Five attractions in Iceland’s capital city for under $5
By Randy Kalp
In recent years, Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, has emerged as an hip alternative to major European powerhouses, such as Paris and Rome. Brimming with fashionista charm, Reykjavik, dotted with boutiques, cafés and colorful two-tone houses, is a city made for walking, and at sundown it transforms into a playground for indie artists who lace the night air with melody well into the wee hours.
Reykjavik’s only drawback is its expense. But like San Francisco or New York City, if you are diligent enough, it’s possible to find affordable attractions to offset the costs of the city’s high-priced nightlife and food.
For less than the price of a pint of Víking Sterkur at a Reykjavik pub, for instance, you can enjoy any of the five following high points of Icelandic culture:
Laugardaslaug thermal pool
Laugardalslaug is a great example of why swimming is a national sport in Iceland despite the country’s proximity to the Arctic Circle. Considered the city’s largest geothermal pool, the complex houses a 50-meter outdoor pool, two water slides, numerous “hot pots” (Jacuzzis), an outdoor children’s pool, a thermal steam bath, indoor gym and a mini-golf course (weather permitting). An all-day pass to Laugardalslaug costs approximately $2.50 (the locker rental is included in the price). And like the U.S. Postal Service, Laugardalslaug operates in all weather conditions.
Hallgrimskirja Church (Church of Hallgrimur)
Rising 244 feet above Reykjavik, Hallgrímskirkja Church’s observation deck, has no competition for views. The deck offers panoramic vistas of the city, bay and distant mountains. The church, which boasts a minimalist concrete design with clean lines and a behemoth pipe organ, is free; however, the observation deck costs about $4.50 to visit.
The National Museum of IcelandFree on Wednesdays, the National Museum contains everything that our school textbooks failed to mention about Iceland. The “Making of a Nation” is the permanent exhibition at the museum. It contains a mix of artifacts and photographs detailing Iceland’s cultural heritage. The exhibition can be completed in a few hours, but like any museum, the longer you stay the more you will take away. The museum also offers free WiFi and has a café for light meals and beverages.
Free walk of Reykjavik Tour
This 90-minute guided tour through Reykjavik is a great way to get acquainted with Iceland’s capital
city. The guides provide insight into Reykjavik’s past, present and future through superb storytelling. While the tour is free, the guides do work for tips—500 króna (less than $5) is a reasonable gratuity. Because the tour is sponsored by GoEcco, there is some cross promotion for the company’s other city tours, but it’s nothing that cheapens the experience. The Free Walk of Reykjavik Tour operates daily from May 1 to Sept. 15, rain or shine, with no minimum number of guests needed.
Nautholsvik Thermal Beach
Nauthólsvík Beach is no Waikiki, but it’s definitely fun for a quick dip or afternoon swim. Geothermal water is pumped into two hot pots and into the bay, keeping the lagoon’s temperature around 68 degrees. A seawall surrounding the lagoon helps to keep the cold sea water out of the swimming area. The complex at Nauthólsvík Beach has a café for beverages and snacks as well as changing rooms. Admission to the beach and its facilities is free; however, a small fee is charged for lockers. Nauthólsvík Beach is open from May 15 to Aug. 31.
