Our last full day in Iceland began with a bittersweet breakfast and a promise to soak in every last puffin-free moment. We started with a spiritual skyline…
⛪ Hallgrímskirkja Church & Rainbow Road: Pride & Pipes
We visited Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland’s tallest church, with its dramatic tower inspired by the basalt columns at Svartifoss. It’s Lutheran, so the interior is minimalist – tall arches, natural light, and a 15-meter-high organ with 5,275 pipes.
Outside, we strolled down Rainbow Road (Skólavörðustígur), a vibrant street born from Reykjavík Pride in 1999. It’s now a permanent celebration of inclusion, lined with cafes, shops, and art installations like Yoko Ono’s “Floating Piers” and Jón Gunnar Árnason’s “Dreamers.”
🏘️ Árbær Open Air Museum: Cod Liver & Dowry Dentures
After a 30-minute drive, we arrived at Árbær Open Air Museum for the 1 PM tour. This charming collection of houses from 1820 to the 1960s offers a glimpse into Icelandic life before the internet (and indoor plumbing).
Interesting Tidbits we learned:
- Post-WWII school system: Malnourished children were placed under UV lamps and force-fed cod liver oil
- Dental care was so poor, dentures became part of dowries for 14-year-old brides (!)
Bucky looked horrified. “I’m glad I’m plush,” he whispered.
The museum is both educational and quirky, with costumed guides and interesting exhibits on education, consumption and building technique. It’s a great way to time-travel without needing a flux capacitor.
🍲 Icelandic Street Food: Soup & Waffles
At 5 PM, we had dinner at Icelandic Street Food – known for its unlimited soup refills (2500 ISK). We tried:
- Lamb soup (good, but we’ve had better) & Shellfish soup
- Free waffles (not crispy, but still sweet)
It’s casual, cozy, and perfect for warming up after a day of history and rainbow walks.
🚗 Drive to Keflavík & Final Check-In
After a 1-hour drive, we checked into KEF Guesthouse:
- Two twin rooms with shared bathroom
- Self check-in after 3 PM
The guesthouse was clean and well-equipped:
- Communal kitchen with plates, cutlery, microwave, stove, pots, pans, and dishwasher
- Bathrooms were tidy and functional
It was a quiet, restful place to end our journey. Bucky curled up with his waffle and whispered, “Iceland, you’ve been magical.”
Tomorrow, we fly home – hearts full, bags packed, and Bucky already planning our next adventure!
Note: We’re not affiliated with any of the places or services mentioned. No króna, cookies, or cuddles were exchanged for these reviews — just our honest, slightly soup-scented thoughts. 🌈🛫🦫