Reykjavik, Iceland: Nightlife

If New York City is known as the city that never sleeps, then Reykjavik should be known as the city that comes alive. The week was so quiet, relaxed, cool. We never seemed to need a reservation, and I was beginning to think that we were staying in one of the quietest, hippest cities; I was beginning to think that Iceland might truly be the most low-key, mellow place on Earth.

Suddenly it was Friday, our last night before heading home, and we assumed an experience that was more of the same. A few drinks, some dinner, a quiet walk around the near-empty city, and eventually bed. Plot twist: not even close! It was like a totally different city! Restaurants and bars quickly filled up with more people than I could imagine. It felt as if the entire city turned into one massive dance club, and everyone was invited. The skirts became shorter, the lines forming in front of once quiet establishments grew long and wild, and cups were scattered throughout the streets and sidewalks. Reykjavik was busting at the seams.

Food trucks, a new spectacle we’d seen very little of at that point, seemed to spring up everywhere. Belgian waffles, hot dogs (of course), and my personal favorite, donuts. As a few of us were perusing our options, a man holds up a cardboard clamshell of a dozen hot and sweet mini donuts. Bingo. Do you prefer chocolate or vanilla frosting? Are you more of a caramel sauce fan? They’ve got you covered. I went with the classic vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles, and they immediately joined my list of favorite donuts around the world.

Walking down the street, deciding where we would go next, I couldn’t help but notice that

We popped in to The Lebowski Bar, where we found a total rager going on in the back. People were busting out their best dance moves, drinks in hand, DJ spinning mixes. It was pointed out to me that much of the music would be considered a "throwback" by our standards... I didn't mind that; I thought it added to the atmosphere.

After meeting up with a local ex-pat who was friendly enough to show us around, we hit up a couple more great dance spots and kept shaking our butts until about 3 am. Just because we called it quits, though, doesn't mean the rest of the city did!

Reykjavik, Iceland: Hallgrímskirkja and Local Artwork

It took me less than a day in Reykjavik to truly take notice of the incredible artistic details throughout the city. Some are small - a little note carved into a brick, for example. So many are big, beautiful, and in your face.

This, for example, stopped me in my tracks. The sculpture against the incredible backdrop of still water and massive, snowy mountains was positively breathtaking. Sun Voyager is a sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, an ode to the sun, symbolic of hope, progress, and freedom. The message really speaks to me, and I found it extra ironic that the statue was unveiled and opened to the public the summer of 1990, when I happened to be born!

Examples of the creative and artistic population could be seen everywhere you turned around. I saw the most beautiful and intricate graffiti around every corner. Rather than deter their artists from leaving their mark on the city, it seems to be wholeheartedly encouraged.

Despite the chilly weather throughout most of the year, I noticed plenty of creative gardens and patios throughout the city as well.

As someone who generally finds time spent outdoors to be especially recharging and inspiring, I had a real appreciation for the details - big and small - within these local gardens.

Speaking of big...

Hallgrímskirkja was quite the site to see. It is a Lutheran church in Reykjavik and, wow, it's massive. Before arriving I had read a bit about it, but I couldn't have prepared myself for the immense size and gorgeous architecture; it's grand, and sooo impressive.

It was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland's landscape. After walking into the church and taking in the incredibly tall ceilings and windows, you turn around to see what was easily the largest pipe organ I have ever encountered. I think that I literally gasped in complete and total awe when I saw it. 

In front of the church is a statue featuring Leif Erikson, founder of Iceland. The folklore behind Erik the Red, Leif Erikson, and Freydís Eiríksdóttir (Leif's sister), is a story that is very near and dear to my heart. Coming from a Scandinavian father, with our family name being Ericson, my mother used to call me Frida (shortened from Freydís) and my brother has been widely known throughout his life under the nickname of Leif.

After exploring the lower level, you can take an elevator to the top of the church. It's 73 meters - or 244 feet - high, making it one of the tallest buildings in Reykjavik, providing one of the best views ever.

his was the first view I had, and I was completely and totally speechless. I think after about thirty seconds I managed a "wow", and excitedly rushed from window to window to see the full view of Reykjavik and beyond.

We enjoyed wandering through the art exhibits and galleries throughout downtown Reykjavik as well. We wound up bringing back a very strong painting of an explosive volcanic landscape for a friend. I'm personally a really big fan of pottery wherever I go... upon learning about the ceramic artist Bjarni Sigurdsson's Ash Cloud pottery, I was in love. I came back with one of my favorite pieces thus far, and I hope to collect more in the future.

The awe-inspiring art installations, the stunning scenery, the gorgeous graffiti... it's easy to become inspired in such an interesting and creative city!

I have so much more to share from my trip to Iceland coming up soon... stay tuned!