The Perfect Low-impact Day Out in Reykjavík
By Roland Dupuy & Kristín Hulda Gísladóttir — May 2024
Start the day right with a morning swim
Whether you prefer a system-resetting cold plunge or ice bath, or a gentler soak in warm water, Reykjavík’s abundant bathing locales have got you covered. Icelanders love their water, and for good reason — the country’s glacial waters are among the purest and cleanest in the world, and Iceland’s position as a volcanic hotspot means geothermal energy is abundant, leading to a reliably cheap and sustainable supply of hot water year-round.
With plenty of beaches, public pools, private lagoons, spas and all other kinds of swimming options to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice — but we’d recommend keeping things simple and taking a dip in the delightful public pools of Vesturbæjarlaug, Sundhöll Reykjavíkur, or Árbæjarlaug.
Recharge with breakfast at Plantan
Located in the heart of downtown Reykjavík mere steps from the Sundhöll Reykjavíkur public baths, and around the corner from the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church, Plantan is the perfect spot for a hearty plant-based breakfast. Offering a small but well thought-out menu of café classics such as pancakes, waffles, cakes, pastries and seasonal soups, as well as specialty coffee perfect for the famously crisp and cool Reykjavík mornings, Plantan will get your day off to the right start.
Hunt for thrifted treasure
Iceland’s fashion industry is tiny but mighty — from established designers such as Katla and Myrka, to globally-recognized brands like 66°North, there are plenty of exciting developments happening in Reykjavík’s studios and ateliers. And much like their Nordic siblings, stylish Icelanders are big fans of all things vintage and/or thrifted.
When hunting for the perfect addition to their wardrobes, Reykjavík locals have a plethora of secondhand stores to choose from. Among Green Light’s favorites is Hringekjan (Icelandic for carousel), the new kid on the thrift store block, a cornucopia of cool pieces opened in 2021 just a stone’s throw from the waterfront and the historic Höfði House. Other go-to spots include Wasteland and B12 space, both located at the foot of the city’s emblematic Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street, the expansive Verzlanahöllin, and the numerous Red Cross charity shops.
Courtesy of Hringekjan / Eygló Gísladóttir / @hringekjanverslun on Instagram Courtesy of Hringekjan / Eygló Gísladóttir / @hringekjanverslun on Instagram Courtesy of Hringekjan / Eygló Gísladóttir / @hringekjanverslun on Instagram
Get botanical with lunch at Flóran
Opened by Faroese-born chef Marentza Poulsen in 1997, Flóran Bistro can be found within the charming Reykjavík Botanical Gardens, a haven for plant- and biology enthusiasts in the heart of the city. With a highly-seasonal menu built on ingredients grown in Flóran’s own organic gardens and greenhouses, or sourced from Icelandic farms, the elegant bistro finds new and interesting ways to interpret the codes of Scandinavian cuisine.
Experience the Earth’s potential at ON Power
This is where the Green Light team got technical, for once. Venture to the Hellisheiði power plant by Mount Hengill, about 25 km east of the city, and you’ll find an interactive exhibition explaining the miraculous process behind sustainable geothermal energy. Iceland is a global leader in renewable energy, with over 99% of the country’s energy coming from either hydropower or geothermal power plants. With a guided tour passing by the turbine halls of the plant, accompanied by interactive and educational displays, the ON Power Geothermal Experience also offers the chance to learn about innovative CO2 storage projects, in one of the most dramatic landscapes to be found within the Capital region.
Explore the intersection between art and science with CIRCULEIGHT at Harpa
Not only one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings, designed by Henning Architects and renowned Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center is also one of the country’s leading cultural institutions. It’s home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and has hosted high-profile acts ranging from Björk, to Trixie Mattel, Zara Larsson, Patti Smith, and more. This year, Harpa has partnered with cutting-edge arts organization ARTECHOUSE to bring their innovative CIRCULEIGHT installation to Iceland.
Lasting 20 minutes, CIRCULEIGHT is an immersive, interactive art installation inspired by eight elements: lava, glaciers, water, basalt, flora, algae, microorganisms and volcanic gas. Audiences are immersed in this new, raw world via a score of original music by Icelandic composer, singer and songwriter Högni Egilsson. The installation also marks ARTECHOUSE's first time sharing their technology-driven art experiences with new audiences outside the United States, as they had previously only operated in New York, Washington, D.C., and Miami.
Enjoy an indulgent dinner at Dill
Dill bills itself as being “inspired by the Icelandic landscape and dedicated to fresh ingredients, foraging and sustainability.” And whatever the kitchen’s doing is working — the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star for its high-class cuisine, but also received a Michelin Green Star certification last year, recognizing its meaningful and tangible efforts to innovate sustainably.
Opened 15 years ago on the city’s buzzing Laugavegur street, Dill delights patrons with imaginative dishes celebrating Nordic flavors in a modern and exciting way. There’s savory delights such as goose breast with red cabbage, bilberries and brown butter, caramelized onion cakes with cream cheese, pickled carrots and juniper berries, and salt baked and butter roasted onion with broken gel of pickled bilberries, caramelized sour cream, caviar and oregano.
And for dessert, things are no less exciting — think sweet treats like rhubarb cake with chervil and dandelions, roasted beef fat caramel with arctic thyme and sea salt, or caramelized white chocolate with puffed barley. Dill’s culinary Icelandic saga will take your taste buds by storm!
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🇮🇸 The Perfect Low-impact Day Out in Reykjavík
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By Roland Dupuy & friends
Est. 2023, London
Book 1 - Hope in Motion - Available soon