It’s straightforward to do: land in Reykjavík, hop in your journey automobile and head instantly into Iceland’s potpourri of unreal landscapes. It is a nation made for tranquil rural escapes – which means that too usually, a prolonged keep within the capital is left off the itinerary.
Properly, that’s a mistake. Not solely is the Larger Reykjavík area and town itself dwelling to a few of Iceland’s largest points of interest, from purchasing on the boutique-draped Laugavegur to taking a dip within the steamy Blue Lagoon, it additionally has a number of the nation’s most memorable out of doors areas.
Inside Reykjavík’s parks and out of doors areas, you may witness (and infrequently take part on) the spectrum of exercise, whether or not it is a quiet day in a inexperienced area or taking a dip in one of many nation’s famed swimming pools. It is a nation that loves the outside, and two-thirds of its inhabitants lives within the capital, so there’s clearly sufficient outdoorsy attract to maintain its staunchest residents blissful – and in flip, wow guests each new and seasoned.
Listed here are a number of the high out of doors areas in Reykjavík.
Take within the metropolis skyline at Hljómskálagarður
Tucked simply off Reykjavík’s Metropolis Corridor and the Nationwide Gallery of Iceland, this central inexperienced area gives the panoramic vistas extra generally present in smaller Icelandic cities. Visible staples of the expertise embody Tjörnin lake, the place geese usually frolic within the frigid waters as flowers blossom alongside its bands, in addition to church steeples, pops of colourful buildings and mountains within the distance.
It is a serene spot for making your individual adventures in the course of the summertime, and native households will doubtless be doing the identical close by. Don’t go away with out trying out the park’s 5 large-scale sculptures, all made by European girls.
Gawk at Hallgrímskirkja (and revel in a tasty deal with) at Frakkland
One of many smallest parks on the town and straightforward to overlook within the northern shadow of Hallgrímskirkja, it is a Reykjavík hidden gem – a small rectangular park with a handful of benches.
To profit from it, head north up close by Frakkastigur avenue to Reykjavík Roasters and Brauð & Co. to purchase a specialty espresso and a cinnamon bun – the perfect on the town of their respective classes. Head again to the park, discover a bench, get pleasure from your morsels whereas taking within the surroundings, and also you’ve achieved multisensory nirvana.
Birdwatch (and possibly surf?) in Grótta
Tucked on the finish of the northwesternmost level of the Seltjarnarnes, Grótta is a protected nature reserve, and on any given day you may see feisty wrens defending their nests as waves crash alongside the shore. The encompassing shoreline is primed for a sundown stroll and – if the evening is simply darkish sufficient – catching a glimpse of the northern lights.
Whereas most browsing in Iceland takes place within the Reykjanes Peninsula south of the capital, there have been some huge waves to grace Grótta lately. Simply keep in mind, you’re working with Arctic water, so include the best gear.
Take a day journey to pine-clad Heiðmörk Nature Reserve
For a lot of of Iceland’s landscapes balled into one large park, head 10km (6.2 miles) southeast of Reykjavík’s metropolis middle. The Heiðmörk Nature Reserve is loaded with trails and numerous sceneries, together with greater than 25 species of timber, 50 species of birds and the eerie pink craters that make up the Rauðhólar geographical phenomenon.
Fashionable out of doors outings embody a leisurely stroll up Mt Helgafell, fishing within the park’s three lakes and horseback using with firms like John Ker Iceland Tours.
Discover the area’s biodiversity at Reykjavík Botanic Gardens
In 2021, Reykjavík Botanic Gardens celebrated its sixtieth anniversary. At the moment, the inexperienced area, which is run by town of Reykjavík, has eight distinct fauna collections totaling greater than 5000 species of vegetation. The gardens are positioned inside the Laugardalur leisure space, which additionally homes a household park, zoo and multifaceted sport complicated, together with the stadium the place the nationwide soccer staff performs.
Verify an Icelandic pool go to off your bucket record
With out figuring out something about Iceland’s pool tradition, it could appear somewhat loopy to go for an outside dip in a Nordic nation, however recover from your fears to get pleasure from a real cultural expertise. Reykjavík is dwelling to a number of the best pool complexes within the nation, together with its largest, Laugardalslaug, which has indoor, out of doors and thermal choices. For teenagers and adults alike, don’t miss gliding down the massive slide.
Inside the capital’s confines, there’s additionally Sundhöllin – the oldest public pool in Iceland, with a rooftop sizzling tub – and Vesturbæjarlaug, which has a steam room and sauna to enrich the geothermal spa vibe. For a pool-hopping journey, look into the Reykjavík City Card, which will get you 24- to 72-hour entry to all swimming pools within the metropolis, along with free museum and bus tickets.
