Reykjavík Grapevine - ágú. 2019, Blaðsíða 50

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2019
50
Best Day Tour
Snowmobile/ATV
Solheimajökull
From the reception building near
Solheimajökull you can either go snow-
mobiling on the top of Myrdalsjökull,
or motoring over the black sands of
Sólheimajökull on an ATV. Both are just
stunning—highlights include a view of
the distant Westman Islands if you go
snowmobiling, or motoring through ex-
citing sand canyons to the famous DC-3
plane wreck, if you opt for the ATV.
Runners Up
Glacier Hike
Various locations and suppliers
The best way to get up close and
personal with a glacier is an guided ice
hike. With an experienced glacier guide,
a helmet and crampons provided, it’s
safe to hike up a glacier tongue, taking
in the deep blue hues and shining
icefalls, and learning about glaciers’
features.
Snorkelling at Silfra
Þingvallavatn
Going snorkelling in the rift between
the Eurasian and North American tec-
tonic plates took our panel’s collective
breath away. “It's overwhelming in the
most magical way,” they said. “There
are so many sights and sensations—it’s
truly something you won't be able to
experience anywhere else.”
Previous winners
New Category!
Best Hike
Mount Esja
Across the bay
Esja is hard to beat. Situated only 10 km
north of Reykjavík, it offers hikes of var-
ious lengths for both beginners and ad-
vanced hikers and absolutely gorgeous
views on the landscape below. “You also
get a stunning glimpse of the city,” says
the panel. When you go there in winter,
make sure to bring hiking poles and
crampons, if the conditions demand it,
and be ready for ice and deep snow. You
can get to the trailhead by public trans-
port, making it the only proper hike you
can do in Reykjavík without a car.
Runners Up
Heiðmörk
After only a 20 minute drive you will be
able to hike through this huge nature
reserve with forests and lakes. One
of its highlights are the red rocks
of Rauðhólar. In addition, there are a
lot of trees (something really rare in
Iceland), barbecues and you can even
go horse-riding and fishing.
Öskjuhlíð
Öskjuhlíð is a hill in the centre of Reyk-
javík, covered by trees and barbecues,
making it a popular site for bonfires
and ceremonies. It is very peaceful
and absolutely magical. To top it off,
you might end up at Perlan (a futuristic
glass dome with restaurants and muse-
ums) if you get lost.
Previous winners
2018: Esja
2017: Reykjadalur
2016: Móskarðshnjúkar
Best People-Watching Spot
Loft Hostel
Bankastræti
There are so many great things to be
said about Loft Hostel. It has a balcony
from which you can watch people/
tourists on Laugavegur. It has regular
events such as concerts and yoga
classes, and water colouring nights
where all kinds of people get together
(to watch other people.) Last but not
least, it is also a hostel (surprise) and
brings together locals and people from
all over the world. Really, could there be
any better spot to watch people? The
panel does not think so at least.
Runners Up
Breiðholt
The infamous 111 district of Reykjavík
is a melting pot of many different
cultures and very different people. “You
can sit on a bench anywhere and just
watch people for hours,” said the panel.
Mjódd, one of Reykjavík’s biggest bus
stations, is also situated there and is
another great people watching spot.
IÐNO
Vonarstræti 3
Situated right next to the city pond,
Iðnó offers the ultimate coziness for
people watching. You can sip on your
coffee and devour your dumplings
while gazing at passers-by through the
generous windows. “You will also see
funny tourists screaming because of
the geese at the pond,” says the panel.
Previous winner
2018: Hlemmur Mathöll
2017: Kaffihús Vesturbæjar
2016: Grandi
Best Place To See The Sunset
Ægissíða ▸ Grótta
Vesturbær ▷ Seltjarnarnes
Ægissíða is literally the west coast of
Reykjavík. Running along the sea, this
walk is sheltered from traffic and light
pollution and thus perfect for a peace-
ful and romantic walk of any duration.
In summer, it becomes even more magi-
cal with a great view of the glowing
pink summer sunset. If you walk long
enough, you’ll end up at Grótta at the
tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula with
its iconic lighthouse. “It’s one of my
favourite places to be in general,” said
one of the panellists.
Runners Up
Fossvogur and Öskjuhlíð
City Centre Area
This walk leads you along the creek
that divides Reykjavík and Kópavogur.
“Its right by the ocean,” says the panel.
“Nobody ever goes there, it’s so peace-
ful.” Additional perks include a mystical
graveyard and, if you walk a little
further, Reykjavík’s only “city forest” up
on the Perlan-topped hill of Öskjuhlíð.
Sculpture & Shore Walk
Laugardalur-Harpa
With its view on the ocean and moun-
tains, this is a recommended route for
a long, contemplative walk. Leading
from Laugardalur to Reykjavík’s famous
concert hall “Harpa,” it is a nice and
long walk right next to the ocean —
and you will get to experience some
of the diverse city landscape that
Reykjavík has to offer.
Previous winners
2016-18: Grótta
2015: Öskjuhlíð
2012-14: Grótta
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2019
Activities
Seriously, try the pools, it's not like back home.
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24 HOURS IN REYKJAVÍK
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