Getting Out of Town for Pocket Change

Never let it be said that travelling around Iceland has to be expensive. This author once traversed the Ring Road by hitchiking, ate from grocery stores instead of restaurants and slept in the cheapest guesthouses he could find - thereby seeing the perimeter of the country for a laughably small amount of cash. But for those with less time on their hands, and who (wisely) want to steer clear of getting into cars with strangers, there are a number of day trips from Reykjavík to worthwhile locations to be had for those on a limited budget.

Seltjarnarnes

This town is located on the end of the peninsula on which Reykjavík rests, which means you can take any number of buses to get there, or even walk. The town itself doesn't really have much of a "downtown" - it's mostly residential - but the very tip is great for a leisurely stroll by the sea. If you brought your clubs along, there's a golf course, too. This is also a great spot for bird watching, most of which you'll find congregated around the ponds that gave this town its name.

Bus 11 from Lækjargata to Lindargata, or go on foot by taking Vesturgata west to Ánanaust, make a left, and keep walking along the shore.

Viðey

This island, located just off Reykjavík north shore, is accessible by boat. Once the site of a farm, today it's home to Blind Pavillion by Ólafur Elíasson, an intriguing interactive sculpture. There are also some extensive walking paths which could make for a great spot to propose marriage - or enjoy the bird life. You might also see whales swimming nearby.

Call 892-0099 for departure days and times.

Hafnarfjörður

A town that is sorely underappreciated, Hafnarfjörður has much more to offer than would be immediately apparent from your Flybus drive from the airport into Reykjavík. There's a Japanese style garden, the Viking restaurant Fjörukráin, a cliff in the centre of town (seriously) that provides a breathtaking vantage point of the capital area, a nearby lake, as well as some neighbourhoods that might make you think you'd stepped back into the 19th century. Always worth repeated visits.

Take Bus 1 from Hlemmur to Fjörður mall.

Mt. Esja

Believe it or not, the formidable peak that you can see from anywhere in Reykjavík is accessible by public transport. Simply take the 15 to the 27, and let the driver know you want to get off at Esja. You will be dropped off at a small parking lot at the foot of the mountain. There, your journey begins. The trail up the mountain face is actually not very steep - some parts are even fitted with steps - and the scenary on the way up takes you past streams and birch trees. As for the view from the top, words wouldn't do it justice. Don't forget to sign the guestbook at the peak!

Take the 15 from Hlemmur and get off at Háholt, then take the 27 from there.

Akranes

This town is a relatively recent addition to the city bus system's destinations, and is well worth the trip. There's the beauty of the north shore, which is well worth checking out. Additionally, there's the Folk Museum, the Sports Museum, the Rock Museum and others, all of which are located either right next to each other or in the same building. Every second week of July they hold Irish Days, when the town celebrates its Irish heritage. As mass transit brings more people to and from the town, expect Akranes to grow in attractions with time.

Take the 15 from Hlemmur and get off at Háholt, then take the 27 from there.

Check www.bus.is or call 540-2700 for more exact bus scheduling.

- Paul F Nikolov