IgoUgo

Reykjavik Journals

City of Smoky Bay

An April 2002 trip to Reykjavik by Emilienyc

Quote: I have visited Iceland four times and never tire of its natural extremes, the diverse cultural offerings of Reykjavik, and dining experiences.
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City of Smoky Bay Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Quote:
Although Reykjavik and its environs offer seemingly endless indoor and outdoor activities, visitors can take an easy one hour plane ride to the northern city of Akuyeri for a more rustic experience. Several flights leave daily from the domestic airport located behind the Hotel Loftleidir, about two miles from downtown Reykjavik. Once in Akuyeri, visitors can rent a car and explore the multitude of fishing villages or sign up for an adventure, such as four-wheeling over the glaciers.Quick Tips: Best Way To Get Around: For visitors traveling to Iceland independently, a car is the best way to experience the country that lies beyond the capital of Reykjavik. Roads are clearly marked and...Read More

Hotel Borg Best of IgoUgo

Hotel

Quote:
Besides the beautifully designed rooms with an old world feel, location is the biggest asset to staying at the four-star Hotel Borg. As the oldest hotel in the city, Hotel Borg boasts a prime location by Parliament Square and is surrounded by Reykjavik's plethora of restaurants, bars, and shops. Because the square is in the heart of the city's all-night party crowd, the hotel may not be the best choice for those seeking serenity. However, bars and live music venues with young Icelanders flooding into the narrow streets at 3am is undoubtedly an intrinsic part of the Reykjavik experience that should not be missed.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 9, 2003

Hotel Borg
POSTHUSSTRAETI II
Reykjavik, Iceland
354-55-11440

Perlan Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Quote:
Though arguably one of the more popular restaurants in Reykjavik for tourists, the views and cuisine at Perlan (meaning The Pearl) are worthy of at least one visit. This revolving restaurant is actually situated above the city's geothermal water tanks. The initial smell of sulfur disipates as visitors enter the dramatic lobby with fountains that erupt every few minutes. At the top of the elevators, Perlan is surrounded by glass windows and a glass roof, and there's a deck that offers clear views of the city and mountains. Guests should plan to spend a leisurely dinner in order to maximize their viewing, since the restaurant floor turns 360 degrees every two hours. For a different perspective on the...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 9, 2003

Perlan
Oskjuhlio 103
Reykjavik, Iceland

Blue Lagoon (Geothermal Spa) Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Blue Lagoon/Arni Magnusson Institute/Culture House"

Quote:
Reykjavik, known as the "city of smoky bay," is the northernmost capital in the world and was virtually uninhabited when the Norse settlers fled to the island in 874 A.D. Today, the city's natural beauty is a primary reason to explore Iceland. However, there are several sights that warrant a respite from the outdoors. The Arni Magnusson Institute at the University of Iceland is an ideal place to learn about the rich history of the country and view medieval artifacts and sagas. Located downtown, The Culture House opened in 2000 and features themed exhibit halls that share the history of Iceland, such as rooms dedicated to the Vikings and ancient maps. After a day soaking in Icelandic h...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 9, 2003

Blue Lagoon (Geothermal Spa)
Grindavik lava field, Reykjanes Peninsula
Reykjavik, Iceland

About the Writer

Emilienyc

Emilienyc
New York, New York

  • "I have lived in and traveled to more than 25 countries. As a travel writer for the past three years,..."
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