Reykjavik is not just perfect base for exploring beautiful nature of Iceland. It is destination on its own. Beautiful Icelandic Capital is mix of modern and traditional architecture, green spaces, ocean views and amazing museums. But lets start from the beginning. From the International Airport of Keflavik you have 45 kilometers to the city of Reykjavik. The best option for getting to the center of the Capital is by FlyBus Airport transfers. It is the safest and most comfortable way of coming to Reykjavik from the Airport. Reykjavik Excursions has operated the Flybus, the main bus service between Iceland’s capital Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport (KEF), since 1979. With regularly scheduled bus services coordinated with each departing and arriving flight, Reykjavik Excursions are committed to providing the best possible connections for visitors to Iceland.
Reykjavík is home to an impressive collection of interesting attractions and places of historic significance with much to intrigue the curiosity of visitors to the city. Hallgrímskirkja church is Reykjavík’s main landmark and its tower can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. It was designed by the late Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937, who was often inspired in his endeavours by the fascinating shapes and forms created when lava cools into basalt rock. Construction of the church began in 1945 and ended in 1986, with the tower completed long before the rest of the building. The crypt beneath the choir was consecrated in 1948, the steeple and wings completed in 1974 and the nave consecrated in 1986.
A striking addition to the Icelandic and European cultural scene is Harpa, the Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference Centre and recipient of the prestigious Mies Van der Rohe award for architecture. Harpa is one of Reykjavik‘s greatest and distinguished landmarks. It is a cultural and social centre in the heart of the city and features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the North Atlantic Ocean. Harpa is an enchanting destination for intrigued travellers and its grand-scale award-winning architecture has attracted 4 million guests since its opening, May 4, 2011. Numerous concerts have been held in Harpa from the opening of the building. Diversity is at the forefront and all musical genres can find home in Harpa. Numerous music festivals have been held in the building including Iceland Airwaves, Sónar Reykjavik, Reykjavik Midsummer Music, Dark Music Days, Reykjavik Arts Festival, Reykjavik Jazz Festival, Sónar Reykjavík, Tectonics and Harpa International Music Academy. Harpa is the home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera and the Reykjavik Big Band that hold numerous concerts annually which are very well attended.
Reykjavík is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean with water-front paths stretching around the entire peninsula. There are many beautiful places to stop and admire the scenery on these coastal paths, which are very popular with joggers and cyclists, however there is one well-photographed spot which has the added charm of being home to the striking Sun Voyager – a massive steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Arnason which may resemble a Viking ship, but in fact, a dream boat and ode to the sun. The epic view of Mount Esja, especially when it’s framed by the fiery edges of dawn and dusk, make this a favourite romantic destination for travellers and those with an appreciation of natural beauty.
How I am deciding where I am staying on my traveling? For me, two most important things are location and the views from the Hotel. And Radisson Blu Saga Hotel is best in Reykjavik in both of those terms. Located in the heart of Reykjavík’s popular west-town district, the Radisson Blu Saga Hotel is also within the Reykjavík‘s educational district and has easy access to a large free parking area. Built by the Icelandic farmers with a unique taste for modern architecture, the newly renovated hotel has 235 rooms with views of Reykjavík’s surrounding mountains and glaciers along and 7 fully equipped meeting rooms with natural light for conferences and personal events. The services include an on-site gym, a bank, a beauty parlor, and a hair salon.
The restaurant with the best panoramic view of the city is located inside the Radisson Blu Saga Hotel. Often referred to as ‘an office with a view’ Grillið Restaurant is on the 8th floor of the Radisson BLU Saga Hotel in Vesturbaer in Reykjavik. Since the opening in 1962 they have been spoiled with panoramic views over the city, mountains and ocean of the most northern capital of the world.
The historical background and presence of Grillið restaurant in the city has resulted of being well-known among the locals. Vesturbaer is located in the west of Reykjavik, a quiet residential area and home to the University of Iceland and the National Museum, and offers a high quality of life and living. The Radisson BLU Saga hotel is launching a brand new food & drinks concept based on its origin in Baendahöllin, the Farmers Palace in Reykjavik.
Grillið restaurant emphasize on relationship with the farmers in the country by keeping Icelandic products at the forefront of their menus. The origin of all products they use is recognized and they believe that this results in greater quality for both local and foreign guests. Grillið is lead by head chef Sigurður Laufdal who represented Iceland in the famous Bocuse d‘Or competition and winner of Food and Fun in Finland.
