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Alpingishusio

Is a classical 19th century structure which stands by Austurvollur in central Reykjavik, Iceland.It houses Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament.The building was designed by Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl and built using hewn dolerite during 1880 to 1881.Today, only the debating chamber, a few small meeting rooms and the offices of a some of the senior parliamentary staff are actually located in Alpingishusio. Committee meeting rooms, parliamentarians offices and most of Alpingi's secretariat are located in other buildings in the area around Austurvollur.There are currently plans to build a new building to house these offices and meeting rooms in the area immediately to the west of Alpingishusio, where there is today a parking lot and a few smaller buildings currently being used by Alpingi and which will be incorporated into the new building.

Hallgrimskirkja

Is a Lutheran (Church of Iceland) parish church in Reykjavik, Iceland. At 74.5 metres (244 ft), it is the largest church in Iceland and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland after Longwave radio mast Hellissandur, the radio masts of US Navy at Grindavik, Eioar longwave transmitter and Smaratorg tower.The church is named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrimur Petursson (1614 to 1674),author of the Passion Hymns.The church houses a large pipe organ by the German organ builder Johannes Klais of Bonn.It has mechanical action, four manuals and pedal, 102 ranks, 72 stops and 5275 pipes.It is 15 metres tall and weighs 25 tons.Its construction was finished in December 1992. It has been recorded by Christopher Herrick in his Organ Fireworks VII CD.

Laugavegur

Is the primary commercial artery of downtown Reykjavik, Iceland and one of the oldest shopping streets.The name means Wash Road,as it used to lead to the hot springs in Laugardalur where in olden times the women of Reykjavik took their laundry for washing.It has experienced economic setbacks in recent years mostly because of the increase in popularity of shopping malls, most notably Kringlan and the recent Smaralind.It still maintains the charm of a historical shopping street and is still home to the more exclusive stores in Iceland.

Reykjavik Art Museum

Is the largest visual art institution in Iceland.It occupies three locations in Reykjavik; in Harbour House by the old harbour at Kjarvalsstaoir by Klambratun and in Asmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum in Laugardalur.The Museum offers a variety of events all year round where art is closely examined from different angles and with different emphasis.Extensive family programmes as well as guided tours for students of all levels are cultivated.In addition, the museum takes active part in ambitious cooperative projects and festivals in the field of music, film, design, dance, drama and literature.

Smaratorg Tower

Is an office and retail building in Iceland. It is the tallest building in Iceland, surpassing the Hallgrimskirkja in height, and is the fifth tallest architectural structure in the country after the Eioar longwave transmitter, the masts of Naval Radio Transmitter Facility Grindavik and longwave radio mast Hellissandur.The building is located in Smarahverfi, Kopavogur, where the shopping mall Smaralind is also located.The building has 20 floors and is 77.6 metres (256 ft) high.The tower was designed by Arkís architects.The global accounting and consulting firm Deloitte is located in the tower.The building was opened on February 11, 2008.

Baejarins Beztu Pylsur

Often shortened to simply "Baejarins beztu", is a popular hot dog stand in central Reykjavik, Iceland. In August 2006, the British newspaper The Guardian selected Baejarins beztu as the best hot dog stand in Europe.A hot dog costs 300 ISK (equivalent to $2.55 CAD or $2.62 USD as of March 2011) and condiments include ketchup, sweet mustard, fried onion, raw onion and remolaoi,a mayonnaise-based sauce with sweet relish.Hot dogs are often ordered with "the works," i.e.,all condiments, or in Icelandic "eina meo ollu".The majority of Icelanders have eaten at Bæjarins beztu. It’s downtown near the harbor and has been open since 1937.Foreign visitors are often brought to the stand to introduce them to the hot dogs there, which are often called "the Icelandic national food." Among famous people who have eaten at Bæjarins beztu are Bill Clinton, former president of the United States, and James Hetfield, vocalist of the popular heavy metal band Metallica.

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