While most European capitals have magnificent and sprawling parliament buildings, the Althing stands out in its understated size, arguably one of the smallest parliament buildings in Europe. But don't let its size fool you, because it is home to the second oldest existing parliament in the world with 68 seats, which has served as a witness to countless political decisions since 1881.
A few steps further and you find yourself on the shore of the picturesque lake "Tjörnin", on which the Reykjavík City Hall stands. The façade that presents itself to you tells stories of contrasts - between city and nature, between the constant and the fluid. While the northern part with its massive, orthogonal construction is reminiscent of the artificial regularity of the buildings in the Kvos district, the southern part with work and meeting rooms opens gently towards the lake, an invitation to all those seeking peace and inspiration.
As you walk, you will come across a square at the intersection of Vonarstræti and Tjarnargata, where a round pond and a moss-covered wall make everyday life fade into the background for a moment. It is almost as if the Icelandic wilderness has created a small place to linger here, in the middle of the city.
This symbiosis of city and nature was at the heart of the design by Margrét Harðardóttir and Steve Christer, two young architects who won the design competition for the City Hall. Their vision? A building that fuses the opposites of Reykjavík's urban and natural heritage.
Before you end your visit, step into the Sea Room, the "Tjarnarsalur". This impressive space not only serves as a meeting place, but also houses a masterpiece of craftsmanship precision: a large-scale relief map of Iceland. As you look at the finely chiseled contour lines that reveal Iceland's unique topography, you can almost feel Iceland's rugged yet enchanting landscape come to life beneath your fingers.