April 2020
in Reykjavík
Reykjavík’s leading guide to information, events, museums and galleries since 1982
The Settlement Exhibition
Step into the Viking Age Open daily 09:00–18:00 Aðalstræti 16 101 Reykjavík www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is
Looking for more? The What’s On Iceland tourist information and booking centres are located in downtown ReykjavĂk. Visit us at the start of your journey or contact us throughout it. www.whatson.is
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CONTENT LIST What’s On Reykjavík City Map
FROM THE EDITOR 6-49 50-51
Events 54-76 Art & Culture
77-81
Shopping & Style
82-85
Pubs & Nightlife
86-89
Wining & Dining
90-95
Practical Info
96-97
Welcome to Iceland. We’re a bit further north than most places, so spring usually arrives a little later here than it does in the countries around us. A lot later, in fact. But when it does, it’s just the best feeling. The days are getting warmer, they’re already growing longer, and it’s not long until the midnight sun gives you the energy you need to go on adventures all day long and party all night. April is that sweet spot just in between. In essence, it’s cold enough that you can go skiing and dark enough that you can catch the last glimpse of the northern lights before the midnight sun starts outshining them, but still spring enough that nature is beginning to wake up and it’s warm enough to go horseback riding. The oldest official holiday in Iceland is the First Day of Summer. It’s always a Thursday sometime in late March, and it used to be such a big deal that centuries before Christmas or birthday gifts were a thing, people used to give kids small presents to celebrate the return of spring. Hope you have a great time in Iceland and happy summer! Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir What’s On Editor
What’s On Information Centre, Laugavegur 5.
WHAT’S ON — VOLUME 38 — ISSUE 4
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 Reykjavík: Friðrik Bjarnason
Editor: Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir, greta@whatson.is
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WHAT‘S ON IN REYKJAVÍK is published monthly, covering events and happenings in and around Reykjavík. Opinions expressed in WHAT‘S ON IN ReykjavÍk are those of the individual authors. While every effort has been made to ensure the information presented is accurate, prices, times, dates and other information may be subject to change.
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THE WHAT’S ON CHECKLIST April is a great month to visit Iceland. It’s the last month to see the northern lights before it starts getting too bright, and April usually boasts some excellent conditions for skiing! Here are some ideas on how to spend this April in Iceland.
Acquaint yourself with local music (we recommend GDRN, Ásgeir, and Auður).
Go skiing or snowboarding at the Bláfjöll ski resort, just 25 minutes from Reykjavík!
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Celebrate the First Day of Summer on April 25 by eating ice cream, just
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like Icelanders do!
Try a couple of local Easter beers! Join a horseback riding tour through Icelandic nature. Go on a whale safari from Reykjavík harbour. Be on the lookout for minke whales, humpback whales, and dolphins!
Celebrate Easter by devouring a huge candy-filled chocolate Easter egg. Visit your local bookstore for a taste of some Icelandic literature! While you’re checking things off the list, we encourage you to take photos, and tag them with #whatsonrvk, of course!
Glacier Walks FROM REYKJAVÍK, SÓLHEIMAJÖKULL & SKAFTAFELL
Your Adventure Travel Expert in Iceland Snowmobiles on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
Book online or call our sales office 08:00 - 17:00.
ATV’s on Black Sand Beaches with a visit to the Plane Wreck
M O U N TA I N G U I D E S. I S • I N FO @ M O U N TA I N G U I D E S. I S • T E L : + 3 5 4 5 8 7 9 9 9 9
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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.
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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
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WHAT DID HE DO?
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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. 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.
ICELAND’S SECRET TO HEALTHY LIVING
HIGH PROTEIN – FAT FREE
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101 REYKJAVÍK WHAT IS IT?
101 is just the postal code for the downtown area of Reykjavík Through the years, however, 101 Reykjavík has gained some deep-rooted cultural connotations as well. In that sense, 101 Reykjavík is a way of life. In the eternal struggle between city life and country life, 101 Reykjavík has become synonymous with an intellectual, artistic type, that drinks a lot of Italian coffee drinks (specifically café latté) and wears scarves. WHY IS THAT?
Well, the centre of Reykjavík has a history of being home to people that like to think they know more than the rest of Iceland. Not only have the rulers of Reykjavík and Iceland always lived and worked there, but some of Iceland’s oldest and most respected schools are also there, including Iceland’s University. When you have a tiny piece of land that has historically attracted people that want to rule the rest of Iceland, or at least know more than them, it’s bound to cause some resentment. Hallgrímur Helgason’s book 101 Reykjavík and the movie based on the book also helped to solidify the reputation of people in 101 Reykjavík as hopeless dreamers that never
do an honest day’s work and spend their nights partying. I suppose it’s up to you to decide if that’s a negative or positive stereotype. HOW IS IT?
101 Reykjavík is still the centre of Iceland’s capital and as such, has plenty of things to see, do, eat and drink. There’s plenty of historical buildings, museums, galleries, shops, restaurants and as stated before, the district has the highest café to building ratio in all of Iceland. If you’re staying in Reykjavík, you must visit 101 Reykjavík. In fact, you could have a perfectly nice vacation (or a life) never leaving 101 Reykjavík at all.
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BEST WHALE WATCHING SPOTS AROUND ICELAND Do you want to have a whale of a time? Then go on a whale safari while you’re in Iceland! The waters around Iceland are the natural habitat of these gentle giants, so this is the perfect place to spot them. Baleen whales are a migratory species, and most travel long distances to tropical waters in winter and back to polar regions in summer. The best season for whale watching in Iceland is therefore between April and October. Going on a whale watching tour and actively searching for whales is an exciting and unique experience!
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WHALE WATCHING IN THE CAPITAL AREA
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You don’t have to travel far to go on a whale safari, as Reykjavík offers good options for whale watching. Different whale watching companies have regular departures from the Old Harbour area. White-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are seen year-round in Faxaflói bay, a large bay next to Reykjavík, stretching from Reykjanes to Snæfellsnes. In summertime, there are regular sightings of humpback whales and minke whales. You can choose to go on a bigger boat with a refreshment bar, or on a small RIB. The bigger boats have snug inside areas that offer shelter from bad weather, but the small boats have the advantage that you can get very close to oceanic wildlife. At the ticket offices you can ask for complimentary motion sickness pills, but don’t worry, tours are cancelled if the waves are too high.
WHALE WATCHING OUTSIDE THE CAPITAL AREA
You can also see whales outside of the Capital Area. In wintertime, the fishing town Grundarfjörður is where it’s all at. The bay is filled with herring feeding on phytoplankton. Now, seeing breaching herring is probably not the reason why you travelled to Iceland. However, this herring aggregation attracts all kinds of cetaceans, like dolphins, porpoises, and most importantly, killer whales! Can you think of anything more spectacular than seeing a pack of killer whales swim by? There are also excellent whale watching opportunities in North Iceland. The town Húsavík is also known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, because of the many whales in its bay, Skjálfandi bay. Humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, pilot whales, and sperm whales are often sighted. Because of the deep waters in the bay, there is also a higher chance to see rare
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species like the basking shark, the northern bottlenose whale, and the beluga! COMBO TOURS – WHALES AND PUFFINS
WHALES OF ICELAND EXHIBITION
Whales of Iceland is an exhibition in the Grandi area of Reykjavík. It showcases 23 man-made life-size models of whale species that occur in Icelandic waters, like a 25m long blue whale and a full-size sperm whale. It offers a great opportunity to see the actual sizes of these whales (they are even bigger than you think!), and to learn interesting facts about each whale at the same time, by reading information stands and watching videos. Educational and fun!
Minke whale: a small baleen whale measuring 7m to 8m in length, weighing between 5 to 10 tonnes. It’s black- and grey-coloured, has a dorsal fin, and will live for 30 to 50 years. It’s not likely to breach, so look for its back and dorsal fin during a tour. Also called “stinky minkes” because they smell of rotten fish. Humpback whale: a large baleen whale measuring 12m to 16m in length and weighing about 36 tonnes. It has long pectoral fins, a stubby dorsal fin, and a knobbly head. They are known for breaching, their high spouts of water, and for showing off their flukes as they go for deeper dives! White-beaked dolphin: the most common dolphin in Icelandic waters. It is 2.5m to 3m in length and weighs up to 350kg. They are often spotted in big groups, sometimes hundreds together! They love playing, jumping out of the water, and splashing about. Harbour porpoise: the smallest cetacean around Iceland. They are only 1.5m to 2m in length and weigh 55kg to 70kg. They are usually quite shy, but sometimes jump out of the water and play with the whale watching boats.
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In summer, puffin colonies are found all around Iceland. The first small flocks arrive in April and the last ones leave in September, but the best months to see puffins are between May and August. Most whale watching companies offer whale and puffin combination tours. For puffin spotting, it’s best to be on a small boat and to bring binoculars. Puffins are tiny, and the closer you can get to them, the better the experience will be! These puffin tours are possible from Reykjavík. Just off the coast of the city, puffins breed each year on three small islands. Next to puffins and whales, common sights during these tours include arctic terns and the great skua.
COMMON SIGHTS
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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
THE L AXNESS MUSEUM Gljúfrasteinn was the home of writer Halldór Laxness (the winner of The Nobel Prize in Literature 1955) and his family for more than half a century. The house is now a museum, where the author’s home is preserved just as it was when he lived and worked there.
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GLJÚFRASTEINN
A number of events are hosted throughout the year. Every Sunday during the summertime there are concerts in the living room at 16:00. The museum is open on Tuesdays to Fridays from 10:00–16:00. Audio guides of the house are available in Icelandic, English, German, Swedish, and Danish, 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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Five Weird Things to Do in Reykjavík For more information on skyr, visit www.iseyskyr.com
Being normal is boring! Although that’s something you usually hear on the heels of some stupendously idiotic deed, we can all agree that too much normalcy doesn’t make for good stories. And what are you doing on vacation in Iceland if you’re not looking for chances to make good stories when you get back. It’s okay to shake things up a bit every once in a while!
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As it turns out, there are plenty of weird things to do in Reykjavík. What’s On cobbled together a list of five peculiar Reykjavík activities. ICE CREAM IN WINTER
The Icelanders have an unseasonable obsession with ice cream, which is to say that the frozen dessert is just as popular in winter as it is in summer.
Whatever the case, we do encourage you to try it! FEET FIRST INTO FRIGID WATERS
The Icelanders – fearing that their reputation for hardiness was under threat– recently took it upon themselves to revive the national stereotype of the Icelander who doesn’t let subzero temperature stop them.
“Why,” you ask, “would a phenomenon conceived of by the Persians in the 5th century BCE – for the purposes of providing a nice “summertime treat” for royalty – be consumed in such large quantities in wintertime by an island nation skirting the Arctic Circle?”
As there are no germaphobes in Germany, they reasoned, so, too, there can be no ice-fearing Icelanders. Looking to human icicle Wim Hof (famous for his resistant to cold) for inspiration, the locals began introducing fish-tubs to every public pool on the island, piping glacial water into them as if refilling a baptismal font.
There are many theories, ranging from ice cream being a comfort food to the activity serving as a welcome distraction from miserable weather.
We personally recommend the “cold pots” in Suðurbæjarlaug (Hafnarfjörður) and in Vesturbæjarlaug (West Reykjavík).
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PAY A VISIT TO THE PENIS MUSEUM
“Actually, they’re not funny. They’re art,” that personable, if problematic, guy from Love Actually said, after having his artistic sensibilities offended by a roomful of prude children. The curators of the Penis Museum in Reykjavík don’t mind if you laugh, however. They’re used to it. Billed as, “probably the only museum in the world to contain a collection of phallic specimens belonging to all the various types of mammal found in a single country,” the Icelandic Phallological Museum opened its doors in 1997. Initially, the museum displayed 62 specimens (penises). Today, they’re almost 300 – from 93 different species of animals. Among those animals is the human animal; in July 2011, the museum obtained its first human penis, one of four promised by would-be donors. SUP ON SINGED SHEEP’S HEAD
Svið are sheep’s heads, cut in half, singed, and boiled. In the olden times, when food was scarce, there were no allowances made for squeamishness; every part of the animal was consumed – even the head. These days, the thought of eating a whole sheep’s head may make some uncomfortable. While we’re not necessarily recommending it, it certainly falls under the category of “weird.”
The restaurant Rétturinn in the Reykjanes peninsula (the Greater Reykjavík Area) recently began offering deep-fried Svið, which certainly sounds interesting. GET BLITZED ON BRENNIVÍN (BLACK DEATH)
Brennivín, also known as Black Death, is a distilled brand of schnapps that is considered Iceland’s signature liquor. Brennivín is made from fermented potatoes, flavoured with caraway seeds, and is best served ice cold. Some will try to sell you the idea that Brennivín was the liquor of choice among the Vikings, but in reality, it was actually created by a team of opportunists employed by the State Alcohol and Tobacco Company of Iceland, following the lifting of prohibition in Iceland in 1975. In the words of historian Stefán Pálsson: “After the ban was lifted and state liquor stores opened in 1975, the government needed to create a drink that could overtake the alcohol market and compete with homemade spirits so the next time you pick up a brochure touting how Vikings used to drink Brennivín, keep in mind that this newly popular drink was actually invented by a group of bureaucrats trying to break into the recently opened alcohol market following the alcohol prohibition.”
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Seafood
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Salted Cod with almond and chive butter, fig and potatoes
+354 517 4300
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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 Tunnel 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 LITTLE 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.
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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
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+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.
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CAVING
A DAY IN LAUGARDALUR
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.
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 rollerskating 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).
Age range: 5-99 Season: year-round
GO TO THE REYKJAVÍK FAMILY PARK & ZOO
Age range: 0-99 Season: year-round
DUCK WATCHING
Age range: 0-99 Season: year-round 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 you start to get cold, you can step into the City Hall to check out the sizeable topographical model of Iceland built to scale.
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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Located in Laugardalur in central Reykjavík, Reykjavík’s Family Park & Zoo is open in wintertime between 10 AM and 5 PM. The zoo features Icelandic farm animals and mammals from the country’s wildlife, as well as a small collection of exotic animals. The Reykjavík City Council decided to build the zoo in Laugardalur Valley on April 22, 1986. The aim was to educate the general public on Icelandic farm animals, give them a closer look at Icelandic farming practices, and strengthen the bond between people and animals. Then-mayor Davíð Oddson opened the zoo on May 19, 1990.
Age range: 0-99 Season: year-round
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WHAT’S ON
Five Things You Didn’t Know About the Icelandic Horse
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The Icelandic horse is beloved the world over for its qualities, skills, and intelligence. When driving through the Icelandic countryside, you just might get a glimpse of these beautiful creatures. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a foal. If you’re keen to learn more, here are some facts about the Icelandic horse that might surprise you.
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1. IT’S NOT A PONY!
The Icelandic horse is smaller than many other breeds so some people assume that they’re a pony-breed. They’re not, though, based on their sturdy build and strong personalities, Icelanders never call their horses ponies. They come in many coat colours, including chestnut, bay, black, grey, white, palomino, pinto, and roan, making them very photogenic! 2. WALK THIS WAY
The Icelandic horse can perform five gaits (ways of walking). The common gaits are called walk, trot, and canter, but many Icelandic horses can also do a flying pace and tölt. Tölt is a sped-up version of walking, but much more impressive as the horses lift their front legs up high, and only one foot touches the ground at any time.
It’s a comfortable gait on the uneven ground of Iceland’s wilderness. Not all Icelandic horses can do the tölt, and those who have the ability usually need to be trained to do it properly. 3. YOU WON’T FIND ANY OTHER KIND OF HORSES HERE
Importing horses to Iceland has been forbidden since as far back as 982AD, to prevent the degeneration of the stock. This is the kind of thing you can do when you live on an island. The isolation makes the breed vulnerable for communicable horse disease so exported horses can never return to the island. Luckily, the Icelandic horse is prized for its intelligence and good nature so it’s bred all over the world. 4. HISTORY & CULTURE
Historically, a quality Icelandic horse was a highly-desired prize, both for practical purposes and as a status symbol. They have a place in Norse mythology, most notably in the form of Sleipnir, Óðinn’s eight-legged horse. They follow us from our very earliest history, for instance in the Book of Settlement, where the chieftain Sela-Þórir set up his settlement at the
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5. YOU CAN RIDE ONE!
There are many tours you can choose from to ride an Icelandic horse in its natural habitat when you visit Iceland, even if you’ve never sat on a horse before. Not only are the Icelandic horses renowned for their pleasant temperament, they’re also much shorter than other horses – if you fall off, it won’t be far. If you’re a more experienced rider, we recommend taking a whole day tour, or even some longer trips if you’ve got the time. The Icelandic highlands are stunning and really, exploring them on horseback just like the original settlers did, is the only way to go.
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place where his mare Skálm decided to rest. In the Icelandic sagas, e.g. in Hrafnkel’s Saga, Njál’s Saga, and Grettir’s Saga, horses play important roles, for instance in horse fights, as status symbols, and not least as plot devices. For instance, the epic hero Gunnar á Hlíðarenda is about to leave for his exile when his horse trips. As Gunnar gets up, he looks at his beautiful country, and decides to stay rather than be outlawed, which ultimately leads to his death.
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Books to Read Before You Come to Iceland One of the best ways to prepare for a visit to a foreign country is to curl up with a good book and allow yourself to be transported into the mind of a local author. Whether the book is classic or contemporary, it will give you more of a sense of the national psyche than a travel brochure ever can. If you’re visiting Iceland, there are plenty of great Icelandic books to choose from, whether you want to head into battle with the Vikings of the sagas, raise sheep with proud farmers, or solve murders on the streets of Reykjavík. THE SAGAS OF THE ICELANDERS BY AUTHORS UNKNOWN
While you can certainly purchase a collection featuring all the sagas, we recommend starting with the most popular ones, such as the epic Njál’s Saga, the adventurous Egil’s Saga, or the romantic Laxdæla Saga. Reading these centuries-old texts is challenging but rewarding at the same time. THE FISH CAN SING BY HALLDÓR LAXNESS
Independent People is Halldór’s best-known novel, and it is nothing short of a masterpiece, but it’s also a bleak and depressing portrait of a poor farmer’s life complete with domestic violence, class injustice, child labour, and light paedophilia. What we’re saying is that this is no fun spring read. If you think you’re up for it, by all means, go ahead, but for a more palatable taste 28
of Laxness, we recommend picking up The Fish Can Sing, a charming coming-of-age story set in Reykjavík at the turn of the century.
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DEVIL’S ISLAND BY EINAR KÁRASON
Devil’s Island by Einar Kárason tells the story of life in Iceland after World War II when families were living in barracks left by the US army. The rural community in Iceland conflicted with American pop culture brought to the country by American troops during the war. The story revolves around one family and reads just like an Icelandic saga. The movie adaption of the book by director Friðrik Þór Friðriksson was released in 1996. LOVESTAR BY ANDRI SNÆR MAGNASON
Among Andri’s oeuvre is a book of discount poetry sold in grocery stores, children’s books, and a non-fiction books on the state of Iceland’s industry and its future direction. He also ran for president of Iceland in 2016 and came in third. LoveStar is a dystopian novel, initially published in 2002, set in a future where a giant corporation controls the lives of people through their personal data, love is controlled by algorithms matching people to their mates, and people can making a living as influencers by secretly advertising products through their lifestyle. Frightening, isn’t it? An unconventional love story set among Iceland’s stunning landscapes.
PLACE OF THE HEART BY STEINUNN SIGURÐARDÓTTIR
Crime novel meets road trip story in Place of the Heart by Steinunn Sigurðardóttir. Harpa, the single mother of teenager Edda, is trying to connect to her daughter while struggling to make sense of her place in the world. After Edda’s best friend dies, Harpa endeavours to protect her daughter from a dangerous social scene by packing all their belongings and moving to remote East Iceland. In 1995, Steinunn Sigurðardóttir received the Icelandic National Prize for Literature for Place of the Heart. I REMEMBER YOU BY YRSA SIGURÐARDÓTTIR
Yrsa is the queen of Icelandic crime fiction. Despite writing about horrific crimes in a country with statistically less than one murder per year, Yrsa is known for writing believable and threedimensional characters as well as a thrilling plot with twists and turns aplenty. Her books about Þóra Guðmundsdóttir, a crime-solving lawyer, are immensely popular, but she’s also written a few more thrilling stories stretching into the realm of ghost stories and the supernatural. I Remember You combines an eerie ghost story with crime fiction and was made into a movie in 2017. 29
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Iceland Explained ALÞINGI WHAT IS IT?
It’s Iceland’s parliament. It has 63 members, who are elected from (currently) six political parties every four years. They do most of their work in the Parliament building in the centre of Reykjavík. WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT IT?
It’s the oldest extant parliamentary institution in the world, founded in the year 930, very shortly after Iceland’s settlement. It has met regularly, even when Iceland was under the rule of Norway and later Denmark, with only a brief (45 year) break from 1799-1844. HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?
When the settlers arrived in Iceland, mostly from Norway, many of them were leaving Norway to protest a king uniting formerly autonomous regions. These regions usually each had their own Þing (pronounced thing) where the free men of the
region gathered to make the laws and sentence the people who broke it. In Iceland, they kept the old system of the þing instead of having a king. The first laws of Iceland weren’t written down because the Norse people hadn’t started using letters yet. Instead, a Lawspeaker had to memorise the laws and recite them at each annual þing.
ROTTEN SHARK
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WAIT, WHAT?
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The rotten shark is a proud member of the traditional Icelandic diet. Every year in January or February, Iceland celebrates its history by getting together, eating a feast of traditional foods, singing old song and drinking. Rotten shark is an important part of that tradition. Actually, rotten shark is a misnomer, it’s actually more like fermented shark. The meat of the Greenland shark is poisonous when fresh, but burying it under a weight makes the poison break down over time, ultimately resulting in (barely) edible meat. WHY DO YOU CONSIDER THAT FOOD?
Well, it’s only barely considered food. You’d never sit down to a big dish of shark, for example. It’s eaten in tiny cubes of toothpicks and (most often) washed down with a shot of (almost equally terrible) caraway-seed flavoured liquor, Brennivín. It’s more of a bonding exercise, manhood test and prank for tourists these days, to be honest. HOW DOES IT TASTE?
Not as bad as it smells, which is good news. Apparently chef Anthony Bourdain called it “the
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single worst, most disgusting and terrible tasting thing” he has ever eaten, and another description calls it “like blue cheese, but a hundred times stronger”. I usually find that the sinus-clearing smell, along with the subsequent fear of death by poisoning, takes up so much of your energy, that the taste is the least of your worries.
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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!
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5 FACTS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN' T KNOW ABOUT
I CE L A N D I C VO LC A N O E S
AN ICELANDIC VOLCANO IS THE REASON FOR DEMOCRACY AS WE KNOW IT
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The 1783-4 eruption of Laki was history’s biggest volcanic eruption. When it erupted, the ash darkened the sky over all of Europe for years.
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The ash’s toxicity caused widespread crop failures and the resulting famine all over Europe was almost certainly one of the causes of the French Revolution in 1789, ultimately resulting in the first modern democracy as we know it. NOT JUST ONE, BUT TWO OF THE BIGGEST ERUPTIONS IN THE RECORDED HISTORY OF THE WORLD, OCCURRED IN ICELAND!
Not only was Laki the biggest eruption in recorded history, measured by volume of lava, but Iceland was also the site of the second biggest emission in recorded history, the 2014 eruption of Bárðarbunga. In just six months, Bárðarbunga produced enough lava to cover the island of Manhattan – 85km2. It still isn‘t close to matching Laki. That eruption produced 370km2 of lava in only 50 days!
1/3 OF ALL THE EARTH’S FRESH LAVA ORIGINATED IN ICELAND!
When you’re discussing volcanoes, all concepts that have something to do with time get a bit skewed. For instance, fresh lava means lava emissions on earth since the year 1500. The reason for this impressive amount of liquid rock spewing to the surface is because not only does Iceland sit on a crack between two tectonic plates, it’s also on top of a geological hotspot. Even so, for such a small island, that’s a pretty impressive amount of lava.
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ICELAND HAS A VOLCANIC ERUPTION EVERY 4-5 YEARS!
This isn’t surprising considering the island has somewhere around 150-200 volcanoes, split into different volcanic systems. About 30 different systems are still considered “active” in Iceland, and 13 of them have erupted since the Viking Settlement in 874. Not all the eruptions are on the same scale as the Eyjafjallajökull eruption though; some are small enough to be considered tourist attractions and some happen underneath glaciers and never even see the light of day.
ICELAND HAS AN ISLAND SCIENTISTS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OBSERVE AND DOCUMENT FROM THE MOMENT OF ITS CREATION: SURTSEY
Surtsey was formed by a volcanic eruption at the bottom of the ocean and emerged from the water on January 14, 1963. It was immediately granted protection by law and no one was allowed to set foot on the island. To this day only scientists are allowed to go there, and even they have to get special permission. This means that we have been able to monitor how life settles on a brand-new land from the beginning, and the information gained has been invaluable to scientists.
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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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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. 2. FOLLOW UPDATES ON SAFETRAVEL
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.
3. BE EXTRA 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
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. 5. STAY ON THE PATH
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. You can visit SafeTravel at What’s On, Laugavegur 54.
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
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The First Day of Summer: Summer ’s (Almost) Here
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Iceland has one holiday that’s only celebrated in Iceland, The First Day of Summer. It makes sense that Icelanders would want to celebrate the arrival of summer after long winters, but what doesn’t make sense, is that it’s celebrated in late April, when you can still expect freezing temperatures in Iceland. The First Day of Summer traditionally takes place on the first Thursday after April 18, but why? IT’S TRADITION
The First Day of Summer has its roots in the old Icelandic calendar. It’s based on the farming seasons and was in use, pretty much from the settlement of Iceland in the 9th century until as recently as the 19th century, parallel to the Julian and later the Gregorian calendar. According to the Icelandic calendar, there were only two seasons, winter and summer – summer started in late April and lasted until late October. Celebrating the arrival of summer has been done for centuries. People would have a nicer than usual dinner and it’s been customary to give children small gifts known as summer gifts since
the 16th century. They even precede Christmas gifts in Iceland by about three centuries! In the past, The First Day of Summer was considered to be the beginning of a new year. To determine someone’s age usually the winters were counted, and these days, this method is still used to calculate the age of a horse. According to ancient superstition, if the summer and winter “freeze together” (meaning the night leading up to The First Day of Summer is frosty), it is an omen of, strangely enough, a good, warm summer. These days, if the night before is frosty, it’s mostly an omen of lots of sarcastic Facebook posts, and possibly that you changed out your winter tires too early. OUTDOOR CELEBRATIONS IN ICELAND IN APRIL? WHAT ON EARTH COULD GO WRONG?
Icelanders like to celebrate The First Day of Summer, so much so that it’s actually an official holiday. On this day, every town in Iceland has its own celebratory programme, but scout parades and brass bands are common. There are usually
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regional school-based celebrations in each neighbourhood focusing on kids and families. Icelanders generally celebrate the coming of summer by wearing shorts and a T-shirt and going for an ice cream drive – completely regardless of the weather (it’s about the principle of the thing!). The rest of us generally just use the day to nap or hit the town.
pancakes, served either rolled with sugar or filled with whipped cream and jam, are a popular First Day of Summer treat.
Unfortunately, the weather rarely gets the message that it’s summer and the temperature usually hovers somewhere between 0 and 10°C on the day itself. If you’re not in the mood for watching chilly scouts march to the music of equally cold musicians, you can always go get Icelandic pancakes instead. The crêpe-like flat
The golden plover is a migratory bird that has the good sense to leave Iceland for the winter and only comes back when summer is on its way. The tiny wading bird’s return to the country heralds the arrival of spring and Icelanders get really excited! So excited, in fact, that not only are there countless poems about the springtime magic of the golden plover, its arrival each year also makes the front-page of every newspaper in Iceland.
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HAVE YOU SEEN THE GOLDEN PLOVER YET?!
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Skiing in Iceland Northern lights. Snow. Frozen waterfalls. There are many reasons to enjoy Iceland in wintertime. For locals, one reason stands out – skiing. People sometimes ask, “can you ski in Iceland?” and the answer is “yes.” Even though Iceland lacks Switzerland’s high mountains, it is a ski paradise – if you know where to go. Don’t worry, we will tell you! And good news for beginners, there are almost no trees. Happy skiing!
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BLÁFJÖLL
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Bláfjöll is a popular ski area, conveniently situated just half an hour outside of Reykjavík. It’s the largest ski resort in Iceland, with runs of varying difficulty levels covering a total of 15km. The slopes are wide and well-maintained (the longest being 2.5 kilometres with an elevation of 240 metres, and the most difficult being 700 metres with an elevation difference of 200 metres). A ski rental and a ski school are located on-site. Depending on the weather and snow conditions, the season runs from January through May. Keep an eye on Bláfjöll’s website to follow regular updates about opening times! Opening hours (subject to change due to weather and snow conditions): weekdays from 14:00 till 21:00 and weekends from 10:00 till 17:00. Visit their website for information regarding entrance fees and weather updates.
HLÍÐARFJALL
You can go skiing outside of the Reykjavík area as well!Located in North Iceland, Hlíðarfjall is Akureyri’s top-notch ski resort. It’s located just a few kilometres outside of town, with breathtaking views over the Eyjafjörður fjord. Combining natural snow with artificial powder from snow machines, Hlíðarfjall boasts floodlit slopes to guarantee skiing in the dark winter months. Ski and snowboard lessons are offered on-site. Hlíðarfjall has 30 hills in total, and elevation levels differ between 500 and 1000 metres above sea level. It’s open from December to April, making it the most popular destination for winter getaways. Opening hours are variable over the season and depend heavily on the weather. Visit their website for current opening times and entrance fees.
THE NATURAL CHOICE ICELANDIC LAMB – BEYOND COMPARE True to our tradition of 1,100 years, pure-bred Icelandic Lamb grazes freely, acquiring delicate seasonings of berries and herbs. Its premium quality, texture, and delicious flavour make it the natural choice of leading chefs. Look for the Icelandic Lamb Shield, a guarantee of excellence awarded to Icelandic restaurants. www.icelandiclamb.is 41
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Classic Icelandic Songs to Listen to During Your Visit Icelanders like to think of themselves as a people who punch above their weight when it comes to music, commonly citing such internationally acclaimed artists as Björk, Sigur Rós, Kaleo, and, most recently, Hildur Guðnadóttir (who just won an Oscar for her original score for the movie Joker). Whether or not we're one of the greatest songwriting nation's “per capita” – there's no doubt that your visit to Iceland can be greatly improved by tuning in to some local classics; think of it as a way of moving closer to the spirit of the place. Whether you plan on driving through the countryside in a rental or just zoning out in your hotel room, What's On recommends the following ten songs. 1. BJÖRK – JÓGA
Jóga is the first single that Björk released from her 1997 album Homogenic. Fusing baroque and classical styles, the track is partially inspired by Icelandic music, containing what has been described as a “volcanic beat.” The title of the track is a reference to Björk's best friend, Jóhanna “Jóga” Jóhannsdóttir, wife of the former mayor of Reykjavík Jón Gnarr. 2. SIGUR RÓS – HOPPÍPOLLA
From Sigur Rós' 2005 album Takk, Hoppípolla translates to “Jumping into Puddles.” The lyrics
are a fusion of Icelandic and the Sigur Rós' nonsensical vonlenska (Hopelandish). It is one of the band's most commercially successful singles, having been used in many commercials and films. 3. ÁSGEIR – LEYNDARMÁL
Ásgeir's debut album Dýrð í dauðaþögn (In the Silence in English) is still to this day the most commercially successful debut album in the history of Icelandic music. The first single released off the album was Leyndarmál, and it was a certified hit during the summer of 2012. Ásgeir wrote the music. His father, poet Einar Georg Einarsson, wrote the lyrics. There's also an English version of the song (although we prefer the Icelandic). 4. HJÁLMAR – LEIÐIN OKKAR ALLRA
One of the most poignant records in the history of Icelandic music, Hjálmar's Leiðin okkar allra is a song that most Icelanders connect to on some level. The reggae band Hjálmar was formed in Keflavík in 2004. Leiðin okkar allra is off the band's third album, Ferðasót, released in 2007. 5. KK AND ELLEN KRISTJÁNSDÓTTIR – WHEN I THINK OF ANGELS
Kristján Kristjánsson and Ellen Kristjánsdóttir released the song When I Think of Angels in
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WHAT’S ON honour of their late sister Inger, who died in a car crash in 1992. Shortly after the song was released, Ellen received numerous requests to perform the song at funerals, especially the funerals of children who had died in car crashes. “It was very difficult at first, and I cried almost every time.” 6. KALEO – ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS
Kaleo is an Icelandic rock band that was formed in 2012 in Mosfellsbær. In 2016, Kaleo released their sophomore album, A/B, via Elektra Records. The album features All the Pretty Girls, which is a lovely indie ballad that also boasts an excellent music video (shot in the Icelandic countryside).
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7. STUÐMENN – BETRI TÍÐ
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Betri tíð is something of a pop masterpiece: a great build-up, culminating in a lovely chorus, with witty lyrics and an irresistable feel-good vibe. Off Stuðmenn's 1989 Listin að lifa (The Art of Living), which was described by one reviewer as “free of clumsy recordings, bad mixing, and monotonous instrument-playing.” Betri tíð is a perfect feel-good song for the summer (will help to get you through a bleak April). 8. JÚNÍUS MEYVANT – COLOR DECAY
Although released in 2014, Color Decay didn't appear on an album until Júníus Meyvant released Floating Harmonies in 2016. A year earlier, Meyvant won two awards at the Icelandic Music Awards: Newcomer of the Year and Best Single of the Year (for Color Decay). Meyvant was raised in a rather musical, and religious, household on Heimaey, the largest island of the Westman Islands archipelago to the south of Iceland.
9. EMILIANA TORRINI – JUNGLE DRUM
The third single from Torrini’s third album, Me and Armini, Jungle Drum was released in 2009 to much fanfare – particularly in Germany; the song debuted at number 12 on the German charts and peaked at number one four weeks later (it would stay there for eight weeks). The song also reached number one in Australia, Belgium, and Iceland. One reviewer praised the song for its “irresistible chorus that features some totally unexpected scatting” (Spencer Tricker, Popmatters). 10. EMMSJÉ GAUTI – STRÁKARNIR
Rap music experienced something of a revival in Iceland in 2015. Gísli Pálmi released an eponymous album that seemed on everyone's lips, and longtime member of the scene Emmsjé Gauti released the song Strákarnir (which would be released officially on the album Vagg & Velta a year later). Strákarnir is boy's-night anthem that was produced by current darling of the music scene Auður (the video is quite lovely, featuring many local rappers).
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Notable Events in the History of Iceland
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“From the dawn of the human species, 200,000 years ago,” someone once noted, “it took mankind 199,126 years of continuous and conscientious reproduction to produce a single human being dumb enough to settle in Iceland permanently.” While we don’t necessarily agree with the observation that Ingólfur Arnarson was “dumb” for being the first to take up residence on what is, admittedly, a sometimes inhospitable island, it is true that Iceland was the last European country to be settled. Whatever the case, a lot has happened since Ingólfur first stepped foot on the island. Below, What’s On has thrown compiled a list of a few key dates in Icelandic history. 874 – Ingólfur Arnarson becomes the first person to settle in Iceland permanently. Ingólfur was preceded by other explorers, Nadoddr, who discovered Iceland; Garðar Svavarsson, who was the first to circumnavigate the island; and Raven Flóki, whom the Icelanders can thank for naming their little island. 930 – The Icelandic Commonwealth is founded with the establishment of Alþingi, i.e. parliament, which exercised judicial and legislative power
(at the time, there was no executive power in the country). 1000 – The Icelanders formally adopt the Christian religion, following pressure from Ólafur Tryggvason, the king of Norway. Iceland was one of the few countries in which no blood was shed during the process of Christianisation. 1104 – The volcano Hekla – sometimes referred to as the “Gateway to Hell” – erupts, becoming famous in Europe. Farms upwind of the volcano in the Þjórsárdalur valley, and other places within a 70 km radius, were abandoned owing to the damage. 1220-1264 – the Age of the Sturlungs, a period of violent strife between powerful chieftains in Iceland. At the end of the era, the Icelandic Commonwealth ceased to exist, and Iceland became a part of Norway via the Old Covenant (the covenant afforded Icelanders and Norwegians equal rights in their countries). 1397 – The Kalmar Union is established, wherein the kingdoms of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden,
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and their respective dependencies (including Iceland), joined in a personal union. 1402 – The Black Death arrives in Iceland, killing an estimated half of Iceland’s population during the following two years (the Black Death arrives again at the end of the 15th century, killing half of the population). 1550 – Jón Arason, the last Catholic bishop of Iceland, and his two sons are beheaded in Skálholt, following their struggle against the imposition of the Protestant Reformation in Iceland. 1584 – Guðbrandsbiblía (Guðbrand’s Bible) is published, the first Icelandic translation of the Bible completed by Guðbrandur Þorláksson, the Lutheran bishop of Hólar. 1602 – Danish merchants are granted a monopoly on trade with Iceland by decree of the Danish king. 1662 – The Icelanders are made to accept the absolute monarchy of the king of Denmark via the so-called Kópavogur meeting. 1707 – The bubonic plague spreads through Iceland, killing a quarter of the population. 1783 – Following a volcanic eruption at Laki, which kills roughly 75% of Iceland’s livestock, a two-year period referred to as the “Mist Hardships” occurs. 20-25% of the Icelandic population perishes. Europe was also affected by the eruption (it may have exacerbated the conditions that led to the French Revolution in 1789). 1874 – The King of Denmark visits Iceland and grants Icelanders a constitution (the 1000th anniversary of the settlement is celebrated throughout the country). 1875 – The volcano Askja erupts, triggering a significant wave of emigration from Iceland (between 1870 and 1900, roughly 15,000 Icelanders resettled in North America).
Björnsson becomes the country’s first president. 1966 – The Icelandic State Broadcaster (RÚV) begins broadcasting. 1970 – Iceland joins the European Free Trade Association.
1918 – Iceland becomes a sovereign, independent nation, although the Danish king remains head of state.
1980 – The Icelanders elect Vigdís Finnbogadóttir as president (she thereby becomes the world’s first democratically-elected female head of state).
1940 – During World War II, the British invade Iceland violating its neutrality. A year later, US forces replace the British occupation force.
2008 – The financial crisis begins, following the collapse of the country’s three major banks.
1944 – Iceland severs its ties with Denmark and becomes an independent republic. Sveinn
2018 – Iceland becomes the smallest nation to reach the men’s FIFA World Cup (in 2016, the team also qualified for the Euro).
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R E Y K J AV Í K SIGHTS TO SEE Reykjavík sightseeing has something for everyone! The city is filled with things to do, places to go, and stuff to see, but some things are just a little bit more important than others. Check out the map in the centre of the magazine to find the exact location of these Reykjavík sights. 1 | HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. It’s the largest church and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland. The church tower offers a fantastic view of the city. It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, designed it to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape. Construction started in 1945 and was finished in 1984.
Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights
2 | PERLAN Standing at 25m, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking
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buildings. Built on top of the city’s hot water tanks, Perlan is known for its unique architecture. Inside Perlan, you can visit Wonders of Iceland, an exhibition spread over multiple levels. A visit to a real ice cave, planetarium shows, exhibitions on Iceland’s history, glaciers, volcanoes, and water, and a spectacular 360° viewing platform are all included in a ticket. On the top floor, a restaurant and coffeehouse for guests in need of refreshment. Surrounding Perlan is the Öskjuhlíð area, one of the many green spaces in Reykjavík, perfect for a walk on a sunny day.
3 | TJÖRNIN Tjörnin (The Pond) is the heart of the city centre and offers some of the most amazing views in Reykjavík. There is no better place in the city to enjoy a beautiful sunset and you can watch or feed a huge variety of birdlife that calls the lake home, while you’re at it. When the lake freezes over in winter, geothermal water is pumped in to defrost an area for the birds and feeding them is a popular family pastime all year round. Those who can handle the cold take to the lake on ice skates.
4 | AUSTURVÖLLUR When the sun is shining, Austurvöllur is the place to be. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants, this public square is a popular spot for locals to dine outside, soak up some sunshine or recline on the grass with picnics. In fact, whatever the season, Austurvöllur is the place to be. It’s used for celebrations on holidays and in December, the city’s biggest Christmas tree is located there. Due to its proximity to The House of Parliament, Austurvöllur is also a popular gathering spot for political protesters. At the centre of it all stands a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the renowned figure who is credited with leading Iceland to independence.
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.
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5 | KOLAPORTIÐ Whether you want to sample dried fish and fermented
6 | HARPA The whole 28,000m2 of Harpa stand at the edge of Reykjavík Harbour. It houses Iceland’s biggest concert hall, suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events, a conference centre with meeting facilities and in-house catering, as well as a couple of fine restaurants. Harpa also hosts promotions, plays, and public events. It’s open to everyone, and you should definitely visit Harpa, whether it’s to take in a show, buy souvenirs, go to a concert or have a lovely dinner in one of the fabulous restaurants. Harpa was designed by a Danish firm in cooperation with Ólafur Elíasson, an Icelandic artist, and opened to the public in 2011.
7 | THE OLD HARBOUR It’s the first lasting harbour in Reykjavík, although it’s no longer the city’s busiest one. The most-visited area is the eastern pier where you’ll find a community of shops, galleries, electric bike and scooter rentals, and guided tour operators. You will also find numerous whale watching companies willing to take you out to sea on unforgettable excursions. The area is filled with excellent restaurants (pizza, seafood, burgers, etc.) and cafés. The atmosphere at the old harbour is friendly, the air is fresh and salty and there are plenty of interesting activities to check out.
8 | THE SUN VOYAGER A beautiful sculpture of a Viking ship located by
9 | HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT Founded in 950 AD, Iceland’s Parliament, Alþingi, is the oldest extant parliament in the world! For centuries, the Parliament gathered in the open air (on the aptly named Þingvellir, Parliament Fields) but in recent years, they’ve met in Reykjavík. The House of Parliament is a modest classical building of hewn Icelandic dolerite, and it gives Austurvöllur square a dignified look. The Parliament garden behind the building is small but lovely in the summertime.
10 | LAUGARDALSLAUG Every country has traditions when it comes to leisure. Icelanders’ favourite pastime is going swimming. Laugardalslaug is the city’s largest pool with extensive facilities, located in Laugardalur valley. Its facilities include a 50m outdoor pool, an outdoor children’s pool and a paddling pool, two waterslides, numerous hot tubs, a steam bath, gym, and a mini golf course. There really is no better place to be on a sunny day, or a cold one for that matter. Right outside you will find a hot dog stand where you can buy traditional Icelandic hot dogs.
Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights
the ocean on a small peninsula by Sæbraut, close to downtown Reykjavík. The sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and is an ode to the sun. It serves as reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland. The Sun Voyager looks its best when the sun is setting, at whatever time that may be. The unforgettable view of the sculpture with a backdrop of the ocean and Mt. Esja is every photographer’s dream.
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Check out the article The Reykjavik Sight Experience on pages 48-49 for more information about the places numbered here.
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REYKJAVÍK CIT Y MAP i
What’s On Tourist Information and Booking Centre Locations Main areas
Sights
Tour Pick Ups
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Museums in Downtown Reykjavík Reykjavík’s history reaches more than a thousand years into the past, and the city has a rich cultural heritage. What better way to learn more about Icelandic culture than visiting the museums scattered throughout the city centre? 1 THE REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY
The Museum of Photography’s main objective is to present both historical and contemporary photography in an artistic, social, and cultural context, as well as to nurture public and scholarly interest in photography. The collection’s themes are diverse. You can find family photographs, photos from portrait studios, industrial and advertising photography, press photography, landscape photography, and more. 2 THE REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM
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The Reykjavík Art Museum is a combination of three museums: Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, and Ásmundarsafn. Hafnarhús is located downtown and serves as the museum’s institute of contemporary art, where new developments in art are explored through diverse exhibitions of Icelandic and international artists. An exhibition of paintings by well-known pop artist Erró is a permanent feature. Kjarvalsstaðir is devoted to one of Iceland’s most influential painters, Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, and Ásmundarsafn is the former home and workshop of sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson.
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3 THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION
In 2001, archaeological remains of a settlementera hall were excavated. The Settlement Exhibition is constructed around this discovery. The hall was inhabited from 930-1000. North of the hall, two pieces of a turf wall were found, which were built before 871. These findings are the oldest relics of human habitation found in Reykjavík. The exhibition provides insight into the construction of settlement-era buildings, with computer technology being used to give an impression of what life was like in the hall. Objects from the age of settlement found in central Reykjavík and on Viðey island are also on display. 4 THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND
The nation’s most precious treasures are kept and displayed at the National Museum of Iceland. The museum was established on February 24, 1863, and it aims to expand and transmit Iceland’s cultural heritage from the time of the settlement up to modern times. In the museum, visitors will find a permanent exhibition of objects that provide insight into Icelandic history and culture, as well as temporary exhibitions highlighting specific eras or aspects of Iceland’s cultural heritage.
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Turf Houses focuses on turf houses in Reykjavík from the settlement age until the early 1900s. Admission for this museum is also valid for The Settlement Exhibition a little further down the street.
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5 THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND
Established in 1884, the National Gallery boasts an art collection that mainly comprises 19th and 20th-century artworks. The Gallery possesses many of the keystones of Icelandic art history, as well as a growing collection of works from other countries. The National Gallery’s primary role is to collect, preserve, research, and exhibit Icelandic art. There is also a considerable emphasis placed on contextualising Icelandic art internationally.
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6 THE MARITIME MUSEUM
Located inside a former fish-freezing plant, the Maritime Museum was founded in 2004 and currently showcases two exhibitions. The permanent Fish & Folk – 150 years of Fisheries, which spotlights the historical importance of fishing for the Icelandic nation, and Milckmeyt 1659, an exhibition about an underwater archaeological survey conducted near Flatey Island (offering a fascinating insight into trade in Iceland in the 17th century). In 2008, former Coast Guard vessel Óðinn was incorporated into the museum. The ship functions as a floating exhibition, accessible via guided tours.
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7 AÐALSTRÆTI 10
Today, Aðalstræti 10, the oldest house in the city centre, functions a museum and exhibition space, as part of the Reykjavík City Museum. Currently, it houses two exhibitions: Reykjavík 1918 and A Town of Turf Houses. Reykjavík 1918 is about Iceland’s 100th anniversary as a free and sovereign state and the changes in the past 100 years. A Town of
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NE W IN TOWN MATR
In early March, the coffeehouse MATR opened in the Nordic House (a cultural institution opened in 1968 to foster and support cultural connections between Iceland and the other Nordic countries). A one-year experimental project, MATR is the Nordic House’s way of attempting to operate a trash-free and environmentally-friendly coffeehouse. MATR will offer a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere with an emphasis on Nordic cuisine, efficiency, and respect for the ingredients. In addition to providing a late breakfast and delicious meals for lunch, delicious coffee will be the focal point of MATR. Situated in the same location as the former Nonnabiti sandwich joint (Hafnarstræti 9), Mandi Pizza is a part of the Mandi franchise, which operates Kebab restaurants in Veltusund in downtown Reykjavík and Skeifan. Mandi pizza offers both classic open-faced pies (i.e. pizzas) and other pies that are influenced by MiddleEastern cuisine. As someone put it: “Finally, kebab pizza in Reykjavík!” TAJ MAHAL
Situated on Tryggvagata 26 in downtown Reykjavík, Taj Mahal opened its doors in early 2020 and offers authentic Indian cuisine. Whether you’re interested in Tikka Masala, chicken curry, or naan bread – and whether you’d like to dine in
SIRKA
Sirka is the newest addition to Reykjavík’s bar and restaurant scene. Located in Gnoðarvogur – right across from the junior college Menntaskólinn við Sund – Sirka focuses on homey food and offers a relatively straightforward menu: fish of the day, meat dish of the day, etc. (they also offer hamburgers, both beef and vegan). Open all days between noon and 9 pm, Sirka will also feature a take-away option for diners on the go. Beer on tap.
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MANDI PIZZA
or take away – Taj Mahal has something for you (and all at a rather reasonable price). As noted by the restaurant’s slogan (borrowed from the great Virginia Woolf): “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
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Páskar!
Everything you ever wanted to know about Easter in Iceland As in most countries, Easter in Iceland is an interesting mix of religious and pagan holidays. On the one hand, the church’s designated Easter days are official holidays, and it’s the most popular time of the year for confirmations (a Christian rite of passage experienced by most 14-year-olds). On the other hand, the first thing that people think of when you mention Easter is not the crucifixion, but chocolate Easter eggs, and the most popular decorations are not crosses, but chicks. If Easter in Iceland sounds confusing, read this guide, so you know what to expect.
THE HOLIDAYS OF EASTER PALM SUNDAY, MAUNDY THURSDAY
Even though Iceland is not Catholic, confirmations are popular rites of passage for 14-year-olds in the country. Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday are the days most confirmations take place, which means most people in Iceland spend these days attending family parties thrown in honour of these confirmations. GOOD FRIDAY
Good Friday is traditionally a day of solemn contemplation where fun and games are not only discouraged – they are actually illegal. The Icelandic atheist society hosts an annual game of bingo in protest since bingo is one of the games mentioned explicitly in the laws banning fun on Good Friday. EASTER SUNDAY
The most important part of the Easter celebrations takes place on Easter Sunday morning when people search for their Easter eggs. Some families plan elaborate Easter-egg hunts with a trail of 56
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clues leading to the chocolaty prize, while others are content to hide the eggs around the house. Family dinners where lamb takes the central role are also popular. EASTER MONDAY
Easter Monday is actually a day with no significance and no traditions. It’s just an extra holiday for people to finish what’s left of their Easter eggs or recover from eating a whole Easter egg the day before.
EASTER ESSENTIALS IN ICELAND EASTER VACATION
Easter celebrations are usually much more casual than Christmas, for example. Since Easter is a five-day weekend in Iceland, many people use the opportunity to travel, whether within Iceland or internationally. Ski trips are popular and every year Aldrei fór ég suður – a free music festival in Ísafjörður – attracts a huge crowd. Because these days are official holidays, some businesses might be closed, especially on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. EASTER CHICKENS
There’s one motif that’s especially popular in Easter decorations. It’s not the Easter bunny, which is not a part of the Icelandic folklore – but rather the Easter chick. Easter chick ornaments can be bought everywhere where decorations are sold, and every home with children usually has a few homemade, misshapen lumps that are supposed to represent the baby chickens. The Easter chick that is most people’s favourite, however, is the Easter chick that tops the chocolate Easter eggs in every store. EASTER EGGS
Easter eggs don’t have a particularly long history in Iceland. They only arrived in the country at the beginning of the 20th century but have since become so popular that more than a hundred tonnes of chocolate in Easter egg form is sold each year. The Easter eggs come in all sizes (some are huge!) and are available in different kinds of chocolate. They’re usually filled to the brim with candy, but there’s one part of the Easter egg’s anatomy that never changes: each egg contains a small note with a wise Icelandic proverb or a saying on it. Despite the lure of the candy, that’s probably the first thing most people look for when they crack their eggs open.
EASTER DECORATIONS
Many people decorate their houses for Easter in shades of yellow and green. The decorations are connected with the coming of spring, and a popular way to decorate is to cut a bouquet of branches from a bush or a tree and put in a vase with water. The branches will start sprouting leaves in the warmth inside, even though the trees outside will remain dark and bare for a few weeks yet. EASTER LAMB
The traditional Easter Sunday dinner is lamb. That’s a lucky coincidence since Icelanders love lamb, which is really no wonder considering its quality. There’s no specific lamb dish that’s designated Easter food, but a roast leg of lamb is popular. The delicious Icelandic lamb is a welcome, savoury relief after a day spent gorging on chocolate and candy. 57
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LAST CHANCE TO SEE
NORTHERN
LIGHTS
April is your last chance to view the northern lights in Iceland; as the days grow longer, the nights grow shorter, and without darkness – the northern lights don’t stand a fighting chance. But don’t worry. Northernlights tours are still running in April. So, seize the opportunity while you can. 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 observing the ethereal lights.
Different ways to see the Northern Lights:
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Going by coach:
Going by boat:
Cheap and effective. 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.
A great experience regardless of lights. 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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TO P 8 TI PS FO R TH E NO RT HE RN LI GH TS 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 SKY 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.
Taking photos with a flash won’t work. Ever. A tripod and long exposure are your friends!
8 ENJOY IT!
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 super-jeep: 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.
FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec
7 KNOW YOUR CAMERA!
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NORTHERN LIGHTS 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.
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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). 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 office at Laugavegur 5 and Laugavegur 54.
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The northern lights forecast can be found on en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/, but it is a little hard to decipher if you’ve never seen it before. Our handy-dandy guide should make things a little bit easier.
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How To Read the Northern Lights Forecast
THE COLORS WHITE means NO CLOUDS, while DARK GREEN means VERY CLOUDY. The different shades of green then mean more, or less, cloudy.
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.
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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.
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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS
SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM A Story Unfolds
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.
R E Y K JAV I K A R T M U S EU M Á S M U N DA R S A FN
A Story Unfolds
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Ásmundur Sveinsson: Under the Same Sky
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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.
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
REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM KJARVALSSTAÐIR Ásgerður Búadóttir: Facets of Life
From February 22.
Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval (1885-1972) is one of Iceland’s most revered artists, his paintings and interpretations of Icelandic nature are pivotal in the history of culture and art in the country. Lava, moss, rivers and mountains around the country were a constant source of inspiration for him to create new work, he is said to have drawn people’s attention to new aspects of Icelandic nature. In spite of Kjarval’s unswerving connection to the landscape in Iceland, he also travelled widely and painted abroad. He studied in Denmark and spent time in London, Italy and France. He was very interested in getting to know key works in international cultural history first-hand and learning latest trends in contemporary art.
Ásgerður Búadóttir: Facets of Life
Ásgerður Búadóttir (1920-2014) was a pioneer of woven art in Iceland, her work combines ancient craft techniques and the independent creation of modern art. Ásgerður mainly worked with Icelandic wool and during the 1970s her magnificent tapestries drew well-deserved attention for their original use of material, where wool and horsehair create a whole, with a rich materiality. Ásgerður studied at the Icelandic College of Art and Crafts, under the tutelage of Kurt Zier, among others, and later at the Royal Academy of Art in Copenhagen, in Wilhelm Lundstrøm’s painting department. Ásgerður was a self-taught weaver, apart from one short evening course. After studying in Copenhagen, she bought a weaving loom and brought it with her to Iceland, thus marking a definite path in her artistic career.
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Ásgerður Búadóttir (1920-2014) was a pioneer of woven art in Iceland, her work combines ancient craft techniques and the independent creation of modern art. Ásgerður mainly worked with Icelandic wool and during the 1970s her magnificent tapestries drew well-deserved attention for their original use of material, where wool and horsehair create a whole, with a rich materiality. Ásgerður studied at the Icelandic College of Art and Crafts, under the tutelage of Kurt Zier, among others, and later at the Royal Academy of Art in Copenhagen, in Wilhelm Lundstrøm’s painting department. Ásgerður was a selftaught weaver, apart from one short evening course. After studying in Copenhagen, she bought a weaving loom and brought it with her to Iceland, thus marking a definite path in her artistic career.
Jóhannes S. Kjarval: Abroad
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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec 68
R E Y K JAV I K A R T M U S EU M H A FN A R H Ú S Erró: Cyborg
The acclaimed artist Erró (b. 1932) is considered one of the leading figures in European Pop-Art. During his long and successful career he has delved into diverse subjects in his paintings, often using an overflow of images to reflect on contemporary society of consumption, in addition to references to various political current issues. From early on Erró was inspired by technology and science, creating works where the human and the mechanic are combined. In particular he examined how technology invades the body and how the human body adapts to the machine. The images offer questions concerning the borderlines between human beings and technology. Are these borderlines perhaps no longer there when human existence is tied to the mechanic and the very identity a collage of various technological creations, an hyperreal presence in social media, drugs cooked up in laboratories, smart-gadgets assembled in factories, the trace of chips in credit cards. The human being has become a cyborg, whether we like it or not.
D40 Una Björg Magnúsdóttir: Vanishing Crowd
Una Björg Magnúsdóttir is the 40. artist to exhibit in Reykjavík Art Museum’s exhibition series in D-Gallery. Born in 1990, Magnúsdóttir studied at the Icelandic Univeristy of the Arts and completed her MFA from ÉCLAN in Switzerland in 2018. Magnúsdóttir lives and works in Reykjavík. Magnúsdóttir works mainly in sculpture. She channels her works into various objects and arrangements, which are in fact staging for the works themselves. Her works are often kinetic and/or emit sound, making them familiar to the viewer, while at the same time challenging their assumtions.
Erró: Cyborg
Magnúsdóttir has participated in exhibitions abroad and in Iceland.
Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir / Shoplifter: Chromo Sapiens
Chromo Sapiens is the work of Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir / Shoplifter (b. 1969) and was the contribution of Iceland to the Venice Biennale in 2019. Icelandic band HAM creates a soundscape for the installation. Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir / Shoplifter’s practice overlaps many different creative fields. From fashion to fiction to furry action to tactile friction, her oeuvre encompasses ways of making that belong to the visual arts and to design.
Sol LeWitt
Reykjavík Art Museum is pleased to present Sol LeWitt, the first historical survey of the work of American conceptual artist Sol LeWitt (Hartford, 1928 – New York, 2007) in Iceland, and the first in Scandinavia in over a decade. Spanning 30 years of LeWitt’s career, the exhibition includes important early wall drawings and ephemera, as well as later examples, including several works that illustrate important transitions in LeWitt’s career in the 1980s and 1990s.
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EVENTS
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND ELECTROMAGNETIC OBJECTS
MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS
Collection of works by Woody Vasulka and the audio artist Brian O’Reilly. The source materials were generated by Woody using a RuttEtra Scan Processor in 1975, and in 2006 Brian O’Reilly collaborated with Woody to contribute the soundscape.
INSTALLATION FROM THE COLLECTION: KATRÍN SIGURÐARDÓTTIR HIGH PLANE VI
Katrín Sigurðardóttir has for some years been exploring the effects of perception in her installations and works. High Plane (2001) evokes the bonds between people and with nature itself. The relativity of dimensions and environment is an important element of Katrín’s work, and in this installation she addresses a classic theme of Icelandic painting: mountains and the blue of distant vistas, as well as the constant proximity of the artist to Icelandic nature – even when that artist is far away, perhaps in another country. The work evokes the pure and unblemished, while also alluding to the diverse perspectives and views of individuals, reflecting differences in our lives.
Swedish artist Mats Gustafson has a special feeling for the transient nature of watercolour. In the late 1970s he embarked on a career as an international fashion illustrator, and eventually made his breakthrough on the art scene. Gustafson moves deftly back and forth between fashion, nature and life studies. His subject matter may seem simple: conifers and rocks in landscapes, deer, lined faces, couture fashion and nudes. It is all about capturing beauty in its many forms. Gustafson’s art is both elegant and subtle. His brushstrokes are precise, leaving no room for error. Light and shadow are rhythmically
distributed on the paper. Colours meld to form volume.
ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION KORRIRÓ OG DILLIDÓ PICTURES OF FOLKLORE AND FAIRY TALES BY ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON Step into magic! The visual world of Icelandic folklore and fairy tales created by Ásgrímur Jónsson in his art is a truly enchanted realm. Elves, trolls and ghosts were given a clear form in Ásgrímur’s art. He first exhibited such pieces in Iceland in 1905. Ásgrímur’s works on folklore themes were well received; in the
press, reviewers expressed delight that the folktale heritage was being addressed, for the first time, by an Icelandic artist. 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 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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MATS GUSTAFSON
Mats Gustafson
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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS
EINAR JÓNSSON M U S EU M 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
M U S EU M O F D E S I G N A N D A PPL I E D A R T SVEINN KJARVAL
FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec
Exhibition of works by Sveinn Kjarval (1919-1981) opens at the Icelandic Design Museum on Saturday, November 2 at 16.
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The exhibition focuses on Sveinn’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. Sveinn Kjarval’s furniture has withstood the test of time,
Sveinn Kjarval
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. Sveinn’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.
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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 E XHIBITION The Settlement 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.
Settlemen Exhibition
R E Y K JAV I K M U S EU M O F PH OTO G R A PH Y Valdimar Thorlacius / ...
Valdimar Thorlacius
Á R B Æ R O PE N A I R M U S EU M
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.
Árbær was an established farm well into the 20th century, and the museum opened there in 1957. Árbær is now an open air
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
The exhibition “...” is a visual interpretation of Valdimar’s perception of small towns, weather and wide-open spaces in Iceland, and at the same time a documentation of village life. When working on this project, he travelled between places which fulfilled certain criteria, based on Statistics Iceland’s definition of the size and composition of urban communities with up to 500 inhabitants.
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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec 76
T H E N AT I O N A L M U S EU M O F ICEL AND Saga of Hofstaðir, Unearthing the Past in North Iceland
At Hofstaðir in the district of Lake Mývatn, north Iceland, extensive archaeological excavations have been carried out over the past three decades. The site includes remains from the Viking Age to the 20th century. A huge Viking-Age structure was excavated: a hall or longhouse where people gathered on social occasions, with other smaller buildings around it The hall is one of the largest structures ever excavated in Iceland. In addition, a churchyard was excavated at Hofstaðir, which is one of the oldest churchyards unearthed in Iceland. Whole families were laid to rest in the cemetery, and their bones yield evidence about their lives. The face of one of the women buried at Hofstaðir has been reconstructed using DNA technology, and a drawing of her is included in the exhibition.
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..
In the Light
Gunnar Pétursson, an amateur photographer from Reykjavík, had a long and remarkable career.
Making of a Nation
Whether he photographed nature, the city or its people, all his work was characterised by his subjective view of his surroundings. He saw surfaces, shapes and textures, and strove to capture light and motion in his pictures. He was an active participant in the wave of amateur photography in Iceland in the years after World War II, when new perspectives and trends arrived, and photographic art came into being.
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EVENTS
THE ICEL ANDIC P U N K M U S EU M
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.
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
THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION
REYKJAVIK MARITIME MUSEUM
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM Reykjavík’s only open air museum, where you can stroll through the past and experience the way we lived Fun, fascinating and full of surprises, this living museum takes you on a journey through time. Guided tours at 13:00 all year round.
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM An open excavation where Viking ruins meet digital technology Just below ground in downtown Reykjavík, this open excavation uncovers the city’s Viking Age history. Guided tours on weekdays in February at 11:00.
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM A harbour museum exploring Iceland’s dramatic relationship with the sea. The survival of a nation depended on generations of brave fishermen heading into the unknown. Exhibitions and artefacts bring our ocean history to life. Guided tours of Óðinn Coast Guard Vessel: 13:00, 14:00 & 15:00.
Kistuhylur, Reykjavík 411-6304 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 13-17
EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM
HAFNARBORG FREE ENTRY Hafnarborg has a collection of Icelandic art and regular exhibitions presenting leading Icelandic and international artists. Collection exhibitions are a regular part of the program. Around exhibitions are workshops and guided tours.
Hallgrímstorg 3, Reykjavík 551-3797 | www.lej.is Hours: Tue-Sun 10-17
Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður 585-5790 | www.hafnarborg.is Hours: Wed-Mon 12-17
VIÐEY ISLAND
WHALES OF ICELAND
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM An island, where art, history and nature lie just beyond the city shore The combination of stunning views, historical ruins and contemporary art pieces make Viðey island something special. Just a short boat-ride takes you to another world. Ferry Schedule: Weekends only.
An exhibition in Reykjavík consisting of 23 life-size whale models - fun to touch and explore. Learn more about whales with in-depth 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
FREE ENTRY Looking for a place to hang out, browse the internet, get access to Wi-Fi or meet the Reykjavik locals? Then Reykjavik City Library is the perfect place to visit. Have a seat and dip into the latest magazine or relax while checking out their great selection of books. Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavík 411-6100 | borgarbokasafn.is Hours: Mon-Thu 10-19, Fri 11-18, Sat & Sun 13-17
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
Grandagarður 8, Reykjavík | 411-6340 www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is
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.
REYKJAVIK CITY LIBRARY
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Aðalstræti 16, Reykjavík | 411-6370 www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 9-18
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM Reflecting the contemporary, while archiving the past – this is Reykjavík’s home of photography. Reykjavík’s main photography museum offers an ongoing programme of contemporary and historical exhibitions, and an onscreen archive of thousands of images from the past. Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavík | 411-6390 reykjavikcitymuseum.is | Hours: MonThu 10-18, Fri 11-18, Sat & Sun 13-17
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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.
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
ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION
THE ICELANDIC PHALLOLOGICAL MUSEUM
AURORA REYKJAVIK
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
NUMISMATIC MUSEUM
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.
A collection of Icelandic notes and coins housed in the main building of the Central Bank of Iceland. The collection comprises almost twenty thousand coins, as well as almost five thousand types of notes. As well as domestic notes, the collection also contains foreign notes from ages past, as well as more recent currencies from Iceland’s trade partners.
MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIER ART
Varmahlíð 1, Reykjavík 566-9000 | www.perlan.is Hours: 9-19
Kalkofnsvegur 1, Reykjavík. 5699962. www.sedlabanki.is Hours: Mon-Fri, 13:00-16:00.
Fríkirkjuvegur 7, Reykjavík 515-9600 | www.listasafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun: 11-17
Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík 515-9625 www.listasafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 13-17
SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM
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
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND
ART & CULTURE
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND
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ART & CULTURE
KJARVALSSTAÐIR
ÁSMUNDARSAFN
HAFNARHÚS
Mainly devoted to paintings and sculpture by well established Icelandic and international artists. Kjarvalsstaðir offers a permanent exhibition of key works by one of Iceland’s most beloved landscape painters, Jóhannes S. Kjarval, as well as changing exhibitions that explore various thematic and historical aspects of Icelandic art.
Opened in 1983, the collection is housed in a unique building designed and constructed mostly by the artist himself from 1942-1950. The original building served Sveinsson as studio and home; behind it he built a crescent-shaped structure as a workand exhibition space.
The old harbour warehouse, Hafnarhús, offers a progressive exhibition program with local and international contemporary artists. The work of current notables, art canons and newcomers are presented in six galleries. Hafnarhús is also home to the works of Erró (b. 1932), a significant player in the international pop art scene.
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
AÐALSTRÆTI 10
THE LIVING ART MUSEUM
Aðalstræti 10 is one of the oldest houses in Reykjavík, built in 1762. Situated right in downtown Reykjavík, it now houses two exhibitions. A photography exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of Iceland’s sovereignty is on the ground floor, while the top floor houses an exhibition on the history of turf houses in 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.
Flókagata 24, Reykjavík 411-6420 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17
GLJÚFRASTEINN LAXNESS MUSEUM Halldór Laxness is arguably the most famous Icelandic writer of all time, and the only Icelander to have won a Nobel Prize, which he received for literature in 1955. Gljúfrasteinn was his home until his death, and today it is a museum dedicated to his life and work.
Aðalstræti 10, 101 Reykjavík 411 6300 | www.borgarsogusafn.is
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.
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsbær 586-8066 | www.gljufrasteinn.is Hours: Tue-Fri 10-16
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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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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.
Skólavörðustígur 3, Reykjavík 551-0036 www.annamariadesign.is
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.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 43, Reykjavík 551-2850 | www.listvinahusid.is
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Laugavegur 25, Reykjavík 553-3003 | www.hrim.is
Laugavegur 37, Reykjavík 552-1965 | www.farmersmarket.is
Skólavörðustígur 2. Reykjavik 552-5445 www.MetalDesignReykjavik.is
JÖKLA
SMÁRALIND
HYALIN
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.
The delicatessen Hyalin offers gourmet wares inspired by French cuisine. The France-born duo of Arnaud and Didier welcome you in their cozy and welldesigned corner store. The shelves are stacked with everything from luxury olive oils to gourmet French pâté - foodies are guaranteed to find something to their liking.
Laugavegur 90, Reykjavík 696-6604
Hagasmári 1, Kópavogur 528-8000 | www.smaralind.is
Hverfisgata 35, 101 Reykjavík 5197171 www.hyalin.is
MICHELSEN
12 TÓNAR
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:
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.
Skólavörðustígur 8 and Laugavegur 23 (our new shop) 832-0567 | www.mjukiceland.com
Hafnartorg, Reykjavík 511-1900 | www.michelsen.is
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.
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.
Skólavörðustíg 15, Reykjavík 511-5656 | www.12tonar.is
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
THE HANDKNITTING ASSOCIATION OF ICELAND
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
Klapparstíg 44, Reykjavík
Skólavörðustígur 12, Reykjavík 519-6033 | geysir.com
SHOPPING & STYLE
MJÚK ICELAND
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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.
Tryggvagata 22, Reykjavík
Laugavegur 20a, Reykjavík 552-2300 www.lebowski.is
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.
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
LOFT HOSTEL
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.
Bankastræti 7, Reykjavík 553-8140
Laugavegur 22 www.kiki.is
PUBS & NIGHTLIFE
GUMMI BEN BAR
Vesturgata 2, Reykjavík
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
Veltusund 1, Reykjavík 55-7333 www.discobar.is
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PUBS & NIGHTLIFE
THE IRISHMAN PUB
KALDI BAR
AMERICAN BAR
A new addition to the thriving pub & bar culture in Reykjavík. Happy hour every day from 12PM to 7PM! Guests can enjoy a game of darts, listen to live music Thursday to Sunday evenings, spin the wheel of fortune and you can even book a private karaoke room! Sláinte.
One of the coolest bars in Reykjavik these days is Kaldi Bar. In close cooperation with north-Icelandic micro-brewery of the same name, Kaldi offers you a selection of craft-brewed beers on tap. Great happy hour and great fun, Kaldi is a place not-to-bemissed!
American Bar is named appropriately since it’s an American Bar in Reykjavík, of the kind you’re probably familiar with from other countries: there are dudes, chicks and random university students partying to the latest MTV tunes. They specialize in American culture and entertainment.
Klapparstígur 27, Reykjavík 581-2020 www..irishman.is
Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavík 581-2200
Austurstræti 8, Reykjavík 571-9999
PETERSEN SVÍTAN
MIAMI
DEN DANSKE KRO
Built in 1926 as an apartment, the Petersen Suite is one of Reykjavík’s hidden gems. Take the elevator up to the third floor above the historic Gamla Bíó concert hall to reveal an elegant bar with one of Reykjavík’s best views. On sunny days, you need to get there early, the sunny patio fills up quickly!
The 80s style cocktail bar Miami is colourfully decorated on Hverfisgata. Downstairs, you’ll find a ping pong stadium where punters can take on challengers. Miami comes alive at night when the colours pop out, such as the neon-lit bar. There are G&T and Cuba Libre on tap and try to find the Möet switch for all your champagne needs.
This homey pub with a Danish theme is popular among locals. Happy hour every day from 4-7pm and live music with talented Icelandic musicians every night. Beer bingo every month and other fun events! Located in the heart of the city centre.
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
Ingólfsstræti 2a 3rd floor, Reykjavík 563-4000 | www.ktf.is
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Hverfisgata 33, Reykjavík 699-1250
Ingólfsstræti 3, Reykjavík 552-0070 www.danski.is
KAFFIBARINN
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
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 family-friendly 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
Grandagarður 16, Reykjavík 577-6200 | www.grandimatholl.is
Austurstræti 9, Reykjavík
PERLAN RESTAURANT
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.
Perlan Restaurant is a unique revolving restaurant. The focus is on seasonal ingredients where Icelandic culinary traditions meet classic European cuisine. The floor makes a 360° rotation every evening, ensuring an ever-changing backdrop of Reykjavík city against guests’ tasteful dinner.
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.
Hafnarstræti 15, Reykjavík 551-3340 www.hornid.is
Ingólfsstræti 8, Reykjavík 832-8881
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
HORNIÐ
Perlan, Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík 566 9000 www.perlan.is
WINING & DINING
THE STEAK HOUSE
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WINING & DINING
FORRÉTTABARINN
TE OG KAFFI
JÓMFRÚIN
Tasty tapas with an Icelandic twist. With a new spin on traditional Icelandic cuisine and an extensive selection of local beer, Forréttabarinn – “The Starters Bar” – is worth seeking out when you need a bite to eat or a place to start your night out in Reykjavík. Whatever you choose from the refreshingly creative menu, you’re in for a treat!
Passion, expertise and craftsmanship are the main characteristics of Te & Kaffi, a family owned chain of coffee houses and speciality coffee roasters. Highly skilled and amicable baristas, exciting and tasty drinks in beautifully designed coffee houses makes Te & Kaffi a must visit.
An open-sandwich restaurant in the Danish tradition offering authentic Danish smørrebrød along with a selection of hot dishes. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city centre and seats 80 guests. It is a popular lunch venue, especially with people from the business sector.
Laugavegur 27, Reykjavík 527-2880 www.teogkaffi.is
Lækjargata 4, Reykjavík 551-0100 www.jomfruin.is
KRYDD RESTAURANT
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!
Nýlendugata 14, Reykjavík 517-1800 | www.forrettabarinn.is
Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
Hafnarborg, Strandgötu 34, Hafnarfjörður www.kryddveitingahus.is Open: M-T 11-23, F-S, 11-01, S 11-23
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Bankastræti 7a, Reykjavík 562-3232 | www.solon.is
Veghúsastígur 7-9, Reykjavík 695-1021 Open daily 07:00-10:00
HLEMMUR MATHÖLL
REYKJAVÍK MEAT STEAKHOUSE
BÆJARINS BEZTU
Hlemmur Mathöll is a European style food hall featuring global delicacies alongside tasty Icelandic dishes. A former bus station, Hlemmur is now the new home for gourmands and fast food lovers alike in Reykjavík. Hlemmur brims with life on both weekends and weekdays alike, so head on down to see what the fuzz is about.
As the name suggests, Reykjavík Meat is the city’s newest new steakhouse. The food is cooked over coals giving it a delicious flavour, and crowning their menu is the award-winning sashi marbled beef. They also offer seafood, lamb and vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as delicious cocktails!
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur literally means The Town’s Best Hot Dogs. A must try while visiting, it is the perfect on-the-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.
Laugavegur, Reykjavík 787-6200 | www.hlemmurmatholl.is
Frakkastígur 8, Reykjavík 557-7665 | www.rvkmeat.is
Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík 511-1566 | www.bbp.is
LÆKJARBREKKA
THE LOBSTER HOUSE
One of Iceland’s most treasured restaurants has made a comeback. The Italian delicacies of La Primavera are here to stay. Situated in the Marshall building, a former fishing warehouse, the building is also home to an art gallery, an art studio and the Living Art Museum.
This elegant Icelandic bistro in the heart of the city centre serves delicious food from Icelandic ingredients in a historic environment. A light lunch or a delicious dinner is perfectly accompanied by people watching in this lovely old building, part of the oldest street façade in Reykjavík.
If you want to enjoy gourmet French cuisine with a nordic twist, then The Lobsterhouse is the right place for you. Our langoustine, “the Icelandic lobster“, is widely know for it’s great taste and one of our most favourable dishes. Dining at The Lobsterhouse is an experience full of warmth and history.
Grandagarður 20, Reykjavík 519-7766 www.laprimavera.is
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.
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
The fish and chips stand down by the old harbour combines the best of British and Icelandic culture, with fresh, quality Icelandic fish served in the traditional British way. You can even get mushy peas and malt vinegar with it! Festing on piping hot fish and chips on a sunny day while looking over the old harbour is an unbeatable Reykjavík experience.
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.
Between the Reykjavík Maritime Museum and Reykjavík Marina Hotel 840-4100 | fishandchipsvagninn.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
FISH AND CHIPS VAGNINN
Vesturgata 2a, Reykjavík 552-5300 | www.fiskfelagid.is
WINING & DINING
LA PRIMAVERA
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
IF YOU NEED MORE INFO, CONTACT INFO@WHATSON.IS
HOW TO ... GET TO THE AIRPORT
Iceland’s international airport is located in Keflavík, about 50km from Reykjavík. If you rent a car or take a cab, it will take about 45 minutes to get to Reykjavík. A cheaper but just as reliable option is taking a bus to and from the airport. They connect to flights and will drop you off or pick you up at bus stops close to your accommodation in Reykjavík.
Find more information on www.whatson.is
GET MONEY
96
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. Credit card and debit card payments are widely accepted in Iceland. FX Iceland, Open Mon-Sat 10-7pm and Sun 1-6pm PARK IN THE CITY CENTRE
There are different parking zones which charge different rates. Look for a parking sign (the familiar big P) indicating zones 1-4 and parking garages. Look for the nearest black terminal to pay, with cash or card, and type in your car’s number plate, no ticket necessary!
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. Visit What’s On at Laugavegur 5 or contact us at info@whatson.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
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.