We asked friends of Iceland Insider on Facebook to name their favourite thing about Reykjavík. The answers include some great tips, both for those who might be heading for the first time to Reykjavík and locals alike.
Kolaportið At Reykjavík's largest flea market you can find everything from books to local delicatessen fermented shark., by Photo/Vilhelm GunnarssonKOLAPORTIÐ FLEA MARKET
Thomas Hobbs: Kolaportiđ (big indoor flee market). I helped an elderly lady out, dismantling her stall. She gave me a free Icelandic jumper for helping. I still have it 11 years on.
Where: Tryggvagata 19, 101 Reykjavík
Kolaportið flea market first opened in 1989 and is the largest of its kind in Iceland. Inside the bustling market place you will find Icelandic “delicatessen” such as fermented shark (hákarl) and flatbread (flatbrauð), as well as numerous booths that offer traditional, handmade mittens, socks, hats, and sweaters made from Icelandic wool.
THE LOCALS
Patrick Bergeron: Only one? You are making this real hard, but I would choose the residents of Reykjavik. I don't know man, but something in your history makes darn fine folks.
On Laugavegur street The capital's man shopping street. Photo/Sara McMahonAbdel Halim: The kind and warm hospitality of the people and the nurture all together make it so special
Ann Marie Drella: The people, intelligent and beautiful!
“You might have heard about the standoffish nature of the Scandinavian and particularly the Icelander. I say it’s hogwash. Everyone here is approachable, and given a pint and some time to kill, they’ll gladly talk to you about everything (Icelandic and not).” Read more from Lebanon born US citizen and world traveler Samer Farha's great feature 13 reasons why Icelanders are amazing by an occasional traveller
THE GEOTHERMAL SWIMMING POOLS
Meg Freeman: All the swimming pools!
“I remember my first time to the Laugardalur community pool in which I was scolded for not participating in the necessary public strip tease. However, I have since adjusted to this uniquely “European” behavior and now show no shyness when following the public pool etiquette.” Read more from American Matt Eliason’s funny and informative feature 10 things I have never done before I came to Iceland
Read more: Wash Thoroughly Without Swimsuit – Or How to Behave at the Geothermal Swimming Pools
And watch: Video: Beware of the Icelandic vigilante shower wardens
STREET ART & THE SCENERY
Nigel Whittington: The street art.
Michael D. Murley: The street art.
Sandra Dewees: The scenery.
Nate Gibson: Not the weather! I love the architecture, statues and history behind the city.
Corrie Dykstra-Stulp: Harpa Music and Conference Hall, the street art , coffee shops within bookstores, people, etc etc.
Nathalie Colcombet Kaufmann: The street art. Harpa Music and Conference Hall. The people!
We at Iceland Insider also love the amazing panoramic mountain view one can enjoy from Reykavík – but can you name those mountains? Here's our guide to the mountains one can spot from Reykjavík
Read more: Iceland Airwaves teams up bands and street artists to transform Reykjavík walls into giant artwork
FOOD & MORE
Rye Bread Icecream Aivailable at Café Loki. Photo/Michael D. MurleyMichael D. Murley: Rye Bread Ice Cream at Café Loki would make my list of awesomeness.
Café Loki is located on Lokastígur 28, which is across the street from Reykjavík's most famous landmark Hallgrímskirkja church.
Joan Mcauley: Everything, but I love Gló restaurant.
Gló is one of Reykjavík’s most popular health food restaurants, serving both vegetarian and vegan options.
Read more: Local health food restaurant chain Gló receives rave reviews in the Guardian
Pfei Ffer: Laugardalslaug swimming pool, Kíki queer bar, Apótek Hotel, and the best restaurant Fish Market! Miss all that places.
We asked friends of Iceland Insider on Facebook to name their favourite thing about Reykjavík. The answers include some great tips, both for those who might be heading for the first time to Reykjavík and locals alike.
Kolaportið At Reykjavík's largest flea market you can find everything from books to local delicatessen fermented shark., by Photo/Vilhelm GunnarssonKOLAPORTIÐ FLEA MARKET
Thomas Hobbs: Kolaportiđ (big indoor flee market). I helped an elderly lady out, dismantling her stall. She gave me a free Icelandic jumper for helping. I still have it 11 years on.
Where: Tryggvagata 19, 101 Reykjavík
Kolaportið flea market first opened in 1989 and is the largest of its kind in Iceland. Inside the bustling market place you will find Icelandic “delicatessen” such as fermented shark (hákarl) and flatbread (flatbrauð), as well as numerous booths that offer traditional, handmade mittens, socks, hats, and sweaters made from Icelandic wool.
THE LOCALS
Patrick Bergeron: Only one? You are making this real hard, but I would choose the residents of Reykjavik. I don't know man, but something in your history makes darn fine folks.
On Laugavegur street The capital's man shopping street. Photo/Sara McMahonAbdel Halim: The kind and warm hospitality of the people and the nurture all together make it so special
Ann Marie Drella: The people, intelligent and beautiful!
“You might have heard about the standoffish nature of the Scandinavian and particularly the Icelander. I say it’s hogwash. Everyone here is approachable, and given a pint and some time to kill, they’ll gladly talk to you about everything (Icelandic and not).” Read more from Lebanon born US citizen and world traveler Samer Farha's great feature 13 reasons why Icelanders are amazing by an occasional traveller
THE GEOTHERMAL SWIMMING POOLS
Meg Freeman: All the swimming pools!
“I remember my first time to the Laugardalur community pool in which I was scolded for not participating in the necessary public strip tease. However, I have since adjusted to this uniquely “European” behavior and now show no shyness when following the public pool etiquette.” Read more from American Matt Eliason’s funny and informative feature 10 things I have never done before I came to Iceland
Read more: Wash Thoroughly Without Swimsuit – Or How to Behave at the Geothermal Swimming Pools
And watch: Video: Beware of the Icelandic vigilante shower wardens
STREET ART & THE SCENERY
Nigel Whittington: The street art.
Michael D. Murley: The street art.
Sandra Dewees: The scenery.
Nate Gibson: Not the weather! I love the architecture, statues and history behind the city.
Corrie Dykstra-Stulp: Harpa Music and Conference Hall, the street art , coffee shops within bookstores, people, etc etc.
Nathalie Colcombet Kaufmann: The street art. Harpa Music and Conference Hall. The people!
We at Iceland Insider also love the amazing panoramic mountain view one can enjoy from Reykavík – but can you name those mountains? Here's our guide to the mountains one can spot from Reykjavík
Read more: Iceland Airwaves teams up bands and street artists to transform Reykjavík walls into giant artwork
FOOD & MORE
Rye Bread Icecream Aivailable at Café Loki. Photo/Michael D. MurleyMichael D. Murley: Rye Bread Ice Cream at Café Loki would make my list of awesomeness.
Café Loki is located on Lokastígur 28, which is across the street from Reykjavík's most famous landmark Hallgrímskirkja church.
Joan Mcauley: Everything, but I love Gló restaurant.
Gló is one of Reykjavík’s most popular health food restaurants, serving both vegetarian and vegan options.
Read more: Local health food restaurant chain Gló receives rave reviews in the Guardian
Pfei Ffer: Laugardalslaug swimming pool, Kíki queer bar, Apótek Hotel, and the best restaurant Fish Market! Miss all that places.
