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Introduction to Reykjavik
 Duration: Approx.
2.5 hours
We leave the harbour and follow the coastline heading
inland to the city’s municipal conservation area of Heidmörk. The citizens
of Reykjavik have access to plentiful clean and uncontaminated water
supplies from the cold spring area of Gvendarbrunnar within the park
itself. The surrounding lava fields, craters and imposing mountain ranges
bear witness to the country’s fiery origins before we return to the
bustling inner city, crossing the River Ellidar, one of the world’s
cleanest salmon rivers known to flow through a capital city. Our panoramic
drive through Reykjavik will take us past the numerous modern buildings in
this most northerly capital in the world. The oldest section of the town
dates back 200 years, and includes Austurvöllur Square, the Parliament
Building, the statue of the Nationalist leader Jon Sigurdsson, and the
Lutheran Cathedral. The only stop on this tour will be made at the Pearl
vantage point. This unique modernistic construction is actually built on
top of hot water storage tanks in the outdoor area of Öskjuhlid hill and
can be seen from almost any point in the city. The dome resembles a pearl
and consists of reflecting glass panels on a steel frame, which creates a
full-circle viewing platform affording perfect panoramic views over the
city of Reykjavik. Following our stop we continue to Laugardalur, or ‘warm
water valley’, the city’s main sports and recreation area with its outdoor
geothermal swimming pool. Joining the coast road, we pass by Höfdi House,
a handsome villa made famous in 1986 as the site of a hastily-arranged
summit meeting between U.S. President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, leader
of the then Soviet Union. Finally we travel to the charming old quarter of
Reykjavik, with its narrow streets and colourful wooden houses, before
arriving back at the quayside.
By coach/on foot, subject to a minimum of 30/maximum of
200. Please note:
This tour involves very little walking, and may be more suitable for
passengers with walking difficulties than the Reykjavik Revealed tour.
Lifts are available to the main viewing platform and restrooms at the
Pearl. |
