August 2019
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WHAT’S ON
CONTENT LIST What’s On Reykjavík City Map
FROM THE EDITOR 6-49 50-51
Events 54-76 Art & Culture
77-81
Shopping & Style
82-85
Pubs & Nightlife
86-89
Wining & Dining
90-95
Practical Info
96-97
Summer is usually a busy time; everyone is doing the very best they can to enjoy every warm day and every ray of sunshine to the max. By the time August rolls around and people start realizing that it’s almost time to get those autumn sweaters out (as opposed to the summer sweaters, this is Iceland after all), the summer programme kicks into high gear. People want to squeeze every last drop of enjoyment out of summer before it’s time to go back to school, work, or whatever it is people were doing before the sun started shining all night long (again, Iceland). August kicks off with the merchant’s holiday weekend, with festivals all over the country. The biggest one is in the Vestmannaeyjar islands, but Reykjavík’s own Innipúkinn festival is no slouch either. Then it’s time for the Reykjavík Pride festival, which is a ten-day affair on this 20th festival anniversary. By the time all the glitter has been swept of the streets, it’s time for Culture Night, a festival celebrating the best of Reykjavík culture. Music, theatre, dance, poetry, and art enthusiasts take over the city for the whole day, before a grand showcase of fireworks ends the night with a bang. With events and festivals galore, Reykjavík is a lovely place to visit but you should also remember to get out of town, enjoy nature and the uniquely Icelandic wilderness that surrounds the city in all directions. You won’t regret it!
Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir What’s On Editor What’s On Information Centre, Laugavegur 5.
Design & production: sbs, sbs@whatson.is
Published by: MD Reykjavík ehf. Laugavegur 5, 101 Reykjavik. Tel.: 551-3600
Content writers: The What’s On Team Ad sales: Reynir Elís Þorvaldsson, reynir@whatson.is
Publisher: Kjartan Þorbjörnsson
Map of Reykjavík: Friðrik Bjarnason
Editor: Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir, greta@whatson.is
Printing: Oddi, Ecolabelled Printing Company.
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WHAT’S ON — VOLUME 37 — ISSUE 8
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WHAT‘S ON IN REYKJAVÍK is published monthly, covering events and happenings in and around Reykjavík. Opinions expressed in WHAT‘S ON IN ReykjavÍk are those of the individual authors. While every effort has been made to ensure the information presented is accurate, prices, times, dates and other information may be subject to change.
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WHAT’S ON
THE WHAT’S ON CHECKLIST See the colourful floats at the Reykjavík Pride Parade! Try waffles with locals on Reykjavík Culture Night Discover your new favourite Icelandic artist on Spotify
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Go snowmobiling on a glacier – in the summer!
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See an Icelandic movie (subtitled, of course) in Bíó Paradís Try Þristur, a chocolate & liquorice candy! See some puffins before they leave! Try kjötsúpa, the Icelandic meat soup! Go camping and partying during Merchant’s Weekend! While you’re checking things off the list, we encourage you to take photos, and tag them with #whatsonrvk, of course!
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WHAT’S ON
SKYR Legend has it that the Vikings introduced Skyr to Iceland when they settled in the country some 1.100 years ago. Travel back in time to any farm and Skyr would be on the table – essential nourishment for young and old. Generations past may not have been able to measure the nutritional content in the way we can now, but the life-expectancy of the average Icelander was proof enough that something good was going on. Icelanders have ever since loved the smooth texture of this incredibly healthy dairy product and today
ICELAND’S SECRET TO HEALTHY LIVING it plays a big role in the modern lifestyle diet. Skyr is high in protein and a virtually fat-free dairy delight. Thick and creamy in consistency, it is also rich in calcium and other nutrients. Skyr can be found at almost every home and workplace. Enjoyed at breakfast, lunchtime, pretty much anytime, it has also become a healthy “fast-food” for active people on the go. Delicious in smoothies or energy-boosting drinks, it even features on the dessert menus of many top restaurants, which are bringing a contemporary twist to this established favourite.
MS SKYR – PLAIN Skyr was originally only available as plain and was made at every farm in Iceland. Nowadays, there is a huge variety of flavours available but many still prefer the plain one, especially served with sugar and/or cream.
For more information on skyr, visit www.iseyskyr.com
KEA SKYR WITH VANILLA Kea skyr comes from the northern part of Iceland and this is one of the most popular flavours available. The taste is full and creamy with zero fat. It’s mild and creamy flavour also makes it popular as a base for desserts.
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ÍSEY SKYR WITH BLUBERRIES Ísey skyr is a remarkable dairy product unique to Iceland. High in protein and naturally fat free, Ísey skyr is delicious, rich in flavour with a thick and creamy texture. Ísey is a beautiful Icelandic female name, meaning ice (ís) and island (ey), in honour of the women who passed on Iceland‘s secret to healthy living from generation to generation. ÍSEY SKYR WITH DARK CHOCOLATE AND VANILLA Skyr producers have been experimenting with new flavours in Ísey skyr while still keeping it as nutritious as possible. One of the more recent additions is Ísey skyr with dark chocolate and vanilla flavour. ICELANDIC PROVISIONS SKYR If you find yourself in the US, craving skyr, don’t panic! This is the only skyr available in the US that’s made with traditional Icelandic skyr cultures, passed down through generations of Icelanders. Rich in protein but low in sugar, with flavors that have a Nordic twist, such as Strawberry with Lingonberry. Icelandic provisions skyr is only available in the US and is a sister brand of Ísey Skyr. #icelandicprovisions
ICELAND’S SECRET TO HEALTHY LIVING
HIGH PROTEIN – FAT FREE
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WHAT’S ON
THE ICELANDIC
BEER EXPERIENCE KALDI
Kaldi is a very mild and comfortable pilsner, dry, fresh, slightly bitter, with notes of roasted barley and hops, and has 5% ABV. You might detect a hint of sweetness as well. The brewery on Árskógssandur, makers of Kaldi beer, was the first microbrewery that opened in Iceland, back in 2006. The regular Kaldi is a pure pilsner, with all the ingredients, except the Icelandic water, coming from the Czech Republic. Even their brewmaster is Czech! Following its success, the brewery opened Kaldi bar in the centre of Reykjavík, where all the varieties of Kaldi beer are available. Kaldi bar is, of course, the best place to get Kaldi, but it’s available in other bars as well, and in bottles at the liquor stores.
EGILS GULL
Egils Gull has followed Icelanders even since the beer ban was lifted on the 1st of March in 1989, aptly named the “Beer Day” and rightly celebrated. A standard light lager, Gull has proved a fantastic companion on Icelanders’ beer adventures, even winding up as the World’s Best Standard Lager at the World Beer Awards in 2011. Brewed in the style of a pale Munich lager, expect a crisp taste with a fresh lemony tang.
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BRÍÓ
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Bríó uses German hops, giving the beer a very distinctive taste and a sweet aroma. Along with the hops, it uses Pilsen malt and underfermented yeast. Bríó is the first beer produced by Borg Brugghús, a brewery that now produces several popular beers all year round along with seasonal beers for summer, Christmas and Easter. Bríó is a pilsner, a style of beer named after the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. This style of brewing first emerged in the middle of the 19th century and became so popular that the majority of beer drunk today is a relative of the original pilsner. Bríó was originally brewed as the house beer for Ölstofan but due to its popularity, it’s now available in liquor stores as well as most bars in town.
ÚLFUR
The aroma is of fresh citrus fruits, especially grapefruit, which can also be found in the flavour, along with a strong bitterness that makes you crave another sip. Úlfur was the first Icelandic IPA (India Pale Ale) on the market. It’s in the same calibre as the best produced on the West Coast of the Unites States and surprised many Icelanders with its distinct flavour and aroma. Only American hops are used in the beer and they are added when boiled and after fermentation; a so called “dry hopping” technique. Icelanders took to the beer immediately and it helped clear the way for smaller breweries to try new things.
WHAT’S ON
Although beer and ale have been brewed in Iceland for a long time, beer production was limited during the 20th century, as beer was illegal in Iceland until 1989! Icelanders have more than made up for lost time and the growth in beer production in recent years has been amazing. In just a few years, we‘ve seen many great breweries emerge, filled with ambition and ingenuity, and beer is now the most popular alcoholic beverage in Iceland.
LEIFUR - BORG A Belgian style Nordic Saison, Leifur fits like a glove into the New Nordic Cuisine which dominates the Icelandic culinary scene, as its brewed with wild Arctic thyme and heather. A fresh beer and a heavy hitter at the same time, it provides a light kick, packed with an aroma of crushed pepper and citrus. Named after Leifur Eiríksson, the first European to set foot in North America 500 years ago, it manages to live up to sharing a name with Leifur the lucky.
EINSTÖK WHITE ALE A clean and crisp start with a smooth mouth feel thanks to the oats. Citrus and spice round out a refreshing finish. Einstök beer is brewed up north, just 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle. You wouldn’t know it when you taste this summery, citrusy white ale. It has the complex flavours of a classic witbier, all brewed with pure Icelandic water for a cool smoothness that is deliciously refreshing. Don’t forget to ask for a slice of orange!
KALDI DARK A dark pilsner, it‘s similar to the regular Kaldi, but the main difference is the use of burnt malt, which provides the beautiful, distinctive dark colour and deepens the flavour. Most Icelanders are used to drinking light lagers and are even a bit wary of dark beers, at least until they taste Kaldi Dark. As mentioned – the Kaldi beers are brewed by Czech traditions, dated from 1842. Kaldi Dark is brewed using 3 different types of Czech hops. Kaldi Dark is unpasteurized with no added sugar or preservatives. You can get Kaldi Dark in all liquor stores as well as some bars, but the best place to get it is of course the Kaldi bar in the centre of Reykjavík.
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PILS ORGANIC Víking Pils Organic has a distinctive floral hoppiness, medium bitterness and a nice balance. Pils Organic took the Bavarian production tradition head on and emerged unquestionably victorious. A member of the same Viking inspired line of beers as the Víking Stout, Pils Organic is decorated with a pattern based on the snake’s heads that used to adorn the ships of the Vikings. Contrary to popular belief, these weren’t meant to intimidate opponents in battles on sea, but rather to frighten sea monsters.
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I C E L A N D I C VO LC A N O E S
For more information on Icelandic volcanoes, check out www.volcanohouse.is
AN ICELANDIC VOLCANO IS THE REASON FOR DEMOCRACY AS WE KNOW IT The 1783-4 eruption of Laki was history’s biggest volcanic eruption. When it erupted, the ash darkened the sky over all of Europe for years. The ash’s toxicity caused widespread crop failures and the resulting famine all over Europe was almost certainly one of the causes of the French Revolution in 1789, ultimately resulting in the first modern democracy as we know it.
NOT JUST ONE, BUT TWO OF THE BIGGEST ERUPTIONS IN THE RECORDED HISTORY OF THE WORLD, OCCURRED IN ICELAND! Not only was Laki the biggest eruption in recorded history, measured by volume of lava, but Iceland was also the site of the second biggest emission in recorded history, the 2014 eruption of Bárðarbunga. In just six months, Bárðarbunga produced enough lava to cover the island of Manhattan – 85km2. It still isn‘t close to matching Laki. That eruption produced 370km2 of lava in only 50 days!
WHAT’S ON
5 FACTS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT
All photos provided by the Volcano House
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WHAT’S ON Find more articles like this at www.whatson.is
1/3 OF ALL THE EARTH’S FRESH LAVA ORIGINATED IN ICELAND! When you’re discussing volcanoes, all concepts that have something to do with time get a bit skewed. For instance, fresh lava means lava emissions on earth since the year 1500. The reason for this impressive amount of liquid rock spewing to the surface is because not only does Iceland sit on a crack between two tectonic plates, it’s also on top of a geological hotspot. Even so, for such a small island, that’s a pretty impressive amount of lava.
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ICELAND HAS A VOLCANIC ERUPTION EVERY 4-5 YEARS! This isn’t surprising considering the island has somewhere around 150-200 volcanoes, split into different volcanic systems. About 30 different systems are still considered “active” in Iceland, and 13 of them have erupted since the Viking Settlement in 874. Not all the eruptions
WANT TO GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE VOLCANOES OF ICELAND? For more information on volcanoes and geothermal activity in Iceland, go visit the Volcano House by the old harbour. Its attractions include a mineral exhibition and an hour-long documentary on volcanoes, which is shown every hour, on the hour. As an added bonus, there’s also a What’s On desk over there, in case you need any information.
are on the same scale as the Eyjafjallajökull eruption though; some are small enough to be considered tourist attractions and some happen underneath glaciers and never even see the light of day.
ICELAND HAS AN ISLAND SCIENTISTS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OBSERVE AND DOCUMENT FROM THE MOMENT OF ITS CREATION: SURTSEY Surtsey was formed by a volcanic eruption at the bottom of the ocean and emerged from the water on January 14, 1963. It was immediately granted protection by law and no one was allowed to set foot on the island. To this day only scientists are allowed to go there, and even they have to get special permission. This means that we have been able to monitor how life settles on a brand-new land from the beginning, and the information gained has been invaluable to scientists.
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ICELANDIC DIVERSITY Get in touch with Icelandic nature on horseback and taste the treasures of the nearby sea. Tour 2G
GREAT VARIETY OF HORSE RIDING TOURS JUST OUTSIDE REYKJAVIK Get further information at www.eldhestar.is
Eldhestar, Vellir, 816 Ölfus, Iceland Email: info@eldhestar.is Tel: +354 480 4800
THE LAXNESS MUSEUM Gljúfrasteinn was the home of writer Halldór Laxness (the winner of The Nobel Prize in Literature 1955) and his family for more than half a century. The house is now a museum, where the author’s home is preserved just as it was when he lived and worked there.
WHAT’S ON
GLJÚFRASTEINN
A number of events are hosted throughout the year. Every Sunday during the summertime there are concerts in the living room at 16:00. The museum is open on Tuesdays to Fridays from 10:00–16:00. Audio guides of the house are available in Icelandic, English, German, Swedish and Danish, and an illustrated guide in French. Gljúfrasteinn-Laxness museum is located in the valley of Mosfellsdalur on the way to Þingvellir National Park, only a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík. For more information, go to www.gljufrasteinn.is.
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Tryggvagata 11 - Volcano house Open 11:30-21:00 www.fishandchips.is
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WHAT’S ON
What to Do in Iceland if You Only Have One Day If you only have one day in Iceland, the first advice I will give you is to change your flight and stay for at least a week more. If that’s not an option, my next suggestion would be to use the time you have to the fullest, since Iceland is a unique destination.
IF ICELANDIC GEOLOGY INTERESTS YOU No country does volcanoes like Iceland, there’s a reason it’s called the land of Ice and Fire. The Reykjavík Erupts! volcano hike takes you to a geothermally active area where the effects of the extreme heat underground are clearly visible on the surface. The colours of the earth are akin to a rainbow and there are bubbling cauldrons of mud everywhere. Lava Tube Caving tour, on the other hand, allows you to visit a cave that was formed during a volcanic eruption. The rock formations alone make this tour worth the trip.
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IF YOU JUST WANT TO SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS It’s no coincidence that The Golden Circle is the most popular day tour from Reykjavík. There are three stops on the way that just happen to be three of the most captivating destinations in Iceland, and as an added bonus, the tour doesn’t take up more than half of your day. The stops are Þingvellir, the national park where the Icelandic Parliament congregated since Viking times, Gullfoss, the awe-inspiring waterfall which lends its name to the Golden Circle, and Geysir, an erupting hot spring, guaranteed to wow visitors.
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IF YOU WANT TO SEE A GLACIER Since you’re visiting ICE-land, you might want to check out some icy tours and it doesn’t get any icier than hiking on a glacier. Glacier hikes are relatively easy and professional gear is provided so the tour should be accessible for most people. You get to walk on a glacier, with guides who know everything there is to know about glaciers and Iceland in general, what more could you ask for?
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IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR A LITTLE LUXURY What’s better than having a spa day? Krauma is a natural geothermal spa in West Iceland, next to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. The water of the natural hot spring is mixed with cool glacial water for perfect temperatures. It has five hot tubs and one cold bath, a relaxation room and two steam baths. If you’re in South Iceland, then head to the Secret Lagoon. It’s situated in a geothermal area with plenty of hot water streaming naturally from the ground and steam rising into the air around you. The beautiful location really lets you feel at one with the Icelandic nature. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN ADRENALINE RUSH Looking for a thrill? Then go on a buggy ride. A buggy is a fast, sturdy and stable ATV, perfect for everybody who loves the outdoors. When
going on a buggy tour, you better be ready to get dirty, with water splashing up on the side of the tires and dust being blown around your head. Driving a buggy through rough Icelandic terrain, with mud pools, dusty roads and sometimes snow, offers an exciting adventure!
IF YOU READ MOBY DICK AND LIKED IT Marine life abounds in the ocean around Iceland. Of all the creatures that live in these waters, the most spectacular ones have to be the whales. If you’re interested in seeing these immense creatures for yourself, take a whale watching cruise. Even the smallest Icelandic whale you could spot is still the size of a full-grown man, and the largest can reach up to 30 metres in length! If you have a few hours to spare before or after the cruise (or if you get seasick and a cruise is out of the question), check out the Whales of Iceland exhibition for some extra information on these gentle giants.
Whether you are going on tours or staying within city limits, you can be sure of one thing: you won’t have seen enough of what Iceland has to offer. The next time you’re in Iceland (and we’re pretty sure you’ll be back) stop by the What’s On office, or send us an email, info@whatson.is, and ask the staff to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.
WHAT’S ON
Only 35 min. from Reykjavík
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WHAT’S ON
Keilir
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Golfing Under the Midnight Sun
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There are not many places in this world that offer the spectacle of midnight golf, a joy any golf enthusiast has to try at least once in his life. The near 24 hours of sunlight in the summer months allows golfers from around the world to experience this phenomenon. Iceland has golf courses situated in the most picturesque parts of the country, surrounded by untouched wildlife.
ODDUR Far away from the noise of the city, Oddur Golf Club is one of the gems in the flora of Icelandic golf courses, surrounded by the beautiful valley area of Urriðavatnsdalir. Playing the course is a unique experience. Urriðavöllur, the main course, is one of the few 18-hole golf courses in Iceland, somewhat of a rarity within this young golfing nation. A challenging par 71, Urriðavöllur amounts to a total of 5,900m. Opened in 1997, it is recognised as one of the finest courses in the country, having been honoured with hosting
multiple Icelandic championships as well as the European Ladies Team Championship in 2016. Oddur Golf Club also sports an easier-going ninehole practice course named Ljúflingur (Beloved Course), for those looking for a nice day out. Only a short 20-minute drive away from the city centre, Oddur is the perfect getaway from the city for some golf in the midnight sun. Contact: afgreidsla@oddur.is - +354 565-9092, www.oddur.is
HLÍÐAVÖLLUR The Hlíðavöllur course is truly a feast for the eyes. The very first impression is the stunning views and great food in the modern clubhouse. The golfclub also has a quaint 9-hole course in the hills of the valley Mosfellsdalur called Bakkakot. The 18-hole Hlíðavöllur championship course offers a spectacular view of the cold beauty of the North Atlantic, overlooking Mt. Esjan as well as the pristine Snæfellsjökull glacier. It will challenge any golf course in the world in terms of dramatic landscape.
WHAT’S ON
Oddur
The midnight sun
Situated in nearby Mosfellsbær, Hlíðavöllur is an ambitious course with lush fairways and clean greens which golfers of all skill levels can enjoy. Like many courses in Iceland, Hlíðavöllur is close to breeding grounds of local birds. The birds haven’t been taught golfing etiquette yet though, so they’ll be the only thing to distract you while trying to sink that putt for a birdie. The spectacular views are the perfect backdrop to enjoy midnight golf on this course, which was designed to flow perfectly with the natural surroundings. A rough ocean and coarse lava fields surround the course as the integrity of the site was placed above any preconceived notions of hole sequences, yardage, or par. Mosfellsbær is only a short 10-minute drive away from Reykjavík’s city centre. After the round, the modern clubhouse, featuring local favourite BLIK Bistro & Grill, offers a respite.
KEILIR Keilir Golf Course is one of the top-ranked golf courses in Iceland, increasingly drawing attention from international guests. It’s a links golf course in Hafnarfjörður, a small town that’s just a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík. The design of the course follows the curves and contours of the land. When playing the Keilir Golf Course, you need to adjust your game to its challenges. Focusing on skill and accuracy will take you farther than power and distance, particularly when dealing with the lava field in the front nine! The toughest hole on the card is the 14th hole played over a small bay. Your drive must be accurate and have some distance to make it to the fairway. The course accommodates both beginners and advanced golfers. Recently, the club opened three new holes on the back nine which puts more coastline into play. Keilir is a golf course not to be missed!
Contact: Hlíðavöllur, golfmos@golfmos.is +354 566 6999, www.english.golfmos.is
Contact: budin@keilir.is - +354 565-3360, www.keilir.is
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Hlíðavöllur
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WHAT’S ON
Ten Things You Didn’t Know About the Atlantic Puffin Find more articles like this at www.whatson.is
THEY MATE FOR LIFE Puffins uphold the bird version of conservative family values, they mate for life, raise their single puffling over the course of the summer and return every year to their same nest.
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THEY’RE EASY PREY FOR PREDATORS ON LAND, WHICH IS WHY THEY USUALLY NEST ON ISLANDS Predators like foxes, weasels, cats and dogs don’t reach them on the islands around Iceland or out at sea during the wintertime. Actually, the puffins’ most threatening natural predator is homo sapiens. Puffin is still hunted for food and eaten, fresh or smoked. THEY’RE GREAT SWIMMERS, BUT CLUMSY FLYERS Puffins are graceful on the water, swimming and diving for fish in smooth, natural motions. In the air, however, they look like they’re ready to fall out of the sky at any moment, flying with jerking motions and crash-landing into the water.
©Special tours
THEY SPEND MOST OF THEIR LIFE AT SEA Puffins are pelagic birds, which means that they spend more than half of the year far out at sea. They are well suited to life on the sea and mostly eat fish. They only return to their holes to breed from April to August.
WHAT’S ON
©Special tours
THEY DON’T MAKE NESTS, THEY DIG HOLES Puffins are seabirds and tend to live where trees don’t. They dig holes instead, up to a metre deep. They sometimes even use old rabbit holes if there are any rabbits in the area. THEIR BEAKS ARE IMPRESSIVE The multicoloured beaks that the puffins sport for the mating seasons have, in some parts of the world, earned them the nickname of sea parrot or even sea clown. In Iceland they have a more dignified moniker, they’re called provosts because their pompous manner reminds people of senior church officials. THEIR BEAKS ARE SO IMPRESSIVE THEY GLOW UNDER UV LIGHT Yes, studies show that puffins have fluorescent beaks! Birds like puffins can not only see the red, blue, and green light humans can see, but also wavelengths at the UV end of the spectrum. Their fluorescent beaks may help them attract the opposite sex.
©Elding
THEY’RE STILL NOT AS IMPRESSIVE AS THE TUFTED PUFFIN The puffin, or more accurately the Atlantic puffin, has a cousin known as the tufted puffin. Its beak hasn’t got the same range of colours, but the bird more than makes up for it with yellow tufts of feathers, streaming back from its head like luscious blond locks. THEY’RE NOT OUR NATIONAL BIRD That honour belongs to the infinitely more graceful, if less likable, gyrfalcon. For a while the falcon was even represented in the national crest. The national order of Iceland, awarded by the president, is the Order of the Falcon. THEY’RE SMALLER THAN YOU THINK Puffins are only about 30cm from the tip of their bill to the end of their tail and stand at about 20cm on land. This makes them the same size as, or even smaller than most of their stuffed lookalikes sold in Reykjavík souvenir stores. Find more articles like this at www.whatson.is
©Amazing tours
Tufted Puffin ©Matthew Zalewski
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WHAT’S ON For more information on Icelandic volcanoes, check out www.volcanohouse.is
Living in a Hikers’ Paradise
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Dust off your backpack and hiking boots, it’s time to discover Iceland on foot. Why, you ask? Because Iceland has some of the best hiking trails in the world! As you probably know, Iceland is a volcanic island filled with mountains and natural wonders, many of which are easily accessible. In fact, Iceland is so crammed with natural wonders that you’re never far away from a great hike. Hiking through Iceland’s beautiful wilderness is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not sure what you’re doing. If you’re unfamiliar with Icelandic nature, consider taking a guided tour. Available guided tours include everything from a stroll through downtown Reykjavík to a multi-day hike in the Icelandic highlands, contact the What’s On information office for more information.
Before you set off into Iceland’s untamed nature, it’s vital that you prepare for your trip accordingly. Plan your route so you know exactly where you’re going and let someone else know as well. Check the weather forecast before you head out. Make sure you have the right equipment! Wear good boots and dress appropriately.
What do you want to do? I WANT TO CLIMB A MOUNTAIN! Mt. Esjan, the mountain visible from the city centre, is one of the most popular hiking spots for locals in Reykjavík. Just step on a bus and get off at the visitor centre at the foot of the mountain! There are several ways up the mountain, and the most popular one takes you straight up the hill, alongside a babbling brook, and offers a view of the city and the surrounding area. The trail leads all the way to the top, but about an hour’s hike will take you to Steinn, a big rock marking the spot where most people stop and head back.
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I WANT TO HIKE TO A WATERFALL Why not hike up to Glymur, Iceland’s second tallest waterfall? It used to be considered the tallest waterfall in Iceland, but not so long ago a new one far into the mountains was discovered that’s even taller! Getting there is very difficult, however, so most people stick to Glymur, with an easy hike a short distance from the city. There are a few ways to get to the waterfall, but the easiest one (and the one that requires no fording of rivers) takes about 45 minutes either way. You’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of water thundering down an almost 200m drop! I WANT TO HIKE FOR SEVERAL DAYS The most famous hiking trail of Iceland is called Laugavegur, a hike of approximately 55km in the highlands. The hike takes you through two nature reserves, with a wide variety of landscapes and several river crossings along the way. You walk from the red and yellow mountains of Landmannalaugar through lava fields with bubbly geothermal areas to the birch forests of Þórsmörk. The trail is wellmarked, with trekking huts along the way, but it’s also possible to camp (and since the huts are often fully booked, it might be necessary!). Usually, people take four days to complete the Laugavegur trail.
I WANT TO SEE A FOREST! Nestled between two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, and surrounded by active volcanoes, Þórsmörk can be thought of as Iceland in miniature; intersected by fresh glacial rivers, the area is home to rumbling waterfalls, lofty mountains, and a rich array of birdlife. What’s more, the area is best discovered on foot! Following the exclusion of sheep, that love to nibble on birch saplings, Þórsmörk has been transformed into a green oasis. There is an oft-cited joke about finding your way when lost in an Icelandic forest: just stand up. However, since the sheep have moved out, the trees have become very tall, making Þórsmörk one of the few forests in Iceland where it is, in fact, possible to get lost! I WANT TO GO OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Hornstrandir in the Westfjords is Iceland’s northernmost peninsula. It’s a nature reserve known for its dazzling cliffs, rich birdlife, and amazing sea views. It takes a bit of travelling to get there, but the hiking opportunities in this area are totally worth it! From Ísafjörður, you can take the ferry to Hesteyri, where there are plenty of hiking options. And the best thing is, the area is the natural habitat of the arctic fox. In isolated, uninhabited areas like Hornstrandir, arctic foxes feel more at ease around humans and are therefore easier to spot. 29
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Notable Events in the History of Iceland 16-18 MILLION BC: The Formation of Iceland. Volcanic eruptions form the landmass known as Iceland. 871 AD: The Settlement of Iceland. Ingólfur Arnarson killed a man in Norway and fled to Iceland. 930 AD: Alþingi (the Icelandic Parliament) established. Alþingi is the oldest parliamentary institution in the world that is still extant. 1000 AD: Conversion to Christianity, discovery of America. Parliament decided everyone would be Christian or at least pretend to be. Leif “the Lucky” Eiriksson got lost and found America, didn’t like it and went home. 1262 AD: Iceland submits to Norway. Civil war between powerful clans was finally resolved by forfeiting independence and submitting to Norwegian rule. This eventually led to Iceland winding up under Danish rule. 1550 AD: Reformation. A violent conflict between Catholics and Lutherans ended with the beheading of Catholic bishop Jón Arason.
1944 AD: Independence. Iceland declared independence while Denmark was too busy being invaded by Germany to protest. 20TH CENTURY: The World Wars and modernisation. The turn of the century saw the first motorboat and car. The World Wars and American occupation resulted in the first serious urbanisation and foreign cultural influence. 1955 AD: Nobel Prize. Halldór Laxness was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. 1980 AD: First female president. The world’s first democratically elected female head of state, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, took office. 2008 AD: Crash and miraculous recovery. Iceland’s banking system went spectacularly bankrupt. Since then, things have picked up surprisingly well.
Vigdís Finnbogadóttir
2009 AD: First openly gay prime minister. The world’s first openly lesbian head of government, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, took office.
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1602: Monopoly (not the fun kind). The king of Denmark decided Icelanders could only trade with particular Danes, resulting in economic stagnation until the monopoly was abolished in 1786.
THE 1750S: The Enlightenment and the birth of Reykjavík. Industrialisation and modernisation started when “Sheriff” Skúli Magnússon started wool manufacturing at Aðalstræti 10.
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REYKJAVÍK CULTURE NIGHT
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Reykjavík Culture Night will take place for the 24th time on August 24. The festival celebrates the city’s culture with a plethora of different events and happenings. There’s so much going on in the city that everyone should be able to find something to enjoy. Reykjavík Culture Night has grown from a small festival celebrating the city’s wealth of artists and cultural events to one of the biggest events in the Reykjavík social calendar.
The festival celebrates culture in all shapes and sizes, with popular music, dance, classical music, food, theatre, and even sports all getting their time in the sun. The festival’s schedule is always bursting with new and exciting events, concerts and shows, but some aspects of the festival have been there for years, like free waffles, concerts, and a rad fireworks display.
WAFFLES IN THE CITY CENTRE Every year, some inhabitants of the city centre open their homes to visitors and serve them waffles with jam and cream, a traditional treat. This is a great opportunity to meet some locals and see another side of Icelanders. CONCERTS, BIG AND SMALL Some of Iceland’s most popular musicians will be getting out their instruments for big, outdoor concerts in the city centre. Both Hljómskálagarður park by Tjörnin pond and Arnarhóll hill by Harpa Concert Hall will feature performances from afternoon and through the evening. In addition, there are several smaller concerts all over the city centre.
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FIREWORKS SHOW The grand finale of Reykjavík Culture Night is the fireworks display. After a day of attending events, listening to music, mingling with friends and relatives, most of Reykjavík’s inhabitants gather by Arnarhóll hill to marvel at the explosions of light before dispersing into the night, some heading home and others visiting downtown bars, pubs and clubs.
Please note that due to the festival, large parts of the city centre will be closed to traffic. City buses are free of charge during the festival and the best way to get downtown. Be aware that some bus routes will take detours due to street closures in the centre.
EVENTS BATTLE OF THE BRASS BANDS Reykjavík’s three marching bands meet and battle in Hljómskálagarður park. The winner takes it all - a coveted trophy they keep for a year - and the bragging rights that come with the trophy. The rules are strict, yet bendable. WELCOME ON BOARD! Coast guard vessel Óðinn will be open to the public between 13:00 and 19:00. Guests are encouraged to look around and talk to former crew members about their life on board when they sailed on deep, blue seas and if you´re lucky, you might experience a powerful performance by the men’s choir Fóstbræður. FOLK MUSIC IN REYKJAVIK CATHEDRAL Charming Reykjavik Cathedral will host the folk music group Kólga which will entertain
guests with “cheerful songs about death”. Sounds good!
REYKJAVIK CULTURE NIGHT DIY Fancy stepping onto the stage yourself? Head off to Útitaflið – a huge outdoor chessboard on Lækjargata where everybody can participate in a wonderful Karaoke party all day long! TOUCHED BY ART Artist run gallery Ekkisens welcomes you to an exhibition of performance art where furniture is sculptures, art is sound, and food is art. For more events and information, check out www.culturenight.is. 33
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Things to Do on a Sunny Day
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EAT ICE CREAM Ice cream in Iceland is – seriously – the best. Soft serve ice cream is the name of the game and mixing your favourite toppings requires serious thought. Ice cream in a cone with a chocolate shell is a classic, but menus often also include milkshakes that are thick with creamy goodness and blizzards mixed with everything from fresh fruit and berries to liquorice bits and chopped up chocolate bars.
GO HIKING Take a bus or a car out of the city and go hiking! Be sure to wear some good boots whenever you hike in Iceland and warm layered clothing. The weather in Iceland is fickle and not to be trusted! If you don’t feel like going out of the city or if you don’t have the time, there’s actually plenty of great hiking trails right in the city. Try the paths around Öskjuhlíð, Grótta, Elliðaá, or Rauðavatn. All these places are accessible by bus.
GO SWIMMING Icelanders have access to plenty of environmentally friendly hot water and they put it to use in the best way possible; heating up their swimming pools. These public swimming pools are a luxurious experience and the Icelanders use them frequently. On any given day, you’ll find kids splashing about in the waterslides, teenagers discussing pressing matters of life and love in a quiet spot and adults getting some exercise in the pool. The most important part of the swimming pool is the hot tub, where people from all walks of life get together and discuss the issues of society, the latest political scandals and the weather.
DO EVERYTHING YOU WOULD NORMALLY DO ON A SUNNY DAY, BUT AT NIGHT! Sunny summer days in Iceland have one thing that most other countries don’t; at the end of the day, the sun doesn’t go down! Staying up for a whole night in the Icelandic summer, whether drinking is involved or not, is a great experience. Try wearing sunglasses at night, swimming at night or just taking a walk at night, it always adds something a little extra.
SPEND A DAY LAZING ABOUT AT AUSTURVÖLLUR SQUARE On sunny days, everyone who is anyone heads to Austurvöllur. The square in front of the Parliament building quickly fills up with avid picnickers enjoying a beer or ice cream, or simply relaxing in the sun. The cafés that surround the square fill up even faster and the hunt for a table can get brutal during mealtimes!
Looking for more? The What’s On Iceland tourist information and booking centres are located in downtown ReykjavĂk. Visit us at the start of your journey or contact us throughout it. www.whatson.is
24 HOURS IN REYKJAVÍK
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Make the most of Reykjavík with the City Card. Find out how it works, what‘s included and where to buy the card on our website. citycard.is
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HOW TO HAVE FUN DURING V E R S L U N A R M A N N A H E LG I the south coast of Iceland. It’s got everything an Icelandic festival needs: camping, bonfires, fireworks, people of all generations getting together and Iceland’s most popular musicians keeping the crowd dancing. It’s also steeped in traditions – a festival song has been commissioned for the festival every year since 1933 and on the last night of the festival, all the people on the island, young and old, get together for a sing-along.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR FESTIVALS AROUND ICELAND: sTHE CLASSIC ONE The ultimate útihátíð is also the oldest one, Þjóðhátíð í eyjum. It’s taken place every year since 1874 on the Westman Islands, just off
Photo from Þjóðhátíð í Eyjum Facebook page
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Verslunarmannahelgi (Merchant’s Weekend for non-Icelandic speakers) is a three-day weekend at the beginning of August. It’s the biggest travelling weekend in Iceland and in many places, it’s celebrated with what is known simply as an útihátíð (outdoor festival). On Merchant’s Weekend, a steady stream of cars flows out of Reykjavík stuffed with tents, guitars and Icelandic sweaters, headed for various festivals around the country. People of all ages flock to these outdoor events, which usually feature family-centred activities during the day and concerts and dances at night. It’s a great time to experience Icelandic nature, get to know Icelanders, and most importantly, have some fun!
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THE “SPORTY” ONE The Euro Cup of swamp football takes place in Ísafjörður, and while the muddy football competition is ostensibly a sports event, most people agree that having fun is the goal, and that following ordinary football rules is overrated when there’s this much mud involved. The competition may be the main event, but there is plenty of music and partying as well.
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THE SPORTY ONE If you prefer your sports competitive and mudfree, there’s also the Iceland Summer Games in Akureyri, where all sorts of extreme sports,
endurance tests, and recreational games will take place, for people of all ages. While the games will challenge you physically, the party and music will keep your mood bright and your energy up!
THE HIPSTER ONE For some people, a festival outside in nature sounds super fun. For others, the camping aspect sort of ruins it. The solution? A festival in downtown Reykjavík! Innipúkinn (literally “the indoor imp”, an Icelandic term for couch potato) is where the coolest people of Reykjavík will be spending their long weekend, far from any sort of rural setting. You can hear some great music, have fun and still be in your own bed (and your own shower) come morning. It may not be the ultimate overnight festival experience, but it’s clean, dry, and painfully hip. THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY ONE Neskaupsstaður is a small town in the east of Iceland and its yearly Neistaflug festival is perfect for family fun. The small town is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and the festival is a celebration of colours and children’s entertainment. The programme is designed so that everyone in the family - kids, teens, and adults - can have fun and enjoy themselves.
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R U N , R E Y K JAV Í K , R U N !
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Reykjavík Culture Night is one of Reykjavík’s biggest celebrations of the year and its myriad events are not limited to the inside of galleries. The Reykjavík Marathon, established as early as 1984, has by now become an integral part of the celebration.
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Taking place for the 36th time this year, the marathon has grown from a 214 people race to an event that attracts 15,000 people every year! If a whole marathon sounds like a bit too much for you, other options include a half marathon, a 10k run, a marathon relay, a 3k run, and a 600m fun run. The starting line is in the heart of the city centre by Reykjavík City Hall, and the course winds through residential areas, public parks, and by the coast, so it’s a great way to see the city! Many of the runners choose to use their run to collect funds for a good cause. Over 150 charities are registered to receive donations from the 2019 marathon. The race takes place on Saturday, August 24. You can register online at www.rmi.is.
Fish • Lamb • Whale • Icelandic cuisine with a twist Icelandic music and nightlife Mix with the locals . .and all the Icelandic beers in one awsome place!
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Two Icelandic themed villages
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Restaurant & Lodging
The Viking Village is a unique place and it is the only Viking theme Hotel and restaurant in Iceland. We have step by step been developing our facilities over the last 28 years and will hopefully continue to do so in the future. We offer Hotel accommodation and Viking houses. Good for families and groups.
The Fisherman´s Village, our newest 25 rooms accommodation is Hlið in Álftanes only few minutes drive from the Viking Village. Like a country home by the seaside. Such an idyllic place to visit. The restaurant is open for groups in the evenings. Close to the president´s residence.
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Viking feasts - Souvenirs - Live entertainment most nights “You haven’t been in Iceland if you haven’t been to us“ Don’t miss it! Booking: www.vikingvillage.is | +354 565 1213
The Settlement Exhibition
Step into the Viking Age Open daily 09:00–18:00 June–August, guided tours on weekdays at 11:00
www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is
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THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW FOR REYKJAVÍK PRIDE 2019! A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY In 1975, Hörður Torfason, an up-and-coming singer, scandalised the country when he admitted to being homosexual in an interview in magazine Samúel. His coming out was groundbreaking for the gay community, but society’s reaction was less than stellar. Faced with hostile reactions and threats, Hörður eventually left the country for a few years while the commotion died down. EVERY VICTORY WAS HARD-EARNED… Much like Hörður Torfa was the “first (openly) gay man” in Iceland, Anna Kristjánsdóttir was the “first (openly) trans person” in Iceland. Anna didn’t get the support she needed from the Icelandic medical system, so she went abroad to Sweden, where she came out as trans in the 90s. For a long time, Anna was the only out trans person in Iceland and had her work cut out for her to gain acceptance. BUT IT’S GETTING BETTER Ever since 1940, the year gay sex stopped being a punishable offence in Iceland, there has been
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It’s that time again and Reykjavík is gearing up for the gayest weekend of the year (and that’s including the Eurovision Song Contest weekend). Iceland’s first Pride Parade in 1994 consisted of a handful of people, but the event has since grown into a week-long festival culminating in a procession that takes over Reykjavík’s city centre. This year, the festival is dedicated to the 50 year anniversary of the Stonewall riots. The 20th anniversary of Reykjavík pride promises to be the gayest one yet. But let’s take a look back at how we got here.
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excruciatingly slow but steady progress towards acceptance. Rigid gender roles and strict heteronormativity have slowly made way for a more liberal attitude towards sex, love, and life from the general population.
THERE HAVE BEEN MILESTONES… Gay people in Iceland have today been granted many legal rights that seemed unthinkable just a few decades ago. Same-sex common-law partnership came first, followed by adoption rights, and finally, in 2010, same-sex marriage. AND PIONEERS… Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir was been a prominent politician in Iceland for decades. In 2009, she made international news when she not only became the first female prime minister of Iceland, but also the first openly lesbian prime minister in the world. Her wife, Jónína, is a writer and in 2013, she published their love story after having to keep their life private for decades. BUT THINGS AREN’T PERFECT YET When Hörður Torfa returned to Iceland after his informal exile, he and some other enterprising people founded Samtökin ’78, Iceland’s most prominent LGBT+ rights association. Samtökin ‘78 have spent decades educating the Icelandic public and fighting for the rights of their
Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir
members. Unfortunately, there’s still a need for Samtökin – the fight for equality isn’t over yet. Reykjavík Pride takes place August 8-17. The Pride Parade leaves from the corner of Hverfisgata and Ingólfsstræti past the city pond towards Hljómskálagarður park, Saturday, August 17. For more information, visit www. hinsegindagar.is/en.
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PRIDE EVENTS
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LET’S PAINT A RAINBOW AUGUST 8 For the past few years, the City of Reykjavík has invited volunteers to paint a huge rainbow in downtown Reykjavík. The location of the rainbow changes from year to year and is announced the day before. This year’s location will most likely be Skólavörðustígur. All are welcome and volunteers are encouraged to bring their own paint brush. FAMILY RAINBOW FESTIVAL AT KLAMBRATÚN PARK AUGUST 11 The Family Rainbow Festival takes place at Klambratún park by Kjarvalsstaðir museum. Queer parents along with Reykjavík Pride will offer a colourful programme for guests of all ages. Get ready for entertainment, outdoor games, and food for everyone. STANDUP: I WOULDN’T DATE ME EITHER AUGUST 12 Jono Duffy and Kimi Tayler unite to bring you a night of queer comedy, the first of it’s kind in Iceland. He is the love child of pop culture and sex mishaps, she dresses the bastard daughter of Páll Óskar and Tilda Swinton. Together
they are a queer comedy power couple who have absolutely no sexual interest in each other.
QUEER CRUISE AUGUST 16 Reykjavik Pride invites you on a Queer Cruise. Sail around the small islands off the coast of Reykjavík, and see the city from a different perspective. Local DJ and radio host Siggi Gunnars will provide music and there will be special offers at the bar. Cruisers meet at the Elding Whale Watching Centre at 19:30. The ship will set sail at 20:00, so don’t be late! Tickets are ISK 3,500. PRIDE PARADE AUGUST 17 The biggest event of the festival is, of course, the Pride Parade itself! Reykjavík locals flock downtown to witness the spectacle and celebrate everyone’s right to live and love as they choose. The parade starting point will be announced later, but the parade will culminate with a concert in Sóleyjargata, near Hljómskálagarður park. For further information, head to www.hinsegindagar.is/en
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Start connecting with the locals Start Something Priceless Welcome to Iceland, where cards are a simple and safe way to pay. Read more on mastercard.com about the full terms and the specific benefits and security benefits that comes with your card.
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HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA INTERNATIONAL ORGAN SUMMER
Hallgrímskirkja church is one of the best-known landmarks in Reykjavík. It’s the last work of architect Guðjón Samúelsson. His work usually drew inspiration from Icelandic nature in some way and Hallgrímskirkja is no exception, conjuring the mountains and glaciers of Iceland along with the iconic columnar igneous rock.
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In front of the church stands a statue of Leifur Eiríksson, known as Leifur the lucky. He was probably the first European to visit North America, centuries before Christopher Columbus got lost on his way to India.
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Hallgrímskirkja is the second tallest building in the capital area and the view from the top is incredible. Take the elevator to the top of the tower and you’ll be rewarded with a view of rows of the multicoloured houses in the centre and further away, the bright blue sea and Mt. Esja.
INTERNATIONAL ORGAN SUMMER The 27th International Organ Summer Program takes place in Hallgrímskirkja this year. The festival presents three organ concerts every week on Iceland’s largest organ, The Klais. Some of Iceland’s top organists will be performing on Thursdays from 12:00-12:30 and great local and international organists will perform on Saturdays at 12:00-12:30 and Sundays at 17:00-18:00. The concert series has received excellent criticism in Icelandic media including all of last year’s
performances which were played on the national radio. The concert series will begin on the 22nd of June with one of Iceland’s top organists Björn Steinar Sólbergsson and finish on the 25th of August with this year’s guest of honour and organ genius, Mattias Wager, organist at The Cathedral in Stockholm, Sweden.
DID YOU KNOW? • Hallgrímskirkja is one of the best-known landmarks of Reykjavík but still functions as a parish church for the city centre. • It’s named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, a 17th-century minister in Iceland, who is today best known for his poetry. His magnum opus, the Passion Hymns, are read in the church every Easter, which takes about five hours. • They started building the church in 1945 and it was consecrated in 1986, the year of Reykjavík’s 200th anniversary. • The church’s Klais organ, with its 5,275 pipes, is the biggest instrument in Iceland.
THE INTERNATIONAL ORGAN SUMMER IN HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA JUNE 22 - AUGUST 28 2019
WEEKEND CONCERTS WITH INTERNATIONAL CONCERT ORGANISTS SATURDAYS AT 12 NOON AND SUNDAYS AT 5 PM 22nd/ 23rd June 29th/ 30th June 6th/7th July 13th/ 14th July 20th/ 21st July 27th/ 28th July 3rd/ 4th August 10th/ 11th August 17th/ 18th August 25th August
Björn Steinar Sólbergsson organist at Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík Mattias Wager, organist at Stockholm Cathedral, Sweden Johannes Skoog, concert organist, Sweden Johannes Zeinler, Austria, 1st prize winner at the Chartres International Organ Competition 2018 Yves Rechtsteiner, concert organist, France Isabelle Demers, Canadian concert organist and organ professor, USA Lára Bryndís Eggertsdóttir, organist at Hjallakirkja Kópavogur, Iceland Susannah Carlsson, organist at Lund Cathedral, Sweden Johannes Geffert, concert organist from Bonn, Germany Mattias Wager, organist at Stockholm Cathedral, Sweden
LUNCHTIME CONCERTS WITH ICELANDIC ORGANISTS - THURSDAYS AT 12 NOON Tuuli Rähni, organist at Ísafjörður Church Guðmundur Sigurðsson organist at Hafnarfjörður Church Eyþór Franzson Wechner organist at Blönduós Church Jón Bjarnason, organist at Skálholt Cathedral with Vilhjálmur Ingi Sigurðsson and Jóhann Ingvi Stefánsson trumpets. 25th July Ágúst Ingi Ágústsson organist Reykjavík with Lene Langballe, zink/ cornetto and recorder, Denmark 1st August Steinar Logi Helgason organist Reykjavík, with 3 baritone singers: Fjölnir Ólafsson, Örn Ýmir Arason and Hafsteinn Thorolfsson 8th August Guðný Einarsdóttir organist at Háteigskirkja, Reykjavík 15th August Kitty Kovacs organist at Landakirkja, Westman Islands 22nd August Eyþór Ingi Jónsson organist at Akureyri Church 27th June 4th July 11th July 18th July
LUNCHTIME CONCERTS WEDNESDAYS AT 12 NOON WITH SCHOLA CANTORUM PRIZE WINNING CHAMBER CHOIR OF HALLGRIMSKIRKJA Schola Cantorum chamber choir of Hallgrimskirkja is celebrating it´s 11th season of the popular Wednesdays Lunchtime Summer Concert this summer. The choir sings various beautiful music from their repertoire, both Icelandic choral pearls as well as famous choral works by Byrd, Bruchner, Handel, Mendelssohn and more, occasionally accompanied by the great Klais organ. Conductor is Hörður Áskelsson, Music Director of Hallgrimskirkja. Coffee and tea served after the concert. LISTVINAFELAG.IS SCHOLACANTORUM.IS
Ticket sales at the entrance 1 hr before the concerts and online www.midi.is Lunchtime concerts – 30 min: 2500 ISK - Schola cantorum – 30 min: 2700 ISK Sunday concerts –60 min: 3000 ISK Artistic Director: Hörður Áskelsson Music Director of Hallgrimskirkja/ Guest Artistic Director 2019: Mattias Wager, organist Stockholm Cathedral. Manager: Inga Rós Ingólfsdóttir Concert Manager 2019: Sólbjörg Björnsdóttir
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R E Y K J AV Í K SIGHTS TO SEE Reykjavík sightseeing has something for everyone! The city is filled with things to do, places to go, and stuff to see, but some things are just a little bit more important than others. Check out the map in the centre of the magazine to find the exact location of these Reykjavík sights.
1 | HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. It’s the largest church and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland. The church tower offers a fantastic view of the city. It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, designed it to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape. Construction started in 1945 and was finished in 1984.
Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights
2 | PERLAN Standing at 25m, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking
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buildings. Built on top of the city’s hot water tanks, Perlan is known for its unique architecture. Inside Perlan, you can visit Wonders of Iceland, an exhibition spread over multiple levels. A visit to a real ice cave, planetarium shows, exhibitions on Iceland’s history, glaciers, volcanoes, and water, and a spectacular 360° viewing platform are all included in a ticket. On the top floor, a restaurant and coffeehouse for guests in need of refreshment. Surrounding Perlan is the Öskjuhlíð area, one of the many green spaces in Reykjavík, perfect for a walk on a sunny day.
3 | TJÖRNIN Tjörnin (The Pond) is the heart of the city centre and offers some of the most amazing views in Reykjavík. There is no better place in the city to enjoy a beautiful sunset and you can watch or feed a huge variety of birdlife that calls the lake home, while you’re at it. When the lake freezes over in winter, geothermal water is pumped in to defrost an area for the birds and feeding them is a popular family pastime all year round. Those who can handle the cold take to the lake on ice skates.
4 | AUSTURVÖLLUR When the sun is shining, Austurvöllur is the place to be. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants, this public square is a popular spot for locals to dine outside, soak up some sunshine or recline on the grass with picnics. In fact, whatever the season, Austurvöllur is the place to be. It’s used for celebrations on holidays and in December, the city’s biggest Christmas tree is located there. Due to its proximity to The House of Parliament, Austurvöllur is also a popular gathering spot for political protesters. At the centre of it all stands a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the renowned figure who is credited with leading Iceland to independence.
fermented shark, purchase a bag of Icelandic candy or browse through thrifted clothing, Kolaportið, an indoor flea market, open on the weekends between 11:00-17:00, is your best bet. The atmosphere is unique, and the old industrial building is usually filled with people hunting for books or antiques, grocery shopping at the food court, selling their old garments, buying music and DVDs, or digging through piles of stuff in search of hidden treasures. We recommend bringing cash, or visiting the ATM at one of the entrances, as the majority of stalls don’t accept cards.
WHAT’S ON
5 | KOLAPORTIÐ Whether you want to sample dried fish and
6 | HARPA The whole 28,000m2 of Harpa stand at the edge of Reykjavík Harbour. It houses Iceland’s biggest concert hall, suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events, a conference centre with meeting facilities and in-house catering, as well as a couple of fine restaurants. Harpa also hosts promotions, plays, and public events. It’s open to everyone, and you should definitely visit Harpa, whether it’s to take in a show, buy souvenirs, go to a concert or have a lovely dinner in one of the fabulous restaurants. Harpa was designed by a Danish firm in cooperation with Ólafur Elíasson, an Icelandic artist, and opened to the public in 2011.
7 | THE OLD HARBOUR It’s the first lasting harbour in Reykjavík, although it’s no longer the city’s busiest one. The most-visited area is the eastern pier where you’ll find a community of shops, galleries, electric bike and scooter rentals, and guided tour operators. You will also find numerous whale watching companies willing to take you out to sea on unforgettable excursions. The area is filled with excellent restaurants (pizza, seafood, burgers, etc.) and cafés. The atmosphere at the old harbour is friendly, the air is fresh and salty and there are plenty of interesting activities to check out.
8 | THE SUN VOYAGER A beautiful sculpture of a Viking ship located
9 | HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT Founded in 950 AD, Iceland’s Parliament, Alþingi, is the oldest extant parliament in the world! For centuries, the Parliament gathered in the open air (on the aptly named Þingvellir, Parliament Fields) but in recent years, they’ve met in Reykjavík. The House of Parliament is a modest classical building of hewn Icelandic dolerite, and it gives Austurvöllur square a dignified look. The Parliament garden behind the building is small but lovely in the summertime.
10 | LAUGARDALSLAUG Every country has traditions when it comes to leisure. Icelanders’ favourite pastime is going swimming. Laugardalslaug is the city’s largest pool with extensive facilities, located in Laugardalur valley. Its facilities include a 50m outdoor pool, an outdoor children’s pool and a paddling pool, two waterslides, numerous hot tubs, a steam bath, gym, and a mini golf course. There really is no better place to be on a sunny day, or a cold one for that matter. Right outside you will find a hot dog stand where you can buy traditional Icelandic hot dogs.
Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights
by the ocean on a small peninsula by Sæbraut, close to downtown Reykjavík. The sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and is an ode to the sun. It serves as reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland. The Sun Voyager looks its best when the sun is setting, at whatever time that may be. The unforgettable view of the sculpture with a backdrop of the ocean and Mt. Esja is every photographer’s dream.
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Check out the article The Reykjavik Sight Experience on pages 48-49 for more information about the places numbered here.
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REYKJAVÍK CITY MAP i
What’s On Tourist Information and Booking Centre Locations Main areas
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WHAT’S ON
Museums in Downtown Reykjavík
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Reykjavík’s history reaches more than a thousand years back and the city has a rich cultural heritage. History buffs, art afficionados and budding natural scientists should all find something to pique their interest in the museums of the city centre.
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VOLCANO HOUSE Get to know Iceland’s fascinating geology by exploring their mineral exhibition and watching their documentaries on some of Iceland’s most interesting volcanic eruptions in recent history. 1
REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY The museum presents both historical and contemporary photography in an artistic, social, and cultural context. Showcased are family photographs, photos from portrait studios, industrial and advertising photographs, press photography, landscape photographs, and more.
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THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION In 2001, archaeological remains of a hall from the age of settlement were excavated and The Settlement Exhibition is built around these findings, the oldest relics of human habitation found in Reykjavík. 5
REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM The Hafnarhús location of the Reykjavík Art Museum serves as the museum’s institute of contemporary art. Pop artist Erró’s works are as fascinating as the museum’s temporary exhibitions.
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND The museum, established in 1863, houses some of the nation’s most beloved treasures. The permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation is an engaging way to get to know Iceland’s history. Visit the Culture House’s exhibition Points of View as well for an introduction to the country’s cultural heritage.
THE MARITIME MUSEUM The fishing industry is the cornerstone of Iceland’s economy and The Maritime Museum is the best place to learn more about it. At the museum, you also have a chance to board Óðinn, a former Coast Guard vessel.
THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND The National Gallery’s art collection consists mainly of 19th and 20th century art. In its possession are many of the keystones of Icelandic art history, as well as a growing collection of works from other countries.
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Wonders of the Volcano Volcano Documentary and Geological Exhibition in Reykjavík, next to the Old Harbour.
Open until 22:00 every night.
“Great intro to Iceland!” Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavík | +354 555 1900 | volcanohouse.is
From June 15 to September 15 German screening at 18:00 & French screening at 21:00
cof fee, juice & much m or e
L A U G AV E G U R
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K E F A I R P O R T A R R I VA L & D E PA R T U R E H A L L
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WHAT’S ON
N E W I N TOW N TACOSON The newest addition to the burgeoning taco-scene is the Tacoson food truck, bringing flavours from South America to Icelandic shores. A three-friend venture out of Vesturbærinn neighborhood, Tacoson preaches fresh ingredients above all. Found in Mæðragarðurinn park in downtown Reykjavík, Tacoson draws inspiration from NYC’s food trucks. Taco-obsessed punters can choose from chicken, chilli con carne, pork belly tacos, as well as several vegetarian options. All are served in distinctively green homemade corn and coriander shells. Fiesta!
MIÐBAKKI As part of the revamping of downtown, the City of Reykjavík has opened a new public space right on the harbourfront in downtown
Reykjavík. Adorned with beautiful artwork, the area is full of life, featuring a skate park, basketball court as well as bike playground for kids. If you’re not into sports, there’ll be events and happenings in the Miðbakki area all the time, such as the recently completed Icelandic Street Food Festival. Watch this space!
SHAWARMA KING Reykjavík has long been missing a much-needed street food staple – kebab! Now, Reykjavík has finally joined its European counterparts in offering a cheap feast for late-night strugglers and lunch-goers alike. Found on Laugavegur 87, newcomers Shawarma King offer quality hummus, fresh falafels and, of course, delicious shawarma. “It’s exactly what this area has been missing for decades. I just can’t understand why it didn’t arrive sooner,” an excited kebab-lover claimed on the day of the opening.
Myrkraverk
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MYRKRAVERK Myrkraverk gallery is run by artists for artists. In this cozy little spot on Skólavörðustígur, the walls are covered with paintings, prints, illustrations, sculptures by young and upcoming Icelandic artists. Art-loves will also find environmentally friendly jewellery, both upcycled and handmade from clay and stones. It’s a perfect spot for someone looking for a unique local gift or something out of this world for themselves. Downstairs, a different world awaits in the Northern Lights Studio, as travellers can get an Aurore Borealis portrait.
Shawarma King
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EVENTS NOTABLE EVENTS IN REYKJAVÍK FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec 56
Ed Sheeran
ED SH EERAN
I CE LA N D IC FOOT BA LL
AUGUST 10-11 Everyone’s favourite Ed is in town! The world-famous popstar will host two outdoor concerts in Laugardalsvöllur stadium in a much-awaited concert. Ed has enjoyed a bit of a love affair with Iceland in recent years, having hit local news after enjoying a gas station steak sandwich during his stay here. The concert is in the right spot, as Ed has donned the jersey of the Icelandic national football team numerous times. Laugardalsvöllur happens to be where the team plays their matches. Excitement is riling up to unheard of levels, so you won’t want to miss out on this concert, which is part of his ongoing European tour. Tickets on www.tix.is
AUGUST The Icelandic football season takes place over the summer so why not catch a match while you’re here? You can get a chance to see some of the future stars of the Icelandic national team strutting their stuff, as teams place an emphasis on playing local lads. Reigning champions Valur versus falling giants FH might will be worth a watch, while leaders KR versus the youngsters in Víkingur Reykjavík should be a good one for neutrals. Full schedule of matches online at soccerway.com.
ÞJ ÓÐ H ÁTÍÐ AUGUST 2-4 Every year, thousands of people cram onto Heimaey, the largest of the Westman Islands. They’re here for one thing and one thing only – a good time! If a large crowd of Icelanders crammed onto an island to party sounds like a nightmare, stop reading. If it sounds like a jolly good time – please continue. Held since 1874, this annual outdoor festival features Icelandic artists, bonfires, fireworks, good food and a lot of singing. Attend at your own risk. Find out more on www.dalurinn.is
Þjóðhátíð
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EVENTS
M E RCHA N T ’ S WE E KE N D
AUGUST 8-17 Since the first edition was held in 1999, Reykjavík Pride has grown from strength to strength. It’s a full-blown festival at joy as folks all ages, shapes and sizes join the mayhem. The pride parade is by now a Reykjavík staple, with pop star Páll Óskar’s glitter float always a highlight. Watch out for happenings all over town as queer visitors breathe life into the city.
AUGUST 2-5 Everyone heads out of town for the biggest travel weekend of the year. Held on the first weekend of August, the Monday following the weekend is a national holiday. If you prefer to stay away from the crowds, Reykjavík is the perfect spot to be, check out the Innipúkinn festival. There’ll be festivals all around the country in all shapes and sizes. Just make sure you don’t get stuck in traffic on the one-lane wide Route 1.
RE YK JAVÍK C ULTURE NI GHT AUGUST 24 Reykjavík city comes to life on Reykjavík Culture Night. Over 100,000 guests pore into the city to enjoy music, arts, food, and drink as nearly every garden and corner of the city plays host to event. The night culminates with a grand firework show on the Reykjavík harbourfront. Find yourself a good spot to enjoy it such as Grandi area or Arnarhóll hill. Jump on in! Find out more on www.culturenight.is. Reykjavík Culture Night
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RE YK JAVÍK PRID E
NOTABLE EVENTS OUTSIDE OF REYKJAVÍK
Reykjavík Pride
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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS
VOLCANO HOUSE Wonders of the Volcano The Volcano House includes a hands-on mineral exhibition featuring different mineral samples, such as lava from the 2014 eruption of Bárðabunga and ash from the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. A documentary in English is screened every hour, on the hour, from 9:00 to 21:00. It focuses on some of the most famous eruptions of Iceland and covers the causes and effects of Icelandic volcanic activity in general. The show is also available in different languages by arrangement. The Volcano House is fun and educational for people of all ages, and kids are especially welcome (free for 0-10 years old).
Wonders of the Volcano
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The Volcano House is a great stop on your museum day. After standing and reading for hours, it’s nice to sit down and watch a movie.
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The Volcano House is a great latenight activity (the last show is at 21:00), a good replacement if your tour is cancelled, or if the weather is bad (it’s always nice and warm inside). Drop by anytime! For more information, see www.volcanohouse.is.
AURORA REYKJAVÍK Catch the Aurora Borealis All Year Round There is perhaps nothing more magical than witnessing the beauty of a Northern Lights display. However, those unpredictable, ever dancing lights don’t always show up on cue – and fade away during the summer months. So, it is with great joy that we welcome Aurora Reykjavík – The Northern Lights Center, where the Northern Lights are always on display.
Aurora Reykjavík
Aurora Reykjavík’s pull and ace up its sleeve is its fantastic 4k timelapse film of the Aurora Borealis. Aurora Reykjavík’s latest addition are virtual reality goggles featuring the world’s first 360°movie of aurora displays entirely shot in Iceland. If you can’t catch the Northern Lights yourself, this utterly realistic experience is definitely the next best option to witness the beauty of this truly amazing phenomenon.
Capturing the Northern Lights with your own camera can be challenging, but, at Aurora Reykjavík, you get taught by the experts: bring your camera and try the right settings at the Northern Lights Photo Simulator. In the exhibition you will find an entertaining selfie booth – have fun looking all fabulous under the Northern Lights! For more information, see www.aurorareykjavik.is.
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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS Kjarval
ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON CO L L EC T I O N
The exhibition Korriró og Dillidó offers an ideal opportunity for the entire family to experience the unique supernatural world of elves in their finery, and terrifying trolls, as depicted with passionate sincerity by Ásgrímur Jónsson. The emphasis is on the visitor’s own imagination – offering the opportunity to enjoy this aspect
R E Y K JAV I K ART MUSEUM K JA RVA L S S TAÐ I R Sölvi Helgason: Floral Fantasy Sölvi Helgason (1820-1895) is indisputably Iceland’s most fascinating folk artist; a charismatic outsider both in his life and in his art. He was a rover, a scholar and an artist, but also a capricious eccentric who disobeyed the law of men and was hence punished with imprisonment. Rich and colorful flower compositions characterize Sölvi’s works, and he repeatedly used the same floral patterns, either as the main subject of the image, or as background for portraits. It is worth noting that the exhibition Floral Fantasy will have on display 16 previously unknown works by Sölvi Helgason, that
have until now been preserved in Denmark.
Jóhannes S. Kjarval: Can’t Draw a Harebell The artist Eggert Pétursson (b. 1956) has assembled an exhibition of the floral works of Jóhannes S. Kjarval. Upon taking on this project for Reykjavík Art Museum, Eggert decided to examine the floral factor in Kjarval’s work and approach it from an artistic viewpoint. According to Eggert, Kjarval’s flower works are more extensive than his own, Kjarval traverses all over. He does not limit himself to botany but paints and sketches flowers around him, be it ornamental plants, potted plants or wildflowers, and last but not least he paints the flora of the mind. Eggert resolved to categorise the works by their elements and figurative connection and display them as he would his own work. His selection is intended to create a coherent exhibition rather than as a historical overview of Kjarval’s floral works.
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KORRIRÓ OG DILLIDÓ PICTURES OF FOLKLORE AND FAIRY TALES BY ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON Step into magic! The visual world of Icelandic folklore and fairy tales created by Ásgrímur Jónsson in his art is a truly enchanted realm. Elves, trolls and ghosts were given a clear form in Ásgrímur’s art. He first exhibited such pieces in Iceland in 1905. Ásgrímur’s works on folklore themes were well received; in the press, reviewers expressed delight that the folktale heritage was being addressed, for the first time, by an Icelandic artist.
of the cultural heritage, which can throw light upon the fears, dreams and desires of former generations – and their relationship with awe-inspiring Icelandic nature.
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R E Y K JAV I K A R T MUSEUM Á S M U N DA R S A F N Ásmundur Sveinsson: Under the Same Sky – Art in Public Spaces The sculpture garden at Sigtún is dedicated to the works by Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982). It is also the point where the exhibition Under the Same Sky extends its view to some of the numerous outdoor pieces that the late sculptor has created and installed in places around and outside Iceland. The works in the exhibition are more meditative in comparison to the outdoor sculptures: smaller in scale, made of different materials, and three-dimensional studies to the enlarged works that Ásmundur realised in the end.
Maó’s World Tour
Brynhildur Þorgeirsdóttir: Natural Elements Brynhildur Þorgeirsdóttir (b. 1955) studied at The Icelandic College of Art and Crafts, at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Holland and the California College of Arts and Crafts, as well as specialising in glass at Orrefors in Sweden and Pilchuck Glass School in USA. Brynhildur’s work can be found in all major museums in Iceland, as well as many museums on both sides of the Atlantic.
R E Y K JAV I K ART MUSEUM HAFNARHÚS Erró: Maó’s World Tour The series Chinese Paintings is fiction, where the staging and the presence of Mao in various locations is a sarcastic reference to the wave of Maoism which seized groups of Western artists, intellectuals and politicians following the student riots in Paris in May 1968. The series objectifies both the utopian dream of the future and the fear of the Chinese Cultural Revolution spreading around the world. The Chinese Paintings made Erró famous internationally. The exhibition in Hafnarhús contains
Art in Public Spaces
paintings, collages and engravings from the Reykjavík Art Museum’s collection.
Finnbogi Pétursson: Hz At his private exhibition in the A-hall of the Reykjavík Art Museum - Hafnahús, the artist Finnbogi Pétursson presents a new work specifically tailored to the exhibition space. Throughout his four-decade career, Pétursson has worked with perception and
emphasized the boundaries of vision and hearing. He has developed countless ways to make sound waves visible, highlighted the frequency of material and space, and work with the physics of the environment. At the exhibition in Hafnarhús, sound waves are led into a large pool and the ribbles of the water are reflected on the walls of the hall in an immersive installation.
THE STEAK HOUSE
Steikhúsið simply means “The Steak House” and that underlines our goal, to focus solely on steaks. Steikhúsið is in the middle of Reykjavík, opposite the old harbor, which has recently formed into a lively neighborhood of restaurants, cafes, artisan stores and work shops. When you visit us, remember to try our “28-day” tendered meat. The heart of the place is a coal oven from Mibrasa, Spain. It is only fitting that we use coal for grilling and baking, since the building housed a blacksmith and metal works in years gone by. THE KITCHEN IS OPEN FROM 17:00 ‘TILL LATE — VISIT WWW.STEIK.IS
Booking: +354 561 1111 & steik@steik.is
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EVENTS
SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND
Treasures of a Nation In the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland, there are over 11,000 works of various kinds, from various countries and from various periods. In the exhibition a fair selection of works from the collection displays the evolution of art in Iceland from the early 19th century to our times. The exhibition features a variety of media and styles distinguishing this short but eventful history. During the first decades, from 1884 to 1911,
Treasures of a Nation
Connections
the collection was exclusively based on the generous donations of foreign artists, mostly Danish and other Scandinavians, but in the early 20th century, Icelandic art became more prominent. Today, only one of every 10 works in the collection of the National Gallery is foreign, despite the fact that foreign artists are still slightly more numerous than Icelandic artists. The generosity of various individuals, artists and other parties can be thanked for
the pace with which the collection grew during the last century. Many of the pioneers of modern Icelandic art bequeathed their works to the nation. In the late 20th century the museum’s purchasing fund increased and with it the collection expanded. There is a long and remarkable trajectory from the fragile drawings of Helgi Sigurðsson (1815-1888) to the frail poet Jónas Hallgrímsson (18071845) to the exquisite sculptures of Margrét H. Blöndal (1970-).
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AMY’S DONATION The word benefactor is rarely heard in discussion of the collections of art museums. Yet in the history of their work benefactors have frequently played a part, and their contributions are an integral factor in the story of how the National Gallery of Iceland collection has been acquired. Amalie Engilberts was one of the National Gallery’s many benefactors. The daughter of artist Jón Engilberts and his wife Tove, she was born in Denmark in 1934 and died in Iceland in December 2007. Amalie, known as Amy, was a popular fortune-teller in Iceland, and for many years she explored the occult. She has been described as a well-read cosmopolitan.
MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS
CONNECTIONS The thirtieth anniversary of the opening of the Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum in October 2018, is marked by an exhibition in which fourteen artists , all of whom had some connection with Sigurjón and his art, engage in dialogue with Sigurjón’s works, in his former studio. The work of all is characterised by a passion for craft. All set out to create spatial works, whether stone sculptures or three-dimensional works in metal, wood, paper or textiles.
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TA L E S F R O M ICELAND Just one block off Laugavegur shopping street, near Hlemmur Food Hall, is Tales from Iceland, a one-hour audiovisual experience. Opened in the fall of 2017, Tales from Iceland has fourteen 4K screens, up to 100 inch large. Each screen runs one four-minute movie in a synchronised setting, covering a multitude of topics. Whether you just touched down in Iceland, or you’re wrapping up your trip, Tales from Iceland offers visitors a chance to get know the country and its inhabitants. Artists and athletes, musicians and politicians, fishermen and farmers, history and recent events, as well as natural wonders, all get their due share. The films are engaging, loaded with interesting facts and Icelandic humour. Narration and subtitles are in English and no headphones are needed. Each theatre area has comfortable sofas and chairs, so you can sit back and rest your legs while enjoying the movies. You can also enjoy coffee, sodas, and Icelandic cookies, all included in the admission fee! Tales from Iceland offers free Wi-Fi as well as luggage storage for travellers carrying their suitcases around. For more information, see www.tales.is
EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM This is a museum in the heart of Reykjavík that houses the work of Iceland’s first sculptor Einar Jónsson. The museum contains close to 300 artworks spanning a 60-year career: carvings from the artist’s youth, sculpture, paintings and drawings. A beautiful tree-clad garden adorned with 26 bronze casts of the
Tales from Iceland
Paolo Gianfrancesco
artist’s works is located behind the museum. The task of the museum is to collect, preserve and display the work of Einar as well as to conduct research on his life and art.
MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART
Einar Jónsson Museum
URBAN SHAPE Paolo Gianfrancesco Architect Paolo Gianfrancesco invites us to this celebration of the city. Using data from the open-source project Open Street Map, coding allows him to include certain kinds of information, while excluding others. His objective is to capture the essence of the city
landscape through the flow of information. Over the course of the exhibition six cities will be highlighted by dinners infused with storytelling. A fascinating selection of Reykjavík local inhabitants with foreign roots will be invited to share their stories, and those of their city of origin, through food, music, and more.
A source of health Thermal swi m m ing pools
Hot t ubs and jacuzzi
Saunas, steambat hs
The place to meet locals
Admission Adults 1000 isk. Children 160 isk. Thermal pools and baths in Reykjavik are a source of health, relaxation and pureness. All of the city´s swimming pools have several hot tubs with temperatures ranging from 37˚ to 42˚C (98˚–111˚F). The pools are kept at an average temperature of 29˚ C (84˚ F)
Tel: +354 411 5000 www.spacity.is
Admission Feb. 2019. Price is subject to change
Reykjavík´s Thermal Pools
EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS
Settlemen Exhibition
R E Y K JAV I K M U S E U M O F P H OTO G R A P H Y
Sonja Margrét Ólafsdóttir - Roots Roots is a photographic exhibition with photos by Sonja Margrét Ólafsdóttir. The exhibition will last from 11 April until 10 July 2019. Our identity and sense of self is deeply rooted in our development from an early age. Just like plants, our roots provide stability, nourishment and make sure we don’t lose our way.
Icelandic Meat Soup
THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION The Settlement Exhibition An open excavation where Viking ruins meet multimedia technology. Just below ground in downtown Reykjavík, this open excavation uncovers the city’s Viking Age history. Discovered during building work in 2001, these archaeological remains turned out to be the earliest evidence of human settlement in the city, with
some dating to before AD 871±2. Careful excavation revealed a 10th-century hall or longhouse, which is now preserved in its original location as the focal point of the exhibition. Interactive technology immerses you in the world of the Reykjavík farm at the time of the first settlers, including information on how Viking Age buildings were constructed and what life was like in the hall. The Settlement Exhibition is part of Reykjavík City Museum.
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Icelandic meat soup | Kristjón Haraldsson Icelandic Meat Soup presents a spotlight on photographer Kristjón Haraldsson, whilst focusing in on the practice, process, and form of photography. Alongside an examination of the photographic method, the photographer behind the camera is revealed. Together they work to paint a portrait of Kristjón, his family, and of the nation of Iceland in the seventies and the eighties.
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T H E N AT I O N A L MUSEUM OF ICELAND From creative printing to artist publishing In this exhibition we are introduced to examples of Icelandic artists’ books from the collection of the National and University Library of Iceland. Examples of printmaking dating all the way back to the latter part of the 19th century to modern day book art. One of the pioneers of artists’ books, Dieter Roth (1930- 1998), made his first book in Iceland around 1957. Since that time, artists’ books have been part of the expression of Icelandic visual artists. During the Reykjavik Arts Festival there will be a special exhibition of Eygló Harðardóttir’s, Sculpture (2016), and the prototype will be exhibited in the Reading Chamber in the Culture House. The exhibition commemorates the 200th anniversary of the National and University Library, but within the Library there is an increased emphasis on book art.
The Making of a Nation Heritage and History in Iceland The National Museum of Iceland’s permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation – Heritage and History in Iceland, is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the settlement to the present day. The aim is to cast light on the Icelanders’ past by placing the cultural heritage preserved by the National Museum in a historical context, guided by the question: what makes a nation? The exhibition includes about 2,000 objects, dating from the Settlement Age to the present, as well as about 1,000 photographs from the 20th century. The exhibition is conceived as a journey through time: it begins with the ship in which medieval settlers crossed the ocean to their new home, it ends in a modern airport, the Icelanders’ gateway to the world..
Making of a Nation
Discovering Iceland’s Monasteries The exhibition is based on research done by Steinunn Kristjánsdóttir, professor of archaeology at the University of Iceland and the National Museum of Iceland. The research aimed at finding clues on monastic activities in Iceland from the foundation of the earliest one in 1030 to the dissolution of the last in 1554.
HAPPY HOUR HOUR HAPPY 4-7PM PM every every day day 4-7
BEER PONG BEER PONG EVERY MONDAY EVERY MONDAY
COCKTAIL COCKTAIL
THURSDAY THURSDAYOFFERS OFFERS
LIVE MUSIC LIVE MUSIC every night every night
Ingólfsstræti 3, 101 Reykjavík | Tel: 552-0070 | danski.is Ingólfsstræti 3, 101 Reykjavík | Tel: 552-0070 | danski.is
Culture Hill
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CULTURE HILL Welcome to Culture Hill, the easy way to experience culture and nature all in one stop. The hill includes six unique cultural attractions, all conveniently located within walking distance from the Hamraborg bus stop. Enjoy the spectacular views and architecture at Kรณpavogskirkja church. Dive into nature at the Natural History Museum, fill your senses with contemporary art at the Gerรฐarsafn Art Museum and find a comfy spot to relax at the public library. Indulge in a refreshing soak, steam or slide at Kรณpavogur Swimming Pool. Afterwards, grab a delicious bite from the finest ingredients at Pure Deli. Check out the programme at the specially designed Salurinn Concert Hall.
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visitreykjavik.is/culturehill
Culture Hill is part of Kรณpavogur municipality
Punk Museum
C U LT U R E H O U S E Points of view This exhibition gives visitors the chance to delve into the collections of six different cultural institutions. A unique journey through Iceland’s visual legacy, offering an innovative guide to a nation’s cultural history.
MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS
The Icelandic Punk Museum is located at Bankastræti 0, an underground location that served as public toilets from 1930 to 2006. The museum honours the music and the spirit that has shaped musicians and bands to this day; people who dared to be different. Objects, photographs, videos, posters, etc. from roughly 1978 to 1992 are on display with texts in Icelandic and English, and the main music from the period is available to guests.
EVENTS
THE ICELANDIC PUNK MUSEUM
Points of View
Open every day 11:00 - 22:00 | Lækjargata 4 | 101 Reykjavík | jomfruin.is
FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec
Welcome to Jómfrúin, the home of Danish smørrebrød in Reykjavik. It all began in 1888 with Oscars Davidsen’s highly praised smørrebrød restaurant in Copenhagen. An unbroken tradition of quality and Danish culinary culture for the past 100 years. Enjoy!
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ART & CULTURE Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is 76
ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM
THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION
REYKJAVIK MARITIME MUSEUM
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM Reykjavík’s only open air museum, where you can stroll through the past and experience the way we lived Fun, fascinating and full of surprises, this living museum takes you on a journey through time. Guided tours at 13:00 all year round.
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM An open excavation where Viking ruins meet digital technology Just below ground in downtown Reykjavík, this open excavation uncovers the city’s Viking Age history. Guided tours on weekdays in February at 11:00.
Kistuhylur, Reykjavík 411-6304 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 13-17
Aðalstræti 16, Reykjavík | 411-6370 | www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 9-18
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM A harbour museum exploring Iceland’s dramatic relationship with the sea. The survival of a nation depended on generations of brave fishermen heading into the unknown. Exhibitions and artefacts bring our ocean history to life, from battling the waves, to the ‘Cod Wars’ and beyond. Guided tours of Óðinn Coast Guard Vessel: 13:00, 14:00 & 15:00. Grandagarður 8, Reykjavík | 411-6340 www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is
REYKJAVIK CITY LIBRARY
EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM
HAFNARBORG
FREE ENTRY Looking for a place to hang out, browse the internet, get access to Wi-Fi or meet the Reykjavik locals? Then Reykjavik City Library is the perfect place to visit. Have a seat and dip into the latest magazine or relax while checking out their great selection of books.
A museum with indoor and outdoor exhibitions dedicated to the work of Einar Jónsson, Iceland’s first modern sculptor (1874-1954). The museum was built in the early 1900’s when Einar Jónsson offered all of his works as a gift to the Icelandic nation.
FREE ENTRY Hafnarborg has a collection of Icelandic art and regular exhibitions presenting leading Icelandic and international artists. Collection exhibitions are a regular part of the program. Around exhibitions are workshops and guided tours.
Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavík 411-6100 | borgarbokasafn.is Hours: Mon-Thu 10-19, Fri 11-18, Sat & Sun 13-17
Hallgrímstorg 3, Reykjavík 551-3797 | www.lej.is Hours: Tue-Sun 10-17
Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður 585-5790 | www.hafnarborg.is Hours: Wed-Mon 12-17
VIÐEY ISLAND
WHALES OF ICELAND
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM An island, where art, history and nature lie just beyond the city shore The combination of stunning views, historical ruins and contemporary art pieces make Viðey island something special. Just a short boat-ride takes you to another world. Ferry Schedule: Weekends only.
An exhibition in Reykjavík consisting of 23 life-size whale models - fun to touch and explore. Learn more about whales with indepth multimedia and interactive information displays, videos and audio guide in several languages mixed with soothing whale sounds and underwater ambient lighting.
REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Viðey Reykjavik 411-6356. www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is
Fiskislóð 23-25 , Reykjavík 571-0077 | www.whalesoficeland.is Hours: Daily 10-17
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM Reflecting the contemporary, while archiving the past – this is Reykjavík’s home of photography. Reykjavík’s main photography museum offers an ongoing programme of contemporary and historical exhibitions, and an onscreen archive of thousands of images from the past. Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavík | 411-6390 reykjavikcitymuseum.is | Hours: MonThu 10-18, Fri 11-18, Sat & Sun 13-17
All the most exciting places in Iceland! BSÍ Bus Terminal - City Centre •101 Reykjavík
GOLDEN CIRCLE DIRECT A fusion of sights & history!
6.999 ISK
Book on re.is
Airport Transfers The Flybus operates in connection with all arriving & departing flights at Keflavík International Airport.
All flights Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík City and/or vice versa
45 min
Free WiFi
3.499 ISK
For our flexible Flybus schedule, please visit www.flybus.is
All the most exciting places in Iceland! BSÍ Bus Terminal - City Centre •101 Reykjavík
JÖKULSÁRLÓN GLACIAL LAGOON Beautiful scenery all day long!
19.999 ISK
The Golden Circle & Friðheimar
7.599 ISK
Book on re.is
Horse Riding & Golden Circle
20.399 ISK
Book on re.is
Book on re.is
Hop On - Hop Off - City Sightseeing
4.000 ISK
Book on re.is
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND
SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM
Iceland's leading art museum, established in 1884. Its collection consists mainly of 19th, 20th and 21st century art. The National Gallery possesses a coherent array of Icelandic works and a fine collection of international art. Together they constitute around 11.000 items.
Offers a state-of-the-art exhibitions on the cultural history of Iceland. The permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History of Iceland, gives a comprehensive picture of Iceland’s cultural history through the ages to the present day.
A museum that Icelandic sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson’s wife founded as a tribute to his life and work in 1984. She had his studio in Laugarnes converted to an exhibition space to house his collection of works, including sculptures, sketches, drawings and biographical material.
Fríkirkjuvegur 7, Reykjavík 515-9600 | www.listasafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun: 11-17
Suðurgata 41, Reykjavík 530-2200 | www.nationalmuseum.is Hours: Tue-Sun: 10-17
Laugarnestangi 70 553-2906 | www.lso.is Hours: Tue-Sun 13-17
THE ICELANDIC PHALLOLOGICAL MUSEUM
One of the pioneers of Icelandic art and the first Icelander to take up painting professionally. Having died in 1958, he bequeathed all his works, as well as his studio home to the Icelandic nation.
Probably the most unique museum you’ll visit on your trip, the Icelandic Phallological Museum is a one of a kind. Here you’ll find a collection of more than two hundred penises and penile part belonging to almost all land and sea mammals that can be found in Iceland.
The Northern Lights Center, Aurora Reykjavik, allows you to experience the Northern Lights in a completely different way, both if you saw them, but as well if they escaped you while in Iceland. The centre features information, education and of course stunning visuals of the elusive lights that’ll get your heart racing.
Laugavegur 116, Reykjavík 561 6663 | www.phallus.is Hours: Daily 10-18
Grandagarður 2, Reykjavík 780-4500 | www.aurorareykjavik.is Hours: Daily 9-21
PERLAN
VOLCANO HOUSE
TALES FROM ICELAND
This peculiar building, built on top of six water tanks on a hill overlooking the city, houses two exhibitions, The Wonders of Iceland and Water in Icelandic Nature. In addition, Perlan has a recently-opened planetarium, a great restaurant, and an observation deck with a 360¨view of the city and its surrounding nature.
Shows documentaries that give a good idea of real life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. There’s also a mineral exhibition, giving a brief overview of Iceland’s geological history and volcanic system, and a boutique, with Icelandic designs, artwork, lava rocks, pumice, bottles of ash and Lava Jewellery.
Tales from Iceland offers visitors a onehour audiovisual experience on fourteen 4K screens, up to 100 inch large. Each screen runs one four-minute movie on Iceland and Icelanders, loaded with interesting facts and Icelandic humour. Comfortable sofas and complimentary coffee-bar with cookies complete a oneof-a-kind experience. No headphones, English only.
Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavík 555-1900 | www.volcanohouse.is Hours: Daily 9-22
Snorrabraut 37, Reykjavík 518 4000 | www.tales.is Hours: 9-17
Varmahlíð 1, Reykjavík 566-9000 | www.perlan.is Hours: 9-19
AURORA REYKJAVIK
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION
Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík 515-9625 www.listasafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 13-17
ART & CULTURE
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND
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ART & CULTURE
KJARVALSSTAÐIR
ÁSMUNDARSAFN
HAFNARHÚS
Mainly devoted to paintings and sculpture by well established Icelandic and international artists. Kjarvalsstaðir offers a permanent exhibition of key works by one of Iceland’s most beloved landscape painters, Jóhannes S. Kjarval, as well as changing exhibitions that explore various thematic and historical aspects of Icelandic art.
Opened in 1983, the collection is housed in a unique building designed and constructed mostly by the artist himself from 1942-1950. The original building served Sveinsson as studio and home; behind it he built a crescent-shaped structure as a workand exhibition space.
The old harbour warehouse, Hafnarhús, offers a progressive exhibition program with local and international contemporary artists. The work of current notables, art canons and newcomers are presented in six galleries. Hafnarhús is also home to the works of Erró (b. 1932), a significant player in the international pop art scene.
Flókagata 24, Reykjavík 411-6420 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17
GLJÚFRASTEINN LAXNESS MUSEUM Halldór Laxness is arguably the most famous Icelandic writer of all time, and the only Icelander to have won a Nobel Prize, which he received for literature in 1955. Gljúfrasteinn was his home until his death, and today it is a museum dedicated to his life and work.
Sigtún, Reykjavík 411-6430 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 13-17
THE NUMISMATIC MUSEUM
THE LIVING ART MUSEUM
FREE ENTRY A selection from the numismatic collection is on display on the ground floor of the Central Bank’s main building in Kalkofnsvegur 1, Reykjavík.
An active exhibition space that has organized many exciting exhibitions throughout the years. They put an emphasis on introducing young Icelandic artists, as well as showcasing work by better-known Icelandic and foreign modern and contemporary artists.
Kalkofnsvegur 1, Reykjavík 569-9600 www.sedlabanki.is Hours: Mon-Fri 13:30-15:30
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsbær 586-8066 | www.gljufrasteinn.is Hours: Tue-Fri 10-16
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Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavík 411-6400 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17, Thu 10-22
The Marshall House Grandagarður 20, Reykjavík 551-4350 | www.nylo.is Hours: Tue-Sun 12-18, Thu 12-21
GERÐARSAFN
THE CULTURE HOUSE
THE NORDIC HOUSE
A progressive modern art museum in Kópavogur, dedicated to sculptor Gerður Helgadóttir; the only museum in Iceland dedicated to a woman. Its collection consists of more than 1400 works by Gerður, as well as the works of the most celebrated Icelandic artists of the 20th and 21st century.
Artifacts and works of art from the varied collections of six institutions provide a reflection of Iceland’s visual art history and cultural heritage in the exhibition Points of View, a journey through the Icelandic visual world of past and present.
Iceland maintains strong ties to other Nordic countries, and the center of this cooperation is the Nordic House, designed by acclaimed Finnish architect Alvar Aalto in 1968. The Nordic House is the venue if you want to enjoy the best of Icelandic culture as well as experiencing rich culture of the Nordic countries.
Hamraborg 4, Kópavogur 441-7600 | www.gerdarsafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 11-17
Hverfisgata 15, Reykjavík 530-2210 | www.culturehouse.is Hours: Daily 10-17
Sturlugata 5, Reykjavík 551-7030 | www.nordice.is Hours: Sun-Tue 10-16, Wed-Sat 9-21
TASTE THE #1 COFFEE VOTED BY ICELANDERS
AÐALSTRÆTI · AUSTURSTRÆTI · LÆKJARTORG · LAUGAVEGUR · SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR KRINGLAN · BORGARTÚN · HLEMMUR · SUÐURLANDSBRAUT · HAMRABORG · SMÁRALIND · HAFNARSTRÆTI
SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 14 - 101 REYKJAVÍK - TEL: +354 571 1100
12 TÓNAR
Inside their spacious shop in downtown Reykjavik, Michelsen Watchmakers offer you to browse one of Iceland’s best selection of watches. Along with their own design they also have a wide selection of well-known brands including Rolex, Tag Heuer, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Diesel, Movado, Swiss Military and more.
The Icelandic music scene is extraordinarily vibrant, considering the size of the nation. Is there a better souvenir to take home than music from your new favourite Icelandic musician? This shop is a friendly place where you can sit down, listen to a selection of music, enjoy a free espresso, read magazines, or browse their juicy collection of rock literature.
Laugavegur 15, Reykjavík 511-1900 | www.michelsen.is
Skólavörðustíg 15, Reykjavík 511 5656 | www.12tonar.is
GEYSIR HOME
KIOSK
GEYSIR
The Geysir stores have been selling beautifully designed clothes for years but the recently opened Geysir Home focuses on quality design items for the home, everything from candles and linens to ceramics and posters by Icelandic artists. Don’t miss the downstairs art & design gallery, Kjallarinn.
Taking some Icelandic design home is the best possible souvenir of a great trip. Luckily, Icelandic designers are known for their inimitable style! Try stopping by Kiosk, a co-op shop owned by 8 different designers. Not only are the clothes to die for, but the designers also take shifts behind the counter so you get to meet the people behind the design as well!
Rustic, vintage interior, intertwined with the latest fashion in outdoor and woolen clothing. Add some puffin, reindeers and other iconic animals and you‘ve got one of the coolest shops in town. This is one place you‘ll have to visit, if only for the experience.
Skólavörðustígur 12, Reykjavík 519 6033 | geysir.com
Laugavegur 65, Reykjavík 445 3269 | kioskreykjavik.com
Skólavörðustíg 7, Reykjavík Skólavörðustíg 16, Reykjavík 519-6000 | www.geysir.com
THE HANDKNITTING ASSOCIATION OF ICELAND
EPAL
KRINGLAN
Epal’s goal is increase Icelanders interest and respect for fine design by introducing and providing top quality design products from all over the world, particularly Scandinavia. Epal has always been very supportive of Icelandic designers and done what they can to help them promote their design around the world.
Kringlan Shopping Centre is conveniently located close to downtown Reykjavik. Standing at 50.000 sq.m. and equipped with 150 shops and services, including a multiplex cinema, a seven-outlet food court and three themed restaurants, it has something to suit every need.
Laugavegur 70, Skeifan 6, Kringlan & Harpa Reykjavik, Keflavík Airport 568-7740 | www.epal.is
Kringlan 4-12, Reykjavík 517-9000 www.kringlan.is
Skólavörðustígur 8, Reykjavík 832-0567 | www.mjukiceland.com
Renowned for its excellent products and quality. Offering the widest selection of traditional hand knitted Icelandic sweaters, the range of products also includes special designs and a variety of woolen products from leading Icelandic manufacturers. Borgartún 31, Reykjavík Skólavörðustígur 19, Reykjavík 552-1890 | www.handknit.is
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
MICHELSEN
MJÚK means SOFT in Icelandic. SOFT TEXTURES, MODERN DESIGN, ICELANDIC SPIRIT... Local family, who design, produce and sell stylish blankets, hats and scarves from the purest country in the world. Get special shopping experience and meet the designers at:
SHOPPING & STYLE
MJÚK ICELAND
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SHOPPING & STYLE
ANNA MARÍA DESIGN
HRÍM
LITTLE CHRISTMAS SHOP
For over twenty years, jewelry designer Anna Maria has created her things of gold and silver, a design that is both pure and timeless. Exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship create the elegant simplicity that shines through Anna Maria’s products.
Icelanders are known for being a stylish people, whether you judge from their clothes, their homes, or just their lifestyles. At the heart of their stylishness is Scandinavian design, whether it‘s Icelandic or from our neighbouring countries. The Hrím stores offer you the chance to decorate your home (or even yourself) with the classic style of the Scandinavians!
On Laugavegur, in the heart of Reykjavík, you’ll find the very unique Little Christmas Shop—which is dedicated to the spirit of Christmas, all year round. There you’ll find Icelandic decorations and everything needed for that festive spirit. Should not be missed as it is definitely one of the most special and fun stores to visit.
Laugavegur 25, Reykjavík 553-3003 | www.hrim.is
Laugavegur 8, Reykjavík 552-2412
LISTVINAHÚSIÐ
FARMERS MARKET
METAL DESIGN
The oldest ceramic workshop in Iceland established 1927. Three generations of artistic potters. Unique handmade ceramics, Viking masks and various ceramic potteries decorated with lava, made by Gudmundur Einarsson. Located right next to Hallgrímskirkja and the statue of “Leif the Lucky”.
An Icelandic design company and clothing brand, founded in 2005 by a young artist couple, designer Bergthora Gudnadottir and musician Jóel Pálsson. With strong ties to the vibrant Icelandic music and design scene, the Farmers Market design concept and inspiration draws from Icelandic roots, combining classic Nordic design elements with chic modernity.
The jewellery forms which Metal design is known for are inspired by the Icelandic flora. But what stands out the most is the shape “The Coast” that is inspired by the waves of the Icelandic coast.”The coast silver jewellery line is for ladies and gentlemen.
Skólavörðustígur 3, Reykjavík 551-0036 www.annamariadesign.is
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
Skólavörðustígur 43, Reykjavík 551-2850 | www.listvinahusid.is
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Laugavegur 37, Reykjavík 552-1965 | www.farmersmarket.is
Skólavörðustígur 2. Reykjavik 552-5445 www.MetalDesignReykjavik.is
JÖKLA
SMÁRALIND
CINTAMANI
If you‘er interested in getting some Icelandic design to take back home , be sure to stop by Jökla on your way down the Laugavegur shopping street. You can get Icelandic design for you, your children, or your home and the best thing is that you‘re buying straight from the designers
With over 90 shops and businesses spread over three floors, Smáralind is Iceland’s largest shopping centre. Located only a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík, there’s a great selection of famous brands at the mall, as well as local labels. With plenty of food options available, from restaurants to bakeries, coffee shops to ice cream parlours, you will not go hungry while shopping.
Nowhere in the populated world does the weather change as fast, or as often as here. Thus Icelandic designers have to meet the requirements of consumers who have to go out all year long in harsh conditions. That‘s where the label Cintamani comes to the rescue. Their goal is to keep us warm, dry and comfortable, whatever the weather may bring.
Laugavegur 90, Reykjavík 696 6604
Hagasmári 1, Kópavogur 528-8000 | www.smaralind.is
Bankastræti 7, Reykjavík 533-3800 | www.cintamani.is
HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY FROM 4-7PM
LIVE MUSIC FROM 10PM
IF YOU ARE VISITING REYKJAVÍK FOR THE FIRST TIME YOU MUST TRY OUR FAMOUS ICELANDIC BEER PLATTER!
SPORT EVENTS LIVE ON 6 HD SCREENS
OUTDOOR AREA DART BOARD
Austurstræti 12 | 101 Reykjavík | Tel: 578-0400 | enskibarinn.is | info@enskibarinn.is
LEBOWSKI BAR
MICROBAR
Dark and raw, this large bar/club opens up its back room to make a concert venue, with live music or DJs most nights. One of the coolest and hipster friendly places in town and your best bet of catching the next big thing from Iceland.
If you are visiting Iceland for the first time then you must stop by the Lebowski Bar. Open every day from 11AM, happy hour from 4-7PM, food served until 10PM, Quiz every Thursday (free entry), live sport events on 5 HD screens and Reykjavik nightlife every Friday & Saturday.
Beer enthusiasts look no further! In a cellar underneath Restaurant Reykjavík, just off Ingólfstorg square, you will find Micro Bar. This ambitious bar serves only beer from microbreweries! Carrying an impressive 140 different kinds of beers from all over the world, this is definitely the go-to place for beer fans.
Tryggvagata 22, Reykjavík www.hurra.is
Laugavegur 20a, Reykjavík 552-2300 www.lebowski.is
Vesturgata 2, Reykjavík
DRUNK RABBIT
PORT 9
VEÐUR
Every city needs to have a friendly neighbourhood Irish pub and in Reykjavík, that bar is the Drunk Rabbit. It doesn’t matter if you’re going in for a snack, to enjoy the live music they have every night, people-watching in the lively bar, or just enjoying a beer or five in good company, the Drunk rabbit has got everything you need.
Port 9 wine bar is a hidden gem just off the main shopping street. Serving selected wines and a unique blend of appetizers made with the freshest seasonal ingredients, Port 9 is one of the best spots in the city to stop by for a glass of quality wine in a relaxed atmosphere.
This cozy little bar is named after the Icelandic word for weather, Icelanders’ conversation topic of choice in most situations. Offering a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, Veður is a great spot for hanging out with friends, and the large windows make it ideal for people-watching over a drink.
Austurstræti 3, Reykjavík 553 1041
Veghúsastígur 9, Reykjavík 897 8212 www.port9.is
Klapparstígur 33, Reykjavík www.vedurbarinn.is
KIKI - QUEER BAR
PABLO DISCOBAR
This hostel café/bar is bright and spacious; the perfect place to start the night. The hall hosts events most nights and on summer afternoons, the balcony is the best place in town for a beer in the sun. Last but not least, Loft has the best foosball table of all the bars in the city centre.
Kiki is the only queer bar in town these days but it is also the best one! If you’re worried you won’t find the place, don’t be. The rainbow coloured street entrance, stream of people in a dancing mood, and the far off sound of dance-heavy beats should lead you where you want to go!
Cocktails, dancing, and a tropical atmosphere, what more can you ask for? Climb up a flight or two of stairs from the central Ingólfstorg square and you’ll find Pablo Discobar, one of the best places in town to get a cocktail and dance the night away.
Laugavegur 22 www.kiki.is
Veltusund 1, Reykjavík 552 7333 www.discobar.is
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
LOFT HOSTEL
Bankastræti 7, Reykjavík 553 8140
PUBS & NIGHTLIFE
HÚRRA
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PUBS & NIGHTLIFE
THE IRISHMAN PUB
KALDI BAR
AMERICAN BAR
A new addition to the thriving pub & bar culture in Reykjavík. Happy hour every day from 12PM to 7PM! Guests can enjoy a game of darts, listen to live music Thursday to Sunday evenings, spin the wheel of fortune and you can even book a private karaoke room! Sláinte.
One of the coolest bars in Reykjavik these days is Kaldi Bar. In close cooperation with north-Icelandic micro-brewery of the same name, Kaldi offers you a selection of craftbrewed beers on tap. Great happy hour and great fun, Kaldi is a place not-to-be-missed!
American Bar is named appropriately since it’s an American Bar in Reykjavík, of the kind you’re probably familiar with from other countries: there are dudes, chicks and random university students partying to the latest MTV tunes. They specialize in American culture and entertainment.
Klapparstígur 27, Reykjavík 581-2020 www..irishman.is
Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavík 581-2200
Austurstræti 8, Reykjavík 571 9999
PETERSEN SVÍTAN
MIAMI
DEN DANSKE KRO
Built in 1926 as an apartment, the Petersen Suite is one of Reykjavík’s hidden gems. Take the elevator up to the third floor above the historic Gamla Bíó concert hall to reveal an elegant bar with one of Reykjavík’s best views. On sunny days, you need to get there early, the sunny patio fills up quickly!
The 80s style cocktail bar Miami is colourfully decorated on Hverfisgata. Downstairs, you’ll find a ping pong stadium where punters can take on challengers. Miami comes alive at night when the colours pop out, such as the neon-lit bar. There are G&T and Cuba Libre on tap and try to find the Möet switch for all your champagne needs.
This homey pub with a Danish theme is popular among locals. Happy hour every day from 4-7pm and live music with talented Icelandic musicians every night. Beer bingo every month and other fun events! Located in the heart of the city centre.
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
Ingólfsstræti 2a 3rd floor, Reykjavík 563-4000 | www.ktf.is
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Hverfisgata 33, Reykjavík 699 1250
Ingólfsstræti 3, Reykjavík 552-0070 www.danski.is
KAFFIBARINN
BAR ANANAS
THE ENGLISH PUB
Best known as Damon Albarn’s hangout place back in the days, this most famous bar in Iceland is a popular destination for the artsy crowd. During the week it‘s more of a café, but on the weekend the volume rises and KB becomes one of the hottest bars in Reykjavik.
Ten seconds from Laugavegur, you'll find a Beach-Bar/Tiki Bar in downtown Reykjavík. The tropical atmosphere is best enjoyed with a fruity cocktail in hand. At weekends city's best DJs will make guests feel sunny while they enjoy some of the best cocktails in town.
A popular pub in city centre. The English Pub offers happy hour every day from 4-7pm, live music every night, wheel of fortune and all major sport events are shown on 6 HD screens. Special events: Open Mic Tuesday, Guinness Thursday and Whisky Sunday.
Bergstaðastræti 1, Reykjavík 551-1588 www.kaffibarinn.is
Klapparstígur 38, Reykjavík
Austurstræti 12, Reykjavík 578-0400 facebook.com/enskibarinn
Tasty Local Cuisine by the old harbour NÝLENDUGATA 14, 101 REYKJAVIK
3 COURSE FESTIVE MENU F R O M N OV E M B E R 15 T H
6.950 kr. FESTIVE PLATTER salmon gravlax, marinated herring, wild goose breast, smoked lamb carpaccio DUCK LEG CONFIT
——— 2018 ———
I C E L A N D I C R E S TA U R A N T & B A R Table Reservations: +354 517-1800 - www.forrettabarinn.is
DESSERT À LA CARTE
W E L C O M E
O N
B O A R D !
Elevate your encounter with Iceland! Amazing helicopter tours around Iceland for individuals or groups. You can choose from a 20 minutes city sightseeing tour up to a whole day journey and everything in between. Our service team is on duty 24/7 and will happily assist you at any time. Check out our tours and prices on our website.
www.rh.is ¡ (+345) 589 1000 ¡ info@rh.is
NAUTHÓLL
GRANDI MATHÖLL
A restaurant opposite the old harbour that offers traditional steak dishes along with some exciting and fairly unorthodox choices. The pride and joy of The Steakhouse is the Mibrasa charcoal oven, a rare oven that is designed to cook the perfect steak by mixing modern technology with ancient tradition.
Looking out over the Nauthólsvík beach, this charming Scandinavianinspired bistro is the perfect oasis from the stress of the everyday. Whether you’re there for a light lunch, a glass of wine on a sunny afternoon, a cup of hot coffee on a cold one, or a lovely dinner with a loved one, Nauthóll is the place to go.
Grandi Mathöll is a must visit for foodies. Situated in the hip Grandi area, the European style food hall has everything from fresh salmon ceviche to Vietnamese spring rolls and Korean tacos. Right next door is one of Iceland’s busiest harbours, and visitors can see a feed of live ship arrivals.
Tryggvagata 4-6, Reykjavík 561-1111 | www.steik.is
Nauthólsvegi 106, 101 Reykjavík 599 6660 | www.nautholl.is
Grandagarður 16, Reykjavík 577 6200 | www.grandimatholl.is
JOE & THE JUICE
THE ICELANDIC BAR
BLIK BISTRO&GRILL
Joe & The Juice is an on-trend coffee shop / juice bar. The concept answers today’s busy people’s needs for a quick pick-me-up in the form of great espresso drinks, freshly pressed juices, and variety of sandwiches prepared on the spot.
The Icelandic Bar is very aptly named: it is an Icelandic bar. But more than that, it is a bar that aims to preserve the essence of being Icelandic by combining the historical and cultural heritage of this ancient land with the very hip and cutting edge culture of modern times.
BLIK Bistro & Grill is a restaurant where the breathtaking surroundings wow you from the very first sight. The restaurant is located in Mosfellsbær and is therefore the perfect stop on the way to the Golden Circle. Only 10 minutes drive from Reykjavik. Tasty appetizers, dishes from the grill, three course meal or delicious drinks.
Laugavegur 10, Reykjavík; Smáralind, Kringlan, World Class Laugum, Keflavík Airport www.joeandthejuice.is
Ingólfsstræti 1a, Reykjavík 517-6767 www.islenskibarinn.is
Æðarhöfði 36, Mosfellsbær 566 8480 | www.blikbistro.is
KAFFITÁR
SPÁNSKI BARINN
The fish and chips stand down by the old harbour combines the best of British and Icelandic culture, with fresh, quality Icelandic fish served in the traditional British way. You can even get mushy peas and malt vinegar with it! Festing on piping hot fish and chips on a sunny day while looking over the old harbour is an unbeatable Reykjavík experience.
A chain of cafés and espresso bars with over 30 years of experience in serving and roasting high-quality coffee. They operate cafés in 7 locations in Iceland, promising a highly knowledgeable staff and a great cup of coffee procured in a responsible and fair way.
Situated just off Laugavegur, the Spanish style bodega Spánski barinn offers fresh tapas and a quality wine selection. In a dim and cosy basement, guests can enjoy a quality happy hour chock full of wines from Tempranillo to Rioja, as well as a house red on tap.
Bankastræti 8, Reykjavík 420-2700 www.kaffitar.is/en
Ingólfsstræti 8, Reykjavík 832-8881
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
FISH AND CHIPS VAGNINN
Between the Reykjavík Maritime Museum and Reykjavík Marina Hotel 840-4100 | fishandchipsvagninn.is
WINING & DINING
THE STEAK HOUSE
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WINING & DINING
FORRÉTTABARINN
TE OG KAFFI
JÓMFRÚIN
Tasty tapas with an Icelandic twist. With a new spin on traditional Icelandic cuisine and an extensive selection of local beer, Forréttabarinn – “The Starters Bar” – is worth seeking out when you need a bite to eat or a place to start your night out in Reykjavík. Whatever you choose from the refreshingly creative menu, you’re in for a treat!
Passion, expertise and craftsmanship are the main characteristics of Te & Kaffi, a family owned chain of coffee houses and speciality coffee roasters. Highly skilled and amicable baristas, exciting and tasty drinks in beautifully designed coffee houses makes Te & Kaffi a must visit.
An open-sandwich restaurant in the Danish tradition offering authentic Danish smørrebrød along with a selection of hot dishes. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city centre and seats 80 guests. It is a popular lunch venue, especially with people from the business sector.
Laugavegur 27, Reykjavík 527-2880 www.teogkaffi.is
Lækjargata 4, Reykjavík 551-0100 www.jomfruin.is
KRYDD RESTAURANT
FJÖRUBORÐIÐ
EARLY IN THE MORNING
KRYDD is an à la carte restaurant that offers a dinner and lunch menu, along with appetizers and a state of the art cocktailbar. On sundays, it offers a brunch buffet between 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
What’s the only thing that’s better than a feast of Icelandic langoustine? A feast of Icelandic langoustine in a charming restaurant by the seaside in a tiny, picturesque fishing village. Their langoustine soup alone is well worth the 45-minute drive from the city.
BREAKFAST Early in the Morning is the perfect start to your day, whether you're going hiking on a volcano or just strolling around Reykjavík. This breakfast/brunch spot is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, so stop by for a tasty breakfast in a relaxing atmosphere!
Nýlendugata 14, Reykjavík 517 1800 | www.forrettabarinn.is
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
Hafnarborg, Strandgötu 34, Hafnarfjörður www.kryddveitingahus.is Open: M-T 11-23, F-S, 11-01, S 11-23
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Eyrarbraut 3A, Stokkseyri 483-1550 www.fjorubordid.is
Veghúsastígur 7-9, Reykjavík 695 1021 Open daily 07:00-10:00
HLEMMUR MATHÖLL
REYKJAVÍK MEAT STEAKHOUSE
ICELANDIC FISH & CHIPS
Hlemmur Mathöll is a European style food hall featuring global delicacies alongside tasty Icelandic dishes. A former bus station, Hlemmur is now the new home for gourmands and fast food lovers alike in Reykjavík. Hlemmur brims with life on both weekends and weekdays alike, so head on down to see what the fuzz is about.
As the name suggests, Reykjavík Meat is the city’s newest new steakhouse. The food is cooked over coals giving it a delicious flavour, and crowning their menu is the award-winning sashi marbled beef. They also offer seafood, lamb and vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as delicious cocktails!
This is not your run of the mill fish and chip shop! Not only does the restaurant use the freshest fish and ingredients, they serve their fish with delicious skyr-based sauces. This fast-food upgrade is much more nutritious than you‘d think! After eating, we recommend visiting the Volcano House, it‘s in the same building!
Laugavegur, Reykjavík 787 6200 | www.hlemmurmatholl.is
Frakkastígur 8, Reykjavík 557 7665 | www.rvkmeat.is
Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavík 511 1118 | www.fishandchips.is
Experience the amazing LangjĂśkull glacier from the inside A rare, once in a lifetime opportunity
ykjavĂk e R d n a r te n e c ll fe m HĂşsa Daily departures fro
Find us:
#intotheglacier www.intotheglacier.is
WHERE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON DISPLAY
MULTIMEDIA EXHIBITION
GIFT SHOP AND GALLERY
TOUR BOOKING Grandagarður 2 | 101 Reykjavík Tel: +354 780 4500
Ma
rina
MOVIE THEATER
open daily 09:00 - 21:00
Ho
tel
Ge
irs
ga
ta
www.aurorareykjavik.is
LÆKJARBREKKA
THE LOBSTER HOUSE
One of Iceland’s most treasured restaurants has made a comeback. The Italian delicacies of La Primavera are here to stay. Situated in the Marshall building, a former fishing warehouse, the building is also home to an art gallery, an art studio and the Living Art Museum.
This elegant Icelandic bistro in the heart of the city centre serves delicious food from Icelandic ingredients in a historic environment. A light lunch or a delicious dinner is perfectly accompanied by people watching in this lovely old building, part of the oldest street façade in Reykjavík.
If you want to enjoy gourmet French cuisine with a nordic twist, then The Lobsterhouse is the right place for you. Our langoustine, “the Icelandic lobster“, is widely know for it’s great taste and one of our most favourable dishes. Dining at The Lobsterhouse is an experience full of warmth and history.
Bankastræti 2, Reykjavík 551-4430 www.laekjarbrekka.is
Amtmannsstígur 1, Reykjavík 561-3303 | www.thelobsterhouse.is
KOPAR
GRILLHÚSIÐ
BREWDOG
Kopar is a restaurant by the old harbour in Reykjavik which has an emphasis on adventure and experience in a brasserie setting. Their menu is composed of various locally sourced ingredients from sea and land, and aims to give you a taste of Iceland in a single evening.
A fun restaurant, with the look and feel of an American Diner. Reasonably priced, offering delicious food and a very good service, you‘ll definitely get great value for your money here. They put a special emphasis on using only high quality ingredients, making for a terrific meal.
Hop lovers, rejoice! UK’s Craft Beer Phenomenon just opened a bar and restaurant in downtown Reykjavik, located at the corner of Hverfisgata and Frakkastigur. Featuring 20 taps including BrewDog’s headliners, seasonals and one off brews as well as great local Icelandic craft beers. Highly impressive food menu and a very cosy atmosphere.
Grandagarður 20, Reykjavík 519-7766 | laprimavera.is
Geirsgata 3, Reykjavík 567-2700 www.koparrestaurant.is
Tryggvagata 20, Reykjavík 527-5000 www.grillhusid.is
Frakkastígur 8, Reykjavík www.brewdog.com
FISH COMPANY
BRAUÐ & CO
Bryggjan Brugghús is lively restaurant/ brewery, featuring fresh Icelandic brews and an ambitious menu. Whether you are looking for seafood or some quality pub grub, Bryggjan has something for you. If you are a beer enthusiast, you can also hop on a brewery tour.
Quality, fusion and fun are the Fish Company’s main characteristics. The interior is stylish and the quirky tableware fits in wonderfully. The menu is a world of adventures from starters to deserts. It’s designed to take you on a seafood journey and not only a journey of the Icelandic culinary waters but a trip around the world.
Head out to Brauð & Co. to get your hands on the scrumptious sourdough bread and tasty cinnamon buns. The early bird gets the worm, so don't be late! Keep in mind that the queue can get quite long, but it's well worth it.
Vesturgata 2a, Reykjavík 552-5300 | www.fiskfelagid.is
Opens early, closes at 18:00. Frakkastígur 16, Reykjavík Hlemmur Mathöll, Reykjavík Fákafen 11, Reykjavík www.braudogco.is
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
BRYGGJAN BRUGGHÚS
Grandagarður 8, Reykjavík 456 4040 | www.bryggjanbrugghus.is
WINING & DINING
LA PRIMAVERA
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
IF YOU NEED MORE INFO, CONTACT INFO@WHATSON.IS
HOW TO ...
Find more information on www.whatson.is
GET TO THE AIRPORT Iceland’s international airport is located in Keflavík, about 50km from Reykjavík. If you rent a car or take a cab, it will take about 45 minutes to get to Reykjavík. A cheaper but just as reliable option is taking a bus to and from the airport. They connect to flights and will drop you off or pick you up at bus stops close to your accommodation in Reykjavík.
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GET MONEY Iceland has its own currency, the Icelandic króna (ISK). It’s best to get króna at any bank (open monday to friday, 9-4), including the one at the Keflavík International Airport (open 24/7). You can either exchange money or go to an ATM to get cash. You don’t need piles of cash, though, as credit card and debit card payments are widely accepted in Iceland. PARK IN THE CITY CENTRE There are different parking zones which charge different rates. Look for a parking sign (a big P on a blue and white sign) indicating zones 1-4. Look for the nearest black terminal to pay, with cash or card. Street parking is limited so consider parking in one of the many parking garages in the city centre.
MAKE CALLS Getting an Icelandic SIM card is easy, you can get them at the airport, phone companies, and of course the What’s On tourist information centre at Laugavegur 5. TAKE THE BUS Strætó is the Icelandic bus company, and their yellow buses are easy to spot around the city. You can only buy a ticket on the bus if you have the exact amount in cash. Tickets can also be bought in 10-11 supermarkets, What’s On and by using the free Strætó app, which also has the latest bus schedules. GO SWIMMING There are 18 swimming pools in the capital area and if you have the time, you should try them all. Swimming is great, but don’t miss relaxing in the hot tubs – this is where the community gathers and socialises. If you haven’t packed a bathing suit, you can rent one at the pool. If you need any more information or want to book a tour while you’re in Reykjavík, visit What’s On at Laugavegur 5 or contact us at info@whatson.is.
VOLCANO & EARTHQUAKE EXHIBITION The Gateway to Iceland’s Most Active Volcanic Area
The Lava Centre
The creation of Iceland
Earthquake simulator
A world class exhibition on volcanoes and earthquakes surrounded by active volcanoes.
Learn how and why Iceland hosts so many volcanic eruptions.
Feel what it’s like when the ground starts to shake and rumble.
MORE INFO AND TICKETS AT
Open every day
Follow us on
www.lavacentre.is
9:00 - 19:00
social media
Iceland Volcano & Earthquake Centre Austurvegur 14, Hvolsvöllur · South Iceland
Meet some of Iceland’s finest designers Epal Harpa / Epal Skeifan 6 / Epal Design Kringlan / Epal Icelandic Design Laugavegi 70
www.epal.is
WHALE WATCHING
AL
SO
TR Y
PU F
FI N
EX
PR ES S
AND OTHER WILDLIFE ADVENTURES FROM REYKJAVIK
WE GO THE EXTRA MILE BOOK NOW
+354-560-8800
GOLD-CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL UMHVERFISFLOKKUN
specialtours.is
CERTIFIED TRAVEL SERVICE VIÐURKENND FERÐAÞJÓNUSTA
info@specialtours.is
Skólavörðustígur 7 & 16 and Kringlan, Reykjavík. HOME: Skólavörðustígur 12, Reykjavík. Hafnarstræti, Akureyri and Haukadalur. Geysir.com