The modern gray structure that seems to float on Reykjavík’s Tjörnin Pond is actually Reykjavík City Hall and houses the Mayor’s office and those of executive officials. Bold and modern, the impressive Reykjavík City Hall connects nature and water. Furthermore, its design is deliberate to attract bird-life to the centre of town.
The building was constructed in 1992 following an international competition that architects Studio Granda won. The city planners did not decide the location on a whim. For decades residents have seen this particular site as the heart of the old city centre. For this reason they saw the beautiful environment of Lake Tjörnin as a worthy setting for a building intended to proudly symbolise the city’s status as the capital of Iceland.
What can you find in the City Hall?
On the ground floor you’ll find a helpful information desk and internet access. The building also serves an art gallery. It hosts a steady stream of new and exciting exhibitions by local artists.
Don’t miss the enormous and beautiful 3-D relief map inside. It provides a unique perspective of the entire island with its many volcanoes, mountains, craters, fjords and glaciers.
The pleasant cafe Öndin provides fantastic views of the pond and computers with free internet access.
GPS: 64.146186 N, -21.942437 W
