Whenever I visit a new city it is always at the top of my list to find the best place to take in the city from above. I just love getting to see everything sprawled out below me and it usually helps give my navigation challenged self a better sense of direction, well at least a little bit:)
My first time in Iceland the first activity I did here was, you guessed it, visit the viewing deck at Hallgrímskirkja. I think this has made me a bit biased to these views but I think they are the best in the city!
Hallgrímskirkja is the perfect spot to take in the views of the colorful rooftops that brighten up the grey Icelandic days. View the beautiful Esjan overlooking the city. And on sunny days when those colorful houses and views of Esjan combine with the sparkling ocean, it is quite magical!
Sadly there was no sunshine when I visited Hallgrímskirkja a few weeks ago. But there was a fresh snowfall (in April but we won’t dwell on the sad fact) and as I have never visited Hallgrímskirkja during the winter months I figured a trip was in order to take in the city in its white blanket.
When you arrive at Hallgrímskirkja you are greeted with a massive door. I have a thing for doors and this one tops the list!
Once you enter Hallgrímskirkja, the largest church in Iceland, you are greeted with a 15 meter tall organ which is quite impressive. I have yet to hear this beauty in action but it is on my list!
After H and I wandered around the inside of the church and I took a dozen pictures of the impressive organ we headed off to purchase our tickets for a visit to the observation deck at the top of the church. Tickets cost 800 ISK (5.5 Euro).
The first part of the trip up to the observation deck is a somewhat nerve wracking elevator ride that was a bit shaky for my liking, thankfully it is quick. When you get off the elevator you arrive at a large area with windows all around to take in the view of the city. But don’t stop here, make sure to climb the stairs to go all the way to the top to get the full experience!
Be prepared, if there is even a slight breeze in Reykjavik it will feel like a wind storm once you reach the observation deck. Brave the winds and take in the views of Reykjavik from ever angle, it is so worth the watery eyes and windblown hair!
Hello icy cold wind in the face
The wind really did not want me to get a picture.
After a very windy few minutes I finally lost the battle to the wind and left the beautiful views of Reykjavik. I think next time I will wait for a pretty sunny day to venture back up there.
Question of the Day?
Where have you seen the best views of a city? What colors come to mind when you think of your city?
