Spanning two floors of Reykjavik’s largest shopping mall, Skemmtigardurinn is Iceland’s newest and brightest family entertainment centre (FEC).
The project opened last month after a very tight design and construction period. According to KCC Entertainment Design, the Belgian company that specialises in FECs, the initial design was only started back in April, with construction beginning on site in June.
Large crowds gathered at the Smaralind mall for the official opening of Skemmtigardurinn on November 11 as owners Ingibjörg Guðmundsdóttir and Eythor Gudjonsson were joined by the Icelandic minister of tourism and industry. Thanks perhaps to Gudjonsson’s fame (the entrepreneur and former national handball champion played a starring role in the 2006 film Hostel), the ceremony attracted national television coverage.
Covering an area of 2,300 square metres, the FEC features a family-orientated mix of attractions immersed in a jungle theme. Inside this tropical, air-conditioned indoor environment visitors may even forget they are in one of the world’s most northerly countries! KCC tailored the attraction mix for the local market, with an eye to something for everyone, from toddler and kids to teenagers and adults.
“Just seven months after KCC started to design the FEC, the project had celebrated its grand opening,” notes the company’s managing director, Yannick Maes. “This is yet another success for our team and we continue with enthusiasm to create many more exciting projects.”
Rides and attractions
The lower floor of Skemmtigardurinn includes eye-catching attractions such as SBF/Visa’s first ever 360° Midi Dance Party, a beautifully lit Frisbee-style ride that narrowly misses the roof. This is complemented by a kids’ drop tower, soft play area, Comfyland experience, IE Park bumper cars, and a“7D” XD Theater from Trio Tech. Upstairs, guests can enjoy games galore including a laser tag area, video and redemption games, billiard tables, darts and Highway 66 mini bowling.
Pictured below: Skemmtigardurinn owner Eythor Gudjonsson (left) with Yannick Maes of KCC
