What's On in Reykjavík - 2020 January

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i n Re y k jav í k

Reyk javík ’s leading guide to information, events, museums and galleries since 1982

Árbær Open Air Museum

Spend a day out of time Sept–May, open daily 13:00 –17:00 Daily guided tours, all year round, at 13:00 (no booking necessary) www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

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WHAT’ S ON

CONTENT LIST

FROM THE EDITOR

What ’s On

6-49

Reykjavík City Map

50-51

Events

54-76

Art & Culture

77-81

Shopping & Style

82-85

Pubs & Nightlife

86-89

Wining & Dining

90-95

Practical Info

96-97

It’s a certain type of traveller who decides to visit Iceland in the wintertime. Iceland – winter – Arctic nights – The words evoke images of cold and darkness, not the sunny beaches and warmer climates that attract so many tourists. But Iceland in the wintertime is a wonderland and if you’re one of the few who brave the trip here, you’ll be rewarded with a one-of-a-kind experience.

Let’s start with the light – or lack thereof.

While it’s true that in winter, we only get a few hours of sunlight a day, that just gives us more time to look at the northern lights!

These magical lights only appear once the sun goes down. After spending a few moments in a wintery landscape underneath billowing sheets of green lights dancing across the sky, you won’t miss the sunlight one bit!

Iceland’s landscapes might be majestic in the summertime but during winter, covered in ice and snow, they take it to a whole new level. Waterfalls in cages of ice, snow-topped mountains, and black country roads in a stark contrast to the blindingly white fields of snow that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Get some woollen mittens on your way out of town and the cold is no issue!

Finally, don’t forget to take the time to stop, take a look around, and enjoy the calmness of the Icelandic winter air. You’ll return to daily life back home feeling refreshed and energised!

What’s On Information Centre, Laugavegur 5.

Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir What’s On Editor

WHAT’ S ON — VOLUME 38 — ISSUE 1

Design & production: sbs

Published by: MD Reykjavík ehf.

Laugavegur 5, 101 Reykjavik. Tel.: 551-3600

Content writers: The What’s On Team Ad sales: Reynir Elís Þorvaldsson, reynir@whatson.is

Publisher: Kjartan Þorbjörnsson

Map of Reyk javí k : Friðrik Bjarnason

Editor: Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir, greta@whatson.is

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Printing: Oddi, Ecolabelled Printing Company.

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PRINTED MATTER

WHAT‘S ON IN REYKJAVÍK is published monthly, covering events and happenings in and around Reykjavík. Opinions expressed in WHAT‘S ON IN ReykjavÍk are those of the individual authors. While every effort has been made to ensure the information presented is accurate, prices, times, dates and other information may be subject to change.

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Your adventure is just a click away. Our airport is conveniently located in downtown Reykjavik, and a trip across the country that’s as quick as your average commute means that you can get started in no time.

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WHAT’ S ON

THE WHAT’S ON CHECKLIST January is an excellent month to visit Iceland. Sure, it’s darker and colder than most other months – but that just makes for an authentic Icelandic experience. Plus, there are plenty of cool events going on. Here are some ideas on how to spend this January in Iceland.

Get some ice cream. Yes, even in January!

Go stargazing and northern lights hunting.

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Escape the cold at the Reykjaví k Art Museum.

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Attend a concert at Harpa Concert Hall.

Attend a bonfire and shoot fireworks on Þrettándinn!

Get warm in a Reykjaví k hot tub.

Visit a cosy coffeehouse and sip a cup of cocoa.

Sample an Icelandic craft beer!

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

Glacier Walks & Ice Caves

FROM REYKJAVÍK, SÓLHEIMAJÖKULL & SKAFTAFELL

Your Adventure Travel Expert in Iceland Glacier Walk and Northern Lights

Call our sales office (08:00 - 18:00) or book online

Departures from Reykjavík

MOUNTAINGUIDES.IS • INFO @ MOUNTAINGUIDES.IS • TEL: +354 587 9999

WHAT’ S ON

# W H AT S O N R V K

ON I NS TA G R A M

@ a-atmosphere

@ ivankmaras

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@ tara-wiesemann-photography

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@ reader-outside

WHAT’ S ON

So you’re in Iceland, enjoying life, seeing the sights and taking in everything our magnificent country has to offer. Why not share it with the world?

Tag your photos using #whatsonrvk and your photo might be featured in our magazine next month! On www.whatson.is, you can watch out for every issue published.

@ northmans-tales

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@ svanurgabriele

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Nr. 1 Attraction in Reykjavik

Perlan is a Must-Visit Landmark and Nature Exploratorium Perlan – Wonders of Iceland is an exploratorium in Reykjavík.

Experience a real Ice Cave, Icelandic Glaciers Exhibition, Guaranteed Northern Lights Planetarium Show and more.

THE REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE BEST MUSEUM 2019

Perlan – Wonders of Iceland is an enchanting interactive journey through Iceland’s nature, on five floors.

Kaffitár Café

Út í bláinn Restaurant

Rammagerðin Gift Store

perlan.is

I C E L A N D I C V O L C A N O E S

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

AN I CEL ANDI C VOLCANO I S T HE RE ASON FOR DEMOCR ACY AS WE K NOW I T

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 J UST ONE , BUT T WO OF THE BI GGEST ERUPTI ONS I N THE RECORDED HI STORY OF THE WORLD, OCCURRED I N I CEL AND!

Not only was Laki the biggest eruption in recorded history, measured by volume of lava, but Iceland was also the site of the second biggest emission in recorded history, the 2014 eruption of Bárðarbunga.

In just six months, Bárðarbunga produced enough lava to cover the island of Manhattan – 85km2. It still isn‘t close to matching Laki.

That eruption produced 370km2 of lava in only 50 days!

WHAT’ S ON

5 FACTS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN' T KNOW ABOUT

All photos provided by the Volcano House

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WHAT’ S ON 1/3 OF ALL THE EARTH’ S FRESH LAVA ORIGINATED IN ICELAND!

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

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ICELAND HAS A VOLCANIC ERUPTION EVERY 4-5 YEARS!

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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

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.

Settlement in 874. Not all the eruptions are on the same scale as the Eyjafjallajökull eruption though; some are small enough to be considered tourist attractions and some happen underneath glaciers and never even see the light of day.

ICELAND HAS AN ISLAND SCIENTISTS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OBSERVE AND DOCUMENT FROM THE MOMENT OF ITS CREATION: SURTSEY

Surtsey was formed by a volcanic eruption at the bottom of the ocean and emerged from the water on January 14, 1963. It was immediately granted protection by law and no one was allowed to set foot on the island. To this day only scientists are allowed to go there, and even they have to get special permission. This means that we have been able to monitor how life settles on a brand-new land from the beginning, and the information gained has been invaluable to scientists.

Riding with Eldhestar

Would you like to experience something different?

HORSES & HOT SPRINGS Experience a variety of scenery and excellent riding trails.

Tour 3C

SOFT RIVER BANKS This is a tour for the experienced rider!

Who would not like to ride in an extraordinary environment?

Tour 3B

ICELANDIC DIVERSITY Get in touch with Icelandic nature on horseback and taste the treasures of the nearby sea.

Tour 2G

GREAT VARIETY OF HORSE RIDING TOURS JUST OUTSIDE REYKJAVIK Get further information at www.eldhestar.is

Eldhestar, Vellir, 816 Ölfus, Iceland Email: info@eldhestar.is Tel: +354 480 4800

GlAcIeR IcE CaVe & SnOwMoBiLe

Come with us inside the Glacier Experience a snowmobile tour from Gullfoss Café to our new Glacier Ice Cave in Langjökull.

Daily departures: 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00 www.mountaineers.is ice@mountaineers.is +354 580 9900

T HE L A X NE S S M USEUM Gljúfrasteinn was the home of writer Halldór Laxness (the winner of The Nobel Prize in Literature 1955) and his family for more than half a century. The house is now a museum, where the author’s home is preserved just as it was when he lived and worked there.

WHAT’ S ON

G L J ÚF R A S T EI NN

A number of events are hosted throughout the year. Every Sunday during the summertime there are concerts in the living room at 16:00.

The museum is open on Tuesdays to Fridays from 10:00–16:00.

Audio guides of the house are available in Icelandic, English, German, Swedish, and Danish, as well as an illustrated guide in French.

Gljúfrasteinn-Laxness museum is located in the valley of Mosfellsdalur on the way to Þingvellir National Park, only a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík.

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

Evening tours from Reykjavík old harbour on the award-winning electric sailboat Opal

W W W. N O R T H S A I L I N G . I S

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SAILS LIGHTS & WINTER NIGHTS

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WHAT’ S ON

Icelandic Films to Watch Before Coming to Iceland

Hrútar

Milli fjalls og fjöru by Lof tur Guðmundsson is widely considered the first Icelandic feature film.

Premiered in 1949, the film tells the story of a young man, the son of a poor farmer, accused of sheep thef t. While a lot has changed since then, a lot of things have also remained the same.

You will notice, for example, that at least one of the films that we recommend you see before coming to Iceland involves sheep.

UNDIR TRÉNU (2017)

MÝRIN (2006)

Icelandic films tend to be heavy on angst. Undir trénu (Under the Tree) is no exception. The film follows two pairs of neighbours squabbling over a tree that is casting a shadow on one of the pair’s backyard patio. While the premise seems conventional, the story quickly takes a turn for the insane. The film’s shining star is Edda Björgvinsdóttir, a celebrated Icelandic actress known mostly for comedic roles, who proves a deft hand at drama as well. Edda manages to sculpt a character that is at once an insane caricature of the stereotypical hostile old lady and a true-to-life portrait of someone familiar.

You’d be correct in thinking that murders in Iceland are uncommon. You’d be less accurate thinking that Icelandic authors weren’t continually inventing new and gruesome ways to butcher their fictional characters. The most talented of these macabre innovators is, undoubtedly, Arnaldur Indriðason, whose most famous crime-fiction series revolves around detective Erlendur. The first and only film adaptation of an Erlendur story is Mýrin (Jar City) and it’s really good. Actor Ingvar E. Sigurðsson was born for the role. Generally speaking, most of the casting is pitch-perfect. The result is a fantastic Nordic crime tale.

For more information on skyr, visit www.iseyskyr.com

d. Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson

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HRÚTAR (2015)

d. Grímur Hákonarson Dark comedy Hrútar (Rams) tells the story of two brothers living on adjacent farms.

Despite their proximity, the brothers have been estranged for years. The film is a triumph for everyone involved, especially comedian Sigurður Sigurjónsson whose performance is especially memorable. Few films have made stubborn old kooks living in countryside misery so endearing.

d. Baltasar Kormákur

WHAT’ S ON Nói Albínói

DJÖFLAEYJAN (1996)

K ARLAKÓRINN HEKLA (1992)

During World War II, Iceland was occupied by the UK and, later, the US who were responsible for constructing over 7,000 steel huts, or barracks, in the country. When they left, the barracks were repurposed as affordable housing for lessfortunate Icelanders, who lived in quite terrible conditions. Djöflaeyjan (Devil’s Island) takes place in one of these neighbourhoods in the 1950s. The young Baddi departs for America with his mother (who married a US soldier). Upon his return, he tries to adjust to life in Iceland in as a bona fide greaser (like the protagonists in Grease). Hilarity and drama ensue.

Karlakórinn Hekla (The Men’s Choir) is a film that most Icelanders have, at some point in their lives, watched. It relates the story of a men’s choir in a small town outside Reykjavík. One day, the choir’s most beloved member, Max, has a heart attack and dies.

The remaining choir members respond in the most logical manner possible: deciding to erect a statue of Max in his birth town in Germany. The choir – which is mostly portrayed by notable ‘80s comedians – head to Germany with Max’s girlfriend. Everything goes about as well as you’d expect.

101 REYK JAVÍK (2000)

NÓI ALBÍNÓI (2003)

In many ways, Hlynur, the central character of 101 Reykjavík, is a loser. And by “many,” we mean “all.” Hlynur lives with his mom in a small, cramped apartment in downtown Reykjavík and spends most of his time at the local bar.

When his mother’s girlfriend moves in, things get complicated – mainly because Hlynur sleeps with her. Most of the film relates the daily struggles of a suicidal loafer, but as the story progresses, so does its protagonist. Will he find his place in the world? You have to watch the movie to find out.

Also, yes, he does.

The bluest hues you will ever see on the big screen. Nói, the albino, is a socially inept smart-arse living in a remote fjord in Iceland (most fjords in Iceland are remote). He dreams of a better life elsewhere but learns that escaping the fjords can be difficult. Nói falls for a girl from the city (there is one city in Iceland) and envisions the prospect of a better future with her. But he is socially inept so, you know. The film is funny and an allaround great watch.

d. Friðrik Þór Friðriksson

d. Baltasar Kormákur

d. Guðný Halldórsdóttir

d. Dagur Kári

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WHAT’ S ON

WHAT TO DO IN ICELAND IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE DAY

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

IF YOU JUST WANT TO SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS

IF ICELANDIC GEOLOGY INTERESTS YOU

No country does volcanoes like Iceland, there’s a reason it’s called the land of Ice and Fire. The Reykjavík Erupts! volcano hike takes you to a geothermally active area where the effects of the extreme heat underground are clearly visible on the surface. The colours of the earth are akin to a rainbow and there are bubbling cauldrons of mud everywhere. Lava Tube Caving tour, on the other hand, allows you to visit a cave that was formed during a volcanic eruption. The rock formations alone make this tour worth the trip.

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

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WHAT’ S ON IF YOU WANT TO SEE A GLACIER

Since you’re visiting ICE-land, you might want to check out some icy tours and it doesn’t get any icier than hiking on a glacier. Glacier hikes are relatively easy and professional gear is provided so the tour should be accessible for most people.

You get to walk on a glacier, with guides who know everything there is to know about glaciers and Iceland in general, what more could you ask for?

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IF YOU’ RE IN THE MOOD FOR A LIT TLE LUXURY

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What’s better than having a spa day? Krauma is a natural geothermal spa in West Iceland, next to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. The water of the natural hot spring is mixed with cool glacial water for perfect temperatures.

It has five hot tubs and one cold bath, a relaxation room and two steam baths. If you’re in South Iceland, then head to the Secret Lagoon. It’s situated in a geothermal area with plenty of hot water streaming naturally from the ground and steam rising into the air around you. The beautiful location really lets you feel at one with the Icelandic nature.

IF YOU’ RE LOOKING FOR AN ADRENALINE RUSH

Looking for a thrill? Then go on a buggy ride. A buggy is a fast, sturdy and stable ATV, perfect for everybody who loves the outdoors. When going

on a buggy tour, you better be ready to get dirty, with water splashing up on the side of the tires and dust being blown around your head. Driving a buggy through rough Icelandic terrain, with mud pools, dusty roads and sometimes snow, offers an exciting adventure!

IF YOU READ MOBY DICK AND LIKED IT

Marine life abounds in the ocean around Iceland.

Of all the creatures that live in these waters, the most spectacular ones have to be the whales.

If you’re interested in seeing these immense creatures for yourself, take a whale watching cruise. Even the smallest Icelandic whale you could spot is still the size of a full-grown man, and the largest can reach up to 30 metres in length! If you have a few hours to spare before or after the cruise (or if you get seasick and a cruise is out of the question), check out the Whales of Iceland exhibition for some extra information on these gentle giants.

Whether you are going on tours or staying within city limits, you can be sure of one thing: you won’t have seen enough of what Iceland.

The next time you’re in Iceland (we’re pretty sure you’ll be back) stop by the What’s On information centre, or send us an email, info@ whatson.is, and ask the staff to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.

WHAT’ S ON

Only 35 min. from Reykjavík

A journey into RAUFARHÓLSHELLIR

is a

Breathtaking Experience The highlight of our Iceland trip!

The “Must See” event in Iceland Reviewed on TripAdvisor

For more information and bookings: +354 519 1616

www.thelavatunnel.is

+354 760 1000 info@thelavatunnel.is

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WHAT’ S ON

What to Do in Reykjavík with Kids Although the birth rate in Iceland is steadily declining, it remains higher than the European average.

What this means, we don’t know. What we do know, however, is that Icelandic society is rather familyoriented, which is good news for those travelling with kids and teenagers. There is plenty to keep them entertained year-round. Here are a few kid-friendly activities that you can enjoy in and around Reykjavík, all of which are accessible by foot, public transportation, private vehicle, or pickup service.

None take longer than four hours total and driving time is minimal.

SWIMMING

watching vessels offer heated indoor areas for chilly days, while also providing warm overalls and blankets.

Most of Reykjavík’s thermal pools are outdoors.

The water temperature in the pools and hot tubs range from 27 to 42°C, which will keep you warm even on the coldest days. Visiting public pools is a popular activity among local families. They are fun, healthy, and affordable. The locker rooms offer kiddie bathtubs and child seats that make washing the littlest members of your family easy. There are floaties for kids learning to swim, and pool toys for the young (and the young at heart). Most pools also feature shallow kiddie pools and water slides.

HORSEBACK RIDING

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Age range: 0-99 Season: year-round

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WHALE-WATCHING CRUISES

Age range: 0-99 Season: year-round

No matter your age, viewing wildlife from the ocean is exciting. While summer is high season for whale watching (and the only season to see the famous puffins), you can see whales off the coast of Iceland all year-round. Most of the whale-

Age range: 6-99 Season: year-round

The Icelandic horse may be small, but don’t call it a pony! These friendly purebreds are a national treasure and love to meet people. Most horse rentals offers riding tours for families that is short enough for the young ones and yet suitable for all levels of experience.

WHAT’ S ON

CAVING

you start to get cold, you can step into the City Hall to check out the sizeable topographical model of Iceland built to scale.

Explore a 2000-year-old cave that formed during a volcanic 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 firsthand. Kids must be able to walk on their own and keep pace with the group.

A DAY IN LAUGARDALUR

Age range: 5-99 Season: year-round

THE VOLCANO HOUSE

Age range: 0-99 Season: year-round

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

DUCK WATCHING

Age range: 0-99 Season: year-round

The Laugardalur Valley offers several activities for the whole family. The Family Park and Zoo house specimens of most of Iceland’s animals, such as sheep, cows, horses, reindeer, and seals.

In the summer, there are several rides open, while the play areas are open year-round. Laugardalur also houses ice-skating and roller-skating rinks, the largest thermal pool in the city, and the Ásmundarsafn sculpture collection, which includes an outdoor sculpture garden (for those who can’t bear the stiffness of an indoor museum - no matter their age).

MUSEUMS

Age range: 0-99 Season: year-round There are many child-friendly museums in Reykjavík, furnished with activity rooms and interactive exhibits. The National Museum of Iceland, for example, boasts a special children’s area on the second floor where kids can dress up in Viking attire and try out swords, shields, chain mail, and helmets. There are historical objects and models they can play with and a reading section where they can browse through books and listen to stories (in English and Icelandic). At the Maritime Museum, kids can also board a National Guard ship from the fifties. The Árbær Open Air Museum, a collection of old Icelandic farmhouses and buildings, is always popular among the kids, too.

If you’re spending a day or two exploring Reykjavík’s museums and swimming pools, consider the Reykjavík City Card. Available for 24hr, 48hr, and 72hr periods for kids and adults, it gives you access to museums, swimming pools, public transport, and more, at one low price.

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Almost every Icelander has fond memories of childhood trips to the downtown pond to feed the ducks with breadcrumbs. Nowadays feeding the ducks is frowned upon (as it turns out, bread is not good for them), but you can still drop by and say hello! Although ducks are the main attraction, you’ll also see swans, geese, and seagulls. When

Age range: 0-99 Season: year-round

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WHAT’ S ON Find more articles like this at www.whatson.is

A GUIDE TO READING THE SAGAS OF THE ICELANDERS

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The Sagas of the Icelanders, writ ten in the 12th and 13th centur y and telling the stories of the early set tlers of Iceland from the 10th centur y, are an amazing treasure trove of historical knowledge about the early years of set tlement in Iceland. Bet ter yet , they ’re also impressive examples of literar y excellence that still hold their own when it comes to enthralling stor y telling.

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 farreaching consequences in this heart-wrenching 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?

WHAT’ S ON

IF YOU’ RE A FAN OF LEGAL DRAMAS AND GREEK TRAGEDIES – START WITH BRENNUNJÁLL’S SAGA

Njála, as this saga 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, 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! It’s 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 its heart, because magical birds told him to do it. What more do you need to know?

Egill’s saga tells the story of the fascinating antihero Egill Skallagrímsson and his adventurous travels all over the north of Europe.

With a fierce fighter and clever poet with severe anger management issues as main character, Egill’s saga weaves together the stories of the first time Egill killed a man (at the tender age of 7 years old), his impending beheading which he escapes with the aid of some seriously great poetry, and a drunken feast turned massacre (where at one point our hero cuts off a man’s head before vomiting down his neck), to name a few.

All the sagas are available in English in bookstores in Iceland. Additionally, if you’re travelling outside the city limits, we recommend seeking out areas where the sagas are set. Borgarnes and Hvolsvöllur, for example, each have a museum dedicated to the sagas taking place in the area, Egill’s saga and Njáll’s saga respectively.

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IF YOU’ RE INTO FANTASY – START WITH VÖLSUNGA SAGA

IF YOU LIKE ACTION MOVIES AND ADVENTURE STORIES – START WITH EGILL’S SAGA

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WHAT’ S ON

Iceland Explained LOPAPEYSA WHAT IS IT?

Lopapeysa is a sweater made from the wool of Icelandic sheep. The Icelandic lopapeysa is knit in the round, so it doesn’t have any seams, and it has a circular-patterned border around the shoulders. Other than that, you can let your imagination run wild, as the colours and patterns can vary.

WHAT’ S SO SPECIAL ABOUT IT?

The most interesting thing about lopapeysa is that everybody has one. The sweaters don’t have a particularly long history, as they were first made in the 1950s. Still, they were an instant hit with Icelanders and have been extremely popular ever since. Lopapeysas are light and pretty but warm and waterproof at the same time.

HOW DO I MAKE ONE?

For a wool sweater to qualify as a proper lopapeysa, you need lopi, a type of yarn spun from the wool of Icelandic sheep. Knitting recipes are readily available, most notably at the Handknitting Association of Iceland, which was founded in 1977.

Patterns around the waist and wrists are optional.

One of the reasons the lopapeysa became so popular is that it’s easy and fast to knit.

HALLDÓR LAXNESS WHAT DID HE DO?

WHY IS HE FAMOUS?

According to the Nobel prize committee of 1955, Laxness’ “vivid epic power renewed the great narrative art of Iceland.” He is the only Icelander in history to receive the Nobel prize (although Gunnar Gunnarsson also came close, reportedly).

Awards aside, his work has fundamentally influenced Icelandic culture, and many of his characters are household names in the country.

HOW CAN I READ HIS WORK?

Most of his novels are available in translations.

His most famous novel is Independent People, the saga of a woefully proud Icelandic farmer and

his family. For the uninitiated, we recommend The Fish Can Sing, a coming-of-age story set in early20th-century Reykjavík. If you want to learn more about Laxness, we suggest visiting Gljúfrasteinn, the author’s long-time home that was turned into a museum after his death. Everything from the arrangement of the furniture to the works of art on the walls has remained unchanged.

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Halldór Laxness is Iceland’s most famous 20thcentury writer, the author of such books as Independent People, Iceland’s Bell, and World Light. He is best known for his social realism novels. As a young author, Laxness stirred up controversy not only because of his incendiary prose and his refusal to follow standard rules of spelling but also because of his left-leaning politics.

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Þrettándinn Icelanders love Christmas. So much so that they’ve managed to extend the festivities to last an entire 13 days. All of it comes to a glorious end on Þrettándinn, which literally means “The Thirteenth” but is more commonly known as Twelfth Night in the English-speaking world.

Even though Christmas is a Christian holiday, Þrettándinn is decidedly pagan: dedicated to elves, hidden people, and other mythological creatures.

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A SUPERSTITIOUS HOLIDAY

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Þrettándinn is a supremely strange time of year in Iceland. During Þrettándinn, once considered the last day of the year, the lines between reality and the supernatural are blurred. According to legend, all sorts of paranormal events occur. Cows begin to talk. Seals shed their skin and become human.

The night dew gains healing powers. Dreams foretell the future.

THE HIDDEN PEOPLE

Despite the aforementioned incredible occurrences, what most captures people’s imagination about Þrettándinn are the elves.

Some people believe, for instance, that if you sit at a crossroad where four churches are visible, you have a pretty good chance of meeting elves.

They will shower you with gifts in an attempt to lure you to their world. If you’re tempted to accept the gifts before dawn, the elves will drive you mad

(we’re not talking Lord of the Rings elves here, this is serious stuff). If, however, you manage to resist their charms, you get to keep all the loot. Þrettándinn is also the day that elves relocate to new houses. Many Icelanders leave their lights on all night long to aid them on their journey.

A SECOND BEGINNING TO THE YEAR

On Þrettándinn, many Icelanders get together with their families for a big dinner. After the feast, many will attend a local bonfire. By the fire, celebrants sing elven songs, and elven queens and kings often make an appearance. Þrettándinn is also a perfect evening for finishing leftover fireworks from New Year’s. It’s the last day you can do so legally. If the traditions seem similar to New Year’s Eve, that’s because they are! Historically speaking, the new year started when the Christmas season ended, on Þrettándinn.

TIME TO TAKE THE DECORATIONS DOWN

Since Þrettándinn marks the final day of Christmas, the day is also associated with the mundane task of throwing out the Christmas tree and taking down the Christmas decorations. Well, most of them. It’s the darkest time of the year, so many people prefer keeping the Christmas lights up just a little bit longer; it makes the darkness of January slightly more bearable.

If you find yourself in Iceland on Þrettándinn, why not join in our hidden people holiday. Look up at the sky for fireworks (and the northern lights, of course) and dance around a bonfire. But watch out for the elves, please!

Harpa Concert Hall sinfonia.is harpa.is (+354) 528 50 50

Main sponsor:

@icelandsymphony / #sinfo

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THINGS TO DO ON A RAINY DAY Umbrellas often feel rather useless in Iceland.

Rain often comes with wind, which means that the raindrops seem to fly in from every direction. It’s for this reason that rainy days in Iceland are usually best spent inside. If you’re not sure what to do with yourself, here’s a short list of activities.

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VISIT A MUSEUM

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Reykjavík is a veritable feast of cultural treats.

Whether it’s art, history, or science you’re after, the museums in this small northern city offer an array of exciting and diverse exhibitions year-round, guaranteed to pique your interest.

When it starts to drizzle, pay a visit to the Reykjavík Art Museum. It has three locations – Hafnarhúsið, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn – and purchasing admission to any one of these museums grants you automatic access to the other two.

TAKE IT EASY AT A COFFEEHOUSE

It’s hard to explain why Icelanders have such a deep love for coffee, considering that the plant doesn’t grow anywhere near the island. Maybe it has something to do with those long, dark winter mornings. Whatever the reason, the sheer quantity of cafés in downtown Reykjavík is proof of the Icelanders’ affection for what some refer to as a “jolt of black lightning.” The cafés range from small holes-in-the-wall offering takeaway coffee to places with plush couches where you can sit comfortably for several hours.

CRUISE THROUGH THE COUNTRYSIDE

The Icelandic landscape is impressive, whatever the weather. Hiking in the rain, however, is a recipe for cold toes and grumpy moods. This is why zooming past the dramatic views of the Icelandic countryside from the comfort and warmth of a bus or a car can be both extremely enjoyable and practical. Be sure to blast some great Icelandic music on your drive; it can only enhance the experience.

GO SWIMMING

It may sound like a strange suggestion: going for a swim in the rain. Most Icelanders agree, however, that swimming in Iceland is particularly enjoyable in lousy weather. This is thanks to the geothermal heat that keeps you nice and toasty in the hot tubs. Chatting with the locals in the warm swirl offers a welcome contrast to the chilly rain.

The relatively inexpensive admission doesn’t hurt either.

WATCH A MOVIE AT BÍÓ PARADÍS

Bíó Paradís keeps up an ambitious schedule of internationally-acclaimed films from all over the world. It hosts several film festivals and airs Icelandic films with English subtitles all year round. It’s also the only cinema in downtown Reykjavík and a great place to keep dry in the rain. Not only is it a great place to watch movies, it is also furnished with a cosy sitting area where visitors can order some coffee or a beer, before or after the movie.

SEE ICELAND LIKE NEVER BEFORE

EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE FLYING RIDE

Experience Iceland's most awe-inspiring landscapes at this all-weather activity in the heart of Reykjavik.

As you hang suspended, feet dangling in front of a 20-metre spherical screen, special effects including wind, mist and scents help you see and feel our natural wonders like never before.

Book your tickets at FlyOverIceland.com

REYKJAVÍK’S

NEWEST ATTRACTION!

WHAT’ S ON Find more articles like this at www.whatson.is 32

Þorri!

In the old Norse calendar, the month of Þorri ran from what is today late January to mid-February.

Since it was usually the coldest month of the year, Þorri was ascribed human characteristics and turned into a symbolic figure, like Jack Frost. Þorri is fair but ruthless, and some myths suggest that he was married to Góa (the name of the subsequent month in the old Norse calendar) although they always told people they were simply good friends.

When Icelanders still worshipped the Old Norse gods, there was usually a blót – or a sacrificial-ceremony-cum-festival – to appease the gods and to ensure the return of summer.

With the Christianisation, however, the tradition was discontinued before being resurrected by romantic nationalists in the 19th century. Since then, Þorrablót celebrations (minus the sacrifice) have become a tradition.

During modern Þorrablóts, celebrants gather for a veritable feast of traditional food, which was popular before the time of refrigerators. Since the Icelanders needed to preserve the food somehow, dominant Þorrablót adjectives include pickled, salted, dried, and smoked. Some of it

is quite good; some of it, not so much. Almost all of it, however, will seem very strange to the uninitiated. Here’s a handy guide to some of the most popular Þorri food.

BLÓÐMÖR (BLOOD SUET)

The name doesn’t sound very appetising, that’s for sure. Still, this blood sausage, a combination of lamb blood and suet mixed with flour, oats, and some spices, actually tastes pretty good.

Blóðmör is usually boiled and served with mashed turnips and a white sauce that’s a bit like a sweeter version of béchamel. Leftovers are sliced and pan-fried. It’s also delicious served cold, with a bowl of cinnamon-sweet rice pudding.

HARÐFISKUR (DRIED FISH)

Drying fish is an excellent way to preserve it when you don’t have any freezers. Coincidentally, the process also produces a delicious, savoury snack that’s almost pure protein. It’s best eaten with lots of creamy Icelandic butter. Dried fish can be purchased in most supermarkets and at Kolaportið flea market. It is one of the few traditional Icelandic delicacies that we definitely recommend.

HÁK ARL (FERMENTED SHARK)

SVIÐ (SINGED SHEEP’ S HEAD)

Svið are sheep’s heads, cut in half, singed to remove the fur, and boiled. In centuries past, when there was never too much meat to go around, it made no sense to throw away the head just because it looked icky. Nowadays, we recognise that many find it uncomfortable, literally looking their food in the eye. Still, they can always get sviðasulta, a lamb’s head terrine, which is sometimes pickled in acid whey. If you’re a firsttimer, we recommend starting with the unpickled variety: acid-whey-pickled lamb’s head terrine is definitely an acquired taste.

SÚRSAÐIR HRÚTSPUNGAR (PICKLED RAM’ S TESTICLES)

Yes, you read correctly: súrsaðir hrútspungar are ram’s testicles. Truly nothing was wasted back in the day. The testes are pressed into blocks, boiled, and cured in acid whey, which doesn’t sound very tasty – and to be frank, that’s probably because

Since fresh shark is poisonous, you have to bury it in the ground for 6-12 weeks to eat it (that’s one way to do it). After that, most of the poison has broken down into ammonia, which explains this delicacy’s pungent odour (often compared to the smell of stinky cheese, and we mean STINKY cheese). Fermented shark is best washed down with a shot of Brennivín schnapps (aquavit flavoured with caraway seeds), a pairing that is often considered the ultimate test of masculinity.

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it really isn’t. Some may enjoy snacking on sheep balls from time to time, but we venture that Icelanders keep the dish around because we feel like we sort of have to. It’s a tradition. Either that or we just like freaking out tourists.

ARE YOU INDULGING IN SOME ÞORRI FOOD WHILE IN ICELAND?

Share your experience with us (and the world) by using the hashtag #WhatsOnRvk. HUSBAND’ S DAY

The first day of Þorri is known as Bóndadagur (Husband’s Day). This year, it falls on January 24. Make sure to take extra good care of the men in your life on that day. The women aren’t left out. They have their day a month later, the first day of Góa, which is considered Iceland’s version of Valentine’s day.

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Trip - Booking Agency & Tourist Info | Laugavegur 54, Reykjavík | trip@whatson.is | +354 537 8100 Open Mon-Sat 9:00-21:00, Sun 9:00-18:00 | Located directly opposite Bónus Supermarket, on the main street

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How to Travel Safely in Iceland

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With a subarctic climate and a tiny population, Iceland might be a tad different from other popular destinations. Desolate landscapes, mountains, waterfalls, geothermal areas, and the ocean are all beautiful natural wonders that can catch you off-guard if you’re unprepared. Keep the following six safety guidelines in mind when planning your trip to Iceland.

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3. BE EX TRA CAREFUL WHEN VISITING GEOTHERMAL AREAS

The water in geothermal areas can reach a temperature of up to 100°C. Falling in or slipping may result in severe burns. Luckily, safe paths are clearly marked, so make sure to stay on them.

4. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE OCEAN

1. FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH ICELAND’ S EMERGENCY NUMBERS

The emergency number in Iceland is 112. You can dial it free of charge to reach emergency services like ambulances, rescue teams, and the police.

Sneaker waves – disproportionally large waves that encroach further onto shore than regular waves – are frequent occurrences at the Reynisfjara and Kirkufjara beaches in South Iceland. Sneaker waves are more powerful than people expect. Accidents have proven fatal in the past. Keep a safe distance from the water and observe nearby signs.

2. FOLLOW UPDATES ON SAFETRAVEL

5. STAY ON THE PATH

Icelandic weather is famously fickle and extreme weather is not uncommon. In wintertime, high wind speeds and snow frequently limit visibility.

Safetravel, which aims to reduce the risk of travel-related accidents in Iceland, introduced a new map last year. The new map combines what once were three maps (vedur.is, vegagerdin. is, and safetravel.is) into one, displaying travel conditions in real-time: the weather, road conditions, conditions at tourist attractions, wind gusts on roads, avalanche warnings, and more.

Whether visiting a waterfall, a geothermal area, or taking a hike on a mountain, staying on the footpath is imperative. If you see a closed path, do not step over the line. It’s closed for a reason.

6. LET SOMEONE KNOW WHERE YOU’ RE GOING

If you’re planning on hiking, camping, or hitchhiking, let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. You can also leave your travel plan on www.safetravel.is.

The Settlement Exhibition

Step into the Viking Age Open daily 09:00–18:00 Aðalstræti 16 101 Reykjavík www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

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The Weird World of Icelandic Names The Icelandic naming system can be a little confusing if you’re not familiar with it. You’re likely to run into families with as many as four different last names between them and YOU CAN’ T NAME YOUR CHILD WHATEVER YOU WANT.

Some parents dream of giving their child a unique name, something no one has ever been named before. Not only will that child have to spend the rest of its days spelling its name at coffee shops and government agencies, sometimes the Icelandic Naming committee will step in and just say no. That’s right, Iceland has a committee of three people who decide what you can or can’t name your kid.

THEY HAVE THEIR REASONS

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The committee doesn’t make its decisions lightly. The faculties of law and philosophy of the University of Iceland each appoint one member and the third is appointed by the Icelandic language committee. They base their verdicts on factors such as if the name is likely to cause the child embarrassment and if it conforms to Icelandic traditions and grammatical rules. About

half of new names that come across their desks are rejected. They’ve been around for a while but since many people feel that the committee’s authority is outdated, their future is not certain.

WE DON’ T HAVE SURNAMES

If you follow the success of the Icelandic football teams, you may have noticed that all the guys last names end with son and all the girl’s names end with dóttir. This is because Iceland is one of the few remaining cultures that still use patronyms instead of surnames (although, there are exceptions, more on that later). That means that your last name consists of the first name of your father (or mother, or both) and either -son or -dóttir, depending on your gender. This also means that FAMILIES DON’ T SHARE A LAST NAME

Since each individual has a last name based on their parentage, it doesn’t make any sense for women to take the last name of their husband, since she isn’t her father-in-law’s son! This also means that if the married couple were to have a boy and a girl, their names would be different.

WHAT’ S ON President of Iceland Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, Guðni Th., son of Jóhannes.

WE’ RE ALL ON A FIRST-NAME BASIS

YOU CAN’ T JUST GET YOURSELF A SURNAME

There are exceptions to every rule and there are some people who do have surnames.

Before Iceland became independent, it was fashionable to take up a surname. This was especially popular with people who had studied in Denmark, although some surnames also arrived with immigrants and their descendants.

For the past few decades, however, it’s been illegal to take up a new surname, although you can still pass your name on to your children.

Icelandic citizens can’t take the surname of their spouse either, so if you’re born without a surname, you’re going to stay that way.

Icelandic name generator Your first name Your father’s (or mother’s) name + son (M) or dóttir (F) Example: Jón (M) and Guðrún (F) have two kids, Magnús (M) and Anna (F). Most likely, Jón will call himself Jónsson and Anna Jónsdóttir although they also have the chance to go with their mother’s name, Guðrúnarson and Guðrúnardóttir.

What’s your Icelandic name?

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Since patronyms aren’t really names, they’re more like facts, it feels weird to address anyone by their last name. Icelanders are on a first-name basis with everyone else, no matter if they’re a teacher, a senior citizen, or the president of Iceland. The phonebook even lists people by their first name rather than their last. Icelanders also don’t use words like sir or madam, so you can expect a friendly familiarity in most conversations you have while you’re here!

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Public Pools Find more articles like this at www.whatson.is

Our Great Equalizers

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There are over 100 public pools in Iceland, concentrated within the capital area and scattered about the country’s inhabitable rim. Such is the popularity of public pools in Iceland that some have argued that is a civil right – having one within walking distance of one’s home. Indeed, there is almost no better way to get into the Icelandic spirit than by stripping down to your swimsuit and lazing among the locals in the snug oasis of an Icelandic hot pot (hot tub).

Before the modern era, there were at least 13 pools in Iceland, four of which are still in use today. The oldest pool in Iceland was built by poet and chieftain Snorri Sturluson (author

of the Prose Edda) in the early 13th century.

Swimming lessons in Iceland began in 1821 and the first aquatic club, Sundfélag Reykjavíkur, was established in 1824. The first concrete swimming pool was built in 1908 in Laugardalur, Reykjavík, although it wasn’t until the 1930s that the construction of public pools took off.

At the pools, you may bump into presidents and politicians, actors and musicians, athletes and influencers, which is why some consider the public pools Iceland’s “great equalizers.” Below you will find a list of some of our favourite pools in the Reykjavík Area.

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YOUR FRI ENDLY NEI GHB OURHOOD POOL

VEST URBÆ JARL AUG – The public pool in West Reykjavík is an absolute classic. We recommend changing into your swimwear in the outdoor locker room – it’s quite refreshing.

Show up early weekday mornings, and you can observe a group of longtime patrons doing socalled Müller’s exercises poolside.

OFF T HE B E AT EN PAT H

SUÐURBÆ JARL AUG – Hafnarfjörður, Iceland’s third-most populous town, boasts one of the great Icelandic pools, namely the one in South Hafnarfjörður. It offers a little bit of everything: a steam room, an indoor pool, a gym, a kiddie pool, and, last, but not least, a cold pot – which is an excellent, if slightly hazardous, way to get the blood circulating (be careful).

T HE ONE WI T H E V ERY T HI NG

L AUGARDALSL AUG – Laugardalslaug is the largest swimming pool complex in Iceland. Situated near downtown Reykjavík, Laugardalslaug offers an indoor Olympic-size swimming pool, a large recreational pool, eight hot pots of varying temperatures, and a large steam bath. It is the second-most visited thermal bath in Iceland, after the Blue Lagoon.

For more information, visit www.sundlaugar.is

DOWNTOWN CL AS S I C

SUNDHÖLLI N –Sundhöllin in downtown Reykjavík was opened in 1937 and designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson (he designed, among other things, Hallgrímskirkja and the National Museum). Sundhöllin is one of the most beautiful pools in the country. The City of Reykjavík recently renovated Sundhöllin. It now includes a brand-new outdoor area, with a steam room and a cold pot.

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Notable Events in the History of Iceland 16-18 MILLION BC: The Formation of Iceland.

Volcanic eruptions form the landmass known as Iceland.

871 AD: The Settlement of Iceland. Ingólfur Arnarson killed a man in Norway and fled to Iceland.

930 AD: Alþingi (the Icelandic Parliament) es t ablished. Alþingi is the oldest parliamentary institution in the world that is still extant.

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1000 AD: Conversion to Christianity, discovery of America. Parliament decided everyone would be Christian or at least pretend to be. Leif “the Lucky” Eiriksson got lost and found America, didn’t like it and went home.

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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.

THE 1750S: The Enlightenment and the birth of Reykjavík . Industrialisation and modernisation started when “Sheriff” Skúli Magnússon started wool manufacturing at Aðalstræti 10.

1550 AD: Reformation. A violent conflict between Catholics and Lutherans ended with the beheading of Catholic bishop Jón Arason.

1944 AD: Independence. Iceland declared independence while Denmark was too busy being invaded by Germany to protest.

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.

20TH CENTURY: The World Wars and modernisation. The turn of the century saw the first motorboat and car. The World Wars and American occupation resulted in the first serious urbanisation and foreign cultural influence.

1955 AD: Nobel Prize. Halldór Laxness was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

1980 AD: First female president. The world’s first democratically elected female head of state, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, took office.

2008 AD: Crash and miraculous recovery.

Iceland’s banking system went spectacularly bankrupt. Since then, things have picked up surprisingly well.

2009 AD: First openly gay prime minister. The world’s first openly lesbian head of government, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, took office.

WHAT’ S ON

THE

N O R T H E R N

L I G H T S

ARE HERE!

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The days grow shorter and colder as winter gets settled in but for visitors to Iceland, that’s good news! You need darkness so you can see the northern lights properly.

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Seeing the lights is a magical experience and we recommend seeking them out while you’re in Iceland. However, there are

a few things every northern lights hunter should keep in mind. The northern lights aren’t a reliable attraction and seeing them can be a matter of being in the right spot at the right time. It’s not all down to luck, however, as there are a few things you can do to maximise your chances of seeing the ethereal lights.

Di ff e r e nt w ay s t o s e e t he No r t he r n Li g ht s : Going by coach:

Cheap and eff ective. A northern lights tour by bus or minibus is a good way to see the lights if you’re not too concerned about being surrounded a lot of people and simply travelling by bus. Perhaps not the best time if you don’t see anything – but it’s the cheapest option to see the lights, and it gets the job done.

Going by boat :

A great ex perience regardles s of light s . Going by boat and seeing the city from the sea at night, is in itself a great experience. The boat ride is a very good choice for those who want to ensure they get something out of their tour even if no lights are found.superjeep

1 GET OUT OF TOWN

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T OP 8 T I P S F OR T HE NO R T HE R N L I G HT S The city lights block the northern lights!

2 MAKE SURE IT’ S DARK

Daylight and northern lights don’t go hand in hand!

3 MAKE SURE THE SK Y IS CLEAR

The northern lights appear way above the clouds!

4 GIVE IT TIME AND BE PATIENT!

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

5 SIGHTINGS CAN NEVER BE GUARANTEED

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

6 WEAR SOMETHING WARM

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

7 KNOW YOUR CAMERA!

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

Lie down on the ground. Look up. Enjoy!

Book your northern lights tour now online or at the What’s On tourist information centre, at Laugavegur 5.

Going by s upe r -je e p:

Exclusive and thrilling. Going on a hunt for the lights with a specially modified superjeep is a thrilling experience that’s fun and exciting. Sights can of course never be guaranteed, but the off-road action of a superjeep makes for a great adventure, the lights are just an added bonus.

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8 ENJOY IT!

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NORTHERN LI GHTS PHOTOGRAPHY

DOs AND DON' Ts

DO have a relatively good camera with you that allows for easy and quick change of settings.

DON’ T rule out taking a photo on your phone’s camera.

DO have your ISO set to at least 800 and your aperture as low as it goes.

DON’ T forget your tripod. However little you think you move while waiting for your camera to take your picture, believe me, you always move and it’s enough to make your photos blurry.

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DO keep your shutter speed anywhere between 5 to 30 seconds, although the optimal would be between 5 and 20 seconds (30 seconds is only for very faint lights, basically).

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DON’ T go by boat – if you’re intent on getting photos, at least. The movement of the boat makes taking good photos nearly impossible.

DO consider using continuous shooting, so that while shooting the lights, you don’t have to keep staring at them through your camera.

DON’ T focus solely on your photographs and forget to be in the moment. You don’t see the northern lights every day!

If you need any more information, check out www.whatson.is or stop by the What ’s On information off ice at Laugavegur 5, Bankastræti 2, and Tryggvagata 11.

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How To Read the Northern Lights Forecast The nor thern lights forecast can be found on en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/, but it is a lit tle hard to decipher if you’ ve never seen it before. Our handy-dandy guide should make things a lit tle bit easier.

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THE COLORS WHITE means NO CLOUDS, while DARK GREEN means VERY CLOUDY. The different shades of green then mean more, or less, cloudy.

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THE NUMBERS The numbers are a combination of how likely it is for the lights to be active and how active they will be. Don’t be discouraged if the number is low, it’s actually very rare for the number to be higher than five. Also, take the scale with a grain of salt; a low number doesn’t mean that they won’t come out or won’t be impressive, and a high number isn’t a guarantee that they will be glorious all through the night.

GOING ON A TOUR? There are many tours taking you far from the bright city lights for a better chance of seeing the aurora.

These tours will be cancelled if there is no chance of seeing the lights. All major operators can be

trusted to do this, first of all, because there is a high standard of professionalism in Iceland, but more importantly, because they lose money if they take you out needlessly – most of them promise to take you out again for free if you don’t see anything.

Looking for more?

The What’s On Iceland tourist information and booking centres are located in downtown Reykjavík.

Visit us at the start of your journey or contact us throughout it. www.whatson.is

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RE YK JAVÍ K S I G H T S T O S EE Reykjavík sightseeing has something for everyone! The city is filled with things to do, places to go, and stuff to see, but some things are just a little bit more important than others.

Check out the map in the centre of the magazine to find the exact location of these Reykjavík sights.

1 | HALLGRÍMSKIRK JA Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city.

It’s the largest church and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland. The church tower offers a fantastic view of the city. It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, designed it to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape. Construction started in 1945 and was finished in 1984.

Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights

2 | PERL AN Standing at 25m, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking

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buildings. Built on top of the city’s hot water tanks, Perlan is known for its unique architecture. Inside Perlan, you can visit Wonders of Iceland, an exhibition spread over multiple levels. A visit to a real ice cave, planetarium shows, exhibitions on Iceland’s history, glaciers, volcanoes, and water, and a spectacular 360° viewing platform are all included in a ticket. On the top floor, a restaurant and coffeehouse for guests in need of refreshment. Surrounding Perlan is the Öskjuhlíð area, one of the many green spaces in Reykjavík, perfect for a walk on a sunny day.

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

4 | AUSTURVÖLLUR When the sun is shining, Austurvöllur is the place to be. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants, this public square is a popular spot for locals to dine outside, soak up some sunshine or recline on the grass with picnics. In fact, whatever the season, Austurvöllur is the place to be. It’s used for celebrations on holidays and in December, the city’s biggest Christmas tree is located there. Due to its proximity to The House of Parliament, Austurvöllur is also a popular gathering spot for political protesters. At the centre of it all stands a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the renowned figure who is credited with leading Iceland to independence.

fermented shark, purchase a bag of Icelandic candy or browse through thrifted clothing, Kolaportið, an indoor flea market, open on the weekends between 11:00-17:00, is your best bet. The atmosphere is unique, and the old industrial building is usually filled with people hunting for books or antiques, grocery shopping at the food court, selling their old garments, buying music and DVDs, or digging through piles of stuff in search of hidden treasures. We recommend bringing cash, or visiting the ATM at one of the entrances, as the majority of stalls don’t accept cards.

WHAT’ S ON

5 | KOLAPORTIÐ Whether you want to sample dried fish and

6 | HARPA The whole 28,000m2 of Harpa stand at the edge of Reykjavík Harbour. It houses Iceland’s biggest concert hall, suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events, a conference centre with meeting facilities and in-house catering, as well as a couple of fine restaurants. Harpa also hosts promotions, plays, and public events. It’s open to everyone, and you should definitely visit Harpa, whether it’s to take in a show, buy souvenirs, go to a concert or have a lovely dinner in one of the fabulous restaurants. Harpa was designed by a Danish firm in cooperation with Ólafur Elíasson, an Icelandic artist, and opened to the public in 2011.

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

8 | THE SUN VOYAGER A beautiful sculpture of a Viking ship

9 | HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT Founded in 950 AD, Iceland’s Parliament, Alþingi, is the oldest extant parliament in the world! For centuries, the Parliament gathered in the open air (on the aptly named Þingvellir, Parliament Fields) but in recent years, they’ve met in Reykjavík.

The House of Parliament is a modest classical building of hewn Icelandic dolerite, and it gives Austurvöllur square a dignified look. The Parliament garden behind the building is small but lovely in the summertime.

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

Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights

located by the ocean on a small peninsula by Sæbraut, close to downtown Reykjavík. The sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and is an ode to the sun. It serves as reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland.

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

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Check out the article The Reykjavik Sight Experience on pages 48-49 for more information about the places numbered here.

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R E Y K J AV Í K CI T Y MAP i

What ’s On Tourist Information and Booking Centre Locations Main areas

Sights

Tour Pick Ups

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WHAT’ S ON

MUSEUMS IN DOWNTOWN REYKJAVÍK

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Reyk javí k ’ s his tor y reaches more t han a t hous and year s back and t he cit y has a r ich cult ural her it age . His tor y buf f s , ar t af f icionados and budding nat ural s cient is t s should all f ind s omet hing to pique t heir interes t in t he mus eums of t he cit y cent re .

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VOLCANO HOUSE Get to know Iceland’s fascinating geology by exploring their mineral exhibition and watching their documentaries on some of Iceland’s most interesting volcanic eruptions in recent history.

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REYK JAVÍK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY The museum presents both historical and contemporary photography in an artistic, social, and cultural context. Showcased are family photographs, photos from portrait studios, industrial and advertising photographs, press photography, landscape photographs, and more.

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Find more articles like this at www.whatson.is

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THE SET TLEMENT EXHIBITION In 2001, archaeological remains of a hall from the age of settlement were excavated and The Settlement Exhibition is built around these findings, the oldest relics of human habitation found in Reykjavík.

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REYK JAVÍK ART MUSEUM The Hafnarhús location of the Reykjavík Art Museum serves as the museum’s institute of contemporary art. Pop artist Erró’s works are as fascinating as the museum’s temporary exhibitions.

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND The museum, established in 1863, houses some of the nation’s most beloved treasures. The permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation is an engaging way to get to know Iceland’s history. Visit the Culture House’s exhibition Points of View as well for an introduction to the country’s cultural heritage.

THE MARITIME MUSEUM The fishing industry is the cornerstone of Iceland’s economy and The Maritime Museum is the best place to learn more about it. At the museum, you also have a chance to board Óðinn, a former Coast Guard vessel.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND The National Gallery’s art collection consists mainly of 19th and 20th century art. In its possession are many of the keystones of Icelandic art history, as well as a growing collection of works from other countries.

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Wonders of the Volcano Volcano Documentar y and Geological Exhibition in Reyk javík , nex t to the Old Harbour.

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German screening at 18:00 & French screening at 21:00

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WHAT’ S ON Kastrup

NEW I N TOWN SPES (GRANDI MATHÖLL)

Spes Kitchen is the newest addition to Grandi Mathöll, a popular food court in Reykjavík’s harbour district. The restaurant will be Grandi Mathöll’s first 100% vegan restaurant and will offer tasty alternatives to classic dishes made from animal products. Although initially offering a set menu consisting of only four items, Spes aims to spice things up each month with new dishes.

RÖNTGEN

K ASTRUP

Located in the same building as Röntgen on Hverfisgata 12, the restaurant Kastrup strives to serve up a lively atmosphere and firstrate smørrebrød. Smørrebrød is a traditional, Scandinavian open-faced sandwich that usually consists of a piece of buttered rye bread topped with cold cuts, pieces of meat or fish, cheese or

VONARSTRÆTI

Vonarstræti is a new environmentally-friendly homeware store situated on Laugavegur 27 in downtown Reykjavík. Vonarstræti offers a selection of everything you need to minimise your impact on nature, including but not limited to soaps and shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, clothing, makeup, and all kinds of home accessories and accoutrements. There is also a special soap-cum-detergent refill station allowing patrons to live out their wildest packaging-free dreams.

Find more articles like this at www.whatson.is

Röntgen is a new bar on Hverfisgata 12, in downtown Reykjavík, that is owned and operated by four friends. Röntgen means X-Ray, a reference to the fact that the bar is situated in the same building as the country’s first x-ray laboratory, which began operations in 1914. The bar – which will be open until 3AM on Fridays and Saturdays – will offer a variety beers and alcohol, along with a selection of bar snacks. Röntgen’s proprietors also hope to host a wide variety of events, from pub quizzes to concerts and everything in between!

spreads, and garnishes. Among Kastrup’s owners is one of the founders of Brauð & Co. – a popular Icelandic bakery.

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EVENTS NOTABLE EVENTS IN REYK JAVÍK FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec 56

Þ R E T TÁ N D I N N

D A R K M U S I C D AY S

JANUARY 6

FROM JANUARY 25

Þrettándinn, or Twelfth Night, is the last day of Iceland’s 13-day Christmas extravaganza. While originally a Christian holiday (Epiphany), Twelfth Night in Iceland is all about the hidden people.

According to legend, it marks the day when cows speak (warning: heeding their conversation will drive you mad), when seals slough off their skin and walk on land as men, and when elves relocate to new houses. Tradition dictates that locals keep their lights on the whole night, to keep the hidden people from taking up residence in one’s home.

Dark Music Days is an annual festival held at the Harpa Concert Hall during the darkest period of winter in Iceland. Founded by the Society of Icelandic Composers in 1980, the festival aspires to provide a platform for Icelandic performers and to introduce the public to new music with an emphasis on new Icelandic compositions. As 2020 marks the festival’s 40th anniversary, this year’s Dark Music Days will honour some of the musicians that performed at the very first festival in 1980, among them composer Atli Heimir Sveinsson.

ÞORRI FROM JANUARY 25 Originally a midwinter sacrificial ritual, dedicated to the pagan gods Óðinn, Þór, Freyja, etc, Þorrablót was meant to appease the gods and to ensure the return of summer. With the Christianisation in the late 10th century, the tradition was put to an end.

When Icelanders gained freedom of religion in the 19th century, however, Þorrablót was revived.

It has been celebrated ever since. Today, families, sports teams, choirs, and small-town communities gather to eat traditional food, to wash it down with Brennivín, and to party the night away (warning: traditional Icelandic cuisine is an acquired taste).

Fish • Lamb • Whale • Icelandic cuisine with a twist Icelandic music and nightlife Mix with the locals . .and all the Icelandic beers in one awsome place!

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Two Icelandic themed villages

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Restaurant & Lodging

The Viking Village is a unique place and it is the only Viking theme Hotel and restaurant in Iceland. We have step by step been developing our facilities over the last 28 years and will hopefully continue to do so in the future.

We offer Hotel accommodation and Viking houses. Good for families and groups.

The Fisherman´s Village, our newest 25 rooms accommodation is Hlið in Álftanes only few minutes drive from the Viking Village. Like a country home by the seaside.

Such an idyllic place to visit. The restaurant is open for groups in the evenings.

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Viking feasts - Souvenirs - Live entertainment most nights “You haven’t been in Iceland if you haven’t been to us“ Don’t miss it!

Booking: www.vikingvillage.is | +354 565 1213

EVENTS

JANUARY 12, 19, 26

V I E N N E S E FAV O U R I T E S W I T H THE I CEL AND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FROM JANUARY 9 Ring in the new year with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and its performance of some lighthearted Viennese favourites. The Iceland Symphony’s Viennese concerts are well established as a cornerstone of the Orchestra’s programming. The concerts always begin with Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus Overture and end with The Blue Danube. Sandwiched in between these two classics are popular operetta arias and duets that are sure to bring a smile to every face.

FROM JANUARY 31 The first weekend of the Reykjavík International Games (RIG) takes place at the end of January and the second at the beginning of February. RIG is a unique, international sports competition held in the Laugardalur neighbourhood of Reykjavík. Each year, RIG hosts nearly two dozen tournaments, with athletes competing in 19 individual sports, like gymnastics, athletics, badminton, bowling, dance, fencing, figure skating, judo, karate, Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, shooting, squash, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo. This year, it’s held for the thirteenth time. RIG is organised by the Reykjavík Sports Union in cooperation with the national sports associations and participating sports clubs.

FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec

Sunday Classics is a recital series at the Harpa Concert Hall presenting top-quality classical chamber music. The recitals take place on Sunday afternoons at 16:00 in the Kaldalón or Norðurljós recital halls, and sometimes in the open spaces of Harpa like the hallway or stairs. On January 12, Steinunn Vala and Hanna Lizinkiewicz will perform pieces for flute and piano written by three 20th century composers of different nationalities. On January 19, the Chamber Music Society will perform pieces by Kodály and Rakhmaninov. On January 26, Kristín Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir and Arnhildur Valgarðsdóttir will perform popular classical romantic german lieder by Franz Schubert, Richard Strauss, and Gabriel Fauré.

R E Y K J AV Í K I N T E R N AT I O N A L G A M E S

NOTABLE EVENTS OUTSIDE OF REYK JAVÍK

S U N D AY C L A S S I C S

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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS

VOLCANO HOUSE Wonders of the Volcano

The Volcano House includes a hands-on mineral exhibition featuring different mineral samples, such as lava from the 2014 eruption of Bárðabunga and ash from the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull.

A documentary in English is screened every hour, on the hour, from 9:00 to 21:00. It focuses on some of the most famous eruptions of Iceland and covers the causes and effects of Icelandic volcanic activity in general. The show is also available in different languages by arrangement.

The Volcano House is fun and educational for people of all ages, and kids are especially welcome (free for 0-10 years old).

Wonders of the Volcano

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.

FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec

The Volcano House is a great latenight activity (the last show is at 21:00), a good replacement if your tour is cancelled, or if the weather is bad (it’s always nice and warm inside). Drop by anytime!

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For more information, see www.volcanohouse.is.

AURORA REYKJAVÍK Catch the Aurora Borealis All Year Round

There is perhaps nothing more magical than witnessing the beauty of a Northern Lights display.

However, those unpredictable, ever dancing lights don’t always show up on cue – and fade away during the summer months. So, it is with great joy that we welcome Aurora Reykjavík – The Northern Lights Center, where the Northern Lights are always on display.

Aurora Reykjavík

Aurora Reykjavík’s pull and ace up its sleeve is its fantastic 4k time-lapse film of the Aurora Borealis.

Aurora Reykjavík’s latest addition are virtual reality goggles featuring the world’s first 360°movie of aurora displays entirely shot in Iceland.

If you can’t catch the Northern Lights yourself, this utterly realistic experience is definitely the next best option to witness the beauty of this truly amazing phenomenon.

Capturing the Northern Lights with your own camera can be challenging, but, at Aurora Reykjavík, you get taught by the experts: bring your camera and try the right settings at the Northern Lights Photo Simulator.

In the exhibition you will find an entertaining selfie booth – have fun looking all fabulous under the Northern Lights!

For more information, see www.aurorareykjavik.is.

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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS Úngl

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION KORRIRÓ OG DILLIDÓ PICTURES OF FOLKLORE AND FAIRY TALES BY ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON

The exhibition Korriró og Dillidó offers an ideal opportunity for the entire family to experience the unique supernatural world of elves in their finery, and terrifying trolls, as depicted with passionate sincerity by Ásgrímur Jónsson. The emphasis is on the visitor’s own imagination – offering the opportunity to enjoy this aspect of the

R E Y K J AV I K ART MUSEUM K J A R VA L S S TA Ð I R Ólöf Nordal: Úngl

Ólöf Nordal (b. 1961) often references Icelandic folktales, national heritage and cultural motifs which she places in a modern context. She is also preoccupied with nature and our connection to the land. Ólöf studied textile art at The Icelandic College of Art and Crafts, and later in Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. In 1993, she graduated from the sculpture department of Yale University. In her work she attempts to explore and examine the structural material of mythical tales, she looks for things that fall outside the traditional framework and thus become a source of museums and religion. Ólöf‘s work often cast a new light on the events

of the present, as well as referencing both the past and the future.

Jóhannes S. Kjarval: Can’ t Draw a Harebell

The artist Eggert Pétursson (b.

1956) has assembled an exhibition of the floral works of Jóhannes S. Kjarval. Upon taking on this project for Reykjavík Art Museum, Eggert decided to examine the floral factor in Kjarval’s work and approach it from an artistic viewpoint.

According to Eggert, Kjarval’s flower works are more extensive than his own, Kjarval traverses all over. He does not limit himself to botany but paints and sketches flowers around him, be it ornamental plants, potted plants or wildflowers, and last but not least he paints the flora of the mind. Eggert resolved to categorise the works by their elements and figurative connection and display them as he would his own work.

His selection is intended to create a coherent exhibition rather than as a historical overview of Kjarval’s floral works.

FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec

Step into magic! The visual world of Icelandic folklore and fairy tales created by Ásgrímur Jónsson in his art is a truly enchanted realm. Elves, trolls and ghosts were given a clear form in Ásgrímur’s art. He first exhibited such pieces in Iceland in 1905. Ásgrímur’s works on folklore themes were well received; in the press, reviewers expressed delight that the folktale heritage was being addressed, for the first time, by an Icelandic artist.

cultural heritage, which can throw light upon the fears, dreams and desires of former generations – and their relationship with awe-inspiring Icelandic nature.

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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS

The sculpture garden at Sigtún is dedicated to the works by Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982). It is also the point where the exhibition Under the Same Sky extends its view to some of the numerous outdoor pieces that the late sculptor has created and installed in places around and outside Iceland. The works in the exhibition are more meditative in comparison to the outdoor sculptures: smaller in scale, made of different materials, and three-dimensional studies to the enlarged works that Ásmundur realised in the end.

FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec

R E Y K J AV I K A R T MUSEUM Á S M U N DA R S A F N

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Ásmundur Sveinsson: Under the Same Sky – Art in Public Spaces

Maó’s World Tour

Helgi Gíslason: Where the Boundaries Lie

Helgi Gíslason has many works of art in the public domain of the capital area, across the country and abroad.

The sculptures in this exhibition reflect outdoor pieces from different periods of his career. Gíslason has created works in a wide range of materials, highlighting the qualities of each and mastering their potential.

Metal, wood, glass, plaster and textiles are all as clay in his hands.

The works are strong in their form but their interpretation is fluid, alive and open. Time acts as a chisel remoulding the interpretation of the works so that each generation may approach them anew.

R E Y K J AV I K ART MUSEUM HAFNARHÚS Erró: Maó’s World Tour

The series Chinese Paintings is fiction, where the staging and the presence of Mao in various locations is a sarcastic reference to the wave of Maoism which seized groups of Western artists, intellectuals and politicians following the student riots in Paris in May 1968. The series objectifies both the utopian dream of the future and the fear of the Chinese Cultural

Art in Public Spaces

Revolution spreading around the world.

The Chinese Paintings made Erró famous internationally. The exhibition in Hafnarhús contains paintings, collages and engravings from the Reykjavík Art Museum’s collection.

SOMETHING from NOTHING: The Visual Realm of Magnús Pálsson Magnús Pálsson’s career has been remarkable for the breadth of his activities and his influence. As a teacher, he has had an immense effect on generations of artists. In

theater he has created innovative stage sets and experimental plays.

As a performance artist, Pálsson is unquestionably a pioneer. In visual art, he is a key player in the great changes that occurred in the field in the sixties and seventies. Revising the nature of artistic creation, a new imagery came about based on a critical stance towards art history up until then, but at the same time opening new ways to the future.

Pálsson introduced works that, in some ways, were in the spirit of fluxus, pop and conceptual art, but have proven to be quite unique.

THE STEAK HOUSE

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

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

When you visit us, remember to try our “28-day” tendered meat.

The heart of the place is a coal oven from Mibrasa, Spain. It is only fitting that we use coal for grilling and baking, since the building housed a blacksmith and metal works in years gone by.

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

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

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EVENTS

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM A Story Unfolds

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

Treasures of a Nation

WATER AND BLOOD

MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS

A variety of sculptures by Sigurjón Ólafsson, from his student years at the Royal Academy of the Arts in Copenhagen, till the year he died, 1982. Also to be seen are the sketches for some of his key works that have been enlarged and installed in public areas, e.g.

Footballers (LSÓ 247) erected in Akranes, Mask (LSÓ 011) at the Reykjavík City Theater and the Viking (LSÓ 162) which Sigurjón also carved in dolerite and stands in the front of the National Gallery of Iceland.

Water and Blood is a new video work by the Icelandic Love Corporation which seeks inspiration in the life and art of painter Ásgrímur Jónsson (1876-1958). In the work past meets present, as creativity, intuition and nature play an important role in an enigmatic world.

Treasures of a Nation

A Story Unfolds

foreign artists are still slightly more numerous than Icelandic artists.

SOLILOQUY

The National Gallery of Iceland holds a retrospective of the work of Jóhanna Kristín Yngvadóttir (19531991), who made a memorable entrance onto the Icelandic art scene in the early 1980s. Jóhanna Kristín‘s expressionistic works were received with enthusiasm, and critics were united in their

praise of the young artist, whose work was considered mature and refined. In her art, she expressed her internal and external emotional world with sincerity, with dynamic brushstrokes and colour planes; she made unsparing use of dark tones and brought out diverse symbolism, creating powerful works. The artist said of her work: “I deal with my interaction with people. People have the greatest effect, they cause joy and sadness.”

FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec

In the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland there are over eleven thousand works of various kinds, from various countries and from various periods. In the exhibition Treasures of a Nation a fair selection of works from the collection displays the evolution of art in Iceland from the early nineteenth century to our times.

The exhibition features the variety of media and styles distinguishing this short but eventful history. During the first decades, from 1884 to 1911, the collection was exclusively based on the generous donations of foreign artists, mostly Danish and other Scandinavians, but in the early 20th century Icelandic art became more prominent. Today only one of every ten works in the collection of the National Gallery is foreign despite the fact that

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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS

EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM This is a museum in the heart of Reykjavík that houses the work of Iceland’s first sculptor Einar Jónsson. The museum contains close to 300 artworks spanning a 60-year career: carvings from the artist’s youth, sculpture, paintings and drawings. A beautiful treeclad 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.

Einar Jónsson Museum

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART SVEINN K JARVAL

FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec

Exhibition of works by Svein Kjarval (1919-1981) opens at the Icelandic Design Museum on Saturday, November 2 at 16.

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The exhibition focuses on Svein’s important pioneering work in Iceland in the field of furniture and interior design for two decades (1950-1970). Then there were prevailing notions of modern and sensible housing, where furniture was, above all, simple, light and convenient and made from the materials that could be enjoyed without any decoration.

Sveinn was a prolific designer of modern-style interiors for shops, restaurants and public spaces, which has largely eradicated fashion swings and new requirements over time.

However, they are presented in the exhibition in contemporary photographs and preserved drawings. He was a popular interior designer and came up with designs for another hundred homes, but also drew furniture on order. Svein Kjarval’s furniture

Sveinn Kjarval

has withstood the test of time, but his policy has always been to maintain it “for a long time to come” and it is clear that his furniture from that time is still hidden in Icelandic homes and has contemporary appeal.

Svein’s furniture from the Museum of the Icelandic Design Museum is the main building block of the exhibition, while the museum also enjoys the

goodwill of individuals who lend works and the National Archives of Iceland on loan drawings. Sveinn usually devoted himself to the Icelandic material that existed - used almost exclusively Icelandic wool upholstery and fur on chairs and was probably one of the first to use Icelandic rock types in interior design in this country.

A source of health Thermal swi m m ing pools

Hot t ubs and jacuzzi

Saunas, steambat hs

The place to meet locals

Admission Adults 1000 isk. Children 160 isk.

Thermal pools and baths in Reykjavik are a source of health, relaxation and pureness.

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

Tel: +354 411 5000 www.spacity.is

Admission Feb. 2019. Price is subject to change

Reykjavík´s Thermal Pools

EVENTS

THE SET TLEMENT EXHIBITION The Set tlement Exhibition

Settlemen Exhibition

MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS

An open excavation where Viking ruins meet multimedia technology. Just below ground in downtown Reykjavík, this open excavation uncovers the city’s Viking Age history. Discovered during building work in 2001, these archaeological remains turned out to be the earliest evidence of human settlement in the city, with some dating to before AD 872. Careful excavation revealed a 10thcentury hall or longhouse, which is now preserved in its original location as the focal point of the exhibition. Interactive technology immerses you in the world of the Reykjavík farm at the time of the first settlers, including information on how Viking Age buildings were constructed and what life was like in the hall. The Settlement Exhibition is part of Reykjavík City Museum.

REYK JAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

The exhibition includes photographic- and videoworks by five Nordic contemporary photographers/artists: Bára Kristinsdóttir (Iceland) Johannes Samuelsson (Sweden) Miia Autio (Finland) Nanna Debois Buhl (Denmark) and Sandra Mujinga (Norway)

ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM

The works are characterised by social and/or political overtones; in the works ways are explored of visualising “encounters“ between subjects, thus drawing attention to major issues in social discourse today – whether immigration, changes to landand cityscapes, or local impacts of globalisation.

Árbær was an established farm well into the 20th century, and the museum opened there in 1957. Árbær is now an open air museum with more than 20 buildings which form a town square, a village and a farm.

Most of the buildings have been relocated from central Reykjavik.

Encounters

Árbær Open Air Museum tries to give a sense of the architecture and way of life and lifestyles of the past in Reykjavík and during summer visitors can see domestic animals. There are many exhibitions and events held at the Museum which highlight specific periods in Reykjavik’s history. These include craft days, vintage car displays, Christmas exhibitions and much more.

There is something for everyone at Árbær Open Air Museum.

FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec

Encounters – Nordic Photography Beyond Borders

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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec 72

T H E N AT I O N A L MUSEUM OF ICEL AND A Rainbow Thread

The Rainbow Guide is a queer guide to The National Museum of Iceland’s permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation – Heritage and History in Iceland. It deals with queer history in Iceland. The term queer refers to sex, gender and sexuality that don’t coincide with the traditions and customs of a particular time period, including people who would today be called trans, intersex, non-binary, or homo-, bi-, pan- or asexual. The Rainbow Guide is created by The National Museum of Iceland and Samtökin ‘78, The National Queer Organization of Iceland, to mark Samtökin’s 40 year anniversary.

A pamphlet and an audio guide in English and Icelandic takes museum guests through the exhibition and sheds a light on various queer sides of Icelandic history and nationality.

The Making of a Nation Heritage and History in Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland’s permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation – Heritage and History in Iceland, is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the settlement to the present day. The aim is to cast light on the Icelanders’ past by placing the cultural heritage preserved by the National Museum in a historical context, guided by the question: what makes a nation? The exhibition includes about 2,000 objects, dating from the Settlement Age to the present, as well as about 1,000 photographs from the 20th century.

The exhibition is conceived as a journey through time: it begins with the ship in which medieval settlers crossed the ocean to their new home, it ends in a modern airport, the Icelanders’ gateway to the world..

Making of a Nation

Discovering Iceland’s Monasteries

The exhibition is based on research done by Steinunn Kristjánsdóttir, professor of archaeology at the University of Iceland and the National Museum of Iceland. The research aimed at finding clues on monastic activities in Iceland from the foundation of the earliest one in 1030 to the dissolution of the last in 1554.

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Ingólfsstræti 3, 101 Reykjavík | Tel: 552-0070 | danski.is Ingólfsstræti 3, 101 Reykjavík | Tel: 552-0070 | danski.is

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Punk Museum

C U LT U R E H O U S E Points of view

This exhibition gives visitors the chance to delve into the collections of six different cultural institutions.

A unique journey through Iceland’s visual legacy, offering an innovative guide to a nation’s cultural history.

MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS

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

EVENTS

THE ICEL ANDIC PUNK MUSEUM

Points of View

Open every day 11:00 - 22:00 | Lækjargata 4 | 101 Reykjavík | jomfruin.is

FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec

Welcome to Jómfrúin, the home of Danish smørrebrød in Reykjavik. It all began in 1888 with Oscars Davidsen’s highly praised smørrebrød restaurant in Copenhagen. An unbroken tradition of quality and Danish culinary culture for the past 100 years. Enjoy!

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ART & CULTURE

ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM REYK JAVÍK CIT Y MUSEUM Reykjavík’s only open air museum, where you can stroll through the past and experience the way we lived Fun, fascinating and full of surprises, this living museum takes you on a journey through time.

Guided tours at 13:00 all year round.

Kistuhylur, Reykjavík 411-6304 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 13-17

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

REYKJAVIK MARITIME MUSEUM

REYK JAVÍK CIT Y MUSEUM An open excavation where Viking ruins meet digital technology Just below ground in downtown Reykjavík, this open excavation uncovers the city’s Viking Age history. Guided tours on weekdays in February at 11:00.

REYK JAVÍK CIT Y MUSEUM A harbour museum exploring Iceland’s dramatic relationship with the sea.

The survival of a nation depended on generations of brave fishermen heading into the unknown. Exhibitions and artefacts bring our ocean history to life. Guided tours of Óðinn Coast Guard Vessel: 13:00, 14:00 & 15:00.

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

Grandagarður 8, Reykjavík | 411-6340 www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM

HAFNARBORG

FREE ENTRY Looking for a place to hang out, browse the internet, get access to Wi-Fi or meet the Reykjavik locals? Then Reykjavik City Library is the perfect place to visit.

Have a seat and dip into the latest magazine or relax while checking out their great selection of books.

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

FREE ENTRY Hafnarborg has a collection of Icelandic art and regular exhibitions presenting leading Icelandic and international artists. Collection exhibitions are a regular part of the program. Around exhibitions are workshops and guided tours.

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

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

Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður 585-5790 | www.hafnarborg.is Hours: Wed-Mon 12-17

VIÐEY ISLAND

WHALES OF ICELAND

REYK JAVÍK CIT Y MUSEUM An island, where art, history and nature lie just beyond the city shore The combination of stunning views, historical ruins and contemporary art pieces make Viðey island something special. Just a short boat-ride takes you to another world. Ferry Schedule: Weekends only.

An exhibition in Reykjavík consisting of 23 life-size whale models - fun to touch and explore.

Learn more about whales with indepth multimedia and interactive information displays, videos and audio guide in several languages mixed with soothing whale sounds and underwater ambient lighting.

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Viðey Reykjavik 411-6356. www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

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

REYKJAVIK CITY LIBRARY

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THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION

REYK JAVÍK CIT Y MUSEUM Reflecting the contemporary, while archiving the past – this is Reykjavík’s home of photography. Reykjavík’s main photography museum offers an ongoing programme of contemporary and historical exhibitions, and an onscreen archive of thousands of images from the past.

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

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NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR A sight not to be missed!

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Airport Transfers The Flybus operates in connection with all arriving & departing flights at Keflavík International Airport.

All flights Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík City and/or vice versa

45 min

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NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM

Iceland's leading art museum, established in 1884. Its collection consists mainly of 19th, 20th and 21st century art. The National Gallery possesses a coherent array of Icelandic works and a fine collection of international art. Together they constitute around 11.000 items.

Offers a state-of-the-art exhibitions on the cultural history of Iceland.

The permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History of Iceland, gives a comprehensive picture of Iceland’s cultural history through the ages to the present day.

A museum that Icelandic sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson’s wife founded as a tribute to his life and work in 1984.

She had his studio in Laugarnes converted to an exhibition space to house his collection of works, including sculptures, sketches, drawings and biographical material.

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

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

Laugarnestangi 70 553-2906 | www.lso.is Hours: Tue-Sun 13-17

THE ICELANDIC PHALLOLOGICAL MUSEUM

One of the pioneers of Icelandic art and the first Icelander to take up painting professionally. Having died in 1958, he bequeathed all his works, as well as his studio home to the Icelandic nation.

Probably the most unique museum you’ll visit on your trip, the Icelandic Phallological Museum is a one of a kind. Here you’ll find a collection of more than two hundred penises and penile part belonging to almost all land and sea mammals that can be found in Iceland.

The Northern Lights Center, Aurora Reykjavik, allows you to experience the Northern Lights in a completely different way, both if you saw them, but as well if they escaped you while in Iceland. The centre features information, education and of course stunning visuals of the elusive lights that’ll get your heart racing.

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

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

PERLAN

VOLCANO HOUSE

This peculiar building, built on top of six water tanks on a hill overlooking the city, houses two exhibitions, The Wonders of Iceland and Water in Icelandic Nature. In addition, Perlan has a recently-opened planetarium, a great restaurant, and an observation deck with a 360¨view of the city and its surrounding nature.

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

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIER ART

Varmahlíð 1, Reykjavík 566-9000 | www.perlan.is Hours: 9-19

Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavík 555-1900 | www.volcanohouse.is Hours: Daily 9-22

AURORA REYKJAVIK

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

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION

Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík 515-9625 www.listasafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 13-17

ART & CULTURE

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

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ART & CULTURE

KJARVALSSTAÐIR

ÁSMUNDARSAFN

HAFNARHÚS

Mainly devoted to paintings and sculpture by well established Icelandic and international artists. Kjarvalsstaðir offers a permanent exhibition of key works by one of Iceland’s most beloved landscape painters, Jóhannes S. Kjarval, as well as changing exhibitions that explore various thematic and historical aspects of Icelandic art.

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

The old harbour warehouse, Hafnarhús, offers a progressive exhibition program with local and international contemporary artists. The work of current notables, art canons and newcomers are presented in six galleries. Hafnarhús is also home to the works of Erró (b. 1932), a significant player in the international pop art scene.

Flókagata 24, Reykjavík 411-6420 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17

Sigtún, Reykjavík 411-6430 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 13-17

Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavík 411-6400 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17, Thu 10-22

GLJÚFRASTEINN LAXNESS MUSEUM

THE NUMISMATIC MUSEUM

THE LIVING ART MUSEUM

FREE ENTRY A selection from the numismatic collection is on display on the ground floor of the Central Bank’s main building in Kalkofnsvegur 1, Reykjavík.

An active exhibition space that has organized many exciting exhibitions throughout the years. They put an emphasis on introducing young Icelandic artists, as well as showcasing work by better-known Icelandic and foreign modern and contemporary artists.

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.

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

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

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

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The Marshall House Grandagarður 20, Reykjavík 551-4350 | www.nylo.is Hours: Tue-Sun 12-18, Thu 12-21

GERÐARSAFN

THE CULTURE HOUSE

THE NORDIC HOUSE

A progressive modern art museum in Kópavogur, dedicated to sculptor Gerður Helgadóttir; the only museum in Iceland dedicated to a woman. Its collection consists of more than 1400 works by Gerður, as well as the works of the most celebrated Icelandic artists of the 20th and 21st century.

Artifacts and works of art from the varied collections of six institutions provide a reflection of Iceland’s visual art history and cultural heritage in the exhibition Points of View, a journey through the Icelandic visual world of past and present.

Iceland maintains strong ties to other Nordic countries, and the center of this cooperation is the Nordic House, designed by acclaimed Finnish architect Alvar Aalto in 1968. The Nordic House is the venue if you want to enjoy the best of Icelandic culture as well as experiencing rich culture of the Nordic countries.

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

Hverfisgata 15, Reykjavík 530-2210 | www.culturehouse.is Hours: Daily 10-17

Sturlugata 5, Reykjavík 551-7030 | www.nordice.is Hours: Sun-Tue 10-16, Wed-Sat 9-21

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SHRED ICELAND Hit the slopes at Bláfjöll, Iceland’s largest skiing area, close to Reykjavík.

Don’t have a car? The city bus will drop you at Bláfjöll’s front door. Need equipment? You bring the adrenaline, we’ll take care of the rest.

OPENING HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO WEATHER CONDITIONS

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Adult prices start at ISK 2050.

Downhill, boarding, cross-country and some fine après-ski refreshments.

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12 TÓNAR

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

The Icelandic music scene is extraordinarily vibrant, considering the size of the nation. Is there a better souvenir to take home than music from your new favourite Icelandic musician? This shop is a friendly place where you can sit down, listen to a selection of music, enjoy a free espresso, read magazines, or browse their juicy collection of rock literature.

Hafnartorg, Reykjavík 511-1900 | www.michelsen.is

Skólavörðustíg 15, Reykjavík 511-5656 | www.12tonar.is

GEYSIR HOME

FLÓ OG FRANSÍ

GEYSIR

The Geysir stores have been selling beautifully designed clothes for years but the recently opened Geysir Home focuses on quality design items for the home, everything from candles and linens to ceramics and posters by Icelandic artists. Don’t miss the downstairs art & design gallery, Kjallarinn.

Fló og fransí is a cosy shoestore right off Laugavegur main street. It has quickly become a go-to store for shoe addicts in Reykjavík. The store has one of the best children’s shoe selection in the country, along with shoes in all shapes and size for adults.

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.

Klapparstíg 44, Reykjavík

Skólavörðustíg 7, Reykjavík Skólavörðustíg 16, Reykjavík 519-6000 | www.geysir.com

EPAL

KRINGLAN

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.

Epal’s goal is increase Icelanders interest and respect for fine design by introducing and providing top quality design products from all over the world, particularly Scandinavia. Epal has always been very supportive of Icelandic designers and done what they can to help them promote their design around the world.

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

Borgartún 31, Reykjavík Skólavörðustígur 19, Reykjavík 552-1890 | www.handknit.is

Laugavegur 70, Skeifan 6, Kringlan & Harpa Reykjavik, Keflavík Airport 568-7740 | www.epal.is

Kringlan 4-12, Reykjavík 517-9000 www.kringlan.is

Skólavörðustígur 8 and Laugavegur 23 (our new shop) 832-0567 | www.mjukiceland.com

Skólavörðustígur 12, Reykjavík 519-6033 | geysir.com

THE HANDKNITTING ASSOCIATION OF ICELAND

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

MICHELSEN

MJÚK means SOFT in Icelandic.

SOFT TEXTURES, MODERN DESIGN, ICELANDIC SPIRIT...

Local family, who design, produce and sell stylish blankets, hats and scarves from the purest country in the world. Get special shopping experience and meet the designers at:

SHOPPI NG & ST Y LE

MJÚK ICELAND

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SHOPPI NG & ST Y LE

ANNA MARÍA DESIGN

HRÍM

LITTLE CHRISTMAS SHOP

For over twenty years, jewelry designer Anna Maria has created her things of gold and silver, a design that is both pure and timeless.

Exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship create the elegant simplicity that shines through Anna Maria’s products.

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

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

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

Laugavegur 8, Reykjavík 552-2412

LISTVINAHÚSIÐ

FARMERS MARKET

METAL DESIGN

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

Unique handmade ceramics, Viking masks and various ceramic potteries decorated with lava, made

by Gudmundur Einarsson. Located right next to Hallgrímskirkja and the statue of “Leif the Lucky”.

An Icelandic design company and clothing brand, founded in 2005 by a young artist couple, designer Bergthora Gudnadottir and musician Jóel Pálsson.

With strong ties to the vibrant Icelandic music and design scene, the Farmers Market design concept and inspiration draws from Icelandic roots, combining classic Nordic design elements with chic modernity.

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

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

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

Skólavörðustígur 43, Reykjavík 551-2850 | www.listvinahusid.is

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Laugavegur 37, Reykjavík 552-1965 | www.farmersmarket.is

Skólavörðustígur 2. Reykjavik 552-5445 www.MetalDesignReykjavik.is

JÖKLA

SMÁRALIND

CINTAMANI

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

With over 90 shops and businesses spread over three floors, Smáralind is Iceland’s largest shopping centre.

Located only a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík, there’s a great selection of famous brands at the mall, as well as local labels. With plenty of food options available, from restaurants to bakeries, coffee shops to ice cream parlours, you will not go hungry while shopping.

Nowhere in the populated world does the weather change as fast, or as often as here. Thus Icelandic designers have to meet the requirements of consumers who have to go out all year long in harsh conditions. That‘s where the label Cintamani comes to the rescue. Their goal is to keep us warm, dry and comfortable, whatever the weather may bring.

Laugavegur 90, Reykjavík 696-6604

Hagasmári 1, Kópavogur 528-8000 | www.smaralind.is

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavík 533-3800 | www.cintamani.is

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OUTDOOR AREA DART BOARD

Austurstræti 12 | 101 Reykjavík | Tel: 578-0400 | enskibarinn.is | info@enskibarinn.is

LEBOWSKI BAR

MICROBAR

A sports bar named in honour of commentator Gummi Ben; internet famous for his commentating on Iceland’s 2-1 victory over England in EURO 2016. The décor is fancy, while you’ll find a beer specially brewed for the place as well as a selection of sports bar grub.

If you are visiting Iceland for the first time then you must stop by the Lebowski Bar. Open every day from 11AM, happy hour from 4-7PM, food served until 10PM, Quiz every Thursday (free entry), live sport events on 5 HD screens and Reykjavik nightlife every Friday & Saturday.

Beer enthusiasts look no further!

In a cellar underneath Restaurant Reykjavík, just off Ingólfstorg square, you will find Micro Bar. This ambitious bar serves only beer from microbreweries! Carrying an impressive 140 different kinds of beers from all over the world, this is definitely the go-to place for beer fans.

Tryggvagata 22, Reykjavík

Laugavegur 20a, Reykjavík 552-2300 www.lebowski.is

Vesturgata 2, Reykjavík

DRUNK RABBIT

PORT 9

VEÐUR

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

Port 9 wine bar is a hidden gem just off the main shopping street. Serving selected wines and a unique blend of appetizers made with the freshest seasonal ingredients, Port 9 is one of the best spots in the city to stop by for a glass of quality wine in a relaxed atmosphere.

This cozy little bar is named after the Icelandic word for weather, Icelanders’ conversation topic of choice in most situations. Offering a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, Veður is a great spot for hanging out with friends, and the large windows make it ideal for people-watching over a drink.

Austurstræti 3, Reykjavík 553-1041

Veghúsastígur 9, Reykjavík 897-8212 www.port9.is

Klapparstígur 33, Reykjavík www.vedurbarinn.is

KIKI - QUEER BAR

PABLO DISCOBAR

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

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

Cocktails, dancing, and a tropical atmosphere, what more can you ask for? Climb up a flight or two of stairs from the central Ingólfstorg square and you’ll find Pablo Discobar, one of the best places in town to get a cocktail and dance the night away.

Laugavegur 22 www.kiki.is

Veltusund 1, Reykjavík 55-7333 www.discobar.is

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

LOFT HOSTEL

Bankastræti 7, Reykjavík 553-8140

PUBS & NI GHTLI FE

GUMMI BEN BAR

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PUBS & NI GHTLI FE

THE IRISHMAN PUB

KALDI BAR

AMERICAN BAR

A new addition to the thriving pub & bar culture in Reykjavík. Happy hour every day from 12PM to 7PM! Guests can enjoy a game of darts, listen to live music Thursday to Sunday evenings, spin the wheel of fortune and you can even book a private karaoke room! Sláinte.

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

Klapparstígur 27, Reykjavík 581-2020 www..irishman.is

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavík 581-2200

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.

PETERSEN SVÍTAN

MIAMI

DEN DANSKE KRO

Built in 1926 as an apartment, the Petersen Suite is one of Reykjavík’s hidden gems. Take the elevator up to the third floor above the historic Gamla Bíó concert hall to reveal an elegant bar with one of Reykjavík’s best views. On sunny days, you need to get there early, the sunny patio fills up quickly!

The 80s style cocktail bar Miami is colourfully decorated on Hverfisgata.

Downstairs, you’ll find a ping pong stadium where punters can take on challengers. Miami comes alive at night when the colours pop out, such as the neon-lit bar. There are G&T and Cuba Libre on tap and try to find the Möet switch for all your champagne needs.

This homey pub with a Danish theme is popular among locals.

Happy hour every day from 4-7pm and live music with talented Icelandic musicians every night.

Beer bingo every month and other fun events! Located in the heart of the city centre.

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

Ingólfsstræti 2a 3rd floor, Reykjavík 563-4000 | www.ktf.is

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Hverfisgata 33, Reykjavík 699-1250

Austurstræti 8, Reykjavík 571-9999

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

KAFFIBARINN

CLUB SÓLON

THE ENGLISH PUB

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

Every Friday and Saturday night the newly established Club Sólon is booming with music, dancing, cocktails and drinks on two floors until 4AM in the morning. Start your evening on the cozy 1st floor lounge area with 2-for-1 cocktails and then dance the night away with the local crowd.

A popular pub in city centre. The English Pub offers happy hour every day from 4-7pm, live music every night, wheel of fortune and all major sport events are shown on 6 HD screens. Special events: Open Mic Tuesday, Guinness Thursday and Whisky Sunday.

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

Bankastræti 7a, Reykjavík 562-3232

Austurstræti 12, Reykjavík 578-0400 facebook.com/enskibarinn

Tasty Local Cuisine by the old harbour NÝLENDUGATA 14, 101 REYKJAVIK

3 COURSE FESTIVE MENU F R O M N OV E M B E R 15 T H

6.950 kr.

FESTIVE PLATTER salmon gravlax, marinated herring, wild goose breast, smoked lamb carpaccio DUCK LEG CONFIT

——— 2018 ———

I C E L A N D I C R E S TA U R A N T & B A R Table Reservations: +354 517-1800 - www.forrettabarinn.is

DESSERT À LA CARTE

W E L C O M E

O N

B O A R D !

Elevate your encounter with Iceland!

Amazing helicopter tours around Iceland for individuals or groups.

You can choose from a 20 minutes city sightseeing tour up to a whole day journey and everything in between.

Our service team is on duty 24/7 and will happily assist you at any time.

Check out our tours and prices on our website.

www.rh.is ¡ (+345) 589 1000 ¡ info@rh.is

NAUTHÓLL

GRANDI MATHÖLL

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

Looking out over the Nauthólsvík beach, this charming Scandinavianinspired bistro is the perfect oasis from the stress of the everyday.

Whether you’re there for a light lunch, a glass of wine on a sunny afternoon, a cup of hot coffee on a cold one, or a lovely dinner with a loved one, Nauthóll is the place to go.

Grandi Mathöll is a must visit for foodies. Situated in the hip Grandi area, the European style food hall has everything from fresh salmon ceviche to Vietnamese spring rolls and Korean tacos. Right next door is one of Iceland’s busiest harbours, and visitors can see a feed of live ship arrivals.

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

Nauthólsvegi 106, 101 Reykjavík 599-6660 | www.nautholl.is

Grandagarður 16, Reykjavík 577-6200 | www.grandimatholl.is

JOE & THE JUICE

THE ICELANDIC BAR

THE LAUNDROMAT CAFE

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.

Situated right downtown in Austurstræti, Laundromat houses laundry facilities and a familyfriendly environment. A spacious recreational room downstairs will keep your children busy while you’re chomping on the bistro menu.

Whether it’s brunch, board games or beer you’re looking for, Laundromat should have you covered.

Laugavegur 10, Reykjavík; Smáralind, Kringlan, World Class Laugum, Keflavík Airport www.joeandthejuice.is

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

Austurstræti 9, Reykjavík

KAFFITÁR

SPÁNSKI BARINN

Italian restaurant Hornið is a Reykjavík restaurant institution at this point, having opened in 1979.

Situated in downtown Reykjavík, it was the first Italian restaurant in town and is as strong as ever. Expect fresh pizza, made right in front of the guests in the open kitchen. The cozy place is also a decent spot for people watching, with its large windows.

A chain of cafés and espresso bars with over 30 years of experience in serving and roasting high-quality coffee. They operate cafés in 7 locations in Iceland, promising a highly knowledgeable staff and a great cup of coffee procured in a responsible and fair way.

Situated just off Laugavegur, the Spanish style bodega Spánski barinn offers fresh tapas and a quality wine selection. In a dim and cosy basement, guests can enjoy a quality happy hour chock full of wines from Tempranillo to Rioja, as well as a house red on tap.

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

Ingólfsstræti 8, Reykjavík 832-8881

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

HORNIÐ

Hafnarstræti 15, Reykjavík 551-3340 www.hornid.is

WI NI NG & DI NI NG

THE STEAK HOUSE

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WI NI NG & DI NI NG

FORRÉTTABARINN

TE OG KAFFI

JÓMFRÚIN

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

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

An open-sandwich restaurant in the Danish tradition offering authentic Danish smørrebrød along with a selection of hot dishes. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city centre and seats 80 guests. It is a popular lunch venue, especially with people from the business sector.

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

Laugavegur 27, Reykjavík 527-2880 www.teogkaffi.is

Lækjargata 4, Reykjavík 551-0100 www.jomfruin.is

KRYDD RESTAURANT

SÓLON BISTRO & BAR

EARLY IN THE MORNING

KRYDD is an à la carte restaurant that offers a dinner and lunch menu, along with appetizers and a state of the art cocktailbar. On sundays, it offers a brunch buffet between 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

Sólon offers seafood, lamb, salmon, salads, hamburgers and juicy steaks, as well as a delicious fish of the day. Sólon resides in a beautiful old building on the main shopping street with high & wide windows, perfect for people watching! Local beer, wine, coffee, cocktails, and Black Death are served at Sólon Bistro & Bar.

BREAKFAST Early in the Morning is the perfect start to your day, whether you're going hiking on a volcano or just strolling around Reykjavík. This breakfast/brunch spot is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, so stop by for a tasty breakfast in a relaxing atmosphere!

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

Hafnarborg, Strandgötu 34, Hafnarfjörður www.kryddveitingahus.is Open: M-T 11-23, F-S, 11-01, S 11-23

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HLEMMUR MATHÖLL Hlemmur Mathöll is a European style food hall featuring global delicacies alongside tasty Icelandic dishes. A former bus station, Hlemmur is now the new home for gourmands and fast food lovers alike in Reykjavík.

Hlemmur brims with life on both weekends and weekdays alike, so head on down to see what the fuzz is about.

Laugavegur, Reykjavík 787-6200 | www.hlemmurmatholl.is

Bankastræti 7a, Reykjavík 562-3232 | www.solon.is

REYKJAVÍK MEAT STEAKHOUSE

Veghúsastígur 7-9, Reykjavík 695-1021 Open daily 07:00-10:00

BÆJARINS BEZTU

As the name suggests, Reykjavík Meat is the city’s newest new steakhouse. The food is cooked over coals giving it a delicious flavour, and crowning their menu is the award-winning sashi marbled beef.

They also offer seafood, lamb and vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as delicious cocktails!

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur literally means The Town’s Best Hot Dogs. A must try while visiting, it is the perfect onthe-go food. We dare you to time the hot dog artists at Bæjarins Beztu after you order ‘ein með öllu’ (one with everything). They are incredibly quick to make a concoction of raw onions, fried onions, ketchup, remoulade, Icelandic mustard and the dog itself.

Frakkastígur 8, Reykjavík 557-7665 | www.rvkmeat.is

Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík 511-1566 | www.bbp.is

Experience the amazing LangjĂśkull glacier from the inside A rare, once in a lifetime opportunity

ykjavĂ­k e R d n a r te n e c ll fe m HĂşsa Daily departures fro

Find us:

#intotheglacier www.intotheglacier.is

WHERE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON DISPLAY

MULTIMEDIA EXHIBITION

TOUR BOOKING Grandagarður 2 | 101 Reykjavík Tel: +354 780 4500

MOVIE THEATER

GIFT SHOP AND GALLERY

open daily 09:00 - 21:00

www.aurorareykjavik.is

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

LÆKJARBREKKA

THE LOBSTER HOUSE

One of Iceland’s most treasured restaurants has made a comeback.

The Italian delicacies of La Primavera are here to stay. Situated in the Marshall building, a former fishing warehouse, the building is also home to an art gallery, an art studio and the Living Art Museum.

This elegant Icelandic bistro in the heart of the city centre serves delicious food from Icelandic ingredients in a historic environment.

A light lunch or a delicious dinner is perfectly accompanied by people watching in this lovely old building, part of the oldest street façade in Reykjavík.

If you want to enjoy gourmet French cuisine with a nordic twist, then The Lobsterhouse is the right place for you. Our langoustine, “the Icelandic lobster“, is widely know for it’s great taste and one of our most favourable dishes. Dining at The Lobsterhouse is an experience full of warmth and history.

Bankastræti 2, Reykjavík 551-4430 www.laekjarbrekka.is

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

KOPAR

GRILLHÚSIÐ

BREWDOG

Kopar is a restaurant by the old harbour in Reykjavik which has an emphasis on adventure and experience in a brasserie setting.

Their menu is composed of various locally sourced ingredients from sea and land, and aims to give you a taste of Iceland in a single evening.

A fun restaurant, with the look and feel of an American Diner.

Reasonably priced, offering delicious food and a very good service, you‘ll definitely get great value for your money here. They put a special emphasis on using only high quality ingredients, making for a terrific meal.

Hop lovers, rejoice! UK’s Craft Beer Phenomenon just opened a bar and restaurant in downtown Reykjavik, located at the corner of Hverfisgata and Frakkastigur. Featuring 20 taps including BrewDog’s headliners, seasonals and one off brews as well as great local Icelandic craft beers.

Highly impressive food menu and a very cosy atmosphere.

Grandagarður 20, Reykjavík 519-7766 www.laprimavera.is

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

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

Frakkastígur 8, Reykjavík www.brewdog.com

FISH COMPANY

BRAUÐ & CO

Bryggjan Brugghús is lively restaurant/ brewery, featuring fresh Icelandic brews and an ambitious menu. Whether you are looking for seafood or some quality pub grub, Bryggjan has something for you. If you are a beer enthusiast, you can also hop on a brewery tour.

Quality, fusion and fun are the Fish Company’s main characteristics.

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

Head out to Brauð & Co. to get your hands on the scrumptious sourdough bread and tasty cinnamon buns. The early bird gets the worm, so don't be late! Keep in mind that the queue can get quite long, but it's well worth it.

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

Opens early, closes at 18:00.

Frakkastígur 16, Reykjavík Hlemmur Mathöll, Reykjavík Fákafen 11, Reykjavík www.braudogco.is

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

BRYGGJAN BRUGGHÚS

Grandagarður 8, Reykjavík 456-4040 | www.bryggjanbrugghus.is

WI NI NG & DI NI NG

LA PRIMAVERA

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PRACTI CAL I NFORMATI ON

IF YOU NEED MORE INFO, CONTACT INFO@WHATSON.IS

H O W T O ...

GET TO THE AIRPORT

Find more information on www.whatson.is

Iceland’s international airport is located in Keflavík, about 50km from Reykjavík. If you rent a car or take a cab, it will take about 45 minutes to get to Reykjavík. A cheaper but just as reliable option is taking a bus to and from the airport. They connect to flights and will drop you off or pick you up at bus stops close to your accommodation in Reykjavík.

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GET MONEY

Iceland has its own currency, the Icelandic króna (ISK). It’s best to get króna at any bank (open monday to friday, 9-4), including the one at the Keflavík International Airport (open 24/7). You can either exchange money or go to an ATM to get cash. You don’t need piles of cash, though, as credit card and debit card payments are widely accepted in Iceland.

PARK IN THE CIT Y CENTRE

There are different parking zones which charge different rates. Look for a parking sign (a big P on a blue and white sign) indicating zones 1-4. Look for the nearest black terminal to pay, with cash or card. Street parking is limited so consider parking in one of the many parking garages in the city centre.

MAKE CALLS

Getting an Icelandic SIM card is easy, you can get them at the airport, phone companies, and of course the What’s On tourist information centre at Laugavegur 5.

TAKE THE BUS

Strætó is the Icelandic bus company, and their yellow buses are easy to spot around the city. You can only buy a ticket on the bus if you have the exact amount in cash. Tickets can also be bought in 10-11 supermarkets, What’s On and by using the free Strætó app, which also has the latest bus schedules.

GO SWIMMING

There are 18 swimming pools in the capital area and if you have the time, you should try them all.

Swimming is great, but don’t miss relaxing in the hot tubs – this is where the community gathers and socialises. If you haven’t packed a bathing suit, you can rent one at the pool.

If you need any more information or want to book a tour while you’re in Reykjavík, visit What’s On at Laugavegur 5 or contact us at info@whatson.is.

VOLCANO & EARTHQUAKE EXHIBITION The Gateway to Iceland’s Most Active Volcanic Area

The Lava Centre

The creation of Iceland

Earthquake simulator

A world class exhibition on volcanoes and earthquakes surrounded by active volcanoes.

Learn how and why Iceland hosts so many volcanic eruptions.

Feel what it’s like when the ground starts to shake and rumble.

MORE INFO AND TICKETS AT

Open every day

Follow us on

www.lavacentre.is

9:00 - 19:00

social media

Iceland Volcano & Earthquake Centre Austurvegur 14, Hvolsvöllur · South Iceland

Meet some of Iceland’s finest designers Epal Harpa / Epal Skeifan 6 / Epal Design Kringlan / Epal Icelandic Design Laugavegi 70

www.epal.is

THE ORIGINAL

NORTHERN LIGHTS BY BOAT

AL SO

TR Y

W

HA

LE

W AT CH

IN

G

FROM REYKJAVIK

WE GO THE EXTRA MILE BOOK NOW

+354-560-8800

GOLD-CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL UMHVERFISFLOKKUN

specialtours.is

CERTIFIED TRAVEL SERVICE VIÐURKENND FERÐAÞJÓNUSTA

info@specialtours.is

Skólavörðustígur & Kringlan, Reykjavík.

Hafnarstræti, Akureyri. Haukadalur. Geysir.com.