For a city of its size, Reykjavik has a surprising number of attractions and places of interest. It is particularly rich in culture and arts. On these pages, we look at some of the city's highlights.
Dominating the skyline of Reykjavik is The Hallgrimskirkja, This Lutheran church is 244 ft. (74.5 m) high and it is one of the largest buildings in Iceland. Vistors can take an elevator to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city.
Begun in 1945, the church was not completed until 1986. Despite its size, the Hallgrimskirkja is not Reykjavik's Luteran cathedral. Rather, Reykjavik Cathedral (below) is by Lake Tjornin near the Parliament House. It dates from the 18th century but underwent a major restoration in the second half of the 19th century, |
Perhaps is best known structure in Reykjavik is the a modest little house near the sea. The Hofdi House achieved international noteriety as the site of the 1986 summit meeting between President Ronald Reagn of the United States and President Mikhail Gorbatsjov of the Soviet Uniion. The meeting marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War.
The Hodi House was built in 1909 in Norway and transported to Iceland in order to become the French embassy. It later became the British consulate. In between, the house was home to the poet Einar Benediktsson and was later associated with the painter Louisa Matthiasdottir. In 1958, the City of Reykjavik purchased the house and uses it for official receptions and functions.
The Hodi House was built in 1909 in Norway and transported to Iceland in order to become the French embassy. It later became the British consulate. In between, the house was home to the poet Einar Benediktsson and was later associated with the painter Louisa Matthiasdottir. In 1958, the City of Reykjavik purchased the house and uses it for official receptions and functions.
A unique landmark of Reykjavik is the Perlan. In the 20th century six large tanks were constructed atop a hill overlooking the city. Their purpose was create water pressure that would enable hot water to be circulated throughout the city. Each tank can hold four million litres of hot water so they are quite large.
In the 1990s, the structure was transformed by placing a glass dome on top of the tanks. It houses an observation deck, a restaurant, a planetarium and an exhibition center.
In the 1990s, the structure was transformed by placing a glass dome on top of the tanks. It houses an observation deck, a restaurant, a planetarium and an exhibition center.
Founded in 1863, the National Museum of Iceland presents both temporary exhibitions and a permanent exhibition covering the history of Iceland. The National Museum operates at a number of locations besides the main building at Suðurgata, its permanet home since 1944. Among the other locations is the Culture House in central Reykjavik.
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Reykjavik has several smaller art museums. Among these are the Einar Jonsson Museum. (See separate profile) (left) and the Sigurjon Olafson Museum (see separate article) (below).
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Cruise destination profile - Reykjavik, Iceland- places of interest