Iceland Magazine October 2014 by Iceland Magazine

Reykjavík Street Art

vol.

08 2014

T r av e l · N at u r e · n e w s · P e o p l e · C u lt u r e

p.26

The Fire Within

Iceland Magazine Explains

P 58

My Neighbourhood

P 62

Yo ur

co py

Iceland’s volcanoes are keeping the world on the edge

Hollywood Comes to Iceland P 20 Downtown Portraits P 46

p.32

Vestnorden 2014 Special Travel Section

Ic e l a n d M ag . c o m You r s ou r c e f or da i ly n e w s f r om Ic e l a n d, l o c a l t i p s a n d e x p e rt i s e

South Coast, Waterfalls and Glacier Hike Departure: 08:30 Duration: 11 hours Price: 20.900 ISK

Landmannalaugar by bus Departure: 08:30 Duration: 12 hours Price: 19.500 ISK

Golden Circle Departure: 08:30, 10:30, 13:00, 16:15 & 19:00 Duration: 5 - 8.5 hours Price from: 8.000 ISK

Combination tours for those who want to make the most of their day City Sightseeing & Golden Circle Afternoon Departure: 09:00 Duration: 10 hours Price: 13.000 ISK

www.grayline.is

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

The Blue Lagoon & Golden Circle Afternoon Departure: 09:00 Duration: 10 hours Price: 12.500 ISK

iceland@grayline.is

City Sightseeing & The Blue Lagoon Departure: 09:00 Duration: Flexible Price: 8.000 ISK

+354 540 1313

Whale Watching Departure: Various Duration: 3 hours Price: 9.000 ISK

South Coast & Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon Departure: 08:00 Duration: 14 hours Price: 24.900 ISK

Taste the Saga Departure: 17:30 Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours Price: 5.200 ISK

The Blue Lagoon Departure: Various Duration: Flexible Price: 3.700 ISK Entrance fee can be bought seperatly according to Blue Lagoon price list.

Book your tour now! Contact information – 24 hour booking service • Book now at www.grayline.is or call +354 540 1313 • Bus Terminal, Hafnarstræti 20, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Contents from the editor

Jón Kaldal jon.kaldal@icelandmag.com

Let’s Get Ready to Rumble

ill she blow or will she not? Since the massive Bárðarbunga caldera started to rumble re lentlessly on August 16th, that has been the question. Lying at the heart of one of the globe’s largest volcanic systems and under a glacier that’s almost one kilometer (3,281 ft.) thick, it’s no wond er that the volcano is keeping people on edge (see feature p. 32). As the world duly noticed, the magma from the gargantuan volcanic system surfaced in late August at the Holuhraun lava field in the central highlands north of Vatnajökull glacier, Bárðarbunga’s frosty keeper. Shooting red-orange lava fountains up to 100 meters (328 ft.) into the sky, the ongoing Holuhraun eruption has been a magnificent spectacle. But since it’s in an ice-free zone, it’s not considered very threatening. The worst case scenario would be if the big bad beast, the Bárðarbunga caldera, lets it rip and blows off the ice roof, producing enormous explosive activity and ash, resulting in gigantic glacial outburst floods. These volcanoes are as far from human habitation as you can get in Iceland. They don’t pose any immediate danger to towns, but because of the danger of outburst floods, a few farms will have to be evacuated if a sub-glacial eruption begins. And the eruptions can have far-reaching repercussions. Ash from the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull grounded commercial flights around the world for days. Since then, aviation regulations have been changed, so that kind of chaos is less likely. Another byproduct is sulfur dioxide, which has been coughed up from the fissures in Holuhraun in large amounts. This toxic gas emission has stirred up memories of the 1783 Laki eruption. Over eight months, the Laki craters produced almost 15 cubic kilometers of lava (3.4 cubic miles) and more than 120 million tons of sulfur dioxide. It was the latter that wreaked havoc on climate in the northern hemisphere, causing widespread crop failure and killing livestock. The famine that followed was felt not only in Europe but as far off as in Japan. The fallout from the Laki eruption—poverty and famine in the mid-1780s—is even believed to have played a big part in the French revolution. Thankfully, we are better equipped in modern times to deal with natural disasters, but nevertheless, the Holuhraun eruption is a reminder of how small we still are against the devastating forces of nature.

26 Contents 6-18 Lookout 6 Kaleo taking the show to the UK 8 Reykjavík street art 10 New Nordic cusine cook book, Volcano tours 12 Sheep round-ups 14-18 Yoko Ono’s Peace Tower, Northern lights season, Weekly Jazz sessions and more highlights ahead. 20 The New Nordic Hollywood From the popular television series Game of Thrones to the new Star Wars movie expected to come out in 2015, it seems that everybody in the TV and film industry wants to shoot their next project in Iceland. 26 Great Balls of Fire! The volcanic fissure at Holuhraun has already spewed up more lava than any other eruption in Iceland in more than 100 years. Just few kilometers away is one of earth’s biggest volcanoes, the huge sub-glacial Bárðarbunga caldera, shaking relentlessly keeping Iceland and the rest of the world on the edge. 32 Vestnorden Travel Mart 2014 The annual Vestnorden Travel Mart is a key event in promoting the West Nordic region as a travel destination. 46 The many faces of downtown Reykjavík Well over a decade ago, Ómar Sverrisson began to photograph the people who inhabit downtown Reykjavík, resulting in the ongoing project The Reykjavík Portrait Series.

IcelandMag.com Published by Imag ehf. Editor Jón Kaldal, jon.kaldal@icelandmag.com Advertising sales: Benedikt Freyr Jónsson benni@icelandmag.com Contributing writers and photographers: Sara McMahon, Matt Eliason, Vilhelm Gunnarsson, Agnes Valdimarsdóttir, Valli, Gunnar V. Andrésson, Pjetur Sigurðsson and Stefán Karlsson Layout: Ivan Burkni On the Cover: Holuhraun eruption. See feature p. 26. Photo by Ólafur Haukur Mýrdal/Ozzo Photography, ozzo.is Printed by Ísafold. Distribution by Póstdreifing. Distributed free around Iceland and in the capital area. Talk to us: hello@icelandmag.com

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

52 10 things I had never done before I came to Iceland Matt Eliason has just moved to Reykjavík, Iceland, from Chicago, Illinois. In his regular column for Iceland Magazine, he chronicles his first impressions of the country, its people and traditions. Iceland Magazine is printed on a Nordic ecolabelled printing paper that fulfils strict environmental requirements. Nordic Ecolabel is the official Ecolabel of the Nordic countries.

58 Iceland Magazine Explains Is it okay to bring back rocks from Iceland? 62 My Neighborhood: Enchanted royal graves and oceanic view Inga Rut Pétursdóttir owns the charming little concept store Sirka, located at Skipagata 6 in Akureyri.

SOUVENIR SHOP SHOP OF THE YEAR 2012

The viking:info Laugavegur 1 · Reykjavík Hafnarstræti 1 - 3 · Reykjavík Hafnarstræti 104 · Akureyri e:info@theviking.is

Akureyri Reykjavík

www.theviking.is TAX FREE Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Lookout Kaleo

BRITISH INVASION Kaleo will be heading to the UK for a performance at the cool Ace Hotel in London. Photo/Jerel Lai

Taking the Show on the Road The small town boys will be the opening act at a historical event featuring lengendary rock photographer Bob Gruen.

aleo already has a #1 album to their name in Iceland, but now they are ready to take their show on the road. The Icelandic band will try to follow in the footsteps of fellow Icelanders Sigurrós and Of Monsters and Men, by making it big on the international stage. Veteran English rocker and Reykjavík radio station DJ, Smutty Smiff has identified the band’s potential and hopes to take the Icelandic rockers to the next level. Smiff believes that the bands has, a “definitive sound often blending Blues, country and Rock into their own style.” Smutty’s connections in England have created the oppor tunity for Kaleo’s first performance in the UK - a live show

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

“Kaleo’s perfor mance will expose the band to an en tirely new demo graphic that spans much wider than their native Iceland.”

at the popular Ace Hotel Club in the happening Shoreditch neighbourhood in London. The boys from Mosfellsbær, a small town just outside the capital, will be opening at the “historical event,” which will be taking place October 9th, and will feature the art and music of lengendary rock photographer Bob Gruen. Gruen is a legend in the business and has worked closely with many rock icons such as John lennon, The Clash and The Sex Pistols. Kaleo’s performance will expose the band to an entirely new demographic that spans much wider than their native Iceland. Furthermore, a number of famous guests are expected to attend the event.

In our souvenir shop you will find Icelandic design inspired by the Northern Lights Designs by: Dimmblá Stál í stál - Jens Volcap Olason paintings Gingó hönnun Svandís Kandís and more Free coffee & tea at our store

Maritime museum CCP

Hotel Marina

The Northern Light Center

Visit us and experience our multimedia exhibition It's only a ten-minute walk from the city center

The old harbour Harpan Music hall Reykjavík Art museum Kolaportið fleemarket

www.aurorareykjavik.is

Grandagarður 2 - 101 Reykjavík Open every day from 09:00 - 21:00 Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Lookout ART in Reykjavík

Street art gives character to the capital Whether you are walking down Laugavegur street in downtown Reykjavík or enjoying the view along the coastal walking path that leads to Harpa concert hall, the capital is home to some of the most colorful and vibrant street art in the world. The styles stem from realist black and white pieces to colourful animations, but one thing is clear, the paint-filled walls of Reykjavík’s buildings help give the city character for all to enjoy. -ME

MASTERPIECE The realistic paintings of human faces are by Australian artist Guido van Helten. They can be seen on the side of buildings in close to the Grandi area in the west side of Reykjavík. Photos/Ron Eliason

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

E&Co.

ICELANDIC WOOL

WORN OUT FOR CENTURIES We offer clot h i n g & ot her mer c h a nd i s e t h at r em i nd s u s of go o d old Ic el a nd

– Visit our stores: 101 Reykjavík, Akureyri and Haukadal. www.geysir.com –

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014 – Visit our stores: 101 Reyk jav í k , A k u rey r i a nd G eysi r, Hau k ada l. w w w.geysi r.com –

Lookout eruption Local ingredients and traditional cooking methods with a twist.

Very Hot Attraction The land of Fire and Ice lives up to its name with tours available for those who are interested in seeing a volcano live and in-person. Photos/??????

The eruption from above This photo of the volcanic fissure in Holuhraun was captured during a helicopter tour with Nordurflug. See more at heli.is

he spectacular eruption that began August 29th at Holuhraun lava field in the central highlands has been ondisplay for the whole world to see. Tourists have flocked to the edge of the restricted area around Holuhraun in an attempt to see the forces of nature. If you are interested in seeing a volcano live and in-person, several companies offer “Super Jeep” tours to the area or a sightseeing flight from Reykjavík - given the eruption is still ongoing. Those companies will also be organizing trips to the site once the eruption has died down. Seeing pristine, smoldering hot lava is “something else.”

See our feature on Bárðarbunga and the Holuhraun eruption on page 32.

Nordic Cuisine North is a new cookbook by one of Iceland’s most acclaimed chefs. Gunnar Gíslason’s new cook book North - The New Nordic Cuisine From Iceland is being praised by a number of prominent food experts such as Food & Wine Magazine, Tast ing Table, Eater, Food Arts and the Martha Stewart Show. Gunnar has his own reastaurant Dill that is located in downtown Reykjavík and is commited to local ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and seasonal menus. For locals, Gunnar is also known for his part in creating the tasty Kex Hostel menu. Gunnar’s new book is being published by Ten Speed Press in California and according to the publisher the book is not just a collection of recipes, it is also a celebration of Iceland itself—the inspiring traditions, stories, and people of Iceland.

All you need in one place • Skólavör›ustígur 19 tel.: (+354) 552 1890 SWEATERS AND SOUVENIERS, NO KNITTING MATERIAL:

• Radisson Blu, Hótel SAGA tel.: (+354) 562 4788

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

• Laugavegur 53b tel.: (+354) 562 1890 www.handknit.is

Watchmaker Frank Michelsen, founder of Michelsen Watchmakers, at his desk in Sauðárkrókur, N-Iceland, in 1920.

Michelsen Reykjavík 64°N/22°W A fine mechanical self-winding movement, a 316L Stainless steel case with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a black, lava-grey or silver dial and a choice of 15 different handmade leather straps. These exclusive watches are made in a limited, numbered edition.

Reykjavík 64°N/22°W Lava-grey dial Icelandic Wolffish strap

Laugavegur 15 - 101 Reykjavík - Tel. 354 511 1900 - www.michelsenwatch.com

Heading Home Photo by Vilhelm Gunnarsson The biggest day of the year for every sheep farmer in Iceland is the start of the annual autumn roundup. This is when close to one million free-range sheep come down from the mountains. Thee farmers round-up their flocks, usually on foot or horseback with assistance of sheepdogs. The only type of sheep in Iceland is the native northern European short-tail ed sheep brought there by the settlers, the Vikings, 1100–1200 years ago. It is a strong, hardy race, which has been bred, in a very harsh environment. Icelandic sheep belong to a breed formerly common in northwestern Europe, but now only to be found in very few areas of the world - JK

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Lookout highlights ahead

Film fest in the West

Photo/Vilhelm Gunnarsson

The annual international short film festival Northern Wave takes place for the seventh time in the small fishing village of Grundarfjörður, West Iceland, in October 17 -19. The festival was established in 2008 by local film maker Dögg Mósesdóttir, who wanted to bring life and culture to her hometown during off season. Grundarfjörður is a short two hour-long drive from Reykjavík and located on the scenic Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Turn up the beat

The Sheep Farming Centre in Sævangur, located a short drive from the village of Hólmavík, focuses on all things sheepish. The exhibition Sauðfé í sögu þjóðar (which roughly translates to “Sheep and the history of the nation”) includes the history of the stocky, short-tailed Icelandic sheep, information on lambing season, and the annual round-up of the sheep, which takes place in September each year. The centre also features an entertaining children’s corner for the amusement of the youngest guests. During off-season, visitors are advised to book a day in advance.

Welcome the return of autumn Haustroði is a local market and harvest festival held each year in the town of Seyðisfjörður, East Iceland. Families gather on the first Saturday of October to celebrate the return of autumn. The annual farmer’s market is among the many popular events taking place at the fair, with local farmers and craftsmen selling homemade and home-grown products. Other events taking place during the day are film exhibitions, flea markets, and live music.

Photo/Imagine Peace Tower Instagram

In early November each year, the heart of Reykjavík beats to a slightly different rhythm; everything from the melodic tones of indie rock to the pounding beat of heavy metal. The annual music festival Iceland Airwaves takes place all over Reykjavík city November 5 -9. This year’s line-up includes artists The Flaming Lips, The Knife, Caribou and Future Islands, Kaleo and Ásgeir to name only a few.

All things sheepish

a light for peace The Imagine Peace Tower will be lit on October 9, the date of John Lennon’s birth.

Shine the light The Lennon Ono Grant For Peace Award will be presented on Viðey island, off Reykjavik in Faxaflói bay, on October 9, John Lennon‘s birthday. At the same time, Lennon’s widow, the artist Yoko Ono will illuminate the light in stallation on Viðey, the Imagine Peace Tower, which will remain lit until December 8, the date of Lennon’s death.

he Lennon Ono Grant For Peace Award has been handed out every two years since 2002 and is awarded to individuals who, according to Ono, symbolize the

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

On the lookout:

Experience the beauty of the Icelandic horse

continuing campaign for world peace that Lennon and Ono initiated and Ono still promotes. This year, comedian and former mayor of Reykjavík, Jón Gnarr, is among the award‘s four recipients. On her website, Ono describes Jón as a person who has demonstrated “that governmental politics are for the people and by the people.” Ono was made an honorary citizen of Reykjavík in 2013 for her efforts to bring peace to the city and the rest of the world. “Yoko’s contribution to peace and human rights issues in the world is unique,” Jón said at the time. The Imagine Peace Tower was momentarily lit on August 7 in hopes of bringing peace to the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict in Gaza.

The equestrian centre Fáka sel opened in the town of Ölfus in February this year. The centre offers a 50-minute-long perfor mance that showcases the Ice landic horse’s talent and beauty through a mix of theatre and exhibition riding. The Icelandic horse possesses a natural gait, called tolt, that is unknown in any other breed of horse in the world. Also located in the building is the Fákasel Restaurant, a sleek, modern café, offering a threecourse meal for theatre guests, and a designer shop. The centre is situated midway between the neighbouring towns of Hveragerði and Selfoss on the south coast of Iceland.

Check out www.imaginepeacetower.com

Check outwww.re.is

On the Wings of Puffins

ometime in April, when the wind is warming and the snowdrop blooming, the Atlantic Puffin comes out to salute Borgarfjörður spring in its own fashion. Blábjörg Guesthouse is set right in the heart of the pristine wilderness that births this phenomenon, and in addition to the 27 different hiking routes within walking distance, guests can expect to enjoy a bird enthusiast’s dream—even from the windows of their guest rooms. Blábjörg, a guesthouse meticulously renovated from a fish factory since 2006, opened in the summer of 2011 to provide spacious, comfortable accommodation to guests for the first time in summer of this year. With a few family friendly studio apartments, a total of 11 double rooms, three bathrooms, and a fully-equipped

kitchen, guests will not find themselves in want of amenities. The guesthouse is even host to a spa on its first floor, where visitors can relax in a hot tub and inferred sauna. Outside there is another hot tub, a steam sauna and of course the ice cold sea for the those are brave enough to take a dip!. The catch of the day can be found in a restaurant several minutes walk down the way, Álfakaffi. Beyond the restaurant, shooting off in various directions, are trails totaling more than 150 kilometers in length—countless possibilities. Many of these routes lie in an area of Borgarfjörður commonly known as Víknaslóðir, or the ‘Trail of Deserted Inlets.’ While mostly inhabited through half of the 20th century, they remain the preserve of solely hikers today. Dyrfjöll, one of those essential hikes, is home to

Im promotion

one of Iceland’s best-hidden treasures. Stórurð, or Boulder Hollow, is a labyrinthine rockscape with a small river lithely winding at its heart. Back in Blábjörg, guests will find it similarly hard to leave. The relaxed atmosphere amidst natural phenomena, the warm hot tubs after a long day hiking, and the quality service of a family-run guesthouse are all things you’ll keep with you long after you leave, in addition to those puffin photos.

Borgarfjörður eystri Blábjörg Guesthouse is set right in the heart of a pristine wilderness.

Visit www.blabjorg.is for booking.

Welcome to Borgarfjörður eystri - East Iceland

B lábjörg

The Icelandic bird and nature experience If you wish to experience untouched wilderness and a pristine landscape in the peace of the deserted fjords and inlets, the tiny village of Borgarfjörður eystri is the place to visit.

Birding Excellent location for birdwatching and the best access to Puffins in Iceland.

Hiking Hiking in this area is a unique experience with over 27 day routes nearby.

Relaxing Relax and regain your strength for your next adventure at our beautiful Spa and Wellness centre.

Information and bookings: Helgi Sigurðsson  +354 861 1792  helgisig@simnet.is

We are on Facebook!

Héraðsprent

Blábjörg Guesthouse offers comfort at the trail’s head of a birdwatcher’s paradise.

www.blabjorg.is Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Lookout jazz

All that jazz Photo/Stefán Karlsson

Start the week off with some lively jazz at Húrra, a new music venue and bar on Tryggvagata in the Naustin area of Reykjavik. Mánudjazz takes place at the bar every Monday evening. Should that not satiate your appetite for jazz, just drop by at Kex Hostel on the following Tuesday. Kex Jazz happens every Tuesday at the Kex Hostel, Skúlagata 28, at 8.30 pm. Some of Iceland’s best jazz musicians perform at the event, which, according to Kex management, is the perfect combination of dinner and live jazz.

Jazz it up The Kex Jazz evenings have become a popular event.

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Lookout Photo/Vilhelm Gunnarsson

The Northern Lights

H Tis the season! The Northern Lights season is approaching! As of September 15, travel agencies will again offer special guided tours for those who wish to experience the wonderful Northern Lights. Such tours have grown in popularity from year to year and have a 70% success rate.

Otherworldly The Northern Lights stir up feelings of awe and admiration in those who experience the magical phenomenon

or the Aurora Borealis to be seen, conditions have to be ideal, namely, a dark but clear sky. Typically the Aurora appears either as a diffuse glow or as â&#x20AC;&#x153;curtainsâ&#x20AC;? of light that evolve and change constantly. The phenomenon occurs in Iceland all year round, given that the auroral zone is situated above country. However, it can only be seen between the months of September and May because of the bright summer nights. Although modern science has explained the phenomenon that is the Aurora Borealis, the spectacle still stirs up feelings of awe and admiration in those who experience the magical and otherworldly green curtain dancing lightly across the starry winter skies.

Food and drinks for every mood. * Burgers * Steaks * Pizza * Salad * Sandwiches * Seafood...... and much more

Kirkjubraut 11 / Akraness / s: 431-4343 / www.gamlakaupfelagid.is 18

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

HAVE A GOOD ONE!

Steikhúsið / The Steakhouse — Tryggvagata 4-6 — 101 Reykjavík Booking: +354 561 1111 & steik@steik.is

w w w. s t e a k . i s

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Shooting Game of Thrones Iceland stood in as the area behind â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Wallâ&#x20AC;? where there is eternal winter. Photo/Vilhelm Gunnarsson

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

The New Nordic Hollywood From the popular television series Game of Thrones to the new Star Wars movie expected to come out in 2015, it seems that everybody in the TV and film industry wants to shoot their next project in Iceland. Due to the amazing scenery of Icelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique landscape, directors have discovered the beauty of filming in Iceland, the surroundings act as a real life movie set. No production crew could possibly construct the scenic backdrops that Iceland has to offer which include volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, coastlines, and waterfalls. Additionally, the capital city of Reykjavik offers a small-town feel with breathtaking surroundings and tourist attractions that are unique to this Nordic island. Here is a list of some of the past productions as well as some of the current projects that are sure to light up the big screen.

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

During Reykjavík International Film Festival’s Industry days (Oct 1-4) a special guided trip will be made outside of Reykjavík to see some of the landmarks that have appeared in those famous international projects.

Movieland scenery for season four of Game of Thrones. There are several tourist companies currently offering “tours” of the different Game of Thrones filming locations due to the popul arity of the show.

Game of Thrones (TV Series) Partially filmed in Iceland in the winter of 2011, in the winter of 2012 and in the summer of 2013. Created By: David Benioff Starring: Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Maisie Williams and more.

Games of Thrones is the story of nine noble families and the struggle for control within the 7 kingdoms, but interweaves several additional plot lines. Through the noble families and character story lines, the series explores a number of different themes such as hierarchy, religion, loyalty, corruption, civil war, crime, and punishment. The series films at a number of internatio nal locations, but has featured Ice land in a number of key scenes.

Locations in Iceland: The scenes from Game of Thrones were shot all over Iceland, including the popular tourist destination of Gullfoss Waterfall, as well as the de solate tranquility of North Iceland’s lake Mývatn. Þingvellir National Park, not far from the capital of Reykjavik, provides some amazing

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Sense8 (TV Series) Interstellar Partially filmed in Iceland in the summer of 2013 Director: Christopher Nolan Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine

Christopher Nolan‘s new scifi thriller features an A-list cast including Matthew Mc Conaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Michael Caine. The film follows a group of space travelers who journey through a wormhole in order to save human civilization. Among the travelers is a widowed engineer (McConaughey) who leaves behind his two children to help the team accomplish their mission.

Locations in Iceland: Prominent scenes from the movie were filmed in South Iceland at Europe‘s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. In the film, the team journeys through the new world, and uses Iceland‘s “lunar” landscape as the backdrop.

Partially filmed in Iceland late summer of 2014

Star Wars Episode VII Partially filmed in Iceland in the spring of 2014 Director: JJ Abrams Starring: John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis

Set approximately thirty years after Return of the Jedi and the demise of Darth Vader, the plot centers around a trio of young leads, along with characters from the previous installments.

Locations in Iceland: Eyjafjallajökull glacier, Iceland´s famous volcano, will feature as the Hoth, a desolate planet covered in ice and snow, the home of famous character Chewbacca. In previous movies, Hoth was shot in Norway, but for the most recent installment director JJ Abrams made the decision to shoot the snowy planet during Iceland’s glacial winters.

Created by: Lana Wachowski and Andy Wachowski Starring: Naveen Andrews and Daryl Hannah

Coming from the minds that gave you the the Matrix trilogy, Cloud Atlas and V for Vendetta, the Wachowski siblings are at it again with a Sci-fi series that will stream on Neflix. The plot involves a group of people around the world, which are suddenly linked mentally, and must find a way to survive being hunted by those who see them as a threat to the world’s order.

Locations in Iceland: The production shot scenes in the town of Akranes, located just a short distance from the capital of Reykjavík. Additionally, the crew shot scenes in Reykjavik at a respected old hotel, Hótel Saga, as well as some quiet side streets. The filming also plans to shoot the iconic sights of Reykjavík including Perlan, or the Pearl and the famous Hallgrímskirkja church.

Our Master Watchmaker never loses his concentration

With his legendary concentration and 45 years of experience our Master Watchmaker and renowned craftsman, Gilbert O. Gudjonsson, inspects every single timepiece before it leaves our workshop.

All the watches are designed and assembled by hand in Iceland. Only highest quality movements and materials are used to produce the watches and every single detail has been given the time needed for perfection. www.jswatch.com

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Movieland

Prometheus Noah Partially filmed in Iceland in the summer of 2012 Director: Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) Starring: Russell Crowe, Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins, and Jennifer Connelly

In an interview with the Daily Mail Russell Crowe, who plays the role of Noah, said he had to endure some gruelling days while shooting and finally got overwhelmed. “We were doing a scene in Iceland where I had to fall into the sea. “It was less than 39 degrees [Fahrenheit/4 degrees Celsius]. I’d been in and out of the sea, half-naked, filming all day... physically it was very demanding. There were these rain towers in the sky that could flood eight football fields in 30 seconds, and it was constant rain. We had 36 days of it.” According to an article in the Los Angeles Times the production team of Noah considered other location options for the film but when they visited Iceland Noah found its port of call. “The landscapes are surreal — practically of another world,” said Scott Franklin, Darren Aronofsky’s longtime producing partner. Locations in Iceland: South Iceland

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Partially filmed in Iceland in July 2011

Oblivion Partially filmed in Iceland in thesummer of 2012 Director: Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy) Starring: Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman

Oblivion is a science fiction feature film about a veteran soldier who is sent to a distant planet to destroy the remains of a savage alien race. If you are going to make a movie about a distant planet, why not shoot it in the distant wastelands and nature of Iceland? About 1/7 of Oblivion was filmed in three different locations in the northern part of the country.

Locations in Iceland: Hrossaborg, a tephra crater, one of two “tuff rings” in the northeastern part of Iceland considered to be about 10,000 years old. Jökulheimaleið, an area with very barren surroundings that was formerly used for weather observations. The third location is Veiðivötn, among the youngest and wildest pearls of the central highlands, which includes about 50 lakes of various sizes, many of which are crater lakes.

Director: Ridley Scott Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, and Guy Pearce

Prometheus is about a team of explorers who discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth. This clue leads them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe where they must fight to save the future of the human race.

Locations in Iceland: The black sand at the roots of Mt. Hekla, south Iceland. One of the country’s most active volcanoes. Over 20 eruptions have occurred in and around the volcano since 874. During the Middle Ages, Europeans called Hekla, in the central highlands, the “Gateway to Hell.” Dettifoss, northeast Iceland, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. It is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and collects water from a large area in northeast Iceland. The falls are 100 meters (330 ft) wide and have a drop of 45 meters (150 ft) down to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Partially filmed in Iceland in the autumn of 2012 Director: Ben Stiller Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, and Adam Scott

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is based on James Thurber’s 1939 short story. This story was originally filmed in 1947 and has already been a Broadway show. The movie tells the tale of a timid magazine photo manager who lives life through daydreams. He embarks on a true-life adventure when a negative goes missing.

Locations in Iceland: Höfn í Hornafirði, a small harbor town on the southeast coast of Iceland known for its lobster. Stykkishólmur, another small harbor town situated in the western part of Iceland, is a very favorable location near Snæfellsjökull. From Stykkishólmur you can sail to the beautiful islands of the Breiðafjörður Bay, Flatey for example. Seyðisfjörður, another harbor town in the eastern part of Iceland, is well known for its old wooden buildings. Seyðisfjörður is often referred to as one of the hippest harbor towns in Iceland because of its fantastic location.

At Icelandmag.com you can view a great compilation of the Icelandic filming locations we did by using Google Street View (Search for Iceland Google street view).

AALTO BISTRO is a unique restaurant and café in the Nordic House in Reykjavik.

The chef, Sveinn Kjartansson, is renowned for his popular TV programmes in Iceland. AALTO Bistro emphasis on Scandinavian food inspired by central European cuisine. AALTO BISTRO is named by the Nordic House acclaimed Finnish modernist architect, Alvar Aalto.

The Nordic House is one of his later works, a hidden gem and features most of Aalto's signature traits. In the Nordic house, all installed furnishings, lamps and almost all of the furniture are by Aalto.

Opening hours: Monday–Wednesday 11:00 am–5:00 pm Thursday–Sunday 11:00 am–09:00 pm

Group orders are also available after opening hours. AALTO BISTRO THE NORDIC HOUSE STURLUGATA 5 101 REYKJAVIK TEL: 551 0200 WWW.AAALTO.IS

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Great balls of fire!

Iceland has made headlines around the globe because of the seismic tremors and volcanic activity that have engulfed the remote central highlands and Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. The fissure at Holuhraun has already spewed up more lava than any other eruption in Iceland in more than 100 years. Just few kilometres away is one of earth’s biggest volcanoes, the huge 11 km (6.8 mi) wide sub-glacial Bárðarbunga caldera, shaking relentlessly keeping Iceland and the rest of the world on the edge. Photo by Auðunn Níelsson

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

The eruption from orbit The Holuhraun eruption formed a rift in the earth’s crust as is clearly visable in this stunning satellite photograph from NASA’s Earth Observatory.

t all began in the early hours of Saturday August 16th when a series of earthquakes first struck the Bárðarbunga sub-glacial volcano in the northern part of Vatnajökull glacier. The tremors hinted at an impending eruption that could affect the European travel industry—like the Eyjafjallajökull eruption of 2010— and caught the attention of news organizations all over the world. Thirteen days later, Friday August 29th a small volcanic fissure opened up at a row of 200 year old craters in Holuhraun lava field for a few hours. That was just like a micro film trailer for the many times larger event that began two days later

Hot-spot Island Iceland sits astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and on top of one of the world’s most active hot-spots. There are

about thirty active volcanic systems in Iceland and because of the country’s geological position and climatological circumstances, the styles of volcanic activity are unusually diverse. Both sub-glacial and submarine volcanoes are found in Iceland. The now-famous Bárðarbunga volcano system lies beneath Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, at the junction between the eastern and northern volcanic rift zones. The volcano has erupted some four hundred times over the past ten thousand years. However, the immense size of Bárðarbunga was not fully recognized until 1973, when it was observed in a satellite image taken 800 km (497.1 mi) above Earth. Eruptions related to the central volcano can occur anywhere in the caldera found in the volcano’s crown. The caldera is 11 km (6.8 mi) long and is covered with glacial ice that is about 850 m (2.789 ft) thick. When an eruption occurs, a huge amount of the ice will melt,

Timeline highlighting the seismic and volcanic activity in the central highlands August 16th – Bárðarbunga volcano starts growling, with a series of earth quakes around the northern tip of the Vatnajökull glacier that hint at an imminent eruption. The Civil Protection authorities begin shutting down roads in the general area as a precautionary measure. August 19th – 72 hours into the Bárðarbunga saga, there have been close to 3,000 earthquakes, with the seismic activity showing no sign of letting up, as the eruption appears imminent at this point. The Icelandic Meteorological

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Office explains that there are currently no signs of eruption, but it cannot be excluded that the current activity will result in an explosive sub-glacial eruption. August 22nd – A 5.7 magnitude earthquake rocks Bárðarbunga, signalling the final hours before the Bárðarbunga eruption occurs. All aircraft and people are banned from the danger zone, and the world anxiously waits to see when the earth will open up with lava.

Fountains of lava This photo of the volcanic fissure in Holuhraun was captured during a helicopter tour with Nordurflug. See more at heli.is

which will pose an immediate threat of massive jökulhlaup, or glacial outburst flooding. It is thought that Jökulsárgljúfur and Ásbyrgi canyons in North Iceland were created during such disastrous events in prehistoric times. The anticipated force from the glacial flooding of Bárðarbunga caldera could cause the structure of Dettifoss waterfall to alter permanently. Dettifoss, located north of Vatnajökull, is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, a majestic beast spanning 45 m (148 ft) high and 100 m (328 ft) wide.

The on-going eruption in the nearby Holuhraun lava field began Sunday August 31st, within 48 hours after the short preview on the Friday. And this was the real thing - with red-orange glowing lava fountains shooting almost 70 meters (230 ft.) into the sky from the 1.5 km (0.9 mi) long fissure. Professor Ágúst Guðmundsson, with the Institute of Earth Science at Royal Holloway, the University of London, has said the current events are of great significance to geologists. “This is a huge geological event that will shed light on the monumental force needed to pull apart the earth’s crust, as is happening in Iceland right now.”

Long warm-up Over the past seven years, seismic activity has gradually increased in Bárðarbunga and in the fissure swarm north of the volcano. The activity dwindled after the Grímsvötn (also a sub-glacial volcano in Vatnajökull) eruption in 2011, but increased again climaxing with the near continuous earthquake swarms that begun in the Bárðarbunga region on August 16th. When this is written magma has reached the surface several times. Some small sub-glacial eruptions have occured, none of which have broken through the ice, but have left “scars”, crevasses and cauldrons, in the ice cap above.

August 23rd – Scientists of the Icelandic Met Office and the University of Iceland report that a small sub-glacial lava eruption has begun under the Dyngjujökull outlet, which is a part of the Bárðarbunga volcano system in Vatnajökull glacier. The area around Bárðarbunga is declared a danger zone, and the aviation alert code is immediately changed to red—a no-fly zone. No international flights are affected, however. The surrounding area had been evacuated—fortunately few hikers and travellers were in the area at the time. August 28th – The magma dike in the Bárðarbunga volcanic system reaches the fissure system of Askja volcano. The underground tunnel of magma is transporting over 50 million cubic meters of lava, and an additional eruption around the area of the Askja volcano seems imminent. No magma has reached the surface, however—everything is still subterranean and sub-glacial at this point.

When Iceland Magazine went to print the Holuhraun eruption remained relentless and Bárðarbunga caldera was showing escelating activity, causing scientists significant concern. If the huge 10 km (6,2 mi) wide Bárðarbunga caldera goes off it would most likely be the biggest eruption to happen in decades with enormous ash clouds and glacial outburst floods (jökulhlaup). The ice above the volcano is up to 800 m (2,625 ft) thick and the caldera is at the center of a 200 km (124 mi) long volcanic system.

August 29th – A small eruption occurs at the Holuhraun lava field, located in the central highlands between Dyngjujökull outlet in Vatnajökull glacier and the Askja caldera. The eruption produces minimal ash, and the Keflavik international airport does not need to cancel any commercial flights. August 31st – The Holuhraun lava field has a second eruption over 50 times more explosive than the previous one on August 29th. This time lava spews out of the open-air fissure, with magma shooting about 70 meters (230 ft.) into the air. The scenes are breath-taking, prompting several news organizations and scientists to explore the volcano up close. At this point, only the press and scientists are allowed to get close enough to view the eruption.

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Photo/Vilhelm Gunnarsson

Formed by steam explosions Scientists monitoring the Holuhraun eruption area are expecting to witness, for the first time, the live formation of pseudo craters. Also known as rootless cones, steam explosions form pseudo craters when glowing hot lava flows over a wet surface, which is exactly what’s been happening in the central highlands. The red-hot Holuhraun lava has advanced fast over the riverbed of Jökulsá á Fjöllum. The glacial river flows through many branches in the area and as the lava

September 4th – GPS observations suggest an increase in the volume of the magma in the dike, although it is moving at slower rates, indicating that more magma is being intruded into the dike than has erupted to the surface. The eruption continues at an intensity similar to the previous one. September 5th – Two new much smallar eruptive fissures form south of the previous eruption site in Holuhraun, closer to Vatnajökull glacier, being only about 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) away from the ice cap of Dyngjujökull outlet. The eruption in these fissures turns out to be shortlived. September 6th – During a survaillance flight scientists notice great changes to the ice surface above Bárðarbunga caldera. The ice in the center of the caldera has sunk 20 m (33 ft) and continues to subside. According to scientists this could mean a dangerous eruption is on the horizon. September 9th - Due to dangerous levels of gas emissions, scientists are

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Photo/Egill Aðalsteinsson

entered the main branches the water has moved away, forming big steam clouds. This is the ideal condition for the formation of pseudo craters, which resembles a true volcanic crater, but differs in that it is not an actual vent from which lava has erupted (Source: Wikipedia). We have many well-known pseudo craters in Iceland. The most famous ones are in the lake Mývatn region in North Iceland (see photo above). Another example is the Rauðhólar craters on the outskirts of Reykjavík.

forced to evacuate the Holuhraun area. According to the Icelandic Met Office (IMO), local gas concentrations can be life threatening and people at the eruption site are encouraged to wear gas masks and use gas meters at all time. September 10th – Gas emissions from the Holuhraun eruption rose slightly and were measured to be 2600µg/m3 in the village of Reyðarfjörður, East Iceland, prompting the Environment Agency of Iceland to issue a warning. The Agency advises the elderly and young children living in the village to stay inside and keep all windows shut until further notice. September 24th – 30 to 7 meters (98-21 feet) thick new lava from the on going Holuhraun eruption covers an area over 37 square km (14.3 square mi), almost half the size of Manhattan island. See more at www.icelandmag.com

! e m o c l e W

king, o o c l a n o ti a rn te in d n a ic d n Icela ! e m a g e th f o e m a n e th is g where cookin 5 best: Tables at the Top

rtrait Restaurant The Pearl (Reykjavik), The Po ), Tower Top (London), Sirrocco (Bangkok (París). (Zanzibar) & Maison Blanche Independent Online

Top 10 world’s

revolving restaurants — No. 1, The Pearl English CNTV

12 places to see before you die — No. 5, The Pearl Modern Times

World’s top revolving restaurants — No. 2, The Pearl Travel+Leisure

Congratulation 1st

We congratulate Stefán Elí Stefánsson, our head chef for his place in the “Taste of France” competition. Held in Reykjavik in spring 2014.

rlan.is · www.perlan.is · perlan@pe 00 02 2 56 4) 35 (+ l. Te · t an Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014 I The Pearl Restaur

Special Vestorden Travel Section The West Nordic co-operation is based on a long mutual friendship between close neighbors, bonds which are regularly reinforced. A key event in promoting the West Nordic region as a travel destination, the annual Vestnorden Travel Mart, this year in Reykjavík, is one opportunity to strengthen those ties. To mark the occasion we bring you this special travel section. Photo/Vilhelm Gunnarsson

distance, just 300 kilometers (186 miles) separates the world’s youngest landmass from the oldest. Iceland, with its 16-20 million-year history is a mere infant in geological terms compared to Greenland and its 3,700 million-year-old rock, the oldest found anywhere on the planet. Despite its long geological history, to the out side world much about this region is new – new in the eyes of outsiders, while the outside is new in the eyes of East Greenlanders. Indeed, it’s been little more than 100 years since Europeans first set foot on the country’s east coast. Eiríkur the Red and his band of Vikings settled in the southern part of the land in the tenth century, with the east coast remaining to this day the most isolated and least populated part of the country.

Greenland There are no two towns connected by road in this huge and sparsely populated country. This is truly one of the most spectacular places on the world.

t first glance there seems little to link the three West Nordic nations but geographic accident. Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands share the fate of being remote outposts on the fringes of the habitable world – far from Scandinavia and mainland Europe, but only hundreds of kilometers from each other. But historically, the islands have been linked for more than a thousand years and living close to the forces of nature has shaped all three nations. Geologically, the islands are quite distinct, yet all three share dramatic scenery, untamed nature, small populations and through the ages an almost total dependence on the sea for their livelihood. Principal among the West Nordic region’s uni ting interests is concern for the environment, particularly the fish stocks of the North Atlantic. But cultural links are also emphasized. Good communications are essential to any colla boration and Air Iceland connects all three coun tries with its services.

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Iceland Greenland is 90 minutes-flight away to the west and the Faroe Islands are one hour away to the east.

Go East

Faroe Islands The sea is always so close reflecting light from the sky. No matter where you are on the islands, the sea is within five kilometers away.

Go West It is only a one-and-a-half-hour-flight from Reykjavík to the east coast of Greenland. When you touch down at the airport of Kulusuk, Europe is behind you and you’re now on ground which is geographically part of North America. At its shortest

In the opposite direction from Reykjavík, a onehour flight away, lie the Faroe Islands. It may be easy to overlook them on the map; their com bined area is less than that of London. Wherever you are on the islands, the distance to the sea is never more than 5 kilometers or 3.1 miles. Towns and villages stand by the sea, often with high mountains in between. But if you imagine that it is hard to travel around this rugged country with its 18 islands and countless fjords and bays, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The Faroese infrastructure is as modern and functional as its colorful wooden houses are traditional and rom antic. Every inch of the road network is pav ed and tunnels connect once-remote fjords.

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

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Air Iceland Crew Eva Björk Guðjónsdóttir, Harpa Guðmundsdóttir and Brynja Þorsteinsdóttir. Photo/Jerel Lei

Fly around Iceland in comfort Air Iceland offers inexpensive options for visiting all of Iceland’s scenic towns

ir Iceland is a regional airline and a subsidiary of the larger Icelandair Group. With primary operations located in Iceland’s two largest cities, Reykjavik and Akureyri, Air Iceland provides travelers with the best option for getting around Iceland’s vast wilderness. Air Iceland also flies to the neighboring countries, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The best part is traveling Air Iceland won’t hurt your wallet. With affordable flights leaving the capital city daily, Air Iceland provides a convenient way for travelers to efficiently navigate Iceland’s island. Rather than taking the 7-hour drive to the scenic town of Ísafjörður, for example, you can take a 35-minute Air Iceland flight from Reykjavik that allows you to see some of Iceland’s amazing scenery much more efficiently—from above!(MF)Greenland and the Faroe Islands tooFrom the capital city of Reykjavik, Air Iceland flies to Akureyri in the north, Egilsstaðir in the east, and Ísafjörður in the Westfjords. For visitors staying near Akureyri in the north, Air Iceland flies to the locations of Grímsey, Þórshöfn, and Vopnafjörður. And Air Iceland is not just confined to these domestic cities. The North Atlantic airline also flies to four destinations in Greenland, including Nuuk and Kulusuk all year

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

round, Ilulissat during summer months and dog sledding season, and Narsarsuaq just during the summer months. If you want to cruise off for a short trip to the exotic Faroe Islands, Air Iceland offers year-round flights to the tiny island archipelago in cooperation with Atlantic Airways. Don’t hesitate to enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the small Faroese villages—they offer travelers a break from the ordinary in a trip to the extraordinary.

As easy as getting a bus Air Iceland has a fleet of 7 aircraft and a crew of experienced Icelandic pilots who have tremendous familiarity navigating the volcanic terrain of Iceland’s interior. The two models of planes used are the Fokker 50 and Bombardier Dash 8-200, which offer comfortable seating arrangements and sturdy manufacturing. Furthermore, you don’t have to deal with the stressful security and hassle of traveling through a busy airport. Traveling with Air Iceland is as easy as getting a bus ticket in your local town. Airports are small and efficient at processing passengers in comparison with the crowded hassle found in most foreign countries. Fly safely and efficiently with Air Iceland, and you will be happy you had the opportunity to see all the amazing towns of Iceland at an affordable price.

Great day tours Lastly, be sure to check out some of Air Iceland’s new features, such as the Travel Agent portal, aimed at making the booking and reservation process more manageable and organized. Additionally, Air Iceland is now bookable through Amadeus, a GDS portal. All these new “shortcuts” make navigating around Iceland much easier. In addition, Air Iceland offers day tours in conjunction with scheduled flights. Travel to Lake Mývatn to view the beauty of North Iceland, or try the Dettifoss waterfall winter tour for a look at one of Iceland’s most majestic falls, said to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Last but not least, travelers now have the option of taking the famous “World of Ice and Darkness” tour, in which tourists are able to explore the Lofthellir cave during wintertime. In short, your North Atlantic air travel options just got a lot easier—thanks to the affordability and convenience offered by Air Iceland, your North Atlantic airline. Visit www.flugfelag.is for booking.

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AIRICELAND.IS

ACTION PACKED TOURS ICELAND AND GREENLAND Air Iceland is your West Nordic airline, offering scheduled domestic flights and flights from Iceland to the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Choose from a variety of day tour packages in Iceland, and to Greenland, which include flight, bus transfer and guidance. A FEW EXAMPLES

Day Tour

LOCAL FOOD AND GOURMET

EASTERN LANDSCAPES AND LEGEND

Akureyri

Egilsstaðir and surrounding area

Day Tour

LAKE MÝVATN

DETTIFOSS

Mývatn

Summer: Dettifoss Grand Tour Winter: Dettifoss Super Jeep

Day Tour

8 hour Day Tour / Hiking Tour

FISHERMAN CULTURE DAY

REMARKABLE GREENLAND

Ísafjörður

Greenland – Kulusuk

CONTACT AIR ICELAND OR ANY TRAVEL AGENT FOR RESERVATIONS

For more Day Tours, look at our website www.airceland.is

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

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Comfort and charm defines quaint guesthouses in Borgarnes Egils Guesthouse & Borgarnes B&B provide the perfect holiday destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty of Iceland.

xperience the charm of Borgarnes, Iceland with a trip to the tiny coastal town located just 75 Km (46 miles) outside of the capital city, Reykjavik. While visiting west Iceland, the perfect places to set up shop for a few days are Egils Guesthouse and Borgarnes B&B. The two popular accommodations have a wide variety of rooms available. Both residences are self catering cottages, apart ments acting as your typical bed & break fast. Egils Guesthouse and Borgarnes B&B can accommodate individuals, couples, families or groups of 30-40 guests in three beautiful and well equipped houses. Egils Guesthouse and Borgarnes B&B are located right on the coast of old town Borgarnes, offering some of the most scenic views in Iceland. Just a short stroll will bring you into the town old center, where a number of shops, museums and restaurants welcome visitors to enjoy some authentic

Icelandic cuisine. Nearby you can take a drive along the coast to try and spot some Icelandic wildlife including puffins, sheep and the tiny Icelandic horses. The beautiful Borgarfjörður area is home to some beautiful mountains, hiking trails, lava fields, water falls and glaciers which are located only a few kilometers from the accommodation. One hour’s drive northwest, about 80 Km (50 miles) will bring you to the beautiful National Park, Snæfellsnes glacier, which offers tours and scenic views for the whole family to enjoy. Finding a quiet place to enjoy the beauty of nature and to converse with family and friends is the objective of the hosts, which offers affordable prices for the comfort and charm of a magical Ice landic holiday experience in Borgarnes. Located in the old town of Borgarnes, it is difficult to rival the amazing scenery found on the coast.

www.egilsguesthouse.is

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Quality food and a first class dining experience Steikhúsið offers a special taste for restaurant goers interested in a night out on the town

The chef recommendation is a popular menu item that comes with the option of a drink pairing sure to impress your taste buds.

legance and quality are two ingredi ents that have made Steikhúsið one of the most popular restaurants in the capital city of Reykjavík. The English translation of Steikhúsið is The Steakhouse; therefore, it should be no secret as to what dishes are their specialties.

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Savory meat options include beef and lamb as well as the chef’s pride and joy which consists of beef tendered and treated for at least 28 days prior to serving. The meats are complimented by some delicious side dishes such as triple dipped fries, sweet potato fries, teriyaki glazed veggie sticks, cole slaw and a number of other

mouthwatering menu choices. The unique taste of the food at Steikhúsið can be attributed to the rich tasting meats and charcoal oven method of cooking the steaks to the perfect tenderness. Be sure to compliment the rich taste of the steaks with some of Steikhúsið’s wine choices or an authentic Icelandic beer all found on the restaurant’s drink menu. The decorum and atmosphere found at Steik húsið make the venue, located at Tryggvagata 4-6, the perfect place to host your next business dinner or group meeting. The facilities are large enough to accommodate groups between 20 – 80 people, and the food is sure to leave every one going home satisfied. Be sure to book re servations ahead of time to ensure your next group meeting is at the legendary steakhouse. As the recipient of the 2014 Certificate of Excellence award from TripAdvisor, Steikhúsið is sure to live up to heightened expectations of its outstanding reputation thanks to the quality food options, tasty drink menu, and professio nal accommodations that have made the Steak house one of the go-to spots for restaurant goers interested in a fun night out on the town. www.steik.is

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Exploring the Land of Volcanoes Volcano Tours is a great way to see the majesty of Iceland’s volcanic terrain

iscovering the “land of lava” known as Icel and can be an awe-in spiring experience. However, Iceland possesses so many “must-see” destinations that planning a trip in the Viking nation can often feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Volcano Tours has you covered. With a variety of tour options for different size groups and various tour lengths, exper ience Iceland with the help of the experienced guides at Volcano Tours. Take a visit to Eyjafjallajökull, the sub-glacial volcano that erupted in 2010. On your trip to the volcano you see the famous Black sand beaches after visiting Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfall along with the Sólheimajökull glacier on a road trip down

Taking a jeep tour through the Icelandic wilderness is a breathtaking journey that all travelers need to experience.

Iceland’s south coast. Next you go to the iconic Golden Circle to see the majestic Gullfoss golden waterfall, then head to Geyser to see the hot water explosions every seven

minutes. If that’s not enough, you can drive through the beautiful Þingvellir national park that possesses the con tinental fissures. The possibilities are endless with Iceland’s scenic land scape. Other tour options include the Volcano garden tour on the Reykjanes penin sula. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a lava crater, go caving in a lava tube, visit the bridge between two continents that that separates the European and North American tectonic plates, as well as pay a visit to the iconic, and extremely relaxing, Blue Lagoon spa. Lastly, Volcano Tours offers a chance to see everyone’s favorite Icelandic treat, the greenish glow of the extraord inary northern lights. The luxury jeep tours are great for

small groups and can pick up direct from all Reykjavik hotels. This option allows tourists to experience the majesty of the aurora borealis in a 3-4 hour guided tour that hunts down the best spots to view and photograph the glow, undisturbed by the city lights. Volcano Tours provide the appropriate clothing, camera tripods as well as some delicious hot chocolate to keep warm during the Ice landic winter nights. Experiencing Iceland is an once-in-a-lifetime opportun ity, so make sure to get the most out of your stay in the Viking nation by booking a tour with Volcano Tours today.

www.volcano.is

Luxury jeep tours

Golden circle & South Shore combo tour Volcano garden caving and Blue Lagoon Aurora Borealis view- and photographing Volcano tour Eyjafjallajokull and Þórsmork Vo l c a n o To u r – w w w . v o l c a n o . i s – Te l : + 3 5 4 4 2 6 8 8 2 2

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Lunarlike landscape Iceland is still being shaped by volcanic activity. Photos/Vilhelm Gunnarsson

roamed free through the centuries in the green mountains of the islands.

Good Neighbours

Iceland sits promptly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American plates meet. Only 300 kilometers to the northwest is Greenland, with its completely different magnificent landscape and culture. On the other side of Iceland, 450 kilometers to the east, are the tiny Faroe Islands.

How big? Iceland 102,000 square kilometers (39,768 square miles) or around the same size as Cuba. Greenland 2,166,000 square kilometers (836,109 square miles) or around the same size as Saudi Arabia. Greenland is the world’s largest island and stretches more north Faroe Islands A group of 18 islands, covering 1,400

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

km2 square kilometers (540 square miles), only one not inhabited.

Iceland It was Norse settler Hrafna-Flóki who coined the name in the 9th century after viewing a fjord full of ice. Glaciers, however, only cover about 11 percent of the land.

found it and in the hope that a pleasant name would attract settlers, he gave it the name Greenland. But woodland covers close to zero percent of the land, while in contrast to Iceland, ice covers about 85 percent of the country. In the Greenlandic Inuit langu age, Greenland is known as Kalaallit Nunaat, meaning the People’s Land.

Greenland After being exiled from Iceland in 982, Erik the Red went searching for a land rumored to lie to the northwest. He

Faroe Islands The name literally means The Islands of Sheep. No doubt because of the large flocks of sheep that have

Why those names?

Who lives there? Iceland 330,000, a mainly ethnically homogeneous mixture of descend ants of the Norse and Celts who settled the land in the second half of the 9th century. Around 10 percent of the population is born outside the country.

It’s a dog’s life The Greenlandic sledge-dog is an ancient breed.

Greenland 57,000, mainly Inuits. Greenland’s inhabitants are descendants of the Thule people, who arrived in the country around the 9th century. The first people to set foot in Greenland arrived around 5,000 years ago from North America. No less than six different Inuit cultures have immi grated in several waves. Around 12 percent of Greenlanders are born outside the country Faroe Islands 50,000, ethnic Faroese, mixture of descendants of Norse and Celts origin. Around 8 percent are born outside the country Most loved animal Iceland The stubborn, short legged and stocky Icelandic sheep, which has been with the nation since settlement. They number around one million when they come down from the mountains in autumn. Greenland The very powerful heavybuilt Greenland sledge dog. It’s a

large breed of husky-type dog, an ancient breed, thought to be directly descended from dogs brought to Greenland by the first Inuit settlers. Faroe Islands Of course sheep, as the name suggests. Many Faroes families own a small flock that roam free around the islands. This is the native northern European short-tailed sheep brought by the Norse settlers, It is a strong, hardy race that was formerly common in northwestern Europe, but can now only be found in very few areas of the world.

The Faroe Islads The 18 islands are all inhabited except one. They are connected by bridges, tunnels and ferries.

Geological history Iceland One of the world’s youngest countries, still being shaped by volcanic activity with eruptions every second year on average. Greenland The Isua greenstone belt in southwestern Greenland contains some of the oldest known rocks on earth dated at 3.7-3.8 billion years old.

Faroe Islands The Faroe Islands are dominated by basalt lava No matter where you are on the islands, the sea is within five kilometers away.

Greenland No two towns are connected by road. For shorter trips it’s dog sledges, snow mobiles or snow scooters and boats in the summertime, longer trips are by airplane and helicopter.

Transport Iceland A standard European transport system, cars, buses, boats and airplanes but no rails.

The Faroe Islands Many of the islands are connected by bridges and tunnels and excellent network of paved roads. Others are connected to the main area by ferries and two with helicopter service.

Rangárþing eystra

a vivid place to visit

Hvolsvöllur

Nature ~ activity ~ culture

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

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The leading star Fákasel pays tribute to the most useful servant in the country’s very first equestrian theatre.

The Talent & Beauty of the Icelandic Horse

Iceland’s first “equestrian theatre” is open for business. The centre also features a restaurant and designer shop. he equestrian centre Fákasel opened in the Ölfus area in February this year. The centre, which also features a sleek, mod ern restaurant and design shop, is situated midway between the neighbouring towns of Hveragerði and Selfoss on the south coast of Iceland. Its aim is to showcase the talent and beauty of the Icelandic horse. For centuries Icelanders referred to the Icelandic horse as “þarfasti þjónninn,” or “the most useful servant,” as it made liv ing in this rugged land somewhat easier. Fákasel pays tribute to the most useful servant in the country’s very first equest rian theatre, with daily performances for the public. Guðmar Þór Pétursson, assistant man aging director of Fákasel and the show‘s director explains that although a lot of work has been put into the centre’s de sign and exterior, the Icelandic horse is the main attraction. “The horse is most certainly the star of the show,” Guðmar said.

A unique animal What makes the Icelandic horse unique in the world is that it can perform two

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

gaits in addition to the usual walk, trot, and gallop. The first is a four-beat am bling gait called tölt, and the second is called skeið, or flying pace. The latter gait is fast and smooth, with some horses being able to reach up to 48 kilometres per hour (30 miles per hour). These two additional gaits will be featured in the show, which also intertwines Iceland’s history and folklore in the 45 minutelong show entitled “The Legends of Sleipnir”. The shows take place daily at 7pm with free admission for children under the age of 12.

everyone should be able to find some thing to their liking. Fákasel also offers guided tours around the stables offering guests the chance to meet and interact with the show’s cute and furry stars. The tours take place every thirty minutes between 9am and 5pm.

Meet the stars In addition to the exciting equestrian show the Icelandic fashion brand Kron Kron has created a stunning boutique located within the premises. The store carries numerous Icelandic fashion brands including Kron by Kron Kron, Farmers Market, Feldur verkstæði and Andrea Maack to name a few. The restaurant is open daily from 10am to 10pm and serves a delicious brunch, lunch and dinner made from local pro ducts. The wide and varied menu means

Shop and restaurant Open daily from 10am to 10pm and serves foood made from local products.

www.fakasel.is

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South Iceland is Nature’s Masterpiece Beautiful landscapes and relaxing settings contribute to the majesty of the area called Rangárþing Eystra.

angárþing Eystra is a municipality in South Iceland containing some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire world. Located along Iceland‘s iconic highway 1, about an hour and a half south of the capital city of Reykjavik, Rangárþing Eystra is home to the infamous volcano, Eyjafjallajökull.

The glacier-volcano Legendary for its volcanic ash cloud that shut down the European air travel industry in 2010, the glacier-volcano Eyjafjallajökull is now frequented by visitors eager to see its pristine beauty. And that’s not all—the scenery of Rangárþing Eystra offers a wide variety of land scapes that resemble a different Hollywood film set every 10 to 15 miles. It’s no wonder that Hollywood is beginning to film a number of productions in the area, including the Russell

Crow movie, Noah, filmed on the black sands of the town of Vík. Bizarre lava formations, towering glaciers, and miles of coastline make this area a tourist’s dream vacation spot.

Rangárþing Eystra municipality offers a breath taking canvas for the hundreds of thousands of adventurous travelers who make the trip to South Iceland every year.

Majestic waterfalls Several powerful waterfalls are some of the hot spots that tourists must see. With a number of glaciers in the area, there is always fast streaming glacial water flowing down from the massive ice structures. Two beautiful byproducts of the glacial runoff are Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Both falls are easily accessible and visible via highway 1 and should be placed on the top of every traveler’s bucket list. Watch water pour down from the heavens from extremely close range and be sure to bring your camera to get a family photo under the majestic falls for next year’s holiday card. The entire area of the

Seljalandsfoss waterfall There are several powerful waterfalls in the area and a number of glaciers in the area.

www.hvolsvollur.is

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The chef recommendation is a popular menu item that comes with the option of a drink pairing sure to impress your taste buds.

Seafood Delicacies Kjallarinn means basement in Icelandic, but the delicious food is worthy of a penthouse suite

njoy some of Iceland’s seafood de licacies at the Kjallarinn restaurant located in downtown Reykjavik. With two separate menus for lunch specials and dinner specials, Kjall arinn has made a name for itself by serving some of the best seafood in the city. Enjoy the

“catch of the day” or a chef recommended dish to fill your stomach and satisfy your hunger. Iceland is known for its fresh and tasty fish, and Kjallarinn exemplifies this vast seafood know ledge through the preparation of perfectly cooked fish complimented with delicious sides including french fries, onion rings, and a

number of other cooked vegetable options. Do not worry if you don’t know the perfect fish to eat during your visit to the restaurant, just ask one of the experienced waiters and you will get the three-course special of the day. Kjallarinn does a great job of combining the best tastes with the best overall experience. The unique settings of dining in a basement offer a unique experience for restaurant goers to discover the tasty nature of Iceland’s seafood. The restaurant uses two methods to perfectly craft their delicious tasting foods. The chefs either use a French style “Plancha grill” or a charcoal oven to cook all of their delicacies. Both options provide mouth water choices, and can be elegantly complimented by drink pair ings offered by the Kjallarinn restaurant staff. But it’s not only the seafood, delicious lamb and sushi pizzas are also favorites among the regular customers. Kjallarinn is a unique dining experience that provides delightful seafood options, great drink pairings, and fabulous appetizers all prepared and served in an authen tic basement atmosphere that gives the restau rant its distinctive name. www.kjallarinn.is

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

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with rhubarb, blueberries and the Iceland yogurt treat, Skyr, is a delicacy you won’t want to miss out on. You can make your reservations online or simply call 486-1262 or 898-9599. The restaurant is open every day from 12:00 to 22:00.

Trained in NY and Lucerne

Just a short trip from Reykjavik, Lindin Restaurant is located in Laugarvatn town between Geysir and Gullfoss.

Lindin Restaurant, the Authentic Experience Enjoy some of Iceland’s delicious delicacies, while relaxing in the iconic Golden Circle

ith beautiful scenery, relaxing accommodations and delicious food dishes, the Lindin Restaurant & Café Bistro in Laugarvatn town embodies everything that is great about Iceland. Located around 100 Km (62 miles) from the capital city of Reykjavik, a trip to Laugarvatn is a must for all travelers making their way to Ice land. The trip into this small Icelandic town takes travelers through the breath taking scenery of Þingvellir National Park on route 36. Known as the Golden Circle, other tourist hotspots in the area include Geysir hot springs and Gullfoss Waterfall. The Lindin Restaurant is located in between these two destinations, and offers the perfect place to enjoy some of Iceland’s authentic cuisine before visiting the Fon tana natural spa located next door.

burger with a basil-horseradish sauce and french fries. If you are feeling a bit on the wild side, you can also try the “seasonal wild game” caught in the wild by Lindin’s chef Baldur. This dish is cooked and seasoned to the perfect conditions for guests to enjoy. Looking for something a little lighter? A popular choice among visitors is the Lindin lobster bisque with arctic char, shrimp and home baked bread. Other favorites on the main course section include grilled lamb with Icelandic barley, lightly smoked cod, and vegetable bean steak with Lindin’s homemade tomato salsa. I hope you left room for dessert because Lindin Restaurant’s chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce is to die for. Don’t stop there because the almond pie

The mastermind behind the traditional Icelandic food is owner and head chef, Baldur Öxdal Halldórsson. Baldur trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and received pastry chef train ing at the prestigious Richemont Profess ional School in Lucerne. The key to success for Lindin Restaurant is the authentic nature of the food. Lindin’s dishes are hunted from Iceland’s wildlife and prepared in a manner that brings out the tastes and flavors of the exotic meats. Known as the “Mecca of Icelandic wild game,” the Laugarvatn restaurant takes pride in the exotic dishes it is able to offer its thrill-seeking customers. The location, scenery, and food are all part of the experience that brings a level of authenticity to the Lindin Restaurant and gives customers a genuine feeling as they are enjoying the delicious menu options.

For body & soul So for travelers preparing their itinerary for a fun trip out to the Icelandic country in search of some of the Viking nation’s most coveted treasures, take a trip over to lake Laugarvatn for the Lindin Restaurant & Bistro. Start off with a scenic drive through Þingvellir national park. Be sure to stop off at Geysir and Gullfoss for some breath taking scenery. Next take the trip to Laugarvatn for an outing at Fontana natural spa for a geother mal steam bath that is sure to relax the mind and spirit. Lastly, walk next door to cap off your soothing trip with a top-class meal from Lindin Restaurant & Café Bistro. www.laugarvatn.is

Local fare So what’s on the menu? Restaurant goers will have the option to choose amongst a wide variety of Icelandic courses hunted and gathered directly from surrounding nature. First, there is a delicious reindeer

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Mecca of Icelandic wild game Master chef Baldur trained at the Culinary Institute of America in NY and received pastry chef training at the prestigious Richemont Professional School in Lucerne.

THE WONdErS Of

VOLCANOES Volcano House features two documentaries chronicling two of Iceland´s most famous volcanic eruptions of the last 40 years

Vestmannaeyjar 1973, Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and other volcanoes Showtimes English: 10:00-21:00 every hour on the hour. Open every day German: 18:00 from June 15th to September 15th. Vestmannaeyjar 1973 The eruption in Vestmannaeyjar began without warning on the night of January 23rd, 1973. 400 homes perished under ash and lava and nearly 5.000 people had to flee to the mainland in matter of hours.

Eyjafjallajökull 2010 The most famous volcano eruption in recent times; the eruption that caused much disruption in air travel over large parts of Europe. This powerful documentary made specially for Volcano House was filmed and directed by the Emmy-nominated Icelandic film maker, Jóhann Sigfússon.

Geological Exhibition you may touch Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavik | (354) 555 1900 volcanohouse.is

VOLCANO HOUSE Cinema | Geological Exhibition

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

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Located near the town of Vík in the countryside of South Iceland, Hotel Katla offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for the whole family.

Discover the Magnificence of South Iceland Hotel Katla combines spacious accommodations with the breathtaking scenery of Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

n a landscape taken directly from a scenic postcard, Hotel Katla offers families the opportunity to spend time together in the vast wilderness of the Icelandic countryside. Located about 2½ hours’ drive from the capital city of Reykjavik, Hotel Katla is sure to provide you with a breath of fresh air as well as numerous activities for the whole family to enjoy. The hotel has a total of 72 rooms with 2 different accommodation options, standard and superior. Regardless of which option you choose, you will relish your comfortable quarters, as all rooms come with basic amenities, including a work desk, TV with cable and satellite channels, and Wi-Fi internet. The hotel also has a fitness room and sauna for those who wish to work out. Furthermore, the restaurant in Hotel Katla serves breakfast and dinner options with local delicacies sure to satisfy your hunger. The hotel also has a comfy bar, great for relaxing after a long day of hiking and horseback riding. Or you can have the Hotel Katla staff bring you a beer while

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

can reach the amazing glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón, about 2½ hours’ drive. The lagoon features floating glaciers that have melted down to large ice structures, all floating around in the neon blue water of the lagoon. In the background you can see Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, with breathtaking views of the south Iceland coastline.

Viewing the Northern Lights you relax in the outdoor hot tubs that are kept at a steamy 38° C (100° F).

Outdoor activies A plethora of outdoor options will keep adventur ous travelers awestruck at the amazing sites that surround the Hotel Katla. Hotel staffers will help organize outdoor activities, including horseback riding, snowmobiling, and guided tours of the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, for families and small groups. Just a five-minute drive away you can visit the iconic black sand beaches of Vík, recently featured in the Hollywood film, Noah, starring Russell Crowe. In addition to the black sand beaches, the Vík golf course will allow sports enthusiasts to get in a quick round between snowmobiling and horseback riding tours. Other activities that involve a short drive from the hotel include a visit to the majestic Skógafoss waterfall, where visitors can walk up a path to the top of the falls to view Iceland’s scenic coast and the West man Islands to the south, from the top of a mountain. If you head the other direction from the hotel, to the east on Iceland’s highway 1, you

Haven’t heard enough yet? Hotel Katla is also a great place to spot Iceland’s Northern Lights. The greenish glow of the awe-inspiring Aurora Bor ealis is a life-changing experience that should be at the top of every visitor’s bucket list. Other popular outdoor activities to enjoy while staying at Hotel Katla include boat tours and bird watch ing around Dyrhólaey, a small peninsula near Vík. Many travelers also opt for the Super Jeep tours that journey around the beautiful landscapes in the Vík area. A never-ending list of outdoor activities to keep the family happy and enter tained are complimented perfectly by the comfortable accommodations of Hotel Katla’s rooms, restaurant, and bar area. South Iceland’s undeniable beauty will make memories that last a lifetime. Enjoy that beauty in the cozy accom modations of Hotel Katla, and its welcoming staff will help make the experience that much more enjoyable.

www. hotelkatla.is

Special Vestorden Travel Section Im promotion The reason Hotel Cabin continues to be chosen frequently by foreigners visiting Ice land is that this budget hotel is the best option in Reykjavik for both “price and con venience.” The hotel offers some of the cheapest rates in the downtown area and it’s only a 20-minute walk to downtown Lauga vegur Street. In addition, the budget hotel provides free parking for all its guests seeking a place to stow their rental car before heading out into the country. Essentially, Hotel Cabin provides exactly what travelers want from a hotel if they plan on exploring the out doors of Iceland—an easily accessible hotel with affordable prices.

Hotel Örk has luxurious features to help ease the stress of traveling away from home.

Hold your next business conference in style Located in the scenic town of Hveragerði, Hotel Örk is perfect for business meetings.

otel Örk is a country hotel located in the town of Hveragerði, just 30 minutes’ drive from the capital city of Reykjavik. The most dis tinguishing feature of Hotel Örk is that the hotel’s meeting facilities are extremely well equipped, so it’s a great place to host a business conference. In total, there are seven meeting rooms that can seat from 10 to 300 guests, de pending on the size of your party. Hotel Örk takes care of all the conference details and logistics. Catering for conferences is available from the on-site restaurant located in the hotel. Hotel Örk has confidence in its customer service for large meetings, and indeed, they have been awarded The Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor each of the last four years. But Hotel Örk is not just for business confer ences. The hotel’s recreation facilities make it a perfect place for families traveling in Iceland. The amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub, geothermal sauna, pool table, ping pong table, 9-hole golf course, bar, and restaurant. Last, but definitely not least, being out in the countryside, Hotel Örk provides the perfect setting for experiencing everyone’s favorite Ice landic tradition—viewing the Northern Lights. Whenever the amazing green glow of the North ern Lights appears in the skies above Hotel Örk, the staff provides an “alert system,” so you won’t miss seeing the lights during the night.

Hotel Klettur is located just minutes from the main shopping strip in Reykjavik.

Luxury in the heart of Reykjavik Expansion is in the works, as Hotel Klettur provides the perfect combination of luxury and convenience.

O The Hotel Cabin has been an Icelandic mainstay since 1997.

Head over to the Hotel Cabin Comfortable amenities and a great locati on make the Hotel Cabin a hit with travel ers on a budget

otel Cabin is a budget hotel situat ed in a great location in Reykja vik, only a short walk from all of the capital city’s tourist hotspots. Complete with a dining room and bar area, Hotel Cabin is the perfect place to set up home base dur ing your stay in Iceland. With 252 rooms, Hotel Cabin can accommodate a wide varie ty of tourist groups, sports teams, student outings, or just your typical traveler. Other perks include rental car deals through Hotel Cabin’s partner, ProCar, one of Reykjavik’s premier car rental companies.

riginally home to 66 standard rooms and 20 deluxe rooms, the overwhelm ing popularity of Hotel Klettur has prompted hotel management to add on an addi tional 86 rooms for the spring of 2015, taking the hotel to a capacity of 166 separate accommoda tions. And there is plenty to like about Hotel Klettur. First and foremost, the location can’t be beat. Just blocks from the world-renowned shopping strip of Reykjavik’s Laugavegur street, Hotel Klettur keeps the “shop-a-holics” coming back for more. Don’t worry guys, there is plenty for you to do as well while your wife or girlfriend is busy shopping. The Klettur Hotel Bar is open seven days a week from 5 pm to 10 pm. The bar offers some of Reykjavik’s best Icelandic beer selections. In addition to the wonderful location, the hotel provides all the basic amenities you could possibly need for a trip abroad. There is a beautiful lounge on the first floor and a breakfast room where breakfast is served every morning. The excellent customer service has helped the hotel earn The Certificate of Excellence award from TripAdvisor for the last 3 years, as well as the Travelers Choice Award from TripAdvisor in 2014. Whether it be the location or the service, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Hotel Klettur in downtown Reykjavik.

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Ben Frost is an Australian musician who has been living Jón Sæmundur, an artist and designer. in Iceland for the past decade.

A dapper gentleman poses for a picture.

The Many Faces of Downtown Reykjavík

Well over a decade ago, Ómar Sverrisson began to photograph the people who inhabit downtown Reykjavík, resulting in the ongoing project The Reykjavík Portrait Series.

mar, an artist and graphic designer, was ten years old when his grandfather gave him his first camera, sparking his longstanding love affair with photography. Today he never leaves home without his camera. “Once I began to take photographs, I was hooked,” he says. The Reykjavík Portrait Series features Ómar Sverrisson photographer. stunning portrait photographs of people who live and work in Reykjavík’s 101 postal code zone. The area is the oldest part of Iceland’s capital and well-known for its small, colourful houses of corrugated iron, narrow, maze-like streets that seem to twist and turn in no particular order, and its diverse architecture. Its inhabitants are mostly artisans, academics, stud ents, and young homeowners – these are the people Ómar be came fascinated with and has been documenting these past years. “I’ve lived in the neighbourhood my whole life and have always been intrigued by the colourful characters that live in the area.”

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He adds: “All my images are meant to be a tribute to 101 Reykjavík and its inhabitants.” And that´s exactly what his images are. “I’ve lived in Ómar’s photographs give an interesting insight into modernthe neigh day central Reykjavík. He always shoots spontaneously, usually bourhood my right in the middle of the street. whole life and “It´s all very spur of the moment. When I spot someone I find have always interesting, I’ll shoot them right then and there. The shoot only been intrigu takes a moment and I never ask people to pose. It’s supposed to ed by the col look natural and not forced.” ourful char After a decade of photographing random people on the street, acters that Ómar has accumulated many thousands of portraits that he live in the intends to feature in a photography book. area.” “The plan is to create a book that features photographs from the series. I now face the difficult task of picking and choosing only a few that will make it into the book,” he says, punctuating the sentence with a laugh. Greg, an Irishman, has been living in Iceland for the past decade.

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Krummi, the lead singer of rock band Mínus.

Hönnun: adalheiduro@simnet.is

Lilja Birgisdóttirm, an artist. She is also the sister of singer Jónsi, the frontman of the band Sigur Rós.

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

A GEOTHERMAL ENERGY EXHIBITION

WORTH A VISIT

Stop by the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant and see how they harness the geothermal energy. Experienced guides are on-hand to provide informative presentations backed by multimedia shows about sustainable green energy as a global energy source and the geology of Iceland. Origin of the Geothermal energy – The production process – An illustrated guide to Hellisheiði – The earth core Exclusive collection of minerals and stones. An excellent hiking and outdoor destination - we provide information on hiking around the Hengill area. Enjoy our coffee shop and browse through a selection of educational material in the souvenires corner.

Hönnun: adalheiduro@simnet.is

Open daily from 9:00 – 17:00. We are about 20 minutes drive from Reykjavík on Route 1 towards Hveragerði.

More information: www.orkusyn.is Tel + 354 412 5800 e-mail: orkusyn@orkusyn.is Gps 64°02”248’- 21°24”079´

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Tattoo artist Ólafía at Reykjavík Ink proudly shows off her tattoos.

“It´s all very spur of the moment. When I spot someone I find interesting, I’ll shoot them right then and there. The shoot only takes a moment and I never ask people to pose. It’s supposed to look natural and not forced.”

Artist Goddur is known for his work and unique look.

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

HVERAGERÐI

- blómstrandi bær!

Hveragerði – the health town Welcoming community Boil an egg in our field of hot springs Experience our romantic walking paths Variety of seasonal festivals Greenhousing and green areas Unique golfcourse Striking natural beauty Swimming pool of your dreams Thriving scene for arts and culture

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Iceland

10 things I had never done before I came to Iceland Matt Eliason has just moved to Reykjavík, Iceland, from Chicago, Illinois. In his regular column for Iceland Magazine, he chronicles his first impressions of the country, its people and traditions. Photos by Ron Eliason

Watch glaciers floating around in a lagoon

It may sound odd, but Iceland’s Glacier Lagoon (Jökulsárlon) offers the unique oppor tunity to see once-mighty glaciers floating around as “shells of their former selves” in the breathtaking waters of the lagoon. I was able to view the lagoon when visiting Vatnajökull glacier with my family, and despite the five-hour drive, the sites made the trip well worth our time. Pictures of the lagoon are magnificent, but can’t compare with the in-person experience. Seeing the glaciers “up-close and personal” helps illustrate the true power of Mother Nature and left me with memories that will last a lifetime. For all those interested in visiting Iceland, I would put the Glacier Lagoon down as a “must-see” in your trip itinerary. Although it presents a bit of a drive, the scenery on the trip down highway 1 will keep you busy and make the five-hour car ride fly by. I believe Iceland’s south coast rivals any scenic drive in the entire world for beauty and eccentricity.

An appetizer of whale with a side of horse

The Icelandic cuisine is a unique assortment of food, to say the least. I knew I would have to adjust from the fast food culture of the United States to the “fish-filled” diet of the Viking Nation. However, a few Icelandic menu choices that I would describe as “outside of the box” have truly kept me on my toes during my stay here in Reykjavik. The first is the consumption of some animals I previously considered “off limits” or “inedible.” Dining at GrillMarket, a classy establishment located on a main street in downtown Reykjavik, I was shocked to see minke whale on the appetizer menu. Now, for all you animal rights activists out there, the minke whale is not endangered, and there is no animal cruelty involved in the preparation of the meat. However, I was still hesitant to pull the trigger and actually order the massive mammal. After coming to the realization that—hey, I’m in Iceland, I´ve got to at least try it—I “manned up” and placed the order. As if that wasn’t enough, I also saw “hestur,” which in English means “horse,” on the main course menu. If I was going to try the whale, I thought I might as well “go all the way” and try another nontraditional animal meat.

Out of a movie scene The Glacier Lagoon offers views that simply cannot be replicated anywhere outside of Iceland.

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Iceland

Getting over my initial skepticism at eating two “unconventional” dishes, I quickly shifted my mindset to appreciating the amazing quality of both meats. The whale is a rich cut of meat, which I really enjoyed. Likewise, the horse waas terrific, kind of similar to a high-quality lamb cut. I never would have predicted that my Icelandic ad venture would turn me into such a ravenous carnivore, devouring such delicacies as horse and whale, yet the meal has me looking forward to my next “side of horse.”

stadiums. We had the chance to play Vikingur Ólafsvik near Snæfellsnes glacier. The stadium overlooks the town of Ólafsvík as well as the coastal cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean. While warming up, it was difficult to focus due to the breathtaking landscape that surrounded the town—a view that I don’t think I will be able to find when I return to the United States. I am now four months into my football season, and I look forward to playing our “away” games even more than our “home” games because of the amazing travel experiences I have had visiting towns and villages around the country. Akureyri in the North of Iceland and the Northwest fishing village of Bolungarvík are two places with great footballing traditions that I have had the privilege of visiting.

Relax The Blue Lagoon lives up to its hype.

Bathe in a natural hot tub

Misty Existence Despite being a “bit touristy,” the Blue Lagoon lived up to the hype with its neon blue waters and black volcanic rock. As a foreigner coming to Iceland, you hear of lot of speculation about the Blue Lagoon. Like a movie that’s eagerly awaited and constantly over-discussed, I was worried that Iceland’s natural hot tub would not live up to the hype. But, with the exception of the pricey admission fee, the overall experience exceeded my heightened expectations. Regardless of how you feel about the “touristy” nature of the facilities, the amazing scenery cannot be overstated. The neon blue of the water, next to the deep black of the volcanic lava rock, creates an amazing juxtaposition worthy of every tourist’s time and energy. Be sure you make time to get down to the Blue Lagoon, for a relaxing natural bath at nature’s expense. An important detail about the Blue Lagoon that most foreigners don’t know is that you don’t actually have to swim to visit the facility. In fact, there is a walking path that allows visitors to explore the amazing scenery without paying the entrance fee to swim in the water. So, don’t let your desire to remain dry prevent you from visiting one of Iceland’s great destinations.

4 Play a game of soccer next to a glacier In addition to contributing to Iceland Magazine, I play football for the local club, Þróttur Reykjavík. One thing I have really enjoyed in playing and traveling with the Icelandic league is viewing the amazing backdrops surrounding the local

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Comfortable in their own skin Icelanders follow a strickt pool etiquette.

“Most public pools also have hot saunas, and the same behavior is expected re garding a post-sauna wash.Ice landers take these rules very seriously be cause they have natural geothermal swimming pools often heated by Mother Nature.”

Walk around naked in public

Icelanders are very comfortable with their bodies—almost too comforta ble if you ask me. But since I am in their country, I must obey their strict public pool etiquette, no matter how uncomfortable I may feel. In addition to not allowing shoes in the locker room area, all men are expected to strip, and clean themselves in the public shower before heading out into the main pool area. I’m assuming this is also true for women in the ladies’ locker room, but I’ll just have to take their word for it. Most public pools also have hot saunas, and the same behavior is expected regarding a post-sauna wash. Icelanders take these rules very seriously because they have natural geothermal swimming pools often heated by Mother Nature. Due to their unrelenting desire to keep their pools and locker rooms clean, they have no problem bluntly telling you to strip. I remember my first time at the Laugardalur community pool, where I was scolded for not participating in the necessary public strip tease. However, I have since adjusted to this uniquely “European” behavior and now show no shyness when following the public pool etiquette.

Wear a winter jacket during summer

While winter is more moderate in Iceland than in my hometown of Chicago, I still have trouble dealing with the temperate weather in Iceland during the summer. I feel like my clothes are in a constant state of “dampening” due to the intermittent rain showers and the chilly temperatures that rarely top 15° Celsius (60° Fahrenheit). Furthermore, the weather is always changing because of the oceanfront weather patterns, so picking a weather-appropriate outfit is almost impossible. The ironic thing about the Icelandic climate is that the further south you go, the colder it gets. Driving south down Highway 1, you notice a

SAVOUR THE BEST ICELAND HAS TO OFFER, BE IT FISH OR MEAT, OFF THE FRENCH PLANCHE OR FROM OUR CHARCOAL OVEN. THE CELL AR HAS FOOD TO FIT EVERY MOOD AND OCCASION, WHETHER YOU’RE UP FOR FINGER FOOD O R A F E A S T O F P L E N T Y.

KJALLARINN

A Ð A L S T R Æ T I 2 • 1 0 1 R E Y K J AV Í K TEL: 517 7373 • WWW.KJALLARINN.IS Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Iceland

considerable difference in temperature between Reykjavik and the towns of Selfoss or Vík. And vice versa, the further north you go, the higher the temperature rises. On a soccer trip to Akureyri, the most populated city in North Iceland, the temperatures reached 22° Celsius (72° Fahrenheit), which almost felt like a “chilly” Chicago summer night. The biggest lesson I have learned from all of Iceland’s irrational, and often unpredictable weather, is that you really need to take advantage of the nice days, because they don’t come that often.

No more Big Macs Metro replaced McDonald’s when the American fast food company left Iceland after the economic collapse.

7 Seen and experienced a volcano Visiting a volcano seems like such an exotic adventure for an American. However, in Iceland, this can happen on a typical day driving through the rural countryside. Eyjafjallajökull volcano is a sight to behold that elicits both fear and wonderment. Driving past this beautiful monstrosity is something that I just can’t compare to anything I have previously experienced in an American setting. Even in a day-to-day context, the volcanic presence can be felt here in Iceland. While driving around the island, you are constantly looking at lunar-like structures made of volcanic rock. Over 1/3 of the world’s lava that has erupted since 1500 AD was produced in Iceland, making the deathly black rock a common sight for all who choose to experience the island nation. Additionally, Iceland’s most recent volcano activity has made global news in the last few weeks, as the sub-glacial volcano called Bárðarbunga threatens to spew its red hot magma. The world has taken notice due to the significant disruptions to the air travel industry that resulted when Eyjafjallajökull erupted in 2010. At the moment, Iceland is still in a state of emergency as preparations are made for the potential eruption of another one of their magnificent beasts.

Walk out of a bar at 4 am in daylight

Sorry, no pictures for this one. But it’s true, Iceland is situated geograph ically in such a way that most summer days yield over 22 hours of sunlight. This presents an interesting dilemma when you step outside a dimly lit club on a Saturday night (Sunday morning) into broad daylight. In Chicago, if you are out drinking when the sun rises, you are perceived to be an alcoholic. In Reykjavik, if you are NOT out when the sun rises, you are perceived to be heading home early. Therefore, walking out into daylight at 4 am is definitely “a first” for me. It’s something I don’t think I should get used to, but for my brief time here in Iceland, I think I can make an exception.

“You may find a Domino’s Pizza and a couple of KFCs, but generally, Iceland’s economic environment encourages upscale classy restaurants, and forces out franchise chains.”

Lived without fast food chains

With stores like Wendy’s, McDonald’s, and Starbucks engrained into the psyche of all Americans, being stripped of these cultural consistencies has an effect on your day-to-day life—for good and for bad. No longer can I just stroll out at my leisure and instantly get a McDouble—which I view as both a positive and a negative. You may find a Domino’s Pizza and a couple of KFCs, but generally, Iceland’s economic environment encourages upscale classy restaurants, and forces out franchise chains. This is due to the high cost of importing fast food. McDonald’s did have a brief spell in Iceland, but the business plan did not prove to be viable. So, I am now forced to experience the Mom and Pop shops and restaurants of Reykjavik, which are slightly more expensive, but provide an authenticity and experience that is lacking in your typical McDonald´s.

10 Using my feet as a primary mode of transportation

Speed walkers Icelanders enjoy walking or biking to their intended destination. Photo/Sara

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

In America, I was used to driving everywhere. Metropolitan areas are spread out, and most major cities have extensive suburbs that require a car in order to survive. Icelanders, along with most other Scandinavians, view the automobile as a “luxury” rather than a “necessity.” A significant portion of the population rides a bike or walks to work, in an effort to save money as well as the environment. I have found this new mode of transportation (the foot) to be both more relaxing and healthier, not to mention a lot cheaper. Gas prices in Reykjavik are near $8.25 per gallon. Therefore, walking to work not only benefits your health, but your wallet as well. The capital city is relatively easy to get around in, and walking down the main street of Laugavegur gives any tourist, or local, plenty to do during a night out on the town. Overall, I enjoy walking around Reykjavik—it provides an invigorating relief from the “hustle and bustle” of the typical American city.

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Iceland Magazine Explains ask@icelandmag.com

A o Iceland Mag explains

Holuhraun eruption

Photo/GVA

Tour operators are now offering day trips to the Holuhraun eruption site. Photo/Egill Aðalasteinsson

Question: I’m visiting Iceland in September and want to know whether there is any way to go and see the Holuhraun lava flow safely? Answer: There are numerous local tour operators that offer sight-seeing trips to the eruption site. The area north of Vatnajökull glacier is still closed to traffic, and we strongly advise travelers not to try and venture into the area alone. Mýflug Air offers trips from the north of Iceland over the eruption site for 250 euros (453 US dollars) per person. Tour operator Extreme Iceland offers trips from both Reykjavík and Akureyri. The trip from Reykjavík will set you back 100.000 krónur (649 euros / 841 US dollars), while the tour departing from Akureyri costs 45.000 krónur (292 euros / 378 US dollars). Saga Travel also offers trips to the eruption site from Akureyri, North Iceland, for 60.000 krónur (389 euros / 505 US dollars).

Fishing Question: I will be traveling to Iceland next May and would like to do some fly fishing. Where does one get a permit for fly fishing in Iceland?

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

Fishing in Iceland is a wonderful experience. The season runs from April to October.

The Búrfell Hydropower Station was Iceland’s first power station and has been online since 1972.

Answer: The solitude, the soothing sounds of the running river, and the skills required are among the things that have made fly fishing a popular pastime in Iceland. Those who want to try fly fishing in Iceland can visit websites such as Veida.is, Agn.is and Svfr.is for information and permits. The salmon season in Iceland usually begins in June and extends into mid-September in some areas. The prime time for salmon fishing generally ranges from mid-July and until mid-August, making it also the most expensive time to fish. Fresh-water fishing (trout and sea-trout) begins in

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Iceland Magazine explains ask@icelandmag.com

April and ends in mid-September, the prime season for trout being late July until late October. As mentioned before, permit prices can vary with the time of year (prime time being the most expensive, while the beginning and end of the season are generally cheaper). Another variable is whether the permit comes with catering (rivers that offer self-catering lodges are less expensive). One very important thing to keep in mind when planning a fishing trip to Iceland: it’s mandatory to have all your equipment disinfected by authorities, before entering the country, and you have to have the papers to prove it.

Hard as a rock Question: I always pick up rocks on my travels. Is it okay to bring back rocks from Iceland? Answer: There are many beautiful stones and rock formations found in Iceland, but it’s best to leave them where they are. Stalactites are the only type of protected rock formation in Iceland. Generally stalactites are found hanging from the roof of caves, hot springs, or man-made structures such as mines. Removing or destroying stalactite formations is prohibited by law in Iceland. www.n1.is

Teigarhorn is a nature reserve in East Iceland, rich in natural zeolites. It is, however, illegal to remove the stones from the area. Photo/GVA

All rocks found within nature reserves are also protected. Earlier this summer, a park ranger caught a family of three mining for natural zeolites, which are found in the Teigarhorn nature reserve in East Iceland. This is against the law and got the family into trouble. Before removing any stones or rock formations found on private land, such as farmland, one needs permission from the landowner.

What do you want to know about Iceland? Pick the brains of our experts and send us your questions.

ask@icelandmag.com

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Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

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Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

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My Neighbourhood – Árskógssandur

A sunset to remember The magnificent oceanic view and the sunset from Árskógssandur can be breathtaking.

Enchanted royal graves and oceanic views Inga Rut Pétursdóttir owns the charming little concept store Sirka, located at Skipagata 6 in Akureyri. She lives in the tiny village of Árskógssandur, North Iceland, with her husband Einar Þorsteinn Pálsson, their three children, Júnía, Eyvör Elva, and Pétur Jökull, the dog Kasper and the cat Torres. Einar Þorsteinn also has a daughter, Kara, living in Reykjavík. Árskógssandur is a small fishing village located in the scenic Eyjafjörður fjord, with a population of roughly 120 people who, according to Inga Rut, are like her extended family.

How long have you lived in the neighborhood?

“I have lived here most of my life, 1 The harbour area is always teeming with life when the fishing boats come in both here and in Akureyri. I was born with their catch of the day. The ferry to and raised here and so are my Hrísey island also leaves from here, children.” adding to the hustle and bustle, and then you have the children jigging on What´s the best thing about the area, the docks. why did you choose to live there? “The best thing about the area is the 2 Bruggsmiðjan brewery is located in Árskógssandur. They produce the craft stillness and the closeness to nature. beer Kaldi and a visit to the brewery is When looking out the kitchen highly recommended. window, we sometimes spot whales swimming in the ocean. Another quality is the magnificent ocean view 3 There are beautiful hiking trails dotted around the area and a cozy little forest and the close proximity to the by the river where you can stop for a neighbouring villages of Akureyri and picnic. Dalvík. I may not always live in Árskógssandur, but it will always be my home.”

Iceland Magazine / vol. #08 2014

4 The sunset from Árskógssandur is often

Mention 4 places that are a must-see or do in the area and why?

absolutely stunning.

“The best thing about the area is the stillness and the closeness to nature.”

Does the area have a famous landmark? “We have no famous landmark to speak of. But Hrærekur, the only king to be buried in Iceland, is buried right here. According to legend, Hrærekshóll (Hræ rekur Hill), where the king is buried, is enchanted. Should the hill ever be level ed, the Stærri-Árskógur church will burn to the ground.” Hauganes

Inga Rut Pétursdóttir.

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