1. Reykjavik Art Museums
Hafnarhus
The Hafnarhus is home to the fantastic Erro collection, one of the most well-known contemporary art collections in all Europe. The museum also features contemporary artworks by internationally renowned and young upcoming artists.
Laugardalur
© artmuseum.is
The Asmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum in Laugardalur focuses on Asmundur Sveinsson’s sculptures and is housed in the sculptor’s house-cum-studio, which he donated to the city. You’ll also find works of other prominent artists displayed here.
Kjarvalsstadir
© artmuseum.is
Johannes S. Kjarval’s renowned artworks dominate the Kjarvalsstadir. The museum is abode to sculptures and paintings made by the masters of modern art.
2. Vikin Maritime Museum
© James Brooks
This museum gives the visitors an insight into the maritime history of Iceland from the late 20thcentury, featuring Iceland’s history of waterways transport, the Coast Guard’s history and establishment of fishing in the country.
The museum features the Coast Guard rescue vessel Odinn, which was used in Cold Wars in the 1950s and 1970s, and was later transformed into a museum exhibit. What makes this museum historically important is the fact that Icelandic natives have been dependent on fisheries for their survival since the last two centuries. Fishing has now become one of the most prosperous and profitable markets in the city. Vikin Maritime Museum must be visited by anyone who is curious about the city’s history and growth.
3. Tjornin Lake
Referred to by the locals simply as ‘The Pond,’ Tjornin Lake brings a sense of tranquillity in the city with its placidity and calmness. The lake attracts more than 40 migratory birds including swans, geese, and arctic terns, which makes feeding birds an entertaining as well as a commonly practiced phenomenon. Photographers and birdwatchers find this place as a perfect opportunity to hone their skills.
The sculpture-filled parks near the lake make it a good picnic spot as well. The lake is also surrounded by tracks which make an excellent place to go for a stroll. Cyclists and joggers are prominent here. Winter transforms the lake into an ice skating rink, a favorite winter destination for the ski-loving natives.
4. Hallgrimskirkja Church
© Ron Kroetz / Flickr
One of the most exquisite monuments of the country, the Hallgrimskirkja Church is sure to leave anyone who witnesses the church for the first time in awe. Dominatingly visible throughout the city, the church’s construction began in 1945 and ended in 1986. The inspiration behind the church’s unique architecture is the shapes formed on basalt rocks when lava is cooled.
The church features a ginormous pipe organ constructed by German organ manufacturer Johannes Klais of Bonn. Weighing 25 tons and standing 25 m tall, the organ is purely mechanically driven and functions using four manuals and a pedal, 102 ranks, 72 stops and 5,275 pipes.
5. Einar Jonsson Museum
© adropofart.com
Einar Jonsson was the first internationally recognized sculptor to offer all his works to the people of Iceland, with the condition that a separate museum would be built just for these sculptures. With reluctance at first, the ‘gift’ was eventually accepted in 1914 and 10,000 kronas were contributed by the Parliament. Private donations, however were double of this amount. This incident established one fact about the Icelandic – they love art.
Situated in Skolavorduhaed, the museum was the first building to be constructed on the top of a hill in Iceland. The museum was built as per Jonsson’s blueprints and plans, due to which some term the museum as ‘Einar Jonsson’s biggest sculpture’. The building was his studio, gallery and home.
6. Domkirkjan I Reykjavik (Cathedral of Reykjavik)
© Diego Delso / Wikicommons
Cathedral of Reykjavik was designed by Andreas Kirkerup and was consecrated in 1796. It was the first building built keeping in mind that Reykjavik was meant to become the capital of Iceland. Being one of the primary churches of the city, it was initially built for the entire city, but now mainly serves the old west and neighboring eastern regions.
A century later, Iceland’s Parliament was constructed next to the church, which was perceived by many as unity and harmony between laws of the land and traditions of religion. This makes the Cathedral of Reykjavik an important symbol of religion of the country.
So pack your bags, and discover the best places to visit in Iceland!
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