Iceland Information Guide 2017 - 2018

ICELAND INFORMATION GUIDE 2017

2018

33TH YEAR EDITION TRAVEL FACTS - MAPS - ACCOMMODATION - RESTAURANTS SHOPPING - BIRDS & FLORA - ICELANDIC FOOD GREENLAND

VALID THROUGH JULY 2018 PUBLISHED SINCE 1984

CONTENTS AND INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Accommodation, Hotels and guesthouses Art gallery, Ceramic Workshop, Gallery Ceramic Birdlife Car rental firms The old harbour cinema Cheese store Restaurant Distance in km – Drivng in Iceland Embassies of Iceland Fishskin, Leather and Hides Flora of Iceland Gift – souvenirs and woollens Greenland Health Product Ice Cream Organic Iceland Iceland – Southwest Iceland – West – West Fjords Iceland – North part – East part Iceland – South part – Westman Islands Icelandic Alphabet Icelandic names Icelandic food Icelandic horses Icelandic sheep Jewelry and watch maker Lingerie Store Map of Iceland Map of Reykjavík center Map of Reykjavík Milestone in Iceland's History Museums & Galleries National Costumes Northern Lights Organic Skin Product Pizza take out Phallological Museum Record Store Restaurants Transportation Taxi and Bus tours Tourist Information and Booking Office Swimming pools - Health Spa Travel facts Useful Conversions Weather in Iceland - Volcano in Iceland Whale watching

4, 19 30, 36, 46 97, 99 18, 26, 66 39 90 67 8 32 105, 107 10, 35 129 64 53 3, 29, 45, 47, 49 109 111, 113 115, 119 121, 123 68 62, 63 78, 79, 81, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 91, 92 55 57 28, 38, 60, 69 34 6, 7 125 126, 127 51 53 61 37 54 52 40 44 50, 68 - 123 14, 24, 25, 26, 116 26 48, 82, 83 11, 13, 19 128 31, 33 12, 17, 58, 59

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 Photos: Erlendur Guðmundsson, Friðrik Jóelsson, Heimir Harðarsson, Jóhann Águst Hansen, Kristján U. Kristjánsson, Stefán Árni Þorgeirsson. Printing: Oddi hf. – 2017 – 33nd year of publication

NOTES

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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 33th 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: Asian, Icelandic, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Nepalese, Spanish 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.

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Erlendur Guðmundsson Publisher

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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 Gríms­ey 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 medi­ eval 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 Minister, which wi­elds the executive power.

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Good Night

A brilliant part of your Icelandic experience For further information and bookings: www.icelandairhotels.com or by telephone (+354) 444 4000.

SOME AIRLINES GIVE YOU MILES. ICELANDAIR GIVES YOU TIME. Book an Icelandair Stopover on your next trip, at no additional airfare.

#MyStopover

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BLUE LAGOON HVER RESTAURANT/HOTEL ÖRK HVERAGERÐI KEFLAVIK AIRPORT ÞRASTALUNDUR SBA & WHALE SAFARI NORTH SAILING AMBASSADOR WHALE WATHING AKUREYRI HOTEL EDDA HILTON REYKJAVÍK NORDICA

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20 rental locations Reservation Tel.(354) 568 6915 Book on line: www.holdur.is

ICELAND Kortagerð: Ólafur Valson Copyright©

50 km

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 2771/72 http:www.iceland.is/at emb.vienna@mfa.is

NORWAY Islands Ambassade Stortingsgata 30 NO-0244 Oslo 1 Norge Tel.: 2323 7530 emb.oslo@mfa.is www.iceland.is/no

Consulate General of Iceland 800 Third Ave 36th. fl.

New York, N.Y. 10022 U.S.A. Tel.: 646 282 9360 con.newyork@mfa.is www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/un/nyc/

BELGIUM Ambassade d’Islande Rond Point R. Schuman 11 BE-1040 Bruxelles Tel.: 238 5000 http:www.iceland.is/be emb.brussel@mfa.is

RUSSIA FEDERATION Khlebnyi Pereulok 28 RU-115127 Moscow Moskva Tel.: 956 7604 emb.moscow@mfa.is www.iceland.is/ru

CANADA Embassy of Iceland 360 Albert Street Suite 710 Ottawa, Ontario ON K1R 7x7 Tel.: (613) 482 1944 emb.ottawa@mfa.is www.iceland.is/ca

DENMARK Islands Ambassade Strandgade 89 1401 København Tel.: 3318 1050 http:www.iceland.is/dk emb.copenhagen@mfa.is FAROE ISLANDS Consulate General of Iceland Ydun, Reynagöta 9, Fo-no Torshavn Tel.: (298 ) 308 100 icecon.torshavn@ utn.stjr.is FINLAND Islands Ambassad Pohjoisesplanadi 27C Fin-00100 Helsinki Tel.:(9) 612 2460 www.iceland.is/fi emb.helsinki@mfa.is FRANCE Ambassade d’Islande 52 ave. Victor Hugo FR-75116 Paris Tel.: (1) 4417 3285 emb.paris@mfa.is www.iceland.is/fr

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GERMANY Botschaft von Iceland Rauchstrasse 1 DE-10787 Berlin Tel.: (30) 5050 4000 emb.berlin@mfa.is www.iceland.is/de

SWEDEN Islands Ambassad Kommendörsgatan 35 SE-114 58 Stockholm Sverige Tel.: (8) 442 8300 emb.stockholm@mfa.is www.iceland.is/se SWITZERLAND Within the district of the Embassy of Iceland in Brussels Tel.: (+322) 238 5000 Email: emb.brussel@mfa.is UNITED KINGDOM Embassy of Iceland 2AHans Street, London SW1X OJE United Kingdom Tel.: (20) 7259 3999 emb.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 emb.washington@mfa.is www.iceland.org.is/us

Consulate General of Iceland One Wellington Crescent Suite 100 Winnipeg Manitoba R3M 3Z2 Tel.: (204) 284 1535 con.winnepeg@mfa.is www.iceland.is/ca/win CHINA Embassy of Iceland Liangma Bridge North Alley Chaoyang Beijing 100600 Tel.: (10) 8531 6900 emb.beijing@mfa.is www.iceland.is/cn INDIA Embassy of Iceland 10 Munirka Marg. Vasant Vihar New Delhi 110057 Tel.: 91 11435 30300 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 emb.tokyo@mfa.is www.iceland.is/jp

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Dear visitor, Welcome to Iceland! I hope that you will enjoy your stay here. I encourage you to see as much of the country as you can, and to enjoy our nature — but please respect it as well. I say this not to discourage you but to remind you that Iceland's countryside can be both delicate and dangerous.

Throughout the centuries, we Icelanders have had the duty to deliver this spectacular island to the next generation. We invite you to share our country with us and help us preserving it so that your children may enjoy it as well in future times.

Guðni Th. Jóhannesson Pres­ident of Iceland

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ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 19 32

Skólavörðustígur 10 tel.: 552 1890 Borgartún 31 tel.: 552 1890 handknit@handprjonasambandid.is www.handknit.is

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

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, German Wings, Transavia, Finnair, Delta Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Travel Service, Air Baltic, British Airways, Norwegian, Iberia, Vueling, Wizz Air, Eurowings, Luxair, Primera Air, Sun Express from the foll­owing cities:

ALICANTE, AMSTERDAM, ANCHORAGE, BARCELONA, BERGEN, BERLIN, BILLUND, BIRMINGHAM, BOSTON, BREMEN, BUDAPEST, CHICAGO, COLONE, COPENHAGEN, DENVER, DORTMUND, DÜSSELDORF, EDMONTON, FRANKFURT, FREDRICHSAFEN, GENEVA, GLASGOW, HALIFAX, HANNOVER, HELSINKI, LONDON, LUTON, MADRID, MANCHESTER, MILAN, MINNEAPOLIS, MUNICH, NEW YORK, NUUK, ORLANDO, OSLO, PARIS, PORTLAND, PRAQUE, SEATTLE, ST. PETERSBURG, STAVANGER, STUTTGART, STOCKHOLM, TORONTO, VANCOUVER, VIENNA, WARSAW, WASHINGTON, 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.

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ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 6

LOCATED NO 5 ON ICELAND MAP PAGE 6-7

SMALL GROUP WHALE WATCHING TOURS FROM REYKJAVÍK & AKUREYRI

Meet us at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland and the ticket office outside Hof Cultural Centre in Akureyri. +354 497 0000 ● whalesafari.is ● info@whalesafari.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 liter of spirits (up to 47% alcohol content), 0.75 liter of vine (up to 21% alcohol content) and 6 liters of beer. 2) 1.5 liters of wine (up to 21% alcohol content.) and 12 litres of beer 3) 3 liters of wine and 6 litres of beer 4) 18 litres of beer.

And 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 20 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 special 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 believed 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 follows: Break­fast EUR 10-20, lunch EUR 15-25, dinn­er EUR 30-40 .

TIPP­ING Service and VAT are in­vari­ably inclu­ded in prices in Iceland.

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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.

SPECIAL TOURS WHALE WATCHING AND OTHER WILDLIFE ADVENTURES AT SEA, see advertisement on page 17. Located in the old harbour, see location

on Reykjavík map no 23 on page 124-125.

NORTH SAILING HÚSAVÍK offers daily very interesting whale watching tours from

Húsavík, Akureyri and Ólafsfjörður. See advertisement on page 58. Located no 6 on Iceland map on page 6-7.

AMBASSADOR Interesting WHALE WATCHING Tours from Akureyri by

Ambassador, see advertisement on page 117. Located no 7 on Iceland map on page 6-7.

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 6.000 (VAT included) per sales receipt, and all goods (except woollens) must be packed in sealed bags or containers).

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.

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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.

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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.

ON R.VÍK MAP NO 23

WHALE WATCHING AND OTHER WILDLIFE ADVENTURES FROM REYKJAVIK

“Awesome Experience!”

Reviewed Apr, 2017

WHALE WATCHING

Whale Watching Classic: 09:00, 13:00, 17:00 Whale Watching Express: 10:00, 14:00, 21:00

MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV-FEB 09:00 09:00 09:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 17:00*

09:00 09:00 10:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 14:00 17:00 17:00 21:00** 21:00

09:00 10:00 13:00 14:00 17:00

Price: Adults: 10.990 ISK Children (7-15) 50% OFF Children (0-6) FREE

09:00 09:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 17:00* *From 15th May-15th September **From June 15th

WE GO THE EXTRA MILE!

Book online www.specialtours.is / info@specialtours.is Call us +354 560 8800, or visit our ticket sale at the old harbour

ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 30

citycarrental.is Offers one of the best prices in Reykjavik 4 - 16 seaters cars

SPECIAL OFFERS ON ALL CARS! BOOK NOW

BOOK NOW FOR ...

7 DAYS & GET 5% OFF 14 DAYS & GET 10% OFF City Car Rental Snorrabraut 29 105 Reykjavík

Tel: +354 771 4200 info@citycarrental.is www.citycarrental.is

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 be purchased outside Iceland. Children’s discounts are also widely available. Contact your booking office for further information.

ICELANDAIR HOTELS

Icelandair operates nine first-class hotels around the country under the name ICELANDAIR HOTELS. Tel.: +354-444 4000, www.icehotels.is.

See location on Icelandair Hotels on Iceland map page 6-7. Icelandair also runs Hilton Reykjavík Nordica. Tel.: +354-444 5000, www.hilton.is and the EDDA Summer Hotel Chain. Both bed and breakfast and sleepingbag accommodation are offered in the EDDA hotels.Tel.: +354-444 4000, www.hoteledda.is. See location on Edda Hotels Iceland map page 6-7.

HOTELS

Hotel Fron in Reykjavík center, Tel.: +354-511 4666, www.fron.is. Hotel Örk Hveragerði, Tel.: +354 483 4700, www.hotelork.is, See location on Iceland map page 6-7. Foss Hotels. Tel.: +354-562 4000, www.fosshotels.is. Center Hotels. Tel: +354-595 8500, www.centerhotels.is. Hotels of Iceland. Tel: +354-514 8000, www.islandhotel.is.

ACCOMMODATION IN ICELAND

HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSES

FARMHOUSE ACCOMMODATION

Icelandic Farm Holidays is a chain of farmhouses around Iceland offering guesthouses, country-hotels and cottages. Tel.: +354-570 2700, e-mail: ifh@ farmholidays.is, 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, 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.

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THE VIKING ALPHABET The Vikings used a written alphabet and letters calle runes.

The Vikings believed that the god Odin gave them the runes as a gift so they were treated with great respect. They also believed that the runes were magical and could tell the future.

The Vikings did not have paper or parchment like material. Their history and culture was passed down orally through stories and poems. Instead Viking runes were carved woth knife or chisel into stone and wood.

To make carving easier, the runes were made using only straight lines.

Words were formed by separating groups of runes with full stop.

Runes were not normally used to write down stories or poems. They were used record ordinary everyday things such as marking belongins or kepping a record of what was sold by trader.

Viking warrior swords and spears were normally decorated with runes.

The runes showed the owner of weapon and also gave it magical power and strength in battle.

The Vikings also used runes to inscribe stones to remember dead family and friends. Thousands of rune stones have been discovered in Scandinavia and other lands that the Vikings invaded.

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Sometimes, the Vikings also drew pictures auch as horses, snakes and Longships on these rune stones together with words. These pictures would sometimes show a Viking story of Saga. Much of what we know about the Vikings comes from arceaologists studying these rune stones.

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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.

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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.

The Viking Trade Expeditions was through most of Europe, the Mediterranean Sea and Northern Africa.

Exporting honey, tin, wheat, wool, fur and hides, falcons, whalebone, walrus ivory. Importing: silver, silk, spices, weapons, pottery, textiles and slaves. According to the Saga of Icelanders the Vikings founded the first Norse colonies in Greenland and also considered as the first European to discover North America (c. 1000 ad).

The Viking food was traditionally based on fish and lamb. They were preserved in variety of ways, smoked, pickled, dried and salted. The Viking Sagas are literally filled with tales of beer-mead drinking and ale brewing and they avoided the risk of getting ill by drinking brewed ale instead of water, even children would drink it of course the Ale was much weaker than it is now, meaning it could be drunk with most meals with relative safety. The brewing of the Viking Ale required the most common grain in Norse society, barley which was fermented and then the final flavorings would be added for taste.

Ale was the everyday drink for the Viking people, mead was a little more rare and typically used for special occasions.

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Day Tours - All the most exciting places in Iceland ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 14

BOOK NOW!

ON WWW.RE.IS

BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík •

AT YOUR RECEPTION

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CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!

ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 14

ON WWW.IOYO.IS

BOOK NOW!

ON WWW.IOYO.IS

BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík •

AT YOUR RECEPTION

+354 580 5400 • main@re.is • www.re.is • www.ioyo.is

ON REYKJAVĂ?K MAP NO 26

Horse Riding

Glacier Walk

Whale Watching

Diving

Puffin Tours

Nature Bathing

Blue Lagoon

Paragliding

Helicopter Tours

Book your dream tour now

THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES Welcome to Iceland – land of ice and fire Iceland is located at the Mid-Atlantic ridge, above a hotspot and on the boundary between the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates.

Thus, the geology of the island is characterised by repeated volcanism and geothermal phenomena such as geysers. Iceland has also several glaciers.

The giant Vatnajökull and the other smaller ones, such as Langjökull, Hofsjökull and Mýrdalsjökull.

They are sources of endless number of glacial rivers that carry enormous amount of water and sediment to the ocean. This combination of fire and ice has created a beautiful but fragile landscape that can be easily damaged.

Furthermore , the vegetation cover and the volcanic soils are easily erodible and vulnerable against trampling; as a matter of fact, Iceland has lost huge parts of its vegetation cover and fertile soil due to unsustainable landuse and overexploitation of natural resources since the island was settled by the vikings in the year 874. It´s estimated that around 25% of the island was covered with woodland at the time of the settlement, today it´s is less than 3%.

Thus, dear visitors, it´s extremely important to show the Icelandic nature full respect and leave no damages behind. For instance to drive only on official roads, follow footpaths when hiking and bring only memories with you back home. Our national parks and other tourist destinations are many and widespread around the country. I strongly encourage you to plan for longer trips and take time in exploring the West, North and the East, as the South coast. Everywhere the nature is mystic and energetic and may show you some of its magic when least expected.

It might be bright and sunny during your stay but it might also be cold and windy. That is part of Iceland and only to enjoy. In almost every village you will find a nice and warm swimming pool and hot tubs, thanks to the geothermal hot water. Our houses are in most areas heated with geothermal and we use hydropower to produce electricity.

Bring a bottle and fill it with fresh and clean water from the tap and refill it again and again during your stay. Try the local food; for instance our marvelous lamb meet, the fresh fish from the sea and the vegetables from our greenhouses, grown without using any pesticides.

Dear visitor, I hope you will enjoy your stay in Iceland. Please help us protecting the Icelandic nature by keeping your ecological footprint as small as possible and leave no marks behind.

Björt Ólafsdóttir, The Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources

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HISTORY The country may have been settled by some Christ­ia ­ n 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.

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ON REYKJAVÍK 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 fo r a p p o in tm e n t: +3 5 4 8 6 3 3 9 3 4

YOU ARE WELCOME TO MY WORKSHOP - CERAMIC STUDIO GALLERY

S e lja v e g u r 3 2 | 1 0 1 R e y k ja v ík

T

The weather in Iceland

Iceland enjoys a much milder climate than its name and location adjacent to the Arctic Circle would imply. A branch of the Gulf Stream flows along the southern and the western coast greatly moderating the climate. In coastal areas the monthly average temperatures range from approximately -5°C to 15°C, with temperatures varying around 0°C ± 5°C in wintertime and 10°C ± 5°C in summertime. The winter temperatures are approximately 15°C warmer than in other areas located at the same latitude (63-67°N), and the summertime average temperatures are approximately 5°C lower. Due to the Gulf Stream, mild Atlantic air is brought in contact with colder Arctic air resulting in a climate that is marked by frequent changes in weather and storminess.

Furthermore this leads to more rainfall in the southern and western part than in the northern part of the island.

The summer tourist season is from late May to early September. During the first half of this period the sun stays above the horizon for almost 24 hours and the interplay of light and shadows on mountains, lava fields and glaciers yield an ever changing landscape. However, even during the middle of summer the sky is frequently cloudy or overcast and the sunshine does not warm the air much. Hence, during daytime, the air is usually cool (“refreshing” is the local euphemism) and cold during nighttime. Also, in coastal regions, summertime warming is often capped by sea-breeze, resulting in temperatures around 12°C. The winter season is the abode of long nights, and severe winter storms.

However, the silence of the frozen expanse and the dance of the Aurora Borealis on a clear night sky draws an increasing number of tourists.

During summertime tourists should bring a windbreaker, rainwear, a thick pullover (wool or fleece) and sturdy walking shoes. Travelers who are camping or heading into the interior will need warm underwear and socks, rubber boots and a warm sleeping bag. During wintertime tourist should bring warm clothing, warm coat, mittens etc. Iceland has many swimming pools, usually with geothermally heated water. Hence, in either season a visitor should bring a swim suit.

On the web-site of the Icelandic Meteorlogical Office (www.vedur.is) information about the weather forecast, cloud conditions, climate, seismic acitivity and hydrology can be found among many other things. Information about temperature (= hiti in Icelandic) distribution over Iceland can be found on: http://vedur.is/vedur/vedurfar/kort/manadarmedalhiti/ And information about precipitation (= rainfall in Icelandic) distribution is found at: http://vedur.is/vedur/vedurfar/kort/medalurkoma_arsins/.

Have a nice stay in Iceland, with regards from the Icelandic Meteorological Office

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Jóhann Ágúst Hansen

The Eruptions at the Eyjafjallajökull Volcanic System in 2010, in Grímsvötn 2011 and in Holuhraun 2014 Volcanic eruptions occur in Iceland every 3-4 years on average, 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.The sub-glacial eruption progressed into an explosive eruption when the lava came in contact with ice, resulting in a glacial outburst flood (jökulhlaup). 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 2011.

In August 2014, a prolonged volcanic eruption began on Holuhraun, a lava plain to the north of the Vatnajökull ice-cap. The eruption was sourced from the ice-covered Bárðarbunga volcano due to collapse of the volcano's caldera. Ending on 27 February 2015, the outpouring of lava on Holuhraun is the largest eruption in Europe since 1784.

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ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 1

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haute couture lingerie shop Opening hours Mon-Fri: 10:00 -18:00 Sat: 10:00 -16:00 Laugavegur 82, 101, Reykjavík Telephone: (+354) 551- 4473

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since 1916

ON REYKJAVÍK 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 & wollens). 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

ON REYKJAVÍK 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.

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ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 9

23/ !"#$%&#'!()*+(#,-%%!./#0*1 Winter Schedule

ICELANDIC NATURE AND The documentaries CULTURE FILMS A: THE ERUPTION! and HEKLA (20 minutes)

B: THE ERUPTION! and BIRTH OF AN ISLAND – the making of Iceland” (55 minutes)

When 17:30 18:00

4562'#$7#80#59:80; – The making of Iceland

Audio: English

An experience about the creation of Iceland, the youngest country in Europe and an island stillVOLCANO in the making!

How does& NORTHERN LIGHTS ERUPTION it happen? Birth of an island explores how Iceland was created through in 25 minutes - every allisland year around volcanic eruptions, why they continue and what effects they haveday, on the Alsohave a longer film showing major volcanic today. Why are there geysers and how the Icelanders learned all to harness the natural hot waters from deep below the grounds?

This unique production eruptions in Iceland since 1947 shows how natural forces, such as glaciers, rivers, waterfalls, the Atlantic and volcanoes constantly mold Iceland. Running time: 43 minutes.

FILMS SHOWN DAILY ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE

2'<#<6=>25$0?

AND OFF SCHEDULE ON DEMAND

Audio: Music & soundscape

The volcanic eruption in Eyjafjallajökull in the spring of - Eyjafjalljökull 2010 & Chasing thecrust Northern lights 2010.

Devastating Eruption powers deep beneath the Earth - BirthOriginal of an island the making of Iceland emerge. music-score

by Icelandic composer heightens the unique experience. Running time: 12 minutes.

Audio: Music & soundscape

'<@:8#– The entrance to Hell

Iceland’s most famous volcano and the entrance to Hell according to Middle Age beliefs. This production captures Hekla both at rest and in eruption. The earliest shots are from the powerful eruption in 1947. They are followed by shots of several later eruptions - the latest by the year 2000... Running time: 8 minutes.

Documentaries

Trip advisor reviews

available on DVD

“Incredibly moving pictures!” - “Super intéressant !”

Group arrangements “Cozy space, wonderful owners, great volcano films!”

Groups (10+) are most“Awelcome The when Cinema and by outside specialisagreement MUST-VISITineven the weather beautiful!” we can show the following renowned documentaries as well: “Eindrucksvoll und atmosphärisch” Thingvellir – The lake between Continents, Thorsmörk – The “Värt att besökathe i Reykjaviks gamla hamn” valley of Thor, Thjórsárdalur, Paradise a documentary See more onand ourFrozen Facebook and webpage www.thecinema.is

on kayaking in Greenland. Some available in German.

All information on www.lifsmynd.is/cinemano2

Old Harbour Reykjavík - we are in the first blue house: Geirsgata 7b, 101 Reykjavik.

ON REYKJAVÍK 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!

Open: Summer 09:00 - 18:00 and Winter 10:00 - 18:00 Laugavegur 116 • 105 Reykjavík • Tel.: +354-561-6663 • phallus@phallus.is • www.phallus.is

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.

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ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 16

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ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 22

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.

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ON REYKJAVÍK 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.

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ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 4

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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.

Reykjavík Excursions on page 24-25 and Taxi station Hreyfill on page 14 offer a well approved sightseeing trips to this part of Iceland.

49

LOCATED NO 4 ON ICELAND MAP PAGE 6-7

Welcome to Ã&#x17E;rastalundur

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Wood Oven Pizza | Ice Cream | Real Coffee Bakery | Grocery Store | Restaurant | Free WiFi Part of the Golden Circle route

Tel: 779 6500 www.thrastalundur.is

RESTAURANT & MINIMARKET

1949 Iceland becomes a founding member of NATO. 1952 Iceland’s fishery limits extended to four miles.

Iceland joins the Nordic Council.

1958 Iceland’s fishery limits extended to 12 miles.

Cod War with Britain.

1963 Birth of submarine island Surtsey off the coast of Iceland.

1965 Treaty concluded with Denmark for the return of Icelandic manuscripts.

1970 Iceland joins EFTA. 1971 Arrival of first Icelandic manuscripts from Copenhagen.

1972 Fishery limits extended to 50 miles.

1973 Volcanic eruption on Heimaey, the only inhabited island of the Westman Islands.

1974 1100th anniversary of the Settlem­ent. The Ring Road around Iceland completed.

1975 Fishery limits extended to 200 miles. Cod War with Britain.

1980 Vigdís Finnbogadóttir becomes first woman ever to be democratically elected President of a Republic.

She was re-elected in 1984, 1988 and again in 1992.

1986 Reag­an-Gorbachev Summit Meeting held in Iceland.

1989 Offical visit of Pope John Paul II. 1992 EFTA countries and the European Union establish European Economic Area(EEA). Iceland becomes part of the EUs single market 1994 EEA comes into effect 1996 Volcanic eruption underneath the Vatnajökull glacier.

2006 The United States closes the military base at Keflavík.

2008 Collapse of the Icelandic banking system which lead to a severe economic depression.The national currency falls sharply in value and the gross domestic product drops by 10%.

2009 Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir became Iceland’s first female Prime Minister and the world’s first openly gay head of government 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted, prompting brief evacuation for locals and causing enormous disruption to air travel across western and northern Europe.

2011 Volcanic eruption in Vatnajökull glacier.

2013 A Free Trade Agreement is signed between China and Iceland, the first between China and a European country.

The Icesave dispute, which dealt with the question whether the Icelandic State was obliged to repay Dutch and British depositors minimum deposit guarantees imposed by a private bank, ends with a ESA ruling that Iceland is not obliged to pay.

2014 Volcanic eruption in Holuhraun lava field.

2015 The Icelandic parliament, Althingi, passes a Bill which facilitates the authorities to remove the capital controls introduced in the wake of the financial system collapse of 2008. Uninployment rate is 3,7% and the government budget deficit has declined from 9,7% of GDP in 2009 to none.

HISTORY

MILESTONES IN ICELAND’S HISTORY

874-930 The Settlem­ent of Iceland. Ingólfur Arnarson, the first permanent settler, arrives in Reykjavík.

985 Eiríkur the Red discovers and settles in Greenland.

930-1030 The Saga Age. The first Althing (Parliament) and the establis­hment of the Republic of Iceland at Thingvellir.

1000 Christianity adopted as the new religion. Leifur the Lucky Eiríksson discovers North America and names it Vínland.

1056 Consecration of the first bis­hop of Iceland, Ísleifur Gissurarson. Skálholt becomes the diocesan seat of the first bis­hopric of Iceland.

1117-1118 The laws of the Althing are written down after hav­ing been transmitted orally. End of the Age of Peace.

1120-1230 The Age of Writing. An era of tremendous literary activity. The mounumental History of the Kings of Norway, and the first vernacu­al­ar history, Book of Icelanders, were written during this period.

1230 Beginning of the Age of Sturlungs and the Civil War. 1241 Snorri Sturluson killed.

1262 Iceland comes und­er the Norwegian crown. End of the Age of Sturl­ungs.

1380 Iceland and Norway come under the Danish crown.

1402-1404 The Black Death plague ravages Iceland.

1602 Den­ark establis­hes a trade monopoly.

1662 Absolutism enforced.

1783-1785 The cata­stropic, Laka­gíg­ar eruption and earthqu­akes.

1786 Reykjavík obta­ins town status. Population 200.

1787 Trade freed to Danish subjects.

1800 The Althing is abolished.

1818 The National Library of Iceland is founded.

1843 The Althing is re-established as a consultative body. Jón Sigurðs­son leads the continuing struggle for greater autonomy.

1854 Danish tra­de monopoly is lifted.

1861 The National Museum founded.

1874 Millennium celebration of the Settlem­ent.

King of Denmark visits Iceland for the first time. New Icelandic constitution.

1904 Home Rule under Den­mark.

1911 University of Iceland founded.

1915 Women granted national elections voting rights.

1918 The Act of Union gives full recognition to Iceland’s independence.

1920 The Supreme Court founded.

1930 Millenni­um of the Althing celebrated.

1940 Iceland occupied by British troops.

1941 U.S. forces take over defen­se of Iceland and policy of permanent neutrality abandoned.

1944 The Republic of Iceland was founded at Thingvellir.

1945 First international flight by Iceland­ic aircraft.

1946 Iceland joins the United Nations.

1947 Iceland founding mem­bers of OEEC (in 1961 changed to OECD).

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EXPERIENCE The Golden Circle

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Call us at 58 12345, we deliver right to your room!

TEL. 58 12345

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES Árbær Open Air Museum - Kistuhylur 4. Tel. 411 6300. Old buildings from Reykja­vík, a farmhouse, a turf church, and a locomotive used in the building of Reykjavík harbour.

Open: June through Aug 10:00 - 17:00. Visiting hours on website: www.borgarsogusafn.is National and University library of Iceland - near University of Iceland. Tel. 525 5600. A research institute holding priceless manuscripts that were repatriated from Denmark. Open: Mon - Fri 09:00 17:00. Website: www.landsbokasafn.is. Ásgrímur Jónsson Museum - Bergstaðastræti 74. Tel. 515 9625. The building was the home and studio of painter Ásgrímur Jónsson. Selected works on display the year round. Open: Tue, Thu and Sun 14:00 - 17:00. Website: www.listasafn.is

Reykjavík Art Museum Ásmundur Sveinsson Gallery – Sigtún. Tel. 411 6430. A collection of original sculptures by Ásmundur Sveinsson that was donated by him to the city. Large castings of his work are in the garden. Open: May - Sept 10:00 - 17:00, Oct - April 13:00 - 17:00. Website: www. artmuseum.is/asmundarsafn Einar Jónsson Museum – Njarðargata (on Skólavörðuholt). Tel. 551 3797. A large collection of sculptures by Einar Jónsson are displayed in the museum and in the museum’s garden. Open: Tue Sun 10:00 - 17:00. Website: www.lej.is

MUSEUMS IN REYKJAVÍK

REYKJAVÍK

Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir, Municipal Art Gallery – Flókagata 24. Tel. 411 6420. A gallery built by the city to honour the memory of Jóhannes S. Kjarval, probably Iceland’s greatest painter. Open: 10:00 - 17:00. Website: www.artmuseum.is/kjarvalsstadir

Living Art Museum - Grandagarður 20, the Marshall House, 2nd floor. Tel. 551 4350. Contemporary and experimental art. Open: Tue - Sun 12:00 - 18:00, Thu 12 - 21, closed on Mondays. Website: www.nylo.is Maritime Museum – Grandagarður 8. Tel. 411 6340. The museum's main exhibition illustrate the development from rowing boats to modern trawlers and the construction of Reykjavik harbour.

Open: Daily 10:00 - 17:00. Website: www.borgarsogusafn.is/sjominjasafnid Museum of Design and Applied Art – Garðatorg 1, 210 Garðabær. Tel. 512 1525 or 512 1526.

Open: Daily 12:00 - 17:00, Closed Mondays. Website: www.honnunarsafn.is

Museum of Photography – Tryggvagata 15. Tel. 411 6390. Open: Mon - Fri 11:00 - 18:00, Sat & Sun 13:00 - 17:00. Website: www.borgarsogusafn.is/is/ljosmyndasafn-reykjavikur. Reykjavík City Library – Same adress and same opening hours.

National Museum of Iceland – Suðurgata 41. Tel. 530 2200. The permanent exhibition deals with the settlement of Iceland, including articles, barrows and house sites. Open: Daily 10:00 - 17:00, closed on Mondays. Website: www.thjodminjasafn.is.

National Art Gallery – Fríkirkjuvegur 7. Tel. 515 9600. Fine collection of Icelandic art. The Gallery shop and the café are open daily 10:00 - 17:00. Website: www.listasafn.is

Nordic House – Sæmundargata 11. Tel. 551 7030. An institution fostering cultural links between Iceland and the other Nordic nations. Open: Sun - Tue 09:00 - 17:00, Wed -Sat 09:00 - 21:30.

Basement display rooms,Tue - Sun 12:00 - 17:00 during exhibitions. Nordic Library open daily 12:00 - 17:00. Office Mon - Fri 08:30 - 16:30. Website: www.nordice.is National Museum of Iceland – Suðurgata 41. Tel. 530 2200. Open: Daily 10:00 - 17:00. Website: www.thjodminjasafn.is

Penis Museum – Laugavegur 116. Tel. 561 6663. Open: Daily 10:00 - 18:00. Website: www.phallus.is Reykjavík Botanical Gardens – Laugardalur (near football stadium). Tel. 553 8870. A good collection of native plants and certain foreign species that are grown experimentally. Open: Apr Sept 10:00 - 22:00 and Oct - Apr 10:00 - 17:00. Website: www.grasagardur.is Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum – Laugarnestangi 70. Tel. 553 2906. A collection of sculptures by Sigurjón Ólafsson. Open: Tue - Sun 14:00 - 17:00. Guided tours available by arrangement.

Website: www.iso.is

Reykjavík Art Museum Harbour house – Tryggvagata 17, Tel. 411 6410. The Erro collection also temporary exhibitions from other artists. Open: 10:00 - 17:00. Thu 10:00 - 22:00 Website: www. artmuseum.is/hafnarhus

The Culture House – Hverfisgötu 15, 101 Reykjavík. Tel. 530 2210. Exhibitions reflecting varied aspects of Icelandic history and culture, Medieval Manuscripts - Eddas and Sagas. Open: 10:00 - 17:00.

Website: www.thjodmenning.is

The Settlement exhibition Reykjavík – Aðalstræti 16. Tel. 411 6370. Experience Viking-age Reykjavik at the Settlement Exhibition. Multimedia tecniques brings Reykjavik's past to life, providing visitors with insights into how people lived in the Viking Age, and whaat the environment looked like to the settlers. Open: Daily 09:00 - 18:00. Guided tour June - Aug at 11:00 on weekdays. Website: www.borgarsogusafn.is

53

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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.

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ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 19

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joylato.is

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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.

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LOCATED NO 6 ON ICELAND MAP PAGE 6-7 HÚSAVÍK

ORIGINAL

whale

watching ECO-FR I ENDLY SI NCE 1995

#1 of things to Do in húsavík 2016

Eco-friendly whale watching With great respect for whales and nature North Sailing offers responsible whale watching tours, a unique opportunity to witness whales and birds in their natural habitat.

BOOK ONLINE 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:

WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND

The Whale

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.

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 flipperslapping. 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.

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ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 25

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.

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TRY IT YOURSELF! What would your name be if you followed the Icelandic tradition?

What would your father’s and mother’s names be? Just for fun, try completing the form for your family members.

This is done in the following manner: 1. First, fill in the blanks at the top with the names of your paternal and maternal grandparents.

2. Then write your father’s and mother’s names, with their patronymics, as they would be if you followed the Icelandic tradition, in the blanks below. Whose son and daughter are your parents?

3. In the blank space at the bottom of the page you add your name, in the Icelandic fashion. Whose son or daughter are you?

FATHER’S FATHER:

MOTHER’S FATHER:

FATHER’S MOTHER:

MOTHER’S MOTHER:

FATHER:

MOTHER:

MY NAME ACCORDING TO THE ICELANDIC CUSTOM:

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, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, or even President Guðni Th. but never President Jóhannesson. There is a limited number of Icelanders who do have family names.

63

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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

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65

LOCATIONS ON ICELAND MAP PAGE 6-7 ON REYKJAVÍKMAP NO 27

moving your way

Your local car rental around Iceland

Competitive rates and great variety of new cars wherever youˊre travelling

Vík Sel­foss Rvík

Borg­ar- Ísa­nes fjörður

Akureyri

Eg­ilsstað­ir

Höfn 493

Akranes

220

91

49

38

422

353

617

Akureyri

561

432

389

315

567

1336*

265

512

Blönduós

416

287

244

170

423

145

410

657

Borgarnes

246

117

74

1336

384

315

580

519*

Breiðdalsvík

430*

560*

617*

662

915

347

82

166

Búðardalur

326

197

154

80

304

281

546

599*

Dalvík

585

456

412

339

591

44

309

555

Djúpivogur

368*

497*

554*

614

979

411

146

103

Egilsstaðir

511*

640*

698*

580

832

265

1336

247

Eiðar

525*

654*

668

594

846

279

14

261

Eskifjörður

542*

671*

702

628

881

313

48

278

Flókalundur

513

384

341

267

116

468

733

786*

Grindavík

229

99

52

118

502

433

698

501*

Grundarfjörður

357

228

185

111

416

389

654

630*

Gullfoss

176

71

125

184

569

499

687*

449*

Hallormsstaður

515*

644*

680

606

858

291

26

251

Hella

93

36

94

153

537

468

604*

366*

Hólmavík

445

316

273

199

224

344

609

718*

Húsavík

652

523

480

406

659

91

220

467

Hvammstangi

370

239

197

123

376

203

468

642*

80

49

106

166

550

481

591*

Höfn í Hornafirði

273*

402*

459*

519*

902

512

247

Ísafjörður

630

500

457

384

1973*

567

832

922*

Keflavík

226

97

48

116

500

431

696

499*

Hvolsvöllur

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

353* 1346

71

201

258

318

702

633

440*

201*

Laugarvatn

169

39

93

153

538

468

680*

441*

Ólafsvík

367

239

195

121

443

416

681

640*

Reykjahlíð v/Mývatn

660*

531

488

414

667

99

165

412

Reykholt um Stafholtst.

255

126

84

43

387

318

583

528*

Sauðárkrókur

492

362

319

246

498

119

384

631

Selfoss

129

1336

57

117

500

432

640*

402*

Seyðisfjörður

538*

667*

681

607

859

292

27

274

Skaftafell

141*

270*

327*

387*

771*

639

374

136

32

97

154

214

598

529

543*

305*

345

215

172

98

390

363

628

617*

1336

129

187

246

630

561

511*

273*

665

622

548

800

233

173

420

Skógar, Eyjafjöllum Stykkishólmur Vík í Mýrdal Vopnafjörður

684*

Þingvellir

174

45

49

95

479

410

675

447*

Þórshöfn

754*

672

629

555

808

240

243

490

(*) via Skeiðarásand road.

DISTANCES IN KM

DISTANCES IN KM

67

ÁáÐðÉéÍ T THE ICELANDIC ALPHABET

Aa Áá Bb Dd Ðð Ee Éé Ff Gg Hh Ii Íí Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Óó Pp Rr Ss Tt Uu Úú Vv Xx Yy Ýý Þþ Ææ Öö The icelandic alphabet has several special characters not found in English:

ð - This letter is pronounced like th in the English word father.

It is called "eð". þ - No, this is not a p! This letter is pronounced like th in the English word think and is called "þorn". æ - is pronounced like the i in life. ö - sounds similar to i in bird and shirt. á - é - í - ó - ú - ý - The accent over the vowels does not mean they are stressed. The letters a and á represent different sounds, as do e and é, etc.: á sounds like ow in the English word how, é is pronounced like ye in yes, ó like the o in no, ú like ou in you, í and ý are pronounced alike and sound like ee in tree, while i and y both sounds like i in this. The letters au together sound like the vowel in the French feuille.

Try to pronounce some common Icelandic words; bók (book), þú (you), móðir (mother), bátur (boat), ís (ice), tré (tree), nýr (new), brauð (bread), öl (ale), sæti (seat), fiskur (fish), dyr (door).

ÝýÞþÆæÖö 68

ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 26

ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 15

Welcome to our new location!

Austurstræti 22

Cosy atmosphere in the heart of Reykjavík Table reservation by phone, call: 562 7335 or via caruso@caruso.is.

Caruso Austurstræti 22 / 101 Reykjavík

D

Restaurant Caruso

DINING OUT IN ICELAND

Eating out in Iceland is a delightful experience, as there are over 200 restaurants to choose from. Do you fancy nouvelle cuisine, a plate of gourmet seafood, various lamb dishes, Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Indian specialities? Quality restaurants on every corner are available in ReykjavĂ­k. On the following pages you will find restaurants, each with their own style and character. They pride themselves in serving their customer delicious food, excellent service with warm Icelandic hospitality. Raw materials are plentiful as Icelanders can boast of vast unpolluted fishing grounds around Iceland. Sheep graze freely in the countryside producing excellent lamb.

Most restaurants are in the middle price range, where one can expect to pay 50-70 USD for a nice meal. Also there are many fast-food places. When dining in restaurants in Iceland tips are not customary. Serving you is pleasure enough.

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ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 8 and 9

ON REYKJAVÍK 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

ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 11

§

§

§

BREAKFAST BRUNCH LUNCH DINNER

Cafe Paris | Austurstræti 14 | 101 Reykjavík cafeparis.is | cafeparis@cafeparis.is | +354 551 1020

ON REYKJAVÍK 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 REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 28

OPEN 11.30-22.00

ON REYKJAVÍK 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 REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 9

BISTRO

CAFE HAITI IS A FRIENDLY COFFEE HOUSE

BY THE OLD HARBOUR IN REYKJAVÍK CENTER - BREAKFAST - LUNCH - DINNER Quality coffee roasted on the premises and delicious Cakes

OPENING HOURS: SUMMER

MON - THU 06:00 - 21:00 FRI 06:00 - 22:00 SAT 07:00 - 22:00 SUN 07:00 - 21:00

WINTER

MON - THU 08:00 - 18:00 FRI 08:00 - 21:00 SAT 08:00 - 21:00 SUN 08:00 - 18:00

CAFE HAITI by the Old Harbour · Geirsgata 7b, 101 Reykjavík Tel: 588 8484 · cafehaiti@cafehaiti.is · www.cafehaiti.is

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ICELANDIC FOOD FRUITS & VEGETABLES Icelanders grow a lot of tasty garden vegetables, e.g. rhubarb, cabbage, cauliflower and potatoes, of which people here eat a lot. Vegetables and tropical fruits are also imported, making a wide choice all the year round. In the autumn, Icelanders like to gather wild berries, mainly crowberries and blueberries, which are eaten fresh and also used to make jams and juices, in particular the former. Geothermal energy is used to heat greenhouses, especially for the growing of cucumbers, tomatoes, green and red peppers, mushrooms and beautiful garden flowers.

The diet of Icelanders has undergone rapid changes in recent years. The consumption of fruit and vegetables has steadily risen in line with increased information about their nutritional value. The Iceland Nutrition Council keeps track of these developments and confirms that Icelanders now consume more than 32kg of fresh vegetables per inhabitant annually.

The figure for fresh fruit is nearly 45kg per person.

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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

LIST OF PRODUCTS

LISTE DE PRODUITS • WARENVERZEICHNIS • PRODUKTFÖRTECKNING

Icelandic Birds

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FUGLAR:

BIRDS:

OISEAUX:

VÖGEL:

Rjúpa Lundi Reyktur lundi

Ptarmigan Puffin Smoked puffin

Perdrix des neiges Macareux Macareux fumé

Svartfugl Villigæs Aligæs Kalkúni Villiönd Aliönd Kjúklingur Kjúklingabringa/ur Kjúklingalæri Unghæna Unghani Hænuegg Svartfuglsegg Andaregg Gæsaregg

Guillemot Wild goose Farm-reared goose Turkey Wild duck Farm-reared duck Chicken Breast of chicken Leg of chicken Young hen/pullet Cockerel Hen’s eggs Sea-bird eggs Duck’s eggs Goose eggs

Guillemot Oie sauvage Oie domestique Dinde Canard sauvage Canard d’élevage Poulet Blanc de poulet Cuisse de poulet Poularde Coquelet Oeufs de poule Oeufs de guillemot Oeufs de canard Oeufs d’oie

Schneehuhn Papageientaucher Geräucherter Papageientaucher Alke Wildgans Mastgans Pute Wildente Mastente Hähnchen Hähnchenbrust Hähnchenkeule Junghuhn Junghahn Hühnereier Alkeneier Enteneier Gänseeier

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ICELANDIC FOOD BIRDS & EGGS Poultry farming is considerable in Iceland. The most common types of bird reared are chicken, duck and turkey.

National consumption of poultry has been on the increase, no doubt the result of the rapid growth in number of fastfood and oriental restaurants. Over the centuries, Icelanders have acquired a taste for sea birds, in particular guillemot and puffin, which are caught on the steep cliff faces along the coasts. In the spring the colourful eggs of these birds are collected for consumption. Slightly larger than a henâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s egg, they are considered a delicacy. Needless to say, your ordinary henâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s egg is available at any time of the year.

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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

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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.

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LIST OF PRODUCTS

LISTE DE PRODUITS • WARENVERZEICHNIS • PRODUKTFÖRTECKNING

Icelandic Specialities

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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

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

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

Gesengte Schafsköpfe Kopfsülze Geräuchertes Lamm Blutwurst Leberwurst Sauerspeisen (Blutwurst/ Leberwurst/Widderhoden/ Lammbrust/Robbenflossen) Gesalzenes Lamm Fladenbr. (Roggenpfannk.)

Gekochtes Pumpernickel Haifisch Trockenfish

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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!

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Welcome to the Gourmet Cheese Store and restaurant Ostabúðin Skólavörðurstígur 8, where the best of the contemporary blends deliciously with the best from the past.

Restaurant opening hours Mon-Fri 11.30-22.00, Sat-Sun 12.00-22.00

• 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 Cheese Store opening hours: Mon. - Thu. 10:00 - 18:00, Fri. 10:00 - 19:00 and Sat .11:00 - 16:00

Skólavörðustígur 8 Tel: 562 - 2772 ostabudin@ostabudin.is www.ostabudin.is

ICELANDIC FOOD

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CHEESE AND BUTTER The wide selection available is proof that cheese- and buttermaking 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.

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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

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Traditional Icelandic Meat Soup Preparation time: About 20 minutes Cooking time: 80 minutes or more Serves: 4 - 6 as a main course.

Ingredients: 500 g Lamb shoulder (preferably with some bone) 6 cups water (more if necessary) 2 teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 large onion or leek, chopped 2 tablespoons mixed dried herbs (Súpujurtir or Herbes de provence) 2 large rutabaga, peeled and chopped 1 chopped green cabbage 3 large Potatoes, peeled and chopped 6 large Carrots, peeled and chopped 1 cup rice (traditionalists use rolled oats as an alternative) Preparation: Trim some of the excess fat off the meat if necessary. Place it in a large pot, add 6 cups cold water and heat slowly to a boil. Skim the broth (skim off the extra fat, as it rises to the surface), then add salt, pepper, onions, and dried herbs. Simmer, partly covered, for about 45 minutes.

The vegetables are cut into fairly large pieces. The vegetables are added and continue simmering for 15 minutes.At last add the cabbage and rice, simmer for 5 -10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if available. Serve meat in the soup or separately

Gjörið þið svo vel = Bon appetit

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THE BEST ORIGINAL CHICKEN OR BEEF NOODLE SOUP IN ICELAND

Mon - Wed 11.00 - 19.00 Thu 11.00 - 21.00, Fri 11.00 - 19.30 Sat 11.00 - 18.30 ,sun 12.00 - 18.00

Kringlan,Stjörnutorg Kringlunni 4-12 103 Reykjavík Phone: 551 3197

Laugavegur 103, 101 Reykjavík Phone: 551 3198

Bæjarhrauni 4, 220 Hafnarfjörður Phone: 551 3199

Open daily 11.00 - 22.00

Open daily 11.00 - 20.00

Ptarmigan.

BIRDLIFE IN ICELAND

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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.

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Puffin.

BIRDLIFE IN ICELAND

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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.

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ICELANDIC FOOD MILK PRODUCTS Icelandic milk is one of nature’s bounties, of which its countrymen are rightly proud. Through the centuries, this delicate product has been handled with respect and now, in recent years, with imaginative flair. The Icelandic dairy industry is subject to strict production control and all products must meet the high level of quality expected by the public.

The extensive range of Icelandic dairy products means that every possible taste is catered for. Still popular today are the centuries-old Icelandic specialities skyr and mysa (whey).

Classed as a fresh cheese, skyr is made from skimmed milk and is akin to yogurt, and the German „Quark“. Whey is a by- product in the making of skyr and is used in the pickling of slátur. Traditionally, mysa was a popular thirst-quencher and still is today. An ideal substitute for white wine when cooking fish. Dairy products that can be stored for a long period are specially market with the letter „G“.

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Barónsstíg 11 - 101 Reykjavík Tel: 551 9555 argentina.is

A Gourmet Experience - Steaks and Style at Argentina Steakhouse

ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 18

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

Krua Thai express Skólavörðustig 21a Downtown Reykjavik Phone 552 2525

Strandgötu 13 Akureyri Phone: 466 3800

www.kruathai.is

www.kruathai.is

www.kruasiam.is

ON REYKJAVÍK MAP NO 29

Laugavegur 73, 101 Reykjavík Tel. 555 7373 - 73@73.is - www.73.is

Daisies.

THE FLORA OF ICELAND

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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.

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BEAUTIFUL FOOD

IN BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS enjoy nature and fresh food in the capital's most popular recreational area

BEAUTIFUL FOOD

IN BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS enjoy nature and fresh food in the capital's most popular recreational area FANTASTIC BISTRO MENU WEEKENDS BRUNCH MENU

FA N TA ST I C

www.nautholl.is

www.facebook.com/nautholl

nautholl@nautholl.is B I ST R O Sími M E 599 N U6660

Violet.

THE FLORA OF ICELAND

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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.

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shalimar@shalimar.is

ON REYKJAVĂ?K MAP NO 12

LOCATED NO 1 ON ICELAND MAP PAGE 6

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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.

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Open: Mon. - Tue.: 11am - 6.30pm Wednesday: 11am - 5pm Thurs. - Fri.: 11am - 6.30pm Saturday: 12pm - 5pm Sunday: closed

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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.

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Saegreifinn restaurant (Sea Baron) is like none other in Iceland; a world famous lobster soup and a diverse fish selection. The menu changes, depending on season and produce availability. We also offer unusual specialities like purtified shark and dried fish.

Open 11:30 - 22:00

saegreifinn.is Geirsgata 8 • 101 Reykjavík • Tel. 553 1500 • seabaron8@gmail.com

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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.

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LÆKJARGATA 4 | 101 REYKJAVÍK | SÍMI: 55 10 100 | JOMFRUIN.IS OPEN ALL DAYS 11:00 - 22:00

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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, 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.

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DISCOVER THE NORTH Dettifoss Grand Tour Day tour to Dettifoss Waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, sightseeing around Lake Myvatn and the Jokulsargljufur canyons formed in a devastating glacial flood.

Price 21.700 ISK.

Lake Myvatn Excursion This 9 hour tour to one of the lovliest spots in Iceland focuses on the most attractive features of the area. Visit Godafoss waterfall, the geothermal fields in Hverarond, explosion crater of Viti and the Myvatn Nature baths.

Price 16.300 ISK.

Whale Watching - Summer Tour A bus tour to the small fishing and tourism village of Húsavík where you will experience whale watching at its very best with North Sailing.

Price 18.700 ISK.

Askja - Kverkfjoll - Vatnajokull Glacier This three-day tour to Askja caldera is designed to give the traveller the opportunity to experience the rugged nature of a country that is constantly being shaped and battered by the powerful forces of ice and fire.

Price 58.500 ISK.

Coach Charter / Schedule Service

HJALLAHRAUNI 2 | 220 HAFNARFJÖRÐUR | ICELAND - TEL: (+354) 5 500 770 | e-mail: sba@sba.is HJALTEYRARGÖTU 10 | 600 AKUREYRI | ICELAND | TEL: (+354) 5 500 700 | e-mail: sba@sba.is

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Nepalese

Nepalese & Indian Restaurant

2012-2017

Delicately spiced Nepalese & Indian Restaurant Nepalese and Indian grill & curry. The best food in Iceland

THE NORTHERN MOST NEPALESE-INDIAN RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD

We welcome you to our family restaurant.

Authentic to our roots. Executive Chef Deepak Panday Laugavegur 60A - 101 Reykjavík - Iceland Email: info@nepalesekitchen.is - Tel. 51 777 95 www.nepalesekitchen.is

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Opening hour: Monday - Friday 11.00 - 14.00 and 17.00 - 22.00 Saturday - Sunday 17.00 - 22.00 Grensásvegur 12, 108 Reykjavik·Tel: +354 568 1919·www.tianmatur.is

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THE EAST – COAS­TAL SPLENDO­UR This is a mounta­in­ous area of relati­vely little volcan­ic act­iv­ ity 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.

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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 Hveragerði 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. Restaurant Hver see opposide page is located in Hotel Örk Hveragerði.

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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.

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Restaurant Argentína / Lingerie store Studio Ceramic Shopping Center Kringlan / Restaurant Noodle Station Laugar Spa, World Class / Reykjavík's Thermal Pool Keramik Gallerí Kogga / Restaurant Fiskfélagið Whale Watching Jewelry Design Metal Burger Joint Restaurant Sægreifinn / Café Haiti / Burger Joint / Ambassador Whale Watching Restaurant Jómfrúin / Hard Rock Cafe Café Paris Restaurant Shalimar / Thorvaldsens Bazar Restaurant Tian Reykjavík Excursions Restaurant Caruso Janus búðin Nauthóll Restaurant Gourmet Store and Restaurant / Restaurant Sjávargrillið / Restaurant Krua Thai Restaurant Kaffigarðurinn / The Handknitting Association Gift Store / Joylato Icecream Store Galleri Fold / Lucky Records Special Tours Whale Watching and other Wildlife Adventures at sea Restaurant Þrír Frakkar Gullkistan Trip Touristinfo / J.S.Watchmaker / Restaurant Nepalese Kitchen Europ Car Rental Restaurant Askur Restaurant 73 City Car Rental / Penis Museum / Restaurant Noodle Station Restaurant Fish and Chips The Handknitting Association Gift Store Steikhúsið Restaurant Icelandic Bar Restaurant

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USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS 112 Emergency, Police, Ambulance 1777 Roads Information 902 06 00 Weather forecast in English

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GREENLAND The world´s largest island 2.175.600 sq.km, lies in store for you, with experiences from another world. If you are planning to visit Iceland you may have the opportunity to visit this beautiful country, that has remained virtually untouched for millions of years. This is a beautifully harsh world of towering ice-clad mountains and icy-cold fjords dotted with ice bergs. Several flights are between Iceland and Greenland, Narsarsuaq and Nuuk on the West coast and Kulusuk on Greenlands East coast are served by Air Iceland and linking up with the other towns in Greenland by Greenlandair. Many different excursion tours are available to Greenland, for example excursion tours from Reykjavik to Kulusuk where you can fly helicopter to the town of Ammassalik or walk to the Eskimo village Cap Dan, learn about Eskimo customs and traditions and see the way of life that still has a base in centuries long past, a way of life that requires a ha rmonious relationship with nature. At present Greenland is undergoing rapid developments, a fact which is also making its impact in the field of tourism. Greenland has hotels in all categories and most have been build within the past 30 years.

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Departures every day from downtown Akureyri and Reykjavík

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SUCCLLENT ESS Sig guarhating ntee

AKUREYRI

REYKJAVÍK

Torfunesbryggja harbour 600 Akureyri Tel: (+354) 462 6800

Geirsgata 7a 101 Reykjavík Tel: (+354) 462 6800

Info@ambassador.is ambassador.is

Info@ambassador.is ambassador.is