www.visitreykjanes.is
GENERAL INFORMATION Tourist Information Centers Welcome to Reykjanes
TOURS & ACTIVITES 2 3
MAIN TOWNS / VILLAGES Reykjanesbær Sandgerði Grindavík Garður Vogar
5 6 7 8 9
COAST The Lighthouse on Garðskagi Reykjanes Lighthouse Whales
12 14 16
CULTURE AND ARTS Culture and arts
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HISTORY History
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NATURE RESERVE Reykjanes nature reserve
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The Blue Lagoon, geothermal spa Swimming Pools in Reykjanes Golf Courses in Reykjanes Sport fishing Guided tours Map of hiking trails in Reykjanes Lava fields and caves – Volcano tours All terrain vehicles – ATV4x4 Arctic Horses Salty tours Cave trips
87 89 90 92 94 96 99 100 102 103 103
TRANSPORTATION Coaches Car Rentals Taxis
104 104 105
ACCOMMODATION, DINING Hotels Guesthouses Summer Houses, Huts Camping Sites Restaurants Fast Food Café’s
106 106 108 108 109 110 111
NATURE Krýsuvík Eldey Gunnuhver Keilir Bridge Between Continents Birdlife
78 80 81 82 83 84
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GENERAL INFORMATION Tourist Information Centers: Upplýsingamiðstöð Reykjaness / Tourist Information Shopping mall, Krossmói 4, 260 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 4213520/ 00 354 893 4096, reykjanes@reykjanes.is SBK Keflavik Coaches Grófin 2-4, 230 Reykjanesbær, Tel: 00 354 420 6000 Tourist Info Blue Lagoon Svartsengi, 240 Grindavík, Tel: 00 354 420 8800 Tourist Info Hafnargata 12a, Saltfisksetur Íslands, 240 Grindavík, Tel: 00 354 420 1190, Fax: 00 354- 420 1199, saltfisksetur@saltfisksetur.is The Nature Center Garðvegi 1, 245 Sandgerði, Tel: 00 354 423 7551, Fax: 00 354 423 7551, fsetur@ismennt.is Garðskagi folk museum Skagabraut 100, Garður, Tel: 00 354 894 2135, gardskagi@simnet.is
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www.visitreykjanes.is
Welcome to Reykjanes The Suðurnes region on the Reykjanes peninsula is a popular tourist destination and the home of some of Iceland´s most popular tourist attractions.This official brochure will introduce an experience that we hope every tourist will enjoy while visiting this beautiful and powerful region. The area of interest range from pure nature experience to golfing, deep-sea fishing, a bridge between continents, the Viking ship „Íslendingur“, the Blue Lagoon and so much more. Within this guide you will find a host of attractions and details of how to get there. The guide has colour coded sections to enable you to find the area of your choice quickly. At the rear of the guide is a comprehensive list of bus transport services, hotels, guesthouses, camp sites, restaurants, fast foods and cafés. We will continue to update and improve this guide; your comments and observations would be most welcome. To assist us in this matter, we would be grateful to receive your comments either by the cut off form on page 112 or by email to reykjanes@reykjanes.is
Publisher: Markaðsstofa Suðurnesja Editor: Kristján Pálsson, Páll Ketilsson Layout: Víkurfréttir Photos: Ellert Grétarsson Printing: Oddi 3
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Main towns / villages
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AXAFLÓ Sveitarfélagið Vogar .......................................................................................................... 9 Sveitarfélagið Garður ...................................................................................................... 8
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Reykjanesbær The Town of Reykjanes is a young and vibrant rapidly growing town on Reykjanes peninsula. There has been a significant increas e in number of citizens in Reykjanesbær in the past years and they are now 14.100. Reykjanesbær profits by its closeness to the capital and it is also located at Iceland’s borders at the gate to the rest of the world. At the same time other boundaries have vanished and now Ásbrú, the former US naval base has been transformed into an innovative and progressive educational community. The town boasts of diverse recreational options and just on the town’s doorstep there is pristine nature. With the new Ósabotna road the possibility of a roundtrip of Reykjanes peninsula with all its recreation and spectacular scenery opens up before driving back to the capital on the four lane and lit Reykjanes highway (41). www.reykjanesbaer.is 5
Main towns / villages
Sandgerði Sandgerði is one of the country’s major fishing communities. Rich fishing-grounds are found just off the coast of Sandgerði. There are interesting things to do in the town, among others, bird-watching, golfing, see historical significant places, go swimming or have a meal in the restaurant. A great variety of Icelandic hand made souvenirs is on offer at the Listatorg souvenir shop. One can go visit the Nature Center, a museum with insight to Icelandic nature. It is possible to rent a summerhouse in the northern part of town. A new road lies south from Sandgerði passing Hvalsnes and Stafnes on to the Hafnir village.This offers the possibility to make a roundtrip on the northern part of the peninsula. – www.sandgerdi.is 6
www.visitreykjanes.is
Grindavík The town of Grindavík is well known for its importance to the fishing industry with many boats and trawlers and financially strong fishing enterprices. There you can also find The Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most popular tourist attraction. In the salt fish museum you’ll find all the information you need on it’s history through pictures and stories and “The forever merry fisherman,“ a festival celebrating the life of the fishermen is held annually. Grindavík has much to offer to its guests beside it’s lively port and diverse birdlife. Around the town there are many interesting hiking and riding routes that lead to historical places. Around Grindavík you can find the moonlike lava fields with hot springs, caves and other secrets of the lava. – www.grindavik.is 7
Main towns / villages
Garður Outdoor enthusiasts should not miss out on the chance of visiting the town of Garður if they are traveling through the Reykjanes peninsula. On Garðskagi you can find diverse birdlife, dolphins or whales near the shore, untouched nature and an interesting regional museum with an extraordinary collection of engines. The restaurant Flösin is very popular and the view from its balcony is beautiful. Guests can camp on Garðskagi in the magnificent nature. The facility on the campsite includes bathrooms, running water and electricity and is ideal for guests with tents, trailer tents and winnabegos. After enjoying yourself out in the nature you can visit the local swimmingpool or relax in the hot tubs. – www.svgardur.is 8
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Vogar In the Town of Vogar you will find various services and can enjoy a walk along the sea, watch the birdlife by Vogatjörn pond and the monument Íslands Hrafnistumenn by Erlingur Jónsson.The monument is in memory of fishermen from the area. In August The Family Day is held in the town of Vogar, and then the town comes alive with people of all ages enjoying themselves together. At Kálfatjörn you will find an excellent 9 hole golf course, which is played around one of the largest wooden churches in Iceland. In the district of Vatnsleysuströnd are several landmarks, among them are Mount Keilir, Háibjalli, Snorrastaðatjarnir, Hrafnagjá and Staðarborg.Outdoor enthusiasts should therefore take a look at the district of Vatnsleysuströnd. – www.vogar.is 9
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The Lighthouse on Garðskagi On Garðskagi you can find two lighthouses, the older one and BORGARNES also the smaller of the two was once regarded as one of the best lighthouses in Iceland because it stood low and therefore mist was not a problem. Although there was risk of the lighthouse being damaged because of surf and it was sometimes not visible because of seastorm. A new lighthouse was built on Garðskagi in 1944. At 28 metres it is the highest lighthouse in Iceland and was in second place in a survey which Rögnvaldur Guðmundsson supervised concerning the favorite lighthouses of the Icelandic people. Engineer Axel Sveinsson designed the lighthouse but the lighthouse is a radar REYKJAVÍK transponder and used for weather surveilance. The operation of the lighthouse is under the supervision of the Garður Icelandic Maritime Administration. Sandgerði
FAXAFLÓ
Reykjanesbær Vogar Hafnir
Grindavík
Location
Garðskagi
Open
Information at the Municipal Museum at Garður
Disabled access
Access to the older lighthouse
Price
Free
Phone
00 354 422 7220 / 00 354 894 2135
Website
www.svgardur.is
Mælikvarði 1:2.000.000 0
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Reykjanes Lighthouse The first lighthouse in Iceland was built on Valahnúkur in Reykjanes in the year 1878. By 1905 earthquakes and surf had damaged Valahnúkur so much that there was the risk of the lighthouse falling into the sea. A new lighthouse was therefore built in 1907-1908 on Bæjarfell hill in Reykjanes and the old one was demolished with an explosion on april 16th 1908. A survey which Rögnvaldur Guðmundsson supervised in BORGARNES 2007 for the Icelandic Maritime Administration led to the conclusion that Reykjanes lighthouse was the most popular lighthouse among Icelanders. The lightsignal height is 69 meters above sealevel but the actual height of the lighthouse is 26 metres. Reykjanes lighthouse also has a radio beacon with a correction signal. There is carved rock and concrete in the lighthouse. Architect Frederik Kjørboe and engineer Thorvald Krabbe designed the lighthouse. The operation of Reykjanes Lighthouse is under the supervision of the Icelandic Maritime Administration.
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White beaked dolphin.
Humpback whale diving. 16
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Whales The waters surrounding the Reykjanes peninsula are home to dolphins and various species of whales in the warmer months of the year, and in winter as well. Commonly found in the waters off Garður are white-beaked dolphins and minke whales. In winter sightings of both dolphins and whales are common, even as close as outside BORGARNES the harbour in Keflavík and nearby. The area is an important habitat for these marine mammals, mainly as a seasonal feeding ground, rich in plankton. These waters provide excellent conditions for such fish species as sand eel, herring, capelin, haddock and cod to thrive. Humpback whales are also commonly seen in July and August, and occasionally sei whales, fin whales and the enormous blue whales appear at the surface.
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CULTURE & ARTS
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Vikingworld Vikingaheimar is the home of the Viking Ship Íslendingur (the Iceland er). Built in 1996, Icelander is an exact replica of the famous Gokstad ship, a remarkable archaeological find of an almost completely intact Viking ship, excavated in Norway in 1882. Captain Gunnar Marel Eggertsson was inspired to build a replica of this beautiful ship based on his own background as shipbuilder and sailor. He copied the original nail for nail. In the year 2000, with a gr ant from the Leifur Eiríksson Commission of Iceland, he sailed from Iceland to New York, a journey of 4200 nautical miles. His voyage brought world-wide attention to Leif Eiriksson’s and Bjarni Herjólfs son’s discovery of America, dated, according to the Icelandic sagas, to exactly 1000 A.D. Building Icelander was an extraordinary achievement; at 23 metres long, 5.25 meters wide and with a holding capacity of 80 tons (by modern standards), it took 2 years of effort. The sail is 130 square meters and the mast is 18 meters in length. Made from pine and oak, scholars believe this was the most common type of ship in use during the Viking Age. Vikingaheimar is also a home to the exhibition The North Atlantic Viking Saga, originally shown at the Smithsonian Institution during the summer of 2000. Launched in Washington D.C. by King Hakon of Norway, and with a State Dinner at the White House, it then traveling to 6 other cities throughout North America.This exhibition, like the sailing of Iceland er, celebrated the millennium anniversary of the Viking discovery of North America, shedding light on the latest scholarly research into the Norse settlement and explorations of unknown lands. 19
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Gunnar Marel and his crew of 8 left Iceland on Icelandic Independence day, the 17th of June, with a send off from the Prime Minister of Iceland. When it finally arrived in New York on October 5th-where it was greeted by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and Mayor Rud olf Guiliani – the ship had made stops at 22 harbors. In addition to the festivities with kings, queens, presidents and mayors, when the ship arrived, visitors also streamed to see it while it was docked at each location, all told about 450,000 people came on board. These two fine projects, both celebrating Iceland’s central role in the discovery of North America 1000 years ago by the Norse Vikings, have now found a permanent home in Vikinga Aldan (Viking Wave), the central building on the Vikingaheimar grounds. A spectacular modern building, it also offers beautiful views of the surrounding bay, Faxaflói.
Location
Víkingabraut 1, 235 Reykjanesbær
Open
11:00-18:00
Disabled access
Access
Price
1.500 Ikr. Free admittance for children under the age of 12
Phone
00 354 422 2000
info@vikingaheimar.com
Website
vikingaheimar.com
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Duushús – Cultural Center The cluster of buildings that make up Duushús are among Iceland´s most remarkable and historic man-made structures. The oldest tim berbuilding completed in 1877 and the youngest concrete struct ure finished in 1954. These historic buildings is currently undergoing major programme of renovations and when completed it will inclu de facilities for a variety of cultural activities, including exhibitions and conferences. Today the complex includes four exhibition centres, which house the Reykjanes Maritime Museum, Museum of Art and Museum of Heritage.
Location
Duusgata 2-8, 230 Reykjanesbær
Open
Mon.-Fr. 11.00 to 17.00, Sat.-Sun. 13.00 to 17.00.
Disabled access
Access
Price
No admission fee
Phone
00 354 421 3796
duushus@reykjanesbaer.is 23
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Reykjanes Maritime Center The Reykjanes Maritime Center was opened on May 11 2002 and is home to a collection of 100 model boats built by retired local skipper Grímur Karlsson. Hand-crafted to a high degree of perfect ion and painstaking detail, they offer a fascinating insight into Iceland’s maritime history, beginning with the graceful masted schooners of the mid- and later 19th century, and ending with the steam and dies el-powered trawlers of the 20th century.
Location
Duusgata 2-8, 230 Reykjanesbær
Open
Mon.-Fr. 11.00 to 17.00, Sat.-Sun. 13.00 to 17.00.
Disabled access
Access
Price
Free admittance
Phone
00 354 421 3796
batasafn@reykjanesbaer.is 25
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Reykjanes Art Museum The Reykjanes Art Museum offers a superb view of Keflavík’s pict uresque marina and was opened the year 2003 after a programme of extensive renovations. New art exhibitions open every six weeks The summer exhibition Olga Bergmann - The House of Pain An installation of video works, sculpture and found objects exhi bition. From May 16.
Location
Duusgata 2-8, 230 Reykjanesbær
Open
Mon.-Fr. 11.00 to 17.00, Sat.-Sun. 13.00 to 17.00.
Disabled access
Access
Price
Free admittance
Phone
00 354 421 3796
duushus@reykjanesbaer.is
Website
www.reykjanesbaer.is/listasafn
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The Reykjanes Heritage Museum Völlurinn, the Icelandic name for the US Naval Base in Keflavik, is the theme of a new exhibition from Reykjanes Heritage Museum. The Naval base was closed in 2006 after 55 years. In the minds of most Icelanders, the Keflavík base was primarily a heated political issue. For the local population, the US base was a major employer, and a neighbour. The Base was not only a military installation, but an autonomous community with its own schools, church, hospital, shops, cinema, clubs, radio and TV stations, newspaper, and all the accoutrements of daily life, workshops, workplaces. Everything was different inside the wire: electrical current, buildings, furniture, cur rency – all was as it was in the US of A.
Location
Duusgata 2-8, 230 Reykjanesbær
Open
Mon.-Fr. 11.00 to 17.00, Sat.-Sun. 13.00 to 17.00.
Disabled access
Access
Price
Free admittance
Phone
00 354 421 3796
byggdasafn@reykjanesbaer.is
Website
reykjanesbaer.is/byggdasafn
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Black Cave
Reykjanesbær Vogar
Hafnir
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Giantess The Giantess in the mountain moved to the Town of Reykjanes during the family and cultural festival the Night of Lights in 2008 and is now located in Black Cave at the marina in Gróf. There the Giantess has been settling in her nice cave with its superb view over the bay of Keflavík and Faxaflói. The Giantess is originally the creation of author Herdís Egilsdóttir who has written 16 stories about the little girl Sigga and her friend the Giantess in the mountain the last one describing her migration to the Town of Reykjanes. The design and making of the cave and the Giantess was in the hands of Norðanbál art group.The Giantess is in full size and sits sleeping in a rocking chair in the kitchen.
Location
Black Cave at the marina in Gróf
Open
Weekends 13:00 - 17:00
Disabled access
Gravel pathway
Price
Free admittance
Phone
00 354 421 3796/00 354 421 6700
skessan@reykjanesbaer.is
Website
skessan.is
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SouthbySouthWest Suðsuðvestur (SouthbySouthWest) is a privately run exhibition space on the main street in Keflavik – a small town on the Reykja nes peninsula, in close proximity to the International Airport. SSV was founded in November 2004 and opened in January 2005 with an exhibition on the works of Magnus Palsson. SSV is a venue for explorative and innovative artists. Artists who want to express their ideas in various media and evoke questions, thoughts and discussion about the world and times we live in. SSV’s board strives to give the public a chance to embrace contemporary art – and enjoy.
Location
Hafnargata 22, 230 Reykjanesbær
Open
Saturday’s and Sunday´s 14:00 - 17:00, and by appointment tel: 662 8785 (Inga)
Price
Entrance is free.
Phone
00 354 4212225
sudsudvestur@sudsudvestur.is
Website
sudsudvestur.is
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Power Plant Earth
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Reykjanes power station and Earth power plant In may 2006 there begun electrical generation in Reykjanes power station and through connection to the power plant an exhibition in a show room was asembled and was named Earth power plant. The show covers various ways of developing energy resourses in the earth and globes around the universe have been situated in right portion all around the Reykjanes but the sun sits in the lava outside of Reykjanes power station at the main entrance to the show room. The power station is located near Reykjanes lighthouse and Gunnuhver hot spring which are also popular tourist attractions.
Location
Reykjanes power station
Open
Open: May – Sept. Every day 11:30 – 15:30, Oct.- April, Thu-Sun. 11:30 – 15:30
Disabled access
Access
Price
1.000 ISK, childrens and group discounts
Phone
00 354 436 1000 / 00 354 864 3006
Website
powerplantearth.com / bluediamond.is
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ÓLAFSVÍK Snæfells -nes
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CULTURE & ARTS
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Garður Sandgerði Reykjanesbær Vogar Hafnir
Saltfish Museum Grindavík
Location
Open
Daily from 11.00-18.00
Disabled access
Access
Price
ISK 500 for adults, ISK 250 for children
Phone
00 354 420 1190/660 7303
saltfisksetur@saltfisksetur.is
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Hafnargata 12a, 240 Grindavík
www.saltfisksetur.is Mælikvarði 1:2.000.000
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The Saltfish Museum of Iceland In order to enjoy a couple of visits to the Blue Lagoon it makes a lot of sense to stay overnight in the nearby fishing community of Grindavík, on the south side of the Reykjanes peninsula, Grindavik is worth a visit on its own. This is a pleasant area to do some hiking (for all levels), followed by a refreshing swim at the local pool. Settled in the year 934, the town has remained one of the main sources of salted fish in Iceland. Now there are approximately 2500 inhabitants, most of whom base their livelihoods on fishing and fish-related industries. Grindavík’s illustrious history goes back to when it was a major trading centre during the Middle Ages in the booming Hanseatic period. It was raided by pirates many times and has been the site of many ship- wrecks over the ages. There is a statue dedicated to the families of local fishermen lost at sea, but even more poignant are the remains of two more recent shipwrecks and their memorials along a circular hike around the town. There is still an active fishing fleet in Grindavík and most of their catches go to the local factory that specialises in processing salted fish for export. In the late 19th century, salted fish was to Iceland what oil is to Saudi Arabia, and indeed, the image of a golden cod was on Iceland’s original coat of arms. As you stroll along one of the best harbours in Iceland, you will arrive at the Icelandic Saltfish Museum, where you can learn more about the industry that is an important element in Iceland’s economic development and prosperity. It opened in 2002 and is dedicated to the history of the salt fish, with a vividly depicted exhibition on the struggle for survival, which is a metaphor for the country as well as the salt fish industry. The saltfishmuseum is located only a few minutes away from the Blue Lagoon. Visitors are guided through the museum with a CD player and can choose between Icelandic, English, German and French. Caféteria. 37
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Nature Centre Inside the walls of the museum guests can look at parts of Iceland’s nature up close. A collection of various living organisms and plants and living animals in freshwater or seawater tanks as well as a stone collection. Guests can for example examine small sea creatures who live at the bottom of the sea or ponds through a binocular microscope, learn about the history of Sandgerði or examine a collection of Icelandic and foreign stones. You can also find an exhibition about the live and work of the french marine biologist Jean-Baptiste Charcot who perished in his ship the Pourqui Pas at the Icelandic coast in 1936. The museum is an ideal place for curious tourists and parents with children thirsting for knowledge.
Location
Garðvegur 1, 245 Sandgerði
Open
Mon.-Fr. 09.00 to 17.00, Sat.-Sun. 13.00 to 17.00.
Price
Adult kr. 400, Child kr. 300, Elderly kr. 350
Phone
(+354) 423 7551
Website
sandgerdi.is, heimskautinheilla.is
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The Municipal Museum
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The Municipal Museum in Garður The Museum was first opened in november 1995 in the old outhouses at Garðskagi. Many important items from the municipal history of Garður are located in the museum, items which were essential for livelihood both at land and sea. A big part of the museum are maritime artifacts, objects which were used for fishing and processing the fish on shore.What makes the museum so uniqe is the engine collection of Guðni Ingimundarson. Over 60 engines of all sorts are on display and almost every one of them is functional.
Location
Garðskagi
Open
April – Oct. Every day 1:00 – 17:00, Nov.- March by request.
Disabled access
Access
Price
Free of charge
Phone
00 354 422 7220 / 00 354 894 2135
gardskagi@simnet.is
Website
www.svgardur.is 41
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Stekkjarkot A classic example of the roughly built turf, stone and timber fis hermans’ cottage, once common on the Reykjanes peninsula and other coastal areas of Iceland, Stekkjarkot was opened to the public in 1993 by Iceland’s president Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, following a year of restorations. Stekkjarkot provides a telling insight into how cotta ges of this type looked like. Its history as a domestic dwelling is patchy, it was first built during the years 1855-1857 and occcupied for 30 years later when it was abandoned.. In 1917 it was refurbis hed but by 1924 it had been abandoned once again and this time for good. The older part of the cottage, with its open hearth, dates back to the 19th century, the newer part dates from the farm’s last days of habitation, by which time floorboards covered the living room and kitchen, a coal-fired stove provided both cooking facilities and heat, and conditions for those who lived there do not seem to have been too bad.
Location
Innri-Njarðvík
Open
June – August, Thursday – Sunday, 13:00 – 17:00. Other opening hours by request
Price
Free of charge
Phone
00 354 894 6725
byggdasafn@reykjanesbaer.is
Website
www.reykjanesbaer.is/byggdasafn 43
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The Church in Innri-Njarðvík By the initiative of Ásbjörn Ólafsson, a farmer in Innri-Njarðvík, a church was built on the location. The church was consegrated in 1886 and is made from carved rock which was brought from the shore nearby and the heath above the inhabitated area. Magnús Magnússon (1842-1887) organized the carving of the rocks. One of the three clocks in the churchtower is an ancient clock made in 1725. The Church in Innri-Njarðvík is preserved.
Location
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Open
June - August, daily from 13:00 – 17:00
Disabled access
2 steps at entrance
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Phone
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The Church at Útskálar Einar Jónsson from Brúarhraun (1818-1891) built the foundation of the church which was consegrated in 1863. The interior of the church was painted and decorated by Áki Gränz a master painter. The church is preserved and has a modern tower design. It is made from wood. One of the most tragic events in Icelandic sea history is connected to the church. On the 8th of March 1685, 156 fishermen drowned at sea in a storm by Reykjanes. Many of them were from North Iceland stationed in the region during the main fishing season. On the 11th March 42 were buried in the church´s graveyard and the next day another 47 bodies drifted ashore in Garður and were also buried in the same mass grave.
Location
Garður
Open
By request
Disabled access
Access
Price
Free admittance
Phone
00 354 422 7044 / 862 7044 / 894 6535
jonh@mitt.is
Website
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The Church at Hvalsnes The church at Hvalsnes was consegrated in 1887. Ketill Ketilsson farmer and ship owner at Kotvogur, who then owned the land at Hvalsnes financed the building of the church.The church is preserved and all of the wood was collected from the shores nearby. Extensive repairs where made to the church in 1945 under the supervision of the architect of the state. One of the most remarkable items of the church is the gravestone of Steinunn Hallgrímsdóttir who died when she was 4 years old in 1649. She was the daughter of Hallgrímur Pétursson Iceland’s most important psalmist which at that time served as a priest at the parish in Hvalsnes. The gravestone was lost for a long time but was discovered again in 1964 but it had been used as a part of a walkway leading to the church.
Location
Hvalsnes, Sandgerði
Open
Information at the Nature Center
Disabled access
2 steps at the entrance
Price
Free admittance
Phone
00 354 423 7551 / 00 354 897 8007
fsetur@ismennt.is
Website
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The Happy Sailor in Grindavík A family and port festival is held annually in Grindavík in the beginning of june. Held on the seamens´day week end, it is an entertaining festivity which honors earlier times which influenced the local community since it’s establishment seamanship and seagoing has been the main source of occupation and income for the inhabitants of Grindavík. For more information visit Grindavík’s official homepage www.grindavik.is.
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Midsummer night hike in Þorbjörn Annually, The Blue Lagoon and the town of Grindavík sponsor a Midsummer night hike on the mountain Þorbjörn. On the top of the mountain there is entertainment which includes singing and camp fire. The walk ends at the Blue Lagoon which is open past midnight that evening. This is an entertaining recreation for the whole family. For information about the forthcoming Midsummer day hike visit the official website of Grindavík www.grindavik.is or www.bluelagoon.com.
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The Sunset Festival on Garðskagi The Sunset Festival on Garðskagi is truly a festival for the whole family. The festivities are held annually on Garðskagi in the middle of the summer. The facility is ideal for campers with tents, trailer tents and winnabegos. The sunset on Garðskagi is a unique vision and the timing of the festival is appropriate because then the solstices will have seized for the summer and the sunset glitters on the ocean while citizens of Garður and their guests sing and celebrate around the campfire. For more information about the festival’s date each year as well as the schedule visit the following website www.svgardur. is/ferdathonusta/solseturshatid
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Familyday in Vogar Each summer in the beginning of august a family day is held in Vogar in Vatnsleysustrรถnd. Then the family is in the forefront while everyone is welcome. For more information about the festival visit website www.vogar.is
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Sandgerรฐisdagar in Sandgerรฐi Annually on the last weekend in august there is a family festival held in Sandgerรฐi which emphazises on the enjoyment of people coming together and entertaining each other. Many events are available to people from Friday to Sunday because then all of the local citizens put in an effort to make the weekend as memorable as possible. For more information visit the official webpage of Sandgerรฐi www.245. is/sandgerdisdagar.
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The Night of Lights – Reykjanes family and cultural festival As the bright nights of summer give way to the shorter days of autumn, the first Saturday of September sees the staging of the highly popular Night of Lights, Reykjanes family and cultural festival. Now a fixed event in Iceland’s cultural calendar, the event, which despite its name is now staged over four days from Thursday to Sunday, offers guests a taste of the very best in local culture, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. An ever-growing celebration of local culture included more than 100 separate events. The Night of Light offers something for everyone, ranging from art, theatre and music performed by groups and indi viduals, to a spectacular finale under a blaze of fireworks. For more information visit the festival’s website www.ljosanott.is. 55
CULTURE & ARTS Arts & Crafts Blómaþorpið Túngata 10, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 895 7105 blomatorpid@gmail.com Fjóla, handmade Jewellery Hafnargata 21, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 1011 fjola@skart.is www.skart.is Gallery Björg Hafnargata 2 , 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 5340 / 698 1824 Gallery „hans“ og Grétu Vesturbraut 8 , 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 849 9610 / 894 3833 Gallerí Sjólist Verbraut 3, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 893 3712 sjolist@simnet.is / www.sjolist.is Blue Lagoon Shop at the Blue Lagoon
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Gallerý Listatorg Vitatorg, 245 Sandgerði Tel: 00 354 868 3220 / 00 354 895 3607 gunnaolafs@hotmail.com gallerygryti@live.com www.listatorg.is / www.245.is Glerblástursverkstæðið Iceglass Grófin 2, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 857 0850 larusgudmundsson@gmail.com www.iceglass.is Hjördís Hafnfjörð – Haddý Glerverkstæði, Glass Workshop Freyjuvellir 5, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354421 2405 / 00 354861 2405 hhr@rafpostur.is HH Handverk – Icedesign Fjósið í Koti, 260 Njarðvík, Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 661 6999 / 661 7999 hulda@icedesign.is www.icedesign.is
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Listasmiðja, Hobby Center Víkingabraut 773, Vallarheiði, 235 Reykjanesbær Innrömmun Guðmundar, Listhús Hafnargata 54, 230 Reykjanesbær Íslenskt handverk, Guðný Iðavellir 11b, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 897 1827 www.icehandcraft.com Reynir Katrínarson Hvít Viðbláinn galdrameistari og skapandi listamaður Gaukstaðavegi 2, 250 Garður Tel: 00 354 861 2004 Suðsuðvestur, Exhibition Showroom Hafnargata 22, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 2225 sudsudvestur@sudsudvestur.is www.sudsudvestur.is
Svarta Pakkhúsið Hafnargata 4, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 616 6670 svar tapakkhusid@svar tapakkhusid. com / www.svartapakkhusid.com Jöklaljós, Candle Workshop Grófin 2, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 423 7694 / 00 354 896 6866 kerti@joklajos.is / www.joklaljos.is Í máli og myndum Art supplies / gallery, Krossmói 4, 260 Reykjanesbær, Tel: 00 354 421 3598 www.imm.is 57
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The artist’s idea of a home of one of the settlers in Hafnir – artist Bragi Einarsson.
Archaeologists working on site where ruins of a settlement farm have been found in Hafnir. 58
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Settlement The first Icelandic settlers, who came to Iceland around 874 AD, were chiefly of Nordic extraction, mostly from the west coast of Norway. In Iceland they could farm just as they had in the old country, raising livestock and crops. There were rich fishing grounds just off the coast, and the sea also produced other benefits such as driftwood, walruses, birds and whales. Ingólfur Arnarson, the first settler, claimed all the land west of the Ölfusá river, which is now called the Reykjanes peninsula. He then allocated land to five men and one woman. Steinunn the Aged was a relative of Ingólfur: he gave her the northern part of the peninsula, for which she repaid him with a knitted coat. She gave her close relative Eyvindur the land that is now called Vogar. Ingólfur gave land to two other relatives: to Herjólfur Bárðarson the land from Hafnir to the tip of Reykjanes, and to Ásbjörn Össurarson the area between his own land and that of Eyvindur. Moldar-Gnúpur settled in Grindavík and Þórir haustmyrkur (“autumn darkness”) settled to the east of Grindavík.
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The cod war at BĂĄsendar and GrindavĂk There was great demand for Icelandic fish in Europe from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries onwards. Before the Danish king imposed a trade monopoly in 1602, English fishermen and merchants traded with the Icelanders for many years. Later, Hanseatic (German) merchants arrived for the same reason. There was a thriving trade in Icelandic stockfish (dried fish), and the English and Germans were fierce competitors for the trade. Under Icelandic law, all foreigners were allowed to trade in Iceland. The rule was that each year, the first arrivals in the spring at a port in Iceland gained the right to trade with Icelanders at that port for that year. Fierce competition between English and Hanseatic merchants finally 60
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led to deadly skirmishes. Hanseatic merchants used heavy artillery Rif against the English at the port at Básendar, as they had arrived first. Hellissandu Although the English had five times as many men, on two ships, the ÓLAFSVÍK Grundarfjörðu German managed to win that battle: the English surrendered and Snæfells pleaded for a-nes ceasefire. A messenger was sent in a great hurry to Hafnarfjörður to enlist assistance from German merchants there, and to induce the English sign a peace treaty and pay a fine – in this case 20 tons of stockfish. After this incident, the English were forced to leave. Landing in Grindavík, they became violent lawbreakers, and the villagers sent for help to Bessastaðir, centre of Danish authority and the residence of the governor. A group of Icelanders, Danes and Germans attacked BORGARNES the English in Grindavík and several of them were killed. This almost led to an international incident. The survivors of the attack fled home to England, and reported what had happened: the king, Henry VIII, enraged by this treatment of his subjects, threatened to order all Hanseatic and Danish merchants who had been trading on the Thames in London to leave the country. This would have been a huge blow to this very prosperous trade. After prolonged negotiations between the three nations – English, Danish and German – the affair REYKJAVÍK was finally settled in the German town of Segeberg in 1532.
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Sveinbjörn Egilsson.
A statue of Jón Þorkelsson by the sculpturist Ríkarður Jónsson. 62
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Jón Þorkelsson Thorkillius (1697-1759) and Sveinbjörn Egilsson (1791-1852), both born in Innri-Njarðvík, were close relatives. Jón was principal of the cathedral school at Skálholt. He was a remarkable man with a great interest in education and schools in Iceland. A wealthy man, he left all his worldly goods to found a school in Kjalarnes, and hence he BORGARNES has been called the father of primary education in Iceland. A monument was erected beside the church in his memory in 1965. Sveinbjörn too was a scholar, and the first principal of Reykjavík High School in 1846. He was a great poet, translator and a grammarian, who wrote a dictionary of Icelandic skaldic language, the Lexicon Poëticum. His most famous works are his translations of Homer. He too is commemorated by a monument at the church.
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Hallgrímur Pétursson Hallgrímur (1614-74), regarded as Iceland’s greatest religious poet, is best known for his Hymns of the Passion. First published in 1666, the Hymns of the Passion have been translated into many other languages, including Latin and Chinese. For centuries Icelanders have read the Hymns of the Passion, along with the Bible, for inspiration and spiritual comfort. During Lent the Hymns are still read today in all major churches in Iceland. As a young man, Hallgrímur went to Denmark to train as a blacksmith but, following the advice of the Rev. Brynjólfur Sveinsson, later bishop of Skálholt, Hallgrímur decided to train for the priesthood instead. In 1637 he returned to Iceland after five years’ study, and settled in Njarðvík, a village on Suðurnes. He was appointed to Hvalsnes Church in the village of Sandgerði, where he served for seven years. He was already known for his poetry, but first achieved true fame after his death. At Hvalsnes the gravestone of his beloved daughter Steinunn, who died at the age of four, was discovered during building work.The stone, believed to have been cut by Hallgrímur’s own hand, is the only object of Hallgrímur’s making in existence. On the death of his little girl, Hallgrímur wrote the hymn which is still sung at every funeral in Iceland.
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The “Turkish” raid. In the year 1627, pirates from Algiers raided Iceland. They first attacked the Westman Islands, then arrived at Grindavík on June 20. The Algerian pirates were known as “Turks” in Iceland, as Algeria was then a part of the huge Ottoman Empire.They seized Icelanders and Danes and sold them into slavery in north Africa. No-one was killed in the raid on Grindavík, but two were injured. Some of the enslaved prisoners were later ransomed and eventually returned to Iceland; one of them, Guðríður Símonardóttir, married the Rev. Hallgrímur Pétursson, author of the Hymns of the Passion and Halldór the grandfather of Jón Þorkelsson Thorkillius the principal.
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The Nato Base After the signing of the Iceland – U.S. Defence Agreement in 1951, a NATO base was established at Keflavík Airport. A huge construction programme was launched to upgrade the airport facilities and house the 5,000 military personnel on the base. In the 1950s construction work on the Base, together with increased demand for various services to the military, provided a hug boost to local communities; their population rose from about 5,000 to about 9,000. In addition, the number of servicemen and their families increased until the Base became the sixth-largest community in Iceland. By 1960, approximately one of every five workers in Keflavík was employed on the Base. This work affected Keflavík and Njarðvík the most, whereas Grindavík, Hafnir, Sandgerði and Garður remained for the most part traditional fishing villages. By the end of the Cold War, the importance of the base declined, and after 1990 operations gradually wound down. On 30 September 2006 the Base finally closed down. All the buildings and other structures were handed over to the Icelandic state, and today the area houses a university and campus, and other services and industry are developing there.
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Skagagarður – the Great Wall The village of Garður at the north tip of the peninsula is named after Skagagarður, a protective wall that lay from Kirkjuból to Útskálar. The wall or garður (cognate with English garth), which probably dated from the early days after the settlement, served to keep livestock away from the crops. The wall was broad and tall, built of turf and large rocks. Remnants of it are visible by the old road between Garður and Sandgerði. While today the only reminder of agriculture in the area is fields of grass, several hundred years after the settlement farmers were still cultivating such crops as wheat, oats and barley.
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Reykjanes nature reserve – Reykjanesfólkvangur The nature reserve is about 300 square kilometres and is by far the largest region of it’s kind in Iceland. It’s limit in the east are the district borders of Gullbringa and Árnessýsla and in the north it connects with the Bláfjöll nature reserve. The western borders of the nature reserve are west of Undirhlíðar and Núpshlíðarháls and a straight line to the sea at Selatangar and the southern most borders follow the coastline. The only big lake is Kleifarvatn. There is no drainage from the lake above ground but on the southern part of the lake there are small ponds and marshes. The land is very hilly, two very distinctive ridges cut through the landscape in NASV direction and they are about 300-400 metres above sealevel, Núpshlíðarháls and Sveifluháls. Brennisteinsfjöll are located in the eastern most part of the nature reserve and there are a few mountains that are 500-600 metres above sealevel. The land is mostly covered with lava and in some places it has flowed into the sea. Reykjanes nature reserve is in the middle of the active volcanic area, which covers the whole length of the Reykjanes peninsula. The volcanic history of the peninsula is relatively well known. The volcanic activity has been steady the last 100.000 years and seems to occur regularly about every 1000 years and lasts about 200 years. The historical time in Iceland spans from the period of settlement to the present day. One major eruption period has occurred on the Reykjanes peninsula in that time. You can divide that period into three main eruptions. The oldest is the eruption in Bláfjöll which began in the year 930 and lasted for about 100 years. The second eruption period is named after Krýsuvík. The main eruption of that period was in 1151. In that eruption a 25
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kilometre long fissure opened and lava flowed into the sea both on the northern and southern part of the Reykjanes peninsula. In the south Ögmundarhraun was formed but in the north Nýjahraun was formed but most people call it Kapelluhraun. The third eruption period which is called Reykjanes eruption lasted from 1210-1240. This eruption was on the point of the peninsula and partly in the sea where Eldey rose from the occean. The volcanic activity aligns itself on the so called eruption fissures where there are volcanos and open fissures. There are often rift valleys along the eruption fissures and the chains of craters. The eruption fissures are usually 2550 kilometres long and 57 kilometres wide.Two of them are in the Reykjanes nature reserve i.e. the fissure at Krýsuvík and the fissure at Brennisteinsfjöll who lie from southwest to northeast covering the Reykjanes peninsula. A geothermal area is in both of the fissures i.e. Seltún which is close to the road north of Krýsuvík and the thermal area in Brennisteinsfjöll south of Draugahlíðar. The sedimentary strata of the Reykjanes nature reserve is doleritelava from the last interglacial ice age, tuff and pillowtuff which have formed under the glaciers in the last ice age and lavas which have flowed after the glacier disappeared. In Krýsuvík and south of it, all the way to the sea, is dolerite which the glaciers have filed and scraped. It is probably remains of ancient lava domes and was probably formed in the last interglacial which ended 120.000 years ago. Geitarhlíð which is an old dolerite lava dome is situated south of Lönguhlíð. In the south, west and north of Kleifarvatn there is tuff and Núpshlíðarháls and Sveifluháls are tuff ridges which have accumulated under the glacier. On the southern most and the eastern most part of the
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Seltún at Krýsuvík.
nature reserve is Krýsuvíkurhraun which is an ancient lava fissure. In the north there are several lava fields which have flowed from Brennisteinsfjöll after the settlement. Furthest to the west in the nature reserve is Ögmundarhraun which flowed in the year 1151 Sources: Reykjanesfólkvangur,án árs, http://www.gamli.umhverfissvid.is/ reykjanesfolkvangur/ Landvernd,án árs, http://www.ust.is/Frodleikur/Fridlystsvaedi//nr/1291
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Krýsuvík The Krýsuvík geothermal area is a popular recreational destination, with many interesting hiking paths. Columns of steam rise skywards, bubbling mud pools play their rhythmical symphony, and the banks around the hot springs are coloured green, yellow and red. The Grænavatn and Gestastaðavatn lakes and the two small pools on each side of the road further south, Augun (Eyes), are all explosion craters created by volcanic eruptions at various times. Grænavatn lake is the largest, some 46 metres deep, with green water due to thermal algae and crystals which absorb the sun. The main geothermal areas in Krýsuvík are Seltún, Hverahvammur, Hverahlíð, Austurengjar, the
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southern part of Kleifarvatn and Sveifla beneath Hettutindur. The Fúlipollur mud spring is east of the main road. Lake Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula, and the third-largest lake of southern Iceland, 9.1 km². It is also one of the country’s deepest lakes, at 97 metres. It varies in size over the year. Since 2000 it has been shrinking, after two major earthquakes probably opened up fissures on the lake bottom. Trout fry were BORGARNES released into the lake in the 1960s, and the fish have thrived quite well. According to legends a monster in the shape of a serpent, as big as a medium-sized whale, lurks in the lake. Krýsuvík was once a separate parish, with one of the largest estate farms in the country, and many tenants’ crofts. The church, built in 1857, was restored in 1964 and is part of the National Museum’s Historic Buildings Collection. On the hill and around it, traces of the old farmhouse and other buildings can still be seen, although they are somewhat overgrown with grass. It should be kept in mind that the area’s magnificent nature is very delicate and must be treated with great care and respect.
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Eldey Eldey is a sheer 77 metre high rock protruding out of the sea about 15 km to the south of the southwestern most tip of the Reykjanes peninsula. The structure of Eldey is basaltic hyaloclastites, and it is 0,3 km2 in area. It is the innermost of a chain of skerries standing on a shallow, submarine ridge, which stretches 45 seamiles offshore to the southwest. The name of this chain is Fuglasker or Eldeyjar. One of those skerries was Geirfuglasker, where the last breeding colonies of the Great Auk was located. Geirfuglasker disappeared mostly from the surface during submarine eruptions in 1830. One of the biggest gannet colonies of the world is still surviving on Eldey. According to a count which was made in 1949 the number of gannets breeding there during the summer was 70.000. 80
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Gunnuhver East of Reykjanes lighthouse is Gunnuhver the most famous of many high temperature geothermal areas in Reykjanes. The name derives from a woman called Guðrún which was a spectre which caused great disturbance until Eiríkur Magnússon a priest at Vogsósar set a trap for her and she fell into the spring. The nature at Gunnuhver is very beautiful and it is popular for hiking. In april 2008 the vapour activity had increased a lot and the spring now covers a larger area as well as increasing mud eruptions. Explosions which whisk steaming mud can follow such mud eruptions. People have to use caution when they visit the area and keep a distance from the spring itself.
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Keilir Keilir is a hyaloclastite mountain. It was created during subglacial eruptions during the ice age. It´s shape makes it distinctive and according to geologists, it probably is a crater plug. In spite of its steep slopes, it is not too difficult to climb, and the view from its top on a fine day is to be remembered. Keilir is the most distinctive landmark of Reykjanes and a symbol of the Reykjanes peninsula. On top of the mountain is a concrete table with a view direction map on a metal plate.
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Bridge Between Continents The lava-scarred Reykjanes peninsula lies on one of the world’s major plate boundaries, the Mid Atlantic Ridge. According the continental drift theory the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are continuously drifting apart with great forces under the gaping rifts. As the plates diverge, linear fractures, known as fissures form due to stresses created by the tension that builds up as the plates move away from each other. The Bridge between two continents at Sandvík is a small footbridge over a major fissure which provides clear evidence of the presence of a diverging plate margin. The bridge was built as a symbol for the connection between Europe and North America. One can cross the continental divide on Leif the Lucky’s Bridge and take home a personalised certificate at Reykjanes Information Center as a con firmation and a reminder of this spectacular experience. 83
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Fulmar
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Golden plower
Eider duck
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Birdlife On the Krýsuvíkurberg and Hafnaberg cliffs, thousands of seabirds nest each summer. The most common are guillemot, razorbill, Brünnich’s guillemot, kittiwake, puffin, black guillemot, fulmar and cormorant. Krýsuvíkurberg is 50 metres high, and about 57.000 pairs of seabirds nest on these cliffs. The highest point of Hafnaberg is 43 metres, and its estimated population of seabirds is 6.000 pairs. Fourteen kilometres off the southwest of the peninsula is Eldey island, home to one of the largest gannet colonies in the world. The gannet is the largest seabird in the north Atlantic ocean, and about 16.000 pairs nest each year on the island, which is only 0.3 km² in area, and up to 77 metres high. Often seen between the mainland 84
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Grundarfjörðu
and the island are dolphins or whales blowing. The great skua and arctic skua are common in summer: scavengers snatching their food from other seabirds. By nature the skua is not able to dive for food like other seabirds. Other common birds on the coast are gulls, such as the great and lesser black-backed, glaucous and herring gulls. The arctic tern is among the most common birds in the peninsula, mostly found in colonies on the tip of Reykjanes, east of Grindavík and between Garður and Sandgerði. Whimbrels which breed in the BORGARNES Suðurnes area spend the winter in Africa, and arctic terns migrate to the Antarctic. The golden plover, oystercatcher and snipe are migratory birds which are common in the area, while the purple sandpiper is one of the few Icelandic waders which does not migrate. Among passerines, the redwing and snow bunting are common, and the starling remains in Iceland all year round. The largest passerine is the raven. The eider is by far the most common species of duck in Iceland. In the Suðurnes area the eider is economically important, as farmers harvest the valuable down from eider nests. The greylag goose nests in the lowlands, and the whooper swan is the only REYKJAVÍK species of swan which breeds in Iceland.
r
No
FAXAFLÓ
Reykjavík Garður Sandgerði Reykjanesbær Vogar Hafnir
SE
Hafnaberg
Grindavík
Krýsuvíkurberg
85
TOURS & ACTIVITES
BORGARNES
FAXAFLÓ
REYKJAVÍK
Garður Sandgerði Reykjanesbær Vogar Hafnir
Grindavík
86
Location
Svartsengi, Grindavík
Open
Daily from 8am-9pm (1/6-31/8) and from 10am-8pm (1/9-31/5)
Disabled access
Access
Price
Admission charged
Phone
00 354 420 8800
bluelagoon@bluelagoon.is
Website
www.bluelagoon.com
Mælikvarði 1:2.000.000
www.visitreykjanes.is
The Blue Lagoon, geothermal spa Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most unique and popular attraction, located only 40 minutes from Reykjavík and 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport. Guests enjoy bathing and relaxing in geothermal seawater, known for its positive effects on the skin. A visit to the Blue Lagoon promotes harmony between body, mind and spirit, and enables you to soak away the stresses of modern life. Conde Nast Traveller recently awarded the Blue Lagoon as the best medical/thermal spa and one of the top 10 spas in the world. In addition to bathing in the lagoon guests have access to a sauna with a view of the lagoon and a steam bath with white walls that resemble silica mud. Guests can also stand beneath a waterfall for an energizing massage. Blue Lagoon offers both in-water and indoor spa treatments and massages based on the geothermal seawa ter’s activ e ingredients: minerals, silica and algae. The Exclusive Bath & Lounge is an option for guests looking for more privacy. This novelty features private changing rooms, a modernly designed lounge with a fireplace and a reserved indoor lagoon. Light refreshments are served and certain dishes from Lava Restaurant can be ordered. Lava Restaurant offers a unique dining experience. It is built into the cliff so it features a natural lava wall, adding to its uniqueness. Blue Café is at the main floor and offers quick and healthy choices. Wirel ess Internet connection is on the site. Lagoon Bar is located at the indoor bathing area and offers light refreshm ents, which can be con veniently credited to the entrance bracelet and paid upon departure. The Blue Lagoon shop offers the complete Blue Lagoon skin care line and selected gift items and souvenirs. 87
TOURS & ACTIVITES
88
Snæfells -nes
www.visitreykjanes.is
Swimming Pools in Reykjanes WaterWorld - an adventure for the whole family (1) Water World in the town of Reykjanes is one of the splendid one in Iceland.There you can find a 25m outdoor pool, hot tubs, steam baths, a 50m indoor pool as well as a fantastic activity pool for the younger family members. Sunnubraut 31 230 Keflavík, Reykjanesbæ Tel: 00 354 421 1500 Open: 6:45 - 21:00 weekdays, 8:00 - 18:00 on weekends. No admission fee for children.
Open: Mon.-Fri. 06.15-21.00 Sat.-Sun. 10.00-15.00 / 17:00 during summer season
BORGARNE
Grindavík Swimming Centre, (4) Austurvegur, 240 Grindavík, Tel: 00 354 426 7555 Open: Mon.-Fri. 07.00-21.00 Sat.-Sun. 10.00-15.00 / 17.00 during summer season
FAXAFLÓ
Garður Swimming Centre (2), Garðbraut, 250 Garður, Tel: 00 354 422 7300 Open: Mon.-Fri. 07.00-21.00 / Sat.-Sun. 10.00-16.00 Sandgerði Swimming Centre (3), Íþróttahús, 245 Sandgerði, Tel: 00 354 420 7510
Vogar Swimming Centre (5), Hafnargata 17, 190 Vogar, Tel: 00 354 424 6545 Open: Mon.-Fri. 06.00-21.00 Sat.-Sun. 10.00-16.00
REYKJAV
2 Garður Sandgerði 3
1 Reykjanesbær 5 Vogar Hafnir
4 Grindavík
89
TOURS & ACTIVITES
Golf Courses in Reykjanes Links Leira golf club 18 holes – Golfklúbbur Suðurnesja (1) Reykjanes has many great golf courses but the optimum golf course is Hólmsvöllur at Leira. The Golfclub of Suðurnes operates Hólmsvöllur at Leira which was established on march 4th 1964. It is a spectacular 18 hole golf course in a beautiful area next to the seaside. At the golf course the golfer can have all the service he needs for example practice greens, driving range and a golf store which is open from 9-22 every day. Every day you can rent golf carts, golf bags and golf cars. www.golf.is/gs - gs@gs.is, Tee times: Tel: 421-4100
90
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REYKJAVÍK
Garður Sandgerði
1
2
Reykjanesbær
4
Vogar Hafnir
S 3
Grindavík
Kirkjubólsvöllur 9 holes – Golfklúbbur Sandgerðis (2) www.golf.is/gsg gsggolf@simnet.is tel. 00 354 423 7802 / 00 354 863 7756 Húsatóftavöllur 13 holes – Golfklúbbur Grindavíkur (3) www.gggolf.is gggolf@gggolf.is, Tee times: Tel: 00 354 426 8720 / 00 354 847 1847 Kálfatjarnarvöllur 9 holes – Golfklúbbur Vatnsleysustrandarhrepps (4) www.golf.is/gvs golfskali@simnet.is tel. 00 354 424 6529
rði 1:2.000.000 25
50 km
91
TOURS & ACTIVITES Sport fishing Sea angling – Hvalbakur boat tours Ever since the early days of settlement, fishing has been an important part of the livelihood of the people in the Suðurnes region. Fine fishing grounds are found all around the peninsula and all the villages there have mostly thrived because of the fishing industry. For the last two decades, tourists have been offered to take a part in this and catch some fine fish of their own. In the summertime, custom built boats sail out from Keflavík harbour to the fishing grounds and offer all necessary gear. Mostly caught is cod, sei or haddock fish, all very good, eatable fish. The crew helps with packing the fish so the passengers can take it along when departing the boat. Location
Small boat marina Grófin
Open
May – September
Phone
00 354 897 3332
hvalbakur@simnet.is
Lake fishing in Grindavík
92
Location
The Saltfish center, Hafnargata 12a, 240 Grindavík
Phone
Tel: 00 354 420 1190
saltfisksetur@saltfisksetur.is
Website
www.saltfisksetur.is
www.visitreykjanes.is
Fishing in Reykjanes Location
Keflavík angling club, Hafnargata 15, 230 Reykjanesbær
Phone
Tel: 00 354 421 2888
Website
www.svfk.is
Lake Kleifarvatn
Tel: 00 354 565 4020
Lake Hlíðarvatn
Tel: 00 354 565 4020
Lake Djúpavatn
Tel: 00 354 565 4020
93
TOURS & ACTIVITES
Guided tours Hiking in Reykjanes There are many interesting hiking routes around Reykjanes and they are an ideal way of getting to know the nature and history of the region. You can find both shorter and longer hiking routes but the most popular ones are labelled by the tourist organisation of Suรฐurnes. The biggest assignment that the tourist organisation of Suรฐurnes has set off was to finish marking all 22 known paths on a hiking map. One of those paths is Reykjavegur which is not really an ancient path but noted as an interesting path and therefore considered necessary to be mentioned on the map. As well as marking every path a GPS signal was located on each stalk which increases the security of people on their travels around Reykjanes. You can find maps of the paths at all the principal information centres for tourist in the country and at www.reykjanes.is. Scheduled and guided hiking tours are offered from May until September from various starting points. Each tour varies from 2-4 hours and its necessary to bring good footwear, hiking clothes, refreshments and hiking sticks. Well trained and educated local tour guides will inform you about history and nature of each hiking-trail. 94
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Nanny´s Nature Walks Location
Starting point: SBK bus terminal, Grófin 2-4, Keflavík
Open
Period: Every Wednesday at 19:00 from 20th of May to 5th of August
Price
1.000 ISK.
Phone
00 354 893 8900
nanny723@gmail.com
Lets Go Hiking Tours Location
At departure point of each hiking trip, see website for details
Open
May, July 31st – Sept. 6th
Price
1.500 IKR, children free of charge
Phone
00 354 691 8828
sjf@internet.is
Website
www.sjfmenningarmidlun.is
Reykjanes travel guides The guides are specialized in guiding in the Reykjanes region and offer their services upon request: Bus tours, hiking, family tours, history tours, local town tours. Open
All year
Phone
00 354 897 9260 / 00 354 896 5598
info@reykjanesguide.is
Website
www.reykjanesguide.is 95
TOURS & ACTIVITES Hiking trails in Reykjanes (shown in orange)
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97
ssandu
Rif
TOURS & ACTIVITES ÓLAFSVÍK Grundarfjörðu Snæfells -nes
BORGARNES
FAXAFLÓ Inside one of many caves on Reykjanes.
REYKJAVÍK
Garður Sandgerði Reykjanesbær Vogar Hafnir
Grindavík
98
www.visitreykjanes.is
Lava fields and caves – Volcano tours The Reykjanes peninsula has about 100 volcanic craters, more than 200 lava caves, and a variety of lava fields. Guided tours are available: driving and hiking tours among lava fields and volcanoes at the bank of lake Kleifarvatn, with hikes to volcano craters and lava caves, geysers and geothermal areas in Krýsuvík and on the Reykjanes peninsula, and splendid views of the Atlantic coast. After easy hiking to small volcano crater and lava caves, a visit to the Blue lagoon where the passengers can bathe. Transport is by four-wheel-drive SUV on these interesting nature tours. Only 5 minutes drive from the Blue lagoon, 15 min. from the international airport, 40 min. from Reykjavík. Necessary gear is offered for visitors in these trips such as, gloves, helmet with headlight and warm waterproof overall clothing for use in caves and craters.
Location
Víkurbraut 2, Flagghús, Grindavík
Open
All year
Price
See website for details
Phone
00 354 426 8809 / Fax. 00 354 426 8809
volcano@volcano.is
Website
www.volcanotours.is
99
TOURS & ACTIVITES
All terrain vehicles – ATV4x4 Atv-adventures is located just 5 min. drive from the Blue lagoon and is specialized in receiving small and large groups of people. Just make contact and we will organize the event whether it is a surprise event, your company’s annual event, a family event or just something you like to try. Almost anything goes. Here are some of our scheduled trips. We ride on ATV between lava and black sand up between two mountains and ride up onto one where we expect a good view over the Blue lagoon and the island Eldey. We ride to the Krýsuvík nature reserve over one mountain and to the lava beach to see ruins of fishermens´ huts, Selatangar. We ride through the Reykjanes peninsula where we see the tip of 100
www.visitreykjanes.is BORGARNES Reykjanes, the Reykjanes lighthouse and parts of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that lies between the continents of North America and Europe. Drive through the beache where Clint Eastwood and crew made his film “Flags of Our Fathers”. Stop for a light refreshment; hot chocolate drink and home made Icelandic twisted doughnuts (kleinur) and glazed cinnamon rolls (snúðar). There is no age limit for passengers, but a driver´s licenceneeds to be presented for the ATV driver. Necessary gear is offered for visitors in these trips such as, gloves, helmet with headlight and warm waterproof overall clothing REYKJAVÍK for use in caves and craters. Pick up from hotels in Keflavík, Reykjavík and Blue lagoon by request.
FAXAFLÓ
Garður Sandgerði Reykjanesbær Vogar Hafnir
Grindavík
Location
Tangasund 1, 240 Grindavík
Open
All year.
Price
See website for tariff and details
Phone
00 354 857 3001
info@atv4x4.is
Website
www.atv4x4.is
101
TOURS & ACTIVITES
Arctic Horses Arctic Horses offers horseback rides to best destinations of the otherworldly Reykjanes Peninsula in south western Iceland, and is the only stable riding near the geothermal Blue Lagoon Spa. We are 5 minutes drive from the Blue Lagoon. Icelandic horses are the easiest horses to ride in the world, and our experienced guides will happily teach you.
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Location
Hestabrekka 2, 240 GrindavĂk
Open
All year
Price
See website for tariff
Phone
00 354 696 1919
ride@arctichorses.com
Website
www.arctichorses.com
www.visitreykjanes.is
Salty tours Salty Tours specializes in guided tours between the Blue Lagoon and the Icelandic fishing village Grindavík. An informative tour and the main thrust is about Iceland´s salty life and sightseeing in the spectacular lava landscape of the Reykjanes region. Location
Departures from the Blue Lagoon
Open
All year (not December)
Price
See wbsite for tariff and details
Phone
00 354 820 5750
Website
www.saltytour.com
Cave trips Location
The Saltfish center, Hafnargata 12a, 240 Grindavík
Phone
Tel: 00 354 420 1190
e-mail saltfisksetur@saltfisksetur.is
Website
www.saltfisksetur.is
103
TRANSPORTATION
Coaches SBK Grófin 24, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 420 6000 sbk@sbk.is / www.sbk.is
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Bláa Línan - Blue Line Leifur Eiriksson Air Terminal Tel: 00 354 425 0381 / 00 354 420 6000 Car Rentals
SB bus transport Bogabraut 5, 245 Sandgerði Tel: 00 354 840 1540, Fax: 00 354 421 7353 info@bus4u.is / www.bus4u.is
Avis 235 Keflavík Airport, Tel: 00 354 591 4000 / 00 354 591 4058 keflavik@avis.is / www.avis.is
Kynnisferðir - Reykjavik Excursions Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, 101 Reykjavík Tel: 00 354 562 1011 main@re,is / www.re.is
Budget 235 Keflavík Airport Tel: 00 354 562 6060 / 00 354 591 4057 keflavik@budget.is www.budget.is
www.visitreykjanes.is
Bílaleiga Akureyrar / Europcar / National 235 Keflavík Airport Tel: 00 354 425 0300 / 00 354 461 3000 holdur@holdur.is www.holdur.is
SS Car rental Iðjustígur 1a, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 2220 / 00 354 896 1766 carrentalss@simnet.is www.carrentalss.com Taxis
Geysir Car Rental Holtsgata 56, 260 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 893 4455 info@geysir.is / www.geysir.is Hasso – Keflavík Iðavöllum 8, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 6277 hassokeflavik@simnet.is www.hassokeflavik.is Hertz 235 Keflavík Airport Tel: 00 354 522 4436 hertz@hertz.is / www.hertz.is
A-Stöðin Hafnargata 86, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 420 1212 taxi@airporttaxi.is www.airporttaxi.is Hreyfill-Bæjarleiðir Hafnargata 8, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 4141 hreyfill@hreyfill.is www.hreyfill.is
SG Car Rental 235 Keflavík Airport Tel: 00 354 421 3737 saga@sagacarrental.is www.sagacarrental.is 105
ACCOMMODATION, DINING Hótel Northern Light Inn Bláalónsvegur, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 426 8650 / Fax: 00 354 426 8651 www.nli.is / welcome@nli.is Guesthouses
Hotels Hótel Keflavík Vatnsnesvegur 12-14, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 420 7000 / Fax: 00 354 420 7002 www.hotelkeflavik.is stay@kef.is Flug Hótel Hafnargata 57, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 5222 / Fax: 00 354 421 5223 www.icehotels.is flughotel@icehotels.is Hótel Keilir Hafnargata 37, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 420 9800 www.hotelkeilir.is / www.airporthotel.is Info@hotelkeilir.is 106
A10 gistiheimili Austurgata 10, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 423 7739 / 00 354 847 3762 www.a10.is a10guesthouse@gmail.com Gistiheimilið Ásabraut/ B&B Ásabraut Ásabraut 8, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 896 7888 jonas@heimsnet.is Gistihús Keflavíkur Bygging 761, Valhallarbraut, Ásbrú, 235 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 426 5000 / 00 354 899 2570 gistihus@internet.is www.bbkeflavik.com Blue Lagoon Clinic 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 420 8900 reservations@bluelagoon.is www.bluelagoon.com
www.visitreykjanes.is
B&B Gistiheimili Hringbraut 92, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 4218989 / 00 354 867 4434 www.bbguesthouse.is / bbguesthouse@simnet.is bbgisting@simnet.is Fit Hostel Fitjabraut 6a, 260 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 8889 / Fax: 00 354 421 8887 www.fithostel.is fithostel@fithostel.is Gistiheimilið Keflavík Vatnsnesvegur 9, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 420 7000 www.kef.is / stay@kef.is GG Gistiheimili Sólvallagata 11, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 568 1813 www.gguest.is / gguest@gguest.is Motel Alex Aðalgata 60, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 4212800 / Fax: 00 354 4214285 www.alex.is / alex@alex.is
Fiskanes Hafnargata 17 - 19, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 897 6388 eikil@simnet.is Gistiheimilið Borg Borgarhraun 2, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 895 8686 bjorksv@hive.is / www.guesthouseborg.com Arctic B&B Sjónarhóll, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 436 1414 / 00 354 696 1919 www.arcticb&b.com info@arcticb&b.com Blue Lagoon clinic Grindavíkurvegi 5, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 420 8900 www.bluelagoon.com reservations@bluelagoon.is Motel Best Stapavegur 7, 190 Vogar Tel: 00 354 866 4664 / Fax: 00 354 424 6735 www.hotelvogar.is hotelvogar@simnet.is
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ACCOMMODATION, DINING Camping Sites
Summer Houses, Huts v/ Þóroddsstaðir Nátthagi, 245 Sandgerði Tel: 00 354 423 7748 / 893 7523 putti@simnet.is Motel Alex Aðalgata 60, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 4212800 / Fax: 00 354 4214285 www.alex.is / alex@alex.is Hostels Fit Hostel Fitjabraut 6a, 260 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 8889 / Fax: 00 354 421 8887 www.fithostel.is fithostel@fithostel.is Motel Alex Aðalgata 60, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 4212800 / Fax: 00 354 4214285 www.alex.is / alex@alex.is 108
Tjaldsvæði, Alex Aðalgata 60, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 2800 / 00 354 421 4285 www.alex.is / alex@alex.is Open from 01. June to 15. September Tjaldsvæði Skagabraut, 250 Garður Tel: 00 354 422 7108 gardur@svgardur.is Open from 01. June to 15. September Tjaldsvæði Austurvegur 26, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 420 1100 grindavik@grindavik.is www.grindavik.is/tjaldsvaedi Open from 29. May to 15. September Tjaldsvæði Byggðavegur, 245 Sandgerði Tel: 00 354 423 7551 fsetur@ismennt.is
www.visitreykjanes.is
Restaurants Kaffi Duus Duusgata 10, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 7080 www.duus.is / duus@duus.is Vocal restaurant Flughótel, Icelandair hotel Hafnargata 57, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 5222 flughotel@icehotels.is / www.icelandairhotels.is Kaffi Iðnó Vatnsnesvegur 12, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 420 7000, www.hotelkeflavik.is / stay@kef.is Veitingahúsið Glóðin Hafnargata 62, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 7722 www.glodin.is / glodin@glodin.is Ráin Hafnargata 19a, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 4601 rain@rain.is / www.rain.is
Lava restaurant at the Blue Lagoon Svartsengi, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 420 8800 bluelagoon@bluelagoon.is www.bluelagoon.com Northern Light Inn restaurant Bláalónsvegur, 240 Grindavík, Tel: 00 354 426 8650 Fax: 00 354 426 8651 www.nli.is / welcome@nli.is Brim Hafnargata 9, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 426 8570 totihjoll@simnet.is www.brimveitingar.is Lukku Láki Hafnargata 6, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 426 9999 / 00 354 699 2665 lukkulaki@lukkulaki.is www.lukkulaki.is
Thai Keflavík, thai restaurant Hafnargata 39, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 8666 / 840 7670 thaikeflavik@simnet.is / www.thaikeflavik.is 109
ACCOMMODATION, DINING Mamma Mía Hafnargata 7a, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 426 9966 / 00 354 896 2710
Fast Food Aðalstöðin Hafnargata 86, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 4800
Salthúsið Stamphólsvegur 2, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 426 9700 / 00 354 699 2665 salthusid@salthusid.is www.salthusid.is
Biðskýlið Njarðvík Hólagata 20, 260 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 2563
Báran – Pizza Islandia Hafnargötu 6, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 426 9900 einarhr@msn.com Mamma Mía Tjarnargata 6, 245 Sandgerði Tel: 00 354 423 7377 / 824 7270 mammamiaehf@simnet.is Vitinn Vitatorg 7, 245 Sandgerði Tel: 00 354 423 7755 vitinn@simnet.is / www.vitinn.is
Skyndibarinn Víkurbraut 21, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 5051 Dominos Pizza Hafnargata 86, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 581 2345 www.dominos.is Fitjagrill Fitjum, 260 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 3448 Langbest Hafnargata 62, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 4777 www.langbest.is Langbest² By Keilisbraut, building 771, Ásbrú, 235 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 4777 www.langbest.is
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NýUng Iðavellir 14b, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 4000 www.nyung.is
Café’s Flösin Garðskagaflös, 250 Garður Tel: 00 354 422 7214
Olsen Olsen Hafnargata 17, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00354 421 4457
AðalBraut Víkurbraut 31, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 426 7222 / 00 354 892 7755
Trocadero Hafnargata 30, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 8555 Pulsuvagninn Tjarnargata 19, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 1680 Hraðbúð Esso Heiðartún 1, 250 Garður Tel: 00 354 422 7265 AðalBraut Víkurbraut 31, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 426 7222 / 00 354 892 7755
Kaffi Duus Duusgata 10, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 7080 www.duus.is Kaffitár Stapabraut 7, 260 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 420 2700 kaffitar@kaffitar.is / www.kaffitar.is Kaffi Keflavík Hafnargötu 26, 230 Reykjanesbær Tel: 00 354 421 4919 cafekeflavik@visir.is Blue Café at the Blue Lagoon, 240 Grindavík Tel: 00 354 420 8800 www.bluelagoon.com
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When completed please cut along the dashed line, place into an envelope and post to: Markaðsstofa Sudurnesja, Krossmói 4, 260 Reykjanesbær, Iceland.