Iceland review - 2016, Síða 126

124 ICELAND REVIEW
BITS & PIECES SPECIAL PROMOTION
The Recipe for a Glorious Day
Reykjavík Excursions offers a range of exciting day tours, many of which
include the ever popular Golden Circle. Travelers get to visit the erupting hot
spring Strokkur at the Geysir geothermal area, the mighty waterfall Gullfoss,
which tumbles 32 meters (105 feet) down a crevice, and the historically and
geologically significant Þingvellir National Park. In addition to the classic stops,
Reykjavík Excursions now takes visitors to the greenhouses at Friðheimar
where they can learn how tomatoes and cucumbers are grown in a sub-Arctic
climate and have a taste of the products.
Also, travelers can go snorkeling in the crystal-clear Silfra lake at Þingvellir, in
a rift between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates; relax in the hot tubs
and natural steam bath of Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths, where locals
have enjoyed the healing powers of the steam coming straight from the ground
for almost a century; explore nature from the back of an Icelandic horse; or feel
the thrill of snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier. For those with little time to
spare, Reykjavík Excursions also offers express afternoon and evening tours. re.is
Pioneer of Icelandic Abstract Art
Valtýr Pétursson (1919-1988) was a pioneer of Icelandic abstract art, a produc-
tive painter, an important critic and an active participant in artists’ unions and
groups. A retrospective of his work will run at the National Gallery of Iceland
from September 23 to February 2017.
The exhibition, along with a new book on Valtýr and his art, is a collabora-
tion with the Valtýr Pétursson Museum, which was founded after his death and
preserves numerous oil paintings and works on paper, as well as letters, newspa-
per articles, photographs and other documents relating to the artist, providing
invaluable insights into his life and work.
The last retrospective of Valtýr Pétursson’s works was held at the National
Gallery in 1986. It is therefore high time to introduce this multitalented artist to
new generations. In many respects, Valtýr’s works speak directly to the present
and prompt us to examine the now in a new light. listasafn.is
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 laps. There’s fun for the young and 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 ‘Swim-
ming 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-foot) in 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 Vesturbæjarlaug. 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
Sharp Forms
1952
Enamel paint
183 x 122 cm