First Day in Reykjavik

Reykjavik Day 1 Feb 25, 2020

Reykjavik and sleep deprived, as usual, on Day One.

The flight over to Reykjavik was uneventful and we were lucky to get upgraded to their Saga Class. I must say the Bison Meatloaf was one of the best airline meals I have ever had. The meatloaf was glazed with a cherry reduction.

We were quickly through customs, got bags, and then got rental car. This trip we have a car in hopes doing some touring about on our own should the weather cooperate.

I found an apartment on VRBO and split 4 ways will make the stay reasonable. 

As it is Fat Tuesday and here it is celebrated with cream filled buns, we found a bakery and indulged. 

With our Reykjavik cards in hand, we made our way to the Settlement Exhibition, via a couple Geocaches.

While digging an underground parking garage in 2001, construction workers came across the ruins of a large Viking-age longhouse in downtown Reykjavik. The archaeological remains were excavated and found to be dating from 871 plus or minus two years.

The longhouse is now preserved at its original location and is the focal point of the exhibition about life in Viking Age at The Settlement Exhibition. Using digital projectors the Viking longhouse is brought back to life providing insights into the environment of a Reykjavik farm at the time of the first settlers.  

The pool we chose this morning was Laugardalslaug. This pool is located a bit east of the Old Harbor area so a city bus was in order. We made our way to the bus stop 50 meters from our hotel. The weather was in and out, one minute sunny and then the next a snow squall.

The city buses are big and yellow and the route is easily noted. The route we were on was not direct in that this route meandered a bit. Yet this will be faster than a walk. The bus stops are noted with a  blue sign with a yellow bus, there is usually a shelter at most stops. The drivers are most helpful should you have a question about your route or destination.


The pools are filled with natural pure spring water, thus before entering the pools one must shower nude. There are instructions showing you where to concentrate your scrubbing. There is an attendant who makes sure this is done. There are several sign telling you no cameras, no phones and no photos are allowed.

 From the locker room, shower area you make you way to the pools. The Laugardalslaug Pool has several offerings. There is a 50 meter 12 lane lap pool, a pool to relaxingly swim in, a large waterslide (closed) and a small children's slide (closed), a large 38C soaking pool and then small pools a varying temperatures, (38C, 40C, 42C and 45C). There is also a steam bath and sauna. This is a great place to relax and enjoy a swim and a soak. We used all the pools except the 45C pool.

We grabbed a hotdog and all were pleased with them. 

Back to the apartment and unpacked.