Botanical Gardens
Those who are interested in botany and gardening should not miss visiting this garden. It was opened on the 18th of August 1961. It accommodates a good selection of Icelandic and foreign plants, clearly marked with their Icelandic and Latin names. In the garden are carried out experiments with plants regarding their likelihood of survival in this climate.
The Botanical Gardens are open all year, but are of course most beautiful and blooming during summer. For further information call +354 553-8870.
The Cabinet House
The so-called Cabinet House (Stjornarrad) has carried a few names since it was built as a prison during the period 1765-70. The original idea was to accommodate vagabonds who were fit enough and able to work for the pioneer woolen industries of the country. The governor of Iceland at the time, Skuli Magnusson, was an ideologist, who wanted to create employment possibilities for the agricultural population of the country by building those factories. He managed to see his dream come true, but workers were hard to come by.
Reykjavik City Hall
The idea of a city hall in Reykjavik is almost as old as the city itself. For years the municipal authorities explored the possibility of building a city hall, studied locations and invited proposals for its design.
It was not until 1987, however, on the initiation of mayor David Oddsson, that the city council decided to build the Reykjavik City Hall on the northern shore of Lake Tjornin, after inviting designs with a competition.
Christ The King Cathedral
The church was consecrated 23 July, 1929 by Pope Pius XI’s special envoy , Cardinal van Rossum, and is dedicated to Jesus Christ, eternal God and King. The cathedral bears the name „Christ the King" in honour of Christ’s Lordship of the Universe. This feast was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925. The church is under the protection of the Blessed Virgin, Mary Mother of God, Saint Joseph and two Icelandic holy men, Jon Ogmundarson and Thorlakur Thorhallsson. The three church bells are dedicated to Christ the King, Our Lady and St. Joseph.
Culture House
The building was constructed from 1906 to 1908 and opened to the public in 1909. It was designed by a Danish architect, Johannes Magdahl Nielsen, but built by Icelandic craftsmen. The brainchild of Hannes Hafstein, the first Minister of Icelandic Affairs under Home Rule, the building was intended to house the National Library and the National Archives, but due to lack of suitable premises, the National Museum and Natural History Museum were also temporarily housed there from the beginning. For several decades, the Culture House contained all of Iceland’s principal national treasures. The new name, “The Culture House”, reflects the building’s new and independent role after the library, archives and museums were moved to other premises.
Ellidaardalur
The Ellidaar-valley is one of the most interesting recreational areas of the capital. It was proclaimed a municipal conservation area because of its natural beauty and recreational possibilities. It contains many notable historic spots and inviolate relics. The valley is about 3,5 miles long and 0,5 - 1 mile wide. The townspeople used to picnic there in the 19th century, but they sought more distant destinations after the automotive age started. Nowadays people have started noticing the valley again and enjoying its surroundings more than ever before.
Family Garden
Young people of all ages enjoy life in the Family Garden. It is well equipped with interesting toys and a wading pool, where the children can dabble when the weather is good. No one needs to go home when hunger presses hard. There is a big grill in the garden, where sausages from the shop in the garden or some food from home can be grilled. It is nice to sit down to eat and relax by the grill and renew the energy for further endeavors.
Hallgrim's Church
The church of Hallgrimur is the crown on Iceland's capital with its magnificent 73 m high steeple rising above all other buildings in Reykjavik. It is the largest church of the country with a seating capacity for 1200 people in the nave. It was under construction longer than any other building in Iceland and has at times generated considerable controversy. Ideally situated on the hill Skolavorduholt, overlooking the centre of old Reykjavik, the site for Hallgrims church was in fact set aside early this century for the purpose of building just such a large church to serve the eastern part of the rapidly growing town.
Reykjavik Harbour
The so-called Old Harbour of Reykjavik is the first lasting harbour of the town. It was constructed between 1913 and 1917 on the cove Reykjavik, after which the farm of the first settler and later the town were named.
