Reykjavík Grapevine - 18.05.2007, Qupperneq 22

6_REYKJAVÍK_GRAPEVINE_ISSUE 06_007_DESTINATIONS
Summer Spots in Reykjavík Text by Sveinn Birkir Björnsson Photos by Leó Stefánsson and Skari
Take the warmth
with you!
D
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P
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Lækjarg
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B
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Laugavegur
S
kólavörðustígur
Reykja
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M
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Þing
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Grafa
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Grafa
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www.alafoss.isWool & Souvernir Shop
Since 1896
Álafoss - outlet
Álafossvegur 23
Mosfellsbær
(C.a 16 km away from
Reykjavík on the road
to Þingvellir)
Open:
Mondays - Fridays
9:00 - 18:00
Saturdays
9:00 - 16:00
Álafoss
Laugavegur 1
Reykjavík - City Center
Open:
In summer:
Every day
9:00 - 22:00
In Winter:
Mondays - Fridays
10:00 - 18:00
Saturdays
10:00 - 14:00
When you think of beaches, you are likely to be thinking of
Southern California or possibly Ibiza or Mallorca, but prob-
ably not Reykjavík, the Northern-most capital in the world.
Oh, but for the wonders of geo-thermal energy, Reykjavíkians
can enjoy their very own sandy beach on hot summer days.
With the average summer sea temperature around 10-11°C,
the sea is mixed with geothermal hot water bringing it up to
18-20°C, a perfect temperature for bathing on a sunny after-
noon. A warmer pool is also located off the shore, perfect for
the young ones. Now, if we could only geo-thermally induce
more sunny days…
Nauthólsvík Beach
Close by Vesturbæjarlaug lies Ægissíða, a long shoreline on the
Southwest side of Reykjavík with an asphalted walking path,
ideal for romantic walks, inline skating or bike trips along the
shore. The Southwest location offers the best possible view-
point for enjoying the midnight sun and the occasional sunset
during the early and late weeks of summer. The shoreline is
full of diverse birdlife and there is a beautiful view over the
sea and the mountain circle on Reykjanes. The walking path
on Ægissíða stretches on through Nauthólsvík and all the way
up to pristine nature reserve in Þórsmörk.
Ægissíða Shore
Reykjavík’s biggest park offers a wide array of possibilities for
outdoor activities in the summer. There are football fields,
outdoor basketball courts, as well as a beach volley ball court,
a frisbee course, a playground for kids and a long asphalted
path that is perfect for inline skating or teaching kids to ride
bikes. The grassy fields are also ideal for sunbathing on warm
summer days with trees all around supplying shelter from ev-
ery wind direction. The park is also occasionally used to host
large outdoor music concerts, such as last summer’s Sigur Rós
concert which drew 20,000 people.
Miklatún Park
The old harbour in Reykjavík is best enjoyed on a still summer
night when the gentle sea breeze has let down. The colourful
small fishing boats create beautiful reflections in the still wa-
ter while the evening sun lights up the skies. In the daytime,
you can sit down at the nearby Kaffivagninn and enjoy the
atmosphere when the local fishermen gather for coffee and
to discuss world affairs. Stop by one of the shops nearby and
pick up a nylon thread and a hook and try to angle for a fish
from the pier. It is surely cheaper than one of those expensive
fish restaurants.
Old Harbour
The small field in front of the parliamentary building is buzzing
with life at the first sight of sun during the summer. Located
in the heart of the city centre (and only a few meters from a
state alcohol store), it becomes the meeting place for people
of all ages as they gather to enjoy a beer in the grass, take in
the sun and chat with friends. If you know anyone in Reyk-
javík, chances are you will run into them on Austurvöllur on
a sunny day. For those more fond of chairs than grass, cafés
around Austurvöllur serve hot and cold drinks outside in the
afternoon sun.
Austurvöllur Field
A few hundred meters off the shore of Reykjavík is the island
Viðey. At 1.7 km2, it is the largest island on Kollafjörður bay.
It is a beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon. The house
Viðeyjarstofa, a former Governor’s mansion and which was
built in 1755, is the oldest construction made of stone and
cement in Iceland. It was recently restored and now houses a
small restaurant. Bicycles are readily available for those who
wish to ride a bike around the island, but horse rental is also
on location for the more adventurous ones. The ferry to Viðey
leaves from Sundahöfn every hour between 13:00 – 19:00.
Viðey Island
Icelandic Mountain Guides
Booking and information: www.mountainguide.is - Tel: +354 587 9999
ExperienceIce-land
Easy Glacier Adventures for Everyone
Ice Climbing
Hot Spring Hike
Ascension of Iceland’s Highest Peak
Trekking and Backpacking Spör - Ra
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