Day two in Reykjavik started just steps from my hotel—no 25-minute suitcase-dragging detour required this time (growth, people!).
🌈 First Stop: Rainbow Road – The Shortcut to Joy
I wandered around the corner and found myself on Skólavörðustígur, also known as Rainbow Road. This colorful street was originally painted in 2015 for Reykjavík Pride and became so beloved, the city made it permanent. It’s not just a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, it’s also a happy little visual pick-me-up. It’s the kind of street that practically dares you to frown while walking on it.
I attempted to strut confidently for photos, but Icelandic wind had other plans. I looked less “Sex and the City” and more “wind-tossed substitute teacher on spring break.”
⛪ Up the Hill: Hallgrímskirkja – AKA the Giant Rocket Church
Next, I headed up the hill to Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland’s tallest church and the city’s most iconic landmark. Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson (who clearly said, “let’s build something that looks like a concrete spaceship meets a pipe organ”), the church took 41 years to complete. It’s named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, a 17th-century poet and clergyman.
The structure is meant to resemble the basalt lava flows found in Iceland’s natural landscape, which is beautiful and intimidating—like nature’s way of saying, “I could crush you… but artistically.”
I stood there for a long time, appreciating the stillness, the height, the sense of something greater—then promptly tripped over my own foot walking down the steps. Holiness: experienced. Grace: not so much.
🏛️ Then: To the National Museum – History, Horns & Heritage
Next stop: the National Museum of Iceland, which is basically like taking a crash course in how humans managed to settle a volcano-filled island with freezing winters and almost no trees.
Here are three fun facts I picked up:
- The Drinking Horn was a medieval Icelandic party essential. Shaped like—you guessed it—a horn, it was often decorated with silver and passed around in a show of camaraderie (and germs).
- Icelanders were very into naming things after their relatives, leading to very long last names. If you’re dating someone named Björk Jónsdóttir, there’s a 60% chance you’ll run into three of her cousins with the same name.
- Iceland was officially settled in 874 AD by a Norwegian chieftain fleeing taxes. Honestly? Relatable.
🍆 And Then… Things Got Weird
After all that culture, I headed somewhere a little… different: The Icelandic Phallological Museum.
Yes. That’s what you think it is.
This place is home to the world’s largest collection of mammalian manhood. There are over 200 preserved specimens from everything from whales to elves (okay, the elf one might be theoretical).
I won’t lie—there were moments I couldn’t make eye contact with anything in the room. But it was weirdly fascinating. I learned way more about walrus anatomy than I ever planned to, and left with a strong desire to avoid eye contact with any sea mammals for the foreseeable future.
If you’re wondering whether the gift shop sells plush wieners: yes. Yes, it does.
🛍️ Treasure Hunting and Restraint
After recovering from my… enlightening experience, I made my way to the Reykjavik Flea Market (Kolaportið), a charmingly chaotic space filled with everything from vintage sweaters to fermented shark (no, I didn’t). So many treasures, so little suitcase space. I walked away with nothing but regrets and one adorable puffin magnet.
🐟 Dinner with a Side of Dignity
Dinner was at the Reykjavik Fish Market, where I had crispy, golden fish and chips so good I briefly considered proposing to the chef. I resisted. Growth again.
🍷 That “Free Drink” Life—Elevated
Finally, it was time to redeem my magical drink ticket from Center Hotels. I had a choice: grab a soda from the hotel fridge… or head to the rooftop bar at Center Hotel Arnarhvoll.
Obviously, I took the cocktail-and-view option.
Sipping a glass of wine while watching clouds roll over the city felt like the perfect ending. Then I met a friendly local who pointed out what he called the “largest green nipple in Europe.” I have no idea what the structure actually is, but he wasn’t wrong. It does look like a very proud grassy nipple. (Photo below—judge for yourself.)
🛏️ Sleep, Then Ship Life Awaits
I wandered back to my room full of wine, sea air, and strange museum memories, ready to set sail around the rest of Iceland in the morning.
Next stop: harbors, fjords, and probably more fish. Stay tuned.
P.S. If you’ve ever gotten emotional over a church and then laughed uncontrollably at a preserved whale penis… solo travel might be for you.
Felicity Arvizu takes on... 