Exploring Reykjavik: A Family Adventure in Iceland

Reykjavik Beckons!

Hello from Reykjavik! Our Icelandic adventure has officially begun, and what a start it's been! Daniel and I, along with the family, touched down earlier today, eager to dive headfirst into this land of fire and ice. The air is crisp, the sky is a soft grey, and there's an undeniable energy buzzing through the city. Today was all about immersing ourselves in Reykjavik's heart, soaking up its history, art, and of course, its unique culinary scene.



After settling into our hotel, Grandi by Center Hotels, which is wonderfully located in the Grandi district, we set out to explore. The hotel itself is quite stylish, with an industrial-chic vibe and, thankfully, disabled access, which is essential for my mother-in-law. I also appreciate their commitment to sustainability; I even read that they are going for the Green Key certification. As someone who really cares about sustainability, it makes me happy to see hotels making an effort!


Experience the charm of Reykjavik at Grandi by Center Hotels, where modern comfort meets local flavor, just a step away from the city’s vibrant attractions.

Our first stop was the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church. This architectural marvel dominates the Reykjavik skyline, and I couldn't wait to see it up close.


Explore Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik's iconic church, known for its unique architecture and breathtaking views of the city and beyond.

Standing before Hallgrímskirkja, I felt an immediate connection to Iceland's soul – a blend of stark beauty and resilient spirit.

Its design, inspired by the basalt columns of Svartifoss waterfall, is truly breathtaking. We took the lift to the top of the tower, and the panoramic views of Reykjavik were simply stunning. From up there, you could see the colorful rooftops, the vast expanse of the ocean, and the surrounding mountains. Daniel, ever the data scientist, was fascinated by the engineering, while I was captivated by the sheer artistry of it all. I learned that the church was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, who drew inspiration from Iceland's natural environment. The statue of Leif Erikson in front of the church was a gift from the United States, commemorating the 1,000th anniversary of Iceland's parliament, which I found fascinating!



After Hallgrímskirkja, we wandered through Reykjavik's streets, determined to discover its vibrant street art scene. And vibrant it was! Colorful murals adorn buildings everywhere you look, transforming ordinary walls into extraordinary canvases. We saw everything from depictions of Norse mythology to modern abstract designs. I was particularly struck by a mural on Skólavörðustígur, near the MJÚK Iceland store, depicting Valkyries on horseback. It was massive and powerful! Daniel loved the Vampire Mural on Laugavegur. I read that the street art scene here is constantly evolving, with new pieces popping up all the time.


Discover the vibrant street art of Reykjavík, where every mural tells a story and transforms the city into a captivating open-air gallery.

For breakfast, we stopped at Café Loki, right across from Hallgrímskirkja. I had heard so much about their traditional Icelandic cuisine, and I was eager to try it. I opted for the rye bread ice cream, which, surprisingly, was absolutely delicious! Daniel, being a bit more adventurous, tried the fermented shark with Brennivín schnapps. His reaction was priceless! Let's just say it's an acquired taste, and one he won't be acquiring anytime soon. But the staff was incredibly friendly and explained everything on the menu with such enthusiasm. It was a great way to start the day and learn more about Icelandic food culture.


Discover authentic Icelandic flavors at Café Loki in Reykjavík, where tradition meets taste in a cozy setting.

Lunch was at Icelandic Street Food, a cozy little place that serves hearty, traditional dishes. I had the lamb soup served in a bread bowl, which was incredibly comforting and flavorful. Daniel went for the Fisherman's Favorite, a fish stew that he raved about. We learned that Icelandic Street Food is a family-owned business that uses recipes from the owner's grandmother. It felt like we were getting a true taste of Iceland.


Discover authentic flavors at Icelandic Street Food in Reykjavík – your gateway to traditional Icelandic cuisine awaits.

Our afternoon was spent at The Settlement Exhibition, an underground museum that showcases the remains of a Viking longhouse dating back to the 10th century. It was fascinating to walk through the ruins and imagine what life was like for Reykjavik's first settlers. The museum uses multimedia displays to bring the past to life, and I was particularly impressed by the interactive exhibits. It really helped to understand how people lived in this harsh landscape and built a city. I learned that the wall fragment in the back of the museum is the oldest human-made structure in Reykjavik!


Explore the Viking roots of Reykjavik at The Settlement Exhibition, where history comes alive with interactive displays and ancient artifacts.

Of course, no trip is complete without a bit of shopping! We stopped by Reykjavik Gift Store, where I picked up a few souvenirs for friends and family back home. The store had a wide selection of items, from traditional Icelandic sweaters to quirky puffin-themed trinkets. I made sure to check out some of the local artisan crafts, and I was impressed by the quality and craftsmanship.


Explore the Reykjavik Gift Store for authentic Icelandic souvenirs and unique treasures that capture the essence of Iceland.

Finally, for dinner, we decided on Old Iceland Restaurant. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the menu featured traditional Icelandic dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. I opted for the lamb, which was cooked to perfection, while Daniel had the fish stew, which he declared to be the best he's ever had. The service was impeccable, and the staff was happy to answer all our questions about the food and the history of the restaurant. I read that Old Iceland is a family-run eatery, which explains the warm and welcoming atmosphere.


Discover authentic Icelandic cuisine at Old Iceland – where tradition meets taste in the heart of Reykjavík.

Before heading back to the hotel, we strolled along the harbor, enjoying the cool evening air and the twinkling lights of the city. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Reykjavik. It's funny, I almost forgot the adapter for the Icelandic outlets, but luckily, the hotel had one we could borrow.



Tomorrow, we're planning a trip to the Blue Lagoon and Harpa Concert Hall. I've heard so much about the Blue Lagoon, and I can't wait to experience its geothermal waters. And Harpa, with its stunning glass facade, is supposed to be an architectural masterpiece. Daniel is already looking forward to visiting Lebowski Bar afterwards. It sounds like tomorrow will be another day filled with adventure and discovery!



It’s been a whirlwind of a day, filled with history, art, and delicious food. Reykjavik has already captured my heart, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings! Good night from Iceland!