impressive collection of penises (286 examples of Icelandic mammals are on display, including human). Definitely an exhibition you can’t see anywhere else in the world.
So, are you excited yet? Don’t forget, these are merely our suggestions, but you are bound to find lots of interesting and unique places on your way to the landmarks we’ve suggested. Basically, once you finish your two-day tour, you’ll be already planning your comeback.