What's On in Reykjavik - April 2017 by MD Reykjavik

APRIL 2017

IN REYKJAVÍK

REYKJAVIK’S LEADING GUIDE TO INFORMATION, EVENTS, MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES SINCE 1982.

24 48

thermal pools

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

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The Reykjavík City Card offers free entry to a great selection of museums and galleries, all thermal pools in Reykjavík and free unlimited travel by bus within Reykjavík. In addition, the card also gives you a free ferry trip to Viðey island and discounts on various tours, in shops and on services.

Make the most of The Southern Coast of Iceland Book your tour now! Contact information: Tel. +354 540 1313 | iceland@grayline.is | grayline.is 2006-035

WHAT’S ON

CONTENTS APRIL 2016

ON THE COVER APRIL IN REYKJAVIK

EXPERIENCE 6-43 WHAT'S ON

44-49

REYKJAVÍK CITY MAP 50-51

RVK MUSEUM WALK

52-53

EVENTS 54-73

ART & CULTURE

74-81

PUBS & NIGHTLIFE

82-85

SHOPPING & STYLE

86-89

FOOD & DRINK

90-95

PRACTICAL INFO

96-97

Living in Iceland is a strange experience if you’re not used to it. The long winter nights, the unpredictable weather, the volcanic eruptions every four or five years, the summers spent waiting for the sun to come out and bless us with a few rays of her warm kisses – all of it makes you wonder what on earth 330.000 of us are still doing here. Well, the lack of bugs is quite nice, but mostly what keeps us going is an abundance of hot water. While volcanic eruptions are no one’s favourite, Iceland’s geothermal heat does have its perks, such as cheap hot water and lots of it. I shudder to think of going through an Icelandic winter without a well heated home and the chance to have a long hot bath at the end of the day. It’s not just winter that benefits from all this hot water because if I’m honest, Icelandic summers tend to run a little cooler than would be optimal. That’s where the swimming pools come in! Even though the April weather isn’t exactly welcoming, especially if you’re used to warmer climates, it’s always summery in the swimming pool. Whether you’re headed to a natural hot spring, the Blue Lagoon, or a local swimming pool (a great chance to get to know the locals), these pools of wonderfully warm water make early April feel like July!

Visit our tourist information centre at Laugavegur 5. What's On Tourist Info

Managing Editor: Hjörtur Atli Guðmunds. Geirdal, hjortur@whatson.is, Tel.: 847-4153. Editor: Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir, greta@whatson.is Ad sales: Reynir Elís Þorvaldsson, reynir@whatson.is Layout & design: Stefán Birgir Stefáns, sbs@whatson.is Content writers: The What’s On Team

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Volume 35 – Issue 4 Published by MD Reykjavík ehf. Laugavegur 5, 101 Reykjavik. Tel.: 551-3600 Publisher: Sigurþór Marteinn E-mail: sm@whatson.is

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THE WHAT’S ON

APRIL CHECKLIST You can find checklists from past months at whatson.is/

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

While you're checking things off the list, we encourage you to take photos, and tag them with #whatsonrvk, of course!

Take a swim in the Secret Lagoon – an natural swimming pool from the early 20th century, recently refurbished with all modern comforts. Celebrate the First Day of Summer! Eat a chocolate Easter egg filled with candy. Take a walk among the shops, restaurants and exhibitions at the Old Harbour district. Take a ride on an Icelandic horse! Visit the Reykjavík Maritime Museum and climb aboard Óðinn, a coast guard vessel built in the 1950’s. Take a tour of Harpa and get a selfie with the honeycomb glass façade! Try some Icelandic food – go for shark if you dare, dried fish with butter if you want to be pleasantly surprised or just some Icelandic cheese if you want to play it safe!

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EXPERIENCE

THE REYKJAVIK SIGHT EXPERIENCE Reykjavik sightseeing has something for everyone! The city is filled with things to do, places to go and stuff to see, but some things are just a little bit more important than others.

1 | HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. It’s is the largest church and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland. The church tower offers a fantastic view of the city for the small price of 900ISK for adults or 100ISK for children. It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, designed it to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape. Construction started in 1945 and was finished in 1984.

2 | PERLAN Standing at 25 metres, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking buildings. Built on top of the city’s hot water tanks, Perlan is known for its unique architecture. Up on the fourth level, there is a 360 degree viewing platform where you can get the city's best panoramic views. During the day, the Perlan café is a nice place to get coffee or ice cream. Surrounding the Perlan is the Öskjuhlíð area, one of the many green spaces in Reykjavík, perfect for a walk on a sunny day.

3 | TJÖRNIN

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Tjörnin (the pond) is the heart of the city centre and offers some of the most amazing views in Reykjavík. There is no better place in the city to enjoy a beautiful sunset and you can watch or feed a huge variety of birdlife that calls the lake home, while you’re at it. When the lake freezes over in winter, geothermal water is pumped in to defrost an area for the birds, and feeding them is a popular family pastime all year round. Those who can handle the cold take to the lake on ice skates.

4 | AUSTURVÖLLUR When the sun is shining and the air is hot, Austurvöllur is the place to be. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants on Vallarstræti and Pósthússtræti, this public square is a wildly popular spot for locals to dine outside, soak up some sunshine or recline in the grass with picnics. In fact, whatever the season, Austurvöllur is the place to be. It’s used for celebrations on holidays, the city’s biggest Christmas tree is located there and due to its close proximity to the Parliament building, Austurvöllur has also a popular gathering place for political protests. At the center of it all stands a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the renowned figure who led Iceland to independence.

5 | KOLAPORTIÐ Whether you want to sample dried fish and fermented shark, purchase a bag of Icelandic candy or browse through thrifted clothing, Kolaportið, an indoor flea market, open on the weekends between 11am-5pm, is your best bet. The atmosphere is unique and the old industrial building is usually filled with people hunting for books or antiques, grocery shopping at the food court, selling their old garments, buying music and DVD’s or digging through piles of stuff in search of hidden treasures. We recommend bringing cash, or visiting the ATM at one of the entrances, as the majority of stalls don’t accept cards.

The whole 28.000 square meters of Harpa stand at the edge of the Reykjavik Harbour. It houses Iceland‘s biggest concert hall, suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events, a conference centre with meeting facilities and in-house catering, as well as a couple of fine restaurants. Harpa also hosts promotions, plays, and public events. It‘s open to everyone, always, and you should definitely visit Harpa, whether it‘s to take in a show, buy souvenirs, go to a concert or have a lovely dinner in one of the fabulous restaurants. Harpa was designed by a Danish firm in co-operation with Ólafur Elíasson, an Icelandic artist, and opened to the public in 2011.

7 | THE OLD HARBOUR It’s the first lasting harbour in Reykjavik, although it’s no longer the city’s busiest one. The most visited area is the eastern pier where you’ll find a community of shops, galleries, electric bike and scooter rentals and guided tour operators. You will also find numerous whale watching companies willing to take you out to sea on unforgettable excursions. The area is filled with excellent restaurants (sushi and other seafood, tapas, burgers, etc.) and cafés. The atmosphere at the old harbour is friendly, the air is fresh and salty and there’s plenty of interesting activities to check out.

EXPERIENCE

6 | HARPA

8 | THE SUN VOYAGER A beautiful sculpture 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 is an ode to the sun. It serves as reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland.

9 | HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT Founded in 950 A.D, Iceland‘s parliament, Alþingi, is the oldest extant parliament in the world! For centuries, the parliament gathered in the open air (on the aptly named Þingvellir - Parliament fields) but in recent years, they’ve met in Reykjavík. The House of Parliament is a modest classical building of hewn Icelandic dolerite but it gives Austurvöllur square a dignified look. The parliament garden behind the building is small but lovely in the summertime.

10 | LAUGARDALSLAUG Every country has traditions when it comes to leisure. Iceland’s big thing is swimming pools. Laugardalslaug is the city’s largest pool with extensive facilities, located in Laugardalur Valley. Its facilities include a 50m outdoor pool, outdoor children’s pool and paddling pool, two waterslides, numerous hot tubs, steam bath, gym and mini golf course. There really is no better place to be on a sunny day, or a cold one for that matter. Right outside you will find a hot dog stand where you can buy traditional Icelandic hot dogs.

Find these places on the centerfold map.

Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights.

Sólfarið looks its best when the sun is setting, at whatever time that may be. The unforgettable view of the sculpture with a backdrop of the ocean and mount Esjan is every photographer’s dream.

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

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ICELAND‘S SECRET TO HEALTHY LIVING

Legend has it that the Vikings introduced Skyr to Iceland when they settled in the country some 1.100 years ago. Travel back in time to any farm and Skyr would be on the table – essential nourishment for young and old. Generations past may not have been able to measure the nutritional content in the way we can now, but the life-expectancy of the average Icelander was proof enough that something good was going on. Icelanders have ever since loved the smooth texture of this incredibly healthy dairy product

and today it plays a big role in the modern lifestyle diet. Skyr is high in protein and a virtually fat-free dairy delight. Thick and creamy in consistency, it is also rich in calcium and other nutrients. Skyr can be found at almost every home and workplace. Enjoyed at breakfast, lunchtime, pretty much anytime, it has also become a healthy „fast-food“ for active people on the go. Delicious in smoothies or energy-boosting drinks, it even features on the dessert menus of many top restaurants, which are bringing a contemporary twist to this established favourite.

EXPERIENCE

THE WHAT’S ON SKYR EXPERIENCE

MS SKYR – PLAIN Skyr was originally only available as plain and was made at every farm in Iceland. Nowadays, there is a huge variety of flavours available but many still prefer the plain one.

KEA SKYR WITH VANILLA

MS SKYR.IS WITH DARK CHOCOLATE AND VANILLA Skyr producers have been experimenting with new flavours in skyr while still keeping it as nutritious as possible. One of the more recent additions is the dark chocolate and vanilla flavour.

MS SKYR.IS WITH BLUEBERRIES This is a long-time favourite of the Skyr.is varieties. Blueberries are among the few summer fruits that grow in Iceland so eating Skyr with fresh blueberries has a long tradition in Iceland. The taste is very rich and full of blueberries.

For more information on skyr, visit skyr.is

Kea skyr comes from the northern part of Iceland and this is one of the most popular flavours available. The taste is full and creamy with zero fat. It’s mild and creamy flavour also makes it popular as a base for desserts.

AQUARACER STEEL & CERAMIC DIAMONDS Cara Delevingne challenges rules. Being free-minded is her motto. Like TAG Heuer, she defies conventions and never cracks under pressure.

EXPERIENCE

THE ICELANDIC Although beer and ale have been brewed in Iceland for a long time, beer production was limited during the 20th century, as beer was illegal in Iceland until 1989! Icelanders have more than made up for lost time and the growth in beer production in recent years has been amazing. In just a few years, we‘ve seen many great breweries emerge, filled with ambition and ingenuity, and beer is now the most popular alcoholic beverage in Iceland.

BRÍÓ Brío uses German hops, giving the beer a very distinctive taste and a sweet aroma. Along with the hops, it uses Pilsen malt and under-fermented yeast. Bríó is the first beer produced by Borg Brugghús, a brewery that now produces several popular beers all year round along with seasonal beers for summer, Christmas and Easter. Bríó is a pilsner, a style of beer named after the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. This style of brewing first emerged in the middle of the 19th century and became so popular that the majority of beer drunk today is a relative of the original pilsner. Brío was originally brewed as the house beer for Ölstofan but due to its popularity, it’s now available in liquor stores as well as most bars in town.

VÍKING STOUT Viking stout is pitch black, reminiscent of cocoa and coffee with a smoothly roasted aftertaste.

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This is one of the first stouts made in Iceland. Only brewed from the finest ingredients, Víking stout is unfiltered and has a distinctly smoky aftertaste. It’s recently had its look revamped along with the other Víking craft beers. The labels now carry graphic designs that interpret events and traditions from the Viking age. The pitch black stout’s label fittingly evokes images of the ravens of Flóki, the Viking traveller who named Iceland.

KALDI Kaldi is a very mild and comfortable pilsner, dry, fresh, slightly bitter, with notes of roasted barley and hops, and has 5% ABV. You might detect a hint of sweetness as well. The brewery on Árskógssandur, makers of Kaldi beer, was the first microbrewery that opened in Iceland, back in 2006. The regular Kaldi is a pure pilsner, with all the ingredients, except the Icelandic water, coming from the Czech Republic. Even their brew-master is Czech! Following its success, the brewery opened Kaldi bar in the centre of Reykjavík, where all the varieties of Kaldi beer are available. Kaldi bar is, of course, the best place to get Kaldi, but it’s available in other bars as well, and in bottles at the liquor stores.

VÍKING CLASSIC Víking Classic is a Vienna style beer with golden amber colour and taste of roasted malt. It has a good body and medium bitterness with balancing sweetness and a hint of caramel. The name might seem a bit presumptuous as this classic has only been in production for a few years, but it’s in fact named after the Danish “Classic” style of beer. Víking Classic is available in draught, bottles and cans and is part of the Víking beer family which is the most popular beer brand in Iceland.

SEASONAL EASTER BREWS Iceland’s craft brewery scene is booming these days, which is most noticeable in the rising popularity of seasonal beers. In addition to summer beers, Thorri beers and Christmas beers, Icelanders like to celebrate Easter with a brew or two.

PÁSKAKALDI If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Kaldi brewery has been producing Easter Kaldi since 2009 and it’s as popular as ever. While other breweries are doing their best to come up with innovative designs for their Easter batches, Kaldi keeps it simple with this sweet, malty Bock with notes of caramel. The sweet flavour is balanced with Wakatu hops.

EXPERIENCE

BEER EXPERIENCE

ÖLVISHOLT OMG PÁSKABJÓR The Ölvisholt Easter beer is a chocolate porter produced in cooperation with OMNOM Chocolate. The beer features cocoa beans from Madagascar and Tanzania, the two types of beans bringing a different character to the brew, resulting in a fruity and intensely chocolatey beer. Drink a bottle or two of this dark beer instead of a chocolate Easter egg! (or do both, we won’t tell).

LÚTHER

PÁSKAGULL HEFEWEIZEN Although Gull usually produces a simple, very drinkable lager beer, their Easter beer is a little more complex and much more likely to get craft beer enthusiasts excited. This hefeweizen wheat beer is the perfect representation of the spirit of Easter, light and tropical with fruity notes of banana and spicy tones of cloves. It’s an interesting and very drinkable brew, not too bitter and not too sweet.

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Borg Brewery is celebrating 500 years of Lutheranism this year with Luther, a hoppy blonde ale. The name and inspiration might seem unconventional but the idea originally came from a church committee tasked with celebrating the 500th anniversary of Lutheranism. The beer itself is a modern twist on a Belgian tradition, made with liquid yeast from Belgium, and has a fresh fruity and spicy character.

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The 1783-4 eruption of Laki was history’s biggest volcanic eruption. When it erupted, the ash darkened the sky over all of Europe for years. The ash’s toxicity caused widespread crop failures and the resulting famine all over Europe was almost certainly one of the causes of the French revolution in 1789, ultimately resulting in the first modern democracy as we know it.

NOT JUST ONE, BUT TWO OF THE BIGGEST ERUPTIONS IN THE RECORDED HISTORY OF THE WORLD, OCCURRED IN ICELAND! Not only was Laki the biggest eruption in recorded history, measured by volume of lava, but Iceland was also the site of the second biggest emission in recorded history, the 2014 eruption of Bárðarbunga. In just 6 months, Bárðarbunga produced enough lava to cover the island of Manhattan – 85km2. It still isn‘t close to matching Laki. That eruption produced 370 km2 of lava, the size of the Gaza strip, in only 50 days!

All photos provided by the Volcano House

For more information on Icelandic volcanoes, check out www.volcanohouse.is

AN ICELANDIC VOLCANO IS THE REASON FOR DEMOCRACY AS WE KNOW IT

EXPERIENCE

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

EXPERIENCE For more information on Icelandic volcanoes, check out www.volcanohouse.is 20

1/3 OF ALL THE EARTH’S FRESH LAVA ORIGINATED IN ICELAND! When you’re discussing volcanoes, all concepts that have something to do with time get a bit skewed. For instance, fresh lava means lava emissions on earth since the year 1500. The reason for this impressive amount of liquid rock spewing to the surface is because not only does Iceland sit on a crack between two tectonic plates, it’s also on top of a geologic hotspot. Even so, for such a small island, that’s a pretty impressive amount of lava.

ICELAND HAS A VOLCANIC ERUPTION EVERY 4-5 YEARS! This isn’t surprising considering the island has somewhere around 150-200 volcanoes, split into different volcanic systems. About 30 different systems are still considered “active” in Iceland, and 13 of them have erupted since the Viking Settlement in 874. Not all the eruptions are on the

WANT TO GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE VOLCANOES OF ICELAND? For more information on volcanoes and geothermal activity in Iceland, go visit the Volcano House by the old harbour. Its attractions include a mineral exhibition and an hour-long documentary on volcanoes, which is shown every hour, on the hour. As an added bonus, there’s also a What’s On desk over there, in case you need any information.

same scale as the Eyjafjallajökull eruption though; some are small enough to be considered tourist attractions and some happen underneath glaciers and never even see the light of day.

ICELAND HAS THE ONLY ISLAND SCIENTISTS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OBSERVE AND DOCUMENT FROM THE MOMENT OF ITS CREATION: SURTSEY Surtsey was formed by a volcanic eruption at the bottom of the ocean and emerged from the water on December 14, 1963. It was immediately granted protection by law and no one was allowed to set foot on the island. To this day only scientists are allowed to go there, and even they have to get special permission. This means that we have been able to monitor how life settles on a brand-new land from the beginning, and the information gained has been invaluable to scientists.

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NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF ICELAND 16-18 Millions BC: The Formation of Iceland. Volcanic eruptions form the landmass known as Iceland. 871 AD: The Settlement of Iceland. Ingólfur Arnarson killed a man in Norway and fled to Iceland. 930 AD: Alþingi (the Icelandic parliament) established. Alþingi is the oldest parliamentary institution in the world that is still extant. 1000 AD: Conversion to Christianity, Discovery of America. Parliament decided everyone should convert to Christianity, or at least pretend to. Leif “the Lucky” Ericson got lost and found America, didn’t like it and went home. 1262 AD: Iceland Submits to Norway. Civil war between powerful clans was finally resolved by forfeiting independence and submitting to Norwegian rule. This eventually led to Iceland winding up under Danish rule.

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1550 AD: Reformation. A violent conflict between Catholics and Lutherans ended with the beheading of Catholic bishop Jón Arason. 1602: Monopoly (not the fun kind). The king of Denmark decided Icelanders could only trade with particular Danes, resulting in economic stagnation until the monopoly was abolished in 1786. The 1750s: The Enlightenment and the Birth of Reykjavík. Industrialisation and modernisation started when “Sheriff” Skúli Magnússon started manufacturing wool in Aðalstræti 10.

Jón Sigurðsson

1944 AD: Independence. Iceland declared independence while Denmark was too busy being invaded by Germany to protest. 20th century: The World Wars and modernization. The turn of the century saw the first motor boat and car. The effects of the world wars and American occupation were serious urbanisation for the first time and increased foreign cultural influences. 1955 AD: Nobel Prize. Halldór Laxness was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. 1980 AD: First Female President. The world’s first democratically elected female head of state, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, took office. 2008 AD: Crash and Miraculous Recovery. Iceland’s banking system went spectacularly bankrupt. Since then, things have picked up surprisingly well. 2009 AD: First openly gay prime minister. The world’s first openly lesbian head of government,

Vigdís Finnbogadóttir

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EXPERIENCE Find more information about Iceland on www.whatson.is 24

A GUIDE TO READING THE SAGAS OF THE ICELANDERS The Sagas of the Icelanders, written in the 12th and 13th century and telling the stories of the early settlers of Iceland from the 10th century, are an amazing treasure trove of historical knowledge about the early years of settlement in Iceland. Better yet, they’re also impressive examples of literary excellence that still hold their own when it comes to enthralling storytelling. The sagas might be several centuries old and originate in a society with completely different values to our own, but the stories they tell are universal and timeless. Just like modern literature, they deal with love, loss, honour, adventure and everything in between. If you want to start reading the sagas but you’re just not sure where to begin, here’s our guide to reading the sagas. IF YOU LIKE ROMANCE NOVELS AND SOAP OPERAS – START WITH LAXDÆLA SAGA Laxdæla is the thrilling story of bonds of friendship torn asunder for the love of a woman. The love triangle of the formerly inseparable friends Kjartan and Bolli and the beautiful and

clever Guðrún has far-reaching consequences in this heartwrenching story of honour, destiny, love and betrayal. Will Guðrún follow her heart or her pride? Are they all mere pawns of fate? Will her efforts to overturn destiny prove fruitful? …or fatal!? IF YOU’RE A FAN OF LEGAL DRAMAS AND THE GREEK TRAGEDIES – START WITH BRENNUNJÁLS SAGA Njála, as it is affectionately known, is the most revered of all the sagas in Iceland and its main character, Gunnar of Hlíðarendi is probably the most idealised hero in all Icelandic literature. Familial obligations, honour and, most importantly, love, throw him, his best friend Njáll and everyone they hold dear into a whirlwind of theft, lawsuits, murder and punishments. His fate is marked from the moment he lays eyes on the woman he loves and not even Njáll’s sage advice can save him. As an added bonus, Gunnar’s wife, Hallgerður, also happens to be arguably the best female character in all medieval literature.

Völsunga saga has it all, dragons, sleeping beauties, magical swords, revenge and a dash of incest. It’s basically Game of Thrones for the 13th century! Its the story of the Völsungs, a dynasty of kings and heroes. The best known story from the saga is the story of Sigurður, the slayer of the dragon Fáfnir. After he kills the dragon, he eats his heart because magical birds told him to do it. What more do you need to know?

IF YOU LIKE ACTION MOVIES AND ADVENTURE STORIES – START WITH EGIL’S SAGA Egil’s saga tells the story of the fascinating antihero Egill Skallagrímsson and his adventurous travels all over the north of Europe. A fierce fighter and clever poet with severe anger management issues, Egil’s saga weaves the stories of the first time he killed a man (at the tender age of 7), his impending beheading which he escapes with the aid of some seriously great poetry, and a drunken feast turned massacre (where our hero at one point cuts off a man’s head before vomiting down his neck), to name a few.

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IF YOU’RE INTO FANTASY – START WITH VÖLSUNGA SAGA

ALL THE SAGAS are available in English in bookstores in Iceland. If you’re looking for some

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lighter entertainment, get tickets to Icelandic Sagas – Greatest hits at Harpa. The comedy show takes on all the Icelandic sagas in 75 minutes. Additionally, if you’re travelling outside the city limits, we recommend seeking out the areas where the sagas are set. Borgarnes and Hvolsvöllur, for example, each have a museum dedicated to the Sagas of the area, Egil’s saga and Njáls saga respectively.

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Society in Iceland is family-oriented. That’s good news for those travelling with kids and teenagers, as there is plenty to keep them entertained year-round. Here are a few suggestions of activities in and around Reykjavík. All are accessible by foot, public transportation, private vehicle or pickup service. None take longer than four hours total and driving time is minimal.

Thermal Pools Price: Free (0-5 yrs), 150 kr. (6-17 yrs), 950 kr. (18+)

Whale Watching

Reykjavík’s thermal pools are mostly outdoor and water temperature in the pools and hot tubs ranges from 27 to 42 degrees Celsius to keep you warm even on the coldest days. They’re a popular activity among local families as they’re fun, healthy, and affordable. Most have shallow kiddie pools and many have water slides as well.

Being out on the water with the chance to see wildlife is exciting! Though summer is the high season for whale watching (and the only season to see the popular puffins), whales can be seen off the coast of Iceland year-round. Ships have heated indoor areas for chilly days and provide warm overalls and blankets as well.

Horseback Riding Age range: 6-99 The Icelandic Price: From 3300 kr. (6-15 yrs), horse may 6600 kr. (16+) be small, but don’t call it a pony! These friendly purebreds are a national treasure and love to meet people. Íshestar Horse Farm provides a riding tour for families that is short enough for the young’uns and appropriate for all levels of experience.

Laugardalur Recreational Area and Zoo Price (Family Park and Zoo): Free (0-4 yrs), 650 kr. (5-12 yrs), 860 kr. (13+)

The Laugardalur Valley has several activities for the whole family. The Family Park and Zoo houses specimens of most of Iceland’s animals, such as sheep, cows, horses, reindeer and seals. Laugardalur also houses ice-skating and rollerskating rinks, the largest thermal pool in the city, and the Ásmundarsafn sculpture collection.

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Price: Free (0-6 yrs), 4950 kr. (7-17 yrs), 9,900 kr. (18+)

EXPERIENCE

REYKJAVÍK FOR KIDS

EXPERIENCE

Volcano House Price: Exhibit: free; Documentary: free (0-6 yrs), 1000 kr. (7-14 yrs), 1990 kr. (15+)

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Museums

The exhibit of volcanic rocks and minerals at the Volcano House is hands-on, giving you a break from saying “don’t touch that!” and the documentaries about Iceland’s most recent eruptions and their effects on the country are short enough to accommodate the attention spans of the youngest while exciting enough for the most bored teenager.

Many of Reykjavík’s museums are child-friendly, Price: Varies housing activity rooms and interactive exhibits. For example, the National Museum of Iceland has a children’s room on the second floor where kids can dress up in Viking attire, including trying out swords, shields, chain mail, and helmets. Other kid-friendly museums in Reykjavík include the Whales of Iceland exhibition, the Árbær open air museum and the maritime museum where you get to board a coast guard vessel from the 50s.

Tjörnin/ The Pond Price: Free

Lava Tube Caving Explore a 2000-yearAge range: 5-99 old cave that was Price: 6450 kr. (5-14), formed by a volcanic 12900 kr. (15+) eruption. The lava is no longer active, but you and the kids will be as you venture in to experience the unique and colourful stone formations first-hand. Kids must be able to walk on their own and keep pace with the group.

Every Icelander has fond memories of childhood trips to the downtown pond to feed ducks with breadcrumbs. Nowadays feeding the ducks is frowned upon (bread is actually not good for them), but you can still drop by and say hello! Though ducks are the popular draw, you’ll also see swans, geese and seagulls.

Joe

HAS ARRIVED DOWNTOWN WE ARE NOW OPEN ON LAUGAVEGUR! DROP BY FOR SOME AMAZING JUICES, SANDWICHES AND SHAKES. P.S. WE’RE REALLY GOOD AT MAKING COFFEE TOO!

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EXPERIENCE

WHAT TO DO IN ICELAND

IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE DAY If you only have one day in Iceland, the first advice I will give you is to change your flight and stay for at least a week more. If that’s not an option, my next suggestion would be to use the time you have to the fullest, since Iceland is a unique destination. IF ICELANDIC GEOLOGY INTERESTS YOU

It’s no coincidence that The Golden Circle is the most popular day tour from Reykjavík. There are three stops on the way that just happen to be three of the most captivating destinations in Iceland, and as an added bonus, the tour doesn’t take up more than half of your day. The stops are Þingvellir, the national park where the Icelandic Parliament congregated since Viking times, Gullfoss, the aweinspiring waterfall which lends its name to the Golden Circle, and Geysir, an erupting hot spring, guaranteed to wow visitors.

Nobody does volcanoes like Iceland, there’s a reason it’s called the land of Ice and Fire. The Reykjavík Erupts! volcano hike takes you to a geothermally active area where the effects of the extreme heat underground are clearly visible on the surface. The colours of the earth are akin to a rainbow and there are bubbling cauldrons of mud everywhere. Lava Tube Caving tour, on the other hand, allows you to visit a cave that was formed during a volcanic eruption. The rock formations alone make this tour worth the trip.

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IF YOU JUST WANT TO SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS

EXPERIENCE

IF YOU WANT TO SEE A GLACIER Since you’re visiting ICE-land, you might want to check out some icy tours and it doesn’t get any icier than hiking on a glacier. Glacier hikes are relatively easy and the professional gear is provided so it should be accessible for most people. You get to walk on a glacier, along with guides that know everything there is to know about glaciers and Iceland in general. IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR A LITTLE LUXURY Even if you’re only in Iceland for a short time, that doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time on a bus. If a day of luxurious pampering is more appealing, look no further than the Blue Lagoon. The turquoise blue waters make for a divinely soothing and relaxing experience. It doesn’t hurt that you can book all sorts of massages and treatments and get drinks straight to the lagoon. The Lava restaurant at the Blue Lagoon is also first class.

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IF YOU PREFER CITY STREETS TO HIKING TRAILS

You don’t have to leave the city to experience Iceland. Not only does Reykjavík offer a variety of great museums, restaurants, cafés, and shops, it also has spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the city, right from the city centre. If you’re staying in the city and want to get the most out of your time, invest in the City Card. It gives you access to all the city’s museums for free, as well as access to the thermal pools of Reykjavík, the Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo in Laugardalur, and allows you to use the Icelandic Bus (Strætó) within the Capital Region. IF YOU READ MOBY DICK AND LIKED IT Marine life abounds in the ocean around Iceland. Of all the creatures that live in these waters, the most spectacular ones have to be the whales. If you’re interested in seeing these immense creatures for yourself, take a whale watching cruise. Even the smallest Icelandic whale you could spot is still the size of a full grown man, and the largest can reach

up to 30 metres in length! If you have a few hours to spare before or after the cruise (or if you get seasick and a cruise is out of the question), check out the Whales of Iceland exhibition for some extra information on these gentle giants.

Whether you are going on tours or staying within city limits, you can be sure of one thing: you won’t have seen enough of what Iceland has to offer. The next time you’re in Iceland (and we’re pretty sure you’ll be back) stop by the What’s On office, or send us an email, and ask the staff to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.

A RARE, ONCE-INA-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY Around, on and deep within the awesome Langjökull ice gap glacier. Into the Glacier offers various tours to the World's largest ice tunnel. The ice tunnel and caves are located high on Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjökull. Daily departures from Klaki base camp, Húsafell center and from Reykjavik. You can choose from various tours and book online at www.intotheglacier.is Tel: +354 578-2550

EXPERIENCE

ICELAND EXPLAINED

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA >> What is it? Hallgrímskirkja church is probably the best-known landmark in Reykjavík, along with Perlan. It’s the last work of one of Iceland‘s most prolific architect, Guðjón Samúelsson. His work usually drew inspiration from Icelandic nature in some way and Hallgrímskirkja is no exception, conjuring the mountains and glaciers of Iceland along with the iconic columnar igneous rock. Guðjón started sketching the church in 1937 and they started building it in 1945. It wasn’t completely finished until 1986, although parts of the church had been ready for a long time at that point, even consecrated so the unfinished church could be put to use.

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>>Why is there a Viking statue in front of the church? It’s thanks to the Americans, actually. They gave us the statue to commemorate the thousand-

year anniversary of Iceland’s parliament, Alþingi. The statue is a likeness of Leifur Eiríksson, or Leif the lucky, the Norse Viking who sailed to North America centuries before Christopher Columbus. It might seem strange to place a Viking statue in front of a church, but actually, it was the other way around. The statue got there in 1932, but they didn’t start building the church until 1945. >> How do I get to the top of the tower? You take the elevator! It costs a few hundred krónur but you’ll be rewarded with a view to die for. Hallgrímskirkja is the second tallest building in Reykjavík and seeing the rows of the multi-coloured houses in the centre all laid out neatly like doll’s houses, and further away, the bright blue sea and mount Esja, is really something you shouldn’t miss.

Snæfellsnes? As a matter of fact we are going. Join us! Snæfellsnes peninsula, glacier, fishing village, mountains, black beaches, dinner with locals and very friendly horses.

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EXPERIENCE 5 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE ICELANDIC HORSE The Icelandic Horse is beloved the world over for its qualities, skills and intelligence. Keep your eyes open when driving around the Icelandic countryside, you just might get a glimpse of these beautiful creatures. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a foal! If you’re keen to learn more, here are some facts about the Icelandic horse that might surprise you. Just a reminder, don't feed the horses unless you have the farmer's permission.

1. IT’S NOT A PONY!

2. WALK THIS WAY The Icelandic Horse is the only horse breed in the world that can perform five gaits (ways of walking), while other horse breeds can only perform three or four. The common gaits are called walk, trot, and canter, but Icelandic horses can also do something called a flying pace and tölt. Tölt is the Icelandic word for it but since only the Icelandic horse can do it, there’s not really a translation for it. Tölt is a sped up version of walking, but much more impressive as the horses lift their front legs up high, and only one foot touches the ground at any time. It’s a comfortable gait on the uneven ground of Iceland’s wilderness. Not all Icelandic horses can do the tölt, and those who have the ability usually need to be trained to do it properly.

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The Icelandic horse is just how Iceland likes to perceive itself: little but strong. They are squat and muscular and in winter they have long shaggy fur. Despite their (lack of) size they’re not called ponies. Icelandic horses tend to be between 80120 cm tall. Internationally, a horse breed shorter than 1 metre is dubbed a “pony,” so the Icelandic horse is right on the limit. But all our horses are horses because we say they are.

ÍSHESTAR

EXPERIENCE 3. YOU WON’T FIND ANY OTHER KIND OF HORSES HERE Importing horses to Iceland has been forbidden since as far back as 982 AD, to prevent the degeneration of the stock. This is the kind of thing you can do when you live on an island. Due to the aforementioned import restrictions, once an Icelandic horse leaves the country, it can never return to Iceland. This means that Icelanders going to riding competitions abroad never take their best horse with them since they will probably sell it after some competitions. The best horses are kept in Iceland to compete or breed.

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4. HISTORY & CULTURE

Historically, a quality Icelandic horse was a highlydesired prize, both for practical purposes and as a status symbol. They have a place in Norse mythology, most notably in Sleipnir, Óðinn’s eightlegged horse. They follow us from our very earliest history, for instance in the book of settlements, where the chieftain Sela-Þórir set up his settlement at the place where his mare Skálm decided to rest. In the Icelandic Sagas, e.g. in Hrafnkel’s Saga, Njál’s Saga

and Grettir’s Saga, horses play important roles, for instance in horse fights, as status symbols, and not least as plot devices. For instance, the epic hero Gunnar á Hlíðarenda falls off when his horse trips, looks at his beautiful country and decides to stay rather than be outlawed, which ultimately leads to his death. To this day, horse breeding and competing are associated with status and wealth – breeding a good horse can generate a lot of wealth and because some wealthy people spend a lot of money on their horses.

5. YOU CAN RIDE ONE! There are so many tours you can choose from to ride an Icelandic horse in its natural habitat when you visit Iceland. Even if you’ve never sat on a horse before, not only are the Icelandic horses renowned for their pleasant temperament, they’re also much shorter than other horses – if you fall off, it won’t be far! If you’re a more experienced rider, we recommend taking a whole day tour, or even some longer trips if you’ve got the time. The Icelandic highlands are stunning and really, exploring them on horseback, just like the original settlers did, is the only way to go.

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EVERY TRIP IS AN ADVENTURE

EXIT THE CITY ENTER THE ADVENTURE WITH GEYSIR CAR RENTAL Geysir Car Rental is located in Geysirland Tourist Info at the Harpa Concert Hall. Get free CDW insurance cover and Unlimited Milage on all rentals. No one way fees and great prices.

EXPERIENCE

THINGS TO DO ON A RAINY DAY If it’s raining outside, and you’re not sure what you should do with yourself, here’s a short list of some activities and places you could visit on a rainy day in our lovely country. Enjoy! MUSEUMS Reykjavík is a veritable feast of cultural treats. Whether it’s art, history or science you’re after, the museums in this small Nordic city offer an array of interesting and diverse exhibitions year round, guaranteed to pique your interest. When it starts to drizzle, try visiting the Volcano House or Reykjavík Art Museum. It has three locations, Hafnarhúsið, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn and purchasing admission to any one of these automatically grants you access to the other two. COFFEEHOUSE

The Icelandic landscape is amazing whatever the weather, but hiking in the rain is a recipe for a cold toes and grumpy moods. Zooming past the dramatic landscapes of the Icelandic countryside from the comfort and warmth of a bus or a car, however, is extremely enjoyable. Be sure to blast some great Icelandic music on your drive, it can only enhance the experience. SWIMMING You may think that it sounds strange to go for a swim in the rain, but swimming in Iceland is particularly enjoyable in bad weather. Thanks to the geothermal heat, you’ll be nice and toasty in the hot tubs, chatting with the locals, while the rain offers a welcome, cooling contrast. MOVIE AT BÍÓ PARADÍS Bíó Paradís keeps up an ambitious schedule of internationally acclaimed movies from all over the world. It hosts several film festivals and airs Icelandic movies with English subtitles all year round. It’s also the only cinema in downtown Reykjavík and a great place to keep dry and out of the waterworld outside. Not only is it a great place to watch great movies, it also has a place to sit down, get some coffee or a beer, before or after the movie.

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It’s hard to explain why Icelanders have such a deep love for coffee, considering it doesn’t grow anywhere near this Nordic island. Maybe it has something to do with those long dark winter mornings, but whatever the reason, the sheer quantity of cafés in downtown Reykjavík is proof positive of Icelanders’ affection for the black stuff. The cafés range from small holes-inthe- wall with take-away coffee to places with plush couches on which you could stay sitting comfortably for several hours.

DRIVE IN THE COUNTRY SIDE

EXPERIENCE

PÁSKAR! Everything you ever wanted to know (but never dared to ask) about Easter in Iceland

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As in most countries, Easter in Iceland is an interesting mix of a religious and pagan holiday. On one hand, the church’s designated Easter days are official holidays and it’s the most popular time of the year for confirmations, a Christian rite of passage most fourteen-year olds go through. On the other hand, the first thing that people think of when you mention Easter is not the crucifixion, but chocolate Easter eggs, and the most popular decorations are not crosses, but baby chickens. This is all pretty confusing, so here are some things you should know before spending Easter in Iceland.

THE HOLIDAYS OF EASTER PALM SUNDAY, MAUNDY THURSDAY

EASTER SUNDAY

Even though Iceland is not Catholic, confirmations are popular rites of passage for fourteen-year olds in Iceland. Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday are the days most confirmations take place, which means that most people in Iceland spend these days attending family parties and eating the traditional marzipan feast cakes known as kransakaka.

The most important part of the Easter celebrations takes place on Easter Sunday morning, when people look for their Easter eggs. Some families plan elaborate Easter egg hunts with a trail of clues leading to the chocolaty prize, others are content to just hide the eggs. Family dinners where lamb takes the central role are also popular.

GOOD FRIDAY

EASTER MONDAY

Good Friday is traditionally supposed to be a day of solemn contemplation so fun and games is not only discouraged, it’s actually illegal. The Icelandic atheist society hosts an annual game of bingo in front of the parliament building in protest, since bingo is one of the games specifically mentioned in the laws banning fun on good Friday.

This day actually has no significance and no traditions. It’s just an extra holiday for people to finish what’s left of their Easter eggs or recover from eating a whole Easter egg the day before.

EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL FOR EASTER EASTER VACATION

EASTER CHICKS

Easter celebrations are usually much more casual than Christmas, for example. Since Easter is a fiveday weekend in Iceland, many people use the opportunity to travel, in Iceland or internationally. Ski trips are popular and Aldrei fór ég suður, a free music festival in Ísafjörður, attracts a huge crowd every year.

The most popular motif in Easter decorations is not the Easter bunny but rather the Easter chick. Easter chick ornaments can be bought everywhere where decorations are sold and every home with children usually has a few misshapen lumps that are supposed to represent the baby chickens. Most notable, however, are the baby chicks that top Easter eggs in every store.

EASTER DECORATIONS

EASTER EGGS Easter eggs don’t have a particularly long history in Iceland. They first arrived in the country in the beginning of the 20th century, but have since become so popular that more than a hundred tonnes of chocolate in Easter egg form is sold each year. The Easter eggs come in all sizes and are available in different kinds of chocolate, but there’s one part of the Easter egg’s anatomy that never changes. Each egg contains a small note with a wise Icelandic proverb or a saying on it and despite the lure of the candy, that’s probably the first thing most people look for when they crack their eggs open. EASTER LAMB

The traditional Easter Sunday dinner, in all parts of the world where Easter is celebrated, is lamb. That’s a lucky coincidence since Icelanders love lamb. Considering the quality of the Icelandic lamb, that’s really no wonder. There’s no specific lamb dish that’s designated Easter food, but a roast leg of lamb is popular.

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Many people decorate their houses for Easter in shades of yellow and green. A popular way to decorate is to cut a bouquet of branches from a bush or a tree, and put in a vase with water. The branches will start spouting leaves in the warmth inside, even though the trees outside will remain dark and bare for a few weeks yet.

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VISIT HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA IN APRIL

Despite being the most famous church in Iceland, Hallgrímskirkja is also a fully operating church servicing the inhabitants of the city centre. Art and music are an important part of the church's operations, and the beautiful Klais organ is an important part of its religious ceremonies.

If you’re interested in attending religious ceremonies in the church, there will be services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday featuring music performed by the wonderful Hallgrímskirkja Motet Choir and organist Björn Steinar Sólbergsson.

April is the month of Easter so there will be plenty going on in the church. On Maundy Thursday, 100 children from various choirs in Reykjavík and surroundings perform new songs from all around the world with professional jazz players.

During April, Hallgrímskirkja also hosts an exhibition of Jón B.K. Ransu’s work, Hilma Studies: Swans. The exhibition is inspired by the works of Swedish artist Hilma af Klint, who focused her art on the duality of the world. The exhibition is open at the same time as the church, from 9-17 every day.

On Good Friday, you can witness a Hallgrímskirkja tradition. The Church is named after 17th century poet Hallgrímur Pétursson, whose most famous work is a collection of poems on the Passion of the Christ and every Good Friday, the poems are read in their entirety, which takes about 5 hours.

»» They started building the church in 1945 and it was consecrated in 1986, the year of Reykjavík‘s 200th anniversary. »» Hallgrímskirkja is one of the best known landmarks of Reykjavík, but still functions as a parish church for the city centre. »» It‘s named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, a 17th century priest in Iceland, who is today best known for his poetry. His magnum opus, the Passion Hymns, are read in the church every Easter, which takes about 5 hours. From the Jón B.K.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ransu Exhibition

»» The church‘s Klais organ, with its 5275 pipes is the biggest instrument in Iceland.

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LAXNESS MUSEUM Gljúfrasteinn was the home of writer Halldór Laxness (the winner of The Nobel Prize in Literature 1955) and his family for more than half a century. The house is now a museum, where the author’s home is preserved just as it was when he lived and worked there. A number of events are hosted throughout the year. Every Sunday during the summertime there are concerts in the living room at 4pm. The museum is open tuesdays to fridays from 10am – 16pm. Audio guides of the house are available in Icelandic, English, German, Swedish and Danish, and an illustrated guide in French. Gljúfrasteinn-Laxness museum is located in the valley of Mosfellsdalur on the way to Þingvellir National Park, only 20 minute drive from Reykjavik.

WHAT’S ON

GLJÚFRASTEINN

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

WHAT’S ON Need information about Iceland? Visit our information center on Laugavegur 5. 48

ICELANDIC SUMMER IS (ALMOST) HERE! (WE’RE ALL GOING ON) A SUMMER HOLIDAY!

IT’S TRADITION!

Iceland has one holiday that's only celebrated in Iceland, The First Day of Summer. It makes sense that Icelanders would want to celebrate the arrival of summer after long winters, but what doesn’t make sense is that it’s celebrated in late April, when you can still expect freezing temperatures in Iceland.

The First Day of Summer has its roots in the old Icelandic calendar. It's based on the farming seasons and was in use, pretty much from the settlement of Iceland in the 9th century and until as recently as the 19th century, parallel to the Julian and later the Gregorian calendar. According to the Icelandic calendar, there were only two seasons, winter and summer, so summer started in late April and lasted till late October. Celebrating the arrival of summer has been done for centuries. People would have a nicer than usual dinner and it’s been customary to give children small gifts known as summer gifts since the 16th century. They even precede Christmas gifts in Iceland by about three centuries! OUTDOOR CELEBRATIONS IN ICELAND IN APRIL? WHAT COULD GO WRONG? Icelanders like to celebrate the First Day of Summer, so much so that it’s actually an official holiday. Every town in Iceland has its own celebratory program, but scout parades and

The golden plover is a migratory bird that has the good sense to leave Iceland for the winter and only come back when summer is on its way. The tiny wading bird’s return to the country heralds the arrival of spring and boy, do Icelanders get excited. So excited, in fact, that not only are there countless poems about the springtime magic of the golden plover, its arrival each year also makes the frontpage of every newspaper in Iceland.

brass bands are common. Unfortunately, the summer weather rarely gets the message and the temperature usually hovers somewhere between 0-10°C on the day itself. It’s even considered good luck if it dips below freezing the night before; it means we’re going to have a good summer. If you’re not in the mood for watching scoutsicles march to the music of equally cold musicians, you can always go get Icelandic pancakes instead. The crêpe-like flat pancakes, served either rolled with sugar or filled with whipped cream and jam, are a popular First Day of Summer treat.

“A must see activity!” “... interactive and inspiring!” We hope to welcome you on your trip to Iceland at the most powerful exhibition in the world.

The exhibition is open every day from 9:00 - 17:00. Please direct any inquiries to exhibition@on.is Tel: (+354) 591 2880 www.geothermalexhibition.com

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Don’t Fight the Power. Feel It.

WHAT’S ON

HAVE YOU SEEN THE GOLDEN PLOVER YET?

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON LOCATIONS

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Check out the article The Reykjavik Sight Experience on pages 10-11 for more information about the places numbered here.

REYKJAVIK CITY MAP

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WHAT’S ON

THE REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM WALK Reykjavík’s history reaches back for more than a thousand years and the city is rich with culture. This heritage can be experienced in the museums scattered throughout the city. To make life easier for you, here is a proposed Museum Walk that covers the best ones in downtown Reykjavik, all within a walking distance. 1

VOLCANO HOUSE

The museum gives visitors an idea of the life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. Icelandic n at u re i s i n a st ate o f constant flux, earthquakes occur daily somewhere in Iceland, and volcanic eruptions are always a possibility. Volcano House lets you experience the world of Icelanders by coming as close as possible to experiencing an eruption or earthquake for yourself. They also have a Volcano Show, which consists of two back-to-back documentaries on historical volcanic eruptions.

REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

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

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THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

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

THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

The principal art museum of Iceland, established in 1884. Its art collection consists mainly of 19th and 20th century art works. In its possession are many of the keystones of Icelandic art history, as well as a growing collection of works from other countries. The National Gallery’s main role is to collect, preserve, research and exhibit Icelandic art and offer education about it. There is also a considerable emphasis laid on showing Icelandic art in context with international art.

REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM

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

THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION

Archaeological remains were excavated in Aðalstræti in 2001, which turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavík. The relics are now preserved at their original location and are the focal point of the Settlement Exhibition. The construction of Viking Age buildings is explained u s i n g m u l t i m e d i a te c h n o l o g y a n d co m p u te r technology is used to give an impression of what life was like in the hall.

The Wonders of the Volcanoes Volcano House features two documentaries that focus on the most famous eruptions of Iceland, including Vestmannaeyjar in 1973 and Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, as well as talking about the causes and effects of Icelandic volcanology in general. The Volcano House includes a FREE “hands on” geology exhibition featuring many different mineral samples, such as lava from the 2014 eruption of Bárðabunga and ash from the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. Reviews from tripadvisor “Friendly staff - excellent documentary”

Due to weather and unfamiliarity with Reykjavik we arrived just after the last show started and were told that we could go in right away and pay after the show. In my opinion everyone should visit and watch this show. - jdsteven, Colorado

VOLCANO HOUSE

Volcano Cinema and Geological Exhibition in Downtown Reykjavik, next to the Old Harbour. Open Every Day from 10:00-21:00 / Show time every hour, on the hour. Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavík | (+354) 555 1900 | www.volcanohouse.is

THE STEAK HOUSE

Steikhúsið simply means “The Steak House” and that underlines our goal, to focus solely on steaks. Steikhúsið is in the middle of Reykjavík, opposite the old harbor, which has recently formed into a lively neighborhood of restaurants, cafes, artisan stores and work shops. When you visit us, remember to try our “28-day” tendered meat. The heart of the place is a coal oven from Mibrasa, Spain. It is only fitting that we use coal for grilling and baking, since the building housed a blacksmith and metal works in years gone by. THE KITCHEN IS OPEN FROM 17:00 ‘TILL LATE — VISIT WWW.STEAK.IS

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

EVENTS

NOTABLE FESTIVITIES & RECURRING EVENTS EVENTS FROM WHATSON.IS/EC April 1th @ Hverfisgata 12 DJ ÍVAR PÉTUR

April 18th @ KEX Hostel KEX JAZZ

April 4th @ Græna Herbergið STAND-UP IN ENGLISH BY THE GOONSQUAD

April 18th @ Dómkirkjan J.S BACH CONCERT

April 5th-9th @ Þjóðleikhúskjallarinn REYKJAVÍK INTERNATIONAL IMPROV FESTIVAL

April 19th @ Sæta Svínið KARAOKE NIGHT April 20th @ Reykjavík FIRST DAY OF SUMMER

April 6th @ Mikkeller & Friends LORDO HOBO TAP TAKEOVER

April 7th @ Café Rósenberg LEONARD COHEN: A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE CONCERT April 11th @ National Gallery of Iceland FREYJUJAZZ // GRETA SALOME April 12th @ Petersen Svítan HAPPY WEDNESDAY: LIVE JAZZ + OPEN MIC April 13th @ Hverfisgata 12 DJ STYRMIR HANSSON

April 21st @ Harpa HOW TO BECOME ICELANDIC IN 60 MINUTES April 23rd @ Húrra MONDAY JAZZ April 26th @ Dillon WEEKLY BLUES JAM SESSION W/ BEGGI SMÁRI & BEXBAND April 27th @ Græna Herbergið REYKJAVÍK KABARETT – VARIETY SHOW

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

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April 21st @ Gaukurinn DRAGSÚGUR - DRAG EXTRAVAGANZA

April 6h @ Boston PLUG & PLAY

EVENTS

BLUES FESTIVAL April 8th - 13th When you think about Iceland, you don’t necessarily connect it with the blues straight away but, in fact, Iceland has an active blues society and has hosted a Blues festival for several years. This year, the festival kicks off with a blues-day in the centre of Reykjavík, which features live music and street food on Skólavörðustígur and a concert at the city library as well as other events. The festival concerts themselves take place at hotel Hilton Nordica and on the program are some of Iceland’s most popular blues musicians, such as KK Band and Andrea’s bluesmen, alongside international artists.

BRIGHT DAYS April 19th - 23rd

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Head over to a neighbouring town of Reykjavík, Hafnarfjörður for their Brighter Days cultural festival. The festival takes place around the First Day of Summer and focuses on the art and culture of the community. The festival is a four-day affair and features events for people of all ages, such as open

artist’s workshops, concerts by popular Icelandic musicians, the annual First Day of Summer parade as well as the At Home Music festival. Not only is will the festival feature plenty of fun events for the whole family, it's also a great way to get to know the community of the town since most of the events of the festival are planned and performed by the people and companies in Hafnarfjörður.

AT HOME MUSIC FESTIVAL April 19th The At Home music festival is just what it says in the title, concerts by Icelandic musicians given in the homes of Hafnarfjörður locals. This intimate festival gives you a chance to enjoy some phenomenal Icelandic music in a personal environment as well as a unique chance to visit a local Icelandic home. The price of admission gives you a wristband for the festival and a map of the participating homes. Each home has two artists or bands performing and you can expect everything from mellow acoustic music to Icelandic rap.

EVENTS

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL March 30th - April 9th Bíó Paradís, the arthouse cinema in the city centre, will host the Reykjavík International Childrens Film Festival for the fourth time this year. The festival not only offers families a chance to attend cultural events outside the home together but also gives children a chance to experience quality film making and the atmosphere of a film festival. The festival’s opening film this year is Antboy 3, the third movie of the popular trilogy about Antboy’s adventures.

CHILDREN’S CULTURE FESTIVAL April 25th - 30th A festival celebrating the diverse and vibrant culture of children in Iceland is a must for all families. The Children’s Culture Festival encourages children of all ages to participate in the festival, which includes music, dance, children’s literature and even politics. Schools and kindergartens in the city participate and the whole city becomes a venue for all kinds of events and children’s entertainment.

April 6th - 8th Fans of Eve online, the massive Icelandproduced galaxy-spanning computer game, will gather in Harpa for a three-day gathering this April as the’ve done annually for the past few years. The fanfest consists of presentations, tournaments, exclusive reveals, and developer roundtables, as well as parties, pub crawls, community camaraderie, and an infamous Party at the Top of the World. Start preparing your spaceships, people, this one is going to be epic.

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EVE FANFEST

EVENTS

VOLCANO HOUSE WONDERS OF VOLCANOES The Volcano House includes a FREE “hands on” geology exhibition featuring many different mineral samples, such as lava from the 2014 eruption of Bárðabunga and ash from the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. A documentary in English is screened every hour, on the hour, from 10am to 9pm. It focuses on some of the most famous eruptions of Iceland, as well as talking about the causes and effects of Icelandic volcanology in general. The show is also available in different languages by prearrangement »» The Volcano House is fun and educational for people of all ages, and kids are especially welcome. (Free for 0-12)

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»» The Volcano House is a great stop on your Museum Day. After standing and reading for hours, it’s nice to sit down and watch a movie.

WONDERS OF VOLCANOES

»» Volcano House is a great late-night activity (last show at 21:00), a good replacement if your tour is cancelled, or if the weather is bad (it’s always nice and warm inside). Drop by any time! For more information see www.volcanohouse.is. POINTS OF VIEW

THE CULTURE HOUSE POINTS OF VIEW A journey through the visual world of Iceland The exhibition gives visitors the chance to delve into the collections of six different cultural institutions. A unique journey through Iceland's visual legacy, offering an innovative guide to a nation's cultural history.

The exhibition is a collaboration between Iceland's three leading museums in their respective fields – the National Museum of Iceland, National Gallery of Iceland and the Icelandic Museum of Natural History – and the National Archives of Iceland, National and University Library of Iceland, and Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. safnahúsið

The exhibition is a collaborative project of the following institutions: National and University Library of Iceland, Icelandic Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Iceland, The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies, National Archives of Iceland, National Museum of Iceland.

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Tel: +(354) 519 5000

WEEKLY SYMPHONY CONCERTS IN HARPA CONCERT HALL Harpa Concert Hall sinfonia.is harpa.is (+354) 528 50 50

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EVENTS

REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM ÁSMUNDARSAFN ÁSMUNDUR SVEINSSON AND ÞORVALDUR SKÚLASON: CHILDREN OF THE EYE Works by Ásmundur Sveinsson (f. 1893 – 1982) and Þorvaldur Skúlason (f. 1906 – 1984) both focused greatly on the formalist imagery of their work, thus connecting themselves to modernist traditions. Ásmundur and Þorvaldur both focused greatly on the formalist imagery of their work, thus connecting themselves to modernist traditions. They were aware of the historic value of their material’s sources and focused on the physical attributes of their work, rather than seeing them as windows to their surroundings. In spite of the difference in their chosen media, Ásmundur and Þorvaldur were kindred spirits in many ways and Ásmundur referred to Þorvaldur as his artistic soulmate.

ÁSMUNDUR & ÞORVALDUR

PUNK MUSEUM

THE ICELANDIC PUNK MUSEUM

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION FRIGHTENING NATURE In the magnificent works depicting people and animals fleeing from natural catastrophe, one can sense the artist's inner

FRIGHTENING NATURE

struggle bringing us closer to his life and work, joy and suffering which goes together with the process of creating as new roads are travelled. The story of a poor farmer's son, who becomes one of the nation's most respected painters, resembles a fairy

tale. The varied treatment of the material shows the artist's continuous search for a suitable way of expressing the different subjects from local landscapes to the interpretation of the saga heritage, Icelandic folklore and fairy tales as natural disaster.

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The Icelandic Punk Museum is located at Bankastræti 0, an underground location that served as public toilets from 1930 to 2006. The Icelandic Punk Museum honours the music and the spirit that has shaped musicians and bands to this day; people who dared to be different. Objects, photographs, videos, posters, etc. from those years (roughly 1978 to 1992) are on display with texts in Icelandic and English, as well as the main music from the period is available to guests.

EVENTS

REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM – HAFNARHÚS ERRÓ: MORE IS BEAUTIFUL This exhibition shines a special light on Erró's works which revolve around excess and density. This imaging has been an important part of his art and goes all the way back to his earliest work. More than thirty pieces from the Erró collection of the Reykjavík Art Museum show how the artist creates intricate and charged structures which communicate materials related to politics, science, fiction and art history.

ERRÓ

ILMUR STEFÁNSDÓTTIR: PANIK TThe structure shakes from the strenuous efforts of a woman which serve no obvious purpose. She runs, jumps, cycles and uses various strange devices to create movement for movement´s sake. It appears that the exhibition hall may collapse. The question is whether the woman´s struggles can prevent that from happening, or whether they will be the reason for its downfall.

BOUT – FOUR BOUTS OF VIDEO WORKS

D-30: RAGNAR ÞÓRISSON The paintings by Ragnar are the result of years of experiments where he typically paints people set in neutral surroundings. He displays his models in an ambiguous manner, immersed in an atmospere of mysticality

. Large, multi-layered colour fields are mixed together with fine pencil drawing. The works are equivocal, suggestring a subtle movement in time and space, so it seems that the artist is attempting to grasp something other than what is visible to the plain eye.

diversity that defines the collection. The title refers both to the objects themselves, the ones worth keeping, as well as the people who preserved them, kept them and eventually so generously gave them to the museum for safekeeping.

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART

The chairs are part of the Museum’s ever-growing collection. The oldest chairs are from the 1930s while the youngest one is from 2013. The collection now includes a few hundred chairs, spanning a range that includes domestic and foreign mass-productions, special designs for particular places and prototypes designers have made as part of their creative process.Chairs are often the largest part of design museums’ collections and no wonder since the chair is one of the most important pieces of furniture.

KEEPERS Museum collections are collections made up by a number of collected objects and sources that have some meaning to the museum But how are the objects collected? What reasons lie behind certain objects being collected and where do the boundaries lie when collecting objects for a collection? The exhibition focuses on the museums’s collection. It will display the

CHAIRS

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BOUT is an extensive project where a large part of the animated works in the Reykjavík Art Museum collection will be put on show. The title refers to the works being exhibited in four different bouts, each one lasting around four weeks. Each bout has its own theme which is based on the approach and subjects of the artists. The themes in question are play, performance, documentation and storytelling.

KEEPERS

EVENTS

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND TREASURES OF A NATION In the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland there are over 11.000 works of various kind, from various countries and periods. In the exhibition Treasures of a Nation a fair selection of over 80 works from the collection displays the evolution of art from the early 19th century to our times. .

ART OF MEMORY On the occasion of Woody Vasulka's (b. 1937) 80th birthday, the Vasulka Chamber holds a special exhibition of the video work Art of Memory, but now 30 years have passed since it was originally exhibited in 1987. The exhibition of the work is appropriate at this turning point, as the viewer is in an effective way led into the past on a journey through a dreamlike and vast landscape with references to history.At the exhibition some parts of the archives of Vasulka Chamber will also be displayed.

ART OF MEMORY

JOAN JONAS

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PYROGLYPHS

A video matrix by Steina in collaboration with Tom Joyce A spectacular meditation on fire. Steina has created a sublime landscape illumined by the many-hued glow of fevered metals and shows of sparkling scintilla. She makes us feel the hypnotic pull of lambent flames even as our breath is caught by the preemptive ignition of the torch, our hearts quickened by the violence of the forge.

TEXT The exhibition T E X T shows a selection of text-based art works by fifty Icelandic and international visual artists. The works all belong to the private art collection of Reykjavík and Berlin based collectors Pétur Arason and Ragna Róbertsdóttir, whose collection of contemporary art has reached over 1.000 works since the early 1960s until today.

SEA WOMEN

REYKJAVÍK MARITIME MUSEUM SEA WOMEN The exhibition is a collaborative project between Reykjavik city museum (of which the Maritime museum is a part) and Dr. Margaret E. Willson, an anthropologist with the University of Washington (Seattle, Washington State). Dr. Willson discovered through extensive historical and ethnographic research in Iceland that women have consistently worked at sea from the mid- 900s to the present day. In West Iceland, through the 1700s and 1800s, women

comprised a full third of the fishing fleet. This appears to be different from any other group of female fishers about whom a study has been done. From the 1970s through the early 2000s.

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

rmal Poo Reykjaviks' The ls

A sou r c e of health Therm al swi m m ing pools

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Saunas, steambat hs and showers

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Thermal pools a and nd b baths in Reykjavi Reykjavik k ar are re a source of hea health, alth, relaxation and pureness. All of the city´s swimming pools have several hot tubs with temperatures ranging from 37˚ to 42˚C (98˚–111˚F). The pools are kept at an average temperature of 29˚ C (84˚ F)

Tel: +354 411 5000 www.spacity.is

EVENTS

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND THE MAKING OF A NATION - HERITAGE AND HISTORY IN ICELAND The National Museum of Iceland's permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History in Iceland, is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Settlement to the present day. The aim is to cast light on the Icelanders' past by placing the cultural heritage preserved by the National Museum in a historical context, guided by the question: What makes a nation? The exhibition includes about 2,000 objects, dating from the Settlement Age to the present, as well as about 1,000 photographs from the 20th century.

MAKING OF A NATION

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.

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ICELAND IN THE WORLD, THE WORLD IN ICELAND

Iceland, in both past and present, has been characterised by transnationalism. Iceland has thus been a part of the mobility of people and ideas through the centuries. It is important to highlight this in the present, when current discourse is often based on the idea that in the past different parts of the world existed in isolation from each other. Prejudices are nothing new in Icelandic society, as for centuries Icelanders' ideas have been influenced by global conceptions of race.

STEINHOLT – A STORY OF THE ORIGIN OF NAMES The exhibition Steinholt – a story of the origin of names is about the memory of a place. Christopher Taylor has spent time in Þórshöfn, North-East Iceland, and travelled the area to

EINAR JÓNSSON

capture the landscape and tell stories of memories connected with Steinholt.

THE RE-INVESTIGATION OF A VIKING GRAVE An exhibition based on new research on the bones and grave good found in a settlement-era grave.The grave was discovered in 1938 in East-Iceland. The research can provide answers on the age of the woman in the grave and where she came from, together with indications of how she looked and dressed.

GRÍMSEY From his first visit to Grímsey the American photographer Cole Barash has been fascinated by the community there. Through his photographs, Barash

captures intimate moments with the local people and reactions to the light and landscape.

EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM A museum in the heart of Reykjavík that houses the work of Iceland's first sculptor Einar Jónsson. The museum contains close to 300 art works spanning a 60 year career: carvings from the artist's youth, sculpture, paintings and drawings. A beautiful tree-clad garden adorned with 26 bronze casts of the artist's works is located behind the museum. The task of the museum is to collect, preserve and display the work of Einar as well as to conduct research on his life and art.

Visit us at ReykjavĂk City Hall Do you need helpful hints about culture, dining and other activities in our favourite city? We would love to assist you with planning your stay and booking your adventure! See you at the Official Tourist Information Centre.

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EVENTS

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY SITUATIONS The indications operate as incoherent fragments belonging to an invisible composition, like a still from a film or a sentence from a script. In the exhibition SITUATIONS, the artist connects her autobiographical work with photographs she collects from found films. The films are found exposed and undeveloped inside used cameras that have been forgotten, lost or given away by their former owners. By merging the images from the found films with her own, the narrative expands and thereby functions as an interface between the intimate and the objective. The images are unidentified and form an anonymous composition that is interconnected and reveals human lives as a continuous set of unexplainable situations. In Auður’s sense, the photographs reflect the lives of others just as much as her own life – which she often experiences as someone else’s.

THE MAIDEN

JÓHANNA ÓLAFSDÓTTIR - PHOTOGRAPHS

ASSEMBLAGE

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM ASSEMBLAGE Sigurjón Ólafsson is known as a traditional sculptor, modeller of clay and plaster pieces and a welder of iron structures. In addition a large proportion of his later sculptures out

of wood can be classified as assemblages, consisting as they do of assorted wooden parts, found or reworked, constructed around a given spatial core. This show features a selection of these later assemblages, chosen by the artist's widow, Birgitta Spur.

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This exhibition features a selection of works by Jóhanna Ólafsdóttir who is one of only a few Icelandic women photographers of her generation who has worked as a photographer throughout her career. She took part in group exhibitions in 198087, and in 2012 and 2014 in retrospectives of Icelandic photography, where her work attracted well-deserved attention. This is her first solo exhibition in Iceland. Jóhanna is a sensitive photographer of everyday life. Her series of commonplace scenes – such as the diverse street life in the city centre or people fetching mail from post-office boxes – are clear evidence of this. brate our diversity.

EVENTS

THE CINEMA There’s a cosy little movie theatre on the Old Harbour waterfront in the Reykjavik Centre that’s simply called The Cinema. It offers a wide variety of documentaries, made by the renowned Icelandic filmmaker Valdimar Leifsson, on everything from volcanoes to the Northern Lights and glaciers. It has an impressive selection of scheduled shows and it’s also possible to book specially a number of others, including films in German.

KJARVAL

REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM – KJARVALSSTAÐIR KJARVAL – KEY WORKS FROM THE COLLECTION

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Kjarvalsstaðir is a space where the art of Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, in whose honour it is named, has been presented in diverse ways since it opened in 1973. In that time extensive research has been carried out on his art and his important place in Icelandic art history. Many of Kjarval’s works are familiar, but opportunities are welcome to renew the acquaintance from different

THE CINEMA

perspectives, and in the context of time passing. Attitudes to art evolve, and Kjarval’s subjects constantly acquire new significance in

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the context of the subjects of each time – for example his interpretation of Icelandic nature, and the sensitivity to nature conveyed by his works.

Gourmet Experience

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

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

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

ART & CULTURE

ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM

THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION

REYKJAVIK MARITIME MUSEUM

Kistuhylur, Reykjavik 411-6304 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Visits by guided tour only at 13:00 - no booking needed.

Aðalstræti 16, Reykjavik 411-6370 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 9-18

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

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

THE EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM

Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 411-6390 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Mon-Thu 10-18, Fri 11-18, Sat & Sun 13-17

Hallgrímstorg 3, Reykjavik 551-3797 | www.lej.is Hours: Tue-Sun 10-17

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

VIÐEY ISLAND

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

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Viðey Reykjavik 411-6356. reykjavikcitymuseum.is

REYKJAVIK CITY LIBRARY

FREE ENTRY Looking for a place to hang out, browse the internet, get access to Wi-Fi or meet the Reykjavik locals? Then Reykjavik City Library is the perfect place to visit. Have a seat and dip into the latest magazine or relax while checking out their great selection of books. Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 411-6100 | borgarbokasafn.is Hours: Mon-Thu 10-19, Fri 11-18, Sat & Sun 13-17

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM Experience Viking-Age Reykjavik at the Settlement Exhibition. Multimedia techniques bring Reykjavik’s past to life, providing visitors with insights into how people lived in the Viking Age, and what the environment looked like to the settlers.

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM The aim of the museum is to shape a unique vision and to be leading in its field. The museum preserves various collections from professional and amateur photographers.

HAFNARBORG

FREE ENTRY Hafnarborg has a collection of Icelandic art and regular exhibitions presenting leading Icelandic and international artists. Collection exhibitions are a regular part of the program. Around exhibitions are workshops and guided tours. Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður 585-5790 | www.hafnarborg.is Hours: Wed-Mon 12-17

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

A museum with indoor and outdoor exhibitions dedicated to the work of Einar Jónsson, Iceland’s first modern sculptor (1874-1954). The museum was built in the early 1900’s when Einar Jónsson offered all of his works as a gift to the Icelandic nation.

THE ICELANDIC MUSEUM OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL Björk, Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men… What’s their story? At the museum guests can dive into the history of Icelandic rock ‘n’ roll music. Don’t miss the cinema running documentaries all day, the gift shop, the sound lab where you can try various instruments and sing your heart out in a karaoke booth! Hjallavegi 2, 260 Reykjanesbæ 420 1030 | www.rokksafn.is

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The National Gallery of Iceland has come a long way from its origins. To begin with, the collection consisted of donated artwork, mainly by Danish artists. Today the museum stands at Frikirkjuvegur in central Reykjavik, displaying both Icelandic and International art. Fríkirkjuvegur 7, Reykjavík 515-9600 | www.listasafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun: 10-17

THE LIVING ART MUSEUM

An active exhibition space that has organized many exciting exhibitions throughout the years. They put a n e m p h a s i s o n i n t ro d u c i n g young Icelandic artists, as well as showcasing work by better-known Icelandic and foreign modern and contemporary artists.

Offers a state-of-the-art exhibitions on the cultural history of Iceland. The permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History of Iceland, gives a comprehensive picture of Iceland’s cultural history through the ages to the present day. Suðurgata 41, Reykjavik 530-2200 | nationalmuseum.is Hours: Tue-Sun 10-17

THE ICELANDIC PHALLOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Probably the most unique museum you’ll visit on your trip, the Icelandic Phallological Museum is a one of a kind. Here you’ll find a collection of more than two hundred penises and penile part belonging to almost all land and sea mammals that can be found in Iceland. Laugavegur 116, Reykjavik 561 6663 | www.phallus.is Hours: Daily 10-18

HANNESARHOLT

VOLCANO HOUSE

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

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

Cultural center and historic home of Hannes Hafstein, Iceland’s first Minister of State, now houses the non-profit Hannesarholt, dedicated to retrieving cultural memory, and revitalizing cultural roots. Bordstofan Bistro open daily from 11am – 6pm. Short doc on Hannes Hafstein and early. Reykjavik Guided historic city walks Tue and Thu at 1 pm by appointment.

Shows documentaries that give a good idea of real life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. There’s also a geological stone exhibition, which gives a brief overview of Iceland’s geological history and volcanic system, and a boutique, with Icelandic designs, artwork, lava rocks, pumice, bottles of ash and Lava Jewellery.

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM

A museum that Icelandic sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson’s wife founded as a tribute to his life and work in 1984. She had his studio in Laugarnes converted to an exhibition space to house his collection of works, including sculptures, sketches, drawings and biographical material. Laugarnestangi 70 553-2906 | www.lso.is Hours: Sat-Sun 14-17

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART

Its objective is to collect, study and present Icelandic design and crafts from 1900 to the present day. This young museum, the only one of its kind in Iceland, holds regular exhibitions of Icelandic and international design during the year. Exhibitions from the museum‘s own collection are regularly held. Garðatorg 1, Garðabær 512-1525 | www.honnunarsafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 12-17

AURORA REYKJAVIK

The Northern Lights Center, Aurora Reykjavik, allows you to experience the Northern Lights in a completely different way, both if you saw them, but as well if they escaped you while in Iceland. The center features information, education and of course stunning visuals of the elusive lights that’ll get your heart racing. Grandagarður 2, Reykjavik 780-4500 | aurorareykjavik.is Hours: Daily 9-21

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Völvufell 13-21, Reykjavik 551-4350 | www.nylo.is Hours: Tue-Fri 12-17

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

ART & CULTURE

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

ART & CULTURE

KJARVALSSTAÐIR

Mainly devoted to paintings and sculpture by well established Icelandic and international artists. Kjarvalsstaðir offers a permanent exhibition of key works by one of Iceland’s most beloved landscape painters, Jóhannes S. Kjarval, as well as changing exhibitions that explore various thematic and historical aspects of Icelandic art. Flókagata 24, Reykjavik 411-6420 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17

GLJÚFRASTEINN LAXNESS MUSEUM

Halldór Laxness is arguably the most famous Icelandic writer of all time, and the only Icelander to have won a Nobel Prize, which he received for literature in 1955. Gljúfrasteinn was his home until his death, and today it is a museum dedicated to his life and work.

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsbær 586-8066 | www.gljufrasteinn.is

ÁSMUNDARSAFN

Opened in 1983, the collection is housed in a unique building designed and constructed mostly by the artist himself from 19421950. The original building served Sveinsson as studio and home; behind it he built a crescent-shaped structure as a work- and exhibition space. Sigtún, Reykjavik 411-6430 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17.

THE CULTURE HOUSE

Artifacts and works of art from the varied collections of six institutions provide a reflection of Iceland’s visual art history and cultural heritage in the exhibition Points of View, a journey through the Icelandic visual world of past and present. There are seven points of view to be found in as many wings of the house, connecting what you’ll see, independent from the medium or time. Hverfisgata 15, Reykjavik 545-1400 | www.culturehouse.is Hours: Tue-Sun 10-17

GERÐARSAFN

SAGA MUSEUM

Hamraborg 4, Kópavogur 441-7600 | gerdarsafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 11-17

Grandagardur 2, Reykjavik 511-1517 | sagamuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-18

Gerðarsafn is a progressive modern art museum in Kópavogur. It’s dedicated to sculptor Gerður Helgadóttir and it’s the only museum in Iceland dedicated to a woman. The museum collection consists of more than 1400 works by Gerður, as well as the works of the most celebrated Icelandic artists of the 20th and 21st century.

From the time of the earliest settlers, history is brought to life in a unique and exciting way. The Saga Museum intimately recreates key moments in Icelandic history, moments that have determined the fate of our people and which give a compelling view into how Icelanders have lived for more than a millenium.

HAFNARHÚS

The Reykjavik Art Museum took p o ss e ss i o n o f i t s p o r t i o n o f Hafnarhús (Harbour House) in 2000. Hafnarhús was built in 193239 for the offices and warehouses of Reykjavik Harbor and was at that time one of the largest buildings in the country. Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavik 411-6410 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17, Thu 10-20

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION

One of the pioneers of Icelandic art and the first Icelander to take up painting professionally. Having died in 1958, he bequeathed all his works, as well as his studio home to the Icelandic nation. Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík 515-9625 | www.listasafn.is Hours: Sun 14-17

WHALES OF ICELAND

The largest whale exhibition in Europe (and perhaps even the world), where guests can learn about the giants of the sea in a calm and modern environment. The permanent exhibition features whales like guests have never seen them before. It is truly a giant experience. Fiskislóð 23-25, Reykjavik 571-0077 | whalesoficeland.is Hours: Daily 10-17

Wool & Souvenirs

The viking:info Skólavörðustíg 3 · Reykjavík Skólavörðustíg 25 · Reykjavík Hafnarstræti 104 · Akureyri info@theviking.is

www.theviking.is www.facebook.com/TheVikingAkureyri www.facebook.com/TheVikingReykjavik

Akureyri Reykjavík

TAX FREE

Two Icelandic themed villages

HLI

Ð Á LF TA NE SI

Restaurant & Lodging

The Viking Village is a unique place and it is the only Viking theme Hotel and restaurant in Iceland. We have step by step been developing our facilities over the last 24 years and will hopefully continue to do so in the future. We offer Hotel accommodation and Viking houses. Good for families and groups.

The Fisherman´s village, our newest accommodation is Hlið in Álftanes only few minutes drive from the Viking Village. Like a country home by the seaside. Such an idyllic place to visit. The restaurant is open for groups in the evenings. Close to the president´s residence.

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

Viking feasts - Souvenirs - Live entertainment most nights “You haven't been in Iceland if you haven't been to us“ Don’t miss it! Booking: www.vikingvillage.is | +354 565 1213

Named after a legendary Icelandic football player, Reykjavík's premier Sports Bar is nestled in the heart of the city and boasts the biggest array of HD screens in town. Classic bar food is served hot and the beers ice cold. Finally, it’s open 7 days a week so you never miss the game! Austurstræti 20, Reykjavik 561-2240 | bjarnifel.is

KOFINN

This café/bar is in the perfect spot on the main street. This snug basement used to be a butcher’s shop but has been transformed into a comfy place to relax, have a drink and swap tales with friends. As an added bonus, Kofinn doesn’t just have happy hour, they have coffee hour as well! Laugavegur 2, Reykjavik www.ktf.is

Best known as Damon Albarn’s hangout place back in the days, this most famous bar in Iceland is a popular destination for the artsy and univer sity crowd. During the week it‘s more of a café, but on the weekend the volume rises and KB becomes one of the hottest bars in Reykjavik. Bergstaðastræti 1, Reykjavik 551-1588 www.kaffibarinn.is

AMERICAN BAR

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 581-2200

Austurstræti 8, Reykjavik 571 9999

DEN DANSKE KRO

One of the coolest bars in Reykjavik these days is Kaldi Bar. In close cooperation with north-Icelandic micro-brewery of the same name, Kaldi offers you a selection of craftbrewed beers on tap. Great happy hour and great fun, Kaldi is a place not-to-be-missed!

B5 bar/bistro has become a very popular establishment with the locals of the capital. With its very contemporary and stylish interior, b5 is laid back during the day, while as night falls, the lights dim and the atmosphere changes accordingly. Bankastræti 5, Reykjavik 552-9600 www.b5.is

American Bar is named appropriately since it’s an American Bar in Reykjavík, of the kind you’re probably familiar with from other countries: there are dudes, chicks and random university students partying to the latest MTV tunes. They specialize in American culture and entertainment.

There is live music playing every night at Den Danske Kro and sometimes there are live football games, pub quizzes, beer bingo, darts and happy hours. Den Danske Kro is a casual place in the heart of Reykjavik where everyone is welcome. Ingólfsstræti 3, Reykjavik 552-0070 www.danski.is

BAR ANANAS

THE ENGLISH PUB

Klapparstígur 38, Reykjavik

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

Ten seconds from Laugavegur, you'll find Iceland’s one and only BeachBar/Tiki Bar in downtown Reykjavík. There, most things are made in the shape of a pineapple. Pillows, glasses, chandeliers, candlesticks and more. At weekends city's best DJs will make guests feel sunny while they enjoy some of the best cocktails in town.

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

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

KAFFIBARINN

KALDI BAR

PUBS & NIGHTLIFE

BJARNI FEL SPORTSBAR

PUBS & NIGHTLIFE

HÚRRA

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

DRUNK RABBIT

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Every city needs to have a friendly neighbourhood Irish pub and in Reykjavík, that bar is the Drunk Rabbit. It doesn’t matter if you’re going in for a snack, to enjoy the live music they have every night, people-watching in the lively bar, or just enjoying a beer or five in good company, the Drunk rabbit has got everything you need.

Austurstræti 3, Reykjavik 553 1041

LOFT HOSTEL

This hostel café/bar is bright and spacious; the perfect place to start the night. The hall hosts events most nights and on summer afternoons, the balcony is the best place in town for a beer in the sun. Last but not least, Loft has the best foosball table of all the bars in the city centre. Bankastræti 7, Reykjavik 553 8140

LEBOWSKI BAR

The Big Lebowski by the Coen brothers is not only a film, it has now become a lifestyle. With the emergence of the Lebowski Bar in Reykjavik, everyone can now be a part of The Dude’s peculiar world. They even offer a whole White russian menu! Laugavegur 20a, Reykjavík 552-2300 | www.lebowski.is

AUSTUR

O n e o f t h e h o t te st c l u b s i n downtown Reykjavik, and has been since it first opened in 2009. Austur is located in Austurstraeti, one of the main bar- and shopping streets downtown, and even though the surrounding area is filled with clubs and bars, Austur seems to be the center of attention. Austurstræti 7, Reykjavik 568-1907

MICROBAR

Beer enthusiasts look no further! In a cellar underneath Restaurant Reykjavík, just off Ingólfstorg square, you will find Micro Bar. This ambitious bar serves only beer from microbreweries! Carrying an impressive 140 different kinds of beers from all over the world, this is definitely the go-to place for beer fans. Vesturgata 2, Reykjavik

THE GREEN ROOM The Green Room is owned by musicians so you know the music is going to be good! With live jazz band jams on Wednesdays, sing-alongs by the grand piano on Thursdays, stand-up comedians on Tuesdays and some of Iceland’s best musicians on weekends, there’s always something going on there. Great cocktails and cosy atmosphere. Lækjargata 6a, 101 Reykjavík www.greenroom.is | 571 3555

KIKI - QUEER BAR

Kiki is the only queer bar in town these days but it is also the best one! If you’re worried you won’t find the place, don’t be. The rainbow coloured street entrance, stream of people in a dancing mood, and the far off sound of dance-heavy beats should lead you where you want to go! Laugavegur 22 www.kiki.is

CAFÉ RÓSENBERG

There’s always something happening at Café Rósenberg! The concert and event programme is impressive, ranging from intimate concerts, to stand-up shows to a blues or jazz band taking the stage. It doesn’t hurt that the food there is delicious! Klapparstíg 27, Reykjavik 551 2442

There are many places worth checking out in Iceland and even though we feel that our 21 stores should be up there with the waterfalls and geysers, we’re not completely mad. That’s why we offer free delivery right to your door.

Reykjavik area

Akureyri

Akranes Reykjavik Keflavik Selfoss

TEL. 58 12345

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SHOPPING & STYLE Find more recommendations at whatson.is 84

ANNA MARÍA DESIGN

For over twenty years, jewelry designer Anna Maria has created her things of gold and silver, a design that is both pure and timeless. Exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship create the elegant simplicity that shines through Anna Maria’s products. Skólavörðustígur 3, Reykjavik 551-0036 www.annamariadesign.is

LISTVINAHÚSIÐ

The oldest ceramic workshop in Iceland established 1927. Three generations of artistic potters. U n i q u e h a n d m a d e ce ra m i c s , Viking masks and various ceramic potteries decorated with lava, made by Gudmundur Einarsson. Located right next to Hallgrímskirkja and the statue of “Leif the Lucky”. Skólavörðustígur 43, Reykjavik 551-2850 www.listvinahusid.is

HRÍM

Icelanders are known for being a stylish people, whether you judge from their clothes, their homes, or just their lifestyles. At the heart of their stylishness is Scandinavian design, whether it‘s Icelandic or from our neighbouring countries. The Hrím stores offer you the chance to decorate your home (or even yourself) with the classic style of the Scandinavians!

On Laugavegur, in the heart of Reykjavík, you’ll find the very unique Little Christmas Shop— which is dedicated to the spirit of Christmas, all year round. There you’ll find Icelandic decorations and everything needed for that festive spirit. Should not be missed as it is definitely one of the most special and fun stores to visit.

Laugavegur 25, Reykjavik 553-3003 | www.hrim.is

Laugavegur 8, Reykjavik 552-2412

ÁLAFOSS

METAL DESIGN

One of Iceland’s major woollen industry shops, the Álafoss store. Situated in old factory premises that for decades were the leading manufacturers and exporters of Icelandic woollens, Álafoss is a company that strives towards offering the newest wares along with the traditional Icelandic wool sweaters. Laugavegur 8, Reykjavik 566-6303 | www.alafoss.is

JÖKLA

IGLÓ&INDÍ

Laugavegur 90, Reykjavik 696 6604

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

If you‘er interested in getting some Icelandic design to take back home , be sure to stop by Jökla on your way down the Laugavegur shopping street. You can get Icelandic design for you, your children, or your home and the best thing is that you‘re buying straight from the designers

THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS SHOP

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

The jewellery forms which Metal design is known for are inspired by the Icelandic flora. But what stands out the most is the shape “The Coast” that is inspired by the waves of the Icelandic coast.”The coast silver jewellery line is for ladies and gentlemen. Skólavörðustígur 2. Reykjavik 552-5445 www.MetalDesignReykjavik.is

CINTAMANI

Nowhere in the populated world does the weather change as fast, or as often as here. Thus Icelandic d e s i g n e r s h ave to m e e t t h e requirements of consumers who have to go out all year long in harsh conditions. That‘s where the label Cintamani comes to the rescue. Their goal is to keep us warm, dry and comfortable, whatever the weather may bring. Bankastræti 7, Reykjavik 533-3800 | www.cintamani.is

WHALE WATCHING AND OTHER WILDLIFE ADVENTURES FROM REYKJAVIK

“Trip of a lifetime” Reviewed June, 2016

WHALE WATCHING

Free Wifi

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

MAR APR MAY

JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV-FEB

09:00

13:00

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

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

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

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

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

*From 15th May-15th September

13:00

**From June 15th

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

Pickup Service

Warm Overalls

WE GO THE EXTRA MILE!

SHOPPING & STYLE

GALLERY GALLERA

MICHELSEN

Inside their spacious shop in downtown Reykjavik, Michelsen Watchmakers offer you to browse one of Iceland’s best selection of watches. Along with their own design they also have a wide selection of well-known brands including Rolex, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Diesel, Movado, Swiss Military and more.

KRAUM

If you walk up a flight of stairs from the city‘s main shopping street, you‘ll come across this hidden gem of a space, Gallery Gallera. This workshop/gallery/store is run by a group of up-and-coming artists and sells everything from hand-printed t-shirts to books and posters, perfect to keep for yourself or as gifts for family and friends back home! Laugavegur 33, Reykjavik 773-3550

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

Laugavegur 18, Reykjavik 517-7797 www.kraum.is

KIOSK

GEYSIR

Don‘t leave Reykjavík without stopping by one of the city‘s most ambitious galleries! I8 is one of the mainstays on the scene and constantly offers new and exciting works by Iceland‘s best-known artists. Stop by to take a look at the cream of Icelandic art today!

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

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

THE HANDKNITTING ASSOCIATION OF ICELAND

Renowned for its excellent products and quality. Offering the widest selection of traditional hand knitted Icelandic sweaters, the range of products also includes special designs and a variety of woolen products from leading Icelandic manufacturers. Skólavörðustígur 19, Reykjavik 552-1890 | www.handknit.is

Taking some Icelandic design home is the best possible souvenir of a great trip. Luckily, Icelandic designers are known for their inimitable style! Try stopping by Kiosk, a co-op shop owned by 8 different designers. Not only are the clothes to die for, but the designers also take shifts behind the counter so you get to meet the people behind the design as well! Laugavegur 65, Reykjavik 445 3269 | kioskreykjavik.com

EPAL

Their main goal has been to increase Icelanders interest and respect for fine design by introducing and providing top quality design products from all over the world, particularly Scandinavia. Epal has always been very supportive of Icelandic designers and done what they can to help them promote their design around the world. Laugavegur 70.Skeifan 6, & Harpa Reykjavik, Keflavík Airport 568-7740 | www.epal.is

Natural light illuminates this stunning design hub and retail outlet, which already attracts some of Iceland's top talents. M o re t h a n 70 d e s i g n e r s a re contributing to a huge selection of products that include children’s puzzles, fish skin lamps and exquisite jewellery.

Rustic, vintage interior, intertwined with the latest fashion in outdoor and woolen clothing. Add some puffin, reindeers and other iconic animals and you‘ve got one of the coolest shops in town. This is one place you‘ll have to visit, if only for the experience. Skólavörðustíg 16, Reykjavík 519-6000 www.geysir.com

KRINGLAN

Kringlan Shopping Centre is conveniently located close to downtown Reykjavik. Standing at 50.000 sq.m. and equipped with 150 shops and services, including a multiplex cinema, a seven-outlet food court and three themed restaurants, it has something to suit every need. Kringlan 4-12, Reykjavik 517-9000 | www.kringlan.is

Pub quiz Bingo

Dj lounge

over 20 flatscreens 5 projectors

HD Y

QUALIT

soccer, nba, nfl, nhl, ufc, golf, tennis, formula 1 track and field, nascar, winter sports... we have it all live events every day Hamburgers, sandwiches, salat, steaks, icelandic food, and ice cold beer www.bjarnifel.is - tel. 561 2240

TS ALL SPOR

FOOD & DRINK

FORRÉTTABARINN

VEGAMÓT BISTRO

Nýlendugata 14, Reykjavík 517-1800 | www.forrettabarinn.is

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

TE OG KAFFI

ARGENTÍNA STEAKHOUSE

Tasty tapas with an Icelandic twist. With a new spin on traditional Icelandic cuisine and an extensive selection of local beer, Forréttabarinn – “The Starters Bar” – is worth seeking out when you need a bite to eat or a place to start your night out in Reykjavík. Whatever you choose from the refreshingly creative menu, you’re in for a treat!

Passion, expertise and craftsmanship are the main characteristics of Te & Kaffi, a family owned chain of coffee houses and speciality coffee roasters. Highly skilled and amicable baristas, exciting and tasty drinks in beautifully designed coffee houses makes Te & Kaffi a must visit.

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

555-1910 | www.teogkaffi.is

SNAPS

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

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

BAZAAR

Bazaar restaurant, located at ODDSSON hotel, is an Italian restaurant that takes pride in its homemade pasta and wood oven pizzas. The Bazaar burger is a must eat, but on the menu you will also find fish of the day, vegetarian/vegan options and meat dishes. Hringbraut 121. Reykjavik 519-3510 | www.bazaaroddsson.is

YOGAFOOD

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

Yo g a f o o d i s a n e w h e a l t h restaurant located at ODDSSON hotel close to the old harbour in Reykjavik. Yogafood serves a healthy breakfast and offers a delicious lunch menu, all glutenfree and with no added sugar. The aim is for you to TASTE THE LOVE in every bite you take.

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

Hringbraut 121, 101 Reykjavik 519-2290 | www.yogafood.is

UNO RESTAURANT

ICELANDIC FISH & CHIPS

Uno is a relatively new, modern Italian restaurant in downtown Reykjavik, where original Italian culinary customs and Icelandic ingredients come together to form a delightful treat. Whether you're in the mood for a light lunch or a dinner feast, Uno is the place to be! Hafnarstræti 1-3, Reykjavik 561-1313 | www.uno.is

This is not your run of the mill fish and chip shop! Not only does the restaurant use the freshest fish and ingredients, they serve their fish with delicious skyr-based sauces,.This fast-food upgrade is much more nutritious than you‘d think! After eating, we recommend visiting the Volcano House, it‘s in the same building! Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavik 511 11 18 | ww.fishandchips.is

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

SEAFOOD

BUFFET Every day from 17:30

Salted Cod With almond and chive butter, fig and potatoes

3.855

IKR

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

A restaurant opposite the old harbour that offers traditional steak dishes along with some exciting and fairly unorthodox choices. The pride and joy of The Steakhouse is the Mibrasa charcoal oven, a rare oven that is designed to cook the perfect steak by mixing modern technology with ancient tradition. Tryggvagata 4-6, Reykjavik 561-1111 | www.steik.is

BRYGGJAN

HLÖLLI

Bryggjan is not just a restaurant where you can get fresh Icelandic seafood overlooking the old harbour, it also doubles as a brewery. For beer enthusiasts, Bryggjan also offers an evening of beer school, where you can learn all about the beer and how it’s made, while tasting it with the appropriate courses.

Hlölli has been serving up delicious subs, with his secret-ingredient sauce, for more than 30 years. Whether you’re in the mood for a lunch on your way about town or a late night snack after a night of dancing in the Reykjavík clubs, Hlöllabátar is the way to go. The bread is baked fresh every day and topped with fresh Icelandic ingredients.

Grandagarður 8, Reykjavík 456-4040 | bryggjanbrugghus.is

JOE & THE JUICE

THE ICELANDIC BAR

Ingólfsstræti 1a, Reykjavík; Smáralind, Kringlan, World Class Laugum, Keflavík Airport www.joeandthejuice.is

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

Joe & The Juice is an on-trend coffee shop / juice bar. The concept answers today’s busy people’s needs for a quick pick-me-up in the form of great espresso drinks, freshly pressed juices, and variety of sandwiches prepared on the spot.

The Icelandic Bar is very aptly named: it is an Icelandic bar. But more than that, it is a bar that aims to preserve the essence of being Icelandic by combining the historical and cultural heritage of this ancient land with the very hip and cutting edge culture of modern times.

Ingólfstorgi, Reykjavik 511-3500 | www.hlollabatar.is

PYLSUHÚSIÐ

Hot dogs are the perfect fast food. They’re quick, portable and they taste great!. The classic Icelandic hot dog with all the fixings, raw and fried onions, ketchup, remoulade and mustard is of course available here, but they also offer more adventurous “dogs”, like chilli dogs and a French hot dog. If you’re not in the mood for a hot dog, they also serve ice cream!

KAFFITÁR

ESSENSIA

Vesturgötu 3b, Reykjavik 551 2344 | www.tapas.is

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

Hverfisgata 4-6, Reykjavik 517-0030 | www.essensia.is

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

If you’re looking for top-notch Italian food, look no further than Essensia. Using only the best ingredients and preparing them in a way that showcases their quality, the good people of Essensia make sure our whole dining experience is one to remember. Don’t forget about their delicious Italian wines!

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Ingólfstorgi, Reykjavik 842-2800

TAPAS BARINN

This Spanish-themed tapas bar is one of Reykjavík’s most popular restaurants and has been for a while! Their extensive menu gives you a chance to sample a host of Spanish cuisine made with Icelandic ingredients and best of all, the kitchen is open late! Don’t forget the Sangria!

FOOD & DRINK

THE STEAK HOUSE

FOOD & DRINK

KITCHEN AND WINE

Situated inside the stylish 101 hotel downtown, Kitchen and Wine is a luxurious bistro with a relaxed atmosphere. The cuisine is seasonal and focuses on simplicity and finesse. The cocktails are also excellent! Hverfisgata 10, Reykjavik 580-0103 www.kitchenandwine.is

Not only does Smurstöðin have some of Reykjavík’s best new Nordic smørrebrød, it also has the added bonus of being inside the stunning Harpa concert hall. The delicious, beautifully decorated open-faced sandwiches are best washed down with an icy glass of the house-made schnapps. Harpa Austurbakki 2, Reykjavik 519-9750 | www.smurstodin.is

GRILLHÚSIÐ

73 RESTAURANT

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

Laugavegur 73, Reykjavik 555 7373 www.73.is

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

FISH COMPANY

KOLABRAUTIN

Lækjargata 2a, Reykjavik 5600 800 www.hardrock.com/cafes/reykjavik

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

Kopar is a restaurant by the old harbour in Reykjavik which has an emphasis on adventure and experience in a brasserie setting. Their menu is composed of various locally sourced ingredients from sea and land, and aims to give you a taste of Iceland in a single evening. Geirsgata 3, Reykjavik 567-2700 www.koparrestaurant.is

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

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

SMURSTÖÐIN

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

KOPAR

MAR - SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Hard Rock Café really doesn‘t need any introduction! You can get the food, drinks, and music you know and love at their recently opened three story restaurant/bar/shop in the heart of the city centre. Their cellar even doubles as a concert venue, so get ready to enjoy yourself!

A fun restaurant, with the look and feel of an American Diner. Reasonably priced, offering delicious food and a very good service, you‘ll definitely get great value for your money here. They put a special emphasis on using only high quality ingredients, making for a terrific meal.

Quality, fusion and fun are the Fish Company’s main characteristics. The interior is stylish and the quirky tableware fits in wonderfully. The menu is a world of adventures from starters to deserts. It’s designed to take you on a seafood journey and not only a journey of the Icelandic culinary waters but a trip around the world.

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

Harpa is not only home to the Icelandic Opera and the Orchestra, it is also the location of one of Reykjavik‘s newest fine restaurants. The kitchen is in the middle of the room, where the fiery furnace gives the dinner guests a warm welcome. An ideal choice for people who appreciate fine cuisine combined with unique architecture and elegant atmosphere. Harpa, Reykjavik 519-9700 | www.kolabrautin.is

PRE-BOOKING IS REQUIRED Book online at bluelagoon.com

FOOD & DRINK

RESTAURANTS OUTSIDE REYKJAVÍK CENTRE

ÞRASTALUNDUR

Just a forty-minute drive outside the city is the restaurant Þrastalundur, in a verdant oasis between the mountains. The newly renovated restaurant serves brunch, lunch coffee and dinner for the whole family! Don’t forget to order the woodfired pizzas, they’re delicious!

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

KRÚSKA

What’s the only thing that’s better than a feast of Icelandic langoustine? A feast of Icelandic langoustine in a charming restaurant by the seaside in a tiny, picturesque fishing village. Their langoustine soup alone is well worth the 45-minute drive from the city.

Krúska serves delicious, nutritious meals, both for people on the go and those who want to linger over their vegan, fish, vegetarian or chicken dishes. Everything is made right in their own kitchen from first class ingredients with no additives or preservatives. Krúska also serves coffee and cakes.

Þrastalundi, 801 Selfossi 779 6500

Fjöruborðið Eyrarbraut 3 A Stokkseyri 483-1550 | www.fjorubordid.is

Suðurlandsbraut 12, Reykjavik 557-5880 | www.kruska.is

VON MATHÚS

BORÐIÐ

NAUTHÓLL

Just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, in the charming town of Hafnarfjörður, lies Von mathús. Looking out over the Hafnarfjörður harbour, this gem of a restaurant serves delicious food made from local and seasonal ingredients in a charming rustic environment. Personal comfort and professional service come together to create the perfect atmosphere for a night out.

FJÖRUBORÐIÐ

Borðið is a hidden gem in 107 Reykjavík. A slow-food takeaway and gourmet store serving the busy locals, where guests are also welcome to dine-in, for lunch, dinner and brunch (weekends). Borðið has a strong personality and while the menus and gourmet selection vary, all is rooted in passion for tasty and authentic dishes and appreciation for seasonality and traditions.

Looking out over the Nauthólsvík beach, this charming Scandinavianinspired bistro is the perfect oasis from the stress of the everyday. Whether you’re there for a light lunch, a glass of wine on a sunny afternoon, a cup of hot coffee on a cold one, or a lovely dinner with a loved one, Nauthóll is the place to go. Nauthólsvegi 106, 101 Reykjavík 599 6660 | www.nautholl.is

Strandgata 75, Hafnafjörður 583 6000 | vonmathus.is

Ægisíða 123, Reykjavík 655 1230 | www.bordid.is

MATHÚS GARÐABÆJAR

BIKE CAVE

LAUGA-ÁS

Einarsnes 36, Reykjavík | 770 3113

Laugarásvegi 1, Reykjavík 553 1620 | www.laugaas.is

Mathús Garðabæjar, the newest addition to the restaurant flora in Garðabær, has been delighting its customers ever since they opened their doors. Serving everything from fish to pasta to vegetarian fare in exquisite dishes, Mathús Garðabæjar is the perfect place to bring the whole family! Garðatorg 4B, Garðabæ 571 3775 | www.mathus.is

Whether you’re interested in having a meal, a quick snack, renting a scooter, or even just fixing your bike, Bike Cave has got you covered. Also, while their burgers will satisfy every meat-eater out there, the also have an impressive selection of vegan offerings! Strandgötu 34, Hafnarfjörður 571 3144 | www.bikecave.is

Lauga-ás is an established restaurant close to the city centre and has been run by the same family for almost four decades. The focus is on Icelandic cuisine with quality Icelandic ingredientsserved in a cosy atmosphere. Don’t miss the sauce béarnaise, it’s delicious!

We´ve got the car to make your day We go out of our way to bring you the vehicle you want - at a price you like. To complete our service, here´s a really great offer for you.

BOOK ONLINE

DISCOUNT PER RENTAL*

#enterpriseiceland

*Book online and use the coupon code FLYBUS1 to claim your discount

BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík Keflavík International Airport Info@EnterpriseRentACar.is www.EnterpriseRentACar.is • Tel. +354 519 9300

NICE

GREAT FOODGOOD DRINKS ATMO HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 17-19

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

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

Got a question about Iceland? Wondering if it’s safe? (It is). Who the president is? (Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson). Maybe you’re wondering about where to find some original Icelandic Igloos? (Just stop. Don’t.). We have the answers to these questions and plenty more at our website: www.whatson.is. If you can’t find your answer there, just visit us on Laugavegur 5 in Reykjavík, or drop us an e-mail at whatson@whatson.is. MUST KNOW PHONE NUMBERS

IMPORTANT STATISTICS

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

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

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

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

11 The street number of the Tryggvagata location of the Volcano House, which also has a What‘s On information desk. 5 Number of post offices in the Reykjavík area. Also the street number of our Laugavegur office! Stop by in case you have more questions, or just want to chat! 230 Number of volts Icelandic electricity uses. Converters are needed for people from the UK and the USA, at least for those who like their phones charged and their hair dry and/ or curled.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW!

1818 – If you forget the emergency number, want to call a different taxi company or you met some nice Icelanders last night and want to call them up, this is the only number you need, the Icelandic phonebook. +354 – The country code to Iceland. Add this to the seven digit phone numbers in Iceland and you can telephone to your heart’s desire, so long as you’re calling people in Iceland.

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

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

Enjoy responsibly

Rock on at the northernmost Hard Rock Cafe in the world. Cool, tough, intense, exciting, powerful – just like the weather. Hard Rock Cafe Reykjavik is now open in the City Center

TD S U J PENE O

boo

ace

u isit

HARD ROCK CAFE REYKJAVIK

HRCREYKJAVIK

#THISISHARDROCK

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