Lake Tjörnin

The more you explore it, the harder it is to believe that Reykjavik is actually a capital city. Not because it lacks character—quite the opposite. It’s just that with its walkable size, charming little houses, and tree-lined paths, it feels almost like a village. To top it off, there’s even a small lake nestled right in the middle — theTjörnin, affectionately nicknamed “the pond” by locals. Historically, this is where Reykjavik’s urban development began. Many key buildings that surround it—like the City Hall, the Icelandic Parliament, and more—actually confirm what I was just saying. Both locals and visitors agree that Tjörnin is the perfect spot to walk, relax, and recharge. That said, it’s rarely quiet. Over 40 species of birds gather here, including swans, geese, ducks, and gulls. Other than listening to them, some people even befriend them by offering food. In fact, this pastime has become so popular that the site is sometimes nicknamed “the biggest bowl of bread soup in the world”. Quite creative! When winter comes, the lake often freezes over, enough to turn into a spontaneous skating rink. In short, any season is good to enjoy Tjörnin. Even the weather adds to its charm, making the water shimmer, darken, or turn metallic depending on the light. Enough words though—sometimes, nature speaks best for itself.