ICELAND INFORMATION GUIDE 2014
2015
30TH YEAR EDITION TRAVEL FACTS - MAPS - ACCOMMODATION - RESTAURANTS SHOPPING - BIRDS & FLORA - ICELANDIC FOOD VALID THROUGH JUNE 2015
CONTENTS AND INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Accommodation Art gallery, Ceramic Workshop, Gallery Ceramic Birdlife Car rental firms The old harbour cinema Cheese store Distance in km – Drivng in Iceland Embassies of Iceland Flora of Iceland Geothermal Power Plant Exhibition Gift – souvenirs and woollens Hotels and guesthouses Iceland Iceland – Southwest – South part Iceland – West – West Fjords Iceland – North part – East part Iceland – Westman Islands Icelandic names Icelandic food Icelandic sheep Jewelry and watch maker Lingerie Store Map of Iceland Map of Reykjavík center Map of Reykjavík Museums in Reykjavík National Costumes Northern Lights Petrol Station N1 Phallological Museum Restaurants Transportation Taxi tours Tourist Information and Booking Office Supermarkets Swimming pools - Health Spa Tax free shopping information Travel facts Whale watching Volcano in Iceland
Page 11 28, 36, 46 109, 111 16, 22, 66 39 90 67 4 105, 107 44 26, 31, 42, 56, 60 2, 8, 10, 12, 24, 25, 32, 116, 118 3, 15, 45, 47, 49 51, 113 115, 117 119, 121 123 63 79, 87, 89, 91 57 20, 38, 60, 69 35 6, 7 125 126, 127 52, 53 61 37 33 29 30, 34, 40, 50, 54, 68 - 128 14, 18, 19 16 43 48, 64, 65 12 5, 9, 11, 13 58, 59 27
Published annually by Útgáfa og hönnun, Úthlíð 8, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland, Tel. +354-553 5088/899 0778 e-mail: icelandinfo@internet.is, www.internet.is/icelandinfo Publisher/Editor: Erlendur Guðmundsson Advertising: Ingunn Stefánsdóttir Production manager: Ragnheiður Ingunn Ágústsdóttir Cover Photo: Stefán Árni Þorgeirsson Other Photos: Erlendur Guðmundsson, Friðrik Jóelsson, Jóhann Águst Hansen, Kristján U. Kristjánsson Printing: Oddi hf. – 2014 – 30th year of publication
A
A message from the publisher
Dear Visitor I would like to welcome you to Iceland, hoping that this publication will give you some idea about Iceland, its geography, history, culture and its people. Iceland Information Guide is published annually by “Útgáfa og Hönnun” an independent publishing company, and this pocket guide is in the 30th year of publication, and it is aimed to help you make your stay in our country as pleasant, effective and rewarding as possible. In this pocket guide you will find addresses of Icelandic Embassies where you can obtain further information concerning Iceland. In our pocket guide we print various travel information various travel facts, hints and things to see and do in Iceland. We take pride in recommending our selected advertisers, such as hotels, guesthouses and shops that sell various Tax-free items. It is my pleasure to recommend the variety of restaurants that advertise in our pocket guide as I have dined in the fast food restaurants and the ethnic restaurants: Icelandic, Indian, Mexican, Spanish, Italian, Asian etc. In reality you can expect to find good food and services in all these restaurants. We publish some pages about Icelandic food, the flora of Iceland and the birdlife in our country. Dear reader, Iceland is an experience not to be missed, the opportunity to see things you have never dreamed of, to see a land of striking contrasts where the elements of ice and fire are always present. I wish you a pleasant stay in Iceland and hope it will leave you with memories to treasure for a livetime.
Erlendur Guðmundsson Publisher
1
Iceland’s Premier Hotel Chain
Your Gateway to Iceland
Discover Iceland via 9 luxury hotels at convenient locations around the country.
For information and bookings: www.icelandairhotels.com or by telephone (+354) 444 4000
T
The republic of Iceland
Iceland is one of the largest islands in the North Atlantic, lies between latitude 63°24’N and 66°33’N and between longitude 13°30’W and 24°32’W. Iceland has a total area of 103.000 sq km, or 39.756 sq. miles. The Arctic Circle touches the island of Gríms ey off the north coast of Iceland. Iceland straddles a submarine ridge connecting Scotland with Greenland and has one of the Earth’s major geological faults – the mid- Atlantic rift – running through it. Iceland is one of the most active volcanic countries in the world, and nearly all types of volcanoes formed on earth can be found in Iceland. Geologically Iceland is a very young country still in the progress of its formation. Just as Iceland was the last country in Europe to be physically born, it was also the last to be settled by man, by Vikings in the ninth century at the start of a great era of navigation and exploration which would take the Icelanders as far as the shores of the New World. The settlers of Iceland brought with them the ancient Nordic language which has been preserved remarkably intact – and still very much alive – right up to the present day. Iceland, a nation-state numbering over three hundred thousand people, has an importance that bears little relation to its size. This is mostly due to its cultural heritage, especially the medieval Sagas and Eddas. Icelanders pride themselves on the oldest existing parliament in the world, the Althing, founded in 930 A.D., some sixty years after the country was first settled. Since 1944 Iceland has been a republic with a president elected for four years by plebiscite, a 63-member parliament which is elected for four years from eight electoral districts, and a cabinet, led by the Prime Mini ster, which wields the executive power.
3
EMBASSIES OF ICELAND
ICELANDIC EMBASSIES IN EUROPE, NORTH AMERICA AND ASIA www.mfa.is
AUSTRIA Botschaft von Island Naglergasse 2/3/8 AT-1010 Wien Austria Tel: (1) 533 2771 Fax: (1) 533 2774 emb.vienna@mfa.is
BELGIUM Ambassade d’Islande Rond Point R. Schuman 11 BE-1040 Bruxelles Tel: 238 5000 Fax: 230 6938 emb.brussel@mfa.is DENMARK Islands Ambassade Strandgade 89 1401 København Tel: 3318 1050 Fax: 3318 1059 icemb.coph@utn.stjr.is FAROE ISLANDS Consulate General of Iceland Gongin 5, Torshavn Tel: (298 ) 308 100 Fax: (298) 308 109 icecon.torshavn@ utn.stjr.is FINLAND Islands Ambassad Pohjoisesplanadi 27C Fin-00100 Helsinki Tel: (9) 612 2460 Fax: (9) 6122 4620 www.iceland.is/fi Icemb.helskinki@utn.stjr.is FRANCE Ambassade d’Islande 52 ave. Victor Hugo FR-75116 Paris Tel. (1) 4417 3285 Fax (1) 4067 9996 paris@mfa.is www.iceland.is/fr
4
GERMANY Isländische Botschaft Rauchstrasse 1 DE-10787 Berlin Tel: (30) 5050 4000 Fax: (30) 5050 4300 infoberlin@mfa.is www.iceland.is/de
NORWAY Islands Ambassade Stortingsgata 30 NO-0244 Oslo 1 Norge Tel: 2323 7530 Fax: 2283 0704 emb.oslo@mfa.is www.iceland.is/no RUSSIA FEDERATION Khlebnyi Pereulok 28 115127 Moscow RU-121069 Moskva Tel: 956 7604 Fax: 956 7612 icemb.moscow@utn.stjr.is www.iceland.is/ru SWEDEN Islands Ambassad Kommendörsgatan 35 SE-114 58 Stockholm Sverige Tel: (8) 442 8300 Fax: (8) 660 7423 icemb.stock@utn.stjr.is www.iceland.is/se SWITZERLAND Permanet Mission of Iceland Ave Blanc 49 6th floor cp 86, CH 1211 Geneva Tel: 22 716 1700 Fax: 22 716 1707 icedel.genf@utn.stjr.is www.iceland.is/efta UNITED KINGDOM Embassy of Iceland 2AHans Street, London SW1X OJE United Kingdom Tel: (20) 7259 3999 Fax: (20) 7245 9649 icemb.london@mfa.is www.iceland.is/uk UNITED STATES Embassy of Iceland House of Sweden 2900 k street NW #509 Washington D.C. 20007-1704 Tel: (202) 265 6653 Fax: (202) 265 6656 icemb.wash@utn.stjr.is www.iceland.is/us
Consulate General of Iceland 800 Third Ave 36th. fl. New York, N.Y. 10022 U.S.A. Tel: 646 282 9360 Fax: 646 282 9369 icecon.ny@mfa.is www.iceland.is/us/nyc CANADA Embassy of Iceland 360 Albert Street Suite 710 Ottawa, Ontario ON K1R 7x7 Tel: (613) 482 1944 Fax: (613) 482 1945 icemb.ottawa@utn.stjr.is www.iceland.is/ca Consulate General of Iceland One Wellington Crescent Suite 100 Winnipeg Manitoba R3M 3Z2 Tel: (204) 284 1535 icecon.winnepeg@utn.stjr.is www.iceland.is/ca/win CHINA Embassy of Iceland Landmark Tower 1, #802 8 North Dongsanhuan Road Beijing Lu 100004 Tel.: (10) 6590 7795 Fax: (10) 6590 7801 icemb.beijing@utn.stjr.is www.iceland.is/cn INDIA Embassy of Iceland 10 Munirka Marg. Vasant Vihar New Delhi 110057 Tel.: 91 11435 30300 Fax: 91 11424 03001 emb.newdehli@mfa.is www.iceland.is/in JAPAN Embassy of Iceland 4-18-26 Takanawa, Minato-ku JP-108 0074 Tokyo Tel: (3) 3447 1944 Fax: (3) 3447 1945 icemb.tokyo@utn.stjr.is www.iceland.is/jp
LIST OF SCHENGEN COUNTRIES: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The standardized Schengen visa will be valid for travelling to all the Schengen States. Thus, a special visa for visiting Iceland Will not be necessary.
TRAVEL FACTS
BEFORE YOU GO
Iceland embassies no longer issue visas. On the occasion when Iceland is the main destination, it is possible to apply for visa in the embassies of other Schengen States, in over 100 places in the world, which issue visas on behalf of Iceland. Citicens of following States are exempted from visa obligation when entering Iceland for stay up to three months (in total in the Schengen area): Andorra, Albania, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Croatia, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong,***Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao,**** Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, NewZealand, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Poland, San Marino, S-Korea, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.
HOW TO GET TO ICELAND BY AIR
The following companies operate flights to Iceland, Icelandair, Air Iceland, Atlantic Airways, WOW Air, Air Greenland, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Easyjet, Air Berlin, Niki Luftfahrt, SAS, Hamburg International, German Wings, Transavia France, Finnair, Delta Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Travel Service from the following cities: ALICANTE, AMSTERDAM, ANCHORAGE, BARCELONA, BERGEN, BERLIN, BOSTON, BREMEN, BUDAPEST, COLONE, COPENHAGEN, DORTMUND, DÜSSELDORF, EDMONTON, FRANKFURT, FREDRICHSAFEN, GLASGOW, HALIFAX, HANNOVER, HELSINKI, LONDON, LUTON, MADRID, MANCHESTER, MILAN, MUNICH, NEW YORK, NUUK, ORLANDO, OSLO, PARIS, PRAQUE, SEATTLE, ST. PETERSBURG, STAVANGER, STUTTGART, STOCKHOLM, TORONTO, VANCOUVER, VIENNA, WARSAW, ZURICH.
APPROXIMATE FLYING TIMES FROM SEVERAL CITIES Amsterdam Copenhagen Frankfurt London Hamburg Paris New York Narsarsuaq Orlando
Reykjavík Reykjavík Reykjavík Reykjavík Reykjavík Reykjavík Reykjavík Reykjavík Reykjavík
3 hours 3 hours 3 hours 3 hours 3 hours 3 hours 5 hours 2 hours 7 hours
15 min. 20 min. 45 min. 5 min. 15 min. 25 min 30 min. 30 min. 10 min.
5
4
3 1 2 3 4 5 6
BLUE LAGOON
2 1
GEOTHERMAL POWER STATION KEFLAVIK AIRPORT HOTEL DJÚPAVÍK VEGAMÓT
NORTH SAILING HOTEL EDDA
HILTON REYKJAVÍK NORDICA
6
6
5
6
16 rental locations Reservation Tel.(354) 568 6915 Book on line: www.holdur.is
50 km
HÓTEL HAFNARFJÖRÐUR
A C C O M M O D AT IO N IN T H E RE Y K JAV IK C A P ITA L A RE A 10 minutes drive to reykjavík city centre and easy access to all destinations
G re a t lo c a tio n , o n ly 1 0 m in u te s to c e n tre o f R e y k ja v ik , O N LY 2 0 m in u te s to th e B lu e L a g o o n a n d 3 0 m in u te s fro m K e fla v ik In te rn a tio n a l a irp o r t a n d a ll d e s tin a tio n s . F R E E PA R K IN G a ro u n d th e h o te l fo r g u e s ts .
H ó te l H a fn a r fjö rð u r | R e y k ja v ík u r v e g u r 7 2 | 2 2 0 H a fn a r fjö rð u r Te l: (+3 5 4 ) 5 4 0 9 7 0 0 | w w w .h o te lh a fn a r fjo rd u r.is
DUTY-FREE ALLOWANCES: The duty-free store at Keflavík Airport is open to coincide with flight departures and arrivals. Tourists may bring the following duty-free goods into Iceland: 1) 1 litre of spirits (up to 47% alcohol content). 2) 1.5 liters of wine (up to 21% alcohol content.) or 6 litres of beer 3) 3 liters of wine and 4) 200 cigarettes or 250 gr. of other tobacco products.
TRAVEL FACTS
ARRIVAL IN ICELAND
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION / BUSES: Flybus Arrivals Operated all year daily from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik in connection with all arriving flights. The Flybus brings passengers to Reykjavik Excursions and the Flybus terminal at BSÍ, near to the capital´s center. From there passengers are brought to some of the major hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik. Flybus departure Operated all year daily from the BSÍ Bus Terminal to Keflavik Airport in connection with all departing flights. A free pick-up service is available from some of the major hotels and gueasthouses in Reykjavík. Duration: 40 - 50 minutes. The fare apx 13 EUR AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION / TAXIS: Taxis are always waiting at the rank outside the arrival hall. Cab fare to Reykjavík for 4-passenger taxi is equivalent to approximately apx. 90 EUR. Reykjavík taxis offer the same price for the drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík airport. MIDNIGHT SUN During summer the nights are bright in all of Iceland. In the month of June the sun never fully sets in the north. There are even speci al excursions to the island of Grímsey on the Arctic Circle where you can experience the midnight sun, that is to say if it is not cloudy! Keep in mind, however, that the sun at midnight is not as warm as midday, so bring along a sweater. RELIGION The established religion in Iceland is Lutheran. There are many Lutheran churches in Iceland and services usually held every Sunday at 11:00 or 14:00. There is also a Catholic church in Reykjavík, and a number of churches for other groups. Holy Mass in English is offered in the Roman Catholic Cathedral every Sunday at 20:00. LANUGAGE Icelandic is a Teutonic language of the Nordic group. It is beli eved to have changed little from the original tongue spoken by the Norse settlers. English and Danish are widely spoken and understood. Icelandic has two letters of its own: þ/Þ pronounced like th in „thing“ and ð/Ð pronounced like th in „them“. DINING Restaurants in Iceland offer a wide variety of dishes, ranging from Icelandic seafood and mountain lamb to Indian or Japenese cuisine. There are also places that offer pizza, hamburgers and other less expensive dishes. The average cost of Icelandic meals (without wine or liquor) is as foll ows: Breakfast EUR 10-20, lunch EUR 15-25, dinner EUR 30-40 . TIPPING Service and VAT are invariably included in prices in Iceland.
9
A RECIPE FOR A GREAT VACATION
ONE STOP SHOP 12 HOTELS AROUND ICELAND
Make your order on www.hoteledda.is or by telephone (+354) 444 4000
Icelandic Tourist Board Iceland Lækjargata 3, Gimli - IS-101 Reykjavik Iceland. Tel: (+354) 535-5500 Fax: (+354) 535-5501 Email: info@icetourist.is / www.icetourist.is
Icelandic Tourist Board USA 655 Third Avenue, New York, NY.100017 USA, Tel: 212 885 9700 Fax: 212 885 9710 Email: usa@intertourist.is / www.icelandtouristboard.com Icelandic Tourist Board Germany City Centre, Frankfurter Str. 181 D-63263, Neu-Isenburg, Germany
Tel: (6102) 25 4484 Fax: (6102) 25 4570 Email: info@icetourist.de / www.icetourist.de
HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSES
There are hotels and guesthouses to suit all tastes and budgets, from the most luxurious in Reykjavík, to the simple and sufficient throughout the country. Several travel agencies and airlines have special accommodation offers which can only be purchased outside Iceland. Children’s discounts are also widely available. Contact your booking office for further information. The Icelandic Hotel and Restaurant Association publishes a yearly brochure with a list of all major hotels and guesthouses in Iceland. Contact their office at Hafnarstræti 20, IS-101 Reykjavík, tel.: +354-511 8000
ICELANDAIR HOTELS
ACCOMMODATION IN ICELAND
TOURIST INFORMATION
Icelandair operates nine first-class hotels around the country under the name ICELANDAIR HOTELS. www.icehotels.is Icelandair also runs the EDDA Summer Hotel Chain. Both bed and breakfast and sleeping-bag accommodation are offered in the EDDA hotels. www.edda.is
FARMHOUSE ACCOMMODATION
Icelandic Farm Holidays is a chain of farmhouses around Iceland offering accommodation and various activities to travellers in their homes, guesthouses, country-hotels and cottages.For a new brochure or booking, contact Icelandic Farm Holidays, Síðumúla 2, IS 108 Reykjavík, Iceland, tel: +354 5702700, e-mail: ifh@farmholidays.is Webside: www.farmholidays.is.
YOUTH AND FAMILY HOSTELS
There are various youth and family hostels around Iceland and all people are welcome regardless of age. Almost all hostels have family rooms (rooms with 2 to 4 beds). A few hostels are open all year, others operate in summer only. For further information contact the Icelandic Youth Hostels Association, Sundlaugavegur 34, IS-105 Reykjavík; tel.: +354-553 8110, fax: +354-588 9201. Homepage: www.hostel.is, E-mail: info@hostel.is.
CAMPING
There are approx. 130 campsites in Iceland. Camping grounds are normally open from the beginning of June until the end of August or middle of September depending on location.
11
Welcome to VOX at Hilton ReykjavĂk Nordica
Sudurlandsbraut 2, Reykjavik Tel. (+354) 444 5000 www.hilton.is | www.vox.is
TRAVEL FACTS TOURS Iceland offers a great variety of tours, some covering large parts of the country, others small areas at a time. There are traditional tours as well as tours quite different from what you have experienced elsewhere. There are nature tours with striking landscapes, young lava fields, roaring waterfalls and majestic glacial ice-caps. Travelling into the uninhabited interior of Iceland is limited to the months of July and August, except for some specially organized winter tours (see section on opening of the mountain tracks). Winter tours in Iceland are unforgettable: there is skiing for both beginners and the experienced, ice-climbing and ice-fishing. In addition, there are organized day tours, and weekend and holiday tours all year round with Icelandic touring clubs where the emphasis is on hiking. Reykjavík Excursion offer a wide variety of quality day tours all year, spanning from a two and a half hours sightseeing of the city to whole day tours. Reykjavík Excursion offer passengers close contact with the many sides of Iceland, its nature, history, culture and daily life. North Sailing Húsavík offers daily very interesting whale watching tours from Húsavík, Akureyri and Ólafsfjörður. Located no 6 on map page 7. TAX-FREE SHOPPING A refund of the local Value Added Tax is available to foreign visitors in Iceland. The refund will result in a reduction of up to 15% of the retail price, provided departure from Iceland is within 3 months after the purchase is made. The purchase amount must be no less than ISK 4,000 (VAT included) per sales receipt, and all goods (except woollens) must be packed in sealed bags or containers). HEALTH INSURANCE Citizens of Scandinavia and the U.K. are covered by national health insurance. Citizens of other countries are advised to cover themselves with health insurance while travelling. VACCINATIONS If arriving in Iceland from an infection-free nation as determined by the World Health Organization, no vaccinations are required. ELECTRIC CURRENT The electric current in Iceland is 220 volts, 50 HZ AC. Please note that the prongs on electrical equipment you bring with you may be different from our standards. It is advisable to check before using such equipment.
13
We´ll make you a fixed fare offer
We specialize in personalized sightseeing day trips to the natural wonders of Iceland – for small groups of 4-8 persons.
All major credit cards accepted by the driver.
H
HISTORY The country may have been settled by some Christian monks from Ireland already in 700 A.D. The first Icelandic settler is said to be the Norwegian, Ingólfur Arnarson, who came to the country in 874. He resided where the capital is now, and gave it the name Reykjavík. Half a century later, or in 930, the Icelandic parliament in ancient times, ”Althingi“ was founded, which is considered the oldest parliament in the world. The meetings were held at the beautiful place, Thingvellir, located at Iceland’s biggest lake, Lake of Thingvellir, 50 km from Reykjavík. Thingvellir is now a national park. The Norwegian people who settled in Iceland were heathen. In the year 1000, through an act of law, Christianity was adopted. Such an event has not happened in any other country in the world. Late in the 14th century the Danish king came to power in Iceland. The Icelanders could never submit to the Danish authority and struggled firmly to regain their independence. In 1918 Iceland became a sovereign state with the same king as Denmark. On the 17th of June, 1944, the Republic of Iceland was founded and, Icelanders got their complete independence again. Since then, that day has been Iceland’s national day.
15
ON MAP NO 26
Horse Riding
Glacier Walk
Whale Watching
Diving
Puffin Tours
Nature Bathing
Blue Lagoon
Paragliding
Helicopter Tours
Book your dream tour now
T
he Coat of Arms of the Republic of Iceland An old story embodied in The Seal of Iceland
This story is embodied in The Seal of Iceland, where the Dragon represents the Eastern part, the Bird the Northern part, the Bull represents the Western part and the Rock Giant the Southern part. The four Guardians of Iceland, are described in an old tale telling of a magician who was sent by King Harold Gormsson of Denmark to investigate the country prior to invasion.
The magician swam to Iceland in the form of a whale, and when he reached the country he saw that all hills and mountains were full of spirits, large and small. He came to Vopnafjörður (Fjord of Weapons) on the East coast and a huge dragon approached him, accompanied by reptiles, worms and lizards. He then swam north to Eyjafjörður (Fjord of Isles) and was approached there by a bird so huge, that the wings touched the mountains on each side of the valley. The bird was accompanied by numerous other birds of all sizes, large and small. He went west and south and came to Breiðafjörður (Wide Fjord), where he was approached by a huge bull which waded into the sea and made loud noises, the bull was accompanied by by a large number of spirits. He went from there and south of Reykjanes (Smoke Peninsula) and wanted to take land at Víkarsskeið (The Sands of Vikar), but was approached by a huge rock giant whose head was higher than the mountains and carried a large iron staff, and he was accompanied by a host of other giants. Then the magician went east along the south coast, where he could find no landing places. Thus the intentions of the King of the Danes came to naught due to the efforts of the Guardian Spirits of Iceland.
17
ON MAP NO 14
WE‘LL TAKE YOU THERE! ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND
EXPERIENCE A GREAT DAY WITH US!
BOOK NOW at your reception
Free WiFi
Hotspot on board our coaches.
by emailing main @ re.is on www.re.is AND ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.RE.IS
EXPO · www.expo.is
More Tours available in our brochures
R O
BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík •
580 5400 • main@re.is • www.re.is
th S t w e op udy w t a w io ll .io ns yo o .is n
ON MAP NO 14
Scheduled Busses & Bus Passports SUMMER 2014
Free WiFi Hotspot on board Reykjavik Excursions coaches.
For our flexible schedule scan the QR code!
R O
BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík •
580 5400 • main@re.is • www.ioyo.is
ON CENTER MAP NO 7
N
NORSE MYTHOLOGY The Norse people lived from about A.D. 200 to 700 in Scandinavia. After A.D. 700, the Norse migrated in search of new lands, settling in parts of the British Isles, Iceland, Greenland and East into Russia. From this period on, the Norse are known as Vikings. The mythology of this region is grim, shadowed by long, sunless winters. But the darkness is laced with gleams of grandeur and sparks of humor. The myths depict a universe in which gods and giants battle among themselves in a cosmic conflict fated to end in the destruction of the world. The Vikings idea of heaven was Valhalla, Warriors only. You had to die in battle ,to be escorted by beautiful female Valkyries to Valhalla. There you could clash in battle all day long, your cleft limbs and cleavagings miraculosly restored at the close of play. Then you spent all night carousing, feasting, getting roaring drunk and discussing the day’s fun. A major source of information about Norse mythology is a book called the Poetic Edda, sometimes known as the Elder Edda. It consists of mythological and heroic poems, including Voluspa, an overview of Norse mythology from the creation to the final destructive battle of the world, called Ragnarok. The unknown author who compiled the Poetic Edda in Iceland around 1270 drew on materials dating from between 800 and 1100. Around 1222, an Icelandic poet and chieftain named Snorri Sturluson wrote the Prose Edda, or Younger Edda, which interprets traditional Icelandic poetry for the audiences of Snorri’s time. Icelandic people maintained a strong interest in their heritage even after becoming Christian. Norse mythology inspired the stirring poems and sagas that were written down during the late Middle Ages, and it has inspired more recent artists as well. German composer Richard Wagner used the legend of Sigurd as the basis for his cycle of four operas, known collectively as Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung). Some modern writers of fantasy have drawn on Norse stories and creations such as elves and dwarfs in their work. The best known of these is J.R.R. Tolkien, whose Lord of the Rings features many themes from Norse mythology.
21
ON MAP NO 30
City Car Rental Offers one of the best prices in Reykjavik
Car Booking Reservations Please Contact ReykjavĂk Office: +354 771 4200 KeflavĂk Office: + 354 772 7025
Convenient Hotel and Location in Reykjavik 4th FLOOR HOTEL located at the main shopping
street Laugavegur. Museums, art galleries, shops, restaurants, nightlife and many other attractions are within walking distance.
Hotel booking reservations, please call + 354 511 3030
V
VIKING-AGE The word Viking is a collective designation of Nordic peoples, Danes, Swedes, Norwegians and Icelanders, who ranged abroad during a period of dynamic Scandinavian expansion in the Middle Ages, from about AD 800 to 1100. Called the Viking Age, the period has long been popularly associated with unbridled piracy, when freebooters came swarming out of the northlands in their predatory long ships to burn and pillage their way across civilized Europe. This, however, is now recognized as a gross simplification. Modern scholarship emphasizes the achievements of the Viking Age in terms of Scandinavian art and craftsmanship, marine technology, exploration, and the development of commerce, the Vikings as traders, not raiders. In 2001 archaeological remains were excavated in Aðalstræti, which turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavík, from before AD 871 ± 2. The finds included a hall or longhouse, which is now preserved in its original location as the focal point of the exhibition about life in Viking-Age Reykjavík. The exhibition aims to provide insight into the enviroment of the Reykjavík farm at the time of the first settlers. Exhibits include artefacts from archaeological excavations in central Reykjavík. The construction of Viking-Age buildings is explained using multimedia technology. Computer technology is used to give an impression of what life was like in the hall. 23
ON MAP NO 23
Like living in an Icelandic home in the hart of Reykjavík
Budget friendly
Booking Award 2013 www.Booking.com
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Reykjavik Hostel Village Flókagata 1 • 105 Reykjavík Telephone +354 552 1155
www.hostelvillage.is info@hostelvillage.is
ON MAP NO 19
A cozy place to stay, Hótel Frón is located on Reykjavík’s main downtown shopping street. This four floor, hotel, with elevator, provides its guests with a selection of 96 rooms and apartments. All rooms have a bathroom, minibar, telephone, television and a safe. All apartments have kitchen facilities, a refrigerator, and a cooking stove. The hotel offers a remote internet connection and facilities for meetings.
ON MAP NO 16
Keep warm in Iceland! JANUS woolen underwear is made of the finest Merino wool wich is soft and comfortable!
Soft and comfortable woolen underwear made of the finest Merino wool
Laugavegi 25 Hafnarstræti 99 101 Reykjavík 600 Akureyri tlf. +354 552 7499 tlf. +354 461 3006 www.ullarkistan.is
Jóhann Ágúst Hansen
THE ERUPTIONS AT THE EYJAFJALLAJÖKULL VOLCANIC SYSTEM IN 2010 AND IN GRÍMSVÖTN 2011 Volcanic eruptions occur in Iceland every 3-4 years, with over 50% occurring within glaciers. The eruption in Grímsvötn in Vatnajökull glacier 21-28 May 2011 (see location on map page 7) produced 20 times more ash than the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010 (see location on map page 6). However, the impact on air traffic was small compared to the extensive impact on transAtlantic and European air traffic during the Eyjafjallajökull eruption. The Eyjafjallajökull volcanic system in South Iceland erupted twice in spring 2010, first on the flank of the volcano and then at the summit. The flank eruption was located on Fimmvörðuháls, an approximately 2 km wide pass of ice-free land between Eyjafjallajökull ice cap and the neighbouring Katla volcano with its overlying Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. Lava flowed north into two gullies, on either side of Heljarkambur ridge, blocking the popular Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail which leads to the outdoor area Þórsmörk. The eruption lasted from 20 March to 12 April. On 14 April 2010, another much bigger eruption began at the summit of the volcano. It was preceded by intense earthquake activity at shallow depth beneath the ice-topped crater of the volcano. Sub-glacial eruptions progress into explosive eruptions when lava comes in contact with ice, causing at the same time melt water flow. The Eyjafjallajökull volcanic system has erupted three times before in historical time, i.e. in the last 1100 years, ca. 920, 1612 and 1821-23. The Grímsvötn volcano erupts regularly, the last time in 2004.
27
ON MAP NO 2
STUDIO AND WORKSHOP H an d m ad e C eram ic D esig n an d A rtw o rk
In g u n n E rn a S te fá n s d ó ttir C a ll: 8 6 3 3 9 3 4
S iz e - is a q u e s tio n o f w h e re y o u ’re s ta n d in g
In a ro b e fro m H a g k a u p
G u ð rú n H a lld ó rs d ó ttir C a ll: 6 6 0 8 4 4 1
Y O U A R E W E LC O M E T O O U R W O R K S H O P S e lja v e g u r 3 2 | 1 0 1 R e y k ja v ík
ON MAP NO 30
THE ICELANDIC
PENIS MUSEUM
The only one of its kind in the world!
No pornography or offensive material in the museum.
HIÐ ÍSLENZKA REÐASAFN Einstakt safn, hið eina sinnar tegundar í heiminum!
DAS ISLÄNDISCHE PHALLUSMUSEUM
Eine einzigartige Sammlung und die einzigste ihrer Art auf der Welt!
LA PHALLOTHÈQUE D´ISLANDE Une collection unique, une première mondiale!
Laugavegur 116 • 105 Reykjavík • Tel.: +354-561-6663 • phallus@phallus.is • www.phallus.is
ON MAP NO 9
ON MAP NO 19 26
Blu 31
ON MAP NO 20
Hotel Ørkin
Sjómannaheimilið Brautarholt 29, // 105 Reykjavík // Iceland Tel: +354 568 0777 // Fax: +354 568 9747 info@hotelorkin.is // www.hotelorkin.is
A modern hotel in central Reykjavík. All rooms with bath, TV, radio telephone and free wireless Internet access. Excellent service and reasonable prices, breakfast included. A conference room and a restaurant on the groundfloor.
www.n1.is
facebook.com/enneinn ÍSLENSKA/SIA.IS ENN 69489 06/14
Tank up at N1 on your way around Iceland
The points indicate where you’ll find N1 service stations around Iceland
Complimentary
Wi-Fi
at selected N1 service stations
N1 is a service network of 98 stations, located all around Iceland. Our mission is to offer excellent services to anyone on the road. At the largest service stations, you can either tank up, shop for essentials and snacks or just take a break over a cup of coffee. At selected N1 service stations, travellers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi. Tank up your car at N1 and fuel your body and soul at the same time.
Let´s go!
ON MAP NO 32
BEST icelandic
incredidents ASIAN CUiSINE
G
dl
h
Open hours from 11:30 - 21:00 Monday to Friday 17:00 - 21:30 Satursday; Sunday Close Just opposite Höfði Only 10 minutes walk from downtown
asian cuisine & lounge
+354 517-0123 / www.bambusrestaurant.is ☎ Address: Borgartun 16, 105 Reykjavik
ON MAP NO 1
www.lifstykkjabudin.is
haute couture lingerie shop Opening hours Mon-Fri: 10:00 -18:00 Sat: 10:00 -16:00 Laugavegur 82, 101, ReykjavĂk Telephone: (+354) 551- 4473
Center
since 1916
ON MAP NO 22
Gallerí Fold
Art sales, auctioneers and exhibition spaces
The best collection of quality Icelandic art Art Gallery Fold
www.myndlist.is
Rauðarárstígur 14 • near Hlemmur Bus Station • Tel. +354-551-0400
T
Kleifarvatn lake South West Iceland by Kristján U. Kristjánsson
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, occur at height of 100 km (62 miles) and take the form of a curtain fluttering in the wind, or points of light emitting from a single spot. The phenomenon is a fascinating spectacle, caused by electrical impulses entering the atmosphere from the sun and being guided by magnetic fields. When the particles meet molecules in the atmosphere the Northern Lights are formed and their colour is determined by the type of molecules. Incidentally, every occurrance of Northern Lights is ´answered´ a fraction of a second later, by Southern Lights over the Antarctic. In Greenland it was once believed that the Northern Lights were caused by the souls of the dead playing ball with walrus skulls. According to legend, if you whistled at the Northern Lights, they came closer before they finally made off with you. However, if you barked like a dog you could repel them. Feel free to bark! The Northern Lights appear all year round, but can only be observed under a clear, dark night sky. In practice this means that the Northern Lights are most impressive in the autumn months, but they can also be seen in March and they ´disappear´ in the light summer nights.
37
ON MAP NO 18
Handmade
ON MAP NO 9
23/ !"#$%&#'!()*+(#,-%%!./#0*1 Winter Schedule The documentaries
When
A: THE ERUPTION! and HEKLA (20 minutes) B: THE ERUPTION! and BIRTH OF AN ISLAND – the making of Iceland” (55 minutes)
17:30 18:00
4562'#$7#80#59:80; – The making of Iceland
Audio: Englis
ICELANDIC An experience about theNATURE creation of AND Iceland,CULTURE the youngestFILMS country in Europe andVOLCANIC an island still ERUPTIONS: in the making! How does it happen? Birth of an island explores Vestmann how Iceland was created Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla 1947-2000, Islands, Surtsey,through volcanicGrímsvötn, eruptions,Gjálp why they continue and what effects they have on the isla … today. Why are there geysers and how have the Icelanders learned + birds, plants, waterfalls, glaciers, history, adventures, local to harne the natural hot and waters from deep below theLIGHTS! grounds? This unique producti people THE NORTHERN shows how natural forces, such as glaciers, rivers, waterfalls, the Atlantic an SHOWS FROM NOON > NIGHT volcanoes constantly mold Iceland. Running time: 43 minutes. See our handout at Info Centres and at our webpage or Facebook.
2'<#<6=>25$0? THE CINEMA is run by a family of professionals;
Audio: Music & soundsc
The volcanic eruptionProducer in Eyjafjallajökull in the spring of Filmmaker, and a Certified Guide. 2010. Devastating powers deep beneath the Earth crust first blue house – Old composer Harbour Village No 2, Reykjavik emerge. Original music The score by Icelandic heightens the uniq Tel. +(354) 898 6628 experience. Running time: 12 minutes. www.thecinema.is Audio:
'<@:8# – The entrance to Hell Trip advisor reviews
Music & soundsc
Iceland’s most famous volcano and the entrance to Hell “Incredibly moving pictures!” - “Cozy space, wonderful owners, great volcano films!” according to Middle Thisoutside production “A MUST-VISIT evenAge whenbeliefs. the weather is beautiful!”captures - “Eindrucksvoll und Hekla both at rest andintéressant in eruption. earliest shots are from the powe atmosphärisch” - “Super !” - “VärtThe att besöka i Reykjaviks gamla hamn” eruption in 1947. They are followed by shots of several later eruptions - the
ON MAP NO 1
Barónsstíg 11 - 101 Reykjavík Tel: 551 9555 argentina.is
A Gourmet Experience - Steaks and Style at Argentina Steakhouse
REYKJAVÍK THE WESTERNMOST AND THE NORTHERNMOST CAPITAL IN THE WORLD This double honour of extending the limits of civilization rests with Ingólfur Arnarson, with a helping hand from the gods. He established the first permanent settlement in Iceland in 874, and named the site Reykjavík – Smokey Bay – not a reference to fog, but to the steam from geothermal springs which heat the city today. The city is built on the shores of a sheltered inlet off the vast Faxa Bay. It’s full of surprises and contrasts with its busy harbour and the imposing peacefulness of Mt. Esja across the water. Take a walk through the city centre and see the charming blend of old and new where peaceful grassy slopes and ponds teeming with bird life are only a stone’s throw from the city’s banks and business offices. This northernmost capital of the world is a buzzing cultural city where cosmopolitan currents meet traditional trends. Reykjavík held the title European City of Culture in the year 2000; a welcome recognition of the energetic and colourful cultural life of Reykjavík. Reykjavík Art Museum,consisting of three excellent museums, Reykjavík Municipal Museum at Árbær, Reykjavík Museum of Photographs, City Archives and Library, jointly housed in Grófarhús in Tryggvagata – are all good choices if you want to spend a day enjoying the city’s culture. The geothermal baths in Reykjavík are not to be missed either by anyone visiting our friendly city. One of the best ways to meet the people of Reykjavík is to visit one of the seven baths, as going to the thermal pools is very much a way of life for Icelanders. Another geothermal gem is a manmade beach with warm water in Nauthólsvík – only 15 minutes walk from the city centre.
41
ON CENTER MAP NO 12
SINCE 1901 Pure Icelandic woolens. Traditional Icelandic silver. Great variety of souvenirs. ALL PROFITS GO TO CHARITY.
The Thorvaldsensbazar was opened in June 1901. It is run by the charity foundation Thorvaldsenssociety (est.1875). The society´s members have through the years served as voluntary workers in the Bazar. In the earlier times it became a boom to many households to sell their homemade items in the Bazar ( wood & wol lens). But in later years the Bazar is run in the customery way. All profits are used for beneficiary work, mainly for sick children.
THORVALDSENS BAZAR AUSTURSTRÆTI 4 Tel.: +354 551 3509
thorvaldsens@simnet.is. www.thorvaldsens.is
Stock up for your adventure Supermarket Tax free of souveniers and textiles!
Reykjavík
OPENING HOURS 1. June - 31. August 2014
Hella
Daily: 9-20
Þorlákshöfn
Mon. - Fri.: 10-20 Sat. - Sun.: 12-18
Hvolsvöllur
Höfn
Kirkjubæjarklaustur Daily: 9-21
Daily: 9-21
Vestmannaeyjar Vík Daily: 9-21
Daily: 11-22
K l a u s t u r / / V í k / / H v o l s v ö l l u r / / H e l l a / / Þ o r l á k s h ö f n / / V e s t m a n n a e y j a r / / w w w. k j a r v a l . i s
LOCATED NO 2 ON MAP PAGE 6
WORTH A VISIT
A GEOTHERMAL ENERGY EXHIBITION
Stop by the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant and see how they harness the geothermal energy. Experienced guides are on-hand to provide informative presentations backed by multimedia shows. Origin of the Geothermal energy – The production process – An illustrated guide to Hellisheiði – The earth core. Exclusive collection of minerals and stones. An excellent hiking and outdoor destination. Enjoy our coffee shop and browse through a selection of educational material in the souvenires corner.
Hönnun: adalheiduro@simnet.is
Open daily from 9:00 – 17:00. We are about 20 minutes drive from Reykjavík on Route 1 towards Hveragerði.
More information: www.orkusyn.is Tel: +354 412 5800. e-mail: orkusyn@orkusyn.is Gps 64°02”248’- 21°24”079´ We are on Facebook!
H
HOT SPRINGS – SOLFATARAS - GEOTHERMAL Iceland is richer in hot springs and solfataras or natural heat than any other country in the world. Two main types of thermal areas are ”high-temperature fields“, totaling 14 areas located in the new volcanic median zone. They are characterized by steam holes and mud pools, and the astonishing magnitude of colour that they project. ”Low temperature fields“ are the other kind of areas characterized by hot springs found all over Iceland totalling 800 in number. The water in these springs reaches the surface with the temperature close to boiling point and some of these springs are geysers. The most famous being the Great Geysir in Haukadalur in South Iceland, from which the international word geysir is derived. The natural hot water is now widely used to heat houses and greenhouses in Iceland. The water from hot springs is used to heat houses (more than 75% of the population now enjoys this type of heating in their homes). Over 10 hectares of greenhouses are heated in the same way allowing many types of vegetables and flowers to be grown in commercial quantities. At Hellisheiði, Geothermal Power Plant, you can enjoy a very interested guided tour inside the plant, see information on the opposide page, for location see map on page 6.
45
ON CENTER MAP NO 5
EACH PIECE IS ONE OF A KIND
KERAMIK – STUDIO – GALLERÍ VESTURGATA 5 – TEL./FAX 552 6036 kogga@vortex.is www.kogga.is
R
RIVERS AND LAKES Rivers are numerous and relatively voluminous, but none of them is navigable due to swift currents. The largest are turbid glacial rivers. The volume of water in Icelandic rivers give rise to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Clear-water rivers are harnessed for hydro-electric power production and abound in salmon, which are caught in great numbers. Characteristic of the youthful landscape are the many impressive waterfalls, the most noted being Gullfoss (32 metres), Dettifoss (44 metres), the largest in Europe and Skógafoss (60 metres). There are countless lakes in Iceland, many of them rich in trout and char, the biggest being Thingvallavatn (83 square kilometres). There are also many rivers in Iceland rich in salmon. River rafting is very popular. Level vary from gentle to fearsome glacial rivers rafting.
47
ON MAP NO 4
map
88
fly into a relaxing holiday with
Laugar Spa
Laugar Sundlaugarvegur 30a 105 Reykjavik Tel. +354 553 0000 worldclass@worldclass.is www.laugarspa.is
Laugar Opening hours Mon - Fri 06:00 - 23:30 Sat 08:00 - 22:00 Sun 08:00 - 20:00
G
Breiðamerkurjökull forms part of the Vatnajökull, largest icecap in Europe. The glacier has formed a lagoon, on which Icebergs and floes can be seen.
GLACIERS AND ICE-CAPS The glaciers are one of the most distinctive and exciting features of Iceland’s scenery. Almost all types of glacier are found in Iceland, ranging from small cirque glaciers to extensive icecaps. By far the largest of the glaciers is the Vatnajökull in the south-east with an area of 8.400 square kilometres and reaching thickness of 1.000 metres. One of the smaller glaciers, the cone-shaped Snæfellsjökull (made famous by Jules Verne in his “Journey to the Centre of the Earth“), may be seen across the bay from Reykjavík and affords a fascinating sight at sundown. Taxi station Hreyfill on page 14 offer a well approved sightseeing private trips to this part of Iceland.
49
ON CENTER MAP NO 12
SPUNTINI RISOTTO PASTA CLASSICS DESSERTS DON'T EXPECT SURPRISE GET READY FOR IT!
UNO at Ing贸lfstorg | Tel. 561 1313 | www.uno.is
LOCATED NO 1 ON MAP PAGE 6
T
THE SOUTHWEST REYKJANES PENINSULA For the visitor who arrives by air, this area will give the first impression of Iceland. After customs formalities and out on the open road he will be confronted with a rugged moonlike landscape. Lava fields stretch out to distant mountain ridges. There are no trees, no rivers, no valleys. Volcanic activity formed this peninsula and activity is evident in fissures spouting steam and in the rich potential being realised at the Svartsengi geothermal power station with its unique technology. At Svartsengi the famous Blue Lagoon is located. The lava-scarred Reykjanes peninsula lies on one of the world's major plate boundaries, the Mid-Atlandic Ridge. According to the continental drift theory, the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are continuously drifting apart with great forces under the gaping rifts.
Grindavík
The fishing village of Grindavík is one of Iceland's special surprises for tourists. Grindavík offers visitors a variety of opportunities for recreation, leisure and family fun.
Vogar
In the Town of Vogar you will find various services and can enjoy a walk along the sea, watch the birdlife by Vogatjörn pond.
Reykjanesbær
The Town Reykjanes is a young and vibrant rapidly growing town on Reykjanes peninsula. The town boasts of diverse recreation activities and just on the town's doorstep there is pristine nature of Reykjanes peninsula with all of its recreation and spectacular scenery.
Garður
Outdoor enthusiast should not miss out on the chance of visiting the Town of Garður if they are traveling through the Reykjanes peninsula. The history of the town is based on the fishing industry.
Sandgerði
Sandgerði is one of the country's major fishing communities. Rich fishinggrounds are found just off the coast of Sandgerði.
51
ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM
Árbær Museum is an open-air museum, established in 1957. The aim of the museum is to give an idea of icelandic architecture and the lifestyle of the past.
The Árbær Museum is open daily in june, july and august from 10.00 am to 17.00 pm. Guided tours daily at 13.00 pm. Detailed information at our website at www.reykjavikmuseum.is
ON CENTER MAP NO 21
THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION
The Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík 871±2 is in the heart of Reykjavik.
The Exhibition is based on the archaeological excavation of Viking Age ruins and findings from the other excavations in the city centre. The Settlement Exhibition is located in Reykjavik old centre, on the corner of Adalstraeti. The Exhibition is open daily from 10.00 am - 17.00 pm.
Welcome!
ON MAP NO 17
oking, Icelandic and international co of the game! where cooking is the name 5 best: Tables at the Top
it The Pearl (Reykjavik), The Portra co Restaurant (London), Sirroc ibar) (Bangkok), Tower Top (Zanz & Maison Blanche (París).
12 places to see before you die — No. 5, The Pearl
Independent Online
World’s top revolving restaurants — No. 2, The Pearl Travel+Leisure
Top 10 world’s revolving restaurants — No. 1, The Pearl English CNTV
The Pearl Restaurant Tel. (+354) 562 0200 perlan@perlan.is www.perlan.is Stefán Elí Stefánsson Head Chef at Perlan
T
THE ICELANDIC HORSE The history of the Icelandic horse can be traced all the way back to the settlement of the country in the late 9th century. When the Vikings brought with them their horses. Clearly the horse was the catalyst that allowed the settlement of Iceland to go forward and prosper. Since no other breed of horse has ever been imported to Iceland, this special animal is a pure-bred "Viking-Horse". For centuries the horse was the only means of transportation in Iceland, as well as being the most important working animal in the days before machinery. The horse was used for everything. They worked tilling the farmlands from dawn to dusk and provided transportation between the farms as they were settled. They went on scouting expeditions into this new territory in search of everything from water to grazing areas. Strong and sure footed, the Icelandic horse adjusted and adapted to this new land certainly as fast and most likely faster than the new settlers. Viking battles were fought on horseback and the animal quickly adjusted to any situation that was presented to it. Is it any wonder that many of the slain Vikings warriors of the many battles in earlier times were often buried with their horses as a sign of honor and respect? The Icelandic horse has many characteristics unique unto itself. Perhaps the most noticeable would be its intermediate size and the mane of shaggy hair. The five gaits of the horse are also one of the special features that sets it apart from all other horses. These gaits are the "fetgangur" the walk or step, the "brokk" or trot, the "tรถlt", which is a faster type of walk, the "skeiรฐ" or the pace and the "stรถkk", or gallop. Today there are around 80.000 horses in Iceland, and around 100.000 Icelandic horses abroad, most in Europe but also a growing number in the United States and Canada. Growing popularity of the Icelandic horse has made horse breeding and exporting a valuable business, boosting agriculture and industry in many areas.
55
ON MAP NO 18
Happy smiling Headwear Skólavörðustígur 18, 101 Reykjavík hufur@mmedia.is - Tel. +354 552 6466 Online shop: www.hufursemhlaeja.is
T
THE ICELANDIC SHEEP When Viking settlers first arrived in Iceland in AD 874, they brought with them two breeds of domestic livestock, the Icelandic Horse and Icelandic Sheep. In time, both would have almost as much impact on the history and development of the country as man himself. From the very beginning, Icelanders have found themselves engaged in a relentless struggle to come to terms with the rugged environment in which they live. While the horse served for transport and labour, sheep were the key to the nation´s survival, providing generations of Icelanders not only with food but also with wool as protection from the biting cold of the harsh northern climate. Without sheep, Iceland would have been uninhabitable. Although the medieval sagas may have been inspired by deeds of heroism and feats of bravery, they also tell of the activities around which daily life revolved, among them shearing, spinning and carding - skills and crafts which became traditions and altered little through the ages. As a breed, the Iceland Sheep is unique - the purity of the strain has been protected by centuries of isolation and of isolation and a total absence of contact with others. By the same token, the wool it produces has no counterpart anywhere. Evolving over 1.100 years of exposure to the sub-Arctic climate, Icelandic wool has a distinctive combination of inner and outer fibres. The outer fibres are long, glossy, tough and water-resistant, while the inner ones are fine, soft and insulating, providing a high resistance to cold.
57
LOCATED NO 6 ON MAP PAGE 7
HÚSAVÍK ORIGINAL
whalIneg WatCh - visitors' top
pick since 1995
OR CHooSE:
whales, puffins and sails
on Iceland's only schooners PICK YOUR TOUR...
SPEND 3 HOURS WHALE WATCHING ON BOARD A TRADITIONAL ICELANDIC OAK BOAT SPEND 4 HOURS WHALE AND PUFFIN WATCHING ON A TRADITIONAL SAILING BOAT ...WITH NORTH SAILING
FOR MORE INFO VISIT WWW.NORTHSAILING.IS OR CALL +354 464 7272
Whales are the largest members of the animal kingdom and at the same time one of the most mysterious. Little is known about these majestic creatures and their behaviour. Due to excessive whaling, many species of whales were on the brink of extinction late in the 20th century, and despite a worldwide ban on whaling, many of the species are still regarded as very endangered. One of those is the Blue Whale, but according to estimates there are only 10–15.000 animals existing worldwide. Here are a few points about some of the whales we are likely to see in Iceland Whale Watching Cruises: The Blue Whale is the largest creature that has ever lived on this planet, usually 24–27 meters long and up to 190 tons.This is also one of the rarest animals, as according to estimates, there are only a few thousand Blue Whales existing in the World. The waters of the coast of Iceland are among the best in the world to watch these magnificent animals.
WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND
The Whale
The Fin Whale is the second largest whale, usually 18–22 meters long and weighing up to 80 tons. This whale is fairly common far out to sea, but is not frequently close to the shore. The Humpback Whales are famous for their spectacular aerial displays, and can often be seen jumping, slapping the water with the tail and flipper-slapping. They are usually 12–15 meters long and weigh 25–30 tons, The Humpback Whales are also famous for their singing, which is the most complex and beautiful in the animal kingdom. The Sperm Whale is the largest of all the toothed whales, up to 16 meters long and weighing up to 50 tons. They live in deep waters and are believed to dive deeper and longer than any other animal. The Dolphins are the smallest and most common of the whales. They are frequently seen on whale watching tours all around the country. They are often entertaining to watch, leaping high into the air. The Orca Whale is frequently seen in the Icelandic waters all around the country. These whales have the reputation of being aggressive and dangerous as their other name ”killer whales“ reflects. They can be up to 10 meters long and weigh up to 9 tonnes. The Minke Whale is
the most common whale in the seas around Iceland.They are up to 10 meters long and can weigh up to 10 tonnes. 59
ON MAP NO 16
I
ICELANDIC NATIONAL COSTUME Þjóðbúningurinn is the collective native term for the Icelandic National costumes. The national costume has enjoyed various levels of popularity since the term was coined in Iceland in the 19th century, during the fight for independence. Women’s costume The following types of costume are all recognized as Icelandic National costumes. However both the kyrtill and skautbúningur were designed in the 18th century from scratch as ceremonial costumes, while the faldbúningur, peysuföt and the upphlutur are traditional daily wear of Icelandic women in olden times. The Faldbúningur is an older type of costume worn by women in since at least the 17th century and well into the 19th. In its most recongnized form it incorporated a hat decorated with a curved sheet-like ornament prodruding into the air and exists in two variants.
The Peysuföt are black woolen clothes commonly worn by women in the 18-19th century. They usually consisted of a twill skirt and a jacket of fine knitted woolen yearn with a black tail cap. It is believed that this costume was invented when women, desiring simpler working clothes than the faldbúningur. The Upphlutur is a woman’s costume, consisting of bodice that can be coloured in bright colours such as red or blue, but often black. Its headpiece is a tail cap. The costume is basically the undergarment of the faldbúningur.
The Kyrtill was designed to look like Viking-age costumes. It however incorporates a hat similar to the one on the skautbúningur.
The Skautbúningur was conceived as a modernized variation of the faldbúningur, which had fallen out of use by the middle of the 19th century. It incorporates a complicated hat inspired by the ones traditionally used with the faldbúningur. Men’s costume Mens costume exists in three radically different versions. It is the only direct descendant of traditional daily wear of Icelandic men, while the other two were designed from the start as ceremonial costume.
The one considered most traditional consists of woolen breeches or trousers, a usually double buttoned vest and a double buttoned jacket called treyja. Sometimes a peysa with a single row of buttons is used in lieu of the vest and treyja. On the head is a tail cap. This costume was usually black, navy blue or dark green, although the vest, which was usually brighter was sometimes red. It is identical to the clothing Icelandic men commonly wore from the 17th until the 19th century.
61
EXPERIENCE The Golden Circle
Treat yourself to Icelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular pizza. Call us at 58 12345, we deliver right to your room!
TEL. 58 12345
I
ICELANDIC NAMES Most Icelanders still follow the ancient tradition of deriving their last name from the first name of their father. If a man is called Leifur Eiríksson his name is Leifur and he is Eiríksson (the son of a man called Eiríkur). A woman called Þórdís Haraldsdóttir has the personal name Þórdís and is Haraldsdóttir (i.e. Harald´s daughter). If Þórdís Haraldsdóttir marries Leifur Eiríksson she does not become Eiríksson, like her husband. She continues to be Þórdís Haraldsdóttir. If Þórdís and Leifur have a son, he would have Leifsson as a last name, and their daughter would have Leifsdóttir as her last name. We have to keep in mind that Eiríksson, Leifsson and Haraldsdóttir are not really names as such, but patronymics, which refer to their fathers. For this reason Icelanders always have to be referred to by their given names. The patronymic is never used alone. Icelanders say for example, the President of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, or even President ÓIafur Ragnar but never President Grímsson. There is a limited number of Icelanders who do have family names.
63
e c r u o s A alth e h f o
Th er m al sw i m m i ng po ols
Hot t ubs and jacuzz i
Sa un as , stea mb at hs an d sh ow er s
Se ve n loc at ion s
Op en ea rl y un t il lat e
Thermal pools and b baths in Reykjavik are a so source of health, relax relaxation xatio xation and pureness. All of the city´s swimming pools have several hot pots with temperatures ranging from 37˚ to 42˚C (98˚–111˚F). The pools are kept at an average temperature of 29˚ C (84˚ F).
Reykjavik's Thermal Pools
0 iTsSk. 60 ADUL k. 130DiRsEN CHIL
Tel: +354 411 5000 â&#x20AC;˘ www.spacity.is
*Admission June 2014. Price is subject to change
*
O N LY
LOCATIONS ON MAP PAGE 6-7
Vík Selfoss Rvík
Akranes
Akureyri
Blönduós
Borgarnes
Breiðdalsvík
Akureyri
Egilsstaðir
Höfn
220
91
49
Borgar- Ísanes fjörður 38
422
353
617
493
561
432
389
315
567
1336*
265
512
416
287
244
170
423
145
410
657
246
117
74
1336
384
315
580
519*
430*
560*
617*
662
915
347
82
166
Búðardalur
326
197
154
80
304
281
546
599*
Djúpivogur
585
456
412
339
591
44
309
555
368*
497*
554*
614
979
411
146
103
511*
640*
698*
580
832
265
1336
247
525*
654*
668
594
846
279
14
261
542*
671*
702
628
881
313
48
278
513
384
341
267
116
468
733
786*
229
99
52
118
502
433
698
501*
357
228
185
111
416
389
654
630*
176
71
125
184
569
499
687*
449*
Hallormsstaður
515*
644*
680
606
858
291
26
251
93
36
94
153
537
468
604*
366*
Hólmavík
445
316
273
199
224
344
609
718*
652
523
480
406
659
91
220
467
370
239
197
123
376
203
468
642*
80
49
106
166
550
481
591*
273*
402*
459*
519*
902
512
247
Dalvík
Egilsstaðir Eiðar
Eskifjörður
Flókalundur Grindavík
Grundarfjörður Gullfoss Hella
Húsavík
Hvammstangi Hvolsvöllur
Höfn í Hornafirði Ísafjörður
353* 1346
630
500
457
384
1973*
567
832
922*
Keflavík
226
97
48
116
500
431
696
499*
71
201
258
318
702
633
440*
201*
Laugarvatn
169
39
93
153
538
468
680*
441*
Kirkjubæjarklaustur Ólafsvík
367
239
195
121
443
416
681
640*
Reykjahlíð v/Mývatn
660*
531
488
414
667
99
165
412
255
126
84
43
387
318
583
528*
Sauðárkrókur
492
362
319
246
498
119
384
631
129
1336
57
117
500
432
640*
402*
681
607
859
292
27
274 136
Reykholt um Stafholtst. Selfoss
Seyðisfjörður
Skaftafell
Skógar, Eyjafjöllum Stykkishólmur Vík í Mýrdal
Vopnafjörður Þingvellir Þórshöfn
(*) via Skeiðarásand road.
538*
667*
141*
270*
327*
387*
771*
639
374
32
97
154
214
598
529
543*
305*
345
215
172
98
390
363
628
617*
129
187
246
630
561
511*
273*
665
622
548
800
233
173
420
1336 684*
DISTANCES IN KM
DISTANCES IN KM
174
45
49
95
479
410
675
447*
754*
672
629
555
808
240
243
490
67
ON CENTER MAP NO 10
Heavenly pizzas!
Home delivery
See our menu at www.gamlasmidjan.is Opening hours: mon-thu 11:30-23 fri 11:30-06 sat 12-06 & sun 12-23
www.gamlasmidjan.is
tel. 578 8555
LĂŚkjargata 8
ON MAP NO 26
ON MAP NO 16
ON MAP NO 16
ON MAP NO 16
RESTAURANT RESTAURANT
ON CENTER MAP NO 21
Taste the the freshness freshness Taste of a a farmer’s farmer’s market market of
Housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings, Fish Housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings, Fish Market uses ingredients sourced directly from Market uses ingredients sourced directly from the nation’s best farms, lakes, and sea to create the nation’s best farms, lakes, and sea to create unforgettable Icelandic dishes with a modern twist. unforgettable Icelandic dishes with a modern twist.
GO LIST GO 20 LI08ST 2008
AÐALSTRÆTI 12 | +354 578 8877 | FISHMARKET.IS AÐALSTRÆTI 12 | +354 578 8877 | FISHMARKET.IS LUNCH WEEKDAYS 11:30 - 14:00 | EVENINGS 18:00 - 23:30 LUNCH WEEKDAYS 11:30 - 14:00 | EVENINGS 18:00 - 23:30
ON CENTER MAP NO 12
ON CENTER MAP NO 18
After years of study, strings of awards and having led kitchens After years of study, strings of awards and having led kitchens of some of Reykjavík’s most esteemed restaurants, Gústav still sees of some esteemed Gústav still him self of asReykjavík’s a kid frommost up north, withrestaurants, a life long passion for sees fish. him self as a kid from up north, with a life long passion for fish.
ON MAP NO 28
OPEN 11.30-22.00
ON MAP NO 24
ÞRÍR FRAKKAR Café - Restaurant
Specialities: Fresh seafood and whale meat
Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sat./Sun. for dinner only Baldursgata 14 Reservations tel. 552 3939 Fax 561 3939 • frakkar@islandia.is www.3frakkar.com
LIST OF PRODUCTS
LISTE DE PRODUITS • WARENVERZEICHNIS • PRODUKTFÖRTECKNING
Icelandic Fish FISKUR:
FISH:
POISSON:
FISCH:
Ýsa (ný, nætursöltuð eða reykt) Þorskur Lúða (smálúða, stórlúða) Sandhverfa Skarkoli (rauðspretta) Karfi Skata (ný eða kæst)
Haddock (fresh, half-salted or smoked) Cod Halibut (small, large) Turbot Plaice Redfish Skate, ray (fresh or fermented and salted) Monkfish Saithe Catfish Ling Lumpfish Lumpfish (salted or half-dried) Herring Salt cod Salmon, wild, farmreared, (fresh, smoked and dill-cured) Trout Arctic Charr Eel Scallop Mussel Whelk Lobster Shrimp, (deep-water) prawn
Églefin (frais, demi-sel ou fumé) Cabillaud Flétan (petit, grand) Turbot Plie au carrelet Sébaste (Rascasse du Nord) Pocheteau gris (frais ou fermenté et salé) Lotte Colin, lieu noir Loup (de mer) Lingue Lompe Lompe (salée ou demi-séchée) Hareng Morue salée Saumon sauvage, d’élevage, (frais, fumé, mariné à l’aneth) Truite Omble Chevalier Anguille Coquille St. Jacques Moule Buccin Langoustine Crevette rouge
Schellfisch (Frisch leichtgesalzen oder geräuchert) Kabeljau, Dorsch Heilbutt (klein, groß) Steinbutt Scholle, Goldbutt Rotbarsch Rochen (frisch oder fermentiert) Angler Seelachs, Köhler Katfisch Leng Seehase Seehase (gesalzen oder halbtrocken) Hering Gesalzener Kabeljau Lachs, wild, gezüchtet, (frisch, geräuchtet, in Dill eingelegt) Forelle Seesaibling Aal Kamm-Muschel Miesmuschel Wellhornschnecke Hummer, Languste (Tiefsee)garnele
Skötuselur Ufsi Steinbítur Langa Rauðmagi Grásleppa (söltuð eða sigin) Síld Saltfiskur Lax, villtur, eldislax (nýr, reyktur og grafinn) Silungur Bleikja Áll Hörpuskel Kræklingur Beitukóngur Humar Rækja, úthafsrækja
78
F
ICELANDIC FOOD FISH The rich fishing grounds around Iceland are the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most valuable natural resource; marine products in fact account for 70% of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exports. Icelandic fish, caught in the fresh and unpolluted waters of the North Atlantic, has established a reputation for its superb quality and delicious taste world-wide. Fish is the mainstay of the Icelandic diet, and fresh fish can be had all the year round. In Icelandic restaurants, one discovers the astonishing number of ways in which local chefs use fresh fish as the means for creating the most imaginative gourmet dishes. A special feature of Iceland are the many small fish shops, though many supermarkets also offer a wide selection of fresh fish. Wild salmon and trout can also be had over the summer months, due to the popularity of angling as a sport.
79
ON CENTER MAP NO 9
CAFE HAITI is a friendly coffee house by the old Harbour in Reykjavík Center Early breakfast Soup of the day Every day the best of Icelandic Fish soup Quality coffee roasted on the premises
Live Music on weekends CAFE HAITI by the Old Harbour Geirsgata 7b, 101 Reykjavík tel: 588 8484 www.cafehaiti.is Opening hours: 7.00 – 23.00
ON CENTER MAP NO 9
AUTHENTIC ICELANDIC FOOD Our award winning Icelandic chefs renowned for unique culinary handling of Icelandic seafood and meat
We welcome you to our romantic harbour-side restaurant The Harbour restaurant • Geirsgata 7c, 101 Reykjavík Tel. +354 511 2300 • www.hofnin.is
ON CENTER MAP NO 11
ON CENTER MAP NO 5
feast
ON MAP NO 29
Seafood & Steakhouse
Laugavegur 73 - 101 Reykjavík Tel. 565 1188 - Fax. 565 5130 Vesturgata 4 - 220 Hafnarfjörður Tel. 565 5522 - Fax. 565 5130 www.gamlavinhusid.is
ON CENTER MAP NO 33
Steikhúsið simply means „The Steak House” and that underlines our goal, to focus solely on steaks. The Steak house is in the middle of Reykjavík, opposite th old harbor which has recently formed into a lively neighborhood of restaurants, cafes and artisan stores and work shops. THE KITCHEN IS OPEN FROM 17:00 TILL LATE — VISIT WWW.STEAK.IS TRYGGVAGATA 4 - 6, REYKJAVÍK
Booking: +354 561 1111 & steik@steik.is
LIST OF PRODUCTS
LISTE DE PRODUITS • WARENVERZEICHNIS • PRODUKTFÖRTECKNING
Icelandic Meat KJÖT:
MEAT:
VIANDE:
FLEISCH:
LAMB NAUT SVÍN FOLALD HREINDÝR
LAMB BEEF PORK HORSEMEAT (FOAL) REINDEER
MOUTON (AGNEAU) BOEUF PORC CHEVAL (POULAIN) RENNE
LAMM RINDFLEISCH SCHWEIN FOHLEN RENTIER
Læri Lærissneiðar Hryggur Kótilettur/rifjur Frampartur Frampartsneiðar Hamborgarhryggur
Leg Slices of leg Saddle/rack Cutlets/chops Shoulder Shoulder slices Smoked saddle of pork
Gigot Tranches de gigot Selle/Échine Côtelettes Épaule Tranches d’épaule Selle de porc fumée
London lamb Kjötfars Kjöthakk Lundir Hryggvöðvi (filé) Smásteik (gúllas) Súpukjöt Afturhryggsneið (T-bein) Hamborgarar Rifjasteik Skinka Beikon (flesk) Saltkjöt Reykt kjöt Kálfasneið (schnitzel) Hangikjöt
Lightly smoked lamb Sausage meat (f. me atballs) Minced meat Tenderloin Fillet Boneless stewing meat Pot stew meat (with bones) T-bone steak Hamburgers Rib steak Ham Bacon Salted meat Smoked meat Veal schnitzel Smoked lamb
Mouton légèrement fumé Farce Viande hachée Filet Faux-filet Viande à ragoût Viande à soupe Côte de boeuf Steak haché Plat de côtes Jambon Lard fumé Petit salé Viande fumée Escalope de veau Viande de mouton fumée
Keule Keulenscheiben Rücken Koteletts Schulter Schulterscheiben Gerächerter Schweinerücken Leichtgeräuchertes Lamm Wurstfleisch Hackfleisch FIlet FIlet Gulaschfleisch Suppenfleisch T-bone Steak Hamburger Rippenbraten Schinken Geräuchertes Speck Salzfleisch Geräuchertes Fleisch Kalbsschnitzel Geräuchertes Lamm
HÁLF- OG FULLUNNIN KJÖTVARA Pylsur og bjúgu Niðursoðið kjöt
PREPARED MEAT PRODUCTS Sausages Canned meat
PRODUITS À BASE DE VIANDE Saucissesetsaucissons Viandes en conserves
FLEISCHPRODUKTE KJÖTTPROTUKTER Wurstwaren Fleischkonserven
M
ICELANDIC FOOD MEAT Iceland offers a fine variety of meats: lamb, pork and beef, as well as a limited amount of horse meat and reindeer. Meat display counters are always well stocked with quality fresh meat, handled by top class butchers. Shop refrigerators and freezers carry a wide variety of conveniently packaged meat products. Iceland has strict regulations relating to the handling and storage of meat and the use of hormones is strictly forbidden. Due to the risk of contaminations, the import of meat is prohibited. Sheep breeding in Iceland goes back to the time of settlement, which explains the nation’s high consumption of lamb. In keeping with tradition, sheep are allowed to graze freely in mountain areas over the summer, feeding on the grass and wild herbs that give Icelandic lamb its distinctive flavour.
87
LIST OF PRODUCTS
LISTE DE PRODUITS • WARENVERZEICHNIS • PRODUKTFÖRTECKNING
Icelandic Specialities
88
ÍSLENSKUR MATUR;
ICELANDIC SPECIALITIES:
SPÉCIALITÉS ISLANDISES:
ISLANDISCHE SPEZIALITUATEN:
Svið Sviðasulta Hangikjöt Blóðmör Lifrarpylsa Ýmis súrmatur (blóðmör/lifrarpylsa/ hrútspungar/bringukollar/selshreifar) Saltkjöt Flatkökur, flatbrauð Seytt rúgbrauð Hákarl Harðfiskur Skyr Ávaxtaskyr
Singed sheep heads Sheep-head jelly Smoked lamb Bloodpudding Liver pudding Various soured meats (bloodpudding/liver pudding/ram Testicles/ breast of lamb/seal flippers) Salted lamb Rye pancakes Cooked rye bread Greenland shark Dried fish See description Skyr with fruit
Têtes de mouton roussies Fromage de tête Viande de mouton fumée Boudin Boudin de foie Mets surs variés (boudin/ boudin de foie/testicules de bélier/poitrine de mouton/ nageoires de phoque Petit salé de mouton Galettes de seigle Pain de seigle cuit à la vapeaur Requin du groënland Poisson séché Voir description Skyr aux fruits
Gesengte Schafsköpfe Kopfsülze Geräuchertes Lamm Blutwurst Leberwurst Sauerspeisen (Blutwurst/ Leberwurst/Widderhoden/ Lammbrust/Robbenflossen) Gesalzenes Lamm Fladenbr. (Roggenpfannk.) Gekochtes Pumpernickel Haifisch Trockenfish Siehe Erklärung Skyr mit Früchten
T
ICELANDIC FOOD TRADITIONAL ICELANDIC FOOD Iceland has age-old food traditions, associtated with the autumn slaughtering season and the limited possibilities for preserving the meat. Some of these traditions are still very much alive today. The unique „súrmatur“ or whey-pickled foods make up the so-called „thorramatur“, relished by Icelanders, especially in the period from January to March. „Seytt rúgbrauð“ (cooked rye bread), „harðfiskur“ (dried fish) and „slátur“ (blood pudding) are common fare, while „hangikjöt“ (smoked lamb) on „flatbrauð“ (rye pancakes) is delicious at any time. Do try some of these national specialities when in Iceland!
89
ON MAP NO 18
Welcome to the Gourmet and Cheese Store, Skólavörðurstígur 8, where the best of the contemporary blends deliciously with the best from the past.
• Great selection of Icelandic cheese • Taste the cheese and choose the best • Selection of international cheese • Catering services for all occasions • Accompaniments and sundries • Choice of cheese pies, soups at lunchtime • We do catering services for all occations Open: Mon. - Thu. 11:00 - 18:00, Fri. 10:00 - 18:30 and Sat .11:00 - 16:00
Seating on Lower Floor our Lunch offer Delicious Icelandic Dishes and Soups from 11:30 - 13:30
Skólavörðustígur 8 Tel: 562 - 2772 ostabudin@ostabudin.is www.ostabudin.is
C
ICELANDIC FOOD CHEESE AND BUTTER The wide selection available is proof that cheese- and butter-making is now a well-established and thriving art in Iceland. Today there are over 89 types of cheese to be had, including Icelandic variations of many internationally famous cheeses. The rapid and very successful development of the past decades now mean that the nation’s cheeses are equal to, if not better than, foreign cheeses. Some Icelandic cheeses have gone on to win international acclaim. Icelandic butter and butter spreads come in various forms. In addition to butter there is the popular “Smjörvi“ and “Létt og laggott“, which has a mere 40% fat content (not suitable for frying). The success of Icelandic cheese and butter is due no doubt to the high quality standards and the fact that Icelandic milk is produced in a natural environment untouched by pollution. 91
ON CENTER MAP NO 31
ON CENTER MAP NO 34
Fish • Lamb • Whale • Icelandic cuisine with a twist Icelandic music and nightlife Mix with the locals ...and all the Icelandic beers in one awsome place!
INGÓLFSSTRÆTI 1A 101 REYKJAVÍK WWW.ISLENSKIBARINN.IS POSTUR@ISLENSKIBARINN.IS SÍMI: 517 6767
Two Icelandic Themed Villages -Fisherman´s Village -Viking Village
Víkingastræti 1-3 220 Hafnarfjörður Tel.: +354 565-1213 booking@vikingvillage.is www.vikingvillage.is
Viking Restaurant
Vikin
Viking Handicrafts - Live Ente
ing Hotel
Viking Bar
Fisherman´s Village
tertainment most nights - Viking Feasts and Festivals
ON CENTER MAP NO 18
THE BEST ORIGINAL CHICKEN OR BEEF NOODLE SOUP IN ICELAND
Bæjarhrauni 4, 220 Hafnarfjörður
Skólavörðustíg 21a, 101 Reykjavík
Phone: 551 9009
Phone: 551 3199
Open daily 11.00 - 20.00
Open daily 11.00 - 22.00
ON MAP NO 13
Opening hour: Monday - Friday 11.00 - 14.00 and 17.00 - 22.00 Saturday - Sunday 17.00 - 22.00 Grens谩svegur 12, 108 Reykjavik路Tel: +354 568 1919路www.tianmatur.is
ON CENTER MAP NO 31
Organic Organic bistro bistro
Creating Creating a a tradition tradition since since 2006 2006 Now in Now in Tryggvagata 11,Volcano house Tryggvagata 11,Volcano Tel:511-1118 house Tel:511-1118 Mon-Sun 12:00-21:00/ Mon-Sun 12:00-21:00/ www.fishandchips.is www.fishandchips.is
ON CENTER MAP NO 31
RESTAURANT AND TAKEAWAY
AUTHENTIC THAI FOOD SINCE 2001
LIKE THAI FOOD? YOU’LL LOVE KRUA THAI HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE!
Bæjarlind 14 - 16 Kópavogur Phone: 552 2525
Tryggvagata 14 Downtown Reykjavík Phone: 552 2525
www.kruathai.is
Strandgötu 13 Akureyri Phone: 466 3800
ON CENTER MAP NO 12
ON CENTER MAP NO 8
ey
kja
ví
R
Restaurant for over 30 years
k
Icelandic Cuisine
C
entre
Bankastræti 2 - 101 Reykjavík - Tel. 551 4430 info@laekjarbrekka.is - laekjarbrekka.is
HEALTH PRODUCT GROWING IN THE PURE ENVIRONMENT OF ICELAND Dried Icelandic seaweed Sugar kelp, Kombu Royal Dulse, Palmaria palmata. Icelandic Herbal Tea, blend of Angelica, Birch and Iceland Moss Icelandic berry juice. Icelandic organic herbal oils and bath product. All our products are 100% natural with no extra substances. Our products are sold in Supermarkets, Health Stores and Inspired by Iceland at Keflavik Airport, Iceland Our company has received an award from The Federation of Icelandic Industries for innovative and orginal products
ﾃ行lensk hollusta
Skutahraun 7, 220 Hafnarfjordur, Iceland Tel: 571 2512 / 864 4755 / 822 0512 islenskhollusta@islenskhollusta.is
www.islenskhollusta.is
The Vegetation of Iceland The vegetation of Iceland is in many aspects more different from that of other countries of Europe than the flora. The nakedness of the country is a very striking feature and great areas may be characterized as deserts or semi-deserts. After the settlements the woods were cut for fuel and housing and heavy grazing, often overgrazing, by the livestock damaged the vegetation. The only indigenous tree of importance is the Birch (Betula pubescens), represented by a subspecies. Here and there in the Birch woods, however, individuals of Rowan (Sorbus acuparia) are found scattered and Tea-leavedWillow (Salix phylicifolia) is common. Due to the destruction of the woods large areas in the lowlands and on the lower parts of mountain slopes are covered with heath and grass vegetation of varius types. The grass vegataion often includes herb species with beautiful flowers like the Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum), the Alpine Cinquefoil (Potintilla crantzii), the Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris), The White Clover (Trifolium repens) and the Autumnal Hawkbit (Leontodon autumnalis). Wood Cranisbill (Geranium sylvaticum), Angilica (Angilica archangelica), some species of Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla),Dandelion (Taraxacum) and Hawkweed (Hieracium) are usually dominating and a number of other species are often found such as the Water Avens (Geum rivale), the Meadow –sweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and the Wilde Angelica (Angelica silvestris). The costal vegetation is very variable in accordance with the heterogeneity of the substratum, ranging from clay to sand, pepples, boulders and rock walls. Some of the costal species of vascular plants are common around the coasts, like the Scurvy-grass (Cochlearia officinalis), the Sea Sandwort (Honkenya peploides) and the Northern Shore-wort (Mertensia maritima). The vegetation around hot springs and in and along the courses of the warm water flowing from them is very characteristic, as the Adder´s Tounge (Ophioglossum azoricum), the Red Shank (Polygonum persicaria), the Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris), the Water Speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica ) and the Marsh Cudweed (Gnaphalium uliginosum) are in Iceland only found growing in warm soils and water. Iceland, situated on the boundary of the Arctic and the Boreal Regions, has extremely interesting phytogeographical position.
THE Vegetation of Iceland
T
103
ON MAP NO 6
Open: Sun. - Thurs. 11:oo - 22:oo and Fri. - Sat. 11:oo - 23:oo
Daisies.
THE FLORA OF ICELAND
T
Wood craneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bill.
The flora of Iceland The flora of Iceland includes about 470 species of indigenous and naturalized species of vascular plants, including 37 species of vascular Cryptogams, 1 Gymnosperm, nearly 290 species of Dicotyledons and 145 species of Monocotyledons which is a rather high percentage like in many northern countries. The character of the Icelandic flora is distinctly North European or Scandinavian. The western element of vascular plants in the Icelandic flora, or the group of species with their main area of distribution west of Iceland and not reaching the British isles or the European continent, is very small, comprising only 8 species. The eastern element in the flora, or the species with Eurasian area of distribution is about nine times as big as the western one. Far the biggest element in the Icelandic flora, however, is the circumpolar element. Even if Iceland is often regarded as an Arctic country, it is situated practically entirely south of the Arctic Circle, and the climate is not an arctic one but a cold-tempered oceanic climate, Iceland being an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The paucity of species of the flora of Iceland is therefore no reliable reflection of the present climate of the country, but is mostly due to its isolation and accordingly limited possibilities of dispersal of plants from other countries during the relatively short time since the last Pleistocene glaciation. 105
-BONE WHALE PUFFIN
RIBS WHALE
LAMB
RIB-EYE
T-BONE SEAFOOD
LAMB SURF’N TURF
ON MAP NO 26
FOIE GRAS LOBSTER
FOIE GRAS LOBSTER Laugavegur 53b • 101 Reykjavík • Tel.: 511 3350 • www.hereford.is
Violet.
THE FLORA OF ICELAND
T
Cuckoo flower.
The flora of Iceland About half of these 470 species are regarded by most Icelandic botanists as survivors of at least that last glaciation. Plants of special interest to visitors from other European countries are those western species indigenous to Iceland but not found in the British isles nor on the European continent. Among the most conspicuous of these plants are the following species: The Arctic Fireweed, or River-beauty, (Epilobium latifolium), The Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea), The Broad-leaved Willow (Salix callicarpaea) and the Lyngbye´s Sedge (Carex lyngbyei). Plants of special interest to visitors from American countries, on the other hand, are consequently the European and Eurasian species of Iceland not found in the western hemisphere; some of them do reach as far west as western Greenland while others have their westernmost occurence in Iceland and only a few can be mentioned: The Birch (Betula pubescens), The Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and The Angelica (Angelica archangelica). On the whole, Iceland, situated as it is in the Atlantic Ocean between America and the European continent and on the boundary of the Arctic and the Boreal Regions, has an extremely interesting phytogeographical position.
107
shalimar@shalimar.is
ON CENTER MAP NO 12
Ptarmigan.
BIRDLIFE IN ICELAND
B
Black-tailed godwit.
Birdlife in Iceland For the bird-watcher Iceland has many attractions. Though, despite popular opinion, not truly Arctic, it has a fair sprinkling of birds which come into this category. Another interesting feature is that Iceland is the westernmost outpost of a number of Old World bird species and the easternmost of some New World ones. In all some 300 bird species have been seen in Iceland at one time or another, but of these only 73 have, up to recently, been nesting regularly in the country. Ten species have been recorded breeding irregularly. There are 11 common passage migrants or winter visitors and a number of regular drift migrants while the remaining species are accidentals. Beside the exciting Arctic and American species which can be observed in Iceland it is not so much the number of species as the individual abundance and tameness of birds which makes Iceland a paradise for bird-watchers. This may be directly attributed to the fact that the size of the human population is only 290,000 whereas the total area of the country is 103,000 sq.km. This explains why so much of Iceland is still unaffected by human activities and also why the birds there have had greater chances of withstanding human competition than in more densely populated countries.The most celebrated of all Icelandic birds is the Icelandic falcon, which in former times enjoyed a great reputation amongst falconers. The huge white-tailed eagle was formerly fairly common, but now it has been reduced to such an extent that grave concern must be felt for its future.
109
ON MAP NO 19
Open: Mon. - Tue.: 11am - 6.30pm Wednesday: 11am - 5pm Thurs. - Fri.: 11am - 6.30pm Saturday: 12pm - 5pm Sunday: closed
Puffin.
BIRDLIFE IN ICELAND
B
Artic tern.
Birdlife in Iceland
Two species of owl inhabit Iceland. The snowy owl, which is extremely rare, was restricted to certain wild parts of the central highlands. The short-eared owl is found in low-lying moorland and valleys. The short-eared owl preys on field-mice and small birds, while the snowy owl, like the falcon, usually preys on the ptarmigan, which is the country’s only gallinaceous bird and also its most important game bird. The geese are represented in Iceland by two common nesting species and three passage migrants one of which is a rare breeder. Iceland has long been known as one of the major breeding haunts of waterfowl in Europe. The total number of breeding ducks within limited area has been estimated to be something of the order of 20.000. On the towering birdcliffs, which are occupied by a mixed assemblage of colonial seabirds, the most important species are the common guillemot, Brünnich’s guillemot, the puffin, the razorbill, the kittiwake, and the fulmar. The puffin is, however, by no means strictly a cliff-breeding bird as it also forms huge colonies on lowlying grassy islands. It is one of the most common Icelandic bird species with a population running into millions. The common gull, the herring gull, the lesser black-backed gull, and the black-headed gull are new immigrants that have colonized Iceland in recent years, chiefly after 1920.
111
ON MAP NO 29
H
om
e
of
th
e
Ep
ic
CafĂŠ & Restaurant Laugavegur 73 101 Reykjavik 555-7373 www.73.is
T
THE SOUTH – BLACK SAND AND GLACIERS Glaciers, lava fields, hot springs, black volcanic sands and fertile farmland are all features of the varied landscape of South Iceland and there is a vast range of recreational opportunities in this region which stretches from the hot-spring town of Hvera gerði in the west to the Vatnajökull glacier in the east. Many of the classic tourist attractions are in South Iceland: Thingvellir, the ancient site of the Icelandic parliament, the Althing; the massive Gullfoss waterfall on the Hvítá river; the Great Geysir hot spring area; Mount Hekla, one of the world’s most famous volcanoes, which has erupted three times in recent years and the ancient bishopric at Skálholt. The hot springs in Hveragerði and the greenhouses show interesting applications for geothermal heat.
113
ON MAP NO 25
T
THE WEST – A NEW WORLD TO DISCOVER Varied landscape, a range of geological formations and many opportunities for recreation characterize this area. It is of particular interest to ornithologists, to hikers, ponytrekkers, those who want to get onto a glacier and to anglers for it has some of the country’s best salmon rivers. Islands in Iceland’s widest fjord, Breiðafjörður, which is on the west coast, can be explored by boat trip from Stykkishólmur the largest town in the area. The Snæfellsnes glacier towers over the peninsula, and lava fields at the foot of the glacier tell us that long before the settlement of Iceland there was a massive eruption under the ice cap. This still active volcano was immortalised in Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Snjófell travel service operates a well approved sightseeing tour to Snæfellsnes glacier, including a snow scooter or snowmobil tour to the top of the glacier. From there you will enjoy a spectacular view. A unique experience. Overall clothing available.
115
LOCATED NO 4 ON MAP PAGE 6
Hótel Djúpuvík
Welcomes you
Our Hotel is Open All Year Round Accommodation, Catering, Hiking, Boat and Kayak Rentals Remember the History Exhibition at Djúpuvík Hótel Djúpuvík Tel. +354 451 4037 djupavik@snerpa.is - www.djupavik.is
We are also at facebook
https://www.facebook/hotel.djupavik?fref=ts
T
THE WEST FJORDS – RUGGED BUT FRIENDLY This is very rugged country and geologically one of the oldest parts of Iceland. The peninsula’s uneven coastline is cut by deep fjords bounded by precipitous cliffs where roads, if they exist, are often cut into the steep fjord slopes. The population here is mainly confined to the fishing ports with many farms having been deserted because of their inacessibility. Most of the landscape is composed of cliffs and mountains with very little soil, but on the mountain plateaux and in the valleys the hardy Icelandic sheep find the grass and herbs that give the meat its distinctive flavour. Fishing ports flourish because of their proximity to the rich fiching grounds off the northwest coast. Communications by sea and air are good and the standard of living in these ports is very high. Ísafjörður bears witness to a strong cultural tradition hotels, swimming pool and restaurants are among the excellent facilities located in the West fjords. Among them is Hotel Djúpavík, see opposide page, located no 4 on map, page 6.
117
LOCATED NO 5 ON MAP PAGE 7
DALVÍK HOSTEL Vegamót Cottages
Tourist service in Dalvík 44 km north of Akureyri. We offer you different accommodation in Dalvík fishing town.
Our old house Erected 1914 .Rebuild 2009.
Enjoy Grímsey island daytours, whale watching, bird watching, horse back riding. Great location for backcountry skiing on the Troll peninsula.
Our cottages are 15 sqm each, double bed and sofa bed, kitchenette and WC.
In our Gimli hostel we offer 7 rooms for 20 people. Ideal for groups. Kitchen and living room.
Welcome to our friendly home at Vegamót Tel: +354-466 1060 / 865-8391 / 699-6616 vegamot@vegamot.net · www.dalvikhostel.com
T
THE NORTH – RICH IN CONTRASTS Paradoxically one can often expect higher temperatures in the North in mid-summer than in the South. It is a question of wind direction. A north wind over the country means clear weather in the South and a south wind means first rate weather in the North and there’s less rain up there. There are also more extremes than in the South which usually means more snow in the winter and ideal conditions for ski enthusiasts. Akureyri, the Capital of the North, has a fertile hinterland particularly suited to dairy farming, which along with sheep farming, diatomite mining and of course the area’s important fishing ports, has made this a highly prosperous and well developed regional community. There are excellent hotels and hostels like Dalvík Hostel, see opposide page, located no 5 on map page 6, top class restaurants, good communications by road, air and sea, and other public services and facilities. Akureyri is the centre for commerce and industry. It is also the cultural centre offering drama, music, art, local history museums, and education at university level.The rugged north coast is indented by a series of broad fjords which are often separated by towering mountains. Ice floes and solitary icebergs from Greenland can often be seen here close to land in early summer and there have been cases of polar bears drifting ashore.
119
ON CENTER MAP NO 9
Seafood Grill Fiesta The Perfect Lobster soup “The New York Times”
THE BEST BUY IN TOWN “The Washington Post”
Opening Hours:
Summer 11.00 - 23.00 Winter 11.00 - 22.00
RESTAURANT A S p e c i a l S e a P r o duc t
BY THE OLD HARBOUR IN REYKJAVÍK CENTER Verbúð 8, Reykjavík City Harbor · Tel. 55 3 1500 · www.saegreifinn.is
T
THE EAST – COASTAL SPLENDOUR This is a mountainous area of relatively little volcanic activity with deep fjords separated by high mountain ridges. The scenery is dramatic with mountains reaching all the way to the sea. The people of the fjord communities have relied on fishing and trading throughout the centuries though there is fertile farmland in the broad valley at Egilsstaðir, a town which has direct scheduled flights from Germany in the summer and can be reached by air from various parts of Iceland. You can also get here by sea on an international car ferry from Denmark and The Faroes, which berths at Seyðisfjörður, a port only 30 km away from Egilsstaðir. The area’s popularity has led to a significant increase in accommodation and facilities in recent years. From Egilsstaðir one can drive down to the inhabited fjords where there are thriving fishing communities with modern services, camping sites, community centres, hotels and guest houses. 121
ON CENTER MAP NO 7
T
THE WESTMAN ISLANDS The Westman Islands are situated just off the south coast and the main island, Heimaey, has a population of about 5,000. No port in Iceland registers bigger catches than this one and the island is simply buzzing with life. Here, there are some truly spectacular sights. The islanders have made their living from the sea from the days of the first settlers, the perfect natural harbour and tall cliffs tenanted by multitudes of puffin, fulmar and guillemot being two important factors in this community’s prosperity. To this day local men hop expertly from ledge to ledge collecting eggs, attached to a lifeline held by an anchor man at the top of the cliff. A boat trip round the islands with their sheer basalt cliffs and eroded arches rising out of the deep sea explains to the visitor why only one island is inhabited. 123
LOACATED ON MAP NO 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.
124
27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34.
Reastaurant Argentína / Lingerie store Studio Ceramic Vodafone Store at Shopping Center Kringlan Laugar Spa, World Class Keramik Gallerí Kogga / Restaurant Fiskfélagið Restaurant Hrói Höttur Den Danske Kro / Jewelry Design Metal Restaurant Lækjarbrekka Restaurant Sægreifinn - Höfnin - Tapas Húsið / Café Haiti Pizza Gamla Smiðjan Café Paris Restaurant Shalimar - Loftið - Laundromat - Uno / Thorvaldsens Bazar Restaurant Tian Reykjavík Excursions Restaurant Caruso Jewelry Design Gullkistan / Lebowski bar / Cafe 10 Dropar / Janus búðin Restaurant Perlan Gourmet Store / Jewelry Design Anna María / Restaurant Sjávargrillið / Gift Store Happy Smiling Headwear / Thai Restaurant Hotel Frón / Restaurant Kaffigarðurinn / The Handknitting Association Gift Store Hotel Örkin Restaurant Fish Market / Reykjavik City Museum Galleri Fold Hostel Village Restaurant Þrír Frakkar Restaurant Asía Trip Touristinfo / J.S.Watchmaker / Restaurant Hereford / Restaurant Kitchen Nepal / The Handknitting Association Europ Car Rental Restaurant Askur Restaurant 73 / Gamla Vínhúsið Restaurant Hotel Icelandia City Car Rental / Penis Museum Restaurant Fish and Chips - Krua Thai - Ramen Momo Restaurant Bambus Steikhúsið Restaurant Icelandic Bar
REYKJVAÍK CENTER MAP
33 17
9 31
5 21
12 11 10
8 15
7
34
18
Icelandic Met Office Weather forecast in English Tel.: 902 06 00
25
Frón
19
App for mobile devices www.vedur.is mobile: m.en.vedur.is
Reykjavík harbour
9 33
2 6
31
25 18 16 19
26
29
1
24
Hótel Saga
23 14
Na
F Air Iceland Reykjavík airport
ut
hó
lsv
eg
ur
Hótel Loftleiðir
17
30 22
VIÐEY
32
4
22 20
Hótel Hilton
28
13 3
27
ON MAP NO 26
Nepalese & Indian Restaurant
Delicately spiced Nepalese and Indian grill & curry The best food in Iceland
Nepalese & Indian Restaurant Excellence Award 2012
THE NORTHERN MOST NEPALESE-INDIAN RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD
We welcome you to our family restaurant. Authentic to our roots. Executive Chef Deepak Panday Laugarvegur 60a, ReykjavĂk, tel. 517 7795, 578 7788 For our latest offers see our website www.kitchen-eldhus.is
ON CENTER MAP NO 15
22:30 23:30 22:30
Vodafone
Choose Vodafone Iceland Vodafone is a leading provider of 4G services in Iceland, with good 3G/4G coverage all over the country. Share your memories by using Vodafone's prepaid mobile starter kit* with voice and data. Vodafone Power to you
PHOTO
* Where to buy prepaid SIM cards? ELKO stores at KEF Airport, 10/11 store at KEF Airport, BSI Bus terminal, N1 gas stations all around Iceland, Vodafone stores and network of resellers.