Iceland review - 2015, Page 87

ICELAND REVIEW 85
SPECIAL PROMOTION
The Scent of a Viking
Want to smell like a Viking? If the new fragrances of aftershave and eau de
toilette by True Viking are anything to go by, you should. True Viking products
are available again after several years off the market and the company now aims
to present a new line of cosmetics annually. The design of its perfume bottles
by Hallvarður Aspelund is truly unique, resembling the characteristic Viking
drinking horn. True Viking products are available in the Duty Free Store at Ke-
flavík International Airport, in stores and hotels around the country and online
at trueviking.is.
BITS & PIECES
Pools Worth Making a Splash About
Reykjavík’s geothermal swimming pools offer a place to soothe your cares
away and soak up the many therapeutic benefits of Icelandic water. Perfect for
a relaxing dip or a few lengths. There’s fun for the young-at-heart on the water
slides and it’s always a good time to unwind in the range of hot tubs by the
poolside and get to know the local gossip. Why not visit the ‘swimming palace,’
Sundhöll in, Iceland’s oldest and most charming pool, designed by renowned
architect Guðjón Samúelsson? Enjoy the range of facilities at Laugardalslaug,
including 50-meter (164-feet) inside and outdoor pools, a range of hot tubs and
waterslides, and for family fun look no further than Árbæjarlaug where the little
ones can enjoy a children’s pool, paddling pool, slides and water fountains. In the
western part of town is the recently-renovated, small and friendly Vesturbæjar-
laug. Located within walking distance of the city center, it’s good for a soothing
soak after a day of shopping and sightseeing. visitreykjavik.is/swimming-reykjavik
The Art of Shopping
Overlooking the beautiful Reykjavík Pond, The National Gallery of Iceland is an
essential destination for every art lover. There you will find an inspiring selection
of exhibitions mainly focusing on 19th and 20th century Icelandic art, although
international art is featured as well. After exploring its spacious halls, make sure
to stop by the gallery shop. There, you will find a great selection of art books,
catalogues, cards and posters, published by the National Gallery to complement
its exhibitions. In addition, the museum shop offers a wide range of Icelandic art
and design items allowing for great gifts or souvenirs to bring back home. Open
Tuesdays-Sundays, 11 am-5 pm, closed Mondays. listasafn.is