Seltjarnarnes and Gardabaer

Seltjarnarnes and Gardabaer

Seltjarnarnes

Seltjarnarnes is a small town situated on tip of the Reykjavík peninsula, with remarkable views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Since much of the town is located within a beautiful nature reserve, many locals make use of its excellent recreational areas and the extensive walking and cycling paths encircling the entire peninsula. Its unobstructed views, of the setting sun and the impressive Shaefellsjökull glacier, make it a romantic destination and magnet for travelers and photographers alike. During the winter, the areas around the coastline are perfect for viewing the magnificent Northern Lights! The best known landmark is the old lighthouse on Grotta Island, with stunning seaviews and a wealth of birdlife. Note that during the nesting season (May 1st – July 1st) Grotta is closed.

A permanent art installation, Kvika by Olöf Nordal, made of dolomite stone with a round footbath carved into the center, is located on the northern side of the peninsula next to the shark-curing shed. People visiting are throughly encouraged to bring a towel and make good use of it by taking a relaxing footbath out in the open sea-air.

In case you'd like to warm-up more than just your toes, the town's thermal pool comes highly recommended and features a lap pool, several different hot tubs, a waterslide, a steam bath and toddler pool; all supplied uniquely with geothermal seawater.

Iceland's Landscape. Photo be Olga

Gardabaer

The Gardabaer town and municipality is an important part of the capital area near Reykjavík. It's a lively town with diverse landscapes, stretching from the beautiful Heidmörk Nature Reserve to the pleasant Alftanes peninsula.

The town has a rich historical background, which can be explored in great detail at the Hoffstadir Archaeological Park, where remains of a large farm from the settlement age are on exhibition. The site dates back to the end of the 9th century when Norwegian Vikings first settled this Arctic island. While visiting you can get the official story via their touch-screen display. Free admission and open 24 hours a day.

Iceland has a long history of art and design. Some of the creative results have been preserved in the Museum of Design and Applied Art at Gardatorg – the town center. The museum's objective is to collect, study and present Icelandic design and crafts dating from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day.

Situated on a low-lying peninsula just south of the city centre, Alftanes is a small community of about 2,500 people. One of its major attractions is the swimming pool, featuring the largest waterslide in the country and Iceland's only wave pool. If you're a fan of the outdoors, Alftanes is also a hikers' paradise with trails spanning 9 km (5, 1/2 miles) around the unique shoreline.

Those who are fascinated by the feathery residents of Reykjavík will also be pleased to discover that the shoreline is filled with clear ponds bustling with migratory birdlife.