Café Loki in Reykjavik, and the sculptor Einar Jónsson

It was an early morning in January. I was in Reykjavik, Iceland, and I was out to explore the city. Starting with Hallgrimskirkja, I felt a little disappointed when the church was closed for renovation, but the weak morning light still gave me quite a few good photos of the church.

Then it started to rain, icy cold winter rain, and I looked around for some shelter. There right across the corner, was an inviting building, Cafe Loki.

Well inside I ordered coffee. It was not long since breakfast and I hadn't planned to have anything to eat, but looking though the menu I saw they had skyr cake, and had to give it a try.

From Lonely Planet: Don't miss out on skyr, a delicious yoghurtlike concoction made from pasteurised skimmed milk. Despite its rich and decadent flavour, it is actually low in fat and is often mixed with sugar, fruitflavours such as blueberries, and cream to give it a wonderful flavour and texture.

I continued reading my Lonely Planet, and discovered that on the next corner was the Einar Jónsson Museum. Einar Jónsson (1874 - 1954) is Iceland's most famous sculptor. Looking out the window again I found that the rain had stopped, and a museum could be a good place to continue my day. 

 
Being January, the museum was closed, but the sculpture filled garden was open. I walked around, charmed by the many bronze sculptures. Inspired by nature, inspired by feelings....here were sculptures of hope, of sorrow, of creation. The naked winter garden, the view of the tower of Hallgrimskirkjan, the lonelyness in the garden - it all made it a very special hour.

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For more posts from Iceland, visit Britt-Arnhild's House in the Woods (the Iceland pages)

Comments

[Margaret Lambert]

It is true that we don't always see what we intend to (when we travel), but sometimes what we see instead is very satisfying and memorable.

[Margaret Lambert]

And I will say also: I have never heard of "skyr", but variations of it are in many countries and this treat made with it sounds delicious!!