Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson (1908-82) used this peaceful seafront building as a studio.
Now it showcases his varied, powerful work: portrait busts, driftwood totem poles and ab-
stract pillars. A salty ocean breeze blows through the modern rooms, and the area is inter-
laced with waterfront paths with clear views back to Reykjavík. There are
classical con-
certs
(Ikr2000) on Tuesdays in July at 8.30pm. The museum is a branch of the National
Gallery; the same ticket covers both. Buses 5 and 12 pass nearby.
Outskirts
Seltjarnarnes
NEIGHBOURHOOD
(
www.seltjarnarnes.is
; 11)
Seltjarnarnes, 5km west of Reykjavík centre, is a coastal area that feels a world away. With
106 visiting species recorded, the offshore island of
Grótta
is a haven for birdwatching
and boasts a red-and-white lighthouse. It is accessible at low tide, but is closed May to
July to protect nests. Get here along the pretty
coastal path
, popular with walkers, joggers
and cyclists.
Waves rush in to the lava-strewn
beach
, the air has that salt-sea tang, fish-drying racks
sit by the shore and Arctic terns scream overhead. There are also super views across the
fjord to Esja (909m).
Árbæjarsafn
MUSEUM
10am-5pm Jun-Aug, by tour only 1pm Mon-Fri Sep-May; ; 12, 19 or 24)
About 20 quaint old buildings have been transported from their original sites to open-air
Árbæjarsafn, 4km east of the city centre beyond Laugardalur. Alongside 19th-century
homes are a turf-roofed church and various stables, smithies, barns and boathouses - all
very picturesque. There are summer arts-and-crafts demonstrations and domestic animals,
and it's a great place for kids to let off steam. Tickets also provide entry to
Reykjavík
871±2
.
