Reykjavik Peace Center: Iceland's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Reykjavik Peace Center: Iceland's (Mostly) Hidden Gem - My Slightly Chaotic Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Reykjavik, and let me tell you, the Icelandic experience? It's a lot. And smack-dab in the middle of it all is the Reykjavik Peace Center. Is it a hidden gem? Well, yes and no. It’s definitely not plastered all over Instagram… yet. And after my stay, I’m almost tempted to keep it a secret, but that wouldn’t be fair, would it? So, here's the unvarnished truth, warts and all (and there were a few, bless 'em).
Accessibility - Okay, Let's Get This Straight (and I Mean it)
Alright, first things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me (both metaphorically and, well, physically sometimes after a few too many Skyrs). The Peace Center says it has facilities for disabled guests. And they seem to mean it. The elevators are decent, the ramps are there, and the staff generally appears helpful. But, and it’s a big but, this ain't the Four Seasons. I wasn't in a wheelchair, but imagine, if you are in one, it's important to contact them directly and ask specific questions. Don't rely on the brochure's glowing promises. Get the details.
Eating, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Icelandic Adventure (and My Emotional Rollercoaster)
Food. Ah, yes. My stomach's guide to the good, the bad, and the "what the heck was that?" in Iceland.
- Restaurants: There are restaurants. Plural! And a coffee/tea in restaurant is available. And one vegetarian restaurant with some options. So that works.
- Asian Cuisine: I saw an Asian breakfast on a menu. I like eating foreign foods, and want to try it.
- Drinking: There's a bar, and a poolside bar. Both crucial, I might add.
- Snacking: You can score a tasty salad in restaurant. And a snack bar.
- Room Service: The room service [24-hour] came in clutch after a long day of chasing waterfalls. Because chasing waterfalls is surprisingly EXHAUSTING.
Here's the thing: the food wasn’t gourmet. There were definitely moments of "meh". The Western breakfast was… well, it was a Western breakfast. Eggs, toast, coffee. Nothing to write home about. But that's kind of part of the Icelandic charm, you know? They’re not trying to be fancy. They're just trying to keep you fed so you can go wrestle a volcano (kidding, mostly). And hey, the occasional desserts in restaurant really helped!
Ways to Relax (and Maybe Escape the Midnight Sun)
Okay, the good stuff. The REAL good stuff. If you like to relax, then this is where the Peace Center shines. They've got:
- Spa/sauna: Yes! Two words that make my soul sing. The Sauna was perfect, and I spent a ridiculous amount of time in it.
- Swimming pool: Ahh, the Swimming pool [outdoor], with a Pool with view! This might have been the best part of the entire trip. Imagine, floating there, staring at the sky with all the colors of the aurora borealis. If you're lucky you can even see the stars..
- Fitness center: The Gym/fitness center is good!
- Massage: The Massage was great.
- **Steamroom, Foot bath, Body scrub: **The Steamroom was great, and there are Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap, which are super nice
Cleanliness and Safety - Keeping the Germs at Bay (and My Anxiety in Check)
Look, I’m a nervous traveler. Like, the kind who sanitizes their hands every five minutes. So, the Peace Center’s COVID protocols were crucial for me. They’ve got:
- Hand sanitizer everywhere. Praise be!
- Daily disinfection in common areas. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Cashless payment service.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- They even, get this, had Anti-viral cleaning products. I felt genuinely safe.
Services and Conveniences - The Practical Stuff (and a Few Whimsical Touches)
They've got the usual:
- Concierge, Dry cleaning, Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Elevator
- Meeting/banquet facilities including Meeting stationery
- Daily housekeeping
- Fitness center
- And a Gift/souvenir shop, which is where I bought, like, ten different Viking horns. Don't judge.
- CCTV in common areas, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable
Important Note: The Wi-Fi [free] in my room was a bit spotty sometimes. Annoying.
For the Kids - Keeping the Littles Happy (Or At Least Distracted)
- They have Babysitting service.
- Family/child friendly
- Kids facilities
- Kids meal
Room Rundown - Cozy, Cozy, Cozy (with a Few Quirks)
My room, my little sanctuary, was mostly good! Additional toilet and a private bathroom. I had an extra long bed which was amazing. I appreciated the basic comforts:
- Free bottled water
- Coffee/tea maker (critical for a caffeine addict like me).
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe box
- Internet access – wireless
- Refrigerator
- Satellite/cable channels
- Shower
- The blackout curtains were a lifesaver during the endless sunlight.
Getting Around - Navigating Iceland (and Avoiding Tourist Traps)
- Airport transfer: A real lifesaver after a long flight.
- Car park free of charge and Car park [on-site].
- Taxi service.
- Bicycle parking.
So, What's the Verdict? (The Rambling Conclusion)
Look, the Reykjavik Peace Center isn't perfect. It's not flawless, and it has its quirks. But it's got a charm, a warmth, and a genuine sense of peace that's hard to find in the more tourist-saturated hotels.
My recommendation? Go. Go and experience its unique blend of relaxation, Icelandic hospitality, and slightly chaotic charm. Just remember to pack your sense of humor (and maybe a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, just in case).
SEO-Friendly Summary:
Book Your Icelandic Adventure! Reykjavik Peace Center – A Relaxing Escape in Iceland!
- Perfect for: Travelers seeking a tranquil escape, families, and anyone who values cleanliness and personalized service.
- Top Features: Stunning outdoor pool, spa/sauna, delicious food, and thoughtful safety measures.
- Ideal for: Individuals, Couples, and Families
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, restaurant (with vegetarian options), bar, fitness center, and more.
- Why book? Experience the true Iceland!
(P.S. If you see a bunch of Viking horns in the gift shop, tell 'em I sent ya. They’ll probably just be confused, but hey, it's worth a shot.)
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Artemisia Resort Ragusa, Italy - Your Dream Escape
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your glossy brochure Reykjavik wander. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-hungover version of my Peace Center pilgrimage. Prepare for a rollercoaster of "Oh wow!" and "Ugh, I'm so tired," because that's just how it's gonna be.
Reykjavik Peace Center: A Messy, Human Adventure (with lots of exclamation marks!)
Day 1: Reykjavik - Drenched in History (and Maybe a Bit of Rain)
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrival & Orientation - The "Lost Luggage" Saga (and the Coffee That Saved Me)
- Okay, confession time: my luggage decided to take a scenic route, apparently. Left me stranded at Keflavik Airport in the Icelandic chill with just the clothes on my back and a VERY grumpy face. Thankfully, Reykjavik has a way of instantly charming you - especially when fueled by strong coffee.
- First impression of the city: COLOUR! Seriously, buildings painted every shade of the rainbow, like a kid went wild with a giant crayon box. This immediately helped, but I was still running on empty, both literally and figuratively.
- Checked into my (thankfully not-luggage-less) hotel. The Peace Center wasn't the first stop, but rather something to look forward to in this country.
- Quirky observation: The air smells cleaner than anything I've ever breathed. Like, seriously pure. I could practically taste it!
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): A Walking Tour - Finding My Bearings (and My Appetite)
- Found a walking tour to get my bearings. Learned about the history - Reykjavik's role in the Cold War was HUGE (seriously, the tension must have been WILD), the role it had with peace.
- Rambling aside: I've never really been a huge history buff, but this feels different. Iceland feels…important in this global conversation. Must be the location. Sigh.
- Also, found the yummiest lamb soup. Seriously, Icelandic lamb soup is a religious experience. Comfort food to the MAX.
- After the tour, I wandered aimlessly for an hour and ended up looking for a cafe, and finding ice cream in the middle of a brisk afternoon.
- Emotional reaction: Feeling a flicker of hope. Even without my favourite t-shirt and with luggage still lost, a new place in this country gave me a sense of purpose.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner & Sunset Wonders - That Damn Northern Light!
- Opinionated language: Okay, I'm a sucker for a good sunset. And the Icelandic ones? Unreal. I'm talking skies painted with colours I didn’t even know existed.
- Decided to treat myself to a fancy dinner.
- Then, THE NORTHERN LIGHTS (the aurora borealis to be exact). People kept mentioning the lights. I thought it was a myth. Like, some kind of tourist trap. BUT IT WASN'T!
- Strong emotional reaction: I nearly cried. Seriously. The green, the dancing lights, the sheer magic… Wow. Just wow. I'm a cynic at heart, but that beauty? It just…broke me. I don't deserve this. I'm not worthy. breathe.
- Messy structure: Wait, luggage. Still missing. This is a problem. Must remember to call the airline. But, like, later.
Day 2: Peace Center & Beyond - Digging Deeper (and Discovering My Inner Tourist)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Reykjavik Peace Center - That's Why I'm Here!
- FINALLY! To the Reykjavik Peace Center. This place is AMAZING. I'm a sucker for anything peace-related. It was like a hub for the world.
- The Reykjavik Peace Center - an important place.
- Doubling down on a single experience: I spent hours there, soaking it all in. Each exhibit, each story, each artifact felt like a punch to the gut. These people…they fought for something. And still fight.
- Quirky Observation: The gift shop has the cutest little puffin plushies. I'm fighting the urge. Must. Resist.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Golden Circle Tour - Waterfalls, Geysers, and Tourist Traps (but Worth It)
- Okay, tourist traps, yes. But the Golden Circle is a must.
- Messy Structure: Okay, now I'm rambling. I just saw the geysers (they erupt EVERY few minutes, I'm still in shock!). The Gullfoss waterfall (a giant, beautiful curtain of water), and the Þingvellir National Park.
- Strong emotional reaction: I got legitimately emotional watching the waterfalls. The sheer power and beauty of nature…it's humbling, you know? The world just has more beauty than you can imagine.
- The beauty and the power and the history of the whole place, and the fact that it's so close to the Peace Center, makes it feel all very symbolic.
- Also, got a photo of a sheep. Cute.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Soaking in the Blue Lagoon - Pure Bliss (and Regret?)
- Ah, the Blue Lagoon. The iconic, Instagram-worthy spa.
- Opinionated language the water's warm, but also just a little too warm, and there are so many people who are just getting in there. It's beautiful still. Very pretty.
- Messy Structure: Wait, did I leave my phone in the locker? I don't know.
- More opinionated language: Honestly, I felt a tiny tinge of FOMO at first - it's a bit on the touristy side. But the mineral-rich water? It was pure bliss.
- Emotional reaction: I feel like a new person. My skin glows. The world is…good.
Day 3: Departure - Goodbye, Reykjavik (and Hello, New Luggage?)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping & Packing - The Hustle!
- Last-minute scramble for souvenirs. Puffin plushie? Okay, fine, I caved.
- Packed (prayin' the luggage fairy had returned my bag).
- Rambling aside: I didn't want to leave. I feel a connection to this place, these people, this history.
- A good feeling.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Airport Bound - Until Next Time, Reykjavik!
- Airport bound. Bye-bye, beautiful Iceland.
- Strong emotional reaction: I'm going to miss it. This place, this experience…it changed me.
Evening: On the plane, back home to "normal."
- Unfiltered thoughts: Reykjavik, you glorious, messy, beautiful place. I'll be back. And hopefully, with my luggage.
Okay, so what *is* the Reykjavik Peace Center, anyway? Is it like, a fancy hotel? Or a boring museum?
Alright, deep breath. It's...complicated! It's NOT a hotel, thank goodness. And it's certainly not your stuffy, silent museum with velvet ropes. Honestly, it's more like... a living, breathing, chaotic organism dedicated to peace. Think think tank meets art gallery meets community space. Okay, I know, still kinda vague. But picture this: you walk in, and *boom*—global issues slapped right in your face. They've got discussions on climate change, human rights, conflict resolution... and some absolutely *stunning* art. The whole vibe is less 'sterile exhibit' and more 'passionate conversations over Icelandic coffee.' It's... a lot. In a good way. A REALLY good way.
Is it *actually* worth the trip? Like, is it a tourist trap, or a hidden gem? Because, honestly, I'm tired of tourist traps.
Oh, honey, I feel you. Tourist traps are the bane of my existence! And *no*, the Reykjavik Peace Center isn't one. It's LEGIT gem. I almost missed it. Seriously. My friend, bless her heart, dragged me—she was like, "You *have* to see this!". And I, being the jaded traveler I am, grumbled the whole way. But then… BAM! I was absolutely floored. They had this exhibit on gender equality that just… gutted me. I’m not an emotional person, generally, but I was legit tearing up. It's not just facts and figures; it’s *stories*. Real, raw, human stories. So, yes. GO. Just… go. You might even find yourself changing your mind about something.
What can I *do* there? Is it hands-on, or just looking at stuff?
Okay, so this is where it gets gloriously messy. You can do a LOT. The core is the exhibitions, which are *seriously* thought-provoking. But they also run workshops, discussions, film screenings… sometimes even concerts! I saw a panel discussion on the Arctic and climate change – yeah, slightly outside my wheelhouse. But it was fascinating! They have rotating exhibitions too. When I was there, there was this amazing photography show on the refugee crisis. And, get this, you can actually *talk* to people. I got chatting with a local artist, and he actually gave me his opinion on the current political climate. It was brilliant (and slightly terrifying!). Just be prepared to engage your brain and your heart. Honestly, I thought I was going to a museum. I was unprepared for how much it would affect me.
Is it... expensive? Because, Iceland. Everything is expensive in Iceland.
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the Icelandic krona. Yes, things are pricey. But the Reykjavik Peace Center is surprisingly reasonable. I think the entry fee was less than a fancy latte. Which, knowing Iceland, is practically a steal. They also regularly hold free events, so keep an eye on their website. Honestly, I'd pay double what they charge.
Okay, the exhibitions. What sort of things are displayed? Is it all dry facts or...?
Oh, the exhibitions! They are DEFINITELY not dry. I mean, there are facts, sure. But they use them to tell STORIES. And the storytelling is where they really get you, you know? The way they use imagery... the photos, the videos, everything. One exhibit I saw focused on the impact of deforestation, and they weren't just showing pretty pictures of trees. They had audio recordings of the people affected, the environmental devastation, the impact it has on communities and their way of life. I was just... floored. I stood there for ages, just listening and watching. It was the most powerful thing I’ve seen in a long time. I actually had to leave and grab a coffee because it was so intense.
Is this place friendly to children? I have little gremlins in tow.
That's a tricky one, actually. They *are* family-friendly in the sense that they welcome kids. They have some interactive exhibits, and some of the displays are visual, which is great for little ones. HOWEVER... it’s also a place that deals with very heavy topics. Conflict, poverty, human rights... that's not exactly kid-friendly fodder. So while they might be welcomed, I'd suggest thinking about your kids' ages and sensitivities first. If your children are of a certain age, they will get far more out of it than your average play area. You might need to do some explaining. Maybe scope it out yourself first, then see what you think.
Speaking of the staff - are they helpful and knowledgable?
Absolutely. They are lovely. The staff were not just helpful, they were passionate. I swear, they could talk about these issues for hours. And they *wanted* to talk about them! I asked a million questions the first time I went, and they were willing to answer every single one. They're generally passionate about the subject matter, and it shows. They’re like, the ultimate tour guides. The kind that make you actually *want* to learn stuff. Now that is a rare find!
Okay, confession time: I do some research before I travel. What's the vibe like *around* the Peace Center? Is it in a sketchy area?
Sketchy? Nope! Not at all. Reykjavik is incredibly safe in general, and the Peace Center is located in a totally fine, central area. You can walk there, take the bus, or get a taxi without any worries. It's surrounded by other interesting things too - shops, cafes, all the usual touristy stuff. So, you could easily spend a whole day exploring the area around the Peace Center and getting a general vibe for the city. I would, maybe, grab some good coffee and people watch on a nearby corner before heading over as a "warm up", myself.
So, you love it. What about the *bad* parts? Anything I NEED to know to manage my expectations?
Okay, real talk. There’s not much I *disliked*, per se. But here goes:
1) **Parking can be a pain.** Reykjavik in general has that problem.
2) **It *is* emotionally draining.** Seriously. Be prepared to feel things. Bring tissues.Travel Stay Guides
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