One of the pluses of going to Iceland, besides witnessing the magnificent statement nature makes there, is enjoying visiting somewhere that is manageable in size. One can cross the island in one day from coast to coast thanks for a great ring road that is in pretty good condition (especially, when one considers the climate). Another pleasant aspect of it being of manageable size is that its capital, Reykjavik, is quite approachable and easily explored on foot – perfect for a stroll to discover!
Pedestrian friendly areas
With a population of about 125,000, traffic in this city is not a problem; one can easily walk around, cross streets, etc.
Walking around Reykjavik is delightful
Plenty of road space for bicyclists
But Reykjavik has in its city center a nice pedestrian street, Laugavegur. Shops of every kind and a few eateries can be found in this street. We actually stayed right off it in an apartment we rented on Vatnsstigur – a perfect spot central to everything.
Hallgrímskirkja Church as seen from Laugavegur street
Laugavegur is a fun street to walk about!
Neat way to close up the street to cars!
Looking from one end of Laugavegur – it was a nice “warm” day!
The Old Harbor (which still functions as a harbor for fishermen, etc.) is a place with great seafood restaurants (also has a Viking museum and other places of interest). The one I went to was not fancy at all but it served OUTSTANDING fresh seafood.
The Old Harbor has been re-vitalized and it’s a great spot for dining.
One of the many restaurants in the Old Harbor
Interesting architecture
I found the town to be quite charming even if I cannot say its architecture is overwhelmingly incredible. The type and materials of construction, of course, are designed to deal with the climate the town experiences. But, some of the designs are pretty neat visually, to my untrained eye at least.
Corner door AND sharp color contrast – my kind of place!
Nice contrast between these two neighbors
A propos of it being a seaside city
Nice contrast between the exterior wall and the window frames
Simple is also OK
Typical corner door and “cut-out” above
The picket fence is a nice touch
My favorite corner door and “cut-out”
Don’t forget to look up!
Sharp color contrast
And food along the way
A stroll around Reykjavik is NOT complete without having an Icelandic hot dog.
One of the many hot dog carts around
There is more to see in Reykjavik, of course, like Hallgrímskirkja Church, museums, etc. But, start with a stroll like this and you will love this northern town too!
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Read and see more about my trip to Iceland:
- Thingvellir (or “Þingvellir” in local alphabet) – where history and nature meet
- A “post card” from northern Dalvik
- The Blue Lagoon – where is Brooke Shields?
- Our week-long itinerary
