Sunday in Reykjavik :
We started our day after some oatmeal and coffee in the room. The weather forecast is for warmer weather but a bit blustery.
We gather ourselves together and made our way to the Culture House.
The Culture House was built in 1906 – 1908 to house the National Library and National Archives of Iceland and was opened to the public in 1909. Initially the National Museum and the Icelandic Museum of Natural History were located in the building and the house was soon dubbed the Culture House although that was not the formal name. Since the turn of the century, institutions such as the Árni Magnússon Institution for Icelandic Studies, the National Gallery and the Icelandic Museum of Natural History have used the building for exhibitions. The building, which has now been protected as a historical building, merged with the National Museum of Iceland in 2013.
An Auk skeleton ( they are extinct)
Carved Drinking Horn
Carved Head Boards
The Culture House has always been considered one of Iceland's most beautiful buildings and a lot of care was taken in creating the interior as well as the exterior. The building was designed by Danish architect Johannes Magdahl Nielsen and built by Icelandic craftsmen and is certainly a testament to their fine work. Within its walls you'll find the unique reading hall, preserved in its original form. The building's caretaker, Frederick Kiörboe, designed the oak furniture that can still be found there. The building's cornerstone, laid on September 23rd 1906, can be seen under the front steps.
From there we made our way to the National Gallery of Iceland. The main emphasis of the collection is on 19th and 20th century Icelandic art, but International art is also featured. The museum owns the most valuable collection of works by Icelandic artists in the country, including some works by internationally renowned artists. No photography is allowed.
As we walked back to get a hotdog we passed the shores of Lake Tjörnin. There is on area of open water where the natural hot water flows into the lake. Here one finds water fowl awaiting to be fed bit of bread by locals and tourists alike.
As it was about lunch time who am I to say no to an Icelandic Hotdog.
We next went to the local Flea Market held only on weekend. Here we met a really nice lady named Soffie selling various items she had knit. We enjoyed chatting with her and learned her passion is knitting and has plans to locate to an area and teach knitting to local children. It was so refreshing to think these skills will be passed to a younger generation. We did find nice hand made wool hats to bring back home and wear during our cold winters as a reminder of Iceland.
Next was the bus to our favorite pool for a nice warm soak. The City pools give in a local flavor and we find them rather enjoyable. We have finally been recognized by several of the staff and are not now asked if we know the rules. The main rule is a totally nude shower, scrubbing specified areas of ones body. Yes there is usually a monitor to enforce the nude bathing.
Back to the Old City and a stop at the Irish Pub. We did run into a couple from FL who we had been Aurora watching with, and chatted for a bit.
Back to the hotel to prepare for another day.
Hot Water Heated Sidewalks to remove the snow
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