Quarantine time was finally over
After cleared to move around freely – after our second immigration test five days after our arrival on Iceland – we spend our afternoon discovering Reykjavík. Our first stop was the – of course – Hallgrimskirkja. For almost a week it was the most prominent view from our appartment – so close, but still out of reach during our quarantine.
How amazing it felt, to finally be able to move freely through town.
It took us about 10-15 minutes by foot to reach the impressive church – it’s unique architecture resembling the rock structures, mountains and glaciers of the Icelands landscape. The statue in front of the church is Leif Erikson and was given to Iceland by the USA for the 1930 Althing Millennial Festival.
Closed! Really? I did look at the church for a week and now it’s closed? We were so looking forward to also visit and admire the inside of Hallgrimskirkja. A good reminder, that – during COVID times – a lot of sights and museums do run on restricted schedules. My tipp: have a look at “Visit Reykjavík” when planning your visits.
First Souvenirs
So, on to the town centre. But, a first stop at a souvenir shop close to Hallgrimskirkja that lured me in with a colourful “rubber duck Lundi”. “Lundi” is the icelandic name for “puffin” and so, it’s not really a duck. Nevertheless: We bought our first souvenirs.
The centre of Reykjavík is colourful and between shopping on Laugarvegur street, Harpa Concert Hall and Austurvöllur Square with the Parlament Building – Althingishus. You should plan at least 2 hours for stops, photos and souvenir shopping.
An “Icewear” raincoat became my second souvenir. Seen, tried, bought. Might it be, that the short but heavy rainshower, that caught us at Austurvöllur Square shortly before, had something to do with my choice?
We went back to our apartment along the shore – once again following the Sculpture Walk. How great was it to finally go out dining on our last night in Reykjavík. A Burger Restaurant close to our apartment was our dinner choice. The burger and first draught beer in a while tasted just amazing!
Initially very strange for us: the Icelanders are very cautious and there’s desinfectant everywhere, but, they do seldomly wear masks.
Next morning we were set to pick up our rental car and head towards the Snaefellsness Peninsula.