2_9_ScanMag_72_Jan_2015_Text_Q10_Scan Magazine 1 09/01/2015 22:49 Page 97
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Iceland
the summer, hike up Mount Esja across the bay for a panoramic view of the city or swim in the sea at Nauthólsvík beach. In the winter months, Heiðmörk conservation park and Grótta lighthouse make for ideal viewing points if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. See more, save more! In a city that’s as compact as Reykjavík, you’ll be able to fit plenty of these sights into your itinerary. Purchase the Reykjavík City Card and you’ll get unlimited access to all the Reykjavík Art and City Museums, the National Museum and the National Art Gallery, as well as a free ferry trip to Viðey Island. You can also visit any of the thermal pools and travel by bus for free within the Reykjavík capital area. On top of all that you’ll also receive discounts on various tours, services and goods in shops. Valid for periods of 24, 48 and 72 hours, this one-time purchase will serve as your ticket to as much of the history, culture and nature as you can handle.
For more information, please visit: www.visitreykjavik.is Iceland is best known for its natural wonders and many of them can be witnessed from the very heart of the city centre.
the controversial Icelandic pop artist Erró. Housed in a refurbished fishery warehouse by the old harbour, the gallery provides a visually striking setting for the progressive and experimental art inside. Kjarvalsstaðir showcases the work of one of the most influential Icelandic painters, Jóhannes S. Kjarval, while at Ásmundarsafn, the scenic sculpture garden is the perfect complement to the work of Ásmundur Sveinsson. The coming year at Reykjavík Art Museum will feature a number of pioneering exhibitions. To name but one, Just Painted at Hafnarhús will present the most extensive overview of Icelandic contemporary painting ever. Re-connect with the outdoors Once you’ve exhausted all those cultural activities (if that’s even possible), it’s time to recharge your batteries and where better than in one of the thermal pools
around town? All the pools have outdoor facilities, but with all that geothermal energy, you can take the plunge whatever the weather. In the western part of town, Vesturbæjarlaug is a favourite among locals who congregate in the brand new hot tub and more often than not engage in some healthy political debate. Kids love Laugardalslaug with its thrilling waterslides, while parents enjoy basking in the saltwater hot tub. Entry to the pools costs around 650 ISK – a real bargain considering that gives you access to what are essentially top spa facilities. Of course, Iceland is best known for its natural wonders and many of them can be witnessed from the very heart of the city centre. With walking paths all along the coast and mountains right on the city’s borders, there’s no need to drive long distances to reconnect with nature. During
Issue 72 | January 2015 | 97