How It's Built - Reykjavik

OVERVIEW

Discover how the former fishing village of Reykjavik has evolved since the beginning of the 20th century to become the dynamic capital of Iceland. While walking through Old Town – nicknamed 101 for its postal code – you will likely see a number of 18th-century houses and perhaps the Parliament building on Austruvöllur Square, which lies across the street from the cathedral, and the Harpa Concert Hall whose striking honeycomb design is unmistakable. The hilltop church Hallgrímskirkja is more iconic than the cathedral as it is the tallest building in Reykjavik and dominates the skyline. The church is named in honor of one of Iceland’s greatest poets and out front you will see a statue of Leif Erikson, the Norse explorer who is thought to have sailed to North America around the year 1,000. For a look at modern Reykjavik, you will enjoy an exterior visit of the Perlan, which features an observation deck that encircles the museum’s futuristic-looking dome.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through the Old Town of Reykjavik, which is actually a very young city.
• Browse Hallgrímskirkja church, the city’s tallest and most recognizable building.
• Enjoy a external view of the late 20th-century Perlan Museum and learn about its construction history.
• Admire the cutting-edge design of the 21st-century Harpa concert hall.
• Come away with a clear understanding of how Reykjavik’s urban landscape has evolved.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.