5711/14/2022
Although Iceland may look like a lonely island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, do not let the size fool you. In fact, the only small thing about the island may be the population of humans at approximately 350,000. Known as a hyperactive Country the island is comprised of a diverse landscape with mighty rivers, majestic glaciers, mountains, and of course active volcanoes. Located on the mid-Atlantic ridge of two shifting continent plates separating Europe from America, Iceland brings a unique, one-of-a-kind experience to its visitors naturally, but there’s always a way to bring some flare into the mix and that is what Pursuit has done!
About Pursuit
Pursuit is a collection of inspiring and unforgettable experiences from Alaska, Montana, the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver, and British Columbia to Las Vegas and now Iceland. Pursuit’s world-class attractions, distinctive lodges, and travel experiences help adventurous people from around the world discover and connect with iconic locations, including Banff, Jasper, Waterton Lakes, Glacier, Denali, and Kenai Fjords national parks to name a few. From Alaska to Western Canada to Montana, their attractions, tours, and lodging invite people to feel the joy that comes with moments of awe and inspiration.
About FlyOver Iceland
Opened in 2019, the FlyOver Iceland flight ride experience in Reykjavik, Iceland has been propelling visitors to new and uncharted places on the Arctic Island. As one of Reykjavík's newest attractions by Pursuit, you may not really know what to expect before entering the experience, but simply put -- it's mind-blowing. Compared to Walt Disney World’s Epcot Soarin ride, FlyOver Iceland utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flight as you virtually soar through sweeping glaciers, stunning fjords, and some of the most iconic Icelandic landscapes that are rarely seen.
This experience is more than a ride. You will find yourself hanging suspended, with feet dangling as you are extended from a platform towards a 66 feet spherical screen (imagine that). All of this while a film whisks in an exhilarating virtual flight experience over Iceland’s most spectacular scenery and natural wonders.
David Barry, president of Pursuit, said, “The FlyOver concept creates an unforgettable experience for guests with breathtaking scenery and the feeling of flight. We are thrilled to expand that concept into a new iconic tourism destination. This attraction will be our first expansion outside of North America and, with the region enjoying robust tourism growth, it’s the perfect location for a FlyOver attraction.”
Get the full FlyOver experience when you soar through special effects, including wind, mist, and Icelandic scents, combine with the ride’s motion to create an unforgettable experience. Centrally located in the growing Grandi district of Reykjavik, Flyover Iceland is easily reachable by foot, car, or bus.
About Sky Lagoon Iceland
Opened in 2021, Sky Lagoon Iceland was a well-kept secret up to the point of its revealing. This remarkable oasis invites you to get lost in the city at Iceland’s all-new geothermal spa. Opened by Pursuit, the Sky Lagoon adds an elevated wellness experience to Pursuit’s global collection of attraction and hospitality experiences.
Located minutes from the city center of Reykjavik, Sky Lagoon invites you to soak in the views at the ocean-side longest infinity edge in the country and relax in an overall design inspired by historic turf houses defined by the region.
“The traditions of bathing culture are integral to the Icelandic way of life and are at the core of the Sky Lagoon experience,” said Dagny Petursdottir, General Manager, Sky Lagoon. “This rejuvenating and transformative experience will enable guests to connect with mind, body, and spirit through the radiant powers of geothermal waters.”
All this, and more, is featured in a seven-step awe-inspiring ritual and tribute to Icelandic bathing culture. Known as The Ritual, the seven-step experience is developed from Icelandic traditions of combining warm and cold waters, warm steam, dry heat, and fresh air. Upon completion of The Ritual, sip your favorite drink at the swim-up lagoon bar or rejuvenate in a one-of-a-kind sauna with the largest single window in Iceland; showcasing a breathtaking ocean-edge view.
Sky Lagoon gives you a second outlook on life that is really unlike anything you will experience. “The restorative nature of wellness experiences such as Sky Lagoon will become much more meaningful as we continue to emerge from what has been an incredibly challenging period,” said David Barry, President, of Pursuit. “The need to reenergize, relax and restore is integral to both our physical and mental well-being and we are thrilled to introduce guests to the Sky Lagoon experience.”
Where to Stay? What to Eat?
Make your accommodations at Grandi by Center Hotels in Iceland and you will not be disappointed. Located in the heart of Reykjavik’s evolving Grandi neighborhood is this new, stylish, and industrial hotel. More than just a great place to stay, the hotel offers spacious and well-appointed rooms that include all the classic comforts such as free Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, telephone, mini bar, and a safe.
My favorite part of the property was the hotel lobby and lounge which offers a good atmosphere that invites you to relax in good company. The restaurant; Héðinn Kitchen & Bar is an elegant restaurant offering an amazing breakfast and even better dinner. Grandi is in close vicinity of both, FlyOver Iceland (walking distance) and SkyLagoon Iceland (approximately 15 mins away by transit), making the hotel an ideal place to enjoy Reykjavik at its best.
Your gastronomic journey in Reykjavik continues with dinner at ROK. ROK is a fine casual restaurant focusing on serving high-quality food in a friendly relaxed environment and it is a delight! What I can describe as cozy, with friendly staff and a cool local vibe, ROK is a lovely restaurant with a great atmosphere. The food is served tapas style and there are a lot of delicious options to choose from. It was by far, my favorite restaurant in Iceland.
Now that you have your complete guide to Iceland, it is now time to book your flight and make your way to the Land of Ice and Fire. Pursuit's collection of experiences are inspiring and unforgettable which makes for life-changing moments. Whether you are Flying Over Iceland while hanging suspended and whisking away on an exhilarating journey across Iceland or immersing yourself in warmth at SkyLagoon’s oceanside geothermal lagoon, as the dramatic North Atlantic Ocean stretches out before you, Pursuit invited you to discover Iceland in ways unlike no other.
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