The last couple of days have been about exploring Reykjavík. Here are some of my favorites!
Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran Church stands 74.5 meters tall (244 feet tall). Construction started in 1945 and it was consecrated in 1986. The outside of this Expressionist church is made of concrete to resemble Icelandic nature, especially the basalt columns around the Svartifoss waterfall. I read that it also was designed to resemble Thor’s hammer, with the handle facing up.The church was named after the Icelandic poet and cleric, Hallgrimur Petursson (1614–1674), who was the author of the Passion Hymns.The pipe organ was designed and constructed by Johannes Klais of Bonn and weighs over 25 tons and is 15 meters tall. It has four manuals and a pedal, 102 ranks, 72 stops and 5275 pipes. The statute of Leifur Eiríksson (Leif Erikson) was done by American sculptor, Alexander Stirling Calder, and a gift from the US to Iceland in 1930 to commemorate the millennial anniversary of Iceland’s legislative body, the Althing. Founded in Thingvellir in 930 AD, this was the world’s first democratically elected parliament. Leif was a Norse explorer who was thought to have stepped foot on North America 500 years prior to Columbus. 1300 hours (1:00 pm). Up in the bell tower with an outstanding view of Reykjavík from all sides.
Famous Icelandic Hotdogs from the hot dog stand called Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. I had the Bill Clinton (mustard only) and Mike had the Kardashian (ketchup only). Yes, these people actually had hot dogs here!
Tjornin Pond, a small lagoon next to a barrier beach and home to 40+ water birds. In the winter this pond becomes an ice skating rink. A kitty cozies up on an Icelandic wool blanket in one of the local shops
We have switched to The Edition. Both hotels are comfortable, conveniently located, and have unique amenities.
Christina’s Journey Journal 