What's On in Reykjavik - December 2015

DECEMBER 2015 IN REYKJAVIK

REYKJAVIK’S LEADING GUIDE TO INFORMATION, EVENTS, MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES.

www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

CHECK OUT THE NEW

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM C O M P R I S I N G 5 TO P M U S E U M S :

Árbær Open Air Musem

The Settlement Exhibition

Viðey Island

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

More information in the Art & Culture section.

Reykjavík Maritime Museum

Reykjavík Art Museum

One admission to three museums

OPEN DAILY

Katrín Sigurðardóttir, Boiserie, 2010.

Ásmundur Sveinsson. Yearning for Space.

Erró, Jaime Sabartes, 1964.

Women´s Time. Photo: Sara Elíasdóttir

HAFNARHÚS TRYGGVAGATA 17 Magnús Sigurðarson: Process & Pretense Katrín Sigurðardóttir: Looking In – Sculptures and Models The Making of Erró

KJARVALSSTAÐIR FLÓKAGATA Women´s Time – Here and Now Thirty Years Later Marginalia – texts, sketches, and doodles in Kjarval’s artwork

ÁSMUNDARSAFN SIGTÚN Ásmundur Sveinsson Yearning for Space

Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Thursdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

www.artmuseum.is / artmuseum@reykjavik.is / +354 590 1200

WHAT’S ON

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2015 XMAS EXPERIENCE

WHAT’S ON

ON THE COVER CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND 6-33

34-41

REYKJAVIK CITY MAP 42-43

MUSEUM WALK

44-45

EVENT CALENDAR

46-61

ART & CULTURE

62-67

NIGHTLIFE 68-69

SHOPPING & STYLE

70-73

FOOD & DRINK

74-79

PRACTICAL INFO

80-83

In December, the month of the winter solstice, Iceland only has a handful of hours of sunlight each day and the rest of our time is spent in twilight or darkness. This, coupled with Icelanders’ fierce belief in the joys of consumerism, makes for an unforgettable atmosphere where every surface, outside and indoors, is covered in Christmas lights and every closet is bursting with Christmas presents. Every bar, music venue, church and park has a Christmas program stuffed to the gills with concerts, book readings and other events, and the food, oh god, the food!

You like hot chocolate? Maybe spiked with peppermint, hazelnut, caramel, gingerbread flavour or just plain old booze? How about cookies? Herring, smoked lamb, roast ham, turkey, even reindeer? Christmas beers?

We’ve got it all! Well, we’ve also got fermented skate, but we don’t like to talk about that.

It might seem like Icelanders go a little bit crazy around Christmas time, but if you had to spend something like half the year in a dark winter with just a handful of hours of sunlight a day, we’re guessing you’d be pretty psyched about the winter solstice as well. Christmas is known as the festival of light and peace around here, and we’re basically celebrating the fact that at least it’s not getting darker anymore.

And just when you think it’s all over, Christmas has come and gone and all the excitement is finally over, Iceland goes out with a bang.

Quite literally. Several bangs, in fact. New Year’s Eve in Iceland is a New Year’s Eve unlike any other, where the normally quite well-behaved Icelanders flock to the streets and proceed to set off what looks like enough fireworks to blow up Hallgrímskirkja before partying the night away, quite possibly along with next morning and early afternoon.

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XMAS EXPERIENCE You can find checklists from past months at whatson.is 6

THE WHAT’S ON

DECEMBER CHECKLIST There are loads of things to do for entertainment in Reykjavik this month! Here are a few “must-do’s” you can try out.

As always, we encourage you to tag your photos using #WhatsOnRvk, as proof that you did all those things you’re boasting of!

Take a stroll through the city centre to see the Christmas lights.

Go to a Christmas concert.

See Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace tower before they snuff it out on December 8th, the anniversary of John Lennon’s death.

Go downtown on Þorláksmessa (December 23rd) and get the last Christmas present.

Speaking of Þorláksmessa, ever had fermented skate? It’s an Icelandic Þorláksmessa tradition to at least attempt to ingest this malodorous seafood.

In the mood for something a little sweeter? Christmas cookies are a bit more palatable way to get into the Icelandic Christmas spirit.

What are you doing New Year’s Eve? One word: Fireworks!

CHECK OUT OLDER CHECKLISTS AT WHATSON.IS/CHECKLIST

The Wonders of the Volcanoes Volcano House features two documentaries that focus on the most famous eruptions of Iceland, including Vestmannaeyjar in 1973 and Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, as well as talking about the causes and effects of Icelandic volcanology in general.

The Volcano House includes a FREE “hands on” geology exhibition featuring many different mineral samples, such as lava from the 2014 eruption of Bárðabunga and ash from the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull.

Reviews from tripadvisor “Must-go when touring the museums of Reykjavik”

- Nikeflies, Connecticut, November 22, 2015

“A must stop for geology buffs!”

- sfrarymt, Montana, October 3, 2015

“Volcano eruptions are a way of life for Iceland”

- FastEd1972, Texas, November 21, 2015

“Highlight of our time in Reykjavik!”

- alexa011, Wisconsin, October 2, 2015

VOLCANO HOUSE

Volcano Cinema and Geological Exhibition in Downtown Reykjavik, next to the Old Harbour.

Open Every Day from 10:00-21:00 / Show time every hour, on the hour.

Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavík | (+354) 555 1900 | www.volcanohouse.is

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XMAS EXPERIENCE Check out our map on p. 42 for the locations of these sights.

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THE REYKJAVIK Reykjavík is filled with things to do, places to go and stuff to see but some are just a little bit more important than others.

1 | HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. The tower of the church is among the city’s highest buildings and offers a fantastic view of the city for the small price of 700ISK for adults, 100ISK for children. Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland.

It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect who designed it, Guðjón Samúelsson is said to have designed it to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape.

2 | PERLAN Standing at 25 metres, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking buildings and although it was opened to the public in 1991 its modern construction still makes it a stand-out piece of architecture. Up on the fourth level there‘s a 360 degree viewing platform where you can get the best panoramic views of Reykjavík. When the sun sets it’s a spectacular spot for the Northern Lights. You can also dine at the Perlan restaurant that slowly rotates so you get to see the whole city without ever having to turn your head.

3 | TJÖRNIN People go to the pond to feed the birds and enjoy one of the most amazing views that Reykjavík has to offer. There isn’t a 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 hot water is pumped in to defrost an area for the birds while the rest of the pond is taken over by ice skaters. It makes for a romantic atmosphere likely to keep you warm despite the frost.

4 | AUSTURVÖLLUR When the sun is shining and the air is hot, Austurvöllur is the place to be no matter who you are. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants on Vallarstræti and Pósthússtræti, this public square is a wildly popular spot for locals to dine outside, soak up some sunshine or recline in the grass with picnics.

With its close proximity to the Parliament of Iceland building, Austurvöllur has contrastingly also been the gathering place for political protests. At the center of it all stands a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the renowned figure who led Iceland to independence.

5 | KOLAPORTIÐ Whether you want to sample dried fish and fermented shark, purchase a bag of Icelandic candy or browse through thrifted clothing, Kolaportið should be the destination of your choice. Kolaportið is an indoor flea market that is open during the weekend between 11am-5pm. The atmosphere is completely 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 DVD’s or digging through piles of stuff in search of hidden treasures. We recommend bringing cash, as the majority of stalls don‘t accept cards.

6 | HARPA The whole 28.000 square meters of Harpa stand at the edge of the Reykjavik 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 and fine restaurants. Harpa also occasionally hosts promotions, plays, and public events. It‘s open to everyone, always, and you should definitely visit Harpa, whether it‘s for a show, to buy souvenirs, a concert or just a lovely dinner in one of the fabulous restaurants. Harpa was designed by a Danish firm in co-operation with Ólafur Elíasson, an Icelandic artist, and opened to the public in 2011.

7 | THE OLD HARBOR It‘s the first lasting harbor 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 offices selling guided tours. You will find numerous whale watching companies willing to take you out to sea on unforgettable excursions and the area is filled with excellent restaurants (sushi and other seafood, tapas, burgers, etc.) and coffee houses. The atmosphere at the old harbour is friendly, the air is fresh and salty and there’s plenty of interesting activities to check out.

8 | THE SUN VOYAGER

9 | CITY HALL With an impressive, modern design, the building sits right on the northern shore of Lake Tjörnin. It’s not only offices for the mayor and city’s excutive officials, but is also open to visitors, providing internet access, an information desk, exhibition halls and a cafe. The restaurant boasts huge glass windows so you can sit back and admire the water and the bird life as well as the view of the old buildings around Tjörnin. Go to the galleries to admire one of the exciting and everchanging exhibitions on display. The three dimensional map of Iceland is also a favourite with visitors to the country.

10 | LAUGARDALSLAUG Every country has traditions when it comes to leisure. Iceland’s big thing is swimming pools.. Laugardalslaug is the city’s largest pool with extensive facilities, located in Laugardalur Valley. Its facilities include a 50m outdoor pool, outdoor children’s pool and paddling pool, two waterslides, numerous hot tubs, steam bath, gym and 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 a Icelandic hot dog.

Find these places on the centerfold map.

Check out our map on p. 42 for the locations of these sights.

A beautiful sculpture of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula by Sæbraut, close to the Reykjavík center. The sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and an ode to the sun. It serves as reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland. An ideal opportunity to see Sólfarið at its best is when the sun is setting, at whatever time that may be. It should be every photographer’s dream to capture the amazing view.

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SIGHT EXPERIENCE

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CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND:

A FEAST OF LIGHT AND PEACE Christmas in Iceland is the biggest celebration of the year. I’ve got a feeling this might have something to do with the dark days of winter and the fact that Christmas coincides with the winter solstice. Whatever the reason, Christmas in Iceland is much more than just a day of celebration, it’s thirteen of them, and that’s not even counting Christmas Eve!

PREPARATION

WHITE CHRISTMAS

For most Icelanders, Christmas time lasts even longer than the 13 allotted days as they consider the time spent preparing for Christmas no less important or magical than the actual event. The last four weeks before Christmas are known as “aðventa”, equivalent to the English advent. During the advent people spend their time attending Christmas concerts, going Christmas shopping (a lengthy process that involves a lot of meeting relatives and acquaintances on the street and pausing to drink some hot chocolate), baking cookies and laufabrauð and making sure their homes are decorated with brighter lights than their neighbour’s.

It may come as a surprise, but snow at Christmas in Iceland is never guaranteed. There is usually much speculation during advent on whether we’ll have a picture perfect Bing Crosby-esque white Christmas or the dreaded “Red Christmas” as it is known locally, where the streets are bare come Christmas day. For those who are interested, the Icelandic Meteorological Office has kept track of the amount of snow on Christmas morning since 1921.

FAMILY PARTIES Getting together with aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters and of course parents, original, great- and grand-, is what Christmas is all about. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the Second Day of Christmas are usually packed with family events; think playing cards with your grandma in her best dress while sipping hot chocolate after stuffing yourself with smoked lamb, white sauce and green beans. That doesn’t mean Icelanders don’t use the holidays to go out as well.

The bars are open longer than usual on the Second Day of Christmas, and the weekend between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is usually packed with concerts and parties. Last but not least is of course New Year’s Eve itself, when Icelanders go all out. Expect fireworks, glitter, parties and even more fireworks.

Regardless of what religion Icelanders adhere to, or don’t, we’re a very Christmas-oriented nation.

It’s no wonder really, the winter months are dark, cold and damp, so celebrating with pretty lights and lots of staying inside and eating is a no-brainer. In the good old days, when people lived in dark and cramped turf-houses halfburied in the ground, lived off the land and just tried their best not to freeze to death or get lost in a blizzard during the winter months, the winter solstice was a cause for celebration.

It made perfect sense to turn on the prettiest candles they had, have the best meal possible and put on their best clothes during the darkest days of winter, because it meant that there were brighter days ahead. The same mentality still applies, we celebrate with all our hearts, in every way we can, whether it be by getting a single apple and a Christmas candle, or bringing home several lifetimes’ supply of twinkly lights, cream and butter and buying extravagant presents for everyone we’ve ever met.

CELEBRATED ON DEC 24

YULE LADS Santa Claus doesn’t have a place in Icelandic folklore. We don’t need him really, we’ve got thirteen of our own Yule lads to keep us company instead, although in later years, they occasionally follow in Saint Nick’s sartorial footsteps and don bright red suits. That’s about the only thing they have in common with the fatherly Santa that’s popular in other countries, however. Unlike that saintly figure, the Yule lads are of troll descent and have never quite gotten the hang of following rules and regulations.

Find more articles like this at whatson.is/christmas/

Christmas day in Iceland is a cosy, low-key affair, mostly spent wearing pyjamas all day until the family party (mentioned above) starts. That’s because in Iceland, Christmas starts early, Christmas Eve to be exact. At precisely 6 pm, families all around the country either sit down to a Christmas feast, followed by opening presents and vowing never to eat again, or sit down in church followed by the aforementioned activities. Why 6 pm you might ask? I’m pretty sure the answer most Icelandic people will give you is either “I don’t know, it’s when Jesus was born?” or “because my mom says so”, but it actually is a bit more complicated

than that. Following a tradition inherited from the Jewish faith, the Christian liturgical day actually starts at sunset, not at midnight. Since the invention of the clock they settled the exact time at 6 pm. That means technically, 6 pm on Christmas Eve marks the beginning of Christmas day.

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OVER THE TOP CELEBRATIONS

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MISCHIEVOUS THIRTEEN:

THE ICELANDIC YULE LADS In most countries, one measly Santa Claus is considered quite enough. Icelanders, however, apparently favour quantity over quality and instead have an unruly group of thirteen Yule lads of troll ancestry roaming the mountains. If the Yule lads ever meet Santa, were guessing it’s only because he’s asking them nicely to please keep it down, he and Mrs. Claus are early risers - and incidentally, do they happen to know anything about the mysterious disappearance of all of Mrs. Claus’s sausages?

The first record of our Yule Lads dates back to the 17th century. They first came about as a means to scare children into behaving themselves which explains their parentage. Grýla and Leppalúði, Grýla’s third husband, keep house for the boys somewhere in the mountains outside the town, along with the Christmas cat.

Sounds cosy, right? Well, it isn’t. The Christmas cat eats children that don’t get new clothes before Christmas, and Grýla polishes off the bratty kids that won’t behave themselves, very likely sharing her ghastly meals with Leppalúði. The Yule lads, have a slightly less infanticidal reputation, and limit themselves to pranks and petty thievery. They’ve also mellowed a lot through the years, and hardly steal anything really valuable these days.

The exact quantity of the Yule lads have varied through the years, from 4 to 22, but today there are generally thought to be to be thirteen of them, perhaps because 15 there are 13 days of Christmas.

Stúfur (transl. Shorty, Stubby) – Stúfur is the shortest of the gang, thus earning his name.

He doesn’t let his height stop him from getting what he wants, but what he wants is apparently burnt bits that have stuck to the pan during cooking.

Such is his resolve to acquire these humble leftovers that he has gotten into the habit of stealing the dirty pans.

Find more articles like this at whatson.is/christmas/

ARE THEY NAUGHTY OR NICE?

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THE NAMES SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES The Yule lads are pranksters, but they don’t go in for just any old trick. They’ve specialised, and their specialty is reflected in their names.

They changed quite often in the old days and varied between regions, in fact there are over 70 known Yule lad names. They have however remained relatively the same since 1932 when the poet Jóhannes úr Kötlum published a popular poem detailing the preferred pranks of every Yule lad. The names are very descriptive and refer to their individual mischievous nature.

For instance, Þvörusleikir translates as Spoonlicker; Hurðaskellir means Door-slammer; Gáttaþefur is Doorway-Sniffer in English, and we also have, and this is no joke, Gluggagægir, which translates to Window-peeper.

Stekkjastaur (transl. Sheep-cote Clod) – Stekkjastaur spends his time with the humans doing his best to clamber into sheep pens on a quest for the sheep milk he loves so much, even going so far as to attempt to suckle the ewes. His attempts are usually thwarted by his disability, as he has two peg legs, making him too stiff to nimbly get around the sheep huts.

AND WHAT ABOUT THE PRESENTS? The Yule Lads arrive from the mountains one by one, just in time for Christmas. The first one arrives during the night before December 12th and the last on the night before December 24th. Then they start heading for their mountain homes again in the same order, so the last one leaves on January 6th, the last day of Christmas.

Somewhere along the way, they picked up the habit of giving small children gifts as soon as they arrived in town. The last 13 days before Christmas, children leave a single shoe on the windowsill in their room before going to bed and wake up to a little trinket from one of the lads, assuming they have been good, of course. Otherwise, they just get a potato. So the next time you wake up to a bearded and rough looking gentleman going through your shoes, just go back to sleep, he’s probably bringing you a present!

Gáttaþefur (transl.

Doorway Sniffer) – Gáttaþefur is not only blessed with an incredibly keen sense of smell, along with a nose to rival Cyrano de Bergerac, but he also never gets a cold. Unfortunately he has decided to use his powers for evil (mildly evil, anyway) and has become a master thief of laufabrauð by sniffing out its hiding places.

WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S ON THIS CHRISTMAS? CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE EVENT CALENDAR AT WWW.WHATSON.IS/EC/ AND FIND ALL THE CHRISTMAS EVENTS YOU CAN HANDLE!

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Choose a card that suits your stay: 24, 48 or 72 hours

the city card #reykjavikloves

Ask for the Reykjavík City Card at the official tourist information centre in Aðalstræti 2. www.visitreykjavik.is 17

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What are you doing New Year’s Eve? Christmas is great, some even say it’s the best. But when Christmas Eve has come and gone, and you’ve been to all the family parties, eaten all the cookies and opened all the presents, what’s there to look forward to? New Year’s Eve, that’s what.

Luckily, when you are in Iceland, there is no need to despair on December 27th. New Year’s is still to come and after that, you have the bonus festival, Þrettándinn or the Twelfth Day of Christmas, to look forward to. If you are a kid (or a grown up with a moderate to severe interest in lighting fires), these two evenings can be just as fun as Christmas, but on a completely different level.

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A FAMILY AFFAIR – AT FIRST

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New Year’s Eve in Iceland is a very special event and it‘s the party-night of the year. This might not be completely clear in the early part of the evening, because the majority of Icelanders, use that time to get together with family and/or friends, eat something fantastic (turkey has become popular), and watch the annual comedy revue on television.

Things only start to get going once they get their hands on some fireworks, usually just before or around midnight.

COME ON, BABY, LIGHT MY FIRE There is a reason for our burning desire to set things on fire, as there is an old superstition that says you have to burn away the old year in order to wake up on New Year’s day with a clean slate, if only because you need something to keep your hangover company. Just in case the fireworks aren’t enough, we also have a New Year’s Eve bonfire. Since the bonfire promises to burn away the sins of the year gone by, you can imagine how popular it is. Most towns have one, of varying sizes, and Reykjavík even has 10 of them. Most of them are lit around 8.30 pm.

That’s after dinner, but before the annual comedy revue on TV (Yes, it’s that big a deal). ÁRAMÓTASKAUPIÐ – THE ANNUAL COMEDY REVUE Just how big of a deal you ask? Well, in 2002 for example, 95% of the population was watching. I’m

guessing the other 5% were doctors and nurses on call, tending burn wounds, their patients and maybe a bartender or two. I think there might be something broadcast on other stations, but I can’t be sure, I’ve never seen it at least. Áramótaskaupið is a 50 minute comedy special satirising the year’s most prominent events and it’s been on since 1966, which incidentally is the year of the first Icelandic television broadcast. New Year’s Day conversations in Iceland are limited to discussions about what people thought of this year’s Skaupið, as it is affectionately known.

THE PARTY PART This might surprise you, but it‘s actually not until after midnight that the actual party gets started.

After the fireworks have been lit and hot chocolate has been had with older family members, that’s when people put on their glitter hats, get their confetti bombs ready and head out, drink in one hand, and a lit sparkler in the other. House parties are popular, and downtown Reykjavík quickly starts filling up with eager partygoers.

MORE BONFIRES – NOW WITH MORE ELVES! On Þrettándinn, or the Twelfth Day of Christmas, those who have not yet had their fill of bonfires and fireworks can keep smiling, but it also has a more mystical meaning. Christmas may be a Christian celebration, but Þrettándinn is an exclusively folkloric festival. The last of the Yule Lad leaves the human dwellings, the elves and hidden people move house, cows speak and seals leave their seal skin and walk on land as men. Since the twelfth night used to be considered the start of the new year, Icelanders finish off the holiday season by throwing another bonfire for good measure and finishing off the rest of the fireworks.

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All over the world, food is a significant part Christmas traditions and Iceland is no exception. Each family has their own menu with traditional Icelandic courses that are made every year the same way, and even suggesting a change is usually considered sacrilege.

THE DRINK

some dispute over the correct way to mix it, Malt first or Appelsín first, dare we even suggest adding a splash of cola to the mix? The producer suggests an alphabetical mixing order, but if you want to err on the side of caution, it’s available premixed in cans in every respectable supermarket.

THE COOKIES There was a time when the excellence of a housewife was primarily judged by the number of different types of cookies she made for Christmas. Anything less than ten was a sign of inadequacy. A couple of classics are vanilluhringir (buttery vanilla wreaths), loftkökur (a light and crunchy cocoa cookie) and mömmukökur (cookies similar to gingerbread sandwiched together with buttercream). Don‘t worry, it‘s acceptable to get them from a bakery these days, or even the supermarket!

THE MEAT The traditional Icelandic Christmas dish at the start of the last century was “hangikjöt”, smoked lamb that’s usually served boiled, with potatoes and Iceland’s version of a béchamel sauce. Hangikjöt still has a strong connection with Christmas but is now more commonly served on Christmas Day rather than Christmas Eve. For Christmas Eve,

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There’s a special drink almost every Icelandic household serves at Christmas. It’s non-alcoholic, and is actually a mixture of two soft drinks produced

by Iceland’s oldest soda factory, Ölgerðin. One is an Icelandic orange soda, Appelsín; the other is called Malt and is, as the name suggests, a maltbased soda, dark brown and very sweet. There is

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© KJARNAFÆÐI

THE FESTIVAL OF OVEREATING

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XMAS EXPERIENCE Find more articles like this at whatson.is/christmas/ 22

rock ptarmigan, a member of the grouse family, is a popular dish and so is a smoked and glazed ham. Other options are a leg of lamb and, in recent years, a turkey.

LAUFABRAUÐ

Some traditions make more sense than others. Eating delicious cookies around Christmas time? Makes perfect sense. Going to a Christmas buffet with your officemates?

THE BUFFETS Fun and delicious. Spending a whole day with A novelty was introduced into the Icelandic several other people carving delicate patterns Christmas scene in the 1980’s, namely the Christmas in thin and fragile flour cakes which are then Buffet. It has since become an indispensable part deepfried in boiling fat, and served with butter of getting into the holiday spirit. Most restaurants come Christmas Eve? Labour-intensive to the offer a Christmas buffet for groups or individuals point TI of1Ainsanity.

Laufabrauð (e. leafbread) is ÍSLENSK I BARINN ING ÓLFSSTRÆ 101 REYKJAVÍK and usually offer a selection of Christmas themed very pretty and subtly delicious, but I have to postur@islenskibarinn.is sími: 517 6767 dishes, with smoked ham,www.islenskibarinn.is ptarmigan, reindeer, and wonder how this became a popular thing to herring dishes being popular. Many companies do before every Christmas. Something to do now invite their employees to such events as an with the lack of television and internet in 19th office Christmas party. century Iceland perhaps?

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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1 0 1 R E Y K J AV Í K

www.islenskibarinn.is postur@islenskibarinn.is sími: 517 6767

On the day of the Iceland‘s patron saint (Iceland‘s only saint, in fact) there is a celebration.

Of a sorts. The 23rd of December is the last day before Christmas in Iceland and the stress of getting everything done in time is beginning to get to people. Mixed in with the stress, the desperation and the anxiety is a Christmassy sense of joy and love for your friends and relatives, most of whom you’ll be running into while running your last minute errands.

The tense but happy atmosphere is not to be missed, but there are a couple of guidelines to be followed for the optimal Þorláksmessa experience.

SKIP THE MALLS AND HEAD TO LAUGAVEGUR

COMMISERATE WITH YOUR FELLOW SHOPPERS If you’re not fluent in Icelandic, it might interest you to know that on Þorláksmessa you only really need to know one sentence to keep up a conversation on this day. Just say “Jæja, ertu búin að öllu?” (transl. So, have you done everything yet?). I guarantee the person you’re talking to will get a worried look on their face and start rattling off a list of everything they haven’t, in fact, done yet. All you have to do to keep up your half of the conversation is nod sympathetically every now and then and maybe throw in a cheery “Gleðileg jól” (Merry Christmas) before you leave your acquaintance to his desperation.

REALLY GET INTO THE ÞORLÁKSMESSA SPIRIT You thought this was going to be all nice walks down Laugavegur admiring the Christmas lights

and drinking beer, didn’t you? Well, think again. An integral part of the Þorláksmessa experience is, and I swear this is true, eating the most foul-smelling seafood Iceland has to offer, fermented skate. It’s a fish that’s poisonous when fresh, so someone (probably someone extremely hungry) had the bright idea to just leave it out for a couple of weeks until it started emitting worrying odours and then try eating it. If you’re interested, many restaurants in Reykjavík offer a skate buffet on Þorláksmessa (usually serving edible fish along with it, in case the skate turns out to be too offensive to your taste buds). Also, I’ve heard the taste is slightly better than the smell.

BE THERE OR BE SQUARE There are some people, or so I’ve heard, that have actually finished everything before Þorláksmessa, baked all the cookies, put up all the decorations, and probably finished wrapping all the gifts in October. But even those people come downtown on Þorláksmessa, either having left one last present unbought, or even just taking an unashamedly purposeless walk down Laugavegur, bothering the rest of us with their preparedness. Basically, it’s the place to be, especially during the evening. So buy that last present, or just go get a beer or a cup of cocoa, but don’t miss out on the Þorláksmessa experience.

Find more articles like this at whatson.is/christmas/

The atmosphere on Laugavegur is desperation and anxiety mixed with joy and love for your fellow humans. The atmosphere in the malls is desperation and anxiety mixed with pure consumerism and soulless interior design. Plus hot chocolate tastes so much better when your hands are so numb from the cold you feel like they’re about to fall off.

There’s no question about it, the charming main shopping street is where it’s at.

XMAS EXPERIENCE

ÞORLÁKSMESSA: DO IT RIGHT

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XMAS EXPERIENCE Find more articles like this at whatson.is 26

GLJÚFRASTEINN

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.

A number of events are hosted throughout the year. Every Sunday during the summertime there are concerts in the living room at 4pm.

The museum is open tuesdays to fridays from 10am – 16pm.

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 20 minute drive from Reykjavik.

For more information, go to www.gljufrasteinn.is.

THE STEAK HOUSE

Steikhúsið simply means „The Steak House” and that underlines our goal, to focus solely on steaks.

The Steak house is in the middle of Reykjavík, opposite the old harbor which has recently formed into a lively neighborhood of restaurants, cafes and artisan stores and work shops.

When you wisit us, remember to try our “28 days” 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 The Building housed a blacksmith and metal works in years gone by.

THE KITCHEN IS OPEN FROM 17:00 TILL LATE — VISIT WWW.STEAK.IS

Booking: +354 561 1111 & steik@steik.is

XMAS EXPERIENCE Find more events at www.whatson.is/ec/ 28

CHRISTMAS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015 AT HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA The Hallgrímskirkja Christmas Music Festival is the highlight of the year for many music fans and this year is no exception. The Hallgrímskirkja Friends of the Arts Society has, as usual, organised this year’s festival with a great program of various events full of festive spirit. The festival takes place from November 28th to December 31st and consists of 10 concerts this year, with the acclaimed house choirs and organists taking centre stage.

The first concert of the festival starts at noon, Nov 28th. Björn Steinar Sólbergsson, organist of Hallgrímskirkja, will play the church’s organ, performing Advent and Christmas music by J.S. Bach and Guilmant.

The outstanding chamber choir of Hallgrímskirkja, Schola cantorum, will be performing famous Advent and Christmas Music in three lunch time concerts on Dec 4th, 11th and 18th at 12 noon.

Conductor is Hörður Áskelsson.

The Motet Choir´s Christmas concerts are a particular highlight of the festival. The choir is accompanied by soloists from the choir and organist Lenka Mátéová under the direction of Hörður Áskelsson, Music Director of Hallgrímskirkja. The concerts take place, Dec. 5th and 6th at 5 pm, and Dec. 8th at 8 pm.

The excellent German Jazz duo that consists of pianist Markus Burger and saxophonist Jan von Klewist will be playing well known Christmas hymns on Dec 17th. The concert is held in collaboration with the German Embassy in Iceland and the admittance is free. Donations will be collected for the Icelandic Search and Rescue

team, Landsbjörg as thanks for their assistance to German travellers in the past.

Another highlight is the extremely popular annual event, Festive Sounds on New Year’s Eve. The concert starts at 5 pm, dec 31st, with three trumpets, timpani and organ offering a program of well-known pieces like J.S. Bach’s Toccata and fugue in d-minor and Albinoni’s Adagio.

For more information see www.listvinafelag.is.

Hallgrimskirkja Christmas Music Festival November 28 - December 31 2015

The Hallgrimskirkja Motet Choir Christmas concerts Saturday December 5 at 5 pm, Sunday December 6 at 5 pm & Tuesday December 8 at 8 pm The Motet Choir of Hallgrimskirkja has for over thirty years brought Christmas joy to Iceland.

This year the choir is joined by the organ and a brass quartet from the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra performing wonderful Advent and Christmas music.

It will be a most festive moment in the beautifully decorated church. Conductor is Hörður Áskelsson.

Admittance: 2500 ISK.

Saturday November 28th – ADVENT 12–12.30 noon Organ concert – Veni redemptor gentium – O Come, Redeemer of the Earth Organist Björn Steinar Sólbergsson of Hallgrimskirkja plays Advent music by Bach and Guilmant. Admittance: 2000 ISK.

Thursday December 17th 8 pm Jazz before Christmas The outstanding German pianist Markus Burger and saxophonist Jan von Klewist play Christmas hymns.

In collaboration with the German Embassy in Iceland and in support of the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. Free admittance.

Sunday December 27th – CHRISTMAS 5.00–6.00 pm The Birth of the Saviour – An organ concert Olivier Messiaen’s great organ piece The Birth of the Saviour – Nine Contemplations for Organ will be performed by Björn Steinar Sólbergsson, organist of Hallgrimskirkja. Admittance: 2500 ISK.

December 31st New Year’s Eve 5–5:45 pm Festive Music for the New Year

Advent concerts with Schola Cantorum Friday December 4th, Friday December 11th & Friday December 18th 12.00–12.30 noon

Wonderful musical fireworks at New Year’s! Three trumpets, a gigantic organ and timpani salute the New Year in Hallgrimskirkja. Music by Vivaldi, Bach and Albinoni.

Performers: Ásgeir H. Steingrímsson, Eiríkur Ö. Pálsson, Einar St. Jónsson trumpets, Eggert Pálsson timpani and Björn Steinar Sólbergsson organ.

Admittance: 3500 ISK.

The excellent chamber choir Schola Cantorum sings various programs of beautiful Advent and Christmas choral music. Conductor Hörður Áskelsson.

Admittance: 2500 ISK.

Ticket sale in Hallgrimskirkja tel. 510 1000 open daily 9-5 and at the entrance and online on MIDI.IS The Hallgrimskirkja Friends Of The Arts Society’s 34th season - WWW. LISTVINAFELAG.IS

ICELAND‘S SECRET TO HEALTHY LIVING 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 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 consisteny, 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 „fastfood“ 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.

For more information on skyr, visit skyr.is

SKYR EXPERIENCE

XMAS EXPERIENCE

THE WHAT’S ON

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XMAS EXPERIENCE

Skyr is available in many different varieties, both flavored and plain and in small containers and large. For an easy on-the-go treat, a spoon comes with the smaller ones. Below are some of the flavors available.

MS SKYR – PLAIN Skyr was originally only available as plain and was made at every farm in Iceland.

Nowadays there are many flavors available but some still prefer the plain one. It can be enjoyed with berries and cream and perhaps with a little bit of honey or sugar. In the fall many Icelanders pick fresh berries and enjoy it with skyr. Plain Skyr is also a good base for all sorts of cold sauses.

KEA SKYR WITH VANILLA Originated in the northern part of Iceland, this is one of the most popular flavors available. The taste is full and creamy with zero fat.

For more information on skyr, visit skyr.is

MS SKYR.IS WITH BAKED APPLES

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A new variety in this popular brand. As with other skyr, it is high in protein and fatfree as well as being low-carb. Even though it is low-carb the flavor is reminiscent of a creamy dessert.

MS SKYR.IS WITH BLUEBERRIES This is a long time favorite in Skyr.is, Skyr with blueberries has a long tradition in Iceland. The taste is very rich and full of blueberries.

WHAT’S ON

SETTLEMENT SAGAS: A NEW EXHIBITION OF ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS

The Reykjavík City Museum is proud to present Settlement Sagas. The central feature of this new exhibition are of the nation’s greatest treasures, ancient manuscripts that are usually kept under lock and key at The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. It is therefore a great honour for us to be able to put on public display for the first time these items that tell us so much about Reykjavík’s past.

Find more events like this at whatson.is/ec

The exhibition will be in the same building as the Settlement Exhibition, so visitors will be able to view the manuscripts alongside various other artefacts that have been discovered in the Reykjavík area and therefore attain a better understanding of their significance within the wider context of the history of the Settlement. This is a unique opportunity to look back in time at the beginnings and development of Iceland’s capital city over a period of more than a millennium.

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Settlement Sagas comprises some of the nation’s most renowned documents, many of them written in the twelfth century but relating events that go back as far as 874 AD, when the first settlers are said to have come to Iceland. Recognised by the International World Heritage Programme as having outstanding cultural value, the documents on display include Landnámabók (the Book of the Settlement), Íslendingabók, Kjalnesingasaga, Jónsbók and the Bill of Purchase for Reykjavík (1615).

OPEN DAILY UNTIL 20:00!

It is Iceland’s literary heritage that has preserved this ancient language and helps us remain in touch with the beginnings of our culture. They have shaped our view of history and given us a unique basis from which to study our origins as a nation and our long-standing relationship among the other Nordic countries.

The Settlement Exhibition focuses on the settlement of Iceland in 874 AD and first few decades after that.

The artefacts there give us an invaluable insight into the life and times of the first people to inhabit the Reykjavík area and the ways in which they adapted to their new environment. The exhibition is founded on archaeological and other scientific research and introduces visitors to the latest facts and interpretations forwarded by a range of experts.

These two very different exhibitions afford an unprecedented view into the ancient origins of Icelandic culture. One based on archaeological findings from the days of the Settlement, the other on ancient documents from the same period. This is also the first time Iceland’s literary heritage and archaeological history have been placed side by side for the general public. In addition, the preservation of these precious manuscripts is one of the reasons why UNESCO officially designated Reykjavík as one of its Cities of Literature in 2011.

Iceland’s most precious cultural heritage

Reykjavík City Museum is proud to present Settlement Sagas. The central feature of this new exhibition are of the nation’s greatest treasures, ancient manuscripts that are usually kept under lock and key at The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. Recognised by unesco as having outstanding cultural value, the documents on display include Landnámabók (the Book of the Settlement), Íslendingabók, Kjalnesingasaga, Jónsbók and the Bill of Purchase for Reykjavík (1615).

The Settlement Exhibition Settlement Sagas Aðalstræti 16/Reykjavík Open daily 9 – 20 www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

THE FINEST BEER & WHISKY SELECTION IN DOWNTOWN REYKJAVÍK

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WHATSON.IS On our website, whatson.is, the What’s On Team works hard to consistently deliver fresh and fun stuff for everyone to read. Here is a sneak peek at some of the exciting subjects featured on our website.

ICELAND AIRWAVES 2015 WRAP UP

WHAT’S ON

WRITINGS FROM

By Elín Elísabet Einarsdóttir & Hjalti Rögnvaldsson Love Icelandic music? Heard Björk and Sigur rós and want to know more? Let our music experts, Elín and Hjalti, tell you about the next big thing, in this year’s Iceland Airwaves wrap up.

CONTINUE READING AT WHATSON.IS/MUSIC

RAINY DAY IN REYKJAVÍK: SIX AMAZING TOURS TO TAKE

By Rögnvaldur “Reggie” Guðmundsson

HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND By Ágnes Viktória Jávorszky The Northern Lights are an unforgettable sight, but some people like to get a photo to remind them anyway. If you’re one of those people, be aware that snapping a shot with your phone won’t work, Viktória went and learned all about what to do instead.

CONTINUE READING AT WHATSON.IS/NORTHERN-LIGHTS

Read more at www.whatson.is/blog/

CONTINUE READING AT WHATSON.IS/THINGS-TO-DO

Feeling adventurous but the Icelandic weather is playing its tricks on you?

That doesn’t mean you have to stay at your hotel all day, let Rögnvaldur tell you how to spend the day instead.

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WHAT’S ON

7 FACTS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT ICELANDIC VOLCANOES

By Rögnvaldur “Reggie” Guðmundsson Interested in volcanoes? Of course you are! If you’ve heard about Eyjafjallajökull and want to know more, Rögnvaldur has some inside information for you.

CONTINUE READING AT WHATSON.IS/VOLCANOES

5 ICELANDIC WORDS YOU CAN’T TRANSLATE

By By Rögnvaldur “Reggie” Guðmundsson

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CONTINUE READING AT WHATSON.IS/HISTORY-CULTURE

Check out the What’s On blog archives at whatson.is/blog

Read more at www.whatson.is/blog/

The Icelandic language is completely unintelligible for 99.995 of the world’s population. Those people are missing out, because we’ve got some good words no one else has. Rögnvaldur can let you in on the secret.

Ice Cream • Hot Cocoa • Waffles Bada Bing, Laugavegur 4, 101 Reykjavík

Party Every Night. Cocktails!

Live Music Every Night!

50 different kinds of beer.

Live Sports Coverage Kitchen open from 11.00.

Ribs, burgers, chicken wings!

LIFE IS SHORT - DRINK EARLY AUSTURSTRAETI 8 • REYKJAVIK

WHAT’S ON

8 TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE

NORTHERN LIGHTS

We’ve constructed this list of useful tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Northern Lights hunt. Nothing is guaranteed – but our hope is that these tips will be useful and aide you in your search for the beautiful Northern Lights!

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| GET OUT OF TOWN

The city lights block the Northern Lights!

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| MAKE SURE IT’S DARK

Daylight and Northern Lights don’t go hand in hand!

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| MAKE SURE THE SKY IS CLEAR

The Northern Lights appear way above the clouds!

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| GIVE IT TIME AND BE PATIENT!

Find more articles like this at whatson.is

The Northern Lights don’t come out by order – be patient and you might get lucky!

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| SIGHTINGS CAN NEVER BE GUARANTEED

So we’d recommend a tour that includes some great activity as well as Northern Lights hunt – so you won’t feel disappointed!

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| WEAR SOMETHING WARM

It can get seriously cold, especially when the sky is clear and you’re waiting for a long time

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| KNOW YOUR CAMERA!

Taking photos with a flash won’t work. Ever. A tripod and long exposure are your friends!

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| ENJOY IT!

Lie down on the ground. Look up. Enjoy!

Book your Northern Lights tour now at whatson.is or at the What’s On Tourist Information Center!

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WHAT’S ON HOUSE 6

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Check out the article The Reykjavik Sight Experience on pages 12-13 for more information about the places numbered here.

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REYKJAVIK CITY MAP

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WHAT’S ON

THE REYKJAVIK MUSEUM WALK Reykjavík’s history reaches back for more than a thousand years and the city is rich with culture. This heritage can be experienced in the museums scattered throughout the city. To make life easier for you, here is a proposed Museum Walk that covers the best ones in downtown Reykjavik, all within a walking distance.

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VOLCANO HOUSE

The museum gives visitors an idea of the life in Iceland, where volcanoes a n d e a r t h q u a ke s a re a constant threat. Icelandic n a t u re i s i n a st a te o f constant flux, earthquakes occur daily somewhere in Iceland, and volcanic eruptions are always a possibility. Volcano House lets you experience the world of Icelanders by coming as close as possible to experiencing an eruption or earthquake for yourself. They also have an in-house cinema where they offer two back-toback documentaries on historical volcanic eruptions.

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REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

The museum’s main objective is to present both historical and contemporary photography in an artistic, social and cultural context, as well as nurture public and scholarly interest in photography and its culture. The collection’s themes are diverse, you can find family photographs, photos from portrait studios, industrial- and advertising photographs, press photography, landscape photographs and more.

Find more articles like this at whatson.is

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THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

The nation’s most precious treasures are kept and displayed at The National Museum of Iceland. The museum was established on the 24th of February in 1863 and it’s aim is to increase and relay knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage from the country’s settlement until now. At the museum you will find a permanent exhibition of objects that provide insight into Icelandic history and culture as well as temporary exhibitions highlighting specific eras or aspects of the Icelandic cultural heritage.

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THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

The principal art museum of Iceland, established in 1884.

Its art collection consists mainly of 19th and 20th century art works. In its possession are many of the keystones of Icelandic art history, as well as a growing collection of works from other countries. The National Gallery’s main role is to collect, preserve, research and exhibit Icelandic art and offer education about it. There is also a considerable emphasis laid on showing Icelandic art in context with international art.

REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM

Hafnarhús serves as the m u s e u m ’s i n s t i t u t e o f contemporary art, where new developments in art are explored through d i ve r s e ex h i b i t i o n s o f Icelandic and international artists. An exhibition of paintings by well-known pop artist Erró is a permanent feature. Don’t forget to stop by the Hafnarhús shop for postcards, art posters and books published by the museum.

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THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION

Archaeological remains were excavated in Aðalstræti in 2001, which turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavík.The relics are now preserved at their original location and are the focal point of the Settlement Exhibition. The construction of Viking Age buildings is explained using multimedia technology and computer technology is used to give an impression of what life was like in the hall. This one is open late, until 8 pm.

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KITCHEN IS OPEN Weekends 11.30–24 Other days 11.30–23

UNO at Ingólfstorg | Tel. 561 1313 | www.uno.is

Enjoy the freedom of riding ÍSHESTAR offers horseback riding tours through the spectacular Icelandic landscape. Whether you join our tours into the wilderness of the remote highlands, through the lush countryside or, all year round, for a short ride from our Riding Centre near Reykjavik, riding with Íshestar is a great experience.

For further information check out our website www.ishestar.is, call +354 555 7000 or be our friend on Facebook.

For over 30 years Íshestar has given people an opportunity to ride the Icelandic horse, the most versatile gait horse in the world. Horses are our partners and our passion.

XMAS EXPERIENCE

With so much to see and do, why not rent a car with audio guided day tour GPS system?

Perfect day tours for the independent traveller My Way is your own audio day tour consisting of a suitable car for you and your friends together with an audio guide programmed into the GPS system. Sold in cooperation with Avis and Budget car rentals.

My Way audio guided daytours exsamples: Reykjanes Peninsula

Reykjavík – Gardskagi, Hafnir, Blue Lagoon, Kleifarvatn – Hafnarfjördur Volcanic wonders and some of our country’s most unforgettable sights.

The Reykjanes peninsula tour offers an extreme variety of landscapes, lava fields and geothermal activity,

MIN: 4HRS

APX: 180KM

Golden Circle

Reykjavík – Gullfoss & Geysir Iceland’s most popular day tour, The Golden Circle, a route which encompasses many of Iceland’s most famous landmarks.

This tour includes some of the best known historical sites and natural phenomena in Iceland.

MIN: 5HRS APX: 250KM

Only available from: &

To book your own day tour • Contact Avis, tel. 591 4000 or Budget, tel. 562 6060.

• Ask the hotel or next information centre to book it for you.

• Visit the My Way website mywayiniceland.is

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South Shore

Reykjavík – South Shore to Vík – Reykjavík You drive along the south coast of Iceland passing by glaciers and volcanoes, black sand coastline and moss-covered lava fields as far as the charming village Vík í Mýrdal.

MIN: 8HRS

APX: 400KM

EVENT CALENDAR

VOLCANO HOUSE WONDERS OF VOLCANOES The Volcano House includes a FREE “hands on” geology exhibition featuring many different mineral samples, such as lava from the 2014 eruption of Bárðabunga and ash from the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull.

The Cinema shows an Emmynominated documentary in English, every hour from 10am to 9pm. It focuses on some of the most famous eruptions of Iceland, as well as talking about the causes and effects of Icelandic volcanology in general.

The movie is available in different languages by pre-arrangement, at 9am every day. »» The Volcano House is fun and educational for people of all ages, and kids are especially welcome. (Free for 0-12) »» A fantastic place to start your stay in Iceland, so you know what you’re looking at as you travel around. (Or at the end of your visit, to make sense of everything you’ve seen). »» The Volcano House is a great stop on your Museum Day. After standing and reading for hours, it’s nice to sit and watch a movie.

WONDERS OF VOLCANOES

objects being collected and where do the boundaries lie

KEEPERS

For more information see www.volcanohouse.is

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART KEEPERS Museum collections are collections. They are made up by a number of collected objects and sources that have some meaning to the museum and usually more than one. But how are the objects collected?

What reasons lie behind certain

when collecting objects for a collection?

generously gave them to the museum for safekeeping.

The exhibition KEEPERS focuses on the Museum of Design and Applied Art’s collection. It will display the diversity that defines the collection while highlighting the fact that the museum’s collection is almost entirely composed of gifts. The title KEEPERS refers both to the objects themselves, the ones worth keeping, as well as the

KEEPERS casts a light on the constant work carried out by the museum staff: to collect samples from Icelandic design history in various ways. The exhibition will not remain the same but rather change along with the museum as its collection of keepers continues to grow.

Find more events at whatson.is

»» Volcano House is a good Late Night Activity (last show 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 any time!

people who preserved them, kept them and eventually so

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EVENT CALENDAR

REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM HAFNARHÚS THE MAKING OF ERRÓ 1955-1964 An exploration of the development of the artist during the years 1955- 1964, a complex and spectacular period, both in his art and in European art history, when he was the first artist to create “collage paintings.” The

exhibition illustrates in broad terms how Erró gradually moved away from expressionism and started to make collages, which he then reproduced in paint on canvas. At that time he also made various visual experiments with painting, text-collages, assemblages and happenings.

The works were made against a background of the colourful culture and art world of Paris, and later New York, where he became familiar with the consumer/media

Read more about these exhibitions at whatson.is/museums

KATRÍN SIGURÐARDÓTTIR: LOOKING IN – SCULPTURES AND MODELS Katrín Sigurðardóttir has made a name for herself as one of Iceland’s most interesting female artists. The exhibition will include sculptures, installations and exhibition models of works which have been staged in various venues around the world.

The models span 10 years of Katrín’s career. Among them are models of her installations at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Venice Biennale, 2013.

Guests are invited to look into the artist’s world and to observe the working process from an idea to a completed work of art.

MAGNÚS SIGURÐARSON: PROCESS & PRETENSE Until December 6th.

KATRÍN SIGURÐARDÓTTIR

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society of the United States, and its stimulating art world.

MAGNÚS SIGURÐSSON

MAKING OF ERRÓ

D23

This is Magnús Sigurðarson’s (b. 1966) first solo exhibition in Iceland for many years, having lived in Miami, USA for over a decade. The artist says that he has made the analysis of the obvious his subject; he halts when the everyday presents him with a moment of such banality that it requires further investigation.

His works thus have existential overtones, addressing the theme of the human being in his/her solitude, and the constant quest for means of expression and understanding between people. .

D23 A series of exhibitions that takes its name from Gallery D at Hafnarhús is resuming after a hiatus of some years. The objective is to showcase the work of artists who have not previously held solo exhibition in Iceland’s major galleries, and to offer promising artists the chance to work on their own terms in a public gallery. A total of 22 artists took part in the project 2007-2011, and it was awarded the DV Culture Prize in 2009. The exhibitions will now continue where they left off, as a long-term project of the Museum.

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Thermal pools a and d baths in Reykjavik a are e a source of health, rrelaxation elaxation and purenes pureness. s.

Thermal pools a and d baths in Reykjavik a are e a source of health, rrelaxation elaxation and purenes pureness. s.

All of the city´s swimming pools have several hot pots with temperatures ranging from All of the city´s swimming pools have several hot pots with temperatures ranging from 37˚ to 42˚C (98˚–111˚F). The pools are kept at an average temperature of 29˚ C (84˚ F).

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 Tel: +354 411 5000 • www.spacity.is

*Admission February 2014. Price is subject to change ge

e c e r c u r u o s o AA s eaalltthh h e h f oof

*

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Reykjavik's Thermal Pools Reykjavik's Thermal Pools

MARGINALIA – TEXTS, SKETCHES, AND DOODLES IN KJARVAL’S ART Until December 30th.

Kjarval’s words could be taken as the theme of his exhibition – as they focus attention on the material, the method and the imagination. We see Kjarval at work with his pen or brush in hand: he draws, writes; sketches in ink, pencil or tusch.

On all kinds of paper he draws lines – delicate or raw, silent or aggressive.

MARGINALIA

The title Marginalia refers to peripheral entries in the margins of a body text, as often seen in old manuscripts, and vividly described by Umberto Eco in The Name of the Rose: “This was a psalter in whose margins was delineated a world reversed with respect to the one to which our senses have accustomed us.” Thus Kjarval’s marginal world is manifested in letters and notebooks, on the backs of envelopes and all sorts of scraps of paper, like a topsy-turvy universe seen in “wondrous allusions in aenigmate.

EVENT CALENDAR

REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM – KJARVALSSTAÐIR

YEARNING FOR SPACE

REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM ÁSMUNDARSAFN YEARNING FOR SPACE

SETTLEMENT SAGAS

future in that period influenced the artists‘ spatial and formal perceptions, and whether science fiction is reflected in their art.

THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION SETTLEMENT SAGAS The central feature of this new exhibition are the nation‘s greatest treasures,

ancient manuscripts that are usually kept under lock at The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic studies. This is a temporary exhibition and a rare opportunity to see these culturally valuable manuscripts that describe the settlement in Reykjavik.

The Settlement Sagas exhibition is open daily until 20:00.

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The exhibition presents modernist dreams of the future, generally relating to the dramatic technological advances of the 20th century. Works by Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982) are shown along with pieces by Gerður Helgadóttir (1928-1975), Jón Gunnar Árnason (19311989) and Sigurjón Ólafsson (1908- 1982). Most of the works date from the 1950s and 60s, when space exploration began in earnest, and many reference the Space Race which was at its height during the period. The exhibition raises the question of whether the visions of the

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EVENT CALENDAR Read more about these exhibitions at whatson.is/museums 52

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND BUNDLED UP IN BLUE An exhibition based on new research on the bones and objects found in a settlement-era grave, discovered in 1938 in EastIceland. The research can provide answers on the age of the woman in the grave and where she came from, together with indications of how she looked and dressed.

Harðardóttir’s years as a journalist at the newspaper Þjóðviljinn, 1963-1974. Vilborg was a tireless advocate of women’s rights, both in the political arena as a member of Iceland’s parliament as well as within Iceland’s Red Stockings movement.

THE CULTURE HOUSE POINTS OF VIEW A chance for visitors to delve into the collections of six

different cultural institutions, the National Museum of Iceland, National Gallery of Iceland, Natural History Museum, National Archives of Iceland, National and University Library of Iceland and Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. Points of view offers an innovative guide to a nation’s cultural history exhibiting thousand-year-old treasures, e.g. manuscripts, along with the latest in Icelandic art.

I - PORTRAITS BY VALDIMAR THORLACIUS Portraits of Icelandic loners, hermits and recluses and their living spaces. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the life of those who live alone in rural and urban Iceland. For some, solitude is a result of remaining in their childhood homes when others leave or pass away, while others seek out seclusion.

A WOMAN’S PLACE...

An examination of the working lives of Icelandic women from 1915 to 2015. A hundred years after women gained the right to vote, and to be candidates, in parliamentary elections, we look back, and ask: What have women in Iceland been doing for the past century? How have their circumstances changed - and why? What is a woman’s place, after all?

POINTS OF VIEW

THE MAKING OF A NATION - HERITAGE AND HISTORY IN ICELAND The exhibition 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?

BUNDLED UP IN BLUE

MAKING OF A NATION

A JOURNALIST AND HER CAMERA. THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF VILBORG HARÐARDÓTTIR (1935-2002) Photographs from Vilborg

JOURNALIST AND HER...

Make ake ssure iM ure itt’s ’s E Elld diin ng g!!

Call us on +354 519 5000 Call us on +354 519 5000 ororvisit visitwww.elding.is www.elding.is elding@elding.is

ELDING WHALE WATCHING from Reykjavík

SEA ANGLING

PUFFIN WATCHING

EXPRESS WHALE & PUFFIN

Elding Whale Watching schedule – all year round

VIÐEY ISLAND

WHALE WATCHING EL-01 / EL-02 / EL-03

Jan-Feb

Mar 9:00

Apr 9:00

May 9:00

Jun 9:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 17:00* 17:00 20:30**

Jul Aug Sept 9:00 9:00 9:00 10:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 14:00 17:00 17:00 17:00* 20:30

from Reykjavík 13:00

13:00

13:00

Oct 9:00

Nov-Dec

13:00

13:00

Elding Sea Angling EL-04

– 1 May to 31 August at 11:00 and 15:30

Take part in an adventure at sea with an unforgettable * From 15 May to 15 September **trip From into 15 June to 31 July the world of whales and sea birds all year round.

ENNEMM / SÍA / NM69175

Elding Whale Watching schedule – all year round

NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISE EL-01 / EL-02 / EL-03

Jan-Mar

Apr 9:00

May 9:00

Jun Jul 9:00 9:00 01 Sep-30 Sep: 22:0010:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 01 Oct-14 Mar: 21:00 14:00 14:00 17:00* 17:00 17:00 15 Mar-15 Apr: 22:0020:30** 20:30

Aug Sept Oct Nov-Dec 9:00 9:00 9:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 17:00*

* From 15 May to 15 September from Reykjavík Old Harbour ** From 15 June to 31 August

Environmental Award Icelandic Tourist Board

www.elding.is www.elding.is

Elding Puffin Watching EL-05 – 15 May to 15 August at 9:30, 12:00 and 15:00 NEW

Express Whale and Puffin tour (RIB-boat) EL-06

– 15 May to 30 September at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00

NÍNA TRYGGVADÓTTIR POETCAST Nína Tryggvadóttir (19131968) is one of the most important artists from Iceland.

She brought in influences of abstract expressionist art from Paris and New York, where she resided for most of her artistic career. This exhibition is the third comprehensive retrospective of her body of work, the former ones were held at Listamannaskálinn in 1963 and at The National Gallery of Iceland in 1974. The National Gallery has 80 works by Nína Tryggvadóttir, from the period 1938-1967, some of which will be presented in the exhibition alongside works borrowed from other museums, private owners and works that have not been presented in Iceland before, owned by the artists´ daughter.

THE CINEMA A cosy little movie theatre on the Old Harbour waterfront in the Reykjavik Centre, which offers a wide variety of different documentaries about everything from Volcanoes to Northern Lights to Glaciers made by the renowned Icelandic filmmaker Valdimar Leifsson. It has an impressive selection of scheduled shows as well as a possibility to book specifically a number of others, including films in German.

REYKJAVÍK MARITIME MUSEUM THE HISTORY OF SAILING This exhibition recounts Iceland’s maritime history and the growth of Reykjavík Harbor. Iceland’s settlement can be traced to

Nordic seafarers sailing the North Atlantic. The first settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, chose the area that is now Reykjavík to make his home. It was a natural haven, with the inlet at Grandagarður being well sheltered for pulling boats safely ashore. For centuries, this natural harbor was one of the country’s main fisheries and trading centers, and over the years, Reykjavík Harbor grew to become Iceland’s largest port.

FROM POVERTY TO ABUNDANCE Portrays the Icelandic fisheries at the turn of the 20th century, and realistically depicts the lives of Icelandic fishermen. During this time, tenant fishermen resided in modest coastal cottages during the fishing season. On display is Farsæll, an original four-person rowboat built around 1900 in the Westman Islands.

NÍNA SÆMUNDSSON - ART IN A CHANGING WORLD

NÍNA TRYGGVADÓTTIR

NÍNA SÆMUNDSSON

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Nína Sæmundsson (1892–1965) was the first Icelandic woman to work as a professional sculptor.

She was born into the farming society of the 19th century, that offered few opportunities to women of working-class background when it came to creating their own destiny and letting their dreams come true.

In spite of this, the beginnings of Sæmundsson’s career had the flavor of a fairy tale. During the twenties of the twentieth century she lived in the western world’s art capitals, Rome, Paris and New York. Her story is a story of great victories won, but at the same time a story of dramatic losses that influenced her life to a great extent. From the start, Sæmundsson was strong-willed, and had a burning passion for art, she developed her classical style that she remained faithful to long into her career, and in those works she combined the magnificent and the intimate. The upright human became one of her main themes, along with the busts that she specialized in.

EVENT CALENDAR

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

THE CINEMA

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EVENT CALENDAR Read more about these exhibitions at whatson.is/ec 58

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY GUNNAR RÚNAR ÓLAFSSON – RETROSPECTIVE In the exhibition Gunnar Rúnar Ólafsson – Retrospective, the works of one of the best known Icelandic photographer, Gunnar Rúnar Ólafsson (1917-1965) are on show. The exhibition includes new manually developed photographs, shot in Iceland in the period 1947 to 1964. In addition, some selected movie trailers from the National Film Archive of Iceland are also shown.

GUNNAR RÚNAR

For two years Gunnar ran a shop in Hafnarfjörður, before leaving Iceland for the USA, where he studied at the New York Institute of Photography, and then headed west to Los Angeles. At the Metro Goldwyn Mayer studios in Hollywood, Gunnar learned about film-making, and on his return to Iceland in 1946 he started making documentary films, initially for the Saga film company, and later on his own account.

EIRÍKUR SMITH

HAFNARBORG EIRÍKUR SMITH Oil and watercolor paintings made since 1982 and until today will be on display.

Eiríkur Smith (b.1925) has had a long and successful career. Hafnarborg preserves many pieces by Eiríkur but in 1990 he gave the museum about four hundred pieces by himself, oil-paintings, watercolor-paintings and drawings. Eiríkur’s career can be divided into chapters that are different from each other but at the same time they are all important parts of Icelandic art history.

EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM The Einar Jónsson museum is in the heart of Reykjavík

EINAR JÓNSSON

and the task of the museum is to collect, preserve and display the life work of Iceland’s first Sculptor Einar Jónsson as well as to conduct research on his life and art.

The museum contains close to 300 art works 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 artist´s works is located behind the museum.

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EVENT CALENDAR Read more about these exhibitions at whatson.is/ec 60

NOTABLE FESTIVITIES & RECURRING EVENTS BIG EVENTS IN DECEMBER

EVENTS FROM WHATSON.IS/EC

DECEMBER 23RD ÞORLÁKSMESSA The biggest shopping day of the year, and the only day where people pretend to lake skate.

MÚLINN JAZZ CLUB

DECEMBER 24TH AÐFANGADAGUR The day where Icelanders eat “Hamborgarahrygg” and exchange presents.

December 5th, 6th & 8th @ Hallgrímskirkja

DECEMBER 25TH JÓLADAGUR A day for eating “Hangikjöt” and spending cosy time with family and friends.

DECEMBER 26TH ANNAR Í JÓLUM The second day of Christmas is really the third day, but who’s counting?

DECEMBER 31ST GAMLÁRSDAGUR The last day of the year and a time to party and light up the sky with fireworks.

Find more Christmas information pages 12 through 29 and at whatson.is/chritsmas/

MOZART BY CANDLELIGHT Chamber group Camerarctica has played some chamber music by Mozart by candlelight annually during the last days before Christmas for the past twenty-three years.

The audience is treated to a very special atmosphere of churches lit only by candlelight.

December 2nd @ Harpa LIKE A BRIGHT STAR SHINETH - CHRISTMAS CONCERT WITH MOTET CHOIR OF HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA SÓLEY & PÉTUR BEN

December 19th @ Kex Hostel BONEY M

December 20th @ Harpa MOZART BY CANDLELIGHT

December 19th @ Hafnarfjarðarkirkja December 20th @ Kópavogskirkja December 21st @ Garðakirkja December 22nd @ Dómkirkjan in Reykjavík CHRISTMAS BALL WITH PÁLL ÓSKAR

December 26th @ Spot

GUIDED TOUR IN ENGLISH

December 27th @ National Gallery MOSES HIGHTOWER

December 28th @ Húrra NEW YEAR’S EVE 10K RUN IN ICELAND

December 31st @ Reykjavik

Check out everything that’s going on in December at www.whatson.is/EC

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND EVEN MORE EVENTS, VISIT US ONLINE AT WHATSON.IS/EC YOU CAN ALSO SEND US YOUR EVENTS AT WHATSON.IS/EC/ADD OR EVENTS@WHATSON.IS

WE WANT TO WISH EVERY ONE OF OUR READERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! - THE WHAT’S ON TEAM LAUGAVEGUR 4, REYKJAVIK WWW.WHATSON.IS

ART & CULTURE

ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM This unique museum was founded in 1957 in order to give visitors a tangible sense of Reykjavík’s past. It comprises a village-like collection of over twenty “homes,” each creating a very interesting exhibition in itself.

Kistuhylur, Reykjavik 411-6304 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Guided tours daily at 13.00 or by appointment.

VIÐEY ISLAND

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM Unspoiled nature reigns on island of Viðey, which has a unique place in Icelandic history. Birdlife abounds on the island, while out­stand­i ng works of modern art also make their mark.

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Viðey Reykjavik 533-5055 reykjavikcitymuseum.is

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REYKJAVIK CITY LIBRARY

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.

Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 411-6100 | borgarbokasafn.is Hours: Mon-Thu 10-19, Fri 11-18, Sat & Sun 13-17

THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM Experience Viking-Age Reykjavik at the Settlement Exhibition.

Multimedia techniques bring Reykjavik’s past to life, providing visitors with insights into how people lived in the Viking Age, and what the environment looked like to the settlers.

Aðalstræti 16, Reykjavik 411-6370 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 9-20

REYKJAVIK MARITIME MUSEUM

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM It is impossible to truly get to know Iceland without getting to know its fishing history. The museum’s main exhibitions illustrate the development from rowing boats to m o d e r n t raw l e r s a n d t h e construction of Reykjavik harbour.

Grandagarður 8, Reykjavik 411-6340 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

THE EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM

Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 411-6390 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Mon-Thu 12-19, Fri 12-18, Sat & Sun 13-17

Hallgrímstorg 3, Reykjavik 551-3797 | www.lej.is Hours: Sat-Sun 13-17

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM/ FREE ENTRY The aim of the museum is to shape a unique vision and to be leading in its field.

The museum preserves various collections from professional and amateur photographers.

HAFNARBORG

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.

Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður 585-5790 | www.hafnarborg.is Hours: Daily 12-17, Thu 12-21, Closed Tue

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.

THE NUMISMATIC 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, Reykjavik.

Kalkofnsvegur 1, Reykjavik 569-9600 www.sedlabanki.is Hours: Mon-Fri 13:30-15:30

R O

Trip duration approximately

BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík City

Keflavík International Airport

FAST, FREQUENT & ON SCHEDULE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK!

Your seat is always guaranteed

Free WiFi on all our buses

In connection with all arriving & departing flights at KEF Int. Airport

Transfer from BSÍ Bus Terminal to Keflavík International Airport or vice versa.

Scan the QR code for our flexible schedule.

Trip duration approximately 45 minutes

Transfer from most hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport or vice versa.

For our very flexible schedule kindly consult our brochures or visit www.flybus.is BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík •

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

WE’LL TAKE YOU THERE! ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND

A SIGHT NOT TO BE MISSED!

EXPERIENCE A GREAT DAY WITH US!

More tours available on our website www.re.is AND IN OUR BROCHURES!

Free WiFi

Happy Holidays Relax at the Blue Lagoon There is no better way to start or end your Iceland adventure than by bathing in the famous Blue Lagoon. You can either board the bus at BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík or at Keflavík International Airport.

For departure times, please go to our webpage www.re.is

Reykjavík to Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon to Reykjavík

KEF Airport to Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon to KEF Airport

09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00

11:15 12:15 13:15 14:15 15:15 16:15 17:15 18:15 19:15 21:15

08:30 11:30 13:30 15:30 16:30 17:30

12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00

Summer June - August

Autumn September - October

Flexible

All Year MON TUE WED THU FRI

SAT

SUN

Valid through 31 May 2016.

Winter November - March

Spring April - May

R O

BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík •

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

The National Gallery of Iceland has come a long way from its origins. To begin with, the collection consisted of donated artwork, mainly by Danish artists. Today the museum stands at Frikirkjuvegur in central Reykjavik, displaying both Icelandic and International art.

Fríkirkjuvegur 7, Reykjavík 515-9600 | www.listasafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 11-17

ASÍ ART GALLERÝ

FREE ENTRY This museum was founded in 1961 when industrialist and book publisher Ragnar Jónsson donated his personal art collection to the museum, which consisted of paintings by Iceland’s most renowned painters. His wish was to establish an art museum that would bring art to the working class.

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.

Suðurgata 41, Reykjavik 530-2200 | nationalmuseum.is Hours: Tue-Sun 10-17

THE ICELANDIC PHALLOLOGICAL MUSEUM

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.

Laugavegur 116, Reykjavik 561 6663 | www.phallus.is Hours: Daily 10-18

HANNESARHOLT

VOLCANO HOUSE

Grundarstígur 10, Reykjavik 511-1904 | www.hannesarholt.is Hours: Daily 11-17

Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavik 555-1900 | www.volcanohouse.is Hours: Daily 10-21

Cultural center and historic home of Hannes Hafstein, Iceland’s first Minister of State, now houses the non-profit Hannesarholt, dedicated to retrieving cultural memory, and revitalizing cultural roots.

Bordstofan Bistro open daily from 11am – 6pm. Short doc on Hannes Hafstein and early Reykjavik Guided historic city walks Tue and Thu at 1 pm by appointment.

Shows documentaries that give a good idea of real life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. There’s also a geological stone exhibition, which gives 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.

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM

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.

Laugarnestangi 70 553-2906 | www.lso.is Closed in December and January

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART

Its objective is to collect, study and present Icelandic design and crafts from 1900 to the present day. This young museum, the only one of its kind in Iceland, holds regular exhibitions of Icelandic and international design during the year.

Exhibitions from the museum‘s own collection are regularly held.

Garðatorg 1, Garðabær 512-1525 | www.honnunarsafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 12-17

AURORA REYKJAVIK

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 center features information, education and of course stunning visuals of the elusive lights that’ll get your heart racing.

Grandagarður 2, Reykjavik 780-4500 | aurorareykjavik.is Hours: Daily 9-21

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Freyjugata 41, Reykjavik 511-5353 | www.listasafnasi.is Hours: Daily 13-17

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

ART & CULTURE

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

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ART & CULTURE

KJARVALSSTAÐIR

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.

Flókagata 24, Reykjavik 517-1290 | 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.

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsbær 586-8066 | www.gljufrasteinn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 10-16

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THE CINEMA

A cozy place in a loft at the lively Old Harbour down town Reykjavík, where there is a daily show of films of volcanoes, northern lights and nature gems of Iceland. At The Cinema, one can also enjoy a rock exhibition, buy DVD’s and more, look at books, get refreshments, information - or just relax in a unique place.

Geirsgata 7b, Reykjavík 898 6628 | www.thecinema.is Hours: Daily 12-20

ÁSMUNDARSAFN

Opened in 1983, the collection is housed in a unique building designed and constructed mostly by the artist himself from 19421950. The original building served Sveinsson as studio and home; behind it he built a crescent-shaped structure as a work- and exhibition space.

Sigtún, Reykjavik 553-2155 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17.

THE CULTURE HOUSE

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. There are seven points of view to be found in as many wings of the house, connecting what you’ll see, independent from the medium or time.

Hverfisgata 15, Reykjavik 545-1400 | www.culturehouse.is Hours: Tue-Sun 10-17

COLLECTORS EMPORIUM ICELAND

In a basement of sorts on Hverfisgata, just off Reykjavik’s main shopping street, you’ll find this hidden gem. Imagine it as a museum where you can take home anything you particularly fancy.

A vast collection of unique and historic Icelandic items, such as stamps, coins and much more, make it well worth a visit.

Hverfisgata 16, Reykjavik Hours: Mon-Fri 10-17, Sat 12-16

HAFNARHÚS

The Reykjavik Art Museum took p o ss e ss i o n o f i t s p o r t i o n o f Hafnarhús (Harbour House) in April 2000. Hafnarhús was built in 193239 for the offices and warehouses of Reykjavik Harbor and was at that time one of the largest buildings in the country.

Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavik 590-1200 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17, Thu 10-20

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION

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.

Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík 515-9625 Closed in December and January

WHALES OF ICELAND

The largest whale exhibition in Europe (and perhaps even the world), where guests can learn about the giants of the sea in a calm and modern environment.

The permanent exhibition features whales like guests have never seen them before. It is truly a giant experience.

Fiskislóð 23-25, Reykjavik 571-0077 | whalesoficeland.is Hours: Daily 10-17

SOUVENIR SHOP S HOP OF T H E Y E A R 2 0 1 2

The viking:info Laugavegur 1 · Reykjavík Hafnarstræti 1 - 3 · Reykjavík Hafnarstræti 104 · Akureyri Adalstræti 27 · Ísafjördur e:info@the viking

Ísafjördur

Akureyri Reykjavík

www.theviking.is TAX FREE

Two Icelandic themed villages

HLI

Ð Á LF TA NE SI

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 24 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 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.

ve ri re d nt es ce ut ty in ci m e 15 th to

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

Welcome to Gló Restaurant AT LAUGAVEGUR Gló is Iceland’s most popular health food restaurant in Reykjavik. Gló offers different set menu everyday: Raw food, chicken, a vegetarian dish and soup. Tasty desserts, coffee, tea and delicious juices are offered as well.

Laugavegur 20b · Open every day 11–22 Tel 553 1111 · www.glo.is · #gloiceland

Austur is one of the hottest clubs in downtown Reykjavik, and has been since it first opened in 2009. Austur is located in Austurstraeti, one of the main bar- and shopping streets downtown, and even though the surrounding area is filled with clubs and bars, Austur seems to be the center of attention.

Austurstræti 7, Reykjavik 568-1907

HÚRRA

Dark and raw, this large bar/club opens up its back room to make a concert venue, with live music or DJs most nights. They’ve got six Icelandic microbreweries on tap and happy hour runs till 21:00. One of the coolest and hipster friendly places in town and your best bet of catching the next big thing from Iceland.

KAFFIBARINN

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 and univer sity 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.

Bergstaðastræti 1, Reykjavik 551-1588 www.kaffibarinn.is

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!

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 581-2200

B5

B5 bar/bistro has become a very popular establishment with the locals of the capital. With its very contemporary and stylish interior, b5 is laid back during the day, while as night falls, the lights dim and the atmosphere changes accordingly.

Bankastræti 5, Reykjavik 552-9600 www.b5.is

THE CELTIC CROSS

An Irish pub with multiple beers on tap. With a big screen TV to watch the game, while enjoying a nice cold pint of beer, the Celtic Cross features friendly staff and a nice atmosphere that makes you feel just at home.

Hverfisgata 26, Reykjavik 511-3240

DEN DANSKE KRO

There is live music playing every night at Den Danske Kro and sometimes there are live football games, pub quizzes, beer bingo, darts and happy hours. Den Danske Kro is a casual place in the heart of Reykjavik where everyone is welcome.

Ingólfsstræti 3, Reykjavik 552-0070 www.danski.is

BAR ANANAS

THE ENGLISH PUB

Klapparstígur 38, Reykjavik

Austurstræti 12, Reykjavik 578-0400 www.facebook.com/enskibarinn

Ten seconds from Laugavegur, you´ll find Iceland’s one and only Beach-Bar/Tiki Bar in downtown Reykjavík. There, most things are made in the shape of a pineapple.

Pillows, glasses, chandeliers, candlesticks and more. At weekends city´s best DJs will make guests feel sunny while they enjoy the strangest cocktails in town. Go for the Flamingophant cocktail!

In the mood for a pint? English Pub offers over 35 brands of beer and Whiskey. Whatever your preference – you will find it here. This is also a great place if you would like to catch some football (soccer). Inside they have 3 big screens and 2 TV’s so that you can catch all the action as it happens.

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Naustin, Reykjavik www.hurra.is

KALDI BAR

NIGHTLIFE

AUSTUR

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SHOPPING & STYLE Find more recommendations at whatson.is 70

ANNA MARÍA DESIGN

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.

Skólavörðustígur 3, Reykjavik 551-0036 www.annamariadesign.is

LISTVINAHÚSIÐ

The oldest ceramic workshop in Iceland established 1927. Three generations of artistic potters.

U n i q u e h a n d m a d e ce ra m i c s , 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”.

Skólavörðustígur 43, Reykjavik 551-2850 www.listvinahusid.is

FJALLAKOFINN

At Fjallakofinn you can find top quality clothing and good equipment at a fair price. They offer good advise on all backpacking and outdoor related things and offer basic things like backpacks, sleeping bags and tents for rent. A licensed retailer of many big brands, you’ll find everything for your outdoor needs.

Laugavegur 11, Reykjavik 510-9505 | www.fjallakofinn.is

ÁLAFOSS

One of Iceland’s major woollen industry shops, the Álafoss store.

Situated in old factory premises that for decades were the leading manufacturers and exporters of Icelandic woollens, Álafoss is a company that strives towards offering the newest wares along with the traditional Icelandic wool sweaters.

Laugavegur 8, Reykjavik 566-6303 | www.alafoss.is

LISTASELIÐ

IGLÓ&INDÍ

Skólavörðustígur 17b, Reykjavik 551-5675 | www.listaselid.is Hours: Mon-Fri 12-18, Sat 11-16

Skólavörðustígur 2, Reykjavik 445-2020 | www.igloandindi.com

Six energetic women design and create exclusive art, while also running and working in the gallery.

The gallery offers gift vouchers, issued by the store or by the Centrum organization that can be redeemed within most shops on Laugarvegur and Skólavörðustígur in downtown Reykjavik.

Loved by parents and children alike and praised in the media for boldness and creativity, Ígló&Indí has offered both parents and children an ever growing collection of clothes with a fresh take on children’s fashion since 2008— representing the best childhood has to offer.

THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS SHOP

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 8, Reykjavik 552-2412

METAL DESIGN

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 2. Reykjavik 552-5445 www.MetalDesignReykjavik.is

CINTAMANI

Nowhere in the populated world does the weather change as fast, or as often as here. Thus Icelandic d e s i g n e r s h ave to m e e t t h e 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.

Bankastræti 7, Reykjavik 533-3800 | www.cintamani.is

BY BOAT

ALSO TRY

NORTHERN LIGHTS

BY BOAT*

SEP OCT NOV DES JAN FEB MAR APR** 22:00 21:00* 21:00 21:00 21:00 21:00 21:00* 22:00

WHALE WATCHING FROM REYKJAVIK

PRICE: Adults 9.000 ISK Children (7-15) 4.500 ISK Children (0-6) FREE

*Departing at 21:00 from 16th Oct-14th Mar **Until 15 April

WHALE WATCHING SEP OCT NOV DES JAN FEB MAR APR 09:00 09:00 09:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00* *From 15th May-15th September Price: Adults: 9.000 ISK Children (7-15) 4.500 ISK Children (0-6) FREE

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

SHOPPING & STYLE

GULLKÚNST HELGU

With its wide open spaces and beautiful treasures displayed in glass casting, Gullkúnst Helgu feels more like a gallery than a jewelry shop. Located on central Laugavegur, Reykjavik´s busiest shopping street, this family owned shop is not to be missed.

Laugavegur 13, Reykjavik 561-6660 www.gullkunst.is

STUDIO STAFN

At Studio Stafn you will be able to look at art, purchase art and have your art framed! Great works and historical paintings by Iceland’s most famous artists could become all yours if you pay them a visit. If you’re not looking to buy art, at least stop by and take a look.

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Ingólfsstræti 6, Reykjavik 552-4700 www.studiostafn.is

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THE HANDKNITTING ASSOCIATION OF ICELAND

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 manufactures.

Skólavörðustígur 19, Reykjavik 552-1890 | www.handknit.is

MICHELSEN

KRAUM

Laugavegur 15, Reykjavik 511-1900 | www.michelsen.is

Aðalstræti 10, Reykjavik 517-7797 www.kraum.is

HILDUR HAFSTEIN

GEYSIR

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, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Diesel, Movado, Swiss Military and more.

A wonderful little workshop, where Hildur Hafstein creates her handmade Icelandic jewelry line, KORA. Inspired by different elements, such as Buddhism and the flower power, a visit to Hildur Hafstein will be a pleasant experience. Although the store is technically on Laugavegur, you walk in from Klapparstígur!

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 771-1177 www.HildurHafstein.is

EPAL

Their main goal has been to 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.

Skeifan 6, & Harpa Reykjavik Keflavík Airport 568-7740 | www.epal.is

Natural light floods the wooden floors and the fresh white walls of this stunning design hub and retail outlet, which already attracts some of Iceland´s top talents. More than 70 designers are contributing to a huge selection of products that include children’s puzzles, fish skin lamps and exquisite jewellery.

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.

Skólavörðustíg 16, Reykjavík 519-6000 www.geysir.com

KRINGLAN

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.

Kringlan 4-12, Reykjavik 517-9000 | www.kringlan.is

SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 14 - 101 REYKJAVÍK - TEL: +354 571 1100

Gourmet Experience

- Steaks and Style at Argentina Steakhouse Barónsstíg 11 - 101 Reykjavík Tel: 551 9555 argentina.is

FOOD & DRINK

TORFAN RESTAURANT

This great restaurant combines traditional French cuisine with a Nordic touch. It is traditional but still connects to the present and the outcome is a classical cuisine surprise. Torfan is at Bernhöftstorfa, in one of the cities most beautiful house, built in 1838.

Amtmannsstígur 1, Reykjavík 561-3303 | www.torfan.is

AUSTURLANDAHRAÐLESTIN

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

An excellent Indian restaurant, focusing on quality take-away, with the option of eating in. This means that while it‘s technically “fast food”, it’s definitely of restaurant q u a l i t y. T h e m e n u i n c l u d e s everything you could expect from an Indian restaurant, with the Chicken Tandoori being especially recommended.

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Lækjargata 8, Reykjavik 578-3838 | www.hradlestin.is

SNAPS

A new restaurant in Iceland situated at Odinstorg. Snaps is a classic french bistro using local Icelandic ingredients. The location could not be better. Snaps is literally a few steps away from downtown Reykjavik, close to the National Theatre, The National Gallery of Iceland and the two main shopping streets of Reykjavik” Óðinstorg, Reykjavik 511-6677 | www.snaps.is

VEGAMÓT BISTRO

Is a centrally located and affordable restaurant that boasts an extensive international menu with an emphasis on Tex-Mex, Italian, Indian and many light meal options. One thing you can be sure of, when you visit Vegamót is that the place will be crowded. This local hit is usually filled with locals for lunch, dinner and during evenings.

Vegamótastígur 4, Reykjavik 511-3040 | www.vegamot.is

GRILLIÐ

Newly renovated in its original unique design, Grillið is one of the city’s best located panoramic viewpoints While you enjoy the view, our chefs will prepare your gourmet meal from extraordinary Icelandic materials. Lead by head chef Sigurður Helgason who represented Iceland in the famous Bocuse d´Or competition in 2015 and with him is Atli Þór Erlendsson, Chef of the Year 2015 in Iceland.

Radisson BLU Hotel, Reykjavik 525-9960 | www.grillid.is

ARGENTÍNA STEAKHOUSE

HAMBORGARABÚLLAN – BURGER JOINT

Barónsstígur 11a, Reykjavik 551-9555 | www.argentina.is

Geirsgata 1, Reykjavik 511-1888 www.bullan.is

UNO RESTAURANT

APOTEK

They offer some of the the finest cuisine there is to find in the whole city. Grilling meat and fish of all kinds Argentinian style using wooden coal is what they do better than any other restaurant and frankly, you won‘t believe your own tastebuds

Uno is a relatively new, modern Italian restaurant in downtown Reykjavik, where original Italian culinary customs and Icelandic ingredients come together to form a delightful treat.

Hafnarstræti 1-3, Reykjavik 561-1313 | www.uno.is

Since 2004, the Joint has kept it simple, fun and delicious. Sitting right by the Old Harbour, in a small, iconic house, the atmosphere of the Burger Joint is hard to find elsewhere. You can feel the joy of the staff, as they serve you juicy burgers, exploding with great taste.

An exciting restaurant located in one of the most beautiful corners of Reykjavik, Apotek Restaurant is casual-smart, offering delicious food in a vibrant atmosphere and stylish surroundings. The menu is a fun mix of Icelandic and European cuisine and the dishes are designed to share and enjoy together.

Austurstræti 16, Reykjavik 551-0011 | www.apotek.is

The concept of the restaurant is "c a s u a l f u n d i n i n g" a n d w e p r e p a r e w h a t w e w o u l d call a simple honest, "feel good", comfort food, where we take on the classics with a modern twist.

S K Ó L AV Ö R Ð U S T Í G U R 4 0 · 1 0 1 R E Y K J AV Í K T E L . +3 5 4 5 1 7 74 74 · I N F O @ K O L R E S TA U R A N T. I S · KO L R E S TA U R A N T. I S

ROCK N’ ROLL

R I B S

2.890

IKR

Salted Cod With almond and chive butter, fig and potatoes

3.650

IKR

+3 5 4 5 1 7 4 3 0 0 geysirbistro.is

+354 527 5000 grillhusid.is

AUSTURINDÍAFJELAGIÐ

JÓMFRÚIN

The spices used to season the food at Austur-Indiafjelagid are imported directly from India and blended on the spot by their team of highly experienced chefs. The Tandoori dishes on the menu must be mentioned, as the chefs have truly mastered the art of Tandoori grilling.

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.

Tryggvagata 4-6, Reykjavik 561-1111 | www.steik.is

Hverfisgata 56, Reykjavik 552-1630 | www.austurindia.is

Lækjargata 4, Reykjavik 551-0100 | www.jomfruin.is

KOL

THE ICELANDIC BAR

PERLAN

A new 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.

Kol describes itself as “casual fine dining with a big bar”. The name comes from the unique charcoal oven which lends a very special, rustic flavour to the dishes. The restaurant offers a wide variety of sophisticated cocktails, mixed with handmade syrups and juices.

Skólavörðustígur 40, Reykjavik 517-7474

GLÓ

Located inside Listhusid in Laugardalur valley, Glo is Iceland‘s hottest new organic restaurant.

The menu consists of vegetarianand raw food courses, meat dishes, soups and salads. The courses are somewhat modest as they are simple, filling and not flooded with too much spice or ingredients.

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 553-1111 | www.glo.is

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.

Ingólfsstræti 1a, Reykjavík 517+6767 | www.islenskibarinn.is

KAFFITÁR

A chain of cafés and espresso bars with over 30 years of experience in serving and roasting high-quality coffee. They operate cafés in 8 locations in Iceland, promising a highly knowledgeable staff and a great cup of coffee procured in a responsible and fair way.

Bankastræti 8, Reykjavik 420-2700 www.kaffitar.is/en

FOOD & DRINK

THE STEAK HOUSE

For the finest in dining, nothing compares to Perlan Restaurant.

While your taste buds delight to superb cuisine, you will enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Reykjavik and beyond as the restaurant gently completes a full rotation every two hours.

Perlan, Reykjavik 562-0200 | www.perlan.is

KJALLARINN KITCHEN BAR

„The Cellar“ a new restaurant in one of the cities oldest houses. The menu is split up by the two main methods of cooking, a coal oven and a French planche. Master chef Eyjólfur Gestur serves up exciting feasts from both sea and land as well as great parings of food and cocktails.

Aðalstræti 2, Reykjavik 517 7373

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FOOD & DRINK

SJÁVARBARINN

Sjávarbarinn’s main feature is an all-you-can-eat buffet that has received raving reviews and it also offers an à la carte menu at a very competitive price. Join the locals for lunch in a friendly and cheerful atmosphere or enjoy dinner when the chef spruces things up.

Grandagarður 9, Reykjavik 517-3131 www.sjavarbarinn.is

KOPAR

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.

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Geirsgata 3, Reykjavik 567-2700 www.koparrestaurant.is

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FLJÓTT OG GOTT

One of Reykjavik’s iconic restaurants, located in the main bus terminal, BSÍ. Here you can have the coveted “Sheep’s Head” as well as all the traditional Icelandic food, which is a must-try for all adventurous travellers!

Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, Reykjavik 552-1288 | www.fljottoggott.is

MAR - SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

A restaurant in prime location in Reykjavík‘s old harbour. The menu is inspired by South-American and southern-European cuisine and the restaurant designed to deliver fresh and uplifting dining experience, unique to the harbour area. MAR is an interesting choice for individuals and groups alike.

AALTO BISTRO

A unique restaurant and café, run by the award-winning chef, Sveinn Kjartansson. AALTO puts an emphasis on Scandinavian food, inspired by European cuisine.

Located in the Nordic House, designed by the acclaimed Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, this bistro is a hidden gem.

Geirsgata 9, Reykjavik 519-5050 | www.marrestaurant.is

The Nordic House, Sturlugata 5, Reykjavik 551-0200 | www.aalto.is

GRILLHÚSIÐ

73 RESTAURANT

Tryggvagata 20, Reykjavik 527-5000 www.grillhusid.is

Laugavegur 73, Reykjavik 555 7373 www.73.is

FISH COMPANY

KOLABRAUTIN

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.

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.

Vesturgata 2a, Reykjavik 552-5300 | www.fiskfelagid.is

Offering a great selection of Icelandic brews and one of the most Epic Burgers this country has ever seen (300gr!), 73, a family-owned and operated restaurant is the place to go for those seeking great food at good prices. Take note that the outdoor seating area is a special treat!

Harpa is not only home to the Icelandic Opera and the Orchestra, it is also the location of one of Reykjavik‘s newest fine restaurants.

The kitchen is in the middle of the room, where the fiery furnace gives the dinner guests a warm welcome.

An ideal choice for people who appreciate fine cuisine combined with unique architecture and elegant atmosphere.

Harpa, Reykjavik 519-9700 | www.kolabrautin.is

Experience real Icelandic cuisine

Bankastræti 2, 101 Reykjavík Tel: (+354) 551 4430 info@laekjarbrekka.is www.laekjarbrekka.is

Let’s be friends!

/laekjarbrekka

vurl.is/i

Culinary underground movement — Literally The newest addition to the restaurant flora of the capital is Kjallarinn - Kitchen Bar

Kjallarinn simply means „The Cellar“ a fitting name since Kjallarinn is literally underground.

The stylish yet warm surrounding is the home of some exciting innovations in both cooking as well as cocktails, which are the inventions of master chef Eyjólfur Gestur in collaboration with the bartenders. The menu is broken up by method of cooking, on one hand the coal oven and on the other a French Planche. On the menu you can find various fish, meat and fowl and of course some delicious cocktails, should you be so inclined. Enjoy!

Aðal stræt i 2 101 Reykjavík Tel : 517 7373 kjallarinn@kjallarinn.is

Got a question about Iceland? Wondering if it’s safe? (It is). Who the president is? (Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson). Maybe you’re wondering about where to find some original Icelandic Igloos? (Just stop.

Don’t.). We have the answers to these questions and plenty more at our website: www.whatson.is.

If you can’t find your answer there, just visit us on Laugavegur 4 in Reykjavík, or drop us an e-mail at whatson@whatson.is.

MUST KNOW PHONE NUMBERS

IMPORTANT STATISTICS

112 – The only number you need to have in your arsenal. If you get hurt, robbed, set on fire or accidentally set something on fire yourself, this is the number you call. Memorize it. Luckily, it isn’t complicated.

330.000 The population of the country. Yes, we know, it’s not a lot.

5885522 – Thanks to a catchy jingle this company had in the early nineties, every Icelander knows this number. There are other taxi companies, but ask any Icelander for a number for a taxi, this is probably what you get.

0 Number of people living in Igloos in Iceland.

99.5 Percentage of Icelanders who speak English. Although we of course encourage you to check out the beautiful Icelandic language, if only for the always hilarious Eyjafjallajökull joke, you’ll be perfectly safe conversing with locals in a more international language.

4 The street number of our Laugavegur office in case you have more questions, feel like seeing the Northern lights, or just feel like chatting!

5 Number of post offices in the Reykjavík area. Alternatively, e-mail was invented several years ago, and has gotten quite popular, maybe you should look into that?

220 Number of volts Icelandic electricity uses. Converters are needed for people from the UK and the USA, at least for those who like their phones charged and their hair dry and/or curled.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW!

1818 – If you forget the emergency number, want to call a different taxi company or you met some nice Icelanders last night and want to call them up, this is the only number you need, the Icelandic phonebook. +354 – The country code to Iceland.

Add this to the seven digit phone numbers in Iceland and you can telephone to your heart’s desire, so long as you’re calling people in Iceland.

CHECK OUT MORE ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ONLINE AT WHATSON.IS/FAQ

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Make a toast with Iceland’s no. 1 beer Pour a glass of the number one beer in the country, raise your glass to a friend and say “scowl fyrewr thyer!” You should fit right in.

Skál fyrir þér!

Enjoy responsibly

FOLLOW US @ALAFOSS

Álafoss Main Store Álafossvegi 23 270 Mosfellsbær Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 - 18.00 Saturday 9.00 - 16.00

Álafoss - Sweaters & souvenirs Laugavegi 8 Reykjavík City centre Opening hours: All days 10.00 - 21.00

Special opening for groups after closing: tel: 354 5666303

– Visit our stores: Skólavörðustígur 7 & 16, 101 Reykjavík, Akureyri and Geysir, Haukadal. geysir.com –