Reykjavik City Guide 2017-2018 by MD Reykjavik

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REYKJAVÍK Museums and Galleries Wining and Dining Sights to See

Things to do Events Tours and Activities

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO REYKJAVÍK

8 01 2 17 0 2

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Volcano Documentary, Stone Collection and Geological Exhibition in Reykjavík, next to the Old Harbour.

Tryggvagata 11 | Reykjavík | +354 555 1900 | www.volcanohouse.is

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48 30

Reykjavík Harbor 37

Old Harbor

47 8

Landakot Hospital Landakot’s church

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center

31 14

36 1

City Centre

2 11

44 9

Neskirkja church

tún

Þórunnartún

National & University Library

ínar

ðr

Reykjavík Pond

rtú

a ún

Katr

Reykjavík Cathedral City Hall 7

Bríe

Fríkirkjan church

Hlemmur 18 Bus Station

tart

ún

Hallgrímskirkja church 33

46 3

Landspítali Hospital

The Nordic House

Háteigskirkja church 22

BSÍ

39 10

Kjarvalsstaðir art museum

PLACES OF INTEREST 1.

Arnarhóll Hill

25. Laugardalshöll Arena

2. Austurvöllur square

26. Laugardalslaug Thermal Pool

3. Ásgrímur Jónsson Museum – National Gallery

27. Laugardalur Stadium

4. Ásmundarsafn – Reykjavík Art Museum 5. Botanical Garden 42

31. Museum of Photography

7. City Hall

9. Culture house

32. National Gallery Sundahöfn Harbor 33. National

10. Domestic Airport

12. Einar Jónsson Museum

36. Numismatic Museum

13. Government Building

37. Old Harbour

14. Hafnarhús – Reykjavík Art Museum

38. Parliament Building

17. Háteigskirkja Church

Laugardalur Recreational Area

18. Hlemmur Food Hall Áskirkja (Opens in 2017)

church

19. Hljómskálagarðurinn Park

4 43 27 5

Botanical Garden 40

Family Park and Zoo

34. National Theatre 35. Nordic House

16. Harpa Concert Hall Laugarneskirkja church

Museum

11. Dómkirkjan Cathedral

15. Hallgrímskirkja Church

29. Maritime Museum 30. Marshall Building

6. BSÍ Bus Terminal

8. City Library

28. Lækjartorg Square

39. Perlan 40. Reykjavík Family Park & Zoo 41. Settlement Exhibition 42. Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum – National Gallery

20. Hólavallagarður Cemetary

43. Skating Rink

21. Höfði House

44. Sun Voyager Sculpture

22. Kjarvalsstaðir – Reykjavík Art Museum

45. Sundhöll Reykjavíkur

23. Kolaportið Flea Market 24. Landakotskirkja Catholic Church

46. University of Iceland 47. Volcano House 48. Whales of Iceland

LIST OF CONTENT WELCOME TO REYKJAVÍK

10-43

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

44-65

WINING & DINING

66-79

DAY TOURS, ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES

80-111

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND REYKJAVÍK

112-175

EVENT CALENDAR

176-187

HAFNARFJÖRÐUR 188-193 NEIGHBORING TOWNS

194-197

GOOD TO KNOW

198-201

Authors have taken all reasonable care in preparing this handbook, information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but make no guarantee about the accuracy or completeness of its content. © MD Reykjavík ehf.

Printed and distributed in 100,000 copies.

MANAGING EDITOR: Hjörtur Atli Guðmunds. Geirdal, hjortur@whatson.is. EDITOR: Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir, greta@ whatson.is LAYOUT & DESIGN: Stefán Birgir Stefáns, sbs@whatson.is AD SALES: Reynir Elís Þorvaldsson, reynir@whatson.is MAPS: © Ólafur Valsson PHOTOGRAPHS BY: Stefán Birgir Stefáns, Páll Stefánsson, Ian Funk, Ari Magg, Lýður Guðmundsson, Vilhelm Gunnarsson, Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson & many more. 141

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PUBLISHED BY: MD Reykjavík ehf.

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Adventure awaits

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IS A FJ O R D U R Seafood and culture in the Westfjords

L A K E M Y VAT N Waterside wildlife and curious natural formations

M Y VAT N / H U S AVIK Highlights of the north

K U LU S U K An 8-hour hike in remarkable Greenland

WE KNOW THE NORTH. AND WE’D LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO EVERY NOOK AND CRANNY. ARE YOU READY?

Look for even more adventures online. They’re hiding in plain sight. websales@airicelandconnect.com tel. +354 570 3030

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Reykjavík may be one of the smallest capital cities in Europe, but it still packs a powerful punch. Visitors can enjoy a lively culture and a multitude of events and festivals all year round! With a fascinating history, rooted in the Icelandic Sagas, and a unique location, surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Reykjavík manages to combine the hip and the wholesome, without the stress that usually follows a cosmopolitan metropolis. Whether illuminated by the unending daylight in the summertime or the spectacular Aurora Borealis at winter, Reykjavík is a great alternative travel destination for all seasons, offering a myriad of adventures and a paradise of possibilities for all who visit! Reykjavík buzzes with creative energy and passion, and the culture is a melting pot of influences, both primal and sophisticated. Whether it’s the city’s unique spirit that enchants you, the crystal-clear drinking water or the city’s proximity to a host of

WELCOME TO REYKJAVIK

WELCOME TO REYKJAVÍK extraordinary natural phenomena - volcanoes, waterfalls and glaciers one thing’s for sure, once you’ve been introduced, it’s hard to say goodbye. While Reykjavík’s small population ensures that it maintains its smalltown charm, it’s still a modern European capital too, with the added bonus of a unique spa and pool culture. You’ll discover a thriving culinary scene with many outstanding restaurants and a vibrant culture, with a variety of interesting museums, theatres, galleries, and sports facilities. However long you stay, for a weekend or forever, we hope you’ll discover the unique energy of Reykjavík and share your adventures with your family and friends!

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R E Y K J AV Í K IN FACTS & FIGURES

Reykjavík is the world’s northernmost capital of an independent nation. Reykjavík’s location, just south of the Arctic Circle, means that on the darkest day of the year, Reykjavík only gets 4 hours of sunlight. In the summer, however, there’s sunlight all night long!

WELCOME TO REYKJAVIK

Two thirds of Icelanders live in Reykjavík or the surrounding suburbs.

At the beginning of the 20th century, only about 6000 people lived in Reykjavík. The 2016 census counts just over 120.000, an increase of 2000% over the course of a century. In 2010, a comedian ran for mayor of Reykjavík. He promised to practice corruption openly, fight for a drug-free parliament and called his party the Best Party. He won by a landslide. Jón Gnarr

There are 7 geothermally heated swimming pools in Reykjavík proper and 17 in the larger capital area. Reykjavík was the first permanent settlement in Iceland, the homestead of Ingólfur Arnarson. This earned him the honour of a statue atop Arnarhóll hill in the centre of Reykjavík.

While Hallgrímskirkja church is Reykjavík’s tallest building at 74.5 m, nearby municipality Kópavogur has the highest building in Iceland at 77.6 m. Laugavegur, the city centre’s main shopping street, started out as a muddy trail for washerwomen carrying heavy loads of laundry to the hot springs in Laugardalur.

A SHORT HISTORY OF REYKJAVÍK According to the Book of Icelanders, the settlement of Iceland began in the year 871 (give or take a year or two) with the arrival of Ingólfur Arnarson to what is now the capital, Reykjavík. When he arrived, steam rising up from hot springs prompted the name Reykjavík or “Smokey Bay”. This early period is well documented in the Book of Settlements; however, if you’d like to find out more about why and how the Vikings came to Reykjavík, visit the National Museum and/or the Settlement Exhibition (for more information, check out our Museums chapter, p. 44-65). Despite Reykjavík being the first inhabited place in Iceland, it wasn’t until the 18th century that a small town began to grow around Ingólfur’s former homestead. Local hero, Sheriff Skúli Magnússon, sometimes nicknamed the father of Reykjavík, opened wool mills in an effort to modernize the Icelandic economy. It was on the backs of sheep that Reykjavík began its modern urban development. Even if a town was beginning to form, Reykjavík had no claim as a capital for some years yet, especially since Iceland was still ruled by Denmark at the time. Reykjavík only became the seat of Icelandic legislation when the historic Icelandic Parliament, suspended in 1799 AD, was re-instituted in 1844 with Reykjavík as its seat. When Iceland

became independent from the Danes a century later, in 1944, Reykjavík became the country’s capital. Growing steadily ever since, Reykjavík has become the modern capital you know today. Fortunately, the past isn’t lost. Reykjavík offers some great museums that preserve its colourful past, recreating our Viking heritage and uncovering the lives of everyday Icelanders in years gone by. Discover the city’s history by taking a tour of the National Museum, the Settlement Exhibition, the Maritime Museum or the Árbær open air museum. You can also take a walk among Reykjavík’s historical sights (p. 114-119).

Kolabrautin is on 4th floor Harpa

Reservations

+354 519 9700 info@kolabrautin.is www.kolabrautin.is

For a special evening with a view like no other A dinner at the elevated fourth floor of Harpa concert hall is a destination in itself. Relax and enjoy the best Icelandic produce complemented with a spectacular panoramic view of ReykjavĂk and the surrounding horizon.

Summer

Autumn

In the days of the midnight sun, Reykjavík becomes a city that never sleeps. Popular summertime activities including whale watching, sea-angling, horseback-riding and trips to the many natural wonders just outside the city limits.

Reykjavík’s calendar of events goes into high gear during the fall, with festivals, conferences, and other cultural events taking place. Kicking off the season at the end of September is the Reykjavík International Film Festival, which highlights independent filmmaking and showcases the work of up-and-coming filmmakers. The biannual Reykjavík International Literary festival takes place in September as well, hosting Icelandic writers as well as international guests.

Perhaps one of the more remarkable summer destinations within Reykjavík city is the geothermal beach at Nauthólsvík, where you can spend the afternoon enjoying a picnic or swimming in a heated ocean lagoon. Sea-swimmers can enjoy the cooler waters of the Atlantic and warm up afterwards in the sauna or the two giant hot tubs. One of the best things about Reykjavík is its abundance of exceptional coffee houses, staffed with talented baristas. On a hot sunny day, the thriving coffee culture often spills out onto the streets – particularly around Austurvöllur square, where coffeeloving crowd can be found sipping coffee, hot or iced, while soaking up the sun.

WELCOME TO REYKJAVIK

REYKJAVÍK FOR THE SEASONS

Fans of peace, love and John Lennon won’t want to miss Yoko Ono’s annual Imagine Peace Tower ceremony in October, where she invites everyone to join her for the illumination of a superbeam of light on Viðey Island. The work of art is dedicated to Lennon’s vision of peace and is lit every year on his birthday. In early November, you can experience the Icelandic music scene’s crowning glory, Iceland Airwaves—the coolest music festival of them all. The fiveday music extravaganza draws top performers, countless festivalgoers and media attention from around the globe.

Winter

Spring

There’s never a dull day in Reykjavík during the wintertime, even if they are dark! Apart from the occasional fall of snow and regular displays of Northern Lights, there’s also a full calendar of cultural events and festivities; concerts, plays and many seasonal exhibitions.

In between the sunshine, showers and dustings of snow, the first blooms peek out at the Botanical Gardens in early April, and the new generation of farm animals arrives at the Reykjavík Family Park & Zoo.

Christmas season is always celebrated with great splendour. The city’s buildings, trees and streets are decorated with countless twinkly lights, ornaments and Christmas displays and Christmas concerts and events are popular Winter-sports enthusiasts will find many of exciting winter tours available from Reykjavík including super jeep tours, horseback riding, dog sledding and snowmobiling on a glacier etc. In February, you can enjoy the tasty Food & Fun festival, followed closely by the Winter Lights Festival, which always delivers a packed program full of special events for the whole family.

As the ice melts on lake Tjörnin, you’ll also notice the nation getting back to their outdoor routine, donning their jogging shoes, climbing back on their bikes and firing-up their grills for outdoor BBQs. It’s a great time to visit the outdoor areas of Reykjavík, and after a long day of activities, Reykjavík’s geothermal swimming pools are relaxing and soothing for tired travellers. March is dedicated to Icelandic design, with the Design March Festival transforming the city into one big venue for exhibitions, fashion shows and other design-related events. Other events on the festival calendar include the Children’s Culture Festival, The First Day of Summer Celebrations and the Reykjavík Horse Festival.

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REYKJAVÍK FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Families will find plenty of interesting activities in Reykjavík. Whether it’s splashing around in a geothermally heated swimming pool, trying on Viking armour or viewing whales at close range, kids of all ages will find something to enjoy. Reykjavík is particularly family- friendly. It’s a safe and clean city, simple to navigate on foot, with easy access to nature. Local businesses are very accommodating of families with young children; even in the hippest of coffee shops and restaurants, you’ll find high-chairs and play areas set aside for the kids. Reykjavík has much to offer visitors at affordable prices – sometimes even for free! Below are our top ten recommendations for active families and curious kids to enjoy while visiting Reykjavík.

Top 10 Family Activities in Reykjavík Splash & play in any of the 18 swimming pools in the Reykjavík Capital Area. Make friends with the resident ducks, geese and swans of Tjörnin Lake. Go back in time to the Viking age at one of the capital area’s many museums. Visit the animals at the Reykjavík Family Park & Zoo. Try delicious Icelandic food – hot dogs, soft ice cream, skyr and black liquorice. Climb the majestic Mount Esja. Ride an Icelandic horse through rocky lava fields. See whales and puffins on a boat trip from the old harbour. See bubbling hot springs and roaring waterfalls on a day trip from Reykjavík.

Revel in a Reykjavík winter – be dazzled by Christmas lights, visit the Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village, skate on Lake Tjörnin or simply start a snowball fight!

Children’s Culture Festival (April) A festival celebrating the music, literature and arts of children of all ages! First Day of Summer (April) The First Day of Summer is an official holiday, celebrated with parades and family-friendly fun all over the city. Festival of the Sea (June) The area around the old harbour in Reykjavík bustles with life during this festival, which celebrates the ocean around Iceland and the men and women who spend their days fishing and sailing.

Independence Day (June 17) Iceland became an independent country in 1944 and every year since, June 17th is celebrated with a festival in every town in Iceland. Reykjavík Culture Night (August) Culture night actually mostly takes place during the day, with plenty of events, concerts, street theatre, and other events to keep the whole family entertained!

WELCOME TO REYKJAVIK

Family Friendly Events

For more information on festivals in Reykjavík, check out p. 38-40.

SHOP LOCATIONS EPAL Harpa concert hall Epal Laugavegi 70

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WELCOME TO REYKJAVIK

HIGHLIGHTS OF REYKJAVÍK The Sun Voyager A beautiful sculpture in the image of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula by Sæbraut, close to the Reykjavík centre. The sculpture, by Jón Gunnar Árnason, symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and an ode to the sun. It serves as a reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland. An ideal opportunity to see Sólfarið is when the sun is setting.

Esjan If you stand in the city centre and look out over the ocean, the mountain on the other side of the fjord is called Esjan. Not only is it very pretty, as well as helpful when you need to know which direction is north, it’s also a popular hiking spot for Reykjavík locals. The most popular route is straight up the well-worn path from the visitor’s centre towards the landmark rock, cleverly known as Steinn (in English: Rock). This hike should take about an hour each way for experienced hikers.

More info on page 140

Reykjavík City Hall

Hallgrímskirkja

The majestic 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. It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, designed the church to resemble the basalt columns of Iceland’s landscape.

WELCOME TO REYKJAVIK

The building, with its impressive, modern design, was completed in 1992 and sits on the north shore of Lake Tjörnin. Its houses offices for the mayor and city’s executive officials and is also open to visitors. The reception area features exhibition halls, where exhibitions, fairs, and cultural events take place, as well as the city’s official tourist information centre. The three-dimensional map of Iceland is always a favourite with visitors to the country.

The Old Harbour The descriptive name comes from the fact that it’s the first lasting harbour in Reykjavík. The most visited area is the eastern pier where you’ll find a community of shops, galleries, electric bike and scooter rentals, and whale watching companies. Ever since the Reykjavík fishing industry moved to the new harbour, the area is filled with excellent restaurants and coffee houses, shops, galleries and museums.

Perlan Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking buildings, built on the hot water reserve tanks for the city. It’s a stand-out piece of architecture for its modern construction. On the fourth level is a 360° viewing platform where you can get the best panoramic views of Reykjavík and when the sun sets, it’s a spectacular spot for the Northern Lights. Surrounding Perlan is the Öskjuhlíð recreational area, perfect for a walk on a sunny day.

Tjörnin - The Pond

The heart of Reykjavík. People go to the pond to feed the birds and enjoy one of the most amazing views in Reykjavík. A walk in the adjoining park, Hljómskálagarður, is delightful on a sunny summer’s day. The lake freezes over in winter, although hot geothermal water is pumped there to defrost an area for the birds. If you’ve brought your skates, skating on Lake Tjörnin is a popular pastime, especially when the city is adorned with Christmas lights.

Viðey Island Viðey island lies off the coast of Reykjavík and can be reached by ferry. It was inhabited for the larger part of Iceland’s history and has a rich historical background. Other attractions include impressive works of art, such as the Imagine Peace Tower by Yoko Ono and Richard Serra’s Milestones. With an extensive network of trails and a population of resident horses, the island can be explored both on foot and by horseback. More info on page 136

Höfði House Höfði House, built in 1909, is one of the most beautiful and historically significant buildings in the Reykjavík area. Originally built as a French embassy, Höfði is today best known as the location for the 1986 summit meeting of presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, a historical event that effectively marked the end of the Cold War. During this meeting images of the house were broadcast all over the world. More info on page 146

Harpa

Iceland’s biggest concert hall, suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events. Looking out over the Reykjavík harbour and glorious Mt. Esjan on the other side, Harpa also hosts promotions, plays, and public events. If you haven’t got a ticket for a show, you can still stop by the restaurants and shops in the building. The attentiongrabbing honeycomb façade was designed by Ólafur Elíasson, a Danish artist of Icelandic descent.

More info on page 166

Do yourself

A FAVOUR

STOP BY JOE’S FOR SOME AMAZING JUICES, SANDWICHES AND SHAKES.

P.S. We’re really good at making coffee too!

Nauthólsvík The golden-sanded geothermal beach at Nauthólsvík in Reykjavík is a little piece of paradise, opened in 2001 to the delight of residents and tourists alike. The creation of the geothermal beach was an ambitious but successful project involving the construction of a lagoon with large sea walls, where cold sea and hot geothermal water blend together to ensure a comfortable water temperature. More info on page 135

Imagine Peace Tower Yoko Ono dedicated the Imagine Peace tower to her husband, John Lennon. The work of art is in the form of a wishing well emitting a powerful beam of light. The tower of light is composed of individual lights that together form a single beam. The strength, intensity and brilliance of the light tower continually change as particles in the air fluctuate with the changing weather and atmospheric conditions. The beam is visible from all over Reykjavík. More info on page 137

Laugardalur Laugardalur is a charming neighbourhood, containing a youth hostel, a campsite, and the largest outdoor thermal pool in Reykjavík, Laugardalslaug. There’s also a skating hall and a family park/petting zoo, making it perfect for a family day out. Laugardalur also boasts a beautiful botanical garden featuring an impressive selection of arctic flowers and plants as well as a lovely café. More info on page 143

Laugardalslaug Thanks to Iceland’s abundance of geothermal heat, Icelanders’ favourite pastime is going swimming. Every town has at least one thermal pool and Laugardalslaug is Reykjavík’s largest one, located in Laugardalur Valley. Its facilities include a 50m outdoor pool, outdoor children’s pool and paddling pool, waterslides, numerous hot tubs, steam bath, gym and mini golf course. There really is no better place to be on a sunny day (or even a cold one for that matter!).

More info on page 184

Wild Icelandic birch is one of our special ingredients. We use it in all our skincare products. Every summer, when the birch is at its best, we harvest it from a certified organic patch of wilderness in Southern Iceland. To Sóley’s ancestors, plants and herbs were precious and powerful. To us, they still are.

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Wining & Dining

Shopping & Design

Visitors will be pleased to learn that Reykjavík is fast becoming one of the best locations to sample quality new Nordic cuisine. The talented local chefs spend all their waking days conjuring up new ways to showcase the fresh, seasonal ingredients that Iceland is so famous for, such as fresh seafood, organic lamb, and wild game. In fact, Iceland has recently got its first Michelin star, awarded to Dill restaurant! While the fine dining is great, be sure to try the fabulous Icelandic hotdog and ice cream too!

For the best shopping experience in Reykjavík, go downtown. Most of the shops and boutiques are concentrated on Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur. Whether you’re looking to get a souvenir of your time in Iceland, a gift for someone back home or something unique from one of our many talented designers the city centre is well supplied with brand names, obscure fashion shops, and quality art studios.

Apart from the great food available in Reykjavík, the city also boasts a remarkable café culture, where trained baristas serving quality coffee are the rule rather than the exception. We also encourage guests to give their taste buds a treat by sampling some the various award-winning local beers available. If you can’t decide which one to try, many local breweries offer tasting sessions.

WELCOME TO REYKJAVIK

REYKJAVÍK EXPERIENCE

If you prefer the mall experience and the international brands, you can take a trip to Kringlan – home to around 150 shops, restaurants and services under one roof. Shopping hours in Reykjavík can vary but most places are open between the hours of 10 and 18 during the week with shorter opening hours on Saturdays. Remember to reclaim your 15% VAT (value added tax) refund from your purchases.

Arts & Culture Reykjavík is home to our most prestigious cultural institutions and most talented performers and artists. The National Gallery and the Reykjavík Art Museum have exciting exhibitions ranging from the traditional to the contemporary and the Marshall Building by the old harbour, are gathereyou’ll have a chance to visit is regularly home to inspiring exhibitions in the Living Art Museum, the Kling & Bang gallery, and artist Ólafur Elíasson’s studio. Designated as a UNESCO City of Literature, Reykjavík is the core of Iceland’s literary heritage, home to a wealth of talented poets and authors. The most celebrated of Icelandic literary offerings are of course the Sagas of the Icelanders but in the past few years, crime fiction in the vein of Nordic noir has also been popular. Reykjavík is also well known for its prolific music and performing arts scene – the city is a breeding ground for musical talent. A number of well-established musicians played their first gigs in Reykjavík, such as the legendary Björk, the indefinable Sigur Rós, as well as indie darlings Of Monsters and Men and Sóley, to name but a few.

Health & Wellness Reykjavík’s clean energy and proximity to nature ensure a vacation guaranteed to replenish your well-being and give you a boost of energy that will last long after your return home.

The city’s green spaces and recreational areas offer plenty of opportunities for walking, running, or cycling. Indulge in anything from sea-swimming in Nauthólsvík thermal beach to horseback-riding in the red hills of Heiðmörk! Visitors are also thoroughly encouraged to experience Iceland’s

greatest source of well-being by trying out one of our numerous thermal pools and spas – not only an important part of our culture but also a wonderful tonic for the body and mind.

Nightlife You could blame it on those long winter nights, the endless summer days, or maybe exceptional quality of the locally produced beer and Icelandic schnapps; whatever the reason, Reykjavík’s legendary nightlife (“djammið” as the locals refer to it) has a reputation as one of the hottest places in the world to party! If you’ve spent the day absorbing all that green energy in the great outdoors and you need to spend it somewhere, then it’s time to trade those waterproofs and walking boots for your glad-rags and party shoes and see if you have enough stamina to stay up as long as a local! We’ve got pubs, clubs and lots of live venues to suit a multitude of different party moods! On weekdays most bars are open until 1am, but on weekends, the bars can stay open until 4.30 am. Bars and clubs do not charge an entrance fee; however, expect to pay a small charge for entrance to some live music venues. If you look younger than the minimum drinking age which is twenty, then make sure you bring your ID with you.

FREE SHUTTLE BUS

Departures from the Tourist Information Centre, Aðalstræti 2, and Harpa. To Kringlan

From Kringlan

Monday – Saturday Every hour 10 am – 5 pm

On the half hour 11:30 am –4:30 pm

Sundays 1, 2, 3, 4 pm

2:30, 3:30, 4:30 pm

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IT’S ALL HAPPENING IN REYKJAVÍK CITY!

festivals

Reykjavík City is buzzing with activity all year round. A number of annual festivals and seasonal events attract festivalgoers from all around the world. Apart from the city’s superb official events, such as the Winter Lights Festival and Culture Night, there’s also a host of film festivals, design events, music festivals, and other events celebrating everything from the arrival of summer to the city’s wealth of culture!

Reykjavík Winter Lights Festival

Iceland can get dreary during the darkest months, especially February. The Winter Lights Festival was created to stimulate the city life in mid-winter, and was intended not only to combat the darkness but to celebrate the unique subarctic nights. Over the years the Winter Lights festival has evolved into an incredibly fun four-day festival with an array of great events, such as the Museum Night and Pool Night.

Reykjavik International Film Festival

RIFF takes place every year in late September for eleven days. RIFF is an independent non profit organization. The festival shows a wide range of dramas and non-fiction films from over 40 countries. It highlights independent filmmaking from all over the world, with a special emphasis on up-and-coming filmmakers. RIFF encourages the interaction of film with other art forms by organizing concerts, photo exhibitions and more.

Design March

A celebration of Icelandic design, showcasing the best creations of the Reykjavík design scene. The scene is small and intimate, which means you’ll get the chance to meet all the stars of local design. From fashion to furniture, architecture to food design, the festival presents the best of the local designers alongside exciting international names. For four days Reykjavík is transformed into a mega venue hosting hundreds of openings, events, exhibitions and parties.

Illumination of the Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island

Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower is an extraordinary dedication to John Lennon and his vision of world peace. Installed on Viðey Island on October 9th 2007, this stunning work of art is lit annually on Lennon’s birthday. The powerful super-beam of light reaches approximately 400 metres into the sky on a clear night and illuminates the skies above Reykjavík nightly until the anniversary of Lennon’s death on 8 December. Every year, Yoko invites visitors on a complimentary ferry trip to the island to take part in the beautiful illumination ceremony.

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Reykjavík Children’s Culture Festival

A week-long festival dedicated to children’s arts and culture. Children’s culture, culture for children and culture with children, these are the three main aspects of the festival. Dedicated exclusively to children and young people in Reykjavík up to the age of 16, this annual festival strives to introduce a wide range of art disciplines to Icelandic youth, through the medium of workshops and performances.

Reykjavík Arts Festival

RAF focuses on new commissions and the creative intersection of the arts. It brings together major cultural venues and unconventional spaces throughout the city in exhibitions and performances of contemporary and classical works, presented to a wide audience. The festival is one of Northern Europe’s oldest and promotes Icelandic and international culture in all fields of art, bringing together the best in local and international theatre, dance, music, and visual art.

Reykjavík Pride

This colourful event brings tens of thousands of people into the city centre every year to show solidarity and have fun with the LGBT+ community of Reykjavík. People of all genders, friends, relatives, and a fast growing number of tourists, come together to celebrate and support universal human rights. Our cosy little pride parade, originally visited by some fifteen hundred onlookers, has blossomed and evolved into a colourful six-day celebration that attracts up to 100 thousand guests from all over the world.

Reykjavík Culture Nights

Takes place all across Reykjavík with celebrations in city streets and squares, in museums, businesses and even in residential gardens! The event’s slogan “come on in!” is a reference to those good old fashioned customs of hospitality. Culture Night is a permanent fixture in the annual calendar of events in Reykjavík and marks the start of the city’s cultural year, when museums, theatres and other cultural institutions launch their annual program of events.

Iceland Airwaves

A critically acclaimed music festival showcasing the hottest new international bands and the best up-andcoming Icelandic artists. It started out as a one-off gig in an airplane hangar back in 1999, with only 5 bands, but now it has established itself as one of the hippest events on the international music festival calendar. The festival attracts thousands of visitors from around the world, who come in search of some fresh audio dynamite and an adventure at edge of the Arctic Circle.

For more information about the festivals in the city, check out www.visitreykjavik.is

THE NEW LEGEND NEW VERSIONS OF THE ICELANDIC HOT DOG

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24 48 72

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

Reykjavík is a cosmopolitan city, bustling with energy. There are plenty of things to see and do and the Reykjavík City Card is the easiest and most inexpensive way to experience our favourite city! The Reykjavík City Card offers free entry to a great selection of museums and galleries as well as the thermal pools in Reykjavík. It also provides free unlimited travel by bus within the Reykjavík Capital Area. In addition, the card gets you a free ferry trip to Viðey Island and discounts on various tours, in shops and on services. The card is available for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Get to know our favourite city the easy way and save money!

Included in the Reykjavík City Card is admission to: REYKJAVÍK CITY BUSES Unlimited travel by bus within the Reykjavík Capital Area. For schedule, visit www.bus.is or download the Strætó mobile app. REYKJAVÍK CITY THERMAL POOLS For information about the pools, visit swimminginiceland.com or check out our page on them (p. 164). MUSEUMS For a list of museums included in the City Card, head to www.citycard.is. For information on where to get the City Card, check out www.citycard.is.

Children’s City Card

Admission to the city museums is free for those under 18 years of age; however, there are fees for children on city bus services, swimming pools, the Reykjavík Park & Zoo and on the ferry to Viðey Island. To accommodate families, we offer a special Children’s City Card, for a significantly reduced fee. Cards are valid for the same duration: 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. For more information, check out www. citycard.is or contact the Official Information Centre.

Tourist Information Centre Reykjavík City Hall, 101 Reykjavík +354 411 6040 info@visitreykjavik.is www.citycard.is www.facebook.com/visitreykjavik Instagram – visitreykjavik Twitter - @visitreykjavik

A DAY WITH

THE REYKJAVÍK CITY CARD

Family day out

The History Buff

Start the day by watching the reindeers of the Reykjavík Family Park & Zoo eat their breakfast! The Reykjavík Zoo doesn’t have lions or elephants, but rather common Icelandic barnyard animals, and Icelandic animals, such as arctic foxes, seals and reindeer.

If you want to get to know Icelandic history and culture, start at the beginning! Excavations have revealed ruins from the 10th century, which you can visit at the Settlement Exhibition.

If the weather is nice, take the ferry out to Viðey island. For attractions in Viðey, check out p. 136.

From there, it’s a short walk to the National Museum. The permanent titled “The Making of a Nation” offers a sense of the evolution of the Icelandic nation through the centuries.

Head over to the Árbær Open Air Museum. The old buildings, the costumed staff and the toy exhibition are sure to keep the whole family entertained.

Next up is the Árbær Open Air Museum. This collection of historical buildings will give you a sense of what life was like in the farming community of days gone by.

After a day of entertainment, there’s nothing better than relaxing in the hot tub while the kids splash in the pool and play in the water slide. If you are in the Árbær Open Air Museum, hop on bus no. 5 and head to Árbæjarlaug swimming pool.

Finish up a day of immersing yourself in Icelandic history by immersing yourself in a hot tub. They’re usually populated by several generations of Icelanders discussing politics, culture, their cats and whatever else they can think of.

If you have an extra day...

...Head to the Reykjavík Maritime Museum for a chance to board Óðinn, the former coast guard vessel used during the cod wars. The National Museum is another great option, with interactive exhibitions and areas dedicated specially to kids.

...Check out the Reykjavík Maritime Museum or the Culture House, where historical artefacts and works of art are exhibited together, for a new perspective on what it is to be an Icelander.

WELCOME TO REYKJAVIK

The Art Lover Start the day off by getting to the National Gallery, down by lake Tjörnin. The focus is on 19th and 20th century artists and with no permanent exhibition, there‘s always something new to see! The Reykjavík Art Museum is in three separate buildings. Do you want to see modern art at Hafnarhús, paintings at Kjarvalsstaðir, or sculptures at Ásmundarsafn? If you chose Hafnarhús, the Reykjavík Museum of Photography is right next door. The exhibitions at the museum of photography are diverse; artistic, historic, as well as journalistic photography! If you have an extra day... ...Check out the locations of the Reykjavík Art Museum you missed, or head down to The Culture House, where historical artifacts and works of art are exhibited side by side, for a new perspective on what it is to be an Icelander.

Don’t forget that included in the City Card is unlimited travel on the city buses while the card is valid. Taking the bus between attractions is a convenient way to get around!

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MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

MUSEUMS &

GALLERIES For such a small city, Reykjavík abounds with museums. It’s no wonder, since the country’s history is unique and the artistic spirit of its inhabitants is almost like a force of nature. You can discover a quirky, young artist at the Living Art Museum, get a look at Iceland’s outlandish national costumes at the National Museum, and finish up the day with a lesson on how to properly milk an Icelandic cow at Árbær Open Air Museum. 45

Hafnarhús Leading venue for contemporary art The old harbour warehouse, Hafnarhús, offers a progressive exhibition program with local and international contemporary artists. The work of current notables, art canons and newcomers are presented in six galleries. Hafnarhús is also home to the works of Erró (b. 1932), a significant player in the international pop art scene. Hafnarhús is located in the oldest part of Reykjavík, where the town’s boats and first docks lay. The building was erected in the 1930s and at the time it was one of the largest buildings in the country. It was renovated by Studio Grandi architects in 1998-2000 to house the Reykjavík Art Museum. The museum shop is intriguing and the small café on the 2nd floor has a great view overlooking Mt. Esja and the old harbour.

Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík +354 411 6400 www.artmuseum.is listasafn@reykjavik.is Open: Daily 10-17, Thursday 10-22 Admission: Adults: 1600 ISK Students: 1.000 ISK. Children under 18: Free Seniors, 67+: Free

Kjarvalsstaðir Architectural gem housing art of the past and present Named after the beloved Icelandic painter, Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885– 1972), Kjarvalsstaðir was built to house the extensive collection of his work and as an exhibition venue for modern and contemporary art and design. The artist’s love for nature has inspired Icelanders to consider the landscape in different scales and dimensions. Kjarval paints not only what is visible to the naked eye, but also reveals hidden worlds of folklore and personal mysticism. Inspired by Nordic modernist design and built in 1973, the museum building faces a large city park, which makes for a delightful view through the floorto-ceiling windows.

A unique art destination with a refined exhibition program, interesting museum shop, and a café offering delicious light meals.

Flókagata 24, 105 Reykjavík +354 411 6420 www.artmuseum.is listasafn@reykjavik.is Open: Daily 10-17 Admission: Adults: 1600 ISK Students: 1000 ISK Children under 18: Free Seniors, 67+: Free

Ásmundarsafn Utopian artist’s studio The sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893–1982) designed, worked and lived in this beautiful building, which now serves as part of the Reykjavík Art Museum. The white dome structure is surrounded by Sveinsson’s sculptures in the garden, both his earlier massive figures and his later light abstract compositions. The inside of the building offers a unique experience as the artist’s design, inspired by vernacular Mediterranean architecture, is a work of art in its own right. Ásmundur Sveinsson was truly a modern man and took part in building a modern society in Iceland through his art and his opinions. Sveinsson’s work is always on display at Ásmundarsafn. A perfect visit on a walk through the Laugardalur area, with its nearby thermal pool, botanic garden, and the Reykjavík Park & Zoo.

Flókagata 24, 105 Reykjavík +354 411 6420 www.artmuseum.is listasafn@reykjavik.is Open: Daily 10-17 Admission: Adults: 1600 ISK Students: 1000 ISK Children under 18: Free Seniors, 67+: Free

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Árbær Open Air museum A day out of time Reykjavík’s open air museum, where you can stroll through the past and experience the way we lived. Fun, fascinating and full of surprises, this living museum takes you on a journey through time. Reykjavík’s early history is preserved in a series of lovingly restored homes, where you’ll encounter costumed guides, grazing animals and traditional crafts. Exhibitions, demonstrations and tours reveal how Reykjavík came to life, from a few scattered farms to a vibrant capital city.

Kistuhylur 4, 110 Reykjavík +354 411 6300 www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is citymuseum@reykjavik.is Open: Jun—Aug | Daily 10-17 Sep—May | Guided tours only

Árbær Open Air Museum is part of Reykjavík City Museum: one museum in five unique places.

Adults (18+): 1600 ISK Guided tours at 13:00 all year round.

The Settlement Exhibition Step into the Viking Age An open excavation where Viking ruins meet digital technology. Just below ground in downtown Reykjavík, this open excavation uncovers the city’s Viking Age history. Discovered during construction work, then carefully excavated, these remnants of the past are the earliest evidence of human settlement in the city. Family friendly, including a children’s activity area, this multimedia exhibition uses creative technology to immerse you in the Viking Age.

Aðalstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík +354 411 6300 www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is citymuseum@reykjavik.is Open: Daily 9-18 Adults (18+): 1600 ISK

The Settlement Exhibition is part of Reykjavík City Museum: one museum in five unique places.

Guided tours at 11:00 on weekdays from June to August.

Reykjavík Museum of Photography Capturing the moment, then and now Reflecting the contemporary, while archiving the past – this is Reykjavík’s home of photography. Reykjavík’s main photography museum offers an ongoing programme of contemporary and historical exhibitions, and an onscreen archive of thousands of images from the past. New work from Iceland and abroad reflects where photography is now, while extensive archives from 1860– 2000 give an insight into Iceland’s changing culture and society over more than a century.

Reykjavík Museum of Photography is part of Reykjavík City Museum: one museum in five unique places.

Tryggvagata 15, 101 Reykjavík +354 411 6300 www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is citymuseum@reykjavik.is Open:

Mon-Thu 10-18 Fri 11-18 Weekends 13-17

Adults (18+): 1000 ISK

Reykjavík Maritime Museum How the ocean formed a nation A harbour museum exploring Iceland’s dramatic relationship with the sea. The survival of a nation depended on generations of brave fishermen heading into the unknown. Over the centuries, methods of catching and working with fish transformed into a science that helped create a modern nation. Exhibitions and artefacts bring our ocean history to life, from battling the waves, to the ‘Cod Wars’ and beyond. Plus the chance to climb aboard the Óðinn, a 900-ton coastguard ship, with its own stories to tell.

Reykjavík Maritime Museum is part of Reykjavík City Museum: one museum in five unique places.

Grandagarður 8, 101 Reykjavík +354 411 6300 www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is citymuseum@reykjavik.is Open: Daily 10-17 Adults (18+): Museum: 1600 ISK Óðinn: 1300 ISK Combined Ticket: 2400 ISK Guided tours of the ship: 11:00 (June 8thAugust 24th), 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00.

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PENIS MUSEUM The only one of its kind in the world!

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Eine einzigartige Sammlung und die einzigste ihrer Art auf der Welt!

LA PHALLOTHÈQUE D´ISLANDE Une collection unique, une première mondiale!

No pornography or offensive material in the museum.

Laugavegur 116 • 105 Reykjavík • Tel.: +354-561-6663 phallus@phallus.is • www.phallus.is

Gljúfrasteinn -

Laxness Museum Halldór Laxness was one of Iceland’s most respected authors and was prolific in his writing, producing 62 books over 68 years. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955. Gljúfrasteinn was the home and workplace of Halldór Laxness and his family for more than half a century. In 2004 it was opened to the public as a museum, unchanged from when Laxness lived there. In the reception building you can watch a multimedia presentation dedicated to Laxness’s life and work. Tickets for admission, books and souvenirs are also sold there. In the beautiful countryside around Gljúfrasteinn, visitors can take walks as part of their visit, to see where Laxness spent his childhood and later in life sought his inspiration. Audio tours of the house are available in Icelandic, English, German, Swedish and Danish and a folder in French. Gljúfrasteinn is only in about 25 minutes distance from Reykjavík city center and is on the way to Þingvellir National Park.

Fríkirkjuvegur 7, 101 Reykjavík +354 515 9600 www.listasafn.is Open:

Jun—Aug | Daily 10-17 Sep—May | Tue-Sun 11-17

Adults (18+): 1500 ISK

National Gallery of Iceland The National Gallery of Iceland, established in 1884, is the principal art museum of Iceland. Its art collection consists mainly of works of 19th and 20th century art. In its possession are many of the keystones of Icelandic art history, as well as a growing collection of works from other countries. The National Gallery’s main role is to collect, preserve, research and exhibit Icelandic art and offer education about it. A considerable emphasis is also laid on showing Icelandic art in context with international art. The museum sees it as one of its priorities to educate visitors about exhibitions and single art works, by means of texts, guidance, meetings with artists and a databank which is accessible through computers in the National Gallery’s education centre.

Fríkirkjuvegur 7, 101 Reykjavík +354 515 9600 www.listasafn.is Open:

Jun—Aug | Daily 10-17 Sep—May | Tue-Sun 11-17

Adults (18+): 1500 ISK Special guided tours and guidance in foreign languages by agreement.

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National Museum of Iceland The National Museum of Iceland is the oldest museum in the country and celebrated its 150th birthday in 2013. At the museum you can explore the permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History in Iceland, which is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Settlement to the present day. The exhibition is conceived as a journey through time: it begins with the ship, in which medieval settlers crossed the ocean to their new home; it ends in a modern airport, the Icelanders’ gateway to the world. The museum caters to all ages and you can find games, play dress up and explore the museum via interactive touch screens and audio-guides which complement the exhibitions. Guided tours in English are offered at 11 o‘clock, Wed, Sat and Sun from May to Mid-Sep.

Suðurgata 41, 101 Reykjavík +354 530-2200 www.thjodminjasafn.is Open: May—Mid-Sep | Daily 10-17 Mid-Sep—May | Tue-Sun 10-17 Wheelchair Accessible. Adults (18+): 2000 ISK Your ticket to the National Museum of Iceland is also valid to the Culture House.

The Culture House Built as a library in the beginning of the 20th century, the Culture House is one of the most beautiful houses in Reykjavík. It has had many roles through the years, but today it houses the permanent exhibition “Points of View”. Points of view is a unique exhibition as it focuses, not on art or history separately, but rather an exploration of the aesthetic vision of Iceland and the Icelanders through the years. The exhibition is not chronological, but instead mixes modern art and media with historical artefacts, photographs, documents and other objects and the result is a unique snapshot of the cultural history of Iceland.

The exhibition is a collaboration between six Icelandic cultural institutions, The National Museum of Iceland, The National Gallery of Iceland, The National Library of Iceland, The Árni Magnússon Institute of Icelandic Studies, The National Archives and the Museum of Natural History.

Hverfisgata 15, Reykjavík +354 530 2210 www.culturehouse.is Open: May—Mid-Sep | Daily 10-17 Mid-Sep—May | Tue-Sun 10-17 Adults (18+): 1200 ISK Your ticket to the Culture House is also valid to the National Museum of Iceland

Volcano House Iceland is one of the most interesting places in the world, geologically speaking. The island is constantly changing, and on average there is a volcanic eruption every 4-5 years, occasionally even threatening inhabited areas. Along with a mineral exhibition, the Volcano House has an hourly Volcano Show, featuring two documentaries on two of Iceland’s biggest eruptions. The first is about the eruption in the Vestmannaeyjar Islands in 1973. The small fishing community was capsized when a crack in the earth opened up in the middle of the night, spewing fire and brimstone. The eruption broke out in an inhabited area and nearly 5,000 locals had to be evacuated from their homes. The second film documents the infamous eruption in Eyjafjallajökull 2010. This massive eruption caused thousands of flight cancellations, leaving millions of people stranded. The film shows gripping footage of the eruption, allowing you to experience those momentous eruptions from the comfort of the in-house cinema.

The mineral exhibition gives an overview of Iceland’s geological history and volcanic systems. A large collection of semi-precious rocks and minerals, ash, and lava, is also on a display. Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavík By the Old Harbour +354 555 1900 | www.volcanohouse.is Total Showtime of the films is 53 min. English: 10-21 (every hour on the hour)

Aurora Reykjavík Take a walk through history and learn how people and cultures around the world saw the Northern Lights via legends and myths connected to this amazing phenomenon. There are interactive displays as well as a specially equipped ‘photo booth’ where you can learn how to adjust your camera’s settings should you want to try your hand at capturing the auroras yourself.

The high point of your visit to the centre will certainly be their theatre where a continuously running HD film plays throughout the day. Projected onto a 7 metre wide screen, you can sit back and enjoy this 13-minute film, which features some of the most magnificent auroral displays seen over Iceland. The film is accompanied by soft music in surround-sound, making this a therapeutic and restful experience. You’ll feel like you have just come back from a blissful holiday!

The knowledgeable and friendly staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have about the lights and about Northern Lights photography. The gift shop stocks a unique selection of high quality handmade items by young Icelandic designers, photographers and artists. Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík +354 780 4500 www.aurorareykjavik.is Open: Daily 9-21 Adults (18+): 1600 ISK

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Gerðarsafn Gerðarsafn is an ambitious modern and contemporary art museum in Kópavogur. It’s dedicated to the memory of Gerður Helgadóttir (19281975) and opened in 1944, the first museum in Iceland to be dedicated to the life work of a woman. Gerður focused on sculptures and was a pioneer in three-dimensional abstracts and glasswork in Iceland. The museum’s collection contains 1400 works by Gerður as well as collections of the works of Barbara Árnason, Magnús Á Árnason, Valgerður Briem and several other contemporary artists. The museum’s exhibitions are diverse, with the works of Icelandic as well as international contemporary artists regularly on display along with exhibitions from the museum’s collection. The giftstore features souvenirs specially made for the museum, which are based on the works of Gerður Helgadóttir, as well as books on art and other subjects.

Hamraborg 4, 200 Kópavogur +354 441 7600 www.gerdarsafn.is Open: Tue-Sun 11-17 Adults (18+): 500 ISK

Kópavogur Culture Centre The cultural heart of Kópavogur lies in the Hamraborg area. Not only is it home to the Kópavogur art museum, Gerðarsafn but several other cultural institutions as well.

Kópavogur Natural History Museum The Kópavogur Natural History Museum is one of the leading natural science institutes in Iceland. The museum hosts exhibitions, with an emphasis on geology and Icelandic wildlife, including the arctic fox and numerous species of fish and birds. It also has an “extraordinary” (as described by David Attenborough, when he visited in 2005) exhibition of Japanese style “Marimo” lake balls.

Salurinn Concert Hall

The Kópavogur Concert hall is the first one in Iceland to be specifically designed to host concerts. The building is one of a kind, with roots in Icelandic nature, partly clad with driftwood, collected at Langanes in the northeast of Iceland, and the hall is equipped with two grand pianos, a Steinway and a Bösendorfer.

The Kópavogur Public Library In the same building as the Natural History Museum is the Kópavogur Public Library. The library is open to everyone and is a sort of a community centre for the town, where people have a chat over a cup of coffee, read the papers and get the newest books.

FREE BUS RIDE FROM CITY CENTER

The Living Art Museum The newly renovated Marshall building by the old harbour is the new home of the Living Art Museum. This non-profit, artist-run museum and association was founded in 1978 to showcase experimental and ground breaking contemporary art, at a time when Icelandic art authorities had stagnant views of what constituted art and art history. The Living Art Museum’s collection consists entirely of donations from artists and individuals and through the past four decades, the collection has grown to feature works from the most inspiring Icelandic artists of our time. Since its foundation, the Living Art Museum has been an important forum in the Icelandic art community for introducing, reflecting, and debating the role of contemporary art. It offers a varied programme that extends

beyond art exhibitions, including The Marshall Building Grandagarður 20, Reykjavík +354 551 4350 www.nylo.is Open: Tue - Sun 12 – 18 Thu 12 – 21 performances, film and video screenings, live music, lectures and symposiums, poetry readings, and theatre.

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OTHER MUSEUMS Einar Jónsson Museum Eiríksgata, 101 Reykjavík +354 551 3797 | lej.is Open: Jun—Mid-Sep | Tue-Sun 10-17 Hafnarborg Centre of Culture and Fine Art vStrandgata 35, 220 Hafnarfjorður +354 585 5790 | hafnarborg.is Open: Wed-Mon 12-17 Hannesarholt Cultural House Grundarstíg 10, 101 Reykjavík +354 511 1904 | hannesarholt.is Hofsstaðir Historic Park Viking Longhouse Kirkjulundur, 210 Garðabær +354 525 8500 | gardabaer.is Museum of Design and Applied Art Garðartorgi 1, 210 Garðabær +354 512 1525 | honnunarsafn.is Open: Tue-Sun 12-17 Museum of Hafnarfjörður Vesturgata 8, 220 Hafnarfjorður +354 585 5780 | visithafnarfjordur.is

National Archives Laugavegur 162, 105 Reykjavík +354 590 3300 | archives.is Nordic House Sturlugata 5, 101 Reykjavík +354 551 7030 | nordice.is Open: Sun-Tue 9-17, Wed-Sat 9-21.30 Numismatic Museum Einholt 4, 105 Reykjavík +354 569 9600 | cb.is Open: Mon-Fri 13.30-15.30 Saga Museum Grandagarði 2, 101 Reykjavík +354 511 1517 | sagamuseum.is Open: Daily 10-18 The Icelandic Phallological Museum Laugavegur 116, 101 Reykjavík +354 561 6663 | phallus.is Open: Daily 10-18 Gröndalshús Vesturgata 5b, 101 Reykjavík www.bokmenntaborgin.is/en Open: Thu-Sun 13-17

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DINING It’s always easy to find something great to eat in Reykjavík. Fresh and seasonal Icelandic ingredients are popular and the chefs of Reykjavík are always trying to think of new ways to prepare them, some simple and others more complex. We recommend trying everything from plokkfiskur (a fish and potatoes casserole) to delicate Icelandic langoustine and the finest steaks of lamb, horse, or beef.

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New Nordic food, Icelandic style? The delicious products of Icelandic nature are finally getting the attention and care they deserve and taste better than ever, especially when prepared by the food wizards of Dill restaurant, Iceland’s first Michelin-starred restaurant. Something adventurous? Reykjavík’s restaurants tend to have at least one dish that’s a bit surprising. If you’ve never tried horse, whale, or puffin, now’s your chance! Plokkfiskur? Decidedly nonglamourous but consistently delicious, this fish and potato stew is usually served with dark and sweet rye bread. Langoustine? If plokkfiskur is not glamourous enough for you, try Icelandic lobster. Delicious in soups, sandwhiches, or just served on its own with heaps of garlic butter! Shark? You’ve probably heard of this one; despite its reputation (and the smell), the shark meat is neither rotten nor putrid, but rather fermented.

Icelandic lamb? Icelandic lamb is in a league of its own, tender and succulent. The Icelandic hot dog? It’s a cultural institution so get one with “everything”; ketchup, mustard, remoulade and two kinds of onion, fresh and fried. Kjötsúpa? Icelandic meat soup at its most basic is a clear broth with whole pieces of lamb and vegetables, but every Icelander has his own (or his mother’s) recipe. Icelandic craft beer? Stop by Kaldi bar for a taste of Kaldi beer, Microbar focuses on craft beers from microbreweries all over the world, and Bryggjan bar and restaurant has an on-site brewery! Ice cream? The classic is soft serve ice cream, served with all the sauces and toppings you can imagine, but gelato-style ice cream is also gaining in popularity.

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EATING OUT IN REYKJAVÍK The tastes and smells of another country are often what stays with you long after you’ve forgotten everything you’ve learned at the museums. But finding something great to eat in a new place can often be difficult. Here are some helpful tips to remember when dining in Reykjavík, if you want to make every meal count.

Traditional food

Fine dining

Traditional Icelandic food is usually centred around fish or lamb. There’s a fair share of dishes that owe their existence to a time before refrigeration; smoked, salted, and fermented food. Many of these dishes are an acquired taste, such as the famous fermented shark and pickled ram’s testicles, and are usually only trotted out for special occasions. Others, such as harðfiskur (fish jerky) or hangikjöt (smoked lamb) are delicious all year round.

Since traditional Icelandic cooking is relatively light on technique (it involves a lot of boiling), a popular way to approach modern Icelandic cuisine is to focus on quality local ingredients but seek inspiration from other parts of the world on how to prepare them. The result is a melting pot of different influences. For instance, one of the most established restaurants in Reykjavík is a Tapas restaurant, but their most popular dish is cured Icelandic lamb in a liquorice sauce.

Then there are the slightly more modern classics, such as plokkfiskur (fish and potato casserole), fish balls (like meatballs, only with fish), and kjötsúpa (clear-broth lamb and vegetable soup). These are simple dishes, regularly served in most Icelandic homes, but they taste delicious. For desserts, the most iconic dish is probably Icelandic pancakes (crêpe-like pancakes served plain with sugar or stuffed with jam and cream).

Icelandic lamb and seafood are some of the best you’ll ever taste so be sure to try them at least once while you’re here. Langoustine, or Icelandic lobster, is another thing most Icelandic restaurants have on their menu and it is some of the most delicate and delicious seafood you’ll ever taste! Recently, restaurants like Dill and Matur og Drykkur, inspired by the new Nordic cuisine, have been making waves in the Icelandic restaurant scene, experimenting with unconventional Icelandic ingredients and rediscovering forgotten methods of cooking. Dill was even recently honoured with Iceland’s first Michelin star! Don’t be surprised to see unfamiliar ingredients on menus, such as whale, puffin, horse or even reindeer.

Light meals For less formal meals, there’s plenty of nice restaurants in Reykjavík that won’t break the bank but still serve delicious food. The city centre has a high concentration of bistros, cafés and gastropubs serving sandwiches, salads, soups and other delights, perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Even though Iceland is famous for its lack of McDonald’s, we still have fast food chains, such as Subway, Domino’s and Dunkin’ Donuts, as well as a few of our own. Hamborgarabúllan restaurants serve great burgers and Serrano sells delicious Ice-Mex food, to name a few.

Lemon, a juice and sandwich place and Local, a chain of salad bars, is perfect if you’re looking for a healthier option. Finally, Iceland has great sushi places in varying price ranges, perfect as this is one of the few places in the world that rivals Japan for access to fresh fish.

Restaurant Etiquette of Reykjavík • Reservations are recommended, especially for fine dining and for weekends and the summer season. • In bistros and cafés, reservations aren’t necessary, or even possible in some places, but it never hurts to ask, especially for larger groups. • Tipping is not the custom in Iceland and there is no service fee. If you want to reward exceptional service financially, that’s fine and no one will be offended, but it’s not required. • Icelandic tap water is not only safe; it tastes the same or even better than bottled water.

• In Iceland, dinner time is usually around seven or eight pm. Upscale restaurant kitchens are usually open from six to ten or eleven pm and a little later on the weekends, although some are open even longer.

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“JUST TEN DROPS FOR ME, THANKS” Iceland is known for the Northern Lights, the midnight sun, glaciers and … coffee? Yes, really! The Nordic nations are some of the biggest coffee drinkers in the world and Icelanders are no exception. The Icelanders‘ love of the magic beans is evident by the sheer number of cafés in Reykjavík. The first written documentation of coffee in Iceland is from the 18th century when the tradition was brought to Iceland by way of Denmark, our overlords at the time. For some years, coffee drinkers were limited to the elite who had connections to Denmark but in the 19th century most average Icelanders had had their first taste of coffee (although it was still a luxury item). By the 20th century however, coffee was an integral part of the household and every farm in Iceland was roasting their own coffee beans and grinding them. Serving strong coffee and lots of it was a point of pride, especially since coffee beans were relatively expensive, categorised as “colonial goods” and revered appropriately as such. Any offer of coffee was likely to be met with a polite and humble “sure, just ten drops, please”.

In 1958, Café Mokka opened its doors on Skólavörðustígur in Reykjavík, when the city was just beginning to blossom into the cosmopolitan city

it is today. It was a turning point in Iceland’s coffee culture, as it was the first café in Reykjavík to serve Italianstyle espresso drinks. Today, of course, most cafés have a large gleaming espresso-maker, although some coffee aficionados swear by the more traditional methods of brewing. Speaking of Italian-style coffee drinks, the caffé latté is surprisingly controversial in Iceland, in some ways as a direct result of café Mokka. Mokka has, ever since it opened, allowed artists to display their works

Coffee & something with it Coffee is good on its own, but coffee and something sweet to go with it is even better! Getting invited to coffee to someone’s home usually means that you get a spread of pastries to go with your cup.

Whichever group you identify more with, coffee in Iceland, whether it’s in the morning, afternoon or after dinner, is highly recommended (and don’t be afraid to get a latté if you want one).

Traditional Icelandic pastries are usually on the simpler side but that doesn’t make them any less delicious! Try kleinur (a cardamom-flavoured twisted donut), pönnukökur (crèpe-like pancakes served either plain with sugar or stuffed with whipped cream and jam) or waffles (that also get the jam/cream treatment). Most cafés also serve slices of Hnallþóra (fancy cakes, named for a character from Icelandic literary history famous for serving a multitude of huge cakes at coffee time) that go great with a cup of coffee.

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on the walls and attracted an accordingly artistic crowd. It became synonymous with the experimental, modern art of the time it opened, which was hugely controversial for the newly independent nation. To this day, the caffé latté is a symbol of the rift between the image of the hardworking, drip-brewed coffeedrinking farmer and the cerebral, latté-sipping artist.

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GOING OUT IN ICELAND: BEER, BARS & BOOZE The Reykjavík nightlife is famous, even infamous, depending on your point of view. While Icelanders have always known how to party, the Reykjavík bar scene has done a lot of growing up in the last few years, with several dedicated beer bars opening their doors, as well as ambitious cocktail bars, serving up delicious concoctions.

Bars Whether you want to have a beer in the afternoon, head out for a drink in the evening, or dance till the morning comes, the liveliest bar scene in Reykjavík is in the city centre, on and around Laugavegur and Austurstræti. Many bars double as cafés and bistros (and even triple as venues for concerts and other events), simply turning up the music as the night progresses. Closing times differ depending on the atmosphere of each drinking establishment but the rule of thumb is that bars must close at 1:00 on weekdays and no later than 4:30 on

the weekends. Some bars close earlier. The most popular drink is beer and there’s plenty of good beer to be had, but Reykjavík is also having a cocktail renaissance, so ask your bartender about the bar’s specialties before ordering.

Beer Believe it or not, but beer was prohibited in Iceland for most of the 20th century. It was legalised March 1st, 1989, a date which is now the unofficial holiday of Beer Day! Ever since that day, Icelanders have been making up for lost time and

WINING & DINING

beer is now the most popular alcoholic beverage in Iceland. Perhaps more importantly, Icelanders also started brewing their own (delicious) beer. For the first few years, easily drinkable lager beers ruled the roost but in the past few years, Icelanders have gotten a taste for a wider range of beers. Have a Kaldi beer at the Kaldi bar downtown or stop by Microbar and taste some of their extensive selection of microbrews. Einstök beer is good and widely available and the small-batch brews of Borg brewery are always interesting. Danish brewery Mikkeller runs a beer bar with several of their most delectable products for sale and Bryggjan brewery is a restaurant/bar/brewery where the beer is made on site!

Booze Icelandic liquor, which hasn’t really been known for finesse through the years, is also going through a renaissance. Brennivín, the most famous Icelandic liquor, gets a bad rap (it’s also known as Black Death) but in fact, it’s brewed like an aquavit and much like its Scandinavian cousins, can be quite pleasantly sipped with smørrebrød. It’s distilled from potatoes and flavoured with caraway seed. Apart from the traditional Brennivín, new creations like liqueurs made with Icelandic blueberries, crowberries and rhubarb, even birch, are inspiring bartenders

all over Reykjavík. You can also try Icelandic gin, vodka, and even whisky! Finally, Icelanders are liquorice lovers and if you share that love, be sure to check out the vodka-based Ópal and Tópas shots, available at most bars in Reykjavík.

EATING VEGETARIAN IN REYKJAVÍK Due to the climate and the resulting difficulties of growing a bounty of vegetables, Icelandic cuisine through the centuries has been mostly animal-protein based. Nowadays, however, there’s a growing number of vegetarians and vegans, especially among the younger generations, and restaurants are responding to the change in diet. Since the market is still a relatively small one, there are not many restaurants with a completely vegetarian or vegan menu, although they do exist (Garðurinn and Kaffi Vinyl, for example). In addition to the completely meat-free restaurants, there are several others that cater to a mixed crowd, with an abundance of vegetarian food but meat options as well. Bistros, casual restaurants and fast food places

When it comes to fine dining, you probably won’t find any vegetarian/ vegan-only kitchens but most restaurants in Reykjavík will have vegetarian options on their menu and they’re usually prepared to accommodate special requests, especially when notified in advance. Mention your dietary preferences when you book the table and you’ll have a lovely meal waiting for you.

Most restaurants also have their menus online so check it out if you want to be prepared. Cafés usually have a range of dairy free options, such as soy or oat milk lattés and if you have a sweet tooth, there are some vegan ice cream stores and others that always have some vegan options. If you have access to a kitchen, selfcatering is an easy and reliable option. Supermarkets in Iceland usually have some range of vegan products, although in the low budget supermarkets, options might be scarce. The vegetable section might also be a little more limited than what you’re used to, due to our northerly location. If you don’t have access to a kitchen, you can find some prepared vegetarian dishes in the supermarkets as well.

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DAY TOURS, ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES

DAY TOURS & ACTIVITIES

FROM REYKJAVÍK Reykjavík is a great city and we wholeheartedly recommend spending some time there… just not all your time. Icelandic nature is spectacular, with erupting hot springs, majestic glaciers and thundering waterfalls, all within a few hours’ drive from the city. There’s so much to do, see and experience, it would be a shame to miss it. 81

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DAY TOURS, ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES

INTERESTING PLACES AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY REYKJAVÍK

1 | Whale Watching Taking a whale watching cruise is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland and for good reason – the ocean around Iceland is teeming with cetacean giants!

2 | Blue Lagoon The milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon are by now one of Iceland’s most famous attractions. The mineralrich hot water is pumped up from the depths of the earth and mixes with sea water to form a pool of water at the perfect temperature.

3 | Þingvellir Þingvellir, or Parliament fields, is important from both a historical and geological standpoint. For centuries, this was where Alþingi, Iceland’s parliament met, but it’s also where the earth’s tectonic plates slowly pull apart to form cracks and crevices in the earth.

4 | Gullfoss

7 | Hraunfossar/Barnafoss

Gullfoss is a thundering stream of water cascading down in two tiers before reaching the canyon below. The name translates to The Golden Waterfall and it’s from this waterfall that the Golden Circle takes its name!

No tour of the west coast of Iceland is complete without a stop at the Hraunfossar waterfall, where the water streams out from underneath a lava field before flowing over red cliffs into the foaming water below. Just above the Hraunfossar is Barnafoss, another stunning waterfall.

5 | Geysir While Geysir, the original erupting hot spring, giving his name to all the geysers out there, is pretty quiet these days, his neighbour, Strokkur ejects boiling water 20m in the air every 6-10 minutes.

6 | Krýsuvík Iceland’s geothermal heat is immensely powerful and at the Krýsuvík geothermal area, you can see the effects clearly on the earth’s surface. Multicoloured hills, steam rising from the ground and bubbling hot springs are a sight you have to see to believe!

8 | Deildartunguhver Deildartunguhver is Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Don’t get to close to the source, 180 litres of boiling water gush out of the spring per second!

9 | Glymur One of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland, Glymur, is just a short drive away from the city. It’s only accessible by a hiking trail but the view is well worth the easy hike up there.

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10 | Reykjadalur valley The valley above Hveragerði is one of the most popular hiking routes in Iceland. That’s not just because of the beautiful nature and majestic mountains surrounding the valley but because of the hot springs at the end of the route, some of them at the perfect temperature for bathing!

11 | Skálholt There’s been a church at Skálholt for more than a thousand years and before the Reformation, it used to be the seat of the catholic bishop of the south of Iceland.

12 | Langjökull Iceland has some of the largest glaciers in Europe and Langjökull is just a few hours away from the city. You can go hiking on the ice, or snowmobiling, and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even go inside the glacier!

13 | Esjan Mt. Esjan towers over the Reykjavík city skyline. It’s the locals’ favourite spot to go hiking and when you see the view from its slopes and peaks, you’ll know why!

14 | Bláfjöll

Although Icelandic winters are milder than you’d expect, the people of Reykjavík still love skiing and their favourite spot to do it is at the Bláfjöll ski resort.

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DAY TOURS, ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES

A DAY FROM REYKJAVÍK:

THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

Gullfoss

This is the most popular day tour in Iceland and for good reason. Not only do you get to see some of the most amazing natural and historical wonders of Iceland, it’s also a convenient distance from Reykjavík. The Golden Circle is a 300-km looped route. It covers three main locations: Þingvellir National Park, the waterfall Gullfoss and the erupting geyser Strokkur in Haukadalur.

Þingvellir Þingvellir (pronounced thing-vetleer) is a historical and geological marvel. Situated right where the tectonic plates separate, the rift between continents is clearly visible in the dramatic cliffs on either side of the valley. This makes for stunning landscapes, with cascading waterfalls, majestic cliffs, and fissures, filed with icy blue, clear water. Þingvellir are of great historical importance as well. The name

Þingvellir

translates to Parliament Fields as for centuries, it was the meeting place of the Icelandic parliament, founded in 930. Some of the biggest decisions in Icelandic history were made at Þingvellir. It was here that the Icelandic chieftains decided that Icelanders would convert to Christianity, it was where they decided to give up their independence in 1262 and where they declared independence from Denmark seven centuries later, in 1944.

Þingvellir

Geysir

Gullfoss

Geysir

Next up is Gullfoss waterfall (Icelandic for the golden waterfall). It’s a magnificent reminder of the awe-inspiring power of nature, with a huge amount of water thundering down into a jagged canyon. The power of the waterfall was enticing to entrepreneurs in the early 20th century, and plans were made to harness it and convert it to electricity. Fortunately, there were people that spoke up and protested destroying such an impressive natural wonder, one of them even going so far as to threaten to throw herself in the waterfall. The State of Iceland acquired the waterfall in 1940 and it has been on the state preservation list since 1979.

Geysir is an erupting hot spring (it’s actually THE erupting hot spring, lending its name to geysers around the world) although these days it doesn’t do a lot of erupting. It’s neighbour, Strokkur, however, gladly puts on a show every 8-10 minutes, in an impressive spectacle of a burst of hot water. The area also has several pools of water ranging in temperature from too-hot-to-touch to boil-you-alive-in-seconds; some bubbling, others still and impossibly clear. After Geysir, it’s time to head back to Reykjavík or continue exploring the south of Iceland. Go swimming in a warm pool surrounded by nature, go snowmobiling on a glacier or have a delicious langoustine (Icelandic lobster) dinner in a tiny fishing village on the shore.

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A DAY FROM REYKJAVÍK:

THE SOUTH COAST The south coast is one of the most popular places for a sightseeing day tour from Reykjavík. The area has a high concentration of diverse natural phenomena - striking mountains, glaciers and waterfalls - with long stretches of black sand beaches and deserts and verdant farming communities in between. The road south from Reykjavík crosses Mt. Hellisheiði, where you can stop at the Hellisheiði power plant and geothermal energy exhibition and tour the plant. From there, you travel down into the valley around Hveragerði, a town built on a geothermal hot spot. There are columns of steam rising from the ground, a clear sign of the geothermal heat underground, and there’s even a restaurant which cooks food with the steam from the ground!

Moving on, you’ll drive past amazing mountains and valleys along the coastline until you get to the magical Seljalandsfoss waterfall. The waterfall comes down in the mouth of a cave so that you can walk the whole way around it. Close by is the Iceland Erupts exhibition, a memorial to the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull which halted all air transport in Europe for a while.

This is followed by Skógafoss, an even larger, more powerful waterfall, right by the tiny community of Skógar, which has a fascinating local museum and a couple of hotels. This is also where the mountain trail of Fimmvörðuháls starts off, a popular but long hiking trail leading up to the Þórsmörk preservation area. Be careful to check the conditions and get advice before the hike. Further along is the town of Vík, where you can walk along the Reynisfjara black-sand beach with a view over the strange rock formations of the coast. (IMPORTANT: Stay far away from the water, the rip tide is EXTREMELY dangerous and there have been fatal accidents there!). Katla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes and Mýrdalsjökull glacier watch over the south coast of Iceland and you could easily throw in a guided tour of the glacier or a hike to spice up your journey. If you decide to do that, just be careful and take precautions, ask advice, always let someone know where you’re going, keep your phone charged, bring warm clothes and make sure you have good shoes!

Glacier Hiking You shouldn’t leave Iceland without experiencing the wonders of its glaciers. Glacier hiking is the best way to get up close and personal with Iceland’s elements. Visiting the glaciers under the guidance of a professional glacier guide is a safe way to explore the rugged ice crevasses, sink holes, jagged ridges, ice walls and amazing ice formations.

The Glacial Lagoon on the South Coast The otherworldly Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, surrounded by black sand, is a sight well worth the trip. The ice-cold water is filled with icebergs that have broken off the vast Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. The blue and black chunks of ice look great from afar, but even better up close, so consider taking a boat tour of the lagoon.

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A DAY FROM REYKJAVÍK:

REYKJANES PENINSULA The Reykjanes peninsula is the first thing you see on your way from the airport into the city. There’s a lot more to the area than just the airport; the area contains a host of interesting attractions and beautiful nature that’s too often overlooked by travellers. The peninsula landscape is dramatic, with endless lava fields and mountains in the distance, geothermal areas and cute little villages. Starting out from Reykjavík, you’ll drive through the town of Hafnarfjörður, the home of the Viking Village. After a stop in Hafnarfjörður, we recommend leaving the main road to Keflavík and heading through the lava fields towards Kleifarvatn. The lake is very pretty and surrounded by a beautiful landscape, a perfect place for a walk if the weather is nice. Continuing on, this route leads you to Krýsuvík, a geothermal hot spot where

you’ll find numerous bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles, surrounded by multicoloured hills, affected by the intense heat. From here, you might head east to Strandakirkja church, which, according to legend, was built by a sailor who stranded just off the coast but was rescued by an angel on the promise he would build a church where he washed ashore. After this, travelling west along the peninsula and passing through the fishing village of Grindavík, you can stop by the Gunnuhver fumarole, where legend has it the murderous ghost Gunna was trapped by a priest using only a ball of yarn. In the same area, you can visit Reykjanesviti lighthouse and walk along the dramatic rocky coastline, with a view over the unique island Eldey. Traveling north from here, you come to the bridge

between the continents at Sandvík. The Blue Lagoon Iceland stands on the rift between the The luxurious Blue Lagoon spa is one American and the Eurasian tectonic plate of the most recognized landmarks in and there are a few places in the country Iceland. The characteristic turquoise where that rift is visible on the surface. blue waters are the result of a happy Next up is Keflavík, a town heavily accident. While drilling for hot water, a influenced by its proximity to the US way opened for naturally hot water from army base which is now vacant. Keflavík deep underground, to flow to the surface. was known as the birthplace of Icelandic The underground water, naturally rich rock and roll, home to the legendary in minerals, mixed with cold seawater, band Hljómar, the Icelandic Beatles. created a pool of milky blue water of the Honouring this heritage is the Icelandic perfect temperature for bathing. Since Rock’n’roll Museum, which showcases the water continuously streams from several artefacts from the musical history underneath the ground, the water is of Iceland. The highlight of a trip to the Í S L E N S KI BA R IN N IN G ÓL F SST R Æ T I 1A replenished 101 R E Y KJAVÍevery K completely 40 hours, Reykjanes peninsula for many people is keeping the water www.islenskibarinn.is postur@islenskibarinn.is sími:naturally 517 6767 clean and relaxing in the famous Blue Lagoon spa making chemical cleaners unnecessary. on your way back to the city.

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A DAY FROM REYKJAVÍK:

BORGARNES & WEST OF ICELAND If the crowds on the south coast and the Golden Circle are not your thing, a tour of the west coast of Iceland might be just the ticket. The area has its share of natural wonders, with majestic waterfalls and deep lava caves, as well as a rich historical heritage. About an hour north of Reykjavík is Borgarnes, a charming little town with cosy restaurants, a watery paradise of a swimming pool, and fascinating museums. The Settlement Centre is dedicated to the Viking settlement of the area, telling the story of Egill son of Skallagrímur, the fierce Viking and clever poet who first settled in the area. The Borgarnes Museum is just a couple of steps away and is focused on more recent history of the area, with permanent exhibitions on the history of childhood during the 20th century and the birdlife of the area, as well as temporary exhibitions. The swimming pool is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, complete with an Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool, an indoor pool, three hot tubs, a wading pool, a steam bath, three waterslides of varying size and a gym! Close by Borgarnes is Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. You can see boiling hot water gush from the ground, bubbling powerfully and steaming. A little further along are Hraunfossar, the Lava Waterfalls. This remarkable waterfall flows out from underneath a sheet of solid lava! A short walk away is another waterfall, the thundering Barnafoss.

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Víðgelmir, Iceland’s biggest lava cave by volume, is a lava tube formed during a volcanic eruption, when the magma started to cool on the surface, but there was still a hot “river” of magma

flowing beneath it. Then the magma flow stopped, leaving a hollow cave beneath the cool crust on the surface. A tour of the cave can be booked in advance. Nearby Surtshellir, similar in nature, is Iceland’s longest lava cave. Finally, if you’re travelling with a specially outfitted vehicle and guide, you can kick the adrenaline into gear and drive onto Langjökull glacier, where summer never comes. If you’re particularly adventurous, you can even travel Into the Glacier, in a recently opened man-made glacier cave, equipped with a chapel, bar and movie theatre. If you want to take the scenic route back to Reykjavík, skip the tunnel under Hvalfjörður bay and drive around the fjord. On the way you can see the old whaling station or visit a museum dedicated to the American army’s occupation of Iceland during World War II. You can also visit a working farm or hike to the tallest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur.

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ACTIVITIES FROM REYKJAVÍK Reykjavík and the surrounding area offer plenty of activities as well as standard day tours. Many of these activities can be added onto the tours, making for a fuller day with more than just enjoying the breath-taking nature, while other require a longer time or more dedication. Then there are even a few things that you can do on a whim, and don’t even have to take too much time! Whatever it is, you can trust that there’ll be plenty of things to do!

Snorkelling and Diving in Silfra Snorkelling – it’s not just for the tropics anymore! Good news for everyone, from experienced divers to novice adventure-seekers; the fissure Silfra is not only a world-class diving location but ideal for snorkelling tours as well. The crystal-clear water offers over 100 metres of visibility! Don’t miss out on floating along the fissure and seeing first-hand the amazing world underneath ours. Silfra is also a

world-renowned diving site, for those who want to experience it full-force and have the necessary permits! (a drysuit permit is needed to dive in Silfra, but everyone can snorkel). Several tour operators offer day tours in this location all year.

Horseback Riding Not only is the Icelandic horse a horse of a different colour, it’s a horse of an entirely different genetic makeup. Having been bred in almost perfect isolation for over 1000 years, the Icelandic horse is unique in many respects. They are notably well-tempered and relatively small (you shouldn’t fall off but even if you do, you won’t fall far!), though they are probably most famous for their unusual fifth gait: the tölt. Tölt is a way of walking unique to the Icelandic horse, which keeps the rider stable while manoeuvring easily over Iceland’s uneven landscape.

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ATVs, four-wheelers, quad bikes… whatever you call them, they’re always a fun ride! Just a stone’s throw outside Reykjavík, you can take your road-rage to the lava fields where these powerful machines eat up the terrain. Quad bikes open another world normally hidden from the average traveller; driving along a black sand beach or on a seldom travelled mountain road is an unforgettable experience!

ATVs in All Terrains!

Caving Underneath the mountains and lava fields is an incredible subterranean realm that just begs to be explored. Iceland has 500 known lava caves, but that’s a mere 5% of the estimated total of 10.000. Navigating these caves is a great way to experience first-hand how the land formed from the molten lava, cooling and freezing time forever. It’s a great adventure and everyone should try it!

Whales, Puffins and Sea Angling

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The ocean surrounding Iceland is a fantastic place to go whale watching. The most frequently seen cetaceans are minke and humpback whales and seeing these giants of the ocean in the wild is an unforgettable experience. You can also take a

dedicated puffin watching tour, which takes you out to the puffin colonies on the islands outside Reykjavík in the season, from mid-May to midAugust. Finally, if you’d rather taste the sea’s creatures than look at them, sea angling boat tours from the Old Harbour let you catch your own fish and have it cooked for you right there on the boat!

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Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on earth with more than 30 active volcanoes. The most famous one is probably Mt. Eyjafjallajökull, which temporarily halted Europe’s air traffic in 2010. Other notable volcanoes include Hekla, widely considered to be the entrance to Hell in the middle ages, and Bárðarbunga, which erupted in 2014. Several Super Jeep excursions, scenic flight tours and helicopter tours will take travellers out to these wonders of nature to enjoy their raw power and grotesque beauty. If seeing the volcanoes isn’t enough for you, there is always Þríhnúkagígur, the only place on earth where you can go inside an empty volcano.

Geothermal Powerplants The columns of steam rising from the geothermal plants at Nesjavellir and Hellisheiði are a magnificent sight. You can take a tour of the Geothermal Energy Exhibition at Hellisheiði, a state-of-the-art geothermal power plant. The plant shows how geothermal energy is harnessed in

a sustainable manner in Iceland, a showcase for the rest of the world. The area is also an excellent hiking and outdoor destination with trails which vary in length and difficulty, and trail maps in place on-site.

DAY TOURS, ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES

Iceland’s Volcanoes

Iceland’s Glaciers Glaciers cover about 11% of Iceland’s surface. Iceland is home to the largest ice cap in Europe, Vatnajökull, in addition to other formidable ones such as Langjökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Snæfellsjökull. You can barely go anywhere in Iceland without spotting one of these ivory behemoths in the distance, but if you want to get up close and personal, take a guided glacier hike tour, go ice climbing or snowmobiling or even go on a unique tour Into the Glacier, into a man-made tunnel at the heart of the glacier. Don’t try to go on a glacier without a certified guide!

Food & Culture Tours Iceland’s cuisine is unique and fascinating. Smoked, cured, dried, salted – meat, fish or bread, there are many unusual and delicious combinations to choose from. Take a guided food tour which samples the different flavours of the local cuisine in chosen locations. Smoked lamb is delicious and dried fish chips will surprise you, but the fermented shark and accompanying shot of Brennivín schnapps are an acquired taste! You can also visit one of Iceland’s many microbreweries and have a tasting session.

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City Tours

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Reykjavík is a fantastic little city, different from other capitals of Europe. Guided tours focus on major sights, culture and history, the city’s lessknown secrets or even good places to party, depending on each tour. There are tours on foot, bike or Segway, to name just a few. Keep your eyes peeled for the tour that appeals to you.

For those who aren’t content to just look at this island’s magnificent nature, one of the most exciting ways you can experience it first-hand is snowmobiling on a glacier. These adventure excursions will take you on an adrenaline-filled ride while allowing you to experience the glacial landscapes in a unique and wonderful way.

Jeep Tours Iceland’s rugged and untamed nature can be hard to navigate in a regular vehicle. This is why you will see so many modified Super Jeeps around, capable of traversing unbridged rivers, drive up on mountains and generally get around on rocky mountain roads. It’s easy to take such a tour up onto volcanoes and glaciers, into the untouched wilderness of the highlands, or to caves, waterfalls and other inaccessible natural phenomena.

Scenic Flight Tours

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There’s nothing like taking scenic flights by plane or helicopter over the grand vistas of Icelandic nature. You get to experience natural wonders that aren’t easily accessible by land, get the bird’s-eye view of mountains, glaciers and waterfalls, all in just a fraction of the time it would take you to make the trip by car. Whether you take a scenic flight or a helicopter tour, it’s going to give you a unique sense of the scale and power of this wild and untamed land.

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THINGS TO DO IN REYKJAVIK

THINGS TO DO

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Reykjavík and the surrounding towns are home to two thirds of Iceland’s population of 330.000. This city is vibrant and bubbling with artistic creativity, rich with history and at the same time very close to nature. Whether you’re visiting landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa concert hall and city hall, bathing in Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach or enjoying some of the local parks, one thing is certain – you won’t be bored in Reykjavík! 113

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HISTORICAL SITES The Nordic House

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1 | REYKJAVÍK’S OLDEST STREET

times it was the residence of Bishop Geir Vídalín (1761-1823), whose BSÍ Excavations on Aðalstræti street hospitality was infamous. He was so Bus Terminal have revealed ruins dating back generous that he went bankrupt and to Viking era when the first a committee had to be formed to settlers came to Iceland. In 1752, control his finances. the enterprising Constable Skúli Magnússon, sometimes known as 3 | THE FALCON HOUSE the father of Reykjavík, decided it On the corner of Hafnarstræti and should be a site for various factory Aðalstræti, you’ll find the Falcon workshops called the “Innréttingar,” House. Icelandic falcons (Falco which eventually grew into the core Rusticolus) were kept in a house on of what we now call downtown this site before being shipped to Reykjavík. buyers overseas, namely European 2 | THE OLDEST TIMBER BUILDING aristocracy. Statues of falcons adorn the house to this day, reminding us Aðalstræti 10 is considered the of its former role. city’s oldest timber house. In olden

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4 | The House of Parliament Iceland’s Alþingi is the world’s oldest parliament still functioning. Founded in 930 AD, it predates Great Britain’s parliament by 777 years, the US Congress by 851 years and Russia’s Duma by 976 years. Despite this, Iceland’s House of Parliament was only built in 1881 and until 1799, the Alþingi assembled outdoors at Þingvellir National Park.

5 | Austurvöllur The green square in front of the House of Parliament is in many ways the beating heart of the city. It’s a meeting place for the people of Reykjavík, no matter if the occasion is a happy one or more contentious. People will flock to the square to sit in the sun on a summer’s day and in winter, it’s the location of the city’s biggest Christmas tree. During times of political struggle, it’s also where people gather to voice their discontent with the rulers of the land.

6 | City Hall By the city pond stands Reykjavík’s city hall, a palace of glass and concrete built in 1993. The building is the result of an architectural competition and the building masterfully connects the water of the pond with the man-made buildings on the its banks. The 15 columns in the water represent the 15 city councillors. The building houses their offices as well as the mayor’s, an exhibition hall and the city’s official tourist information centre.

7 | Hljómskálinn

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The park around the city pond is named for this octagonal towerlike structure, built to house the Reykjavík brass band. Hljómskálinn was the first building in Iceland purposely built for musicians, although it was only intended for practices, not concerts. Although

Hljómskálinn looks like a modest building today, it was controversial at the time it was built and many considered it way too tall and a blight on an otherwise beautiful park.

8 | The National Gallery The main building of the National Gallery was built in 1916 as an ice house. Before modern refrigeration, ice was taken from the pond and kept in ice houses until it was used to keep food fresh and fish for foreign markets unspoilt. When modern refrigeration replaced the ice houses, a night club moved in and became legendary during the Beatles era of music. It burned down one night and wasn’t rebuilt because of a petition by the building’s neighbours. The National Gallery received the building in ruins but it was rebuilt with an extension to become the stately building it is today.

9 | Ingólfsbrekka Hill Probably one of the best-preserved sections of old Reykjavík’s landscape. In 1806, it marked the eastern boundary of the city. Most of these houses were supposed to have been torn down but a group of locals protested and the houses were restored to their original glory.

10 | Government House Completed in 1771, this was Iceland’s first proper prison, designed to hold 16 felons and 54 misdemeanants—serving as such until 1816. Today it houses the Prime Minister’s Office and serves as the meeting place for the state council consisting of Iceland’s 12 ministers. Some like to say that while they closed the prison, the criminals still haven’t left the building.

11 | Laugavegur

alternative to physical punishment but by the time the 21st century rolled around, its lack of a gym and a cafeteria, among other shortcomings, rendered it outdated. It functioned as a prison until spring 2016.

14 | Hallgrímskirkja Hallgrímskirkja is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Reykjavík and the view from the top of the church tower is incomparable. The church was designed by Iceland’s most prolific architect during the 20th century, Guðjón Samúelsson, who was inspired by the columnar basalt which can be found in Icelandic nature. The church is named for Hallgrímur Pétursson, a 17thcentury minister, whose poetry is one of the most important in Icelandic literary history. He wrote an epic 50-poem hymn dedicated to the Passion of the Christ and a hymn which to this day is sung at most funerals in Iceland.

Now crowded with boutiques and cafés, Laugavegur wasn’t always so glamorous. The street gained its name (Lauga+vegur = pool+road) from the washerwomen who would tread through the mud carrying heavy loads of laundry to the geothermal pools in Laugardalur valley.

12 | Gossip Ledge On the corner of Skólavörðustígur and Bergstaðastræti is a place called “Gossip Ledge”. In olden times it was customary for people in Reykjavík to gather here and swap gossip. The local gossip has since moved to the Reykjavík city hot tubs, where all of Iceland’s most important discussions now take place.

13 | The Punishment House

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One of the city’s oldest buildings is the Hegningarhúsið jail (literal translation, “The Punishment House”) built in 1874. At the time it was considered a humane

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WHO’S WHO OF REYKJAVÍK STATUES

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Walking through Reykjavík, especially in the city centre, Hospitalyou’ll notice The Nordic several statues of notable Icelanders decorating parks and squares. For House the uninitiated, these statues don’t mean much but if you’re curious to know what these people have done, read on!

1 | Jón Sigurðsson

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(1811-1879) Born June 17th, 1811, Jón Sigurðsson became the beloved leader of Iceland’s struggle for independence and separation from Danish rule in the 19th century. In commemoration for his efforts, Iceland celebrates its Independence Day on Jón’s birthday. You’ll also find this handsome fellow on the 500 ISK note. Sculptor: Einar Jónsson

2 | Ingibjörg H Bjarnason (1867-1941) Ingibjörg was the first

Reykjavík female memberAirport of Alþingi, Iceland’s

parliament in 1922. Her statue is also the first full-size statue of an identified female in Reykjavík and was unveiled in 2015. For most of her life, Ingibjörg worked in education and was the principal of Kvennaskólinn í Reykjavík (Reykjavík’s school for women) for more than three decades. She also fought diligently for the rights of women, public healthcare and progressive education. Sculptor: Ragnheiður Stefánsdóttir

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3 | Skúli Magnússon

6 | Hannes Hafstein

(1711-1794) It was Sheriff Skúli Magnússon, dubbed the “Father of Reykjavík,” who first brought factory production to Reykjavík with the so-called “Innréttingar” industrial workshops, beginning the industrialisation of Iceland.

(1861-1922). In 1904, Hannes became the first Icelander to be appointed to the Danish Cabinet as the Minister for Icelandic Affairs, and later, Iceland’s first prime minister. He was also a poet and, perhaps fittingly for an Icelander, his most famous poem is a loving ode to the storm.

Sculptor: Guðmundur Einarsson

4 | Bertel Thorvaldsen

Sculptor: Einar Jónsson

(1770-1844) The humble son of an Icelandic woodcarver settled in Denmark and became one of the most sought after sculptors in Europe, working for royalty, aristocrats and renowned collectors. He even made a sculpture for St. Peter’s basilica in Rome, although since he wasn’t a catholic himself, he wasn’t allowed to sign his work.

7 | King Christian IX

Sculptor: Bertel Thorvaldsen

5 | Jónas Hallgrímsson (1807-1845) If the pen is mightier than the sword, then this man was a Sherman tank. His sweeping romantic poetry on Icelandic nature and beauty coincided with the nation’s battle for independence. In fact, many consider his words to be one of the driving forces behind Icelanders’ insistence on independence from the Danish crown. Sculptor: Einar Jónsson

THINGS TO DO IN REYKJAVIK

Ruled Denmark from 1863 to 1906, known as the “Grandfather of Europe” as many of his descendants married into other royal houses. In 1874, he issued a new constitution for Iceland, a compromise between Iceland’s demand for sovereignty and Denmark’s interest in maintaining the monarchy. Sculptor: Einar Jónsson.

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8 | Ingólfur Arnarson According to Iceland’s Book of Settlement, the first permanent settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, threw his two wooden chieftain poles overboard, believing that wherever they washed ashore was where he was fated to build his settlement. He’s supposed to have ended up in Reykjavík and Archaeological excavations at Aðalstræti and Suðurgata streets have revealed evidence of an ancient settlement that supports this story.

Sculptor: Einar Jónsson.

9 | Leif the Lucky Christopher Columbus who? Icelanders will happily explain that it was their own Leifur Eiríksson who discovered America some 600 years before Columbus. As a “thanks for finding us” present to Iceland, America gave the nation this heroic statue of the Leif the Lucky, which now perches on the highest hill in downtown Reykjavík. Sculptor: Alexander S. Calder.

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Landspítali Hospital settlement, used for over 800 years. It is believed to contain the remains of 30 surrounded by pavement and concrete, to airy green open spaces, generations of Icelanders. Spreading the city centre has some lovely BSÍ its limbs across the park is Reykjavík’s oldest tree: A rowan tree dating back and historic parks. On a sunnyBus day,Terminal to 1884. Close by is the Settlement there’s nothing better than to take exhibition, where you can see remains a picnic out to any of these spots or of buildings from the 10th century, get an ice cream and go for a walk. recently excavated. The tiny Nordic From little green oases House

1 | Austurvöllur Park

4 | Hólavallagarður Cemetery

Arguably the true heart of the city, Austurvöllur is where the locals flock to soak up the sun when the weather is nice. It’s also where the locals gather to bang pots and pans and hurl skyr at parliament in protest when they’re not happy with the government’s actions.

The green space on the west side of the pond is a cemetery. It was first used in 1838 and for a long time it was the main cemetery of Reykjavík. Many of Reykjavík’s most famous sons and daughters were laid to their final rest here, most notably Jón Sigurðsson, a national hero for his part in Iceland’s fight for independence. June 17th, Iceland’s Independence Day, is Jón’s birth day and each year, the day’s celebration’s start with the mayor leaving a wreath of flowers at his grave.

2 | Tryggvagarður Garden

Reykjavík Airport Named for Tryggvi Gunnarsson (1835

– 1917), a renowned entrepreneur, this garden dates back to 1893. It’s known as a place where the nation’s leaders come to make important decisions since it’s located directly behind the House of Parliament. The garden remains virtually unchanged since its first days, although the trees are a little bit bigger than they used to be.

3 | Fógetagarðurinn Park The site of Reykjavík’s first cemetery dating back to the time of Iceland’s

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5 | The Lakeside

8 | Court Garden

The past meets the present on the banks of lake Tjörnin where Reykjavík’s modern palace of a city hall is flanked by some of the city’s loveliest houses from the turn of the century on both sides of the lake. If you’re feeling pensive, have a seat on the bench on the west side of the pond, next to the statue of Reykjavík poet Tómas Guðmundsson and you’ll be sure to feel inspired.

(Hallargarðurinn) Originally a private garden, in 1955 it became the first large recreation area in Iceland to be specifically designed by a landscape architect. The house in the park was built by famed businessman Thor Jensen and is by many considered among the most beautiful buildings in Reykjavík.

6 | Bjarkargata Grove In 1914, there were 400 birch trees planted on this spot, marking Iceland’s first effort towards reforesting the island. As you might have noticed, we still have a long way to go. According to ancient manuscripts, Iceland was covered in forests when the first settlers arrived but climate changes and the livestock that the settlers brought changed Iceland’s nature to what it is today.

7 | Pavilion Park (Hljómskálagarðurinn) With a cinderellaesque rags-to-riches transformation, what used to be the city dump for the most part of the 19th century is now a popular place to picnic by the lakeside. The park is named for the octagonal, tower-like structure, built in 1923 to house the Reykjavík marching band.

9 | Mothers’ Park (Mæðragarðurinn) One of the city’s first playgrounds. In 1925, the area was declared a public park and dedicated to mothers with young children, hence the statue of a mother with a child. The statue is by famed Icelandic sculptor Nína Sæmundsson, whose work “the Spirit of Achievement” adorns the Waldorf Astoria in New York.

10 | Arnarhóll Hill This grassy hill in the middle of the city has narrowly escaped building plans through the years. It serves as a gathering spot for the people of Reykjavík on celebrations such as June 17th and the Gay pride festival. On the top of the hill is a statue of Ingólfur Arnarson, the first permanent settler of Iceland. He built his farm in Reykjavík.

11 | Einar Jónsson Sculpture Garden Behind the Einar Jónsson Museum is a garden exhibiting casts of Einar’s sculptures. The fierce Icelandic national spirit is captured in these boldly rendered, allegorical figures. The museum building is the first purpose-built museum in Iceland and also housed the artist’s apartment and studio. In exchange, Einar donated all his works to the Icelandic nation.

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STEIKHÚSIÐ THE STEAKHOUSE

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

Try our local seafood or feast on a Black Angus steak from the charcoal oven

Steikhúsið Tryggvagata 4-6 (+354) 561 1111 www.steik.is

www.reykjaviksegwaytours.com Segway tours in Reykjavik. Scheduled tours in summer every day at 13:00, and private tours available all year. Call/text Stefan: + (354) 897 2790.

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Biking is an increasingly popular activity in Reykjavík, both as a hobby and as a way of transportation. The city has plenty of green spaces and there’s wilderness as well, just outside the city limits. Renting a bike to explore the city is not just a recipe for a great afternoon, it’s also a great way to see another side of the city than most people get to see.

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Most cyclists are drawn to the less busy paths outside of Reykjavík’s centre. There are a number of paths along the coast that will take you around the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, such as Sæbraut to the north and Ægissíða to the south.

Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around Reykjavík and to get to know the city. Be aware that some drivers are not used to sharing the road with cyclists, so take care. The city has made strides in introducing bike lanes, but you can also bike on sidewalks, walking paths and the street, as long as you don’t interfere with traffic or pedestrians.

Another popular area is Elliðaárdalur valley, a lush, green nature preserve centred around the Elliðavatn lake and the streams that run from it along the valley. If you really feel like getting lost in the great outdoors, then hit the much larger Heiðmörk wilderness south of Elliðaárdalur. The cycling path brings you all sorts of landscapes from evergreen forests (a rarity in Iceland, you might have noticed) to scrub and lava fields.

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REYKJAVÍK ON TWO WHEELS

Bike tours are organized year round (bikes and helmets provided) where you’ll get beyond the city centre to discover some of the city’s extensive green spaces. If you’re up for a real adventure, rent a scooter to zoom along the coast and explore the wilderness on the outskirts of town.

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A BICYCLING TOUR ACROSS THE CAPITAL 1 | Old Harbour Start your tour from the old harbour area in the city centre. This area used to belong to the fishing industry, but when that moved to the new harbour, there were plenty of empty buildings left. These buildings were taken over by artists, designers, new boutiques and restaurants and the area is quickly becoming one of the most interesting places to explore in Reykjavík. The view over the ocean and the mountains isn’t bad either! 2 | Grótta Ride along the seaside all the way to the northernmost tip of the Reykjavík peninsula. The Grótta lighthouse with a backdrop of the ocean view is very picturesque and in the winter, this is a great spot for northern lights viewing. 3 | Ægissíða Get back on your bike and head along the coastline on the other side of the peninsula. This is the Ægissíða coastline, a popular recreational area for the inhabitants of west Reykjavík. You’ll likely find plenty

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of locals running, cycling, or just walking their dogs in the fresh sea air. 4 | Nauthólsvík The geothermal beach at Nauthólsvík is one of the most popular spots in Reykjavík on sunny summer days. The yellow sand and heated water make for a little slice of the tropics in the middle of Reykjavík (at least if you close one eye and squint a little). 5 | Perlan On the forest-clad hill by the beach (another rarity in Iceland) is the Perlan building. The name means the pearl, which makes perfect sense for the glass dome atop six giant hot water reserve tanks. The view from the 360°deck at the top is one of the best in Reykjavík. 6 | Hallgrímskirkja Finally, ride from one Reykjavík landmark to another, from Perlan to Hallgrímskirkja church. At 74.5 m, Hallgrímskirkja is the tallest building in Reykjavík proper and the view from the top, over the colourful little houses of the city centre is quite charming.

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Most Icelandic beaches, with their jet-black sand and water temperatures in the low single digits, have nothing in common with their counterparts closer to the equator. The golden-sanded geothermal beach at Nauthólsvík in Reykjavík is the exception that proves the rule; a little piece of a tropical paradise in the otherwise subarctic climate. The North-Atlantic Ocean around Iceland is much too cold to bathe in, but we do have an impressive amount of geothermal energy. Some enterprising minds saw a possibility in our situation and the Nauthólsvík geothermal beach was opened in 2001 to the delight of residents and tourists alike.

to bathe in the ocean and still avoid hypothermia and on sunny days, the beach fills up with people of all ages enjoying the warm water.

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NAUTHÓLSVÍK The main objective of creating the geothermal beach was to establish the bay of Nauthólsvík as a diverse outdoor area and haven for recreational activities, such as sunbathing, swimming and sailing. No matter the season, there are people enjoying the use of the hot tubs, steambath and changing facilities and showers, even when the temperatures drop below freezing.

The creation of the geothermal beach was an ambitious project involving the construction of a lagoon with large sea walls, where cold sea and hot geothermal water blend together for the perfect temperature. The locals have welcomed this chance

Sea swimming One activity has become surprisingly popular all year round; sea-swimming. Cold-water swimming might sound crazy, especially in a country like Iceland, however this extreme activity dates all the way back to the age of settlement. The oldest recorded sea-swimming feat was performed in the year 1030, when Grettir Ásmundarson (a legendary character from the Icelandic Sagas) swam a distance of 7km across a bay in North Iceland to the island of Drangey.

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VIÐEY AND THE PEACE TOWER Enjoy a short trip with the Elding ferry service to the lovely island of Viðey, situated in Kollafjörður just off the coast of Reykjavík. Apart from its ancient ruins and rich historical background, other attractions include impressive works of art by Yoko Ono (the Imagine Peace Tower) and Richard Serra (the Milestones project). Fans of architecture will also be interested to learn that the church in Viðey is one of the oldest in the country and that Viðey House is the first building in the country to be constructed with stone. With an extensive network of paths and a population of lovely resident horses, the island can be explored both on foot and on horseback. No matter which path you take, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mainland, and on a clear day you’ll be able to see the impressive outline of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

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In summertime, there are daily ferry departures both from Skarfabakki pier and Ægisgardur harbour, by the Harpa concert hall. The winter service runs on Saturdays and Sundays from Skarfabakki to Viðey. Note that trips to Viðey are free with the Reykjavík City Card.

Imagine Peace Tower The Imagine Peace Tower is a work of art that represents a beacon of world peace by the legendary artist, musician and peace advocate, Yoko Ono. The work is designed in the form of a wishing well from which a powerful tower of light beams. The words IMAGINE PEACE are inscribed on the well in 24 different languages. The light tower is composed of a number of individual lights that join together to form a single beam. Six of the lights travel through corridors across a platform that surrounds the well and are reflected upwards to the sky with mirrors. An additional nine lights shine

straight up to the sky, strengthening the tower of light. The strength, intensity and brilliance of the light tower continually change as particles in the air fluctuate with the changing weather and atmospheric conditions unique to Iceland. The inauguration of the IMAGINE PEACE TOWER took place during a private ceremony on 9 October 2007 on Viðey Island, Reykjavík, Iceland. The artwork was dedicated to the memory of John Lennon on what would have been his 67th birthday.

Since then, it lights up the evening sky annually from 9th October to 8th December. It is also lit during the winter solstice for one week, on New Year’s Eve and on Spring Equinox for one week. The electricity for the light comes entirely from Reykjavík Energy, which produces the electricity from geothermal power. The construction and installation of the IMAGINE PEACE TOWER was done by Yoko Ono, in collaboration with the City of Reykjavík, the Reykjavík Art Museum and Reykjavík Energy.

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Island History Nature Art videy.com Summer Schedule from 15 May to 30 September From Ægisgarður

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MT. ESJA Dominating the Reykjavík city skyline and providing a stunning backdrop to the capital area is the majestic Mount Esja. Its proximity to the city has given it a special place in the hearts of Reykjavík locals, most of whom would have no way of figuring out which way north is without a view of the mountain. It’s even a popular motif in poems about Reykjavík, many of whom romanticise the view of the mountain across the water from the city centre. Esjan is a popular destination for hikers - no wonder because the view from the top of this 914-metre-high mountain is breathtaking.

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There are different routes up and around the mountain and you can climb to a few different peaks, varying in terms of difficulty. The most popular route is to climb up (or towards) the peak Þverfellshorn, at an altitude of 780 m. The path is divided into sections, with signs along the way, and the bus from Reykjavík stops by the parking lot. Each sign gives an indication of the difficulty of the path ahead with a grading system ranging from 1 boot (easy) to 3 boots (challenging). Approximately 200 from the top, there’s a point marked with a big rock called “Steinn”. Most inexperienced climbers choose to stop here and take in the view before going down again, as the path becomes increasingly difficult from there on,

rockier and steeper. If you do get to the top, don’t forget to sign the guestbook! Mt. Esja is located in Kjalarnes, past the town of Mosfellsbær east of Reykjavík. It is accessible by the number 15 bus from Hlemmur bus station. Get off at Háholt in Mosfellsbær, then take the number 57 to the foot of Esja at Esjuskáli. Please remember to take care when climbing. Even though Esjan is a popular hiking spot, the notoriously fickle Icelandic weather can be tricky at higher altitudes and there can even be snow on the upper slopes. It can also be steep in places so make sure your shoes are up for the task! Follow your chosen route closely and check what the weather conditions are like before attempting a climb. Always let someone know where you’re going and when you intend to be back.

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LAUGARDALUR VALLEY The Laugardalur valley is a Reykjavík neighbourhood that lies east of the city centre. Filled with parks, sport centres, and other recreational opportunities, Laugardalur is the perfect place to spend a sunny day.

History The name of the valley roughly translates to hot spring valley, and it takes its name from the hot springs where the women of Reykjavík used to wash laundry. Laugavegur, Reykjavík’s main shopping street, shares a name with the valley, since it was first built as a way for the washerwomen to get to the hot springs. Later, the hot water was used to make a swimming pool and Laugardalur soon became a centre for sports and outdoor activities.

Reykjavík’s Largest Thermal Pool Today, Laugardalur still has the largest swimming pool in Reykjavík, the Laugardalslaug. It’s got an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, hot tubs of varying temperatures, a wading pool, a sunbathing area, a steam bath and

a waterslide – it’s basically a watery paradise. Having a chat with the locals in the hot tub is essential but there’s also plenty of other activities in Laugardalur.

Parks and Gardens Laugardalur also boasts a beautiful botanical garden featuring an impressive selection of arctic flowers and plants. Beneath the branches of a leafy grove in the gardens, you’ll find the lovely Café Flora. Right by the botanical garden is The Family Park & Zoo in Laugardalur. The Zoo includes most Icelandic animals, both wild and domesticated, from foxes, reindeer and seals to cattle, horses and sheep. In summer, the Family Park offers rides and play equipment for children of all ages as well.

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The Reykjavík Art Museum Ásmundur’s Studio At the edge of the Laugardalur valley, not far from Laugardalur Arena, is a strangely shaped, domed white building that’s well worth a visit. This is Ásmundarsafn, the former studio of Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982), which has now been converted into a museum. Ásmundur was a pioneer of Icelandic sculpture and you can see his sculptures in many different locations all around the city, such as in front the main building of the University of Iceland and on the corner of Lækjargata and Bankastræti in the city centre.

The Laugardalur Stadium Finally, Reykjavík’s main sports stadium, Laugardalsvöllur, is also located in Laugardalur valley. Close to the stadium is the Laugardalshöll arena, a multipurpose indoor venue built in 1965. In addition to large pop and rock concerts, trade shows, exhibitions and the 1995 World Championship of Handball, the Laugardalshöll hosted the famous 1972 World Chess Championships, where American Bobby Fischer defeated Russian Boris Spassky.

After years of study, strings of awards and having led kitchens of some of Reykjavík’s most esteemed restaurants, Gústav still sees him self as just a kid from up north, with a lifetime passion for fish.

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HÖFÐI

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Höfði House, built in 1909, is one of the most beautiful and historically significant buildings in the Reykjavík area.

once occupied the house. She caused so much distress that he persuaded the British Foreign Office to sell the house.

It’s best known as the location for the 1986 summit meeting of presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbatsjov, a historical event that effectively marked the end of the Cold War. During this meeting images of the house were broadcast all over the world. A Japanese millionaire even had an exact replica of the house built in his country. The sculpture in front of the house depicts pillars from the chieftain’s seat of the first Norwegian settler in Reykjavík.

Höfði is owned by the the City of Reykjavík and is currently used for official receptions and meetings. Although the house is not open to the public, visitors are welcome to explore the house from the outside. Höfði House is located on Borgartún in the 105 area of Reykjavík overlooking the waterfront. We recommend taking a walk along the coast from the Harpa concert hall, admiring the ocean view along the way.

Höfði was initially the house of the French consul in Iceland and still bears many signs of its original purpose, such as the letters R.F (the abbreviation of the French Republic), the name of the consul and the year of its construction above an inside door. Among renowned guests of Höfði House are celebrities and heads of state, amongst them the Queen of England, Winston Churchilll and Marlene Dietrich. In addition, the house is believed to be occupied by a ghost, “The White Lady”, witnessed by a former British Ambassador who

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SHOPPING FOR ICELANDIC DESIGN If you’re looking for a souvenir to take back home after a trip to Iceland, you’re in luck! Icelanders have a creative spirit, clearly visible in their design. Whether you’re after clothes, jewellery, lifestyle products or design items for your home, you’ll find what you’re looking for, probably along with a few items you didn’t know you needed.

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Icelandic nature provides some unique materials for Icelandic designers. The Icelandic wool is an interesting material, as the Icelandic sheep are a very specific breed, descended from the first sheep brought to Iceland by the settlers. Bred in isolation for a millennium, the Icelandic sheep have two layers of wool, one soft and insulating and another tougher and water-repellent. This leads to a warm, light and waterproof fabric, that can be knitted, felted or woven into several different creations. Check out the products of

For hardier materials, Iceland does not have a lot of wood (the Icelandic forests are few and far between) which forces Icelandic designers to be creative. Pieces made of lava rock, animal horns or bones, fish leather and driftwood make for great souvenirs of your trip to Iceland.

Traditional Icelandic Another common thread in Icelandic design is the Icelandic cultural heritage, folklore, superstitions, and traditional craft. The most famous Icelandic design item is the Icelandic woollen sweater or the lopapeysa. It has kept generations of Icelanders warm in the harsh Icelandic nature, earning its place in Icelanders’ hearts. If you want one, stop by the Icelandic Handknitting Association and get one that’s handmade in Iceland. If you like the look of them but don’t need a woollen sweater, the traditional sweater patterns have also inspired designers and can be found on everything from t-shirts to candles and plates.

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Another popular motif in Icelandic design is the raven. In many cultures, the raven is an ominous creature, but in Iceland, it is considered a wise creature and a loyal friend. Farmers like to feed ravens scraps during the winter, as folk tales speak of ravens saving the lives of their benefactors, warning them of avalanches and leading them home when they’re lost.

Inspired by nature It’s impossible to live on a glaciercovered volcanic island, with volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and not be affected by it. Icelandic designers get inspiration from the majestic nature around them, whether it be from the glaciers, volcanoes, mountains or moss-covered lava. There’s another factor of Icelandic nature that also tends to inspire designers; the weather. For Icelanders in centuries past, warm and waterproof clothing wasn’t just a necessity, it was a matter of life and death. We’ve gotten pretty good at making warm clothing and an Icelandic jacket will keep you warm wherever you go. The Icelandic

The Museum of Design and Applied Art

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If you’re interested in learning more about Icelandic design and how it has developed over the years, stop by the Museum of Design and Applied Art in Garðabær. They have a collection of Icelandic design items and put on exhibitions that are a feast for the eyes. They also have a beautiful gift shop selling Icelandic design items, jewellery, books, furniture and decorative items for the home.

lopapeysa, woollen hats and mittens originate from that same desire, to keep warm in the unpredictable Icelandic nature.

Icelandic ingenuity Of course, not all Icelandic design can be traced to elements of Iceland, some just spring fully formed from their creator’s minds. Icelandic design owes a lot to Scandinavian design, finding inspiration in its simplicity, clean lines and colours. If you step into Icelandic design stores, you’ll find for example items like the Pyropet candle, an animalshaped, pastel coloured candle, that will, when it burns, reveal a metal skeleton, or the NotKnot pillow, a knotted tube of stuffed wool that makes a pretty pillow.

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Reykjavík is a sparsely populated city so even though it covers a large area, there’s still plenty of room to breathe. The green spaces in the city allow residents to wander through nature, hike, or bike their way along the coastline or through the woods. Many of them are even interconnected so you can wanter from the lighthouse at the northernmost tip of the city all the way through to the lava fields south of the city without ever leaving your walking path. It would make for a pretty long walk though!

Elliðaárdalur Valley Elliðaárdalur Valley is a lush recreational area, popular with walkers and cyclists alike. It’s one of the largest green spaces within the city limits, a natural oasis in a sea of concrete, almost like Reykjavík’s homegrown version of New York’s Central Park. Even though the valley is located within the city limits of Reykjavík, the wild environment is sure to make you feel at one with nature. The flora and fauna of Elliðaárdalur are almost completely untouched but the proximity to the city has resulted in one addition. The valley is now populated with furry little rabbits, descendants of escaped pets. They might not be native to Iceland but they sure are cute! A fishing river runs through the valley, populated with arctic char, salmon

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OUTDOOR AREAS IN REYKJAVÍK

and brown trout. Fishing licenses are available during the summer fishing season, which is opened annually by the mayor of Reykjavík on June 1st. The season ends on August 31st. Note that it’s also possible to fish in the nearby Elliðavatn Lake and Reynisvatn Lake.

Heiðmörk Nature Reserve Situated on the south-east outskirts of Reykjavík city is Heiðmörk – a wonderful recreational area with hiking trails leading through a vast expanse of bushy vegetation and lava rock formations. Some of the park’s most notable features are Rauðhólar or ‘Red Hills’ – the remnants of a cluster of pseudocraters in the Elliðaárhraun lava field. Heiðmörk is a favourite with the locals, especially for sports enthusiasts, those with children and couples looking for a romantic retreat! Heiðmörk became a conservation area in 1950. More than four million trees have been planted there since then and the already existing vegetation has thrived since the area was fenced off. The most prominent of the 26 species of trees planted is the Sitka spruce. Bird watchers will be pleased to discover that 30 species of breeding birds have also been spotted.

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Öskjuhlíð Öskjuhlíð is a beautiful woodland area surrounding the Pearl – one of Reykjavík’s stunning landmark buildings. Conveniently located right in the heart of the city, this sylvan retreat makes for a popular getaway from city life, where visitors can cycle or walk along the paths that weave through a dense forest of pines and birch trees. The paths around Öskjuhlíð join an extensive network of well-maintained footpaths in Reykjavík, leading down to the scenic shores of Nauthólsvík and around the coastline to Seltjarnarnes. Another option is to take the southeast trail to the recreational areas and valleys of Fossvogsdalur and Elliðaárdalur and even farther on to the Heiðmörk heath nature reserve.

Grótta The northernmost tip of the Reykjavík peninsula is known as Grótta, for the farm that used to be there before the city grew to its current size. Surrounded by the sea on all sides and even sporting a tall white lighthouse, the Grótta area has some beautiful and

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photogenic views. The name Grótta actually refers to an island just off the coast of Reykjavík. It’s connected to land by a strip of sand but it can only be reached when the tide is out, so don’t try to cross over to it. In the winter, the Grótta area is a great spot to view the Northern Lights if you can’t get out of the city. The Grótta area is protected because of the rich birdlife and beautiful nature. A walk around Grótta is highly recommended for birdwatchers as well as anyone who appreciates long walks with beautiful ocean views.

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Just off the city centre lies the old harbour area. Known as Grandi (which is Icelandic for isthmus, a narrow strip of land connecting two larger bodies of land) the land was originally just a stretch of sand connecting Reykjavík to Örfirisey island but has been added to considerably in the years since. For decades, this was simply an industrial neighbourhood with fish processing plants and shipyards, but when the new harbour by Sundahöfn was built, much of the industry was moved there, leaving empty buildings in a popular area looking for a new purpose. The conditions were perfect for an old harbour renaissance and soon enough, started using the spaces for exhibitions, designers opened workshops, students worked on start-ups and restaurants started opening up to feed all the people working there. Fast forward a few years and the Old harbour is one of the most exciting neighbourhoods in Reykjavík to visit. It still retains its dockside charm and more than a whiff of the fishing industry’s presence but a steadily growing number of museums, hip restaurants and artisan’s workshops have made their home in the vacated industrial buildings, making Grandi one of the hottest spots in the city.

Þúfan

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GRANDI

Art and Culture Art and all sorts of creative thought are a big part of life in the old harbour district. Not only is there art in the buildings in the area but outside them as well, with huge murals of street art decorating various buildings around the area and large outdoor art pieces such Ólöf Nordal’s Þúfan (the hillock) pleasing the eye. The old harbour is home to plenty of artist’s workshops as well as the Reykjavík School of Visual Arts and the most recent addition to the old harbour, the Marshall building. This recently refurbished herring factory is home to the Living Arts Museum, Kling & Bang Gallery, artist Ólafur Elíasson’s studio and Marshall restaurant and bar.

On top of Þúfan

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In addition to the art museums and galleries, the old harbour also boasts historical and natural museums. There’s no better place for the Reykjavík Maritime Museum than the old harbour – you can smell the fresh sea air as you learn all about the fascinating story of Icelandic fishermen, who’ve been risking their lives on the open ocean for centuries. You can even take a tour of Óðinn, a former Coast Guard vessel from the 1950’s, that played an important role in Iceland’s struggle with the UK over the rights to fish in the sea around the island. In addition to the Maritime Museum, you can visit an exhibition on the Northern Lights, a great hall with life-size models of the whales of Iceland, a volcano museum, and an exhibition of wax dioramas depicting the Viking age in Iceland.

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Amongst this interesting flora of culture and cuisine is a smattering of small workshops and quirky stores, such as designers’ workshops producing clothes, handbags, homeware and everything in between, a fashion label working with natural fabrics and delicatessen shops selling charcuterie and cheeses. You’ll even find a chocolate factory selling high-quality chocolate bars and a jeweller’s workshop! The best thing about shopping at the old harbour is that the shops and workshops are small and often you’ll have a chance to meet and chat with the designers and storeowners themselves, giving precious insight into life in Reykjavík.

Eating and Drinking Some of Reykjavík’s most exciting eateries have opened in the old harbour area in the past few years. Not only can you find fine dining, everyday grub and everything in between, but there are also some specialty food stores that will make your mouth water. Try some new Nordic food, Icelandic style, or get some sourdough sandwiches that will knock your socks off. Eating fresh Icelandic fish in the harbour surroundings is a life-affirming experience and don’t forget to stop by a cake shop or the ice cream store for some dessert. If you’ve satisfied your hunger but are still feeling thirsty, you can get some in-house brewed beer or innovative cocktails, try one with an Icelandic spirit – maybe a birch-flavoured liqueur or even Iceland’s famous Brennivín.

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The Marshall Building Originally built in 1948 as a herring factory, the Marshall building is one of the beavutiful old factory buildings in the old harbour. It is one of the buildings that has gotten a new lease on life with the changes at the old harbour and today it houses the Living Art Museum, the kling&Bang Gallery and Ólafur Elíasson’s studio, as well as a restaurant which shares a name with the building. The Marshall name comes from George Marshall, an American general whose plan to build up Europe’s economy after WWII was very beneficial to Iceland’s economic growth in the 40’s and 50’s.

The Living Art Museum

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The Living Art Museum (Nýló) is a non-profit, artist-run museum and association, venue for events, exhibitions, performances, discussions and research. Founded in 1978, the Living Art Museum was a reaction to the government’s staid vision, at the time, of what constituted art and art history, giving ground-breaking artists a voice and a venue for their experimental art. The museum has an extensive collection of Icelandic contemporary art, based on donations by members and friends of the museum. The museum has, through the years, been at the vanguard of the Icelandic art scene but has also struggled with housing and financing. With a new permanent home in the Marshall building, The Living Art Museum is once again an inspiring venue for experimental art in Iceland.

Kling & Bang The Kling & Bang gallery was founded in 2003 by a group of artists with a goal to present art that challenges the context and content of creative thought. The Kling & Bang group has been behind some of the most exciting and innovative exhibitions in the past few years and with the grand new exhibition space, they can continue their exciting work.

Studio Ólafur Elíasson Ólafur Elíasson is an Icelandic/Danish artist, whose work has been exhibited in some of the most prestigious museums and galleries all over the world. Focusing mostly on sculptures and large scale installations, Ólafur’s best known work in Iceland is the honeycomb-like glass and steel façade of the Harpa Concert hall. His studio in Iceland will be open to the public and work in progress as well as completed works will be on display.

Marshall bar + restaurant Artists need to eat to and the Marshall building is also home to the Marshall restaurant + bar. In a building dedicated to contemporary and ground-breaking art, the food must be exciting enough to match. Luckily, the menu at Marshall is tantalisingly appetizing, with fresh Icelandic fish and other ingredients prepared under the influence of Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoying the fresh flavours of Icelandic seafood, while looking out the large windows over the harbour is going to be the cherry on top of your visit to the old harbour.

Honest approach to food and cooking and an atmosphere of warmth. Icelandic fish and mediterranean inspired fare with vegetarian dishes, pasta and meat.

Marshallhúsið Grandagarður 20, 101 Reykjavík Bus route 14 (Listabraut) To reserve lunch and dinner call +354 519 7766, or info@marshallrestaurant.is marshallrestaurant.is

POOLS & SPAS Geothermal water is one of Iceland’s greatest natural resources. It’s used to heat houses and produce electricity, but most importantly, Icelanders love to swim in it. Pools and spas are a huge part of the Reykjavík lifestyle. The country has over 170 pools—spread around the country and throughout all of the capital region’s neighbourhoods. Most swimming complexes include a lap pool, a hot tub or five and at least one steam room. If you’d like to treat yourself to Reykjavík’s loved spa culture, indulge in a trip to the local pool.

THERMAL POOLS INCLUDED IN THE REYKJAVÍK CITY CARD ÁRBÆJARLAUG Fylkisvegur 9, 110 Reykjavík | 411 5200 Open: M-T 6:30-22, F 6:30-20, Sat-Sun 9-18 BREIÐHOLTSLAUG Austurberg 3, 111 Reykjavík | 557 5547 Open: M-T 06:30-22:00, F 6:30-20, Sat-Sun 9-18 GRAFARVOGSLAUG Dalhús 2, 112 Reykjavík | 510 4600 Open: M-T 06:30-22:00, F 06:30-20:00, Sat–Sun 9-18

OTHER THERMAL POOLS IN THE REYKJAVÍK CAPITAL AREA SUNDHÖLL HAFNARFJARÐAR Herjólfsgata 10, Hafnarfjörður | 555 0088 ÁSVALLALAUG Ásvellir 2, Hafnarfjörður | 512 4050 SUÐURBÆJARLAUG Hringbraut 77, Hafnarfjörður | 565 3080 KÓPAVOGSLAUG Borgarholtsbraut 17, Kópavogur | 570 0470 SALALAUG Versalir 3, 201 Kópavogur | 570 0480

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LÁGAFELLSLAUG Lækjarhlíð 1a, 270 Mosfellsbær | 517 6080

KLÉBERGSLAUG Kjalarnes, 116 Reykjavík | 566 6879 Open: M-F 15-22, Sat-Sun 11-15 LAUGARDALSLAUG Sundlaugarvegur, 104 Reyk. | 411 5100 Open: M-F 6:30-22, Sat-Sun 8-22 SUNDHÖLL REYKJAVÍKUR Barónstígur, 101 Reykjavík | 411 5350 Open: M-T 6:30-22, F 6:30-20, Sat 8-16, Sun 10-18 VESTURBÆJARLAUG Hofsvallagata, 101 Reykjavík | 411 5150 Open: M-T 6:30-22, F 06:30-20, Sat-Sun 9-18

VARMÁRLAUG 270 Mosfellsbær | 566 6754 GARÐABÆJARLAUG Ásgarður, 210 Garðabær | 565 8066 ÁLFTANESLAUG Bjarnastaðir, 225 Álftanes | 550 2350 SUNDLAUG SELTJARNARNESS Suðurströnd, 170 Seltjarnarnes | 561 1551 LOFTLEIÐALAUG Loftleiðir hotel, 101 Reykjavík | 444 4085 NAUTHÓLSVÍK Nauthólsvegur, 101 Reykjavík| 511 6630 For a complete listing of Iceland’s pools, visit www.swimminginiceland.com

Enjoy your stay in Iceland, where you are as welcome as your MastercardÂŽ

Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

ENJOYING THE LARGEST JACUZZI IN THE WORLD: PRICELESS

HARPA Walking through the city centre, your eyes can‘t help but be drawn to a glittering castle of glass and steel by the harbour, with a picture perfect backdrop of MT. Esjan on the other side of the water. Harpa, Reykjavík‘s music hall and conference centre was completed in 2011 much to the joy of Icelandic musicians as well as the music-loving public. Harpa was only completed in 2011 but there had been talks, and even plans, of building a music house in Reykjavík for decades. In fact, the first documented suggestion of a music hall appeared in 1881! The talks became serious when the Iceland Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1950 but its “temporary” home in the Háskólabíó cinema became much longer than expected. Many locations were suggested but in 2000, people settled on the Harpa’s current spot by the harbour. Construction began in 2007 but were halted as a result of Iceland financial collapse in 2008. The building became a hot topic and the nation was divided on whether this was the right time to build a house dedicated to the arts. Luckily, construction soon went ahead and the result is the Harpa, a lovely addition to both the city centre and Iceland’s music scene.

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The building was designed by a Danish firm in cooperation with Icelandic architects but the building’s standout feature, the honeycomb façade af glass and steel, is the brainchild of internationally acclaimed artist of Icelandic descent, Ólafur Elíasson. If

you’re interested in seeing more of his work, head to the recently opened Marshall building by the old harbour, which houses Ólafur’s studio and exhibition space. The building is impressive but, of course, the most important part of Harpa is not the brick and mortar (or in this case, glass and concrete) but what goes on inside its halls. Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the Icelandic Opera, the Reykjavík Big Band, and a curiously musical mouse called Maximus Musicus, who regularly appears at the orcehstra’s children’s concerts and is very excited to teach kids all there is to know about music and musical instruments. In addition to classical concerts and operas, Harpa is also home to modern popular music – music festivals Sónar Reykjavík and the legendary Iceland Airwaves festival regularly take place in Harpa – as well as conferences, lectures and comedy shows. Be sure to check out the Harpa programme while you’re here, taking in a show or a concert in one of its grand halls is an unforgettable experience.

Visit the Heart of Reykjavík You can't miss it Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre welcomes you with daily events, concerts and guided tours of the building. This amazing landmark is open to everyone all day long with its variety of restaurants and design shops. The stunning glass façade is lit up every night and the view is simply breathtaking. Visit www.harpa.is for details.

Harpa — Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference Centre

www.harpa.is @harpareykjavik

Box Office +354 528 5050

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS Iceland has plenty of natural attractions – glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches – but one of the most popular sights in Iceland is not even on land, it’s up in the sky! The aurora borealis, or the Northern Lights, are wisps of coloured lights that sometimes stretch across the arctic sky and if you get to see them, watching these sheets and ribbons of light glide slowly around the winter night sky is an ethereal experience. The lights may look magical but the science behind them is even more fascinating. These soft lights we admire here on earth are caused by great solar storms, tearing across the sun’s surface. Particles released from the sun during these massive storms travel through space and when they hit earth’s atmosphere, they burn up. The colour of the lights depends on where in the earth’s atmosphere the particle’s burn up and they can be purple, pink, or even red, although the most common shade of the Northern Lights is green.

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The Northern Lights only appear around the magnetic poles of the earth so Iceland and Northern Scandinavia are the best places to see them. It’s not the only places to see them though, the Northern lights have a southern counterpart known as the Southern lights or aurora australis!

AURORA REYKJAVÍK THE NORTHERN LIGHTS CENTER

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Can’t catch the Northern Lights? Don’t worry, we have already done it for you

Visit us and enjoy our multimedia exhibition

OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 09:00 - 21:00

Grandagarður 2 - 101 Reykjavík. Near the old harbour. Tel: (+354) 780 4500 - www.aurorareykjavik.is

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and they don’t appear on a fixed schedule. Also, because the lights appear high in the sky, they can be covered by clouds. A Northern Lights sighting is never guaranteed but if you follow these tips and tricks, you can maximise your chances to see them!

Wait until dark

Check the aurora forecast

The Northern Lights are not very bright and certainly not bright enough to outshine the sun! You have to wait until it’s dark to go out and hunt for the Northern Lights, but the good news is, during winter in Iceland, you don’t have to wait that long!

If you want to avoid disappointment, check out the aurora forecast published by the Iceland meteorological institution. They predict the cloud cover and the level of aurora activity. They’re not infallible but the following the forecast is a good rule of thumb.

(…and that means no Northern Lights in the summer)

Consider taking a tour

Icelandic winters are long and dark but during the summer, the sun hardly sets. This means that during the summer, it never really gets dark enough for the Northern Lights to appear.

Get out of town

THINGS TO DO IN REYKJAVIK

TIPS & TRICKS TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

If you don’t have a car, taking a tour can be a convenient way to get out of the city lights. Most tour companies offer Northern lights tours by bus, boat or jeep and if you don’t see any lights you can take the tour again the next night for free.

Bring a camera

As we’ve mentioned, the Northern Lights aren’t bright at all, so if you want to see them at their best, getting out of the city lights is key! On a good night, you can still see the lights within the city limits but the light pollution from the city will always dull their brightness a little.

The Northern Lights are unforgettable but you still might want to take some photos as souvenirs of your trip to Iceland. Don’t forget to bring your camera but be aware that taking great photos of the Northern Lights can be tricky. Ask your guide for help or turn to the next page to find some basic instructions.

Make sure the sky is clear

Wear warm clothes and be patient!

The lights appear high in the sky, which means that clouds can cover the view of the lights from the ground. It’s best to look for them on a clear, or at least partially clear night, just like the stars.

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon so they’re not dependable. Sometimes they come out early in the evening, clear and bright, but sometimes they don’t appear until the middle of the night or just appear as a blurry fog of lights. Bring a jacket and some mittens and have patience!

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HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH THE NORTHERN LIGHTS! The Northern lights are faint and far away, so even if you see them clearly with your own eyes, they probably won’t show up on a photo unless you follow these tips and tricks. A good camera is the best tool to get the photo you want but if you’ve got a smartphone, it’ll do. Most newer smartphones have an advanced option, allowing you to adjust the settings for your aurora photo shoot.

Bring a tripod A tripod, or something to keep your camera level is essential to get a clear photo of the Northern Lights. You need a long exposure time to capture as much of the lights as you can and if your camera moves even a little, your photo will be blurry.

Set your aperture low... The aperture dictates how much of your lens is covered. You want it as open as possible to capture as much of the lights as you can.

…your ISO high The ISO dictates how sensitive the camera is to the light. Usually if you set it too high, the photo will be grainy but in the darkness of night, it’s essential. Start at 800 and adjust it until you find the setting you like.

…and set a long shutter speed This controls how long the lens is exposed, taking in light. You need some time to capture the elusive Northern Lights, so try 10 sec to begin with and then adjust it to your liking. Try out these settings to begin with and then adjust them to your liking.

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Check out www.whatson.is/Northern-Lights for a great list of useful tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Northern Lights hunt!

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With 95 locations around Iceland, N1 is always nearby. Find your nearest location and plan your trip at www.n1.is/en.

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SUMMER 2016 Festival of the Sea

June 10th-11th Fishermen’s Day, celebrated the first Sunday of June, reminds us of how important the sea and the sailors are to our history, our economy and our people. Every ship in Iceland is in harbour and the sailors have a day off. It’s light-hearted occasion with lots of fun for the whole family.

The Color Run

10th June Run through five kilometres of exploding coloured powder, ending your run in a colourful outdoor party. The aim of this event is to bring Color Running mania to the world!

Viking Festival in Hafnarfjörður

June 15th-18th The Viking Village in Hafnarfjörður hosts a Solstice Festival with Viking clothing, instruments, jewellery, crafts, and of course food and drink. On the programme are Viking fights, storytelling, archery and so much more!

Reykjavík Midsummer Music

June 22nd-25th Reykjavík Midsummer Music is an award-winning chamber music festival founded by pianist Víkingur Ólafsson in 2012. The festival’s goal is to bring some of the best musicians of the world together in Reykjavík to play great music from past and present under the Arctic midnight sun.

National Day

June 17th The National Day of Iceland has been celebrated on June 17th since Iceland’s independence in 1944. The festivities in Reykjavík include colourful parades, street theatre, music, and dancing.

EVENT CALENDAR

Secret solstice festival

June 15th-18th First taking place in June 2014, the Secret Solstice festival received unanimous praise from both Icelandic and foreign guests. As the name suggest, the festival takes place during the solstice meaning the sun stays up, all night long!

International Organ Summer

June - August Hallgrímskirkja church hosts a series of organ concerts on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, all summer. Various musicians perform various pieces of organ music on the beautiful Klais organ.

Reykjavík Classic Concerts

June - August The Reykjavík classics concerts take place at noon every day for the whole summer in the beautiful Eldborg music hall in the iconic Harpa concert hall by the harbour. The concert is specifically designed to meet the demands of those who wish to listen to live performances of classical music, performed by artists of the highest calibre.

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July Hljómskálagarður Park is transformed from modern to medieval as the Einherjar Vikings, dressed in full costume and character invite fellow Vikings from all over the world to enjoy a day of celebrating the fascinating cultural heritage of the Vikings!

Rey Cup 2015 International Football Festival

July Football and Fun! A number of international teams participate in the Rey Cup, from the UK to the other Nordic countries at the Laugardalur Sport Center.

Innipúkinn Festival

Reykjavík Bacon Festival

August On this tasty day, fans of bacon are invited to follow their noses to the Bacon Festival and sample a wide variety of bacon and bacon-inspired treats.

EVENT CALENDAR

Ingólfshátíð Viking Festival

Reykjavík Jazz Festival

August The annual Reykjavík Jazz Festival is an increasingly prestigious event on the international jazz scene. It features many acclaimed international jazz players as well as Icelandic leading jazz musicians.

Reykjavík Culture Night

August 19th Reykjavík Culture Night has become an essential part of cultural life in Iceland with thousands of people enjoying everything from traditional shows and exhibitions to more unusual happenings.

August 4th-7th Innipúkinn is an annual music festival, held in Reykjavík on the August bank holiday weekend. Past guests include Cat Power, Blonde Redhead, Mugison, Reykjavík Marathon Raveonnettes, Hjálmar, Mínus, Dikta, August 19th This annual event FM Belfast, Televison, and many more. involves thousands of participants from Iceland and abroad, and includes Reykjavík Pride the marathon proper, half marathon, a August 8th-13th Tens of thousands of 10 km run and the 3k Fun Run. people flock to the city centre every year to show solidarity and have fun Reykjavík Dance Festival with the gay community in Reykjavík August 21st-31st A series of events and to celebrate and support human bringing together numerous rights for all. choreographers and dancers from the Icelandic dance scene. Icelandic Chamber Music Festival The festival features a diversity August The aim of the festival is for of energetic events, all aiming to young musicians to participate in expand the notion of choreography chamber music and to get a chance through innovation and expression to perform and interact. Located with numerous seminars, in Kópavogur, Salurinn concert hall dinners, workshops, publications, serves as perfect venue for over cyberpunk dance sessions, and epic a hundred musicians and music performances. students from all over the world.

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of enriching and enlivening the local film culture. It has since become an international attraction, showcasing every year some of the most interesting films produced all over the world. RIFF’s grand prize is the Golden Puffin.

Reykjavík Guitarama

October 1st Several of the world’s greatest guitar players join the host, Björn Thoroddsen, on stage in Háskólabíó to show audiences all the tricks the guitar has to offer.

Imagine Peace Tower

WINTER 2016-17 Bears on Ice

September Organised by volunteers to spice up the local gay scene and introduce gay-friendly Iceland to guests. It is one of Iceland’s three biggest gay events, and in recent years, Iceland´s only men-only events.

Icelandic Tattoo EXPO

September Tattoo artists from all over the world gather in Reykjavík for one weekend, showing off their skills in the art of tattooing.

Russian Film Days

September The best of Russian cinematography is showcased at the downtown Reykjavík arthouse cinema, Bíó Paradís. Films are screened in the original Russian with English subtitles. A selection of award-winning films mixed with current Russian cinema.

Tango on Ice

September 21st – 24th The Reykjavík Tango Club was founded by a few tango enthusiasts who wanted to promote Argentine tango in Iceland. The festival offers dance workshops with some of the best tango dancers in the world.

Nordic Music Days

September 28th - October 1st The festival showcases excellent contemporary music performances by Nordic composers, performed by leading ensembles and soloists from the Nordic region. This year, Reykjavík will host the festival.

Reykjavík International Film Festival - RIFF 180

September 28th-October 8th RIFF was founded in 2004 with the aim

October 9th A work of art by Yoko Ono dedicated to the memory of John Lennon. A wishing well, from which a strong and tall tower of light emerges. Every year the Imagine Peace Tower stays lit between Lennon’s birthday and the day of his death.

Japanese Film Days

October The festival offers a great selection of anime films for children of all ages, as well as Japanese games and cards. Entry is free and films are screened in Japanese with English subtitles.

Cycle Music and Art Festival

September 1st - 23rd The festival is a new platform for exploring and exhibiting the meeting point of creative worlds, and producing and presenting works that reach outside the traditional boundaries of discipline, craft and process.

The Ghost Town Hafnarfjörður

October The municipality of Hafnarfjörður turns into an eerie ‘ghost town’ in celebration of Halloween.

Iceland Airwaves

Nov 1st-5th The festival started as a showcase for local DJs but has evolved into an international music festival that presents the hottest new bands from the USA, Europe and Iceland. The festival attracts thousands of international visitors annually to sample the freshest sounds, foreign and domestic.

Unglist (Young Art Festival)

November This festival week is packed with a multitude of performers and spectators. The program consists of music, design, fashion, photography, paintings and theatre. The festival reflects current trends in young people’s art.

Never mind the chocolate, puffin dolls or the key ring. If you really want a souvenir that will last, a tattoo is the way to go.

WEBSTORE

You can also shop our merchandise and more at our shop or online at www.reykjavikink.is /reykjavikink

/reykjavikink

reykjavikink@reykjavikink.is

We are open Monday – Saturday 12 pm-8pm - We are located on Frakkastíg 7, 101 Reykjavík

Lighting of the Reykjavík Christmas Tree

December 3rd The lighting of the Reykjavík Christmas tree at Austurvöllur is always a joyous event on the first Sunday of the advent. Families gather to sing Christmas carols and join in the festivities, and the Icelandic Yule lads make an appearance.

Advent and Christmas

New Year’s Eve

December 31st Shops are open and visitors can dine at one of Reykjavík’s many restaurants. Join in the celebrations by taking a New Year’s Eve tour or by finding your own way to one of the city’s huge bonfires. At midnight, we set off a great amount

Þrettándinn (Twelfth Night)

January 6th The last day of Yule is celebrated with another round of bonfires and possibly some elfin dances. Many of the magical events associated with New Year’s Eve are also supposed to occur on our twelfth night. This is also traditionally when Icelanders set off whatever fireworks we didn’t fire off on New Year’s Eve.

Icelandic Photography Festival

January An exciting festival with photography exhibitions, artist talks and lectures, portfolio reviews and a photo-book evening.

EVENT CALENDAR

December The main day of celebration for Icelanders is Christmas Eve but the Christmas season starts late November, when streets and buildings are adorned with Christmas lights and people start frequenting Christmas buffets. Shop for some unique gifts in Reykjavík city centre, visit the quaint Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður town, check out the Christmas-themed museum exhibitions and explore the winter landscape around Reykjavík. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day you can enjoy a traditional Icelandic Christmas dinner at the restaurants in Reykjavík.

of fireworks. Traditionally, it’s one of the year’s biggest parties and all the bars, pubs, music halls, clubs and entertainment establishments are open for business. The action doesn’t really start downtown until well after midnight, but the party will still be jumping at 6am.

Reykjavík International Games

January The city of Reykjavík will for the eigth time welcome sports participants to a multi-sport competition in Laugardalur, the Valley of Sport.

Dark Music Days

January The annual contemporary music festival Dark Music Days is becoming an increasingly popular music event. The Iceland Composer Society holds the festival in collaboration with most of Iceland’s finest performers.

Þorrinn

Every winter, Icelanders celebrate the annual Þorrablót, a lively festival celebrating the Icelandic heritage. There’s singing, dancing, and, of course, the consumption of traditional Viking food: smoked lamb, singed sheep heads and fermented shark, all topped off with Brennivín (Icelandic schnapps).

Winter Lights festival

February This event is intended to stimulate and enliven city life in midwinter. It celebrates both the winter and the growing light after a long period of darkness. All the major cultural and educational institutions participate and clubs, galleries, artists, shops, restaurants and many more join in the fun.

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Museum Night

February Reykjavík’s museums stay open past midnight and offer special events, including theatre, street performances, dance, visual arts and more. A special Museum Night bus travels between the museums and entrance is free.

Food and Fun

February The Icelandic Bartender Association, in cooperation with many bars and restaurants in Reykjavík, hosts the annual Reykjavík Cocktail weekend. There are several events such as concerts, live music and offers on drinks.

March World-acclaimed chefs collaborate with Reykjavík’s finest restaurants. Each chef is assigned to one of the participating restaurants, where they prepare a special menu crafted from Icelandic ingredients. The menus are presented at all the restaurants for an entire week.

Rainbow Reykjavík

Reykjavík Folk Music Festival

Reykjavík Cocktail Weekend

February A small and friendly winter pride festival offering a mixture of nature, activities, culture, cuisine, music and nightlife. Website: rainbowReykjavík.com

Stockfish Film Festival

February The festival screens some of the most up-and-coming arthouse films in the world and invites international filmmakers to discuss the state of filmmaking, the industry and community.

Reykjavík Coffee Festival

February The Reykjavík Coffee Festival is where baristas compete in brewing espressos and making traditional coffee. Visitors enjoy endless free coffee tastings, interactive workshops and demonstrations from world-class baristas.

Reykjavík Peace Festival

February The goal of the festival is to bring choirs from around the world to sing together in union for peace on earth. Every voice in the world is asked to join and sing John Lennon’s song, ‘Love’.

Reykjavík Bar Summit

February An annual event where bars and bartenders from around the world gather to compete in preparing drinks, service, bar set-up, creativity, atmosphere and more.

Sónar

March 16th-18th An international festival of advanced music and new media art. The festival presents the current electronic musical landscape and its interactions and hybridization with other artistic disciplines. Sónar brings together established artists and emerging talent.

Design march 184

its forms. From fashion to furniture, architecture to food design, the festival presents the best of the local design scene alongside exciting international names.

March Design March is a festival celebrating Icelandic design in all

March A three-day musical feast celebrating the diversity and breadth of the Icelandic folk music scene. The festival showcases artists of all ages; you can listen to musical outpourings of woe and wonder from contemporary bands, but then be transported back in time to listen to the wonderful soundtrack and musical stories of times gone by.

Reykjavík Fashion Festival

March The cream of Icelandic fashion talent has joined forces with bright sparks on the music scene to revitalize the established and popular Reykjavík Fashion Festival. Organizers include E-Label, Nikita, Birna, Thelma-Design, Mundi Design and Faxaflói.

German Film Days

March The German Film Days are organised by Bíó Paradís in cooperation with the Goethe Institut Denmark and the German Embassy in Iceland.

Reykjavík Blues Festival

March The festival gives young and promising blues artists the chance to perform with legends from both sides of the Atlantic in some of the most unique jam sessions in the northern hemisphere.

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Icelandic Music Experiments

April Iceland’s version of Battle of the Bands, this grassroots music event has produced some of Iceland’s most popular musicians through the years.

Iceland Writers Retreat

April This retreat features small workshops and panels by renowned authors, focusing on the art and craft of writing.

At Home Music Festival

April A music festival held in private homes centrally located in Hafnarfjörður. Guests stroll from house to house to enjoy live music and meet up with locals at their own homes.

Garðabær Jazz Festival

April A small annual jazz Festival with some of Iceland’s leading jazz musicians along with young local musicians.

Bright Days in Hafnarfjordur

April The Hafnarfjordur arts and cultural festival Bright Days is held annually. The aim of Bright Days is to provide entertainment for locals and visitors, and to promote Hafnarfjordur arts and artists. The varied programme offers something for everyone.

SPRING 2016 EVE FANFEST

April An exciting weekend event inviting countless fans from across the world to celebrate and share their passion for Icelandic video game EVE online.

First Day of Summer

April 19th This optimistic summer celebration (set in April) is celebrated with parades, family events and smiles all round, regardless of whether it snows or not.

Day of Grótta / Gróttudagur

April The inhabitants of Seltjarnarnes celebrate the summer with a festival for the family in Grótta penisula. This is the only day of the year the light-house is open to the public and you can enjoy the exceptional view from the top.

Children’s Culture Festival

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April Children’s culture, culture for children and culture with children. These are the three main aspects of this festival. The festival features plenty of

events aimed at children up to 16 years of age.

Reykjavík Blues Festival

April Blues artists from around the world perform together in some of the most unique jam session in the Northern Hemisphere along with young and promising blues artists of the future.

Reykjavík Horse Festival

April The Reykjavík Horse Festival is the city’s celebration of the unique Icelandic horse, bred in isolation for a millennium. The focus is on the Icelandic horse and its unique features.

Art without Borders

May The aim of the festival is to celebrate diversity and participation of people with disabilities. The festival crosses over mixed media of art, music and theatre.

Reykjavík Arts Festival

May Iceland’s premier cultural festival brings together the best in local and international theatre, dance, music and visual art, and offers a variety of exhibitions, concerts, dance, theatre and opera performances. Along with its focus on Icelandic culture past and present, the festival hosts many outstanding international artists and performers.

Raflost

May The main aim of the festival is to boost the grass root of Icelandic electronic arts by introducing the youngest generation as well as the general public, to the past, present and future of electronic arts. To present the newest in electronic art technology, creation and performance, and therefore be an inspiration for further creativity.

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Your pharmacist and cosmetic store in Kringlan Reykjavík

Lyf & heilsa Kringlan shopping mall For your health, wellness and beauty visit Lyf og heilsa in Kringlan.

Kringlan

HAFNARFJÖRÐUR Just a short drive or a bus ride away from the city centre lies the small town of Hafnarfjörður. While technically a suburb of Reykjavík, Hafnarfjörður is an independent community and this charming and vibrant seaside town is well worth the visit to get to know the local spirit. Home to about 29.000 people, Hafnarfjörður has been a fishing town and port for several centuries, thanks to its natural harbour. The town centre is a charming and cosy environment and just a stone’s throw away is beautiful unspoilt nature; rugged lava fields, clear lakes, and colourful geothermal areas. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of the Hidden People, as Hafnarfjörður is rumoured to be home to a large population of these mythical creatures from Icelandic folktales and Legends.

The Heart of Town

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The heart of Hafnarfjörður is the colourful town centre, down by the harbour. Surrounded by the oldfashioned corrugated iron-clad houses, in all the colours of the rainbow, and with a view of the ocean, the compact Hafnarfjörður town centre gives you an instant feeling of belonging. Following the Strandgata street, you’ll run into a myriad of charming little shops and boutiques, bookstores, designer’s workshops and so on. Many of the shops in Hafnarfjörður are tended to by the owners and designers themselves so take your time to chat with them if you want to get to know the local

community. If the weather is less than optimal, don’t fret – simply head to the Fjörður shopping mall, home to several interesting shops and boutiques. The atmosphere is friendly and the shops sell everything from clothes and jewellery to toys and baked goods! If you’re feeling hungry, Hafnarfjörður has a wide variety of dining options, everything from fast food to fine dining! New and exciting restaurants have been opening in the centre for the past few years and if you feel like wiling away the hours at a café, people-watching or reading a book, you can choose between several establishments where trained baristas serve high-quality coffee and tea.

a spectacular view when you get to the top.

Nature

Hafnarfjörður is close to nature, with green and natural spaces in and around the town. Whether you’re just taking a stroll through Hellisgerði park in the town centre, or riding a horse through the lava fields surrounding the town, you never feel far from nature in Hafnarfjörður. Take a horse riding tour, go hiking, go on an Elf Walk in Hellisgerði park or just take a picnic in the Hafnarfjörður area.

A day in the town centre is a day well spent but if you’re feeling more active, Hafnarfjörður also offers several opportunities to experience nature. Hafnarfjörður is on the outskirts of the Reykjavík area and surrounding it on most sides are mountains, endless fields of rough lava, and other natural wonders. The town is even sometimes known as the Town in the Lava! Close to Hafnarfjörður is Mt. Helgafell, one of the most popular hiking spots in the Reykjavík area. The relatively low mountain makes for an easy climb, as the ascent is slow and steady, but due to the flatness of the surrounding landscape, you’re still rewarded with

If you don’t feel like climbing, why not go to the Krýsuvík geothermal area? Iceland’s geothermal heat manifests in different ways and in certain regions, the effects of the underground heat are visible on the surface. Steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots are surrounded by colourful rock formations at this natural marvel, just a short drive away from Hafnarfjörður.

NEIGHBORHOOD TOWNS

One part of the town centre merits special mention – the harbour. While Hafnarfjörður still has a bustling harbour, with colourful fishing boats bobbing gently by the pier, some of the older factory buildings have found new purpose. In the past few years, new and exciting cafés, restaurants, and shops have been opening their doors in this former industrial area, so be sure to take a stroll along the harbour while you’re there!

Health and lifestyle The people of Hafnarfjörður like to keep active and the town’s gyms are a popular place to do so. In the summer, many locals take their training outside, choosing to spend their time running in the beautiful nature or practising their golf swing. Hafnarfjörður’s golf course is one of a kind, surrounded by lava fields and with stunning ocean views. Much like the rest of Iceland, Hafnarfjörður has an abundance of geothermal heat and puts it to good use with its thermal pools! Hafnarfjörður has three different swimming pools, and each of them offers different qualities.

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Thermal Pools in Hafnarfjörður Suðurbæjarlaug Suðurbæjarlaug is perfect for basking in the sun on a summer’s day. There’s an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, hot tubs, steam baths, two waterslides and other toys for the kids to play with. Hringbraut 77, Hafnarfjörður +354 565 3080 Open: Mon-Fri 6.30-21, Sat 8-18, Sun 8-17

Ásvallalaug Opened in 2008, Ásvallalaug is the newest pool in Hafnarfjörður. Ásvallalaug is particularly family friendly, with a shallow kid’s pool, a wading pool and hot tubs for the parents, all indoors, away from the elements. If you still want to get a little sun, there are also outdoor hot tubs and even a lovely sunbathing area. Ásvallalaug is the most easily accessible pool, with a state-of-the-art lift for disabled swimmers. Ásvellir 2, Hafnarfjörður | +354 512 4050 Open: Mon-Fri 6.30-21, Sat 8-18, Sun 8-17

Sundhöll Hafnarfjarðar Hafnarfjörður’s oldest swimming pool, first built as an outdoor swimming pool in 1943 but converted to an indoor pool a decade later. With two outdoor hot tubs as well, this historic swimming pool offers plenty of opportunities to meet some locals and have a quiet swim before relaxing in the hot tub. Herjólfsgata 10b, Hafnarfjörður +354 555 0088 Open: Mon-Fri 6.30-21

Arts and Culture Despite being so close to Reykjavík, Hafnarfjörður has an independent character and a distinct community spirit. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the museums and galleries of the area.

Hafnarfjörður Museum There’s no place better to get to know the heart and soul of Hafnarfjörður than the Hafnarfjörður Museum. In fact, it’s not just one place, as the museum has exhibitions in a few old houses in the Hafnarfjörður centre, as well as on a walking path by the harbour! You have the chance to see how a 19th century upper-class family lived in Hafnarfjörður, as well as labourers and fishermen, an exhibition on the town’s maritime and commercial history, and various temporary exhibitions as well.

donation by Hafnarfjörður natives and art collectors Sverrir Magnússon and Ingibjörg Sigurjónsdóttir. Not only did they donate their art collection but their house as well, and today it houses 10-12 art exhibitions per year. The exhibitions include everything from masterpieces from Icelandic art history to experimental work by contemporary artists. After exploring the wonderful museums in Hafnarfjörður, be sure to check out the program at Bæjarbíó, the town’s culture centre and music venue. Built as the town’s cinema, Bæjarbíó is a historic building and regularly hosts some of Iceland’s most popular artists. Open: Wed-Mon 12-17 Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður www.hafnarborg.is | +354 585 5790

Open: Jun-Aug, Daily 11-17 Sep-May, Weekends 11-17 Strandgata 4, Hafnarfjörður +354 585 5780 museum.hafnarfjordur.is/en

Hafnarborg

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If you’re more interested in art than history, head over to the Hafnarborg (Hafnarfjörður) Centre of Culture and Fine Art, founded in 1983 on a substantial

Hafnarborg

Events in Hafnarfjörður Fishermen’s day June Every fishing town in Iceland

celebrates Fishermen’s day once a year, and Hafnarfjörður is no exception. Every boat is docked by the pier as fishermen and their families join in the two-day celebrations by the harbour.

Víkingahátíðin June Every year, the Viking village in

Hafnarfjörður hosts a Viking fair, a fourday festival celebrating the ancient rites and traditions of the Viking community. The festival setting is a market day in Viking times when ships have brought goods, foods, and people from far across the sea.

June 17th June June 17th is Iceland’s

Independence Day, celebrated in every town in Iceland. The people of Hafnarfjörður gather in the town centre as well as other locations around town to celebrate the day with a parade, live music, street art, rides for the kids and plenty of other events.

Christmas Village November/December In the weeks

before Christmas, the Hafnarfjörður centre is transformed into a winter wonderland, with Christmas music, visits from the Icelandic Yule Lads, horse-drawn carriage rides, and stalls selling everything from Christmas gifts to snacks and hot drinks.

Night, the museums stay open until late and put on special Museum Night Programs.

Swimming Pool Night

NEIGHBORHOOD TOWNS

Christmas Village

February It’s a similar concept as

Museum Night but this time, it’s the swimming pools that are open late!

At Home Music festival April This unconventional music

festival takes place every year at the same time as the Bright Days festival. The At Home music festival, or Heima, is an intimate musical experience, where instead of playing large music venues, Icelandic musicians put on shows in the homes and living rooms of Hafnarfjörður locals.

Bright Days April The festival takes place around

the First Day of Summer, Iceland’s unique spring holiday, and focuses on the art and culture of the community. Events of the festival include artists in town opening up their workshops, concerts by popular Icelandic artists, children’s entertainment, and a parade in honour of the First Day of Summer

Museum Night February Hafnarfjörður’s museums take part in Reykjavík’s Winter Lights Festival’s Museum Night. On Museum

Bright Days

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KÓPAVOGUR Kópavogur is Iceland’s second largest municipality. Just a stone’s throw from the centre of Reykjavík, the town boasts a number of remarkable sights and buildings including a modern dome-shaped church, a recital hall, a modern art museum and a natural history museum. Kópavogur is the perfect destination if you’re in the mood to get in touch with nature and we recommend taking some time to experience the coastal ecosystem and birdlife. After a long day of exploring, a visit to one of the capital area’s best swimming pools is the perfect way to relax.

Culture

Kópavogur’s Culture Houses are a collection of institutions dedicated to art and culture, conveniently located in a cluster of buildings at Hamraborg 4-6. The Kópavogur Art Museum, Gerðarsafn, is a progressive museum focusing mostly on modern and contemporary art. The museum offers temporary exhibitions with works by Icelandic and international contemporary artists as well as displaying works from the museum’s collection. The exhibitions are generally inspired by the museum’s status as the only Icelandic museum built in honour of a female artist, Gerður Helgadóttir (1928-1975). Gerður (1928-1975) was a pioneer of threedimensional abstract art and glass art in

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Iceland and the museum collection holds over fourteen hundred works by Gerður. Gerðarsafn Art Museum Hamraborg 4 +354 570 0440 | www.gerdarsafn.is Open: Tue-Sun 11-17

Next door to the art museum is the Kópavogur Public Library. The library has an extensive selection of books and magazines, in English as well as Icelandic. Salurinn Concert Hall was the first concert hall in Iceland to be specifically designed with regard to acoustics. It hosts all kinds of concerts, see www. salurinn.is for more information. The Natural History Museum hosts exhibitions, with an emphasis on geology

Natural History Museum Hamraborg 6A +354 570 0430 | www.natkop.is Open: Mon-Thu 10-19, Fri 11-17, Sat 13-17

Health and Lifestyle

The Kópavogur swimming pool is well worth a visit. It’s a great place for young families, with an outdoor swimming pool, several hot tubs and a sauna. There is also a Nautilus gym on the grounds. Kópavogur Swimming Pool Borgarholtsbraut 17 +354 570 0470 | sund.kopavogur.is Open: May—Sep | Mon-Fri 6.30-22, Sat-Sun 8-20 Oct—Apr | Mon-Fri 6.30-22, Sat-Sun 8-18

Another great place to make a splash is the Versalir thermal pool and gym. As one of the newest facilities in the capital area, it’s well worth a visit. If

you’d rather work up a sweat, you could visit the Nautilus gym onsite. Versalir Thermal Pool and Gym Versölum 3 +354 570 0480 | sund.kopavogur.is Open: May—Sep | Mon-Fri 6.30-22, Sat-Sun 8-20 Oct—Apr | Mon-Fri 6.30-22, Sat-Sun 8-18

NEIGHBORHOOD TOWNS

and Icelandic wildlife, including the arctic fox and numerous species of fish and birds. It also has an “extraordinary” (as described by David Attenborough, when he visited in 2005) exhibition of Japanese style “Marimo” lake balls. Science fans will also want to check out the Borgarholt coastal preserve just a short walk away.

In addition to the great facilities Kópavogur has to offer, the town is also rich in green areas, walking paths and bicycle paths, perfect for a day out in nature. Whether you feel like having a day out in nature, taking in some art and culture, going swimming, shopping or to the gym, Kópavogur is the perfect destination. The Hamraborg area is serviced by buses no. 1, 2 and 4. Check out www. bus.is or get the mobile Strætó app for more information.

For more information, check out www.kopavogur.is/en

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for travellers and photographers alike. During the winter, the areas around the coastline are perfect for viewing the magnificent Northern Lights! The best known landmark is the old lighthouse on Grótta Ísland, with stunning seaviews and a wealth of birdlife. Note that during the nesting season (May 1st – July 1st) Grótta is closed.

SELTJARNARNES Seltjarnarnes is a small town situated on tip of the Reykjavík peninsula, with remarkable views of the Atlantic Ocean. Since much of the town is located within a beautiful nature reserve, many locals make use of its excellent recreational areas and the extensive walking and cycling paths encircling the entire peninsula. Its unobstructed views, of the setting sun and the impressive Snæfellsjökull glacier, make it a romantic destination and magnet

A permanent art installation, Kvika by Ólöf Nordal, made of dolomite stone with a round footbath carved into the centre, is located on the northern side of the peninsula next to the shark-curing shed. People visiting are thoroughly encouraged to bring a towel and make good use of it by taking a relaxing footbath out in the open seaair! In case you’d like to warm-up more than just your toes, the town’s thermal pool comes highly recommended and features a lap pool, several different hot tubs, a waterslide, a steam bath and toddler pool; all supplied uniquely with geothermal seawater. Serviced by bus no. 11. seltjarnarnes.is

story via their touch-screen display. Free admission and open 24 hours a day.

GARÐABÆR The Garðabær town and municipality is an important part of the capital area, a lively town with diverse landscapes, stretching from the beautiful Heiðmörk Nature Reserve to the pleasant Álftanes peninsula.

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The town has a rich historical background, which can be explored in great detail at the Hofsstaðir Archaeological Park, where remains of a large farm from the settlement age are on exhibition. The site dates back to the end of the 9th century when Norwegian Vikings first settled this Arctic island. While visiting you can get the official

Iceland has a long history of art and design. Some of the creative results have been preserved in the Museum of Design & Applied Art at Garðatorg – the town centre. The museum’s objective is to collect, study and present Icelandic design and crafts dating from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day. Situated on a low-lying peninsula just south of the city centre, Álftanes is a small community of about 2,500 people. One of its major attractions is the swimming pool, featuring the largest waterslide in the country and Iceland’s only wave pool. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, Álftanes is also a hikers’ paradise with trails spanning 9km (5, 1/2 miles) around the unique shoreline. Those who are fascinated by the feathery residents of Reykjavík will also be pleased to discover that the shoreline is filled with clear ponds bustling with migratory birdlife! www.gardabaer.is

Day tours for beginners to experienced riders. In stunning nature only 15 minutes from Reykjavik!

Lava Tour The ideal way to experience the Icelandic horse on excellent riding paths while surrounded by nature. Ideal for beginners and experienced riders.

Meet the Horse Enjoy the friendly horses at our stables. Ideal for those who want to experience the magic of the Icelandic horse but do not fancy a riding tour.

www.ishestar.is 555 7000

HVERFISGATA

HLEMMUR BUS TERMINAL

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BERGÞÓRUGATA

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AV ÖR

SUNDHÖLLIN SWIMMING POOL

SNORRABRAUT

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BARÓNSSTÍGUR

VITASTÍGUR

FRAKKASTÍGUR

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HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA CHURCH EG

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SNORRABRAUT 56 | roadhouse.is | 571 4200

GOOD TO KNOW

DOMESTIC AIR TERMINAL

TAXIS IN REYKJAVÍK

Air Iceland Connect maintains a domestic network based in Reykjavík with destinations around the island and links to the Faeroe Islands and Greenland.

Taxis are normally summoned with a phone call or by going to a taxi stand. Taxis in Iceland accept both cash and cards.

Reykjavík Domestic Airport +354 570 3000 | airicelandconnect.is

FROM & TO THE AIRPORT The airport bus service is the straightforward option, taking you from the airport to the BSÍ bus terminal at Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, downtown, or, for an added fee, straight to your hotel. You could also grab a taxi that takes you from door to door. Driving time through the mossy lava fields of Reykjanes peninsula to the capital is about 50 minutes. There are no trains in Iceland. FLYBUS (flugrútan) +354 562 1011 | www.flybus.is AIRPORT EXPRESS +354 540 1313 | www.airportexpress.is Takes you from Keflavík to the centre of Reykjavík.

Hreyfill-Bæjarleiðir +354 588 5522

GOOD TO KNOW

Here you’ll find the nitty-gritty nuts and bolts of life in the city. Although Reykjavík is a relatively small place, it may take some time to figure out how to navigate the city. Most of downtown can be covered by foot, but when you leave the centre things get a little trickier.

Bifreiðastöð Reykjavíkur +354 561 0000

DRIVING IN REYKJAVÍK Speed limits: On city streets the speed limit is generally 50kph/30mph, unless otherwise posted. Seatbelts: Wearing seatbelts is mandatory and children under the age of five must be strapped into an approved child seat. Parking: Free parking can be hard to find in the city centre, and violators are towed away literally within minutes. The city uses both parking meters as well as dashboard slips for metered parking. Cell phones: If you get caught using your cell phone while driving, you’ll get a ticket. Drunk driving: If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol level of .05 or more, you will be charged and your car will be impounded. Rush hours: Weekdays: 7:30 to 9:30 and 17 to 18:30. Gas stations: Most gas stations are open every day from 8 to 23:30— many with 24-hour pay at-the-pump facilities.

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CITY BUS (STRÆTÓ) Bus maps are available at bus stations and tourist information centres. Most bus stops also include a route map. You can go to www.bus.is or download the Strætó mobile app and get precise directions about which buses to take. Operating hours: Daily from 6:30 / 7 until midnight, except on Sun and most holidays, when it runs from 11:30 / noon until midnight. There is no bus service on Good Friday, Easter, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Fares and tickets: Single trip costs 440 ISK at the time of writing and can be bought from the driver (who does not give change) or the mobile app. If you need to change buses remember to ask for a transfer or “skiptimiði.”

WEATHER Be sure to check the weather forecast regularly while in Iceland, especially if you’re driving out of the city, hiking, cycling, sailing or otherwise exposing yourself to the elements. The weather in Iceland is famous for changing at a moment’s notice, so plan accordingly. Weather forecast +354 902 0600 | www.vedur.is/en

PHONE HOME

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Phone Centre: There is a phone centre at the tourist office at Aðalstræti 2. Internet Access & Hot Spots: The tourist office at Aðalstræti 2 offers Internet access on their own computers for a fee. If you have your own device, you can use WiFi at almost any café or bar downtown for free (sometimes you have to buy a coffee). Many hotels and guesthouses also offer free WiFi. Phonebook & Online Maps: The Icelandic phone book lists people by their first names and offers an interactive searchable map. www.ja.is Directory information & International assistance: Dial 1818 or 1819 the 24/7 service for information about: names, addresses and numbers, Yellow Pages; be connected to international numbers or make collect calls.

USEFUL NUMBERS The emergency number in Iceland is 112. Use it in any emergency for ambulance, fire department, medical help, police and doctors. Doctors on duty 1770 Dentists on duty +354 575 0505 Police – Non-emergency Hverfisgata 113, +354 444 1000

Dialling: When dialling internationally, dial 00 for a line out of the country, select the appropriate country code, then the number.

OPENING HOURS

Cell Phones / GSM: Cell phones work almost all over Iceland and you can get an Icelandic pre-paid (“Frelsi) SIM card and use a pre-paid. There are four major service providers in the country: Nova (nova.is), Síminn (siminn.is), Tal (tal.is) and Vodafone (vodafone.is). You can top up your phone through the company’s service number or buy cards from convenience stores.

Banks: Most banks open Mon-Fri from 9 to 16. The Arion and the Islandsbanki bank branches at Kringlan shopping mall have longer hours and are open on Saturdays.

Public institutions: Mon-Fri 10 to 15 or 16. General office hours: Mon- Fri 9-17.

Shops: Vary, but are generally Mon-Thu 10 to 18, Fri 10 to 19 and Sat 10 to 16. Malls usually have extended hours on Thursdays.

t s e b The

way to find your way

Strætó is a convenient and cheap way to travel in Reykjavík and around a major part of the country. Plan and pay for your trip with the free Straeto app.

bus.is

HIGH PROTEIN – FAT FREE iseyskyr.com

H V Í TA H Ú S I Ð / S Í A 1 7 - 1 5 2 0

Reykjavík Harbor

Old Harbor

Landakot Hospital Landakot’s church

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center

City Centre

tú

tún

Bríe

Fríkirkjan church

Hlemmur Bus Station

tart

ún

Hallgrímskirkja church

Landspítali Hospital

The Nordic House BSÍ Bus Terminal

Reykjavík Airport

Háteigskirkja church Kjarvalsstaðir art museum

Krin glan ma ll

National & University Library

Krin glan ma ll

Neskirkja church

Laugarneskirkja church

Þórunnartún

Reykjavík Pond

ínar

ún

r uð

Katr

Reykjavík Cathedral City Hall

Sundahöfn Harbor

Six destinations with year-round possibilities, air charter services and day tours to Iceland’s most beautiful places

Gjögur

Húsavík

Bíldudalur Laugardalur Recreational Area Áskirkja church

Höfn

Reykjavík Westman Islands Botanical Garden

Family Park and Zoo

Langholtskirkja church

For more information, pick up our brochure at your hotel or local tourist information centre, or visit eagleair.is +354 562 4200 info@eagleair.is eagleair.is

Visit our stores: Skólavörðustígur & Kringlan, Reykjavík. Hafnarstræti, Akureyri. Geysir, Haukadalur. geysir.com