The best traffic-free bike rides in Iceland

Bessastaðir is a manor in the Icelandic municipality of Garðabær (until 2012 Álftanes), a few kilometers southwest of Reykjavík. It is now used as the official residence of the Icelandic President. The area around Bessastaðir was probably first settled before the year 1000.[1] It was probably the first official settler of Iceland, Ingólfur Arnarson, who laid claim to the land. In the 13th century, Snorri Sturluson owned a farm here. This is documented by the mention in the Íslendinga saga of his nephew Sturla Þórðarson. The medieval manor passed to the King of Norway after Snorri's death in 1241. Bessastaðir subsequently became the seat of the royal representatives (first the Norwegian king, later the Danish king) and remained so until the end of the 18th century. From 1785 to 1789, the Danish canon magistrate Hans Christoph Diederich Victor von Levetzow lived here, and his son Dietrich Wilhelm von Levetzow was born here in 1786. In 1805, the country's only secondary school at the time, called Lærði Skólinn (German: the School of Scholars), was founded in Bessastaðir after its predecessor, Hólavallarskóli, was closed down. It remained on this site for 40 years, but was relocated back to Reykjavík in 1846. This eventually became the secondary school Menntaskólinn í Reykjavík, which is still located in the capital's city center today. In 1867, the property became the property of the writer Grímur Thomsen (1820–1896), who lived here for two decades. Later owners were Skúli Thoroddsen and his wife Theodóra Thoroddsen. In 1940, the farm was acquired by Sigurður Jónasson and later donated to the Icelandic state.

Excellent cycling path, allows gaining a lot of speed on the downhills.

The shipwreck is clearly visible from the lookout point. It's not recommended to climb down to avoid damaging the coastline.

If you prefer to walk, there are various hiking trails leading up to the Perlan Museum. The entrance fee of €36.00 is well worth it - a great museum. There is also a restaurant in the museum, and food is available until 6 p.m.

The reservoir no longer exists. The water has been drained and there are no plans to rebuild it.

Further information on cycle paths, campsites and public transport in Iceland can be found on the website https://cyclingiceland.is/en/ (as of 2023).

On the Öskjuhlíð hill, one of the highest points in Reykjavík, sits majestically the Perlan - the pearl. This glass dome, the result of Ingimundur Sveinsson's visionary design, attracts attention from afar. Whatever the weather, it plays with the colors of the sky, reflects the day and at night conjures up a starry illusion in the Icelandic sky with the help of 942 light bulbs. On clear nights, the mirrors in the building even capture the enchanting northern lights and bring their dance inside. But Perlan is not just a feast for the eyes. Here the city is supplied with geothermal hot water, which is obtained from depths of up to 2000 meters. This hot water flows in six huge aluminum tanks, five of which are still in use and each can hold up to four million liters of water. Thanks to the elevated location of the Perlan, the 85°C hot water can reach the city without additional pumps. As you climb the hill, Perlan rewards you with a panoramic view of Reykjavík that extends deep inland. From the viewing platform on the tanks you feel like you're on top of the world. Are you hungry or thirsty? A revolving restaurant awaits you on the top floor, with a panoramic view that makes every meal an experience. But the Perlan has even more surprises. Enter the man-made ice cave, a masterpiece by Susan Christianen and Johan Larsson, and immerse yourself in the cold wonders of Iceland. Or be fascinated by the artificial geyser, which shoots up its water column at regular intervals. For history fans, it is also worth taking a detour to the Saga Museum, which housed one of the tanks until 2014. Right next to the Perlan, the park invites you to take a leisurely walk. Breathe in the fresh Icelandic air, feel the wind on your skin and let your gaze wander once again over this impressive city. Perlan is a testament to how people manage to combine functionality and art. A building that celebrates both the power of nature and human ingenuity.

Hafnarfjörður Museum is spread across eight locations in the city, including Pakkhús and Sívertsensensenshaus. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., free admission.