Reykjavík Grapevine - 10.10.2008, Page 25

REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 16—2008 | 25
DESTINATIoN
Sundhöll
Reykjavíkur
BY STevIe wARD — pHoTo BY gAS
Fly and discover
/ tel. 570 3030
Air Iceland
destinations
Get your action-packed day tour brochure
at hotels, airports or any travel agent.
www.airiceland.is
FAROE ISLANDS
REYKJAVÍK
AKUREYRI
EGILSSTAÐIR
WESTMAN ISLANDS
ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
VOPNAFJÖRÐUR
ÞÓRSHÖFN
GRÍMSEY
CONSTABLE POINT
Greenland
KULUSUK
Greenland
NUUK
Greenland
NARSARSSUAQ
GreenlandÍS
L
E
N
S
K
A
S
IA
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S
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4
39
02
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08
Every village in Iceland with more than 100 inhab-
itants has a swimming pool, but Sundhöll Reyk-
javíkur on Barónsstígur is the most unforgettable.
Opened in 1937 and built for 650,000 ISK, it was
designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson,
whose stunning Art Deco creations were once
deemed ‘too dramatic’ for the Icelandic skyline.
Thankfuly his work has now become the classic ar-
chitectural style of the capital and this building had
become a muse for the remarkable photographic
mural by Roni Horn, Janus and Tinna’s underwater
concerts in 2007 and a Gusgus’s movie.
Iceland’s swimming culture is vast and the popular-
ity of the pastime is prominent in all of the venues,
but the true experience at this pool in particular is
in the changing room. Inspired by the countryside’s
turf houses, the white arched, cavernous changing
rooms and 30’s style locker system makes you feel
like you’re lost in some kind of Grecian bath or Ital-
ian labyrinth.
The naturally filtered Icelandic water means
low levels of chlorine but high levels of hygiene.
Although this makes for a more relaxing swim, one
must wash naked before getting in; a true test of
confidence for naturally prudish British or Ameri-
can tourists.
The inside pool is large, cool and inviting
with a high diving board where you can show off
your athletic prowess by doing barrel-rolls. Out-
side in the open-air, the hot tubs are social and
fun. You can sit in the water, stewing like a mana-
tee at any time of year, making conversation or
plotting world domination with the other inhabit-
ants whilst the water spills over the entrance way
steps like a waterfall. These little pools are even
better in the winter and at night, the snow and rain
making you feel even more cozy and warm, the
steam evaporating like smoke up into the dark Ice-
landic sky. It’s an ideal aquatic venue for those in
Iceland’s capital.
Sundhöll Reykjavíkur, Barónstígur
551-4059
Mon.-Fri. 06:30-21:30
Sat.-Sun. 08:00-19:00 250