The Cherry Tree (Kirsuberjatréð) is a noteworthy hub of creativity and innovation situated in the heart of Reykjavik. It is managed by a collective of 11 female artists, and it symbolizes the harmonious blend of artistic expression and environmental consciousness. When you step into the store, you'll be greeted by a diverse collection of handmade items, each with its own unique narrative conveyed through its design and materials.

This shop proudly displays a diverse range of locally crafted artworks, each piece reflecting the rich cultural and natural heritage of Iceland. The ceramics section offers a wide array of items, from practical to purely artistic, all bearing a distinctive Icelandic aesthetic. However, what truly distinguishes The Cherry Tree shop is its dedication to using locally sourced and natural materials. Driftwood, often washed ashore on Iceland's rugged coasts, is transformed into artistic creations, and upcycled textiles find new life in various forms.

One of the most intriguing products you'll find here is bags crafted from fish skin, showcasing innovative utilization of local resources. These bags not only exude style but also communicate a message of sustainability and resourcefulness. The delightful music boxes available in the shop often become cherished mementos for visitors, playing melodies that evoke the Icelandic landscape.

Candlesticks, jewelry, and lamps, each with unique designs, offer glimpses into the diverse artistic talents of the women who run the shop. Shoes and baskets are also popular items, often featuring materials and designs that are distinctly Icelandic. The atmosphere within the shop is warm and inspiring, making it an essential stop for anyone looking to capture a piece of Iceland's artistic essence.

The Whales of Iceland Exhibition offers visitors a chance to get up close with 23 full-sized manufactured whale models. These whale models represent the 23 whale species found in Icelandic waters. Visitors can marvel at the 25 meters (82 foot) long Blue Whale. The critically endangered Atlantic Right Whale model and a full-size Sperm Whale are also on display. The models are soft and squishy, and guests are permitted to touch the models.

Interactive stands encourage visitors of all ages to find out more about these majestic mammals. The museum features relaxing whale sounds and gentle ambient lighting to represent the ocean environment. The black and yellow floor represents Iceland's beaches.

Guests can truly immerse themselves in the under the sea experience with virtual reality glasses. You will feel like you are walking along the seafloor while admiring the biggest whales. As you explore the underwater world using VR glasses, you'll also be learning about the various whale species.

Visitors can download an audio tour in English, German, or Icelandic. There are also daily guided tours offered at no additional cost.

Laekjarbrekka stands as a renowned Icelandic restaurant situated in the heart of Reykjavik, housed within one of the city's oldest buildings, dating back to 1834. With a history spanning over three decades, Laekjarbrekka has earned its reputation as an esteemed establishment in Reykjavik's culinary scene.

The restaurant's menu offers a diverse array of options, catering to both lunch and dinner patrons. During the lunch hours, Laekjarbrekka places a strong emphasis on providing light and fresh cuisine, including soups, salads, and dishes featuring fish and chicken. As the day progresses, the venue transitions into a café, serving an assortment of small plates and delectable sweets. In the evening, an extensive selection of dishes is available, ranging from appetizers to sumptuous meat and seafood entrees.

Laekjarbrekka specializes in offering exceptional Icelandic cuisine, with a particular focus on the country's renowned lamb and its unparalleled, fresh seafood. The restaurant takes pride in delivering top-notch service, ensuring that all diners depart fully satisfied with their overall dining experience.

For a long time, sheep have been vital to Icelanders, providing the wool necessary for knitting warm clothes to withstand their harsh winters. Knitting, initially essential for survival, remains a popular hobby and is greatly valued.

Iceland's traditional hand-knitted sweaters, called "lopapeysa," continue to be in demand. These sweaters have transitioned from practical attire to trendy fashion, worn both casually and at social events.

The economic downturn a few years ago led to a renewed interest in Iceland's traditional materials and skills, particularly in hand-knitted items. In 1977, some Icelandic women, who supplemented their income through knitting, collaborated to create an organization for better marketing of their work, leading to the formation of the Handknitting Association. Shortly after its inception, the Association opened a store to sell its members' woolen products.

Their main store, located on Skólavörðustígur in the old part of the city, offers an extensive collection of traditional hand-knitted Icelandic sweaters. This includes unique designs and various woolen items from top Icelandic producers. With numerous knitters contributing, this store is a key destination for Icelandic wool, patterns, and supplies.

Since its beginning, the Association's principle has been to sell directly from the makers, ensuring high-quality standards. Each handcrafted item undergoes quality checks before sale, guaranteeing customers top-notch, uniquely Icelandic products.

Perlan (The Pearl) is a prominent building in Reykjavík, standing proudly at a height of 25.7 meters (84.3 feet). This architectural landmark was originally designed by Ingimundur Sveinsson. The Pearl is located on Öskjuhlíð Hill, where hot water storage tanks had been in place for many years. In 1991, these tanks underwent significant renovations, and a distinctive hemispherical structure was added atop the existing tanks. This redevelopment project was largely initiated by Davíð Oddsson, who served as the mayor of Reykjavík at that time.

The Pearl boasts an expansive ground floor with 10,000 cubic meters of exhibition space, referred to as the Winter Garden. This versatile space has hosted concerts by Icelandic artists such as GusGus and Emilíana Torrini, along with various expos and markets. The building also features a viewing deck on the fourth floor, equipped with panoramic telescopes at six different corners, each offering recorded descriptions in five different languages. From this vantage point, visitors can observe several geysers in the vicinity. Additionally, perched atop this towering structure is a restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the city.

The exterior of the building is truly remarkable, catching the eye with its striking design. Inside The Pearl, visitors can explore souvenir shops and a historical museum, complete with wax figures, adding to the overall appeal of this iconic Reykjavík landmark.

Why You Should Visit:
The exhibitions are interactive and multi-media, all very engaging. The planetarium show is also very good.
The best part, however, is undoubtedly the ice caves: replicas of the insides of melting glaciers, made of real ice.

Tip:
Don't bother with the observatory ticket; just go straight to the cafe for a drink + amazing view.
If you plan to do the cave/glacier experience, bring gloves and a hat in case you will need them.

The Reykjavik Botanical Garden (Grasagarður Reykjavíkur) is an outdoor botanical museum situated in Iceland. This garden is located in the picturesque Laugardalur valley, east of downtown Reykjavik, and is a mere three miles (five kilometers) away from the domestic airport.

Thanks to its convenient location and expansive 12-acre (five-hectare) area, the Reykjavik Botanic Garden ranks among Iceland's most frequently visited green spaces. Every day, numerous tourists and locals alike come to explore its lush surroundings, diverse plant collections, and engage in various recreational activities.

The city of Reykjavik established this garden in 1961 as a dedicated area for preserving Iceland's native flora. Beyond its conservation mission, the garden also focuses on enhancing research and education regarding various plant species. As a result, most of the plants within the park are accompanied by informational labels, enriching the visitor's experience with educational insights.

The Botanic Garden serves as the home to approximately 5,000 plant species organized into eight distinct plant collections, offering a glimpse into the remarkable diversity of vegetation found in the northern temperate zone.

During the summer months, the Botanic Garden hosts a wide range of events, while group receptions are available throughout the year. Additionally, visitors can enjoy Flóran Café/Bístró, which operates within the display greenhouse from May until the end of August. This café is renowned for its delectable treats crafted from ingredients grown within the garden, all served in a charming and scenic setting.