After breakfast we headed out on our Walkabout Reykjavik Day. I know of a nearby Elf Stone so we go there first to visit.
Typical Old City are of Reykjavik
An Elf Stone
According to a 2007 study by the University of Iceland, an estimated 62% of the nation believe that the existence of these beings is more than a fairy tale. However, this statistic covers both sincere believers and agnostics who lean toward the ‘why not’ end of the spectrum.
The Icelandic elves, however, are their own species. Commonly referred to as Huldufólk (hidden people), the elves of Iceland live in enchanted rocks and cliffs where they lead lives that are very similar to those led by humans; they keep livestock, cut hay, row fishing boats, pick berries and go to church on Sundays.
One must consult with the elf’s before moving an elf stone. There have been many report of calamity surrounding the attempted removal of an elf stone. Machines break down, water pipes and utilities are broken, and one construction worked reported having bad luck after moving an elf stone.
Next we make our way to the Einar Jonsson Sculpture Garden. The garden is open all year round, entrance is free and it is a popular site to visit in whatever the season.
The garden is located just across the street from Hallgrímskirkja. Hallgrímskirkja is the iconic symbol of Reykjavik. As Hallgrímskirkja did not open till 1000hrs we decided to make our way to the nearby city pool Sundhöllin.
One of the many Murals of Reykjavik
Sundollin in Baronsstigur, Reykjavik is the oldest public baths in Iceland. They were designed by the noted architect Guðjón Samúelsson and opened in 1937. The building's exterior is a minimalist white that is almost Art Deco in style with tall narrow rectangular windows.
After our swim, we take the 14 Bus to Laugardalslaug. Here we get get a hot dog and make our way to the Reykjavik Botanic Gardens.
Reykjavík Botanic Garden is a botanical garden located in the district of Laugardalur in Reykjavík that was established on August 18, 1961 on the 175th anniversary of the city. Really a beautiful garden and is fun for a walkabout.
We return to Laugardalslaug for a swim and soak. We really like the salt water pool hot pot here. Yes I had another Hot Dog.
After our swim we take the #14 bus to the Marina Area. Oh look, an Ice-Cream shop, Blueberry Skyr for me please.
Then we walk past the Marina Hotel where we will be staying in September. WHAT!!! It says closed temporarily , well we have a couple months, but I will make a call.
We did note our favorite Nat Geo Ship the Explorer is in port. Back at our hotel we get out the Telemed COVID tests. Mine goes well, I am negative. Lynn’s test kit is defective so we use one of the back up kits. Lynn is negative, yet she only gets the result email and no phone notice with a QR code. This process went well and we have the results printed out here at the hotel.
We have some cheese and bread for dinner and a happy hour beer from the lobby bar.
Not sure yet what we will be doing tomorrow, but should be fun regardless.
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