In the world's most northerly capital city, the sun barely peeks above the horizon in the depths of winter. But Reykjavík's central 101 district combats the darkness with a rainbow of brightly coloured buildings, bringing a cheerfulness that warms the cityscape. It's one stop on this half-day tour of Reykjavík's highlights. As Jan, a local guide, explains, “Iceland is as brutal as it is beautiful. And the people who call it home have always found ways to harness what nature gives them. From the geology-inspired Hallgrímskirkja church to the geothermal hot water tanks beneath Perlan's glass dome.”
Your city tour takes in the colourful streets of the 101 district before arriving at the distinctive Hallgrímskirkja. Angular concrete pillars sweep upwards to the spire, echoing the basalt columns formed by cooling lava. The views continue with a photo stop at the Sun Voyager, a metal Viking dreamboat sculpture overlooking the bay and Mount Esja. You'll also pass Perlan, the striking glass-domed home of geothermal water tanks that help keep Reykjavík's residents toasty. Everywhere you look, the city embraces its volcanic geology.
You'll see Höfði House, where Reagan and Gorbachev met in 1986 for talks that helped end the Cold War, then the futuristic Harpa concert hall, shimmering by the waterfront. Round off your visit with FlyOver Iceland. This immersive 5D cinema experience uses sweeping aerial imagery and sensory effects to take you over glaciers, mountains and dramatic coastlines, without having to wrap up against the elements.
