Grasagarður Botanical Garden
The Laugardalur valley extends north beyond the botanical gardens. Here, at the Laundry Pools, geothermally-heated water made it possible for people to wash their clothes here in the outdoors. Although, you’ll be glad you live in an era of modern-day home comforts when you imagine how hard it must have been to walk out here and back with baskets of washing. Today, hike here simply for pleasure – a real treat.
Árbær Open Air Museum
Strictly speaking this is a museum rather than a park but you won’t want to pass up the chance to see this collection of historic buildings in the outdoors. Learn about what it would have been like to live in Iceland during the 19th and 20th centuries as you tour turf-roofed farmhouses, cute churches and other notable buildings amidst the green space. It’s particularly fun in summer when staff members dress up in period costume to help bring the past to life.
Öskjuhlíð
Öskjuhlíð is the hill on which Perlan perches and though this stellar museum appears on the itineraries of many tourists relatively few immerse themselves in nature in its surroundings. But this pretty hill carpeted with birch, spruce, pine and other conifers is a lovely place to hike or take a cycle ride. The steepest, rockiest terrain will attract adventurous types while the flatter stretches are more family-friendly. Getting there from ODDSSON Midtown is straightforward; it’s just seven minutes by car.
Heiðmörk
Explore Midtown Reykjavik
5 min bus ride to Hallgrímskirkja
30 minute walk to the centre
