Cheap Reykjavik Hotels
What to see by car: Reykjavik
    
Viðey Island is a small but potent historical site only 1km northeast of
Reykjavik, just clear of Sundahöfn harbour. Originally piled up by volcanic
action, it's thought that this three-kilometres-long sliver of rock was part
of the land claimed in the 9th century by the first official settler, Ingólfur
Arnarson. The island is also the site of Iceland's oldest surviving original
building, Viðeyjarstofa, built from basalt and sandstone in 1755 to be the
residence of the local sheriff, Skúli Magnússon.
Visitors can also explore the ruins of a fort called Virkiðv and the weathered
schoolhouse, which are all that remain of an old village on the island's southern
tip. More natural attractions include beautiful rock formations, and Paradíshellir
(Paradise Cave), a tiny grotto with a fanciful name.
The famous thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon are within easy driving reach
of Reykjavik. The bright blue waters are warmed by thermal heat. The lake, with
its adjacent modern leisure centre and changing facilities, is set in a lava
rock landscape, giving it an alien atmosphere. The steaming waters are also
filled with a glowing grey mud, which enthusiastic bathers scoop up in handfuls
and rub all over their bodies, fervently believing in its health-inducing properties.
At the western end of the small peninsula that keeps Reykjavik high and dry
is the compact suburb of Seltjarnarnes; it is worth a trip at dusk to see the
sun sink down into the Denmark Strait separating Iceland from Greenland. On
a clear day, you can also see northwards as far as the triple-peaked volcanic
mound of Snæfellsjökull, a popular climbing challenge.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Fosshotel Baron | | Radisson SAS Island Hotel | | Radisson SAS Saga Hotel | | Fosshotel Lind | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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