Your Guide to Iceland's Grandi Harbour District
Today we’re heading to Iceland to explore the Grandi Harbour District, a trendy up-and-coming neighbourhood where you can stay, shop and eat — and enjoy stunning views over Iceland thanks to FlyOver Iceland, a new attraction in the district.
Grandi Harbour is a great area to explore, especially if you have limited time in Reykjavik. Here are some spots you should check out.
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Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina
Located between downtown and the Grandi Harbour District, Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina is the perfect base for exploring the city, and a landmark in its own right, located next to a historical and still functioning dry dock. The hotel blends traditional fishing elements with some quirky and cozy design.
If you’re feeling peckish, head to their in-house restaurant, Slipbarrin. It’s a hit with locals after work and on weekends, serving up cocktails and shareable dishes.
Reykjavic Maritime Museum
A few steps away from the hotel, you’ll find Sjóminjasafnið also known as the Reykjavik Maritime Museum. Explore Iceland’s dramatic relationship with the sea, and learn about traditional and modern methods for catching fish, an industry that helped form the foundation of Iceland.
Kaffivagnin
It’s time to eat! If you’re looking for a traditional meal, just next door you’ll find: Kaffivagnin. This cozy spot has the distinction of being Iceland’s oldest restaurant, serving up hearty & wholesome Icelandic cuisine with a casual diner feel and some great views of the harbour. Make sure to try the fish and chips!
Grandi Mathöll
If you’re looking for something more contemporary, a few blocks away you’ll find Grandi Mathöll, a trendy new food hall that serves up a diversity of street food — from tacos to pizzas, to (you guessed it!) fish and chips. Make sure to sure to save room for the Icelandic lamb, and bring your appetite, because the portions are huge.
Local vendors
Just outside you’ll find a row of vendors, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to deli meats.
For a sweet treat, make a stop into Valdis, a popular ice shop that serves up a whole ton of different flavours. Icelanders love their liquorice so make sure to give that a try.
The Marshall House
Round out the afternoon with a stop into: Marshallhusid, also known as The Marshall House. This former fish meal factory is now a cultural hub, home to contemporary art installations, a restaurant and bar. Admission is free so make sure to check it out for a taste of some Icelandic art.
FlyOver Iceland
And now it’s time for the main attraction!
FlyOver Iceland is an immersive new family-friendly attraction in Reykjavik that allows you to take a journey across Iceland without leaving your seat. The building in which it’s housed is just as striking and dramatic as the experience itself.
You’ll learn more about the history of Iceland with high-tech presentations and discover hidden parts of the country. It’s a multi-sensory experience that allows you to take flight using stunning visuals, motion, original music, and some other surprises. But not to fret — motion sickness is hardly a factor as any movement experienced is fairly gentle.
If you’ve got a stopover and won’t have time for a roadtrip, FlyOver Iceland is the perfect way to experience the diversity of this country: land, sea & ice.
So those were just a few spots to check out on your stopover in Reykjavik, Iceland. If you’ve only got a limited time, there’s plenty to see, do and eat in the Grandi Harbour District. If you’ve got a favourite spot, let us know! See you next time… or as they say in Iceland: bless!
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