In January 2022, I visited Iceland for a Winter Photography Workshop tour. Since the tour began in Reykjavik, we arrived one day early to explore the city. Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world. While there are many sculptures scattered throughout Reykjavik, one of the most iconic pieces is the Sun Voyager, pictured above. Located on the waterfront, the steel sculpture is the artist’s depiction of a dreamboat — an ode to the sun that inspires dreams and imagination, rather than a viking ship as some people believe.
The 244-foot-tall Hallgrimskirkja Church dominates Reykjavik and is clearly visible from almost every angle of the city. We took the elevator to the top where there is a viewing platform with 360-degree views of the city. From this vantage point, the brightly colored metal roofs of the houses can be seen.
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Harpa Concert and Conference Hall is a striking glass structure near the old harbor of Reykjavik. At night, it’s lit up with moving LED artwork that slowly changes colors. The interior design is said to have been inspired by the basalt rocks which can be found all over Iceland.
The city only sees daylight for three hours a day in the winter, which would ordinarily make it a dreary and depressing place. However, the locals have made up for it by painting many buildings bright colors and by decorating with street art and murals.
Public buildings, restaurants and shops are nicely illuminated at night. One evening, we took a food tour and got to sample some of the local delicacies including hot dogs from Iceland’s most famous hot dog stand, as well as fermented shark. The hot dogs were better than the shark!
Visit my Iceland Photo Galleries for additional photos of Iceland. Or watch my video on YouTube about the trip by clicking the arrow button below.
