Scenes From The Heat Wave

In case you’ve missed it, Iceland is currently going through a heat wave. On this scorcher of a June day, when temperatures in the capital reached 14°C, the Grapevine set out to discover what Reykvíkingur were doing to beat the heat.

Austurvöllur, by the National Parliament, is a popular place to bask in the sun (and under the watchful gaze of some famous men who did some important things at some point in history). The trees provide the necessary shade to escape the sweltering heat, or you could enjoy a cold one on one of the many nearby patios.

Ah yes, the ever-popular haunt of bureaucrats and duck-feeders alike: Tjörnin. On a day like today, when Reykjavík’s children are excitedly tossing crumbs for the birds, make sure to keep them clear of the eyes of unwitting councillors wandering out of the nearby city hall. Keep it tame, folks.

Buskers were out in full force today. If you’re good, the consensus seems to be that we’re happy to have you around, but if you’re not so good… On a day like today, though, Reykjavík’s street performers were more than likely to have a smile or a few krónur tossed their way.

It’s easy to get carried away in the sunshine and bliss of a summer’s day such as this one. But be careful, kids—make sure you slather on the sunscreen and drink plenty of water to keep the heatstroke at bay.