Atlantica No. 4, 2010, July-August - Iceland Review

Child’s Playby John Boyce Photos by Páll StefánssonÁrbaejarsafn Open Air FolkMuseumOpening hours June, July, August: Tues - Fri 10a.m. – 5 p.m. / Weekends 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.This open air museum was established in 1957by the city of Reykjavík to preserve old styledwelling houses and work-shops amid fears thatold Reykjavík was disappearing forever. Most ofthe houses are originally from the city center,the oldest of which dates back to 1820. Duringthe summer months elderly citizens show off oldmethods of work and professions. The employeesalso dress in traditional Icelandic costumes ofyesteryear. The museum is particularly popularwith families and school tours because of its vividrecreations and its entertainment and educationalvalue. A hop, skip and jump from the museum isone of Reykjavík’s most child friendly swimmingpools, Árbaejarlaug. Relax with a good soak inthe hot pot or steam bath while the kids enjoythrashing about in the pool or skipping down thewater slides.Nauthólsvík Thermal Beachand Hot PotA pleasant 15 minute walk from downtown is theheated beach at Nauthólsvík. The miniature whitesand beach opened in 2000 when the municipalitycordoned off a section of the bay and proceededto pump vast amounts of naturally occurring geothermalwater into the 3,500 square meter area.The effect is to take a considerable edge off theicy Atlantic.If the water is still just too cold, let the kids bravethe sea water while mom and dad need proceed nofurther than the hot pot installed at the edge of thebeach, free of charge for native and visitor alike.Showers and changing facilities are also provided,along with a modest coffee shop serving ices andhot drinks. After your refreshing dip in the hot potyou can take the kids for a leisurely stroll in theadjacent woods, a popular place for picnicking andscouting activities. We also recommend the excellentand numerous swimming pools in the capital,run under the auspices of ÍTR, the sports and leisuredivision of Reykjavík City.32 atlantica