June 22-24, 2023 | Reykjavík, Iceland

2023 ACSA/EAAE Teachers Conference

Educating the Cosmopolitan Architect

Schedule

October 12, 2022

Submission Deadline

December 2022

Submission Notification

June 22-24, 2023

Teachers Conference

Reykjanes Peninsula Tour

Sunday, June 25, 2023 | 9:00am-5:00pm

Private Tour with Lunch | Space is Limited

TOUR SOLD OUT

The Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark, is on the South West corner of Iceland is slightly less explored than many other areas around Reykjavik but is an absolute gem. This private tour around the peninsula will allow you to discover many of its hidden treasures such as the boiling mud pools at geothermal field, the Bridge Between Continents and Lake Kleifarvatn.

The extraterrestrial landscape of the area was forged during periods of volcanic activity in the past creating some unique geological features giving a very distinct feeling of being in a different world. Going out to Reykjanesviti Lighthouse you can see the lava emerging from the surf and it is easy to imagine the ocean floor beneath the waves looking pretty much the same ravaged by the movement of the plates tectonic. There are a few geothermal areas on the peninsula as well as geothermal power plant where there is a lot of research being done on the possibilities of harnessing and the distribution of geothermal energy. Out here we can also find the Bridge Between Continents a bridge built as a symbol for the connection between Europe and America.

When: Sunday, June 25, 2023 | 9:00am-5:00pm
What: Reykjanes Peninsula Tour
Where: Bus Departs Harpa Concert Hall | Space is Limited
Includes: Private Coach, English Speaking Guide, Entry to all Sites, & Lunch
Cost: $165 USD per person – TOUR SOLD OUT

Sites

Krýsuvík
The Krýsuvík area has a few geothermal fields which have solfataras and fumaroles scattered around them and these hot springs also have sulphur deposits which were mined in the past. Out on the reykjanes peninsula it is impossible not to be aware you are right on the mid Atlantic ridge since there signs of volcanic activity everywhere. The lava fields are of course the result of numerous eruptions occurring in the past. The fact is that even if there has not been an eruption here for around 700 years there are still plenty of earthquakes, and the fact that Reykjanes peninsula basically stretches out into the North Atlantic makes up for some rather harsh albeit periodical weather conditions.

Gunnuhver
The mud pools take form where steam from boiling geothermal reservoir water emanates and condenses and mixes with surface water. Accompanying gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide make the water acid. This causes alteration of the fresh lava rock to clay.

Reykjanes Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is Iceland’s oldest lighthouse. At the time, it was the most advanced and expensive structure to be built in Iceland. The current Reykjanes Lighthouse was designed by the Danish architect Frederik Kjorbo and the Danish engineer Thorvald Krabbe. It is a 26.7-meter-high concrete construction with traditional looks. The lighthouse was illuminated in 1929. Its focal plane measures 73 meters above sea level.

Bridge Between Continents
Bridge between Europe and North America on Reykjanes Peninsula. The lava-scarred Reykjanes peninsula lies on one of the world’s major plate boundaries, the Mid Atlantic Ridge. According to the continental drift theory the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are continuously drifting apart with great forces under the gaping rifts. As the plates diverge, linear fractures, known as fissures form due to stresses created by the tension that builds up as the plates move away from each other.

Árbær Open Air Museum
Árbær was an established farm well into the 20th century, and the museum opened there in 1957. Árbær is now an open air museum with more than 20 buildings which form a town square, a village and a farm. Most of the buildings have been relocated from central Reykjavik.

Árbær Open Air Museum tries to give a sense of the architecture and way of life and lifestyles of the past in Reykjavík and during summer visitors can see domestic animals. There are many exhibitions and events held at the Museum which highlight specific periods in Reykjavik’s history. These include craft days, vintage car displays, Christmas exhibitions and much more. There is something for everyone at Árbær Open Air Museum.