Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

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The Old Harbour in Reykjavík is a place for dreams.

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Host of departures and homecomings.

Setting of the magnificent Harpa Concert Hall,

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Seasonal haven for harbour seals.

Home base for Landsbjörg’s Search and Rescue training ship.

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Old Harbour attracts contrasts – of old against new.

Simple, fast food- perhaps a quick bowl of lobster bisque at The Sea Baron:

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

The Sea Baron’s famous lobster bisque

Or a fine dining experience with multiple courses - such as a meal at Harpa’s Kolabrautin restaurant.

Whale watching ships at port right next to whaling vessels.

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

These two whaling vessels are tucked behind buildings and docked next to the long row of whale watching tour operators’ huts

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

This current construction of a luxury hotel is sited adjacent to Harpa

Every Old Harbour visit seems to reveal some new layer of interest.

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

A starfish on a slip of beach below Harpa

This has always been an active, everchanging place to watch and to explore.

Throughout the summer of 2016, a temporary art installation homed in on a stretch of derelict land by the harbour that has been destined for reclamation as a future housing development. The Travelling Embassy of Rockall fashioned their transient venue for artmaking with donated and found objects – shipping containers, wooden pallets, nets, cable reels, pavers, stones, fabric, wool and more.

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

With these supplies and a will to create, volunteers built a stage. Organiser René  Boonekamp and his team planned many intriguing performance events.

I was thrilled to be invited to read some of my work at this venue, beautifully sited by the harbour. I read two stories I had written about whales and also presented some of my whale research.

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

This led to a good discussion. I was also delighted to receive an invitation from an audience member to go whale watching the next day! Thank you so much to Anthony for that introduction to Special Tours and a huge thanks to Special Tours and the captain of the vessel Andrea for this fantastic, unforgettable experience : )

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

The forecast was for rough seas. I was nervous about feeling unwell but it worked out absolutely fine. My top tips for a good experience on rough water are:

-accept the seasickness pill offered by tour operators

-sit somewhere comfortable outside on the ship, if possible, and try to stay there throughout

-wear one of the warm suits provided by the tour operator even if it seems unnecessary at the onset

-find the most stable part of the ship, which will probably be the central rear deck (ask your captain’s advice when you board)

-spend as much time looking towards the horizon as down at the water

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Dress warmly even on a nice day!

During our sail, we briefly spotted three minke whales

It was also lovely to see a different perspective of Reykjavík from harbourside.

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Heading out

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Reykjavík

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

And what beautiful cloud formations that day!

Next to The Travelling Embassy of Rockall was another art project called The Maze of Yggdrasil, which was built by Huldufugl.

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Envisioned and organised by artists and project leaders Nanna Gunnars and Owen Hindley, numerous other artists were also invited to design various areas/rooms of this outdoor installation. There were a total of 16 different but interconnected sections within the maze. The journey through was interactive, with lights and sounds in various areas. 3,000 people experienced this maze, with 1500 visiting on the opening day. Construction took five weeks, required 250 pallets, 4,000 screws and covered an area of 370 square metres. Performances, a cinema screening and some food events took place within the maze.

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Nanna Gunnars of Huldufugl at the entrance/exit of the maze

I was fortunate to be able to visit this maze twice, once during daytime and once at dusk, which turned into night time while I was inside. My visits were a week apart and I noticed how beautifully the maze journey had evolved over that time.

Some images from my journey through the maze during daylight -

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Amazing origami

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Reminiscent of reflections on water

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

The long table

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

A trail of pieces and prints

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Passage through a laying of un-hands

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Banners from a knit-in

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Spiral walk around the tree of life

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Yggdrasil – the focal point of the maze

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

A room of readings from two sources – one in Icelandic and one in English

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Way out

Some images from my dusk to night time visit a week later:

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

A visitor at the entrance

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Twinkling curtains of light

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Slivers of white

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Tangles of flack

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

A queue of barriers

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Incredible musical rocks for echo-making. My favourite spot!

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Which of us is voyeur?

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

A sprig of green foreshadow

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Another favourite moment – Yggdrasil, the tree of life, is greened by light : )

Wondrous Reykjavík Old Harbour

Bird flock glides through the reading room

What an awesome experience this maze was!

Reykjavík has a vibrant artistic culture. Be sure to investigate whatever events are happening during your time in town. By visiting an exhibition or attending a performance, perhaps something outside your usual range of entertainment choices, you could be supporting local artists and you may, as I did, discover a precious gem : ) 

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