From the center of Reykjavík there is a fine hiking trail by the sea all the way to Seltjarnanes. On the way you will pass Saga Museum, which we recommend. If you have kids – bring them too! The museum has a variety of clothes you can borrow, to look like a viking. In the Saga Museum you can, among other stories, learn the story of Ingólfur Arnarson, who moved from Sunnfjord to Iceland because he had been banned in Norway.
Ingólfur was the first to settle permanent in Iceland, and the first to live in what is now Reykjavík. According to the Settlement Saga (Landnámabók), Ingólfur threw his high seat pillars in sea, to let the Gods decide where to settle. Then he sent his slaves, Karla and Vífill, to search for them. The pillars were found 3 years later, at Seltjarnanes. ‘Why should we end up here, after passing so much nice land first?’ they asked. Reykjavík’s coat of arms images Ingólfur’s two chair pillars in sea.
After the museum visit, it’s time for a bath, and you should do it at Seltjarnanes. There you can find a charming, shallow bay just within the lighthouse, with grey sand, and plenty of little flounders swimming away as you enter the sea. The place is a popular destination, especially in the evenings. The sunsets here are beautiful!
South of Seltjarnanes you can see the old volcano Keilir, or maybe smoke from the new volcano in Geldingadalir/Fagradalsfjall. North-westwards you can see all the way to Snæfellsjökull if the weather is good.
We have had several very nice baths at Seltjarnanes. Always crystal clear water and beautiful ocean views. In the bay, however, one must expect to wade through mounds of semi-dry seaweed at low tide. And after a storm – yuk! Yes, we did.