THE NORDIC SERIES, DAY 14
ICELAND
A day in Reykjavik. Five years ago, I read an article about a walking tour in Iceland that explored the financial crash—its causes and repercussions. Documentaries about it at home riveted me, and I haven’t forgotten since.
We met Magnus, an economic historian who actively participated in prosecuting some of the top bankers, so it’s fair to say he has unique insights. He owns a company call citywalk which offer a number of different tours.
WALK THE CRASH
The tour lasted 3 hours, but it didn’t always focus on the financial crash. Some of the things the bankers did were astounding; authorities simply let them do as they pleased! Furthermore, we still see scars—or rather, open wounds—that show the ongoing effects. A perfect example is the foundations of the new banking headquarters, which stopped in 2008 and are still incomplete over 10 years later!
THE BEST SOUP IN REYKJAVIK
To warm up our bodies, we headed to Svarta Kaffið for some soup in bread, and it challenged any soup I’ve ever had! Despite hearing that it only offers two options (one meat and one veg), the others weren’t enthusiastic at first, but it soon proved to be a winner.
WHALES OF ICELAND
Like most of the trip, we moved from one place to the next as we made our way to the Whales of Iceland exhibition—something I wasn’t sure about visiting but am glad I did. They’ve scaled each whale to the exact inch, and standing up close gives you an incredible sense of size, unlike anything you see in Nat Geo.
GRILLMARKAÐURINN
Tonight, another recommendation awaits at Grill Market (Grillmarkaðurinn), a great place to go if you want to try some traditional Icelandic food. The menu features puffin, reindeer, whale, and horse. I tried the horse fillet as it was recommended—full of flavor and very tender.
NEXT UP
Our last day and what a way to end it at the Blue Lagoon! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
138/229
This post is part of The Nordic Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
