Cinnamon Bun, Reykjavík

Cinnamon bun, or kanilsnúðar in Icelandic - a sweet roll often served in Northern Europe and North America. 

As a self-confessed sugar junkie, many of my favourite travel memories involve something sweet. It is, however, hard to beat the memory of sitting in the grounds of Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland's largest church, on a crisp November morning eating a sugar-topped cinnamon bun. These doughy delights melt in your mouth and put a smile on your face.

They are best bought from Brauð & Co. at around 11:30 in the morning when they are fresh out of the oven and still warm. You won’t be the only person eagerly waiting in line as tourists and locals alike flock here for their morning pastries, the perfect antidote to the Icelandic winter chill.

There are plenty of places nearby to walk off the effects of the rich pastry treat (although Richard and I felt like we could have eaten another one each). On a clear day, the observation deck at the top of Hallgrímskirkja offers beautiful views of the city and mountains beyond. A short walk away, the Sun Voyager, a spectacular steel sculpture, is a great spot for photos and a stroll along the shoreline. Or, you could take it easy and browse for Icelandic souvenirs at Rammagerðin.

However you choose to spend the day in Reykjavík, make sure you start it right, with a freshly baked cinnamon bun.

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