Things to see in Reykjavik

Hafnarfjörður has long been known as the ‘Town in the Lava' - due to its location right on top of the Burfell lava formation, which dates back to an eruption 7,000 years ago. Nestled in the arc of a natural harbour, it has become a suburb of Reykjavik. In previous centuries, it gained status as a trading centre and, today, its reputation is as a centre for culture. Highlights include a sculpture garden on Vidistadir, a lighthouse and an archaeological site from pre-Lutheran times. It is also home to the Icelandic Maritime Museum, the Museum of Local History and the Museum of Postal and Telecommunications. The town also has two geothermally heated pools and the Keilier Golf Club.

Geothermal swimming pools and hot pots play a major part in Icelandic life as swimming lessons are mandatory and students cannot graduate without passing a swimming test. The hottest pools have controlled temperatures of up to 44°C (108°F) and are said to have certain medical benefits. As the pools are not heavily chlorinated, it is compulsory to take a nude shower and wash thoroughly before entering. The largest is Laugardalslaug, which has a 50m (150ft) pool, curved waterslide, five hot pots of differing temperatures and a steam bath. Many locals pop in between 0800 and 0900 to relax before work and catch up on the gossip, making it a good time for curious visitors to join in. If you are planning on spending a few days in Reykjavik, it is possible to purchase a 10-visit season ticket, which is valid for all the city pools.

Known collectively as the Reykjavik Art Museum and housed in three locations around the city (Harbour House or Hafnarhúsid, Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum and the Kjarval Collection) the museum offers up a wealth of Icelandic culture. The Harbour House lays claim to the Erró Collection, the Architectural Museum and the Reykjavik Art Collection.

Located near the harbour, as its name indicates, the building also boasts six exhibition halls, a multi-purpose space, an outdoor courtyard, bookshop and cafe. It houses changing exhibitions of work by modern Icelandic and international artists in a variety of media. Dedicated to the sculptures and drawings of Ásmundur Sveinsson, the Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum collection is housed in the artist's former home and studio. The Kjarvalsstadethir gallery houses works by leading Icelandic and international artists of the 20th century. The gallery has a shop and a cafe overlooking the Miklatún Park and the Perlan.

Visiting Iceland without learning something about its maritime tradition is like going to England and ignoring its royalty. Fishing and fish-related industries have been the mainstay of the Icelandic economy for centuries. It is only in the last two generations that the economy has become somewhat more diversified. The most interesting place to learn about the country's fishing traditions is at the Reykjavík Maritime Museum. The museum is the only one in the country to chronicle various aspects of maritime life from the 20th century to the present day. Housed in an old freezing plant by the harbour, it is the perfect location to watch the fishing vessels and whale-watching boats go about their business in Reykavík harbour.

The idiosyncratic Sigurjon Olafsson Museum is devoted to the life's work of one artist, Sigurjon Olafsson (1908-1982), who was born and lived in Iceland. The sleek wooden floors and starched white walls are the perfect setting for his avant-garde work. Olafsson used a collage of wood, metal, plaster, stone and concrete in his work and his striking forms combined abstract styles with inspiration from the Icelandic Sagas. The museum is not one that many tourists go to or even know about but is much beloved of the locals and well worth a visit. During summer there are concerts in the museum on Tuesday evenings and there is also a cafe with lovely views over the ocean.