Our first full day in Reykjavik we had a very full itinerary to accomplish! First up, I drug our group to what has become known as a Reykjavik staple…the hot dog! Below is the most famous hot dog stand in the city, known because Bill Clinton ate a hot dog here when he visited Iceland during his Presidency. Despite the claims, the hot dogs just weren’t that good., just like the Clinton presidency. Color me surprised!
We then walked over to “Fly Over Iceland” for an interactive tour. There are three parts to this tour, covering the history of Iceland, as well as the mythology of the trolls, but the best part is at the end, with a flight simulator over iconic sites in Iceland. It really gives you an excellent sensation of flight, and focuses on some of the most beautiful sites the country has to offer. If you have been to Disney’s California Adventure, they have a similar ride called Soaring Over the World (used to be Soaring Over California, but like everything Disney they found a way to screw that up). Here is our group waiting in line.
No photos allowed during the experience, so you’ll just have to experience it yourself. This map of Iceland shows where each of the flying scenes was filmed. The south of Iceland is well represented!
A troll is watching over you as you browse the gift shop. Nancy Pelosi is looking good for her age!
We had to gather for a group photo after our “flight”. I can’t recommend this place highly enough, particularly for the last 10 minutes!
On the main drag in Reykjavik is the Magic Ice Bar, a bar made entirely of ice, that we just had to do! Here is Mike Walsh getting outfitted for the 22 degrees Fahrenheit cold!
Our bartender behind the solid ice bar, making drinks into glasses made of ice. I sensed a theme? Odd artwork is everywhere. Lots of T and A….do women not usually do this tour? Is there a reason this place hasn’t been bought by Hooters?
Kim showing that women do this tour….and bring their own ice swan along as well. At least I think that’s a swan?
A group shot of the brave souls in the ice bar, sitting on ice blocks…fortunately covered with a fur of some type. I can tell from this photo that Mike poses for photos with a drink in his hand quite often. Just WAY too natural! You can just see him saying “Stay thirsty my friends”!
I had to sit upon the throne before we departed. More strange artwork…it was everywhere. Did Hugh Hefner create this place? WTF?
What better place to visit after that sinful palace of lust and alcohol than the local church! This is known as the Hallgrimskirkja, a modern cathedral that was built in 1986. The sculpture in front is of Leif Erickson, the European guy who REALLY discovered the Americas!
I don’t think the church is really that bad looking, but it really reminds me of what is considered the ugliest building in the world, the Ryogyong Hotel in North Korea. Is it just me? Don’t tell anybody in Iceland I suggested this!
The back of the Leif Erickson sculpture, stating his status with no doubt whatsoever! Keep it quiet in America though….I don’t want to see this guy get canceled over it.
The interior of the church was pretty nice. Way better than that snooze-fest in Akureyri!
They had a great organ as well….and no “that’s what she said” jokes allowed!
We went up into the top of the tower, and the view was quite good, albeit through some very tiny windows. This shot is looking straight into the city center.
Before dinner that night we had a harbor cruise with the Kopar Restaurant arranged. This was an unbelievable deal! The 45 minute harbor cruise and 3 course awesome dinner was just $98/person!! If you are coming to Reykjavik, you need to do this! Below is the yacht we took out for our cruise before dinner. It’s beautiful! This is the link for the cruise and dinner combo!
The Harpa Conference Center from the harbor. What a beautiful building!
Our group braving the wind on the upper deck. Mark has his “where is my cocktail” look going on!
Ed Keay keeping an eye out for sea monsters. Our cruise ship, the Oceania Riviera, is on the horizon, taking 1200 more people on the next leg of their voyage…where they will likely miss multiple ports because some Eskimo sneezed!
The dinner here was one of the best of our entire trip. The seafood was so fresh and plentiful….just go here if you come to Reykjavik…even without the harbor cruise. This place is incredible!
On our way back to the room we passed this street that leads to the church, complete with a rainbow paintjob. The rainbow streets are super popular in Iceland…I had no idea they were all such huge fans of Hawaii football!
Next up, we visit the inside of a 4,000 year old volcano with Tony and Julie. Sounds awesome!
