Reykjavík Grapevine - 06.06.2008, Blaðsíða 28

28 | Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 07 2008 | Destination
Summer Spots in Reykjavík
When you think of beaches, you are likely to be thinking of South-
ern California or possibly Ibiza or Mallorca, but probably not Reyk-
javík, the Northern-most capital in the world. Oh, but for the won-
ders 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 afternoon. A warmer pool is also located off the shore, per-
fect 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 viewpoint 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 the pristine nature reserve in Þórsmörk.
Ægissíða Shore
Reykjavík’s biggest park offers a wide array of possibilities for out-
door activities in the summer. There are football fields, outdoor bas-
ketball 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 in-
line 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 every wind direction. The park is also oc-
casionally 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 fish-
ing boats create beautiful reflections in the still water while the eve-
ning 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 Reykjavík, 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 for-
mer 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