Mondays in Iceland - #85

Norræna Húsið 

The Nordic House in Reykjavík is a little south of Tjörnin, the pond in the city center. It is on the other side of Milkabraut, the busy highway, and there is a small swamp, Vatsmýrin, in front of it that makes it seem more isolated than it really is. It was designed by noted Modernist architect Alvar Aalto, who also designed all installed furnishings, lamps and almost all of the furniture. It should not be missed on a trip to Reykjavík.





The Aalto Bistro (formerly Dill) has food to die for, "Healthy food for happy heart!" is its motto:



In addition to the library and restaurant, the Nordic House host numerous cultural events throughout the year, including intimate performances by Iceland Airwaves musicians:



One note: with the recent increase in tourist traffic, these 4 and 7 year-old scenes of a near-empty building may be a thing of the past, but that is another issue altogether.