I had thought about going on another tour for the day, but finally decided against it as the whole point of this trip was to relax, and be a little bit off the tourist path. So that’s exactly what I did.
I left my hotel room at Apartment K and walked towards the water to see the Sun Voyager sculpture before ending up at Harpa for the noon concert called Reykjavík Classics. It was a chance to experience the acoustics inside this hall.
The day’s repertoire included Beethoven’s Violin Sonata in F Major, Op. 24, and Sveinbjörn Sveinbjörnsson’s Romanza. Sveinbjörnsson is also the composer of the Icelandic National Anthem.
The concert lasted only 30 minutes, which was short and sweet.
After the concert I needed something to eat, so I stopped by Johansen Deli for a really nice lunch. I had passed by this place on day one but they were closed. I ordered a lunch set that included fish, salad, potatoes and then a side of cream of asparagus soup. Paid 2.580 kr. ($24). This was the best price I paid for a meal like this, and it was yum.
I continuing the theme of relaxation (and preparing for tomorrow’s Blue Lagoon and the trip home), I wanted to try out the local public pools. I ended up at Sundhöllin, which is the oldest public pool in Iceland, opened in 1937. The entrance fee is 980 kr. ($9).
Photos were not allowed, so I didn’t take any except from the outside. Inside there was an indoor and outdoor pool, along with three outdoor hot tubs/saunas. It was definitely very relaxing just sitting there (even though I am not one who can sit in a single place for a long period of time).
The one thing to note about these public pools, as well as the Blue Lagoon, is the etiquette. You must shower with shampoo and soap thoroughly before going into the pools. There are monitors who will watch and ensure that you do exactly that. You don’t want to be the one they call out. Sundhöllin did provide shampoo and bath gel. Bring your own towels.
Because Reykjavík is so small, you can’t help but keep walking along the same streets. I walked by Valdís for some Oreo ice cream for 500 kr. ($4.60). It was very good. It’s not anything earth-shattering, just good.
After all this, I took the bus back to Kringlan for some last-minute shopping, and used my Strætó app to buy my tickets, before coming back again for the main event of the evening: a jazz concert at Harpa. Needless to say the concert was a relaxing one.
Practical Information
Concerts at Harpa: Check out the performances at Harpa in case you want to do something off the tourist path.
Using Pools in Iceland: Pool etiquette is strict and should be followed to ensure a clean environment for all. Bring your own towels.