2.tlb 2019
these sensory effects and the full-motion ride combine to create just the best experience – totally unforgettable.
Ancient mysteries Before you take to the skies, FlyOver Iceland welcomes visitors to an exclusive pre-show experience – immersive storytelling at its best. Using music, video, imagery and sound, the flight guides and resident troll Sú Vitra will ignite the imagination, leading you on an Icelandic adventure through time. First stop is an ancient Viking longhouse, a traditional turf house where, around the flickering flames of the fire an aging storyteller weaves his tale. The backdrop is a mesmerising, shadow-play projection that breathes life into the age-old legends. Then, continue on to the ‘Well of Time’, where you’ll discover the impact that nature, time and humankind has had on this ancient island. Sú Vitra (a character based on local troll legends) has been imaginatively brought to life by the hugely talented and beloved illustrator Brian Pilkington. Older than human imagination can fathom, she symbolises the wisdom and enchantment of Iceland.
Fly Over Iceland The ultimate flying ride
Sound and vision
Affordable, accessible, amazing! Taking to the air above Iceland is a great way to see this magical isle. However, that’s not something most of us can afford, and it’s certainly very weather-dependent. But now there’s a major new attraction in downtown Reykjavik that opens up an amazing “airborne” experience for anyone and everyone. And thankfully it’s something that your average tourist budget can accommodate…hurray! Family-friendly, easy to get to – in the vibrant Grandi quarter, down by the old harbour – and open all day every day, whatever the weather. There’s no age limit, the only essential requirement for this ultimate flying ride is a minimum height of 102cm (40”). 2
are barely accessible from the ground, so this is a thrilling opportunity to go one step beyond, into the unknown.
Experience Iceland like never before Sweeping glaciers and stunning fjords No matter how long your stay in Iceland is, you’ll never be able to explore it all. FlyOver Iceland gives you a chance to soar high above the land and sea, looking down on dazzling icecaps, rugged islands, dramatic fjords, the deepest canyons and highest mountain peaks. Visually stunning, many of the country’s most breath-taking sights
See some of this country’s amazing natural wonders from the comfort of your own chair. Although don’t get too comfortable! This is a roller-coaster of a ride that will take you to the skies, with state-of-the-art flight-ride technology giving you the feeling of real flight. You sit suspended, your feet dangling before a huge wrap-around film screen, embarking on an exhilarating journey across Iceland. Feel the wind on your face and the rising mists from oceans and waterfalls. Smell the scents of your surroundings. All
After the storytelling, it’s time to take your seats and buckle up. FlyOver Iceland’s visionary offering is made even more extraordinary by the soundtrack to the flying-ride. Composed and recorded specially for FlyOver Iceland by some of Iceland’s most well-known musicians, it adds a little extra magic to your journey. When you come back down to earth there is the chance to visit a post-show area, where you can find out about the making of the film and the sights visited. There is also a gift shop and a café, the delightful Kaffi Grandi. Fly over Iceland Fiskislóð 43 101 Reykjavík +354 527 6700 www.flyovericeland.com Open daily 09:00-21:00 NB You must be at least 102 cm tall (40”) for the flying-ride 3
Welcome aboard Gray Line, your Iceland tour expert This is where your Icelandic journey begins. No matter what you’re looking for – culture, nature, local foods, or thrilling adventures – we are proud to show you our country and share with you a truly unforgettable experience. Let’s GO magazine is filled with information and inspiration to help you make the most of your time in Iceland. Check out our diverse selection of excursions: from exploring ice caves and glacier snowmobiling, to hunting the mysterious Northern Lights and relaxing outdoors in geothermal waters under the night sky. There is something for everyone in these pages. Naturally we offer favorites like the classic Golden Circle tour and South Iceland adventures, but we’re always on the lookout for new and unique encounters. We pride ourselves on having some of the best and most experienced guides in the country. And we have made it our mission to make your experience unforgettable.
©2015 Hard Rock International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved.
Gray Line Iceland is one of the leading travel companies in Iceland. We are a responsible operator, determined to be an effective environmental guardian and to support sustainable tourism practices. We are proud of our Gold-Class Environmental certification from VAKINN, the official quality system in Iceland, as well as our Certified Travel Service qualification.
HARD ROCK CAFE REYKJAVIK
HRCREYKJAVIK
#THISISHARDROCK
When you travel with us, you can expect a genuinely memorable adventure with seasoned guides who have a real passion for sharing with you the wonder of Iceland. And at the end of your stay, our Airport Transfer is ready to take you back to the airport, in comfort and safety. Have a great stay! Sigurdór Sigurðsson & Þórir Garðarsson Owners & Founders Gray Line Iceland Gray Line Iceland is a fully licensed travel agency with more than 30 years’ experience. Gray Line Iceland is a part of Gray Line Worldwide, which is the largest sightseeing company in the world. Our high quality fleet of vehicles can service all types of trips, and our professional guides have genuine and extensive knowledge of Iceland’s history, nature and culture. From day trips to group packages and conferences, talk to Your Iceland Tour Expert to make the most of your experience in Iceland.
5
YOUR ICELAND TOUR EXPERTS Providing you with unforgettable experiences is our mission
/GraylineIceland R
OF
L
@GraylineIceland
A
#GraylineIceland
P
24 HOUR BOOKING SERVICE Contact information: Tel. +354 540 1313 | iceland@grayline.is | grayline.is
ESION
Let’s go explore Want to see the sights? You can get some fantastic ideas from our activity guide.
Traditional Icelandic Lunch
and a spectacular view over mountains and glacier
Let’s go eat 31 Feeling hungry? Check out our great selection of restaurants, cafes and bars. Let’s go spa 53 Keen to discover Iceland’s biggest geological attraction? Immerse yourself in mineral-rich, steamy geothermal waters. Let’s go Old Harbour 63 Going downtown? We share some highlights of Reykjavik´s old harbour quarter - a day out in itself.
Gullfoss Café welcomes you
to our warm and friendly restaurant. We are located just few steps away from the famous waterfall Gullfoss. It’s about 120 km away from Reykjavík. Open all day, 9 am to 6 pm, all year around.
Let’s go Skólavörðustigur 75 A colourful little street, it has a delightful personality of its own.
We offer you our famous icelandic meat soup, sandwiches, homemade cakes, excellent espresso coffee drinks and a nice salad.
Gullfoss Café has a tax free souvenir shop with good selection of wool products, high quality Cintamani and 66°N outdoor clothing and Icelandic handcraft.
Gullfoss CAFÉ
801 Bláskógabyggð · Tel: (+354) 486 6500 · Mobile: (+354) 899 3014 · www.gullfoss.is · gullfoss@gullfoss.is
9
Let’s go shop 87 Buying goodies or gifts? We know the best places for some retail therapy. Cover Photo: Jökulsárlón Photographer: Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson
Copyright 2019: Frívöruverslunin SAXA. Allt efni í þessu blaði er verndað af ákvæðum höfundalaga. Ef ekki er til að dreifa samþykki Frívöruverslunarinnar Saxa er sérhver eintakagerð, notkun og dreifing efnisins óheimil nema með samþykki útgefanda. Notkun efnis, sem brýtur í bága við lög eða samninga getur haft bóta- og refsiábyrgð í för með sér. Hönnun / umbrot: G. Bjarki
9
Let’s go explore Whale watching, natural spas, glacier trips and horse-riding are just some of the exciting adventures on offer in Iceland. Art, culture and history can also be found in abundance, so read on and get the most out of your visit.
10
11
from small-scale seasonal tours to all-year round adventures, helping to enhance the popularity of whale watching to the extent that it is now among the top three tourist activities in Iceland. More than 20 species of whale have been recorded in Icelandic waters – four of which are seen regularly in Faxaflói bay near Reykajvík – and the drama, joy and poetry of these beautiful creatures is simply unforgettable. A number of whale-watching combo tours incorporating horse-riding, rafting, biking, caving, snorkelling, the Northern Lights and the Imagine peace tower are also now available. Just check out the Elding website for more details.
Elding Whale Watching
Sustainable tourism at its best
Get closer to nature
The oldest, the biggest, and arguably the best, Elding is the original whale watching operator in Reykjavík. Talk to any of the team at this family-owned and operated business and you’ll see that for them, it’s much more than a business – it’s a way of life. Elding people have a deep understanding of the waters and marine life, and their collective knowledge and expertise never fails to create a memorable experience. Trained marine biologists are among the crews and Elding is the first and only environmentally-certified whale watching company in Iceland.
North and South - the Akureyri option Now based in Akureyri on the north coast, as well as in Reykjavik – look out for the red flags 12
down by the harbour – Elding is passionate about whales and their environment. For the last three to four years, Humpbacks have been gathering in tremendous numbers in the summer months around the north of Iceland, a natural phenomenon that Elding has been monitoring closely. If you’re thinking of heading north, talk to Elding about a whale watching adventure you will never forget.
Express excitement Elding offers two types of boats – The classic three hour tours have superb viewing platforms and comfortable indoor saloons with service such as cafeteria, heated indoor seating, lavatories as well as warm overalls and blankets. Jet-powered engines on the Ship of the North make for an even faster, yet super-quiet ride.
For the more adventurous souls, the Premium tours last two hours, but you get to the action quicker in rigid inflatable boats (RIBs). A more intimate experience in every sense, the RIBs only take 12 people tops. Their depth and flexible handling means passengers are closer to the ocean, and therefore closer to the whales themselves. Fast and light, they cover the area quicker, ensuring you spend more time up close and personal with these wondrous mammals. Great photo opportunities guaranteed.
Coastal pleasures Elding offers a variety of adventures at sea from whale and bird-watching (puffins in particular) to that finest of Icelandic traditions, sea angling. Over the years, the scope of its services has diversified
Environmentally-friendly and professional at every level, Elding does everything it can to maintain an essential ecological balance, while helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity. Its quality tours and facilities all meet exacting eco-standards and have been recognised by organisations such as Blue Flag, Earth Check (Platinium Certification) and the Icelandic Tourist Board (Vakinn Enviro Gold standard). Another reason why Elding whale watching and sea adventure tours are the most talked about in Iceland. Elding Whale Watching Ægisgarður 5, The Old Harbour 101 Reykjavík, +354 519 5000 elding@elding.is, www.elding.is
13
GOLDEN CIRCLE
The varied attractions of the Golden Circle Geothermal areas, historic canyon & powerful waterfall
14
Contact information: Tel. +354 540 1313
iceland@grayline.is
grayline.is
What is the Golden Circle?
Rich history, colliding continents
The Golden Circle is a circular route that takes in the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, the explosive Strokkur at Geysir geothermal area, and the historic Þingvellir National Park where the tectonic plates are steadily moving apart. Gray Line Iceland offers a wide variety of tours to the region, from the Classic tour, to those combined with Northern Lights hunts; bathing at the Secret Lagoon or Fontana spa; and with city sightseeing in Reykjavik. There are also combo options to go whale watching; horse riding; or snowmobile/ ATV/ super jeep adventures!
Þingvellir National Park is an attraction of great historical, geological and cultural significance. Located in a rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, the UNESCO designated world heritage site is also the birthplace of the Althing – Iceland’s parliament founded in 930 AD – where the nation’s most powerful leaders would meet to decide on legislation and carry out brutal Viking-age justice.
Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Rich in culture, riveting history and spectacular nature, a visit to the Golden Circle will create memories to last a lifetime.
to feel the mist of the glacial waters on your face.
Bubbling with excitement Home of “The Great Geysir” hot spring, which all geysers are named after, this area is an impressive collage of bubbling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and colourful algae deposits. Strokkur geyser puts on quite the show every few minutes blasting boiling water high up into the air.
Majestic falls The tours continue across an area of picturesque scenery to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Once there, you can take several paths around the two tiers of cascading water to explore several vantage points - sometimes close enough 15
The land of renewable energy The raw, clean power of Iceland
Powering the future The interactive energy exhibition at Ljósafoss Power Station leads guests through the amazing world of electricity in fun and informative ways. Ljósafoss Power Station is situated in the Sog area near Lake Úlfljótsvatn, about an hour’s drive from Reykjavík.
Further information can be found at landsvirkjun.com/visitus.
A story to tell
Powering the future
To combat climate change, the world must reduce global energy consumption and accelerate the development of renewable energy generation. As humanity faces the task of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, Iceland has a story to tell. Our energy is generated from 100% renewable resources. We had our energy transition in the 20th century, and we can attest to the fact that such an achievement is attainable worldwide.
A short drive from Reykjavik, the Ljósafoss Power Station is a great place to experience the evolution of electricity and understand the significant steps the human race has taken to successfully harness this energy source. An intriguing and interactive exhibition called “Powering the Future” is open to visitors as part of the power station that was first established on the banks of the Ljósa waterfall some 80 years ago. Check out the latest renewable and sustainable energy generation methods used by Landsvirkjun, Iceland’s national power company.
Geothermal inspiration Today, all of the country’s electricity comes from renewable resources; hydro, wind and geothermal. Around 70% is currently generated by hydro power, and the rest by geothermal and wind power.
What’s more, geothermal energy provides heating and hot water for the majority of buildings in Iceland. This renewable energy has helped to inspire numerous entrepreneurial companies in sectors as diverse as genetics, healthrelated tourism and fish farming. It plays an essential role in growing vegetables throughout the year in geothermal greenhouses, as well as providing enjoyment in the form of geothermal pools all around Iceland.
Ljósafoss Power Station Selfoss 801 visit.us@landsvirkjun.is +354 896 7407 www.landsvirkjun.com/company/visitus 17
GLACIER LAGOON Iconic sights of the South Coast
Dramatic landscape, wild adventures & famous film spots Waterfalls and glaciers The striking South Coast boasts many of Iceland’s most iconic sights and popular attractions. With its proximity to Reykjavík, diverse landscapes and stunning views, the region has become a wildly popular destination for visitors. Coastal tours journey through beautiful farmland with stops at the picturesque waterfall Seljalandsfoss and one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls, Skógafoss. The journey also takes you to Vatnajökull glacier, Reynisfjara black beach and the fishing village of Vík. Gray Line Iceland offers a unique opportunity to explore the south, complete with informative stories from our enthusiastic and experienced guides.
Reynisfjara and beyond 18
Contact information: Tel. +354 540 1313
iceland@grayline.is
grayline.is
The shoreline at Reynisfjara offers a stunning
a snowmobile (South Coast & Snowmobile Adventure). The possibilities for excitement in South Iceland are endless!
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon black beach with incredible rock formations, looming cliffs, caves and the magnificent Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks. Explore and learn a little about the fascinating history of the region.
Feeling adventurous? Check out the South Iceland Sightseeing & ATV Adventure for a four-wheeler romp across the lava sands. Or get to know the glacier, either on a hike across the ice (South Iceland & Glacier Hike Adventure) or on the back of
Four of the South Coast itineraries bring you to the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. One of Iceland’s most visually striking attractions, it is a landscape favoured by photographers and filmmakers around the world. It has been immortalised in films and series like A View to a Kill, Batman Begins and Game of Thrones. Choose from frequent day tours, or take a longer two-day combo trip with all the sights, finishing up with a stay at Gerði Country Hotel for a relaxed evening. Exciting optional extras on the Gray Line overnight trip offer the thrill of a glacier hike, or an ice-cave adventure. Make the most of your experience! 19
Reykjavík Art Museum Three different venues For a small nation, Iceland has given birth to an incredible array of artists. Their rich and continuing legacy is bursting with colour and form, frequently evocative of a wild and beautiful homeland.
Glacier Jeeps
Ice, jeeps and adventure Whether you have an hour to spare or days to explore, Glacier Jeeps will take you on a journey of a lifetime - into Iceland’s extraordinary Vatnajökull. Europe’s largest glacier and the continent’s biggest national park, Vatnajökull covers an amazing 13,000 square kilometres and boasts an unparalleled array of stunning natural phenomena. From stupendous waterfalls and monumental cliffs rising 100m into the air, to undulating plateaux, breathtaking geysers and racing glacial rivers, this volcanic wonderland of ice and fire will amaze you. The best way to experience this awe-inspiring wilderness is in the expert hands of Glacier Jeeps and its bespoke off-roading tours – by specially adapted jeeps, snowmobiles and glacier hiking. With humbling intuitive understanding of these rugged landscapes,
the GJ guides know the best ways to discover Vatnajökull’s extreme and varied terrain.
And arranging your adventure could not be easier. GJ can devise itineraries according to your needs and can collect you from convenient points around the national park. Our guides are both extremely knowledgeable and extremely friendly; this is the ideal way to get to know one of Iceland’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty, and its local people. Delicious meals are arranged – and eating at Jöklasel should not be missed. At an altitude of 840m, this is the highest restaurant in Iceland, and offers superb vistas across the
mountain-scapes. You can enjoy fine dining or even pre-book a lavish seafood buffet for your group, served outdoors on blocks of glacial ice! As an insight into some of Iceland’s most precious natural pearls and most heart-stopping panoramas, a trip with Glacier jeeps cannot be recommended highly enough. Vatnajökull’s scenic grandeur and indescribable beauty has a magnetic influence on all visitors. You already know what snow looks like – mountains and waterfalls too. But when you’re on Vatnajökull, they are like nothing you’ve ever witnessed before. You can come prepared for the weather, but you can never prepare yourself for this adventure. Tours offer all year around Turn from highway one to F985 To find out more, visit www.glacierjeeps.is or telephone +(354) 478 1000
Reykjavík is a great place to drink in this inspirational aspect of Icelandic life. The Reykjavik Art Museum exhibits Icelandic and international art in three different locations. Each location has its own distinctive character. By visiting one or all three museums you can experience Icelandic art history and enjoy the most prominent contemporary artists.
Hafnarhús The old harbour warehouse, Hafnarhús, offers a progressive exhibition program with local and international contemporary artists. The works of key figures, as well as established and emerging current artists are presented in six galleries. Hafnarhús is also home to the works of Erró (b. 1932), a significant player in the international pop art scene. Hafnarhús is located in the oldest part of
Reykjavik, where the town’s boats and first docks lay. The building was erected in the 1930s and at the time it was one of the largest buildings in the country. It was renovated by Studio Grandi architects in 1998-2000 and has six gallery spaces and a courtyard. Hafnarhús hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. Its unique atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for events such as Iceland Airwaves. There is a well stocked shop, where Icelandic design, catalouges and casts can be bought. Hafnarhús Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík, tel: +354 411 6410 Open daily 10 -17 , Thu 10 - 22
Kjarvalsstaðir Named after one of Iceland’s most beloved artists Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885-1972), Kjarvalsstaðir always has works from its namesake’s collection on display. Kjarval was a living legend, a romantic bohemian who captured the beauty and mystical quality of the landscape he knew so well. An imposing building set in beautiful grounds in the city centre, Kjarvalsstaðir also has regular exhibitions of Icelandic and international
For information on all three museums and current exhibitions visit www.artmuseum.is or telephone +354 411 6400
art, architecture and design with a special emphasis on 20th century. The beautifully situated café boasts Icelandic designed furniture and floor to ceiling glass walls for a peaceful lunch or coffee stop. The museum shop has selection of Icelandic design, catalogues and casts. Kjarvalsstaðir, Klambratún park Flókagata 24, 105 Reykjavík tel: +354 4116420, open daily 10-17
Ásmundarsafn The Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum is dedicated to the sculpture and drawings of one of the pioneers of sculpture in Iceland, Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982). His works are on display both inside and outside the building, the former home of the artist. Sveinsson designed and constructed this remarkable building largely by himself, incorporating Arabic and Mediterranean influences. Situated in the peaceful Laugardalur, it is a short bus-ride from the city centre. Ásmundarsafn, Sigtún, 105 Reykjavík tel: +354 4116430 Open daily May - Sept. 10-17 Oct. - April 13-17
21
NORTHERN LIGHTS Hunting the Northern Lights Make the most out of your Iceland visit Optimise your day in Iceland Many people travel to Iceland solely to witness the Aurora Borealis—the Northern Lights. This is one of the few places on earth where the odds of glimpsing this exquisite natural phenomenon are actually quite good during winter. Gray Line Iceland makes every effort to share this unforgettable experience by offering daily Northern Lights tours and combinations with other tours to optimise your day in Iceland, led by expert guides.
What are the Northern Lights?
Contact information: Tel. +354 540 1313
iceland@grayline.is
grayline.is
As mysterious and magical as they are, the Northern Lights do have a scientific explanation. They appear when electrically charged particles from the sun enter and collide with the earth’s atmosphere.
Usually green, they have also been known to materialise in yellow, pink, blue, violet or even red, illuminating the darkness in a magnificent natural display of light and movement.
Golden Circle & Northern Lights It’s the classic Icelandic tour with a sparkling finish. To begin, we’ll head out to the Golden Circle, the heart and soul of Iceland within a convenient circular route. We’ll go for a walk through history in Þingvellir National Park, marvel at Gullfoss waterfall and feel the heat at Geysir geothermal area. After resting up back in Reykjavik, we’ll leave the city lights behind and, with our guides’ knowledge and experience at our disposal, go in search of the Northern Lights.
Secret Lagoon & Northern Lights One of our most popular Northern Lights experiences includes a visit to the Secret Lagoon in the tiny village of Flúðir. The country’s oldest bathing pool, its facilities have been fully renovated in recent years. Watch the steam rising while relaxing in the warm water outdoors, then head off for dinner at the family-owned restaurant, Grund. Afterwards, the thrilling hunt for the Northern Lights is on!
*Because nature is unpredictable, sightings cannot be guaranteed, but what can be guaranteed is an enjoyable and enlightening journey with the best possible chance of seeing the lights. 23
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND
WELCOME TO THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND The National Museum of Iceland Suðurgata 41, 101 Reykjavík
The Culture House Hverfisgata 15, 101 Reykjavík
Opening Hours Daily 10–17 Closed on Mondays 16/9–30/4
www.nationalmuseum.is +354 530 2200 @icelandnationalmuseum @thjodminjasafn
Íslenski Hesturinn
The Icelandic Horse - horse riding in Reykjavik Special breed, special people Renowned for their alert, willing nature and unique gait, Icelandic horses are small, but incredibly sturdy. For centuries they survived often brutal weather in unforgiving territory, and continue to this day to help farmers cross the desolate highlands. So, what better way to get a feel for this amazing country than riding out across the lava in the age-old horseback tradition. Begga and Sveinn are champions of the Icelandic horse. They and all their guides are highly experienced, living locally and clearly loving what they do. Today, their much-loved ride-outs start with Begga’s Riding Intro, an introduction to the horses, followed by a journey through volcanic terrain on the fringes of the city, exploring a ‘lunar’ lava
prized export. Unlike those at some stables, the horses at Íslenski Hesturinn can move to the beat of the Tölt.
Exceeding expectations landscape in the shadow of the mountains. Come sunshine or snow, the chance to ride across the wild lands in this time-honoured way is something very special indeed.
Experience the Tölt Icelandic horses are highly unusual in having five gaits. The ‘Tölt’ is like moving into fifth gear, giving the rider a smooth, gliding feel with barely a movement in the saddle. It makes for a less tiring ride and explains why the breed is so popular as a family horse and
It’s not often you look at Trip Advisor and find so many “Excellent” reviews. The stables are located in Reykjavik, so you can make your own way there, or ask for a pick-up from the city centre. Over the winter months, there is rain and cold-weather gear available (although sturdy winter clothing will normally suffice). There are at least two tours a day all year round, so saddle up and enjoy Iceland’s most authentic mode of transport. Íslenski Hesturinn +354 434 7979 info@islenskihesturinn.is www.theicelandichorse.is Check out the website for all tour and booking details
25
Experience the excitement of Iceland’s pure nature or get a bird’s-eye view of the country’s most beautiful places
Six destinations with year-round possibilities Gjögur
Húsavík
A day to remember
Bíldudalur
Höfn
Reykjavík Vestmannaeyjar
For more information, pick up our brochure or visit eagleair.is eagleair.is | +354 562 4200 | info@eagleair.is Located behind Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura at Reykjavík Airport
26
The Settlement Center We all know that Iceland and the sagas go hand in hand, but how many of us really know what these ancient stories are about? Hands up if you meant to read up about them but never quite got around to it, and now the prospect of doing so is all too much! Well, here’s an unmissable trip that solves that dilemma nicely. The Settlement Center in the picturesque coastal town of Borganes, not far from Reykjavik, represents a whole new approach to exhibitions. The theatrical and TV background of its founders shines through every aspect of this inspirational site, which offers two exhibitions outlining the original settlement of Iceland as told through the sagas and highlighting one of its most famous Vikings, the poet and star of his own saga “Egil Skalla-Grimsson”.
really help the significance of a lot of other historical sites and stories to fall into place as you travel around the country.
An afternoon to remember Putting it all into context With audio guide available in 15 languages, exhibitions are complemented by a theatre, where a variety of perfomances have been attracting people from far and wide. Enjoyed and praised by those who know nothing about the sagas, through to even the most learned scholars, the whole thing comes together beautifully to give visitors of any age a great introduction to what is really Iceland’s equivalent of what the pyramids are to Egyptian history. And if you start your holiday here, it will
Just an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, a visit to the Settlement Center makes a great day out. Soak up the scenery on a leisure trip. Enjoy the renowned wellness lunch buffet or finish off the day with a meal at the beautiful restaurant, which serves a delicious array of fresh, healthy fare at reasonable prices. And you are back in the city the same evening. Tel: 4371600, www.landnam.is, landnam@landnam.is Opening hours: Restaurant daily 10 - 21 Exhibitions: daily 10 - 21 Opening hours can be extended by request Find us on Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet.
27
Let’s go eat Sophisticated restaurants or cosy cafes, Iceland has it all‌ From delicious, fresh seafood to tender meats and contemporary cuisine, the choice is simply mouth-watering!
29
Sæta svínið
Kaffibrennslan
“The Pretty Pig” gastropub
Café • Coffee House • Bar Looking for a friendly, cosy café in downtown Reykjavik? Kaffibrennslan is a laidback new coffee house and bar on the main street Laugavegur, although the building itself isn’t new. In fact, it’s one of the oldest in the city – a beautifully restored wooden house dating back to 1884. Oozing charm and warmth, not to mention delicious light bites and great coffee, what’s not to like?
Where the atmosphere is as good as the food Already a hit with the locals, Kaffibrennslan offers a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Cake plays a big part in keeping customers happy, while on chillier days a popular treat is warm waffles with cream and jam, accompanied perhaps by a frothy hot chocolate. Renowned for its splendid fresh
history as the building has, over time, been home to a big family, to a tailor and a shoemaker, an art gallery and more besides. Down in the basement is an ancient fountain, its water used in years past to mix mortar for local construction. Today, however, it has been capped and the water comes out of a tap! sandwiches with homemade fillings, the café also serves a wide range of drinks including beer and wine. There’s even an extended red and white ‘happy hour’ on the wine front from 4-8pm, a perfect way to end the day (or maybe begin a night out).
A little slice of history When you sit down here for a cuppa, you’re sitting on a little slice of Icelandic
Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 09.00–23.00 Fri: 09.00-01.00 Sat 10.00–01.00 Sun 10.00-23.00 Kaffibrennslan , Laugavegur 21 Tel+354 511 5888
New to the downtown city scene in 2016, and already a big hit with Icelanders and international visitors, Sæta Svínið has a great vibe. Its cute and cosy interior is adorned with piggy paintings and prints, and the décor is a pleasing mix of simple rustic beams and modern touches. Sit outside if the sun shines, and watch the world go by. Quite often there are special events, dj´s in the weekends, wednesday party karaoke or sunday party bingo.
beer-poached Icelandic blue mussels with garlic and a zing of chilli. There are plenty of meaty platters, including melt-in-themouth slow roasted lamb shoulder, some veggie niceties and even a pork T-bone with Limoncello butter – poor pretty pig! Not to be outdone by all the foodie success, Icelandic beers have staked their claim to fame here (20 bottled and 10 on tap), and the lush artisan cocktails are enough to make a pretty pigtail curl with pleasure.
Gastro-snout
Pigs can fly
More than just a pub, Sæta Svínið has a great nose for local goodies. Proud of its Icelandic heritage, it offers gastro-delights such as Ling fish, served with lentils, caper flowers and a Dijon sauce, and
Putting the ‘happy’ into happy hour, there are half-price cocktails, house wine and draught beers from 3pm right through to 6pm, every day. Ideal for winding down the week or kick-starting the weekend.
Something different Treat yourself to something different with a ‘Miss Piggy’, a divine concoction with hints of strawberry, butterscotch and cranberry.
Sæta Svínið Hafnarstræti 1-3 ,101 Reykjavík + 354 555 2900 saetasvinid@saetasvinid.is saetasvinid.is #sætasvínið Open 11.30 - 23.30
31
The Irishman Pub
Shalimar
Music, Karaoke and Friends
Delicious Pakistani and Punjabi cuisine A dedicated Pakistani family of chefs Shalimar have been serving fantastic Pakistani food to the good citizens of ICELAND and countless tourists since 2001. Named after the famous “Shalimar Garden”, which was built as a gift of love by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century for his beloved wife, this modest yet hugely popular restaurant is a city favourite. Great food, an intimate welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices are all part of its recipe for success. Using the best ingredients, mostly organic and locally sourced, the chefs create tempting and flavoursome dishes for hungry people. From humble beginnings, Shalimar has delivered its 32
own gift of love to this city. Homemade spices, freshly baked tandoori nans and the exotic colours of red chicken vindaloo combine to thrill the senses, complimented by traditional music and super-friendly service.
Spice up the veggie / vegan option Last year, Shalimar were the proud and deserving recipients of a Reykjavik Grapevine “Best of Reykjavik” award – for best vegetarian meal in the city. From eggplant crispy fritters, dipped in chickpea batter and served with chutney, to dishes like Dahl Tarka Makhani (red lentils and moong beans cooked with onions, garlic, ginger and spices), there is a great choice of vegetarian and vegan food for sure.
Warm your heart
Enjoy the craic
Whether you’re after lunch, dinner, or even a take-away, Shalimar caters for every taste – choose from set menus or pick and choose your dishes and level of spice to suit your appetite. The varied menu stays true to its origins and fills you with warmth. And the central downtown location is perfect for days spent exploring the city, and/or the start of a great night out.
The thriving pub and bar culture in Reykjavík continues to expand, boosted by the opening of the Irishman, a relaxed and welcoming pub in the best Irish tradition. Its unassuming retro décor includes a darts board for your targeted amusement and a wheel of fortune – take a spin and maybe you’ll win, beers or shots, or maybe not. It’s usually a win-win scenario at the Irishman, with great value drinks and the pub’s signature beverage, Irish Coffee, arguably the best on the island.
Shalimar Pakistani Cuisine Austurstræti 4 101 Reykjavík +354 551 0292 / 866 0916 www.shalimar.is Open: Mon-Thurs 11:30-22:00 Fri 11:30-23:00 Sat 16:00-23:00 Sun 16:00-22:00
Raise the bar The beer selection is extensive, with popular names such as Gull, Tuborg Classic, Boli, Kronenbourg Blanc, Kilkenny´s, Guinness, Úlfur, Myrkvi and Snorri, all on draft. Spirits
and Irish malts are naturally on offer, along with a wide range of bottled beers including seasonal local microbrews. The bartenders are dab-hands at cocktails too – take your pick from White Russian specials, Tom Collins, WhIskey Sours and Margaritas with a twist, among others.
A long and happy Happy Hour! When you’ve had a chance to checkout drinks prices in Iceland, you’ll appreciate
even more the joys of a happy hour that lasts an incredible 7 hours, from 12 noon until 7pm! You can add to the fun and hire out the karaoke room for 6,500 EUR an hour. It can take up to 20 people and there are some great inclusive deals on drinks for larger groups. And for those who prefer to listen to talented Icelandic performers, there is live music every night from Thursday to Sunday. Sláinte!
The Irishman Pub Klapparstígur 27 Reykjavík 101 +354 581 2020 info@irishman.is www.theirishmanpub.is Open Sun – Thurs 11:00-01:00, Fri – Sat 11:00-04:00 33
VISIT
The oldest diner IN REYKJAVÍK
The Viking Village The world of the Vikings The Viking Village is located in the lovely old fishing town Hafnarfjörður, just 10 minutes drive from Reykjavik.
Viking Village Restaurants
BURGERS – SANDWICHES B B Q R I B S – S T E A K S – F I S H WRAPS AN D LOCAL DISHES 34
WWW.GRILLHUSID.IS • TRYGGVAGATA 20 • TEL: 5623456
Fjörugarðurinn and Fjaran restaurants are open for dinner guests from 18:00 daily. The emphasis is on the Viking era. Entering the restaurants is like stepping into the world of the Vikings. The decor is in the true Viking-style and traditional Icelandic cuisine is served in old fashioned wood trays. Waiters and waitresses are dressed in authentic Viking clothing and serve meals with flair. During these famous feasts there is not a dull moment and the guests can expect various treats and surprises offered by the singing Valkyries
Víkingastræti 1-3 220 Hafnarfjörður Tel.: 565-1213 Fax: 565-1891 mottaka@fjörukrain.is mottaka@vikingvillage.is www.fjörukrain.is
Víkingastræti 1-3 • 220 Hafnarfjörður • Sími: 565 1213 • mottaka@fjorukrain.is
and Vikings. The fun reaches its height when the Head-Viking crowns one guest as an Honorary Viking. Popular, with both tourists and locals. Due to demand, it is advisable to book as early as possible as places disappear fast.
Viking Village Hotel The Hotel Viking has 42 rooms furnished in a Viking and West Nordic theme. Every room has a private bathroom, flat screen TV and complimentary wireless internet connection. All rooms are equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities. In addition, 14 comfortable Viking cottages are available equipped like the rooms, with satellite TV, bathroom, hairdryers and other comforts. Free parking is available for hotel guests in front of the hotel.
In the hotel lobby is a souvenir shop, offering fine art and crafts from Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
The Fisherman’s Village New, from the owners of the Viking Village, is an elegant hotel that’s close to the shoreline, yet still only 15 minutes from the city centre. Fisherman’s Village is a cosy village consisting of a few guesthouses and an exceptional restaurant in Álftanes. The accommodation offers breath-taking views, along with a room to relax or work and the comfiest bed imaginable. Perfect for a weekend stopover or for a longer stay. www.fishermansvillage.is For booking and further information: www.vikingvillage.is tel: +(354) 565 1213 35
The Danish Pub
Lebowski Bar
When in Iceland, meet the locals
The Reykjavík venue that rocks! Yeah, well. The Dude abides
Walking into this American retro bar is like steping back in time. Lebowski Bar ties the room together by choosing carefully the right music atmosphere which consists of classic rock that varies from 50´s – 80´s and keeps the good vibration that the Dude would definitely abide to! Just walk in to see what condition your condition is in… “We get all kinds of people here,” the staff proudly explains. “Icelanders, tourists, everybody. And our customers range from age 20 to 85, because our food and music suit everyone.” Lebowski Bar prides itself most on is its delicious, diner-style menu: filling, one-ofa-kind burgers, thick and creamy milkshakes, and oh yeah, White Russians. There are no less than 24 different kinds of this famous coctail, so make sure to order one from the bar. 36
Where’s the Burger, Lebowski?
Made with 150 grams of beef, that’s more than a quarter pound, for the metricallychallenged, Lebowski Bar’s classic burgers always hit the spot and boast a tempting array of toppings and sauces, from chilimarinated bacon to Japanese mayo. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory, the Honey Boo, a honey-glazed bacon and BBQ-sauce burger, has been called “the best bacon burger in town”. The Other Lebowski, a steak burger made from extra juicy beef tenderloin, is a staff favorite. Burgers are clearly the house specialty, looking for non-beefy options? Lebowski Bar has something for you, too. Try the Bunny Lebowski chicken burger, or The Stranger veggie burger. And if looking for something lighter, there plenty of bar snacks - from
cheese-stuffed jalapeños to onion rings, to enjoy with your beer.
You’re Not Wrong, Walter
A Dj every night from 9 p.m. All big Sport events are shown on all 5 Full HD tv screens. “This Reykjavík place is mind bending,” Trip Advisor user Graham enthused after a recent visit. “The burgers are massive, the chips chunky and the beers and White Russians flow. There’s a happy hour to bring down Iceland’s high prices, and regular bands playing to bring the film’s rockin’ ethos to life.” #lebowskibar The Lebowski Bar, Laugavegur 20a +354 552 2300, info@lebowskibar.is, www.lebowskibar.is Open 11:00 – 01:00 Sun-Thurs and 11:00 – 04:30 Fri/Sat
The place to party
A vibrant place on the Reykjavík social scene is Den Danske kro, or “The Danish pub”. A popular down town venue amongst the locals with happy hour and live music every night. Den Danske kro serves a variety of beers, in addition to familiar names such as Tuborg and Carlsberg the Danish pub serves a selection of seasonal beers from both Denmark and Iceland. During the christmas months Den Danske kro is the home of the Tuborg christmas beer or “Julebryg” which is a popular demand in Iceland during the darkest months.
Cosy Copenhagen style The Danes have a special word to describe a cosy, friendly atmosphere - “hyggelig” and that’s something the owners of the Danish
Den Danske kro is a popular venue with locals, and soon as happy hour kicks off the place starts filling up with locals from the neighborhood and other locals that want to finish the workday with a cold beer. Every night there’s live music where you can request your favourite all timer! pub have worked hard to create in this home from home within a pub. Check out the house within the pub - off - the - wall- design in it most literal sense! Den Danske kro is a great place to hang out with friends, play some darts, watch sports, enjoy the occasional sun and watch the world go by on the outside terrace. We recommend you try a glass of the customary Gammel Dansk bitters, a traditional Danish schnapps.
Happy hour The pub is extremely popular amongst locals and tourists alike. The daily happy hour from 16:00 - 19:00 always attracts guests. Ingólfsstræti 3, 101 Reykjavik Tel: +354 552 0070, www.dendanskekro.is #dendanskekro Opening hours: Sun-Thurs. 12:00 – 01:00 Fri-Sat. 12:00 – 04:30 37
Restaurant Reykjavik
The English Pub
Celebrating all things Icelandic!
Save water, drink beer! For years, Iceland has enjoyed a diverse selection of restaurants and often sophisticated bars. However, one tiny grumble occasionally surfaced from the country’s Anglophiles – simply that there was no proper “pub”.
border and also offers the finest selection of whiskies anywhere in the country. Acclaimed assortment of malts includes many of Scotland’s finest, ensuring numerous Icelanders and worldly travellers make the pilgrimage to the pub’s humble door.
And so the English Pub was born. From modest beginnings it has built a hearty reputation, seeking out, with the advice and guidance of its dedicated customers, the finest ale available to mankind. Today it offers its enthusiastic clientele the chance to try a great variety of beers, foreign brands, as well as many local beers that are a must try.
Located at the very heart of downtown Reykjavik, the walls of the English Pub are adorned with hundreds of photographs – like an album of the city’s history just waiting to be explored over a quiet beer.
Whisky galore Not content to rest on its laurels, the English Pub has ventured north of its virtual 38
A sporting chance Live sporting coverage is amply catered for, with a choice of six big screens and two TV screens. Inside the pub there is room for up to 150 people, and an outdoor terrace can accommodate plenty more on those balmy
Icelandic evenings! Whether it is football (Premier and Champions League), rugby or golf, there are always special offers when live events are being broadcast. Live music every night adds to the atmosphere. In addition to the happy hour from 16 - 19 every day, the ones feeling lucky, there is the Wheel of Fortune. Regulars like nothing more than to spin the wheel and chance a “Sorry” or preferably win what used to be called a Yard of Ale. These days, it’s inevitably known as a metre of beer, but the winners don’t seem to mind!
The English Pub Austurstræti 12,101 Reykjavik #theenglishpub info@enskibarinn.is, www.enskibarinn.is 12:00 -01:00 sun -thu 12:00 - 04:30 fri -sat
The adventure starts here
A taste of history
Located at the very heart of the city, it takes only seconds to spot the distinctive sunshine-yellow frontage of Restaurant Reykjavik, a great place to eat, drink and watch the world go by. This is the place for people with adventurous palates to come and sample everything Icelandic – from tender roast leg of lamb to shark meat, and liquorice herring to cured Minke whale, not to mention blackened salmon. You can have fresh shellfish cooked and sizzling at your table. The “seafood buffet” as it’s known (predominantly seafood, but lots of meat and salad options too), has something for everyone, and it’s a fabulous way to explore the many foods and flavours of Icelandic cuisine.
This beautiful building dates back to around 1860, when it was a gateway to the city. It has always been a bustling hub for fishermen, traders and travellers from around Iceland and abroad, its role alternating over the years between warehouse, shop, offices and nightclub. Today, it’s one of the largest restaurants in town, hosting individuals and friends, large groups and all sorts of events and meetings, both private and public.
For the love of seafood Restaurant Reykjavik is popular with tourists and locals alike. The fixed-price buffet is famous throughout the city and offers around 40 dishes to choose from. The aromatic fish stew is popular, as are appetisers
such as seafood pate and tiger shrimps in spicy rice. Delicious mains include beef cheeks, blue mussels, and the very Icelandic ‘salted cod’. Rhubarb cake and Skyr mousse are among the tempting desserts, and the ice-cream selection is in demand. The main buffet event happens in the evenings, although there is also a great “light lunch buffet” now available from 11:3014:30 – a hot course, soup, pasta salad and dessert – ideal for city wanderers.
Restaurant Reykjavík Vesturgata 2 101 Reykjavík + 354 552 3030 restaurant@restaurantreykjavik.is www.restaurantreykjavik.is Open 11:30-14:30 and 17:30-22:00 39
Jómfrúin
Geysir Bistro
Open your mind to a different dining experience
A plateful of goodness Whether or not you’ve been to its hotwater namesake in the South, Geysir Bistro is a great excursion in its own right. Situated in the heart of Rekjavík – Aðalstræti 2, and now also at Laugarvegur 96 – these delightful bistros offer good food at a good price, attracting numerous locals as well as tourists with a laid-back and very comfortable feel.
Firm favourites There is something for everyone in Geysir’s varied menu. From classic burgers to tenderloin steaks, it covers a pretty wide spectrum of Icelandic favourites and familiar continental choices. The fish and lamb specialities are always worth sampling, with delicious soups and sandwiches available for the smaller
appetite. And if you wake up hungry at the weekend, the Saturday/Sunday brunch from 11.30am is a real winner.
Watch the world go by
The tall, wide windows in this 100-year-old venue provide the perfect opportunity for people-watching, while the stylish modern furnishings blend with the traditional interior to create a charming atmosphere. In 2019, a new Geysir Bistro opened in Laugavegur. Already a very popular spot, it’s a newer building with a contemporary interior, but still with the cosy, friendly ‘Geysir’ atmosphere that people know and love.
The service is friendly, and although quickly-served dishes are on offer for busy people, many diners prefer to relax over a drink and a gently cooked plateful of goodness. Housed in one of Reykjavík’s most historic buildings, the Aðalstræti bistro is certainly a great place to unwind.
Geysir Bistro Aðalstræti 2 Geysir Bistro Laugavegi 96 101 Reykjavík +354 517 4300 / +354-5551550 www.geysirbistro.is Open daily 11.30 - 22:00 Choice of group /party menus available
40
Seasonal taste Combining the mouthwatering tradition of Danish open sandwiches with an innovative Icelandic twist, Jómfrúin is a hugely popular restaurant in the centre of downtown Reykjavík. Classy, relaxing and with capacity for 80 guests, Jómfrúin is a favourite lunch spot for city workers and tourists alike. It is also famous for its preChristmas buffets, seasonal slices of festive flavour that make this place a shining light in the darker days of winter.
Authentic smørrebrød Founder Jakob Jakobsson served his apprenticeship at the famous Davidsen family restaurant in Copenhagen, probably the best known creators of ‘smørrebrød’ anywhere in the world. For those who like
a touch of variety, Jómfrúin is a foodie heaven. Start with a slice of rye sourdough bread and pile it high with a little bit of this and a little bit of that – the choice is endless and always lovingly prepared in the best ‘smørrebrød’ tradition.
Top toppings Salmon, herring, eel, ham and roasted lamb are among the regular open sandwich options, or you might opt for a hot dish, some
delicious frikadeller (Danish meatballs) with onions perhaps. Try a shot of Danish akvavit (Scandinavian schnapps) or a cool Danish beer to accompany the house favourite – fried plaice on rye bread with tartar sauce, topped with smoked salmon and caviar, shrimp, asparagus and lemon. And for simple comfort food you can’t go wrong with biksemad, a Danish-style hash topped with fried eggs. Whatever you pick, you can be assured of high quality ingredients, beautiful presentation and friendly service. Jómfrúin Lækjargata 4 101 Reykjavík +354 551 0100 jomfruin@jomfruin.is www.jomfruin.is Opening hours: 11:00-22:00
41
Apotek
Sushi Social
The Icelandic food pharmacy
Socialize with the locals
Open at the end of 2011 and a hot favorite on the Reykjavik restaurant scene, Sushi Social offers a deliciously unique take on Icelandic fish and other homegrown ingredients. Fusing Iceland’s freshest flavors with Japanese, and South American influences, the restaurant’s top chefs have created a fantastic range of colorful dishes that taste as exciting as they look.
Drink in the atmosphere
The menu offers a great selection of tempting smaller courses such as lobster tempura, grilled octopus and salmon ceviche.
and a fabulous way to experience fresh Icelandic seafood. They range from the shrimp based Volcano roll to the Surf’n turf roll– a stunning concoction of lobster tempura, beef Carpaccio, teriyaki and chili crumble; a perfect posh nosh!
If you fancy some meat the amazing steak platter is the way to go. The ‘Juicy- Sushi’ maki rolls are a must try
If you can’t decide what to go for, the Icelandic feast is a perfect solution – six courses form an incredible taste
Icelandic ingredients - with a twist
42
experience that includes the national aperitif ‘Brennivin’ and an Icelandic Skyr infused with birch for dessert.
Attentive staff, fabulous chilli mojitos and a gorgeously eclectic interior are the icing on the cake at Sushi Social. Hand-carved Brazilian curios and some 50 pretty Japanese birdcages complement the contemporary lines and gentle feel of the place.
Sushi Social Þingholtsstræti 5, 101 Reykjavik +354 568 6600 www.sushisocial.is sushisocial@sushisocial.is Kitchen open: 17:00-23:00 Sun- Thurs (midnight on Fri/Sat)
Cooking up an Icelandic/Euro/Argentinian storm, the new Apotek Kitchen & Bar is proving a big hit on the Reykjavík food scene. Housed in the old city ‘Apotekið’ or pharmacy on the famous Austurstræti, the building is as delightful as the menu, stunningly renovated to blend original features in a vibrant, contemporary style. Head chef Carlos Gimenez (El Bulli) leads a team brimming with Iceland‘s most talented chefs. They have created an exuberant and tantalizing fusion of Icelandic and European cuisine with an entertaining twist, facilitated in part by the wonderful Argentinian grill. The lively cocktail bar is where Apotek’s award-winning “pharmacists” mix exquisite cocktails to suit every mood, from
Menu’, a great option to taste different dishes, including the legendary Icelandic lamb. When it comes to all things meaty, Apotek keeps it tasty by carefully aging their meat in-house, in a dedicated curing room.
Feast like a Icelander ‘tranquilisers’ to ‘painkillers’, and even the odd ‘placebo’.
When the boat comes in... Fresh fish and local ingredients are at the heart of Apotek’s colourful offering. Fish of the day is always a rewarding choice, likewise the charcoal grilled salmon with delicate beech mushrooms and a smoky broth. Plaice with emerald green samphire and a gorgeous lime beurre blanc is one of the dishes on the ‘Icelandic Gourmet
There is nothing more traditional in Iceland than a roasted leg of lamb, a typical Sunday lunch in many Icelandic homes. Apotek serves traditional Icelandic roast every Sunday from 12 – 14.30. Feast on slow cooked free range Icelandic leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic served family style with all the usual trimmings; including the must try sugar glazed potatoes. APOTEK Austurstræti 16,101 Reykjavík +354 551 0011 www.apotek.is apotek@apotekrestaurant.is #apotek.kitchen
43
Fjallkonan
Tapas barinn
Krá & Kræsingar
A local favourite for 18 years Imagine yourself in the hot sun of Barcelona, following the crowds down a step or two into the cool interior of a typical bodega or wine bar. Greeted by whitewashed walls, simple wooden tables and the big smile of the patron and his friendly young staff, you would be forgiven for not realizing that you are, in fact, in downtown Reykjavik. Enter the world of Tapas Barinn, a place bursting with the delicious smells and flavours of both the traditional Spanish and the best of Icelandic tapas.
Seafood, lamb and other native treats The restaurant is extensive menu contains over 50 dishes to suit all tastes, which you can order individually or as part of a main course. 44
A must try is the Icelandic gourmet feast which is a great way to taste the best of Icelandic produce in one meal. It starts with a shot of the infamous national spirit Brennivín and is followed by six delicious Icelandic tapas such as the famous Puffin with Blueberry and Brennivín sauce, followed by a minke whale with cranberry and Malt sauce. Other dishes are unmissable, such as the Icelandic lamb, sea trout and lobster tails. And no feast is complete without a delicious desert; White chocolate “skyr” mousse with passion fruit coulis. Alternatively, just relax and let the master chef make the selection for you and take a journey into the unknown.
Late night dining Tapas Barinn is the only restaurant in Reykjavik whose kitchen is open till 01:00 on weekends and 23:30 during the week. This stylish fusion of first-class service, fresh fish, seafood and Icelandic lamb has made Tapas Barinn one of the country’s most popular restaurants. Check it out for yourself and see why.
The translation of Krá & Kræsingar – bar and delicacies – provides a clue to the nature of this stylish place. Fjallkonan is a lively new restaurant in the heart of the city, offering a fabulous selection of snacks and small plates, as well as mouth-watering mains. Imagine the best of international hors d’oeuvres with Icelandic flair – perfect for sharing, accompanied perhaps by a cheeky cocktail or two.
Casual and cosy
Tapas Barinn Vesturgata 3b 101 Reykjavik Tel 551-2344 tapas@tapas.is www.tapas.is
The atmosphere is relaxed, fun and full of cheer, and Fjallkonan has a reputation for attentive service and delicious, pretty plates. Light bites include the traditional Icelandic flatbread coupled with slowcooked lamb and pickled red onion. Arctic Charr is another Icelandic classic, served
save room for one of the famous desserts – the Icelandic pancake trio, or maybe white chocolate skyr mousse with raspberries and meringue. A real treat.
Happy people lightly cured with a chickpea blini, roe and crispy lentils.
Icelandic flavour The ‘humus tower’ also features the humble Westfjord flatbread, a vegetarian delight. The lamb burger is definitely a hot favourite and, possibly the cutest choice, the Icelandic platter is an Iceland-shaped plate dotted with local goodies such as puffin with crowberry gel, minke whale with a malt glaze and lamb tartar. Heaven. And
Smiles abound at Fjallkonan. Not just during ‘happy hour’, which happens daily from 3-5pm in fact, but outside on the terrace, where you can enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, and across the tables, amongst good food and friends. Upstairs you’ll find a cabaret-style vibe, the ideal space for groups and parties. Party on! Fjallkonan Hafnarstræti 1-3 + 354 555 0950 fjallkona@fjallkona.is, www.fjallkona.is Open 11:30-24:00 daily (closes 01:00 Fri & Sat) Kitchen open until 23:00hrs 45
Let’s go spa Keen to discover Iceland’s biggest geological attraction? Immerse yourself in mineral-rich, steamy geothermal waters – the natural way to relax and unwind.
46
47
One of 25 wonders of the world Blue Lagoon Iceland Relax and rejuvenate
Located just 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport in the heart of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, Blue Lagoon Iceland is a place where the interplay of nature, science, and design brings forth a world of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Water Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater is unlike any other water on the planet. Born deep underground where ocean water and fresh water converge in a tectonic realm of searing heat and immense pressure, this natural marvel emerges at the earth’s surface enriched with silica, algae, and minerals. These elements give the water its cleansing, healing, nourishing abilities. 48
Skin care Launched in 1995 and refined through decades of research and development, Blue Lagoon skin care combines the purity of nature and the power of science. Created from geothermal seawater’s trinity of beneficial elements, the line unlocks the door to healthy, beautiful, youthful skin.
Lava restaurant Built into an 800-year-old lava plateau on the shores of the Blue Lagoon, Lava Restaurant embodies the harmonic convergence of organic architecture and relaxed casual dining. With soaring windows and stunning views of the otherworldly landscape, the restaurant
is a remarkable setting for discovering the culinary dynamism and unparalleled freshness of Icelandic cuisine.
In-water massage Unifying the sublime pleasures of massage therapy, the revitalizing powers of geothermal seawater, and the enchanting beauty of the volcanic landscape, Blue Lagoon in-water massage inspires new vistas of wellbeing for the mind and body. Developed nearly 20 twenty years ago, this unique treatment has become a hallmark of the Blue Lagoon experience. Blue Lagoon Iceland Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík +354 420 8800 www.bluelagoon.com open 08:00-21:00 (Aug-May) 49
well as the spa, the water helps to provide geothermal heating for numerous homes. Around 90 years ago, a wooden duct used to channel the steam to the house that stood on this site. Some was used to steam food, and the rest to heat water for showers and laundry. Greenhouses and vegetable-growing in the vicinity were also given a helping hand by the hotspring. Green energy without a doubt!
Food with a view Krauma restaurant is another special place within the spa. You can sit and eat delicious fresh Icelandic foods sourced from nearby farms, while enjoying the spectacular view of the hotspring. Try Sólbyrgi salad with slow-cooked juicy tomatoes and homemade ricotta cheese, or the delightful Háafell farm goat platter. Oh and Icelanders love their rhubarb, so you’re unlikely to be disappointed by the rhubarb cheesecake. All in all, you can happily plan to make a day of it here … explore, bathe, eat, relax and repeat. Perfect.
Krauma Spa
The simmering heat of Europe’s most powerful hotspring Experience nature from its core With its Nordic lines and understated elegance, Krauma Spa is at one with its brooding lava-strewn backdrop. Newly built, it is located by the mighty Deildartunguhver, a powerful hotspring in Reykholt, some 60 miles north of Reykjavik. There are five warm baths that all have a comforting temperature, with the 1000C geothermal water toned down using glacial water from the tiny Rauðsgil glacier. 50
a crackling fire, listen to soothing music and drift off into a relaxing reverie. If and when you’re ready to go, check out the cold tub to get your blood racing, or one of the two calming saunas.
A force of nature Don’t miss out on Krauma’s relaxation room. Adjacent to the bathing area, this is where you can lie down, or sit around
Deildartunguhver (pronounced something like Dale-dar-toonger-kver) has the highest flow rate of any hotspring in Europe, pumping 180 litres of water per second. As
Krauma Spa Deildartunguhver 320 Reykholt GPS 64.6644782 -21.41228 +354 555 6066 krauma@krauma.is www.krauma.is Open daily 11:00-21:00 51
Secret Lagoon
Dive in | Feel warm & refreshed | Leave happier Relax and unwind Gamla laugin, as it’s known, is a natural lagoon that Icelanders have enjoyed for over a hundred years. Its steamy, mineralrich geothermal waters are fed by a local spring, with temperatures of 38-40C all year round, making it the perfect spot to bathe, relax and unwind, whatever the weather. In fact, nothing beats the rugged charm of warm open-air bathing under starry wintry skies.
Peaceful and authentic Officially Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, the Secret Lagoon now has new facilities. A small bar and bistro offers fresh coffee, cakes, sandwiches, hot-dogs and other goodies. There are men’s and women’s 52
showers and lockers, and floats are provided. If you come empty-handed, you can always rent towels and swimsuits. The welcome improvements have not diminished the appeal of the place in any way. Tranquil and unpretentious, this remains an authentic experience. Nestling in a gentle hollow, you’re surrounded by nature and the gentle sighs of rising steam. Outside the pool itself, you can take a look at the nearby hot spots and bubbling geothermal activity from the safety of the boardwalks (don’t get too close!).
Worth the trip About an hour-and-a-half from Reykjavik and within the Golden Circle, the Secret
Lagoon is in the tiny village of Flúðir. It’s a scenic journey with easy roads, and if you don’t have a car, Gray Line tours can get you here. Smaller, less commercial and more affordable than its most famous counterpart, it’s well worth the trip.
The Secret Lagoon Hvammsvegur 845 Flúðir www.secretlagoon.is +354 555 3351 (Reception) +354 853 3033 (Tourist Information) Advanced online booking is appreciated, especially if you want access at a specific time. 53
disinfectants are thankfully unnecessary. Geothermal water is sulphurous; hence the eggy smell (sorry)! It’s best not to wear silver or brass jewellery in the water, as it can tarnish quickly. But on the plus-side, sulphur is considered to have a positive influence on asthma and other respiratory diseases, while many of the trace elements in the water are thought to have a good effect on the skin. Even before all this knowledge was commonplace, the locals recognised a health spa when they saw one. For years and years they made their way here to what was then the most basic of saunas – a tent erected over a crack in the ground where the steam billowed out. The tent became a small shed, and today we have the clean and rather larger lines of Myvatn Nature Baths.
Café Kvika Kvika, meaning molten lava or magma, is the name of the onsite café. Spacious, light and unmistakably Nordic. A great stop for light lunch or dinner and the outdoor terrace opens up your options on sunny days. Soups, salads, fresh sandwiches and freshly baked rolls are on the menu, along with cakes, cookies and croissants. For a local twist, try the Hot spring bread with delicious smoked arctic char.
Mývatn nature baths A New Nordic delight Steam Rising There is an almost indescribable pleasure in soaking up the warmth of steamy geothermal waters under open skies. Relaxing and uplifting, the experience at Myvatn Nature Baths is especially enriched by the calm and friendly feel of the place and its closeness to nature. The two steam baths are built directly over a geothermal area, and clouds of white steam rise gently from a fissure deep in the ground through vents in the floor. Humidity is close to 100% and the temperature is typically around 50°C, so alternating your time with the outdoor shower helps to make your skin tingle. At the heart of the complex is the shimmering pool of milky blue geothermal water. A manmade, yet beautiful structure, 54
The road to Mývatn
it utilises water drawn locally from depths of up to 2,500m. A surreal panoramic backdrop of mountains and lava fields adds the final, magical touch.
At one with nature Despite its northerly location, Myvatn enjoys a temperate climate, and the long summer days when darkness never comes can be surprisingly warm. As summer merges
into autumn, the landscape becomes a patchwork of gold and brown, while winter brings snow, sparkling frosts, and frequent opportunities to enjoy the unforgettable Northern Lights. Whether you are hiking in the area, generally exploring or just passing through, the Nature Baths are a great place to soak up the scenery and unwind. Order a drink and have it served to you while you bathe – how nice is that!
Healthy Hotspot The water contains a large amount of minerals and is well suited for bathing. Its chemical composition and alkalinity mean undesirable bacteria and vegetation are unable to thrive, so chloride and other
Just a few km from Mývatn centre, famous for its serene lake and nature reserve, the Nature Baths are less crowded and perhaps more laid-back than similar hot-pools elsewhere, making the journey North more than worthwhile. To make your stay as enjoyable as possible, book your tickets online and select the timeslot that suits you best. The Nature Baths are open from 09:00 to midnight in the summertime and 12:00 to 22:00 in the wintertime. You can rent swimwear, towels and bathrobes and kids 12 years old and under go for free when accompanied by an adult.
Myvatn Nature Baths Jardbadsholar, 660 Myvatn Tel: +354 464 4411 info@jardbodin.is
www.myvatnnaturebaths.is
Please book tickets online
55
Reykjavík´s Thermal Pools
Make a splash!
City Thermal Pools, Icelandic style „Perfect Thermal Pools“ Most Icelanders feel like a fish out of water if they don’t get down to the local thermal pool and hot tub at least once a week. The public hot tubs are the equivalent of the British ‘pub’, or the Spanish tapas bar – the place to hang out with friends and talk politics, celebrate a birthday or just chill after a long day! Happily, Reykjavik is awash with great thermal-heated pools and their associated spa facilities – some modern, some architectural classics, all of them friendly and a truly wonderful way to relax. The entry is generally inexpensive, another reason to make a splash before leaving Iceland.
7 pools
all over the city A great place to meet the locals Open early until late
Fun for the whole family
For health and well-being
Perfect thermal pools
Tel: +354 411 5000 www.itr.is
56
Big thermal pools, little thermal pools, kid-friendly thermal pools – there’s something to suit everyone, and in a host of different locations, and you can get an offer – Ticket, Towel and Bathing suit for approximate 13 USD. Here A taste of three top pools, but for the complete lowdown location.
Sundhöllin The architect who designed this landmark building was Guðjón Samúelsson, one of Iceland’s best. It was with considerable effort and great pride that “the Swimming Palace” was constructed in 1937, and much of the original design remains. The elegant white building has a minimalist, art-deco feel with its tall rectangular windows and tiled changing rooms. It is a stone’s throw from the main shopping street Laugavegur. In december 2017, a new outdoor area was oened with it´s very own outdoor pool, several new hot tubs and following recent trends in Iceland, an Ice bath. Barónstígur 45a, Tel: (+354) 411 5350 Open: Mon-Fri 06:30-22:00, Sat-Sun 08:00 -22.00 www.reykjavik.is/sundlaugar
Vesturbæjarlaug Tucked away in the friendly 107 neighbourhood, the cosy Vesturbær thermal pool is one of the city’s most famous, and its newest hot tub is a firm favourite with tourists and locals alike. Along with an outdoor thermal pool and
children’s pool, it offers a waterslide, four hot tubs, and sauna. Oh and the coolest steam room for miles – a circular glasswalled affair that’s perfect to unwind in. Hofsvallagata, 107 Reykjavík, Tel: (+354) 411 5150 Open: Mon-Fri 06:30-22:00, Sat-Sun 09:00 -22:00 www.reykjavik.is/sundlaugar
Laugardalslaug Reykjavik’s biggest swimming facility, Laugardalslaug, built in 1968, it has been updated regularly and now features a unique saltwater hot tub heated to a delicious 40 °C. Kids (and adults too) adore the “Iceberg Challenge” – featuring an overhead rope mesh and ‘iceberg’ floats, which you have to get across without falling into the water. Other facilities include a 50m outdoor pool, children’s pool, numerous hot tubs and waterslides, the tallest of which is strikingly illuminated with LED lights. Sundlaugarvegur 30, 105 Reykjavík Tel: (+354) 411 5100 Open: Mon-Fri 06:30-22:00, Sat-Sun 08:00-22:00 #reykjaviklovesthermalpools 57
Laugarvatn Fontana
The Icelandic fountain of wellness
58
A rejuvenating stop
Bath on top of a hot spring
Laugarvatn Fontana is only one hour drive from Reykjavik, right in the middle of the most popular day tour from the capital – the Golden Circle. Whether travelling on your own or with a booked coach tour, be sure to stop over and experience the geothermal baths and steam rooms of Laugarvatn Fontana. Gray Line offers daily tours to see the natural wonders of the Golden Circle combined with a rejuvenating stop at Laugarvatn Fontana. This beautiful spot makes the perfect break between Thingvellir National Park and Geysir and Gullfoss. Bathing suits and towels are available for a small fee. The in-house Local Kitchen serves a country style lunch and dinner buffets, along with freshly baked Icelandic rye bread, smoked trout caught in the lake, soups, smoothies and cakes.
Laugarvatn Fontana is located on the black beach of the tranquil Lake Laugarvatn. The healing Baths consist of: three natural steam rooms built on top of a bubbling hot spring, so close you can hear it fizz, a Finnish-style dry sauna with a beautiful lake view, as well as series of interconnected warm pools that vary in size, depth and temperature and are perfect for both play and relaxation. The whole interior- and exterior design is contemporary with clean lines. Dotted around the pools are intriguing artworks made of stone by the Icelandic artist Erla Thorarinsdottir.
Ancient traditions At the time when the first Icelandic parliament convened at Thingvellir more than 1,000 years ago, the Parliamentarians
are said to have ridden on their horses to the warm shores of Lake Laugarvatn to bathe. Grandmothers of the area have also been utilizing the geothermal heat by baking the delicious and nutritious Icelandic rye bread for decades, possibly centuries, in the hot black sand by the Lake. Guests are invited to visit the Geothermal Bakery and have a taste, be sure to join a sightseeing tour.
Laugarvatn Fontana Opening hours Daily from 11:00 - 22:00 (until june 9th) Daily from 10:00 - 23:00 (June 9th - August 20th) Geothermal Bakery, tours Daily at 11:30 & 14:30
59
The old harbour quarter Always worth a visit, the old harbour in Reykjavík has quietly and steadily established itself over recent years as one of the city’s main tourist attractions. With an arty, cosmopolitan feel, the area possesses an evocative blend of history, tradition and renewal. It’s a place that perhaps reflects Iceland’s come back from difficult times, with new restaurants and artisan workshops nestled in between more established haunts and set against the ever-changing backdrop of the ocean.
Something for everyone
Various whale-watching boats are moored up here, and what better starting point for a great day out. When you’ve worked up an appetite, follow your senses to the Steak House or Sægreifinn, a rustic no-nonsense institution that’s legendary for its lobster soup and fresh fish delights. Trendy hangouts abound, including Café Haiti, the Marina Hotel and the tiny hamburger joint housed in the old fish-weighing house. Venture a few steps further inland and there are distinctive shops, cafes, bars, museums and art galleries wherever you look. Enjoy your visit!
60
61
The original „Icelandic Fish & Chips“ from 2006
Sægreifinn
For a great meal and great value, take a wander down to the old city harbour in Reykjavik and enjoy some fresh Icelandic fish and chips. Enveloped in a crispy light batter, or gently baked in delicious pesto, there is usually a choice of between three and five types of fish delivered daily from the high seas. The restaurant also serves up garlic roasted langoustine – the unmissable ‘Icelandic lobster’. Wonderfully unique in terms of its authenticity and commitment to organic produce, Icelandic Fish & Chips is located within the ‘Volcano House’, one of the city’s top tourist attractions and another good reason to head on down.
Translated from the Icelandic, “Sægreifinn” means the Sea Baron (Neptune). His riches include the fruits of the sea, making Sægreifinn the perfect name for one of Reykjavik’s best kept secrets – a bona fide and relatively inexpensive fish restaurant on the harbour’s edge.
Restaurant down at the harbour.
Full of flavour The ‘chips’ are in fact wedges of white fluffy potato, oven-roasted to perfection with local 62
sea-salt and parsley, rosemary or garlic. And for the fish, the chefs have carefully considered how best to batter them, creating a crispy concoction using spelt as opposed to wheat flour, and rapeseed oil for its healthy omega-3 content. Rounding off the menu is a tasty range of fresh salads, while drinks include homemade ginger beer (the non-alcoholic variety). For those who can’t contemplate their fish and chips without a dash of malt vinegar, worry not. Although there is no tradition of the stuff in Iceland, and nobody imports it, the restaurant makes their own in-house.
An endearing Icelandic addition is the choice of dips featuring the legendary local produce ‘Skyr’. Essentially a milky cheese product, that tastes and looks like yoghurt, it’s a great fat-free base for all sorts of yummy dips ranging from coriander and lime, to ginger and wasabi or even mango – don’t go home without tasting them.
Icelandic Fish & Chips Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavík Tel: +354 511 1118 reservations@fishandchips.is www.fishandchips.is Open daily 12:00-21:00
Tasty fish dishes in a seafarer’s cabin
The kitchen’s founder Kjartan Halldórsson is sadly no longer alive, but he will always be remembered at SÆGREIFINN, where the atmosphere and menu remain as authentic as the day he started his restaurant. The upstairs room has a real summer-cabin feel and can accommodate groups of up to 30 people. It still has the old bunk beds where sailors, in the middle of last century, would take a nap .
Legendary lobster soup
A distinctly local flavour
The menu changes with the tides, anything from monkfish, redfish, cod, tusk, salmon, blue ling, scallops, shrimps and all sorts of other delicacies. Side dishes include grilled potatoes and vegetable skewers. The house speciality is lobster soup – a mouth-watering soup laden with soft fresh lobster tails (lactoseand gluten-free). And for the courageous ones amongst you, try some fermented shark, Iceland’s traditional treat served with Brennivín (the schnapps that goes by the name of Black Death). Try it if you dare! For those wanting a genuine and unpretentious taste of Iceland this is a great find. Eat in or take away a parcel of ready-to-cook
For the adventurous, there is Minke whale (a legally caught and not endangered species). You can choose either a small taster portion, or a tender steak, grilled with Sægreifinn‘s special spices – the taste is not dissimilar to beef. And for an authentic local lunch, check out the lunch special between 11:30 and 14:30, Monday-Friday. Affordable and delicious, it includes the lobster soup and grilled fresh fish. Sitting in the seafarer’s cabin, against the backdrop of the harbour and the ocean – it’s a down-to-earth experience not to be missed. Sægreifinn Verbúð 8, Geirsgata, 101 Reykjavík +354 553 1500 www.saegreifinn.is Open 8am – 6pm 63
Hamborgara Búllan
The hottest hamburger joint in town Fans of the humble hamburger rejoice! Hamborgara Búllan is a remarkable little burger joint with a mighty heritage, serving up simple, lovingly prepared and absolutely delicious grub. Owner Tommi Tómasson is legendary in his native land, winning the gratitude of many for bringing the hamburger to Iceland in 1981. Selling over a million burgers in his first three years, he then went on to bigger projects, including the city‘s Hard Rock Cafe. More recently though, and to the delight of local burger devotees, he’s gone back to his roots, opening five retro-styled venues serving exactly what people want.
Trade secrets The secret of a great burger joint according to Tommi, is a classless place with a casual
vibe, where the chairs don’t match and the burgers are big and meaty. The menu here is straightforward, but the love invested in these burgers is obvious. Made from 100% beef with crisp lettuce, tomato and your preferred combination of mayo, ketchup and mustard, they go down a treat with the house milkshake. And for those not so keen on a hearty meat feast, there is a tasty, crunchy veggie version.
On the waterfront, and at B5 Downtown in the trendy 101 district of the Old Harbour, Hamborgara Búllan can be found in the intriguing ‘Hafnarviktin’, a harbour-side building where the daily fish catches were weighed and counted in former times. A real architectural gem, the
interior is now adorned with Americana, the Sopranos jostling for wall space with Johnny Cash and the Blues Brothers. Its sibling branches are based in Ofanleit (in the 103 district),Bíldshöfða (on the outskirts of the city) and the nearby town of Hafnarfjordur. Tommi has also joined forces with B5, a stylish but laid back bar serving bistro meals in one of the city’s busiest streets, Bankastræti. Now you can savour your burger of choice in this lively venue at, you guessed it, number five. Further, the joint can now be found at Selfoss on the south coast of Iceland. Hamborgara Búllan Geirsgötu 1, 101 Reykjavík Eyravegi 32 , 800 Selfossi Tel: +354 511 1888 www.bullan.is Open daily 11:30-21:00
65
Bryggjan Brugghús
Dockside Bar, Bistro & Brewery Sitting on the dock of the bay If you’re after a fantastic place to eat and relax, maybe get to know Icelandic beer culture, get yourself to Bryggjan Brugghús. Fish of the day is always on the menu, along with steaks, burgers and a vegan option, making this an affordable and attractive lunch stop (soup and fresh bread included with all lunch mains), as well as a more sophisticated dinner destination. The newly built pier looks out over the mountains and the bay, acting as the perfect sun trap while connecting Bryggjan Brugghús physically and historically with the rest of the old harbour quarter. In a previous life, this impressive building was the freezing plant for the state fish company, where thousands of tons of cod were processed every year. 66
Touring Reykjavik’s first micro-brewery Bryggjan Brugghús serves a great range of top quality beers, as well as other favourite tipples. Check out the taps connected directly to the in-house micro-brewery, pumping out superb craft beers of every kind, and sample the guest beers from other Icelandic brewers. Guests are welcome to tour the brewery on the hour, pretty much every hour from lunchtime until about 9pm. With beer-tasting to conclude, and typically no need to book ahead, Bryggjan Brugghús is a terrific tourist attraction in its own right.
Gourmet delights and all that jazz Reserve a table at the bistro for a gourmet experience to remember. The delicious
menu focuses naturally on fresh seafood caught off Iceland’s shores. Blue mussels and shoe-string fries are big favourites, along with seafood soup, the langoustine feast and the tasting menu – perfect for the whole table. Add to the sensory pleasure with live jazz sessions on Sunday evenings and frequent other stylish music acts (call ahead or see Facebook for details). Bryggjan Brugghús Next door to the famed Maritime Museum Grandagarður 8 101 Reykjavík +354 456 4040 booking@bryggjanbrugghus.is www.bryggjanbrugghus.is Open 11:00- 01:00 daily (kitchen closed 15:00-17:00) Brewery tours on the hour, typically from midday 67
Forréttabarinn
Steikhúsið
Tempting tasters
Great food and a warm welcome For tender sizzling steaks and succulent Icelandic lamb, Steikhúsið (the Steak House) is the place to go. The fiery Spanish Mibrasa coal oven at the heart of the restaurant gives a deliciously distinctive edge, enhancing the richness of the food that is cooked to perfection by the busy chefs. Fun, original and with a laid-back atmosphere, the focus here is on great food and great flavours.
Love me tender Choose from juicy beef tenderloin or the ‘butcher’s pride’, T-bone and rib-eye steaks, tenderised and cured for at least 28 days and absolutely gorgeous. Prime lamb fillet steak is another mouth-watering favourite – try it with a red wine glaze or maybe the chunky blue 68
cheese sauce, accompanied by Steikhúsið’s oh-so-satisfying triple-dipped fries. As well as steaks, mains include lovely langoustines, beautifully grilled fish and a vegetarian option of the week, all good value choices. If you find yourself in a dilemma, one way out is the much-loved seasonal feast – an exciting range of dishes, fish or meat, you choose. Desserts are equally delicious. If your looking for a dessert, try the pistachio mousse with strawberries and yoghurt foam.
Historic appeal, contemporary style The Steikhúsið coal oven is a fitting tribute to this old building, which used to house the city blacksmith and metal works. Now
furnished in part with recycled materials, the restaurant has a simple yet warm modernist style, nicely complemented by the ‘i-Pad’ drinks menus. And its location down by the old city harbour, bustling with craft shops and whale-watching boats, makes this the perfect spot to wind down after an inspiring day out.
Steikhúsið (the Steak House) Tryggvagata 4-6 101 Reykjavík +354 561 1111 steik@steik.is www.steak.is Open every day of the week from 17:00 until late
Start as you mean to go on When a restaurant attracts as many locals as it does tourists, you know you’re in a good place. Forréttabarinn is such a place. More than just good, it’s an absolute gem. Its name translates as the Starters Bar, reflecting its passion for appetisers, large and small – tasty portions of fantastic food. The creative menu is influenced by flavours from around the world, and features fresh Icelandic ingredients.
Try something new From sautéed cod with orange pickled fennel, to skyr mousse and berries – head chef and owner Róbert Ólafsson has established a great reputation for delicious dishes. Check out the langoustine soup or smoked duck on a beetroot and
pomegranate salad. Fruits of the Icelandic seas include west coast mussels and Arctic char, the latter paired beautifully with seared scallops on a plate of creamed barley and asparagus. Praised for its presentation and service, as much as its food, the restaurant also offers a choice of four-course set meals (you can browse current menus online). The ever-popular ‘Smokey Bay’ option gives you a chance to sample hot smoked salmon, beef carpaccio and succulent herb-crusted lamb. Crème brûlée with a delightful rhubarb compote completes the experience.
Have a great night Friendly, funky and inimitably Icelandic in style, Forréttabarinn is perfect for a quick
bite or a laid-back evening. The downtown location, close to the harbour, galleries and artisan workshops, makes a great backdrop to the vibrant open kitchen and high-ceilinged bar. And an extensive list of local and international beers, plus a decent wine list, is the icing on the cake. Enjoy! “terrific food... wonderful service... great “local” vibe” A big ‘thumbs up’ from customers, with five consecutive years of excellence ratings on TripAdvisor. Forréttabarinn Nylendugata 14 Reykjavik 101 +354 517 1800 info@forréttabarinn.is www.forrettabarinn.is Kitchen open Mon-Sun 16:00-22:00 69
Osushi the Train
Farmers & Friends
The home of delicious sushi
Gorgeous textiles, sustainable fashion New Nordic design
Vibrant and inventive, the buzz around the old harbour area in Reykjavik continues to intensify. The former fish factory in ‘Grandi’ is now home to Farmers & Friends, the stylish flagship store and creative hub for Icelandic design and clothing brand “Farmers Market”. Here you can find the entire Farmers Market fashion collection, along with other gorgeous goods that reflect the ethos of the business – Icelandic music, books, bags and homeware. A visual feast also awaits you, in the form of the gallery wall – a diverse assortment of photographs and other works of art.
Farmers Market Designer Bergthora Gudnadottir and musician Jóel Pálsson are the Icelandic couple behind Farmers Market, the company 70
they established in 2005. With strong ties to the vibrant Icelandic music and design scene, their concept and inspiration stems from Icelandic roots. The result is an accomplished combination of classic Nordic design elements and contemporary style. Natural fabrics, craftsmanship and respect for the environment are evident values of the brand, which aligns itself with some of the finest textile producers in the market – fabrics include merino and mohair yarns from Italy, waxed cotton fabrics from British Millerain and Indian raw silk, as well as unique Icelandic wool from a local yarn mill. Authentically styled, yet sophisticated and wearable, Farmers Market clothing is suited to a wide range of occasions, from outdoor activities to city life.
The junction
Icelandic ingredients
Farmers Market has positioned itself at a place where heritage meets modernity. The junction between national and international, countryside and city. Firm advocates of sustainable fashion, their use of synthetic fabrics is kept to a minimum, and a lot of care goes into choosing production partners, locally and overseas. Great attitude, great design – go check it out.
Fresh, delicious fish is at the heart of Sushi, the elegant Japanese rice dish with global appeal. So, what better place to dine on this heavenly food than down at the old harbour in Reykjavik, at the delightful Osushi the Train. This is the third and newest addition to the city’s Osushi train chain, which has been thrilling the locals for years. It has built a solid reputation for great sushi, with a special emphasis on Icelandic fish and ingredients.
Grandi (Old harbour), Hólmaslod 2, 101 Reykjavik +354 552 1960
Laugavegur 37 (main shopping street) 101 Reykjavik +354 552 1965 Open Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat 11:00-17:00 Sun (Laugavegur 37 only) 11:00-17:00 www.farmersmarket.is
Get on board Part of the attraction is naturally the “train”, the moving conveyor belt that transports a multitude of tempting dishes past your very eyes. The different colours of the little
plates indicate the price for each dish, allowing you to choose from a range of delicate and beautiful creations and eat as much or as little as you like. Prepared to a high standard by professionally trained sushi chefs, the food is made with and accompanied by the traditional elements of wasabi, miso, ginger and seaweed. From delicate vegetarian maki bites, to California and Cungan maki, shrimp and tuna nigari, salmon and tuna sashimi – the choice is yours. If you can’t find what you want on the train, you can place a special order for it. And for those who fancy something different, alternatives include grilled meats, teriyaki chicken, Japanese salads and soups.
Enjoy the journey Having a party? Osushi caters for outside events and can even send a chef to prepare food in your own home. However, the lively restaurants remain the most popular route for most sushi lovers. It can get very busy at Osushi on the weekend. You can’t reserve a table, but turnover is brIsk and the food is worth waiting for. So, hang on in there, grab a chair and enjoy the train journey! +354 561 0562 osushi@osushi.is www.osushi.is OLD HARBOUR - Tryggvagötu 13 Open Mon – Sat 11:30-22:00, Sun 15:00-22:00 Reykjavíkurvegi 60 Open Mon – Thurs 11:30-21:30, Fri – Sat 11:30-22:00, Sun 17:00-21:30 Borgartún 29 Open Mon – Fri only 11:00-17:00 71
Let’s go Skólavörðustígur The favourite city street of many Icelanders, Skólavörðustígur makes its way gently uphill from Laugavegur to the iconic spire of Hallgrímskirkja. A colourful little street, it has a delightful personality of its own. It’s always a pleasure to wander amongst its bustling craft stores, galleries, restaurants and coffee bars, and discover little gems like the knitting shop or the beautiful Einar Jonsson sculpture garden.
72
73
The Einar Jónsson Museum The Jewel In Skólavörðustígur’s Crown Visionary sculptor The Icelander Einar Jónsson (1874-1954) was a visionary artist and sculptor. His hauntingly beautiful creations brim with complex symbolism, imagination and originality. His sculptures can be found dotted around the city, and even those with only a passing interest in art will find this museum and its tranquil garden a fascinating place, a hidden gem amongst Reykjavik’s attractions.
The artist’s home Having gifted much of his work to the Icelandic nation, Jónsson oversaw the construction of an eclectic building, designed originally as his home, studio and a place to exhibit his work for future generations to enjoy. The structure rose 74
Visit our stores: Skólavörðustígur 7, 12 & 16 and Geysir Haukadalur.
Powerful and poignant
dramatically from the top of what was then a desolate hill on the outskirts of the city. And when it opened in 1923, it was the country’s very first art museum. Today, it sits adjacent to the white spire of Hallgrímskirkja and is surrounded by newer buildings at the pinnacle of the lively street now known as Skólavörðustígur.
A firm advocate of the need for artists to forge their own path, Jónsson drew inspiration from Icelandic folklore, as well as mythological and religious themes. From the night troll who turns to stone at dawn, to the outlaws hiding out in the wild Icelandic highlands, or the moral dilemma behind the work Fate, the stories the sculptures tell are mesmerising (see more on the museum’s website). Powerful and poignant, his work remains relevant, as well as riveting. Go see. Einar Jónsson Museum (Listasafn Einars Jónssonar) Hallgrímstorg 3 101 Reykjavík +354 551 3797 lej@lej.is www.lej.is Open Tue – Sun 10:00-17:00
75
Traditional Icelandic Sweaters
BUY DIRECTLY FROM THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THEM • HANDKNITTED IN ICELAND •
76
Skólavörðustígur 19 & Borgartún 31 t: +354 552 1890 handknitted.is
Buy direct from the people who make them Timeless fashion
It’s in the wool
When you’re strolling down Skólavörðustígur, call in at number 19 for a cuppa and a little slice of woolly history. This welcoming store is home to Iceland’s Hand-Knitting Association, the perfect place to buy Icelandic wool, knitting patterns and the beautiful, traditional hand-knitted Icelandic sweaters known as “Lopapeysa”.
After centuries of weathering an extreme climate, Icelandic sheep have developed unique ‘two-fibre’ wool. The outer fibre is hollow, glossy and water-repellent, while the inner part is soft and insulating. The result is very warm, lightweight and water-repellent wool, the likes of which are found only in Iceland.
For centuries, Icelanders have depended on warm knitted garments to help them endure the long, cold winters. So knitting, which used to be first and foremost a necessity, is still a pastime for many people, and a highly appreciated craft. No longer something just to be worn for camping or herding sheep, the Lopapeysa is now a fashionable item for any occasion. And, of course, the perfect souvenir.
by the Hand-Knitting Association store. The association was born in 1977, when a number of Icelandic women who had used their knitting to supplement family incomes decided to join forces. Today, the store is flourishing, and showcasing the handiwork of hundreds of local knitters.
Producing high quality goods since 1977 For extra cosiness and a real Icelandic feel, get yourself the genuine article. Don’t be fooled by cheaper imported sweaters that are starting to flood the market from China and elsewhere. For an authentic product, with local wool that’s been spun and hand-knitted here in Iceland, drop
The Hand-Knitting Association of Iceland Skólavörðustígur 19 108 Reykjavik Also at Borgatun 31 +354 552 1890 handknit@handknitted.is www.handknitted.is Open Mon – Sat 09:00-18:00 Sun 12:00-18:00
77
Bastard Brew & Food
Kol Kitchen & Bar
Great Beer and Burgers A new brew
Cheers
The comfort zone
Newly opened in summer 2018, Bastard is an aspiring microbrewery in the heart of the city. Having already launched two Bastard beers, brewed by Bastard friends – a hearty New England IPA and a gentler amber ale – it is now adding the finishing touches to the gorgeous shiny tanks on show upstairs that will enable it to brew in-house. Propping up the bar are 10 other draft beers, with guest appearances from a range of Icelandic breweries.
Attracting a diverse and lively crowd, Bastard Beer & Food is open every day and happy hour is 4-7pm. The staff are friendly and the building itself is a fitting tribute to beer and beverages, with its stylish décor, leather stools, bookshelves and banquettes. There’s even a sun terrace (should you be so lucky). Rock up at the weekend for some great music, that adds soul, funk and disco from decades past to the mix.
Making its “charcoal” mark on the Reykjavik restaurant scene, Kol is a foodie revelation and a craft cocktail heaven. The chefs have an instinctive flair for upscaling what might be called comfort food, creating the prettiest dishes to satisfy a wide range of tastes. From ‘Fruits-de-Mer’ – a delectable platter of seafood served on ice with assorted dips – to ‘Lamb Sirloin’ with delicate blueberry polenta, the menu is both inviting and extensive.
Small, yet perfectly formed As well as beer, Bastard Brew & Food does a great line in adventurous gins, craft cocktails, wine and spirits ...and, of course, food. The menu may be small, but it’s tasty and tempting, with hugely 78
Classic cuisine with a twist
popular Bastard burgers. The crispy grilled flatbreads (think nachos, come pizza) are dripping with garlic butter and tasty toppings – try a duck confit with pickled chilli, or some Parma ham with Portobello mushrooms and Parmesan. Or maybe a soft tortilla with beef, pulled pork, or something else that takes your fancy. And if you get there before 3pm, you can even get yourself an egg and bacon brunch, perfect with beer!
Bastard Beer & Food Vegamótastígur 4 Reykjavík +354 558 0800 www.bastard.is Open 11:30 - 01:00 (Sun-Thurs) and 11:30 – 04:00 (Fri – Sat)
Artisans at work The surroundings are equally inviting. Inside has a contemporary rustic feel with comfy leather couches and stunning paintings by artist Inga María Brynjarsdóttir complementing the strangely cosy concrete
wall. Out back is the massive charcoal oven, from which come the juiciest steaks and tender lamb sirloins, grilled to perfection. And out front, there is always a lively vibe, emanating in part from Kol’s passionate team of staff and the discerning locals who frequent its doors.
Aged Black Negroni, a barrel aged twist on the classic with house made cranberry shrub; and the infamous Donkey. This Nordic equivalent of the Moscow Mule contains vodka, lime, ginger, grapefruit and mint, blended and gently carbonated for a really refreshing kick.
Just for kicks If it’s liquid refreshment you’re after, the amazing and lovingly crafted Kol cocktails are legendary. Many of the ingredients are freshly produced in-house, helping to create highly original concoctions such as Smoked Duck Fat Bourbon, nicely soured with Maraschino and lemon and producing a taste that is way better than it might first sound! Other favourites include the Barrel
Kol Kitchen & Bar Skólavörðustígur 40 101 Reykjavík Tel: +354 517 7474 Email: info@kolrestaurant.is www.kolrestaurant.is Open Mon-Fri 11:30 – 14:00 Sun – Thurs 17:30 – 22:00 Fri/Sat 17:30 – 23:00 79
15% DISCOUNT
SALKA VALKA FISH & MORE SkólavörDustígur 23 • 101 reykjavík
Steamed Fresh Fish, Traditional Icelandic Fish ‘Stew’, Fish & Vegan Soups, Smoked Salmon & Vegan Toppings on Sourdough Bread, Beer, Wine, Coffee & more
15% discount of total bill, every day IF you bring this ticket
Café Loki
Salka Valka
Homemade traditional Icelandic food
Fish and more Cosy and colourful
Feel the love
Charming, soulful and welcoming, Salka Valka epitomises the spirit of Skólavörðustigur, one of the loveliest streets in the city. This cosy little restaurant is as colourful as the bunch of people who work there, a team that’s passionate about simple, fresh food and who think of Salka Valka as an extension of their own home-kitchen and living room.
There’s a real sense of home and happiness here – try some rhubarb cake for added bliss. Open all day for sandwiches and snacks, as well as meals – taste a sour-dough topper why don’t you – there is a wide choice too of coffee, organic teas and juices, wine and beer.
Welcome to the kitchen All ingredients are sourced fresh, daily and as locally as is humanly possible. Fish of the day is so good that it’s usually just lightly seasoned and steamed, while Plokkfiskur, a traditional Icelandic fish “stew”, is Salka Valka’s signature dish, and one that goes down a storm with the 80
SALKA VALKA FISH & MORE
locals. Also stealing the show on a regular basis is the restaurant’s own fish soup, a tasty bowlful at any time of day. The warm, informal atmosphere centres around the open-style kitchen, so you can always see what’s cooking. Main dishes are served with rice and vegetables such as broccoli and sweet potatoes. Delicious sauces are whizzed up in-house, and organic plantbased/vegan options are available at all times.
Skólavörðustigur 23, 101 Reykjavík +354 888 7793
salkav23@gmail.com Open 10:00-22:00 (kitchen from 11:00) Free WIFI
Salka Valka - Fish & More
Friendly and authentic
Heart-warming meat soup, flatbreads and “hangikjöt” (smoked lamb), or a classic Icelandic pancake with a cup of hot coffee – Café Loki is the perfect place to get a proper taste of Iceland. Cosy, yet contemporary, it’s a family-run café with super friendly staff and homemade food that’s tasty as well as traditional. Using fresh, quality Icelandic ingredients, Café Loki has cooked up a simple and inspired menu. Plates such as “Baldur” and “Þór” give you the chance to try delicious rye bread topped with plokkfiskur (mashed fish) or herring and egg, and sheep-head jelly with flatbread and turnips – the kind of food eaten by generations of Icelanders.
the Black Death) with dried and salted fish to chew on and a bit of fermented shark for extra authenticity.
Central and scenic Bold and brave Fish of the day comes steamed or baked au gratin. The meat soup is made from scratch, with tender Icelandic lamb and fresh vegetables. Nothing gets wasted here. Even the bread gets whipped up into the café’s speciality – rye bread ice cream. With a taste not dissimilar to cookies & cream, it’s building a considerable fan base. And for bolder customers, “Icelandic Braveheart” is the favoured challenge – a shot of Brennivín (Icelandic schnapps commonly known as
Lokastígur is a bustling little street leading up to Hallgrímskirkja, the landmark church that towers above the city. Just round the corner from Skólavörðustígur, and across the road from the beautiful Einar Jónsson Museum and sculpture garden, Café Loki is well located for a welcome break from your sightseeing adventures. Try and get a seat upstairs for a great, unobstructed view. Café Loki Lokastígur 28, 101 Reykjavik +354 466-2828 loki@loki.is, www.loki.is Open daily 08:00-22:00 Plenty of space for groups (book ahead) 81
Let’s go shop Shopping in Iceland is a unique experience. Hand-knit woollens can be found on the same street as designer fashions and jewellery, while souvenirs range from stunning watches to the best of Icelandic films and music!
82
83
Made in Iceland
Our Master Watchmaker never loses his concentration
With his legendary concentration and 50 years of experience our Master Watchmaker ensures that we take our waterproofing rather seriously. Gilbert O. Gudjonsson, our Master Watchmaker and renowned craftsman, inspects every single timepiece before it leaves our workshop. As a privately owned and operated company, we have the opportunity and duty to give all our timepieces the personal attention they deserve.
www.jswatch.com
The collaboration of a watchmaker, collector and designer has produced the JS Watch co. Reykjavik, one of the world’s smallest manufacturers of stylish, quality watches. Is JS Watch co. Reykjavik, from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, one of the watch industries best kept secret?
All the watches are designed and assembled by hand in Iceland. Only highest quality movements and materials are used to produce the watches and every single detail has been given the time needed for perfection. The quantity of watches produced is limited, giving them an exclusive and truly personal feel. Currently the watches are being worn on many celebrity wrists such as Viggo Mortensen, Quentin Tarantino and his holiness 14th Dalai Lama to name just a few.
Meet the watchmaker The JS Watch co. Watch factory and exclusive retail shop located at Laugavegur 62, in the trendy “101” area of Reykjavik provides customers with a unique opportunity to meet the watchmakers who assemble and test their timepiece. Quality control is administrated by Master Watchmaker Gilbert O. Gudjonsson who is one of Iceland’s best known watchmakers and has more than 40 years of experience.
Shop of the Year JS Watch co. Reykjavik was awarded as the Shop of the Year Award 2014 (Njarðarskjöldurinn) for their exceptional service and product knowledge, where customers have the opportunity to not only to see the watchmaking process in action, but also receive a certain amount of creative
license in the design of any watch they intend to purchase. With its innovative marketing and promotion campaign, JS Watch co. Reykjavik has attracted significant attention on social media, both at home and abroad. If you are interested in unique Icelandic design stop by and have a look at the JS Watch co. Reykjavik collection of quality mechanical timepieces.
Gilbert ‘O Guðjónsson Master watchmaker, Laugvegur 62 tel + (354) 551 4100, www.jswatch.com 85
Iceland, delivering semi-sweet, bitter and milk chocolates in various shapes, sizes and pretty gift boxes. Omnom is another local chocolate maker that is quite special. The company sources premium organic beans from a range of cocoa fields around the world and tailors its chocolatemaking process to ensure that each variety of chocolate achieves its full potential. Haflidi Ragnarsson is one of the world’s top 100 chocolatiers and something of a purist in terms of the mighty cocoa bean. He works his magic to combine classic blends with more exotic flavours of pistachio, passion fruit, star anise and even Earl Grey tea. Freyja and Stefan B Chocolatier are among the other popular brands that offer sweets and liquorice. The perfect gifts, all these sweet treat will guarantee you a warm reception back home if only you can resist temptation during your flight!
DutyFree at Keflavik International Airport Take some Icelandic treasures home DutyFree Iceland provides a fantastic shop window on almost everything Icelandic, from unusual drinks, to sweet treats and natural skincare products. DutyFree Iceland is tax- and duty free, and it’s open day and night to all passengers of departing AND arriving flights. Make it your first and last destination in Iceland.
Distinctively icelandic - spirits There is always a great selection of dutyfree wines and spirits in store, featuring Icelandic favourites like Brennivín, clear schnapps that is considered Iceland’s signature drink. Icelandic Mountain Vodka is a much newer product, gluten free and made with pure Icelandic water. Distilled 86
seven times for an extra smoothness, it’s 40% alcohol and is getting rave reviews from its international fan-base. Vor is a premium gin from Eimverk distillery, made with organic barley and bursting with the flavours of the Icelandic countryside. Also from Eimverk is Flóki, the hand-crafted single malt. Its special taste comes from barley grown organically in volcanic soil at the Arctic Circle.
The Reykjavik Distillery is renowned for its rhubarb and juniper berry liqueurs, perfect neat, or in a cocktail. Take a look at awardwinning Reyka and Katla vodkas, as well as Birkir schnapps and Bjork liqueur, all delightfully smooth and uniquely Icelandic. Tópas and Opal Vodka shots are certainly not to be missed. And don’t forget about the beer – there is a huge selection of brands such as Viking, Boli and Egils Gull, not to mention the produce of a growing number of micro-breweries.
Sweet Iceland Confectionery is a big thing in Iceland, and when it comes to chocolate, Noi Sirius is a name to look out for. Established in 1920, it’s the largest confectionary manufacturer in
Quality skincare products Icelandic herbal oils and cosmetics sit next to international brands in DutyFree, offering health-giving benefits derived from the country’s mountains, valleys and hot springs. A recent scientific breakthrough in Iceland, based on 10 years of biotechnology research, has resulted in a new concept that is marketed here as BIOEFFECT® skin care (serum and day cream). It nourishes and replenishes skin cells, bringing a youthful glow to even the most stressed or sensitive skin, without harmful chemical compounds. The range of revolutionary biotech skin care products includes EFG Day Serum, which rejuvenates the skin and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Other products use local Icelandic ingredients – Sóley Organic, for example, uses hand-picked wild Icelandic herbs in their eco-friendly products, while Taramar uses Icelandic seaweed and organic herbs. Villimey specialises in herbal salves and ointments, and Purity Herbs produces natural skin care products, including joint relief oils and volcanic body scrubs. DutyFree Iceland 235 Keflavik Airport Tel: +354 425 0410 www.dutyfree.is
87
Stay dry, stay happy! Reykjavik Raincoats Take a walk on the wild side
PÉTUR GAUTUR ARTIST
Quiet, clean Nordic lines with harmonious tones and captivating splashes of colour. Renowned Icelandic artist Pétur Gautur paints stunning still-life compositions, inspired by his surroundings and the changing seasons. Visit the artist in his Snorrabraut studio – close to Hallgrímskirkja – open by appointment.
Choose a memory of Iceland that will never fade away +354 898 7172, facebook.com/petur.gautur Studio at Njálsgata 86, 101 Reykjavik, also at Gallerý Fold, Rauðarárstíg 12-14
“If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute…” is the popular and alarmingly accurate phrase Icelanders use to describe their ever-changing environment. People here know that it’s always best to be prepared for the worst. And when the south east wind comes howling in carrying its precious cargo of rain, you can forget about opening an umbrella.
You can’t have a rainbow without a little rain The team at Reykjavík Raincoats has never let the rain get them down. Passionate about creating the perfect raincoat, they have taken the proven practicality of the old fisherman-style waterproofs and given them a new lease of life in the shape of
funky, fitted high-quality jackets that mix fashion with function. Lovingly handcrafted using only the finest materials, Reykjavik Raincoats are 100% waterproof. The contemporary rubberized cotton fabric incorporates double-stitched, sealed seams for protection against driving rain and piercing winds. Underarm vents help with ventilation, while the drawstring hood, front pockets and classic stud fasteners add authenticity to the design, a nostalgic nod to its proud Icelandic heritage.
Just add water! Stylish, high quality and something that you’ll treasure for a lifetime, Reykjavik Raincoats won’t dry out, crack or leak. You
can buy them online (size guide available and free shipping worldwide), or in person – at the Reykjavik Raincoats downtown store located at Laugavegur 62. Here you can speak directly with the designers, learn how the raincoats are made and fall in love with the one that’s got your name on it. Once properly kitted out, you’ll be wishing for rain. Also available in Epal design store in the magnificent Harpa Concert Hall and Epal store at Laugavegur 70. Reykjavik Raincoats Laugaveg 62 101 Reykjavik Tel: +354 571 1177 info@reykjavikraincoats.com www.reykjavikraincoats.com 89
at the water content of many vegetables, it’s easy to see why clean water plays a vital role in the end result.
A co-operative effort
photos: Hari
Icelandic vegetable farm produce Fresh as the morning dew The nation’s fruit and veg
For a delicious, farm-fresh taste of Iceland look out for the green farmers label with the distinct blue and red stripe from the Icelandic flag. Stores around the country are proud to stock this super-fresh and super-tasty produce, which comes from local farmers up and down the land.
Top tomatoes You can tell a lot about a country by its tomatoes. Tomato farming was one of the first types of commercial veggie farming to take off in Iceland and, amazingly, there are now 11 different types of tomatoes grown here. When you sample any one of them your taste buds will confirm the quality. Unlike 90
most imports, which are picked way before they’re ripe and can often spend weeks in transit, these beauties are allowed to ripen slowly and naturally on the vine, and are usually in the shops the day after they have been picked.
Fresh, ripe and full of flavour Contributing to the quality of the label’s tomatoes, salads, herbs, fruits and other vegetables, are the environmental factors that Icelanders have harnessed to great effect. Unpolluted cool air, crystal clear water and decent soil with no additives or nasty pesticides all help to produce nutritious crops, rich in vitamins, minerals and, of course, taste. The cool air means no bugs
outdoors, and inside (under glass) farmers use the “good bugs” to take on the “bad bugs” in their successful quest for highquality, home grown produce.
Green and smart While some of the fruit and veg is grown in open fields under those fresh Icelandic skies – kale, cabbage and sturdy root crops such as potatoes and carrots – the rest gets a warmer, year-round growing life in sophisticated greenhouses. Icelandic farmers are at the forefront of greenhouse technology, using computerised systems, along with sustainable power sources and ultra-clean water, to maximise productivity from each precious square meter. And, when you look
Around 70% of all Icelandic fruit and veg is sold under the SFG farmers label. SFG (Sölufélag Garðyrkjumanna or “horticulturists’ sales”) is a long-established company that is 100%-owned by the famers who supply it. Family farmers like Vignir Jónsson and Ásdís Bjarnadóttir, who have been growing carrots since 1997 in sandy soil on the banks of the river Hvítá, assign their harvest to the company. Capable management and efficient marketing mean that around 90% of the wholesale price of goods finds its way back to the growers.
Hurrah for the humble vegetable And the strawberries and raspberries too! Not forgetting either, the farmers label ketchup, pasta sauces, relishes and pickled cabbage. Check out the whole delicious range at www.islenskt.is, where you can also find delightful introductions to the farmers growing your food. There’s even a “veggie calendar” to show you what’s in season when you visit. Look out for the green farmers label and put a taste of Iceland in your basket for the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy! SFG Brúarvogi 2, 104 Reykjavík Tel: +354 570 8900 Fax: +354 570-8929 sfg@sfg.is www.islenskt.is 91
Kirsuberjatréð Arts and Crafts Fresh funky design - Créative local makers Design heaven
In their element
With beautiful bags made from fishskin, radish-paper bowls, quirky kitchen utensils, the softest leathers, gorgeous ceramics, brooches, mittens, jewellery, lamps and magical music boxes the likes of which you’ll never have seen – Kirsuberjatréð is simply design heaven. One of Reykjavik’s understated gems, this tiny store has a big reputation. Kirsuberjatréð, or the Cherry Tree, is a vibrant collective of ten contemporary Icelandic artists and designers, all women and all hugely talented.
The cherry tree encapsulates nature’s capacity for simple yet stunning displays of beauty, hence the collective’s name. A common thread reflected in the diverse creations of these inspired artists, is the Icelandic landscape, a wild yet natural backdrop combining subtlety, drama and colour.
Colourful and contemporary The building is as colourful as its contents, and its 130-year history adds an extra dimension to any visit. The vintage
ICEWEAR SHOPS
REYKJAVÍK AUSTURSTRÆTI 5 • VESTURGATA 4 • ÞINGHOLTSSTRÆTI 2-4 • LAUGAVEGUR 1 • SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 38 • LAUGAVEGUR 89-91 OUTLET • FÁKAFEN 9 OUTLET • KÓPAVOGUR SMÁRALIND • AKUREYRI HAFNARSTRÆTI 106 • VÍK Í MÝRDAL AUSTURVEGUR 20 • VESTMANNAEYJAR BÁSASKERSBRYGGJU 2 • VISIT WWW.ICEWEAR.IS
décor dates back in part to the 1920s, the perfect contrast for these contemporary and innovative crafts. There is some interesting upcycling going on, with pieces of driftwood used to adorn silvery jewellery, and handbags fashioned from old leather jackets. And a rich selection of clothing includes exquisite knitted sweaters and other handcrafted garments, inspired by icelandic nature.
- Enjoy your visit, enjoy Iceland.
Kirsuberjatréð Vesturgata 4, 101 Reykjavík +354 562 8990 www.kirs.is Open Mon – Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat – Sun 10:00-17:00
Egils Appelsín
The Classic Icelandic Soda Put some heritage in your beverage There is probably not a single Icelander living who hasn’t enjoyed a glass of Egils Appelsín. This refreshing orange soda is pretty much the nation’s favourite beverage, produced in Iceland since 1955 by the legendary Ölgerðin Egill Skallagrimsson brewery. Ölgerðin is the Icelandic word for brewery, and brewing beer was the company’s primary objective when it was established over 100 years ago. Since then, it has gained a reputation as a top producer and exporter of high quality drinks, all made with pure Icelandic water.
Sparkling Orange It took 25 years, so the story goes, for Sigurður 94
Sveinsson to hatch the perfect recipe for this beautifully sweet, sparkling nectar. Originally a young apprentice when the firm first started producing soft drinks, Sigurður struggled to achieve the vibrant orange taste that’s now synonymous with Egils Appelsín. This distinctive soda has since earned its place in the history books, and to this day is loved and consumed by Icelanders of all ages.
Celebrate the taste On festive occasions, Icelanders like nothing better than to pair up Egils Appelsín with Egils Malt, a smooth non-alcoholic malt with hints of caramel and liquorice that was one of
the brewery’s first commercial products back in 1913. At Christmas, you can buy it readymixed under the name ‘Jólaöl’ (Christmas ale), but you can sample it over the summer months too, as the vital ingredients are available in all reputable bars, restaurants and supermarkets. If you’re looking for something typically Icelandic to take home, forget the lava balls and fluffy puffins – pick up some Egils Appelsín and Malt at the Duty Free and have yourself an Iceland-fest with friends and family.
More information on beverages and brewery tours: www.olgerdin.is
95
ALL T- SHIRTS
KR 2.499 I
BASEBALL CAP
KR 1.999
C
E
L
A
N
D
I
C
BEANIE
KR 1.299
M I L K
C H O C O L A T E
Go GÓA
Sweet as candy Must try classics
DRINKING FLASK
KR 1.299
MOUSE MAT
KR 999
Forget rotten shark and dried fish. If you want an authentic taste of Iceland you need look no further than the nearest sweet shop or supermarket. GÓA is the big name in Icelandic confectionary, and has been since 1968. Their classic delights such as Florida bars and Fantastic bars (i. Æði) are a staple at every Icelandic birthday party and camping trip, and on cosy nights in front of the TV.
Spread the love
PLUSH TOYS
KR 1.999
WHY PAY MORE shopicelandic.com Downtown Reykjavik
Eat it now, take it home, or give it to friends – your Icelandic experience is incomplete without a taste of GÓA’s finest. Try the whole range of Lava chocolate wafers, available with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, covered with shredded coconut or with a chewy marshmallow filling. If
liquorice is your thing, get yourself some Bingo lakkrískúlur (little bites of liquorice smothered in dark chocolate). You may well have noticed by now that liquorice is huge in Iceland. When Icelanders are visiting fellow nationals abroad, they will typically take bags of Appolo liquorice as a perfect cure for homesickness.
Ambitious and delicious Helgi Vilhjálmsson, one of the founders of GÓA, is a legendary figure in Iceland. He still manages the business, 50 years after he started out with just a single machine, making chewy toffees in his garage. From those humble beginnings, and with loyal staff who have worked alongside him for years, Helgi now runs a massive empire that also includes KFC and Taco Bell.
Appolo Liquorice & marzipan bites
Bingo lakkrískúlur Chocolate liquorice caramels
97
BESTE PRICNE ONLI
AIRPORT
TRANSFERS
CONTEMPLATE EVERYTHING BUT THE WEATHER
QUICK & CONVENIENT
Tickets available online
R
P
Book now: Tel. +354 540 1313 | iceland@grayline.is | grayline.is
Comfortable, modern coaches
OF
L
Free Wifi on board
A
Only 45 minutes
ESION
Lækjargötu 2 Reykjavík
You will find a selection of our Icelandic wool blankets at Geysir heima, Skólavörðustígur 12 and Geysir, Haukadalur.