Reykjavík Grapevine - nov 2019, Qupperneq 44

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2019
44
Best Day Tour
Snowmobile/ATV
Sólheimajökull
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
Situated only 10 km north of Reykjavík,
it offers hikes of various lengths for
both beginners and advanced hikers
and absolutely gorgeous views on the
landscape below. “You also get a stun-
ning 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 transport,
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.
IÐNÓ
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 Aurora
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.
Runners Up
Ægissíða to Grótta
Vesturbær to 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
peaceful and romantic walk of any du-
ration. In winter, it becomes even more
magical with some of the best chances
to see northern lights in Reykjavík. 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.
“Plus it has the best bonfires in town.”
Viðey
Ægisgarður 5
You may associate this cute little island
in Reykjavík’s harbour with day trips,
or perhaps an evening visit to Yoko
Ono’s Peace Tower, but this is also one
of the best places in town to catch the
Northern Lights. When you arrive at the
dock on the island’s west end, simply
follow the footpath up the hill, and
make a right.
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.
Browse the tours we’ve recommended at
go.grapevine.is
Pre-booking is required. Book online at bluelagoon.com