Iceland Road Trip
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Do not skip Reykjavik, Iceland’s photogenic capital city

I totally get it — Iceland is all about volcanoes, lava fields, and waves crashing against towering cliffs. But don’t let these otherworldly landscapes, which are absolutely stunning, overshadow the unique charm of the Icelandic capital. Let these photos of Reykjavik show you why the city is absolutely worth a visit.

Give Reykjavik the credit it deserves!

The view from Hallgrimskirkja

photos of reykjavikphotos of reykjavik Straight ahead: Greenland

photos of reykjavik

Hallgrimskirkja’s characterful steeple is visible throughout the city, making it a veritable landmark for many tourists that have yet to familiarise themselves with Reykjavik’s layout. The quite peculiarly-shaped facade was actually inspired by the geometrical shapes created when lava cools into basalt rock, a sight often compatible with Iceland’s rugged coastline. Right in front of the church, firmly looking at the sea ahead, is a statue of Leifur Eiriksson, the actual first European to discover America… a solid 500 years before Christopher Columbus saw the distant shores of the New World. And because Iceland has rather modest structures — a clever way to guarantee nature is the perpetual star of the show, and not vulgar man-made constructions — this is also technically the tallest building in Iceland, at 73 metres.

There’s an observation deck atop the steeple and the 360-degree views of the capital region including the shore and the mountains, making it well worth the modest ISK 900 (~ $7.95 at the time of writing) entry fee. And yes, just in case your calves were starting to get anxious: there is a lift.

The Reykjavik waterfront

photos of reykjavik The unique Harpa concert hall

photos of reykjavik Chasing light inside Harpa

Reykjavik’s second-most famous building is another landmark that draws inspiration from Iceland’s stunning natural beauty. Similar to the Hallgrimskirkja, but with its own unique style, the Harpa’s geometric glass facades resemble the basalt rocks found throughout the Nordic island. It’s not just a pretty face, though. It’s got concert halls, too. Check out their calendar to see what’s playing. They’ve got shows by the Icelandic Opera and Symphony Orchestra, as well as comedy shows. There are also great design boutiques and restaurants.

Here’s a tip: take the elevator to the top floor of the eastern side of the building to enjoy this amazing view.

photos of reykjavik photos of reykjavikThe Sun Voyager

Located just a few minutes walk from Harpa along the Reykjavik harbour, the Sun Voyager sculpture is not, contrary to popular belief, a Viking ship, but instead an ode to the elusive sun crafted by Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the city of Reykjavík.

The beautiful back streets

Reykjavik’s got a ton of cute, narrow streets lined with traditional Icelandic houses that make for perfect shots. It’s one of the things I can’t miss when I’m in the capital. I can’t get enough of watching the locals go about their daily business and fantasize about what my life would be like if I owned one of those rainbow-colored properties. I bet they’re pricey, even by Icelandic standards.

Until I can afford one, though, I’ll keep strolling around Reykjavik and falling even deeper in love with this quirky city.

photos of reykjavikFischersund

photos of reykjavikMjóstræti

photos of reykjavikFischersund

The area east of Ingólfstorg square in central Reykjavik is perhaps the best part of the city. Very high chances of cat sighting, too. I repeat: HIGH CHANCES OF CATS.

For some reason, I hardly ever see tourists here so there’s a slight chance locals will despise me for sending nosy camera-totting visitors in their tranquil neighbourhood but I can live with that.

photos of reykjavik

Grettisgata

photos of reykjavikSkólavörðustígur

photos of reykjavikKlapparstígur

Another popular area is the road leading up to iconic Hallgrimskirkja. The main road is dotted with charming shops and cafés but what I like most about it is the network of perpendicular streets around it, which is also full of those Icelandic houses bearing strong resemblance to Scandinavian metal sheet houses. Definitely a good spot for quintessential, redolent photos of Reykjavik.

photos of reykjavik Skólavörðustígur

photos of reykjavik Skólavörðustígur

photos of reykjavik Ingólfstorg

The view from Perlan

Right outside the city centre — a swift 25-minute walk thanks to the capital’s compact size — is perhaps where you need to go to get the best views of Reykjavik. Perlan is a multi-function centre with large exhibit spaces, several shops, a revolving restaurant on the top floor and some of the most unobstructed panoramas in the area from the free-to-visit, 360-degree outdoor viewing deck. The proximity to Reykjavik’s domestic airport also makes Perlan a must-visit location for plane spotters!

photos of reykjavik
photos of reykjavik

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