Win a Trip to Reykjavík
Reykjavík is a compact city which is easy to navigate, whether on your own two feet or by public transport. In addition, magnificent countryside waits just minutes away from the city centre. All visitors are encouraged to venture out of Reykjavík city centre and experience all the attractions the whole Reykjavík Capital Area has to offer. Excellent neighborhood pools, amazing birdlife, the Presidential residence at Bessastadir, horse riding, hiking and golf, are just minutes away from Reykjavík city centre.
You can explore Reykjavík at your own pace or on one of the many organized tours on offer. Do not be afraid to stop and ask for directions, as people are very friendly and almost everyone speaks English. Public transport is good, with a network of buses serving Reykjavík and its suburbs, while taxis are always available.
Named “Smoky Bay” after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a profound impression on the original settlers. Iceland has an endless and ubiquitous flow of geothermal water streaming from the earth. This hot water is used for open-air swimming pools all around the country, which serve as health spas and as pleasant places to meet people. While in Reykjavík it’s essential to take a swim in one of the excellent thermal pools, visit some of the interesting museums and take a stroll downtown.
“Aurora borealis” or Northern Lights are a great attraction of Reykjavík but can only be seen in the skies in clear cold weather, and only when it’s totally dark. In Iceland, the nights are dark only during winter, and that’s why Northern Lights can not be seen in the summertime. The period of the year to see the Northern Lights, therefore, is from September to April. In order to enjoy the sight, it is necessary to choose an observation spot far away from strong city lights.
There are plenty of attractions within this lovely city: Hallgrimskirkja church has a 73-metre high tower which can be seen from almost everywhere in the city & also provides excellent views all over Reykjavík. It is located at the top of shopping street Skolavordustigur. Mt Esja looms over Reykjavík like a guardian angel. The 914 metre high mountain is very popular for hiking. The hike is relatively easy and offers stunning views all over the capital area. Laugardalur (Hot Spring Valley) is a centre for sports and recreation in the capital also has a beautiful Botanical Garden, with woods, ponds and birdlife, and the lovely garden café “Café Flora” (entry to the Botanical Gardens is free). The Family Park and Zoo in Laugardalur is open all year, including most Icelandic animals, both wild and domesticated, from foxes, reindeer and seals to cattle, horses and sheep. Lake Tjornin is a small lake, a peaceful oasis, in Reykjavík city centre. The lake harbours varied birdlife (many arctic bird species, swans and ducks) which makes it a favourite spot for young families to go feed the ducks, or just take a stroll around the lake.
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In the last few months we have sent people to Barcelona, Venice, Prague, New York, Paris, Rome, Lapland and Amsterdam, as well as sending 50 people on experience days and this time it could be you! So go ahead and enter below:
conditions apply.
Competition ends: 05/08/2009
