JUNE 2015
IN REYKJAVIK
REYKJAVIK’S LEADING GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT, EATING OUT, MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES.
www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is
CHECK OUT THE NEW
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM C O M P R I S I N G 5 TO P M U S E U M S :
Árbær Open Air Musem
The Settlement Exhibition
Viðey Island
Reykjavík Museum of Photography
More information in the Art & Culture section.
Reykjavík Maritime Museum
Reykjavík Art Museum
One admission to three museums
OPEn daily
Richard Serra, Áfangar, 1990
Ásmundur Sveinsson, Stríð og flótti-War and Flight, 1943
Magnús, Sigurðarson, Rotating Renaissance Man, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Miami, 2015
Júlíana Sveinsdóttir, Röggvateppi Rya, 1965–66
HafnarHús TRyGGVaGaTa 17 Erró and art History Richard Serra: Áfangar Kathy Clark: bears; truths … Magnús Sigurðarson: Process & Pretense Kunstschlager Guided tour in English about Richard Serra and Áfangar every Saturday at Hafnarhús at 11 a.m. and in Viðey Island at 12:30
Kjarvalsstaðir FlókaGaTa just Painted 2 From 19 June: júlíana sveinsdóttir and ruth smith: two strong Women Textile art by Júlíana Sveinsdóttir and anni albers: Vertical/horizontal Guided tour in English every Friday at Kjarvalsstaðir at 1 p.m.
Ásmundarsafn SiGTún Ásmundur sveinsson: artistic inclination
Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Open daily 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
www.artmuseum.is / artmuseum@reykjavik.is / +354 590 1200
WHAT’S ON
CONTENTS JUNE 2015
ON THE COVER JUNE IN ICELAND
EXPERIENCE 6-21
WHAT’S ON
22-37
MUSEUM WALK
38-41
REYKJAVIK CITY MAP 42-43
EVENT CALENDAR
44-57
ART & CULTURE
58-63
NIGHTLIFE 64-65
SHOPPING & STYLE
66-69
FOOD & DRINK
70-75
PRACTICAL INFO
76-81
Hey Ho and Yippy Yay and Yippy aYay, the 17th of June is upon us. So chant the masses, while waving their flags, holding their balloons, parading through town. Eagerly singing this, one of Iceland’s worst, yet most catchy tunes. Every year, roughly around the same time, it descends upon us in a torrent of festivities and celebration. The Icelandic National Day. The 17th of June. And oh let us sing its praise with this simplistic song, bearing no significance whatsoever, except to herald the fact that the National Day is in fact … here. Hey Ho and Yippy Yay and Yippy aYay … Oh, well. My annoyance is of course of no use, as I can’t help but love day, just as much as the next man. Despite its lack of musical excellence, our National Day is fun and lively. As a rule it’ll be raining, but we don’t mind as we’ve got CANDY FLOSS. Some sort of sleet and storm? Who cares—there’s a parade going, and look! It’s María Ólafs, our Eurovision hero, performing her newest hit song! Yes—we have fun. And yes—you should join the fun and partake in this yearly event, where we all just have a good time, regardless of anything else. In other news: June in Iceland means constant brightness and a lot of visitors! Welcome! I’m very optimistic of a great June, with good weather and loads of fun things happening. Make sure you don’t miss the Viking Festival at the Viking Village, The International Organ Summer at Hallgrímskirkja and the Secret Solstice Music Festival in Laugardalur!
– Hjörtur Atli, editor
CONTACT US: WHATSON@WHATSON.IS
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Editor: Hjörtur Atli Guðmunds. Geirdal, hjortur@whatson.is, Tel.: 847-4153. Content writers: The What’s On Team Map: Kári Gunnarsson Printing: Oddi, Ecolabelled Printing Company
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Layout & design: Stefán Birgir Stefáns, sbs@sbs.is 141
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Volume 33 – Issue 6. Published by MD Reykjavik ehf. Laugavegur 4, 101 Reykjavik. Publisher: Sigurþór Marteinn Tel.: 899-2255. E-mail: sm@whatson.is
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WHAT‘S ON IN REYKJAVIK is published monthly covering events and happenings in and around Reykjavik. Opinions expressed in WHAT‘S ON IN Reykjavik 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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EXPERIENCE
THE WHAT’S ON
JUNE CHECKLIST As always, loads of things to try out and enjoy in Reykjavik! Here are a few “must-do’s” in Reykjavik this month!
You can find checklists from past months on whatson.is
As ever, we encourage you to tag your photos using #WhatsOnRvk, as proof that you did all those things you’re boasting of!
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Attend the Secret Solstice Music Festival! Stay awake all night and enjoy the sun! Be a Viking at the Viking Festival! Visit the local swimming pools! Ride a snowmobile on a glacier! Snorkel in glacial melt water! Eat ice cream while it’s raining! See a puffin! Celebrate our national day, June 17th, with us! Visit one of our great museums!
CHECK OUT OLDER CHECKLISTS ON WHATSON.IS/CHECKLIST
ThE WondErs of
VolcanoEs
Volcano house features two documentaries chronicling two of Iceland´s most famous volcanic eruptions of the last 40 years
Vestmannaeyjar 1973, Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and other volcanoes showtimes
English: 10:00-21:00 every hour on the hour Vestmannaeyjar 1973 The eruption in Vestmannaeyjar began without warning on the night of January 23rd, 1973. 400 homes perished under ash and lava and nearly 5.000 people had to flee to the mainland in matter of hours.
Eyjafjallajökull 2010 The most famous volcano eruption in recent times; the eruption that caused much disruption in air travel over large parts of Europe. This powerful documentary made specially for Volcano House was filmed and directed by the Emmy-nominated Icelandic film maker, Jóhann Sigfússon.
Volcano cinema and Geological Exhibition You may touch Tryggvagata 11, 101 reykjavik | (354) 555 1900 volcanohouse.is
VOLCANO HOUSE
EXPERIENCE
THE REYKJAVIK COFFEE EXPERIENCE Iceland may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of coffee, but Icelanders are actually big coffee drinkers. You will find plenty of small coffee shops or cafés on nearly every street corner in downtown Reykjavík. We know of at least five places where you will get great coffee.
CAFÉ PARÍS
AUSTURSTRÆTI 14
Café Paris is one of Reykjavik city’s most beloved restaurants and cafés, and has been for twenty years. It’s ideally situated by Austurvöllur square, where Icelanders go to celebrate the sun in the summertime. Inside Café Paris, you’ll be able to relax in a calm and casual atmosphere while enjoying a warm cup of coffee. They have a wide selection of coffee drinks but their Frappuccino “à la Café Paris” deserves the highest praise. You can’t go wrong with any of their cakes if you’re in the mood for a luxurious refreshment as well.
10 DROPAR
LAUGAVEGUR 27
One of Reykjavik‘s oldest cafés, located in a hidden basement on Laugavegur that is frequented by avid loungers, coffee addicts, happy families and hungry travelers. There’s nothing pretentious about it, it’s just a lovely old-fashioned house with homelike atmosphere and generous coffee refills. If you want to try something really Icelandic with your coffee you should order flatkökur, rye pancakes with sliced smoked lamb, or pönnukökur, traditional Icelandic pancakes with sugar, or with jam and whipped cream.
Find more articles like this on whatson.is
REYKJAVIK ROASTERS KÁRASTÍGUR 1
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A small and intimate coffee shop in the city center where you’ll find first class coffee and refreshment. Their coffee is roasted in their own roasteries by their own roasting masters. When you walk in you’ll notice their beautiful La Marzocco espresso machine and two Mazzer grinders, and realize that coffee at Reykjavík Roasters is serious business. If you like your coffee, which you probably will, you can purchase whole beans in 300 gram bags or have them custom grinded for your coffee maker.
KAFFIFÉLAGIÐ
SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 10
It may be the smallest coffee shop in the country but it’s definitely one of the most popular ones too. Kaffifélagið offers a wide selection of coffee drinks made from Italian espresso beans that are grown in Ottolina, Milan. If you want to awaken your senses and make your mouth to foam with delight and deliciousness, Kaffifélagið is where you should go. The place is usually filled with busy locals getting their take-away coffee. You can also stock up on coffee beans, DVD’s and Icelandic music while you’re there.
SÓLON
BANKASTRÆTI 7A
If you’re looking for the perfect place to sit down, order a cup of coffee and watch people go on with their daily lives outside the window, Café Sólon is the place for you. The oversized artwork and sleek furniture definitely add to its appeal. Café Sólon is located in an old beautiful building in the city center with big windows and a lot of history. Their aromatic coffee will send any coffee lover over the edge, and if you’re looking for something more, than their variety of tapas plates or their seafood soup is definitely something to check out!
Svartifoss (Black waterfall) 20 metre high, famous for the surrounding hanging hexagonal black basalt columns. These columns have inspired many Icelandic architects and artists, most visibly in the design of Hallgrímskirkja church and the National Theatre. Svartifoss is located in Skaftafell National Park, close to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.
Michelsen Svartifoss The Waterfall collection was inspired by the watchmakers’ quest for perfection and the exceptionally beautiful Icelandic waterfalls Svartifoss and Goðafoss. These waterfalls deserve their names on a watch. A fine Swiss mechanical movement, hand-beveled and hand-decorated by a 4th generation Michelsen watchmaker. The Svartifoss features a high quality solid stainless steel case with black coating (DLC), and a Swiss traditional dial made by hand. Available with several strap offerings, including exotic Icelandic spotted wolffish leather.
For more information please visit www.michelsenwatch.com
Laugavegur 15 - 101 Reykjavík - Tel. 354 511 1900 - www.michelsenwatch.com
EXPERIENCE
#WhatsOnRvk 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?
Follow WhatsOnIceland on Instagram for more beautiful shots from Iceland!
@MILEGANCE
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@WHATSONICELAND
@ SOMEWHEREINCOPENHAGEN
@FOTOMUSICLOVE
@CIOUX_THEWOLF
As ever, we encourage you to tag your photos using #WhatsOnRvk, as proof that you did all those things you’re boasting of!
EXPERIENCE
on Instagram
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Follow WhatsOnIceland on Instagram for more beautiful shots from Iceland!
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EXPERIENCE
THE REYKJAVIK Reykjavík is filled with things to do, places to go and stuff to see but some are just a little bit more important than others.
1 | HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. The tower of the church is among the city’s highest buildings and offers a fantastic view of the city for the small price of 700ISK for adults, 100ISK for children. Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church- and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland. It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect who designed it, Guðjón Samúelsson is said to have designed it to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape.
2 | PERLAN Standing at 25 metres high, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking buildings and although it was opened to the public in 1991 it still makes a stand out piece of architecture for its modern construction. Up on the fourth level there is a 360 degree viewing platform where you can get the best panoramic views of Reykjavík and when the sun sets it’s a spectacular spot for the northern lights. You can also dine at the Perlan restaurant that slowly rotates so you get to see the whole city without even having to turn your head.
Check out our map on p. 42 for the locations of these sights.
3 | TJÖRNIN
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People go to the pond to feed the birds and enjoy one of the most amazing views that Reykjavík has to offer. There isn’t a better place in the city to enjoy a beautiful sunset and you can watch or feed a huge variety of birdlife that calls the lake home while you’re at it. When the lake freezes over in winter, hot geothermal waters are pumped in to defrost an area for the birds while those who can handle the cold keep warm from the romantic atmosphere and take to the ice on skates.
4 | AUSTURVÖLLUR When the sun is shining and the air is hot, Austurvöllur is the place to be no matter who you are. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants on Vallarstræti and Pósthússtræti, this public square is a wildly popular spot for locals to dine outside, soak up some sunshine or recline in the grass with picnics. With its close proximity to the Parliament of Iceland building, Austurvöllur has contrastingly also been the gathering place for political protests. At the center of it all stands a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the renowned figure who led Iceland to independence.
5 | KOLAPORTIÐ Whether you want to sample dried fish and fermented shark, purchase a bag of Icelandic candy or browse through thrifted clothing, Kolaportið should be the destination of your choice. Kolaportið is an indoor flea market that is open during the weekend between 11am-5pm. The atmosphere is very unique and the old industrial building is usually filled with people hunting for books or antiques, grocery shopping at the food court, selling their old garments, buying music and DVD’s or digging through piles of stuff in search of hidden treasures. We recommend bringing cash, as the majority of stalls don‘t accept cards.
6 | HARPA The whole 28.000 square meters of Harpa stand at the edge of the Reykjavik Harbour with Iceland‘s biggest concert hall suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events, conference centre with meeting facilities and in-house catering and fine restaurants. Harpa also occasionally hosts promotions, plays, and public events. It‘s open to everyone, always, and you should definitely visit Harpa, whether it‘s for a show, to buy souvenirs, a concert or a lovely dinner in one of the fabulous restaurants. Harpa was designed by a Danish firm in co-operation with Ólafur Elíasson, an Icelandic artist, and opened to the public in 2011.
7 | THE OLD HARBOR The descriptive name comes from the fact that it‘s the first lasting harbor in Reykjavik. The most visited area is the eastern pier where you’ll find a community of shops, galleries, electric bike and scooter rentals and guided tours in Reykjavík. You will find numerous whale watching companies willing to take you out to sea on unforgettable excursions. The area is filled with excellent restaurants (sushi and other seafood, tapas, burgers, etc.) and coffee houses. The atmosphere at the old harbour is friendly, the air is fresh and salty and there’s plenty of interesting activities to check out.
EXPERIENCE
SIGHT EXPERIENCE
8 | THE SUN VOYAGER
9 | CITY HALL With an impressive, modern design, the building sits right on the northern shore of Lake Tjörnin. It’s not only offices for the mayor and city’s excutive officials, but is also open to visitors, providing internet access, an information desk, exhibition halls and a cafe. The restaurant boasts huge glass windows so you can sit back and admire the water, bird life, nature and city surrounds. Go to the galleries to admire one of the steady streams of new and exciting exhibitions always coming through. The three dimensional map of Iceland is always a favourite with visitors to the country.
10 | LAUGARDALSLAUG Every country has traditions when it comes to leisure. Iceland’s big thing is swimming pools.. Laugardalslaug is the city’s largest pool with extensive facilities, located in Laugardalur Valley. Its facilities include a 50m outdoor pool, outdoor children’s pool and paddling pool, two waterslides, numerous hot tubs, steam bath, gym and mini golf course. There really is no better place to be on a sunny day, or a cold one for that matter. Right outside you will find a hot dog stand where you can buy traditional Icelandic hot dog.
Find these places on the centerfold map.
Check out our map on p. 42 for the locations of these sights.
A beautiful sculpture of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula by Sæbraut, close to the Reykjavík center. The sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and an ode to the sun. It serves as reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland. An ideal opportunity to see Sólfarið at its best is when the sun is setting, at whatever time that may be. It should be every photographer’s dream to capture the amazing view.
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Gourmet Experience
- Steaks and Style at Argentina Steakhouse Barónsstíg 11 - 101 Reykjavík Tel: 551 9555 argentina.is
EXPERIENCE
THE WHAT’S ON
ICELAND‘S SECRET TO HEALTHY LIVING Legend has it that the Vikings introduced Skyr to Iceland when they settled in the country some 1.100 years ago. Travel back in time to any farm and Skyr would be on the table – essential nourishment for young and old. Generations past may not have been able to measure the nutritional content in the way we can now, but the life-expectancy of the average Icelander was proof enough that something good was going on. Icelanders have ever since loved the smooth texture of this incredibly healthy dairy product and today it plays a big role in the modern lifestyle
diet. Skyr is high in protein and a virtually fat-free dairy delight. Thick and creamy in consisteny, it is also rich in calcium and other nutrients. Skyr can be found at almost every home and workplace. Enjoyed at breakfast, lunchtime, pretty much anytime, it has also become a healthy „fastfood“ for active people on the go. Delicious in smoothies or energy-boosting drinks, it even features on the dessert menus of many top restaurants, which are bringing a contemporary twist to this established favourite.
For more information on skyr, visit skyr.is
SKYR EXPERIENCE
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EXPERIENCE
Skyr is available in many different varieties, both flavored and plain and in small containers and large. For an easy on-the-go treat, a spoon comes with the smaller ones. Below are some of the flavors available.
MS SKYR – PLAIN Skyr was originally only available as plain and was made at every farm in Iceland. Nowadays there are many flavors available but some still prefer the plain one. It can be enjoyed with berries and cream and perhaps with a little bit of honey or sugar. In the fall many Icelanders pick fresh berries and enjoy it with skyr. Plain Skyr is also a good base for all sorts of cold sauses.
KEA SKYR WITH VANILLA Originated in the northern part of Iceland, this is one of the most popular flavors available. The taste is full and creamy with zero fat.
Find more articles like this on whatson.is
MS SKYR.IS WITH BAKED APPLES
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A new variety in this popular brand. As with other skyr, it is high in protein and fatfree as well as being low-carb. Even though it is low-carb the flavor is reminiscent of a creamy dessert.
MS SKYR.IS WITH BLUEBERRIES This is a long time favorite in Skyr.is, Skyr with blueberries has a long tradition in Iceland. The taste is very rich and full of blueberries.
(354) 58 12345
Treat yourself to Ice popular pizza. Ca land’s most ll and we deliver rig us at 58 12345 ht to your room!
EXPERIENCE
GLJÚFRASTEINN
LAXNESS MUSEUM Gljúfrasteinn was the home of writer Halldór Laxness (the winner of The Nobel Prize in Literature 1955) and his family for more than half a century. The house is now a museum, where the author’s home is preserved just as it was when he lived and worked there. A number of events are hosted throughout the year. Every Sunday during the summertime there are concerts in the living room at 4pm. The museum is open everyday from 9am – 17pm. Audio guides of the house are available in Icelandic, English, German, Swedish and Danish, and an illustrated guide in French. Gljúfrasteinn-Laxness museum is located in the valley of Mosfellsdalur on the way to Þingvellir National Park, only 20 minute drive from Reykjavik.
Find more articles like this on whatson.is
For more information, go to www.gljufrasteinn.is.
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DAILY HIGHLAND BUS TO ÞÓRSMÖRK AND LANDMANNALAUGAR
In boo fo & kin gs:
trex
.is
DAILY DEPARTURES FROM 13/6 TO 15/9 2015 Hestshálsi 10 - Reykjavík Tel: +354-587 6000 - info@trex.is - www.trex.is
THE STEAK HOUSE
Steikhúsið simply means „The Steak House” and that underlines our goal, to focus solely on steaks. The Steak house is in the middle of Reykjavík, opposite the old harbor which has recently formed into a lively neighborhood of restaurants, cafes and artisan stores and work shops. When you wisit us, remember to try our “28 days” tendered meat. The heart of the place is a coal oven from Mibrasa, Spain. It is only fitting that we use coal for grilling and baking The Building housed a blacksmith and metal works in years gone by. THE KITCHEN IS OPEN FROM 17:00 TILL LATE — VISIT WWW.STEAK.IS
Booking: +354 561 1111 & steik@steik.is
WHAT’S ON
JUNE 12TH-JU NE 17TH!
For more information, check out www.fjorukrain.is
THE VIKING FESTIVAL IN THE VIKING VILLAGE
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The Viking Festival in Hafnarfjörður is the oldest and largest event of its kind in Iceland. Since 1995 Hafnarfjörður has been a playground for Vikings demonstrating through the years most aspects of the Viking culture; like ships, cuisine, handcraft, storytelling, archery, games, music and battle demonstrations. Many artists have come from far and wide, from Europe and America to join us in celebrating the memory of our ancestors. Sometimes there have been opportunities to bring forth unexpected things, anachronism to underline even further how the Vikings of the old and modern times can coexist and make a strong union.
From the beginning the emphasis has been on authenticity, so the guests at the Festival feel as they’ve been taken a thousand years back. Ships from foreign countries have come ashore and merchants have taken out their goods and started to trade. The atmosphere is festive, there is music, jesters, good food and drinks. But when everything seems to be peaceful, a battle breaks out and in kindness and joy men fight and “kill” each other. At the Viking Festival 2015 are expected over two hundred Vikings, domestic and foreign. This will be the 20th Viking Festival, and the market is open every day from 13:00-20:00. There will also be Viking feasts at the restaurant which is open until the early hours for celebrations all through the night. The Viking Village is only a few kilometers south of Iceland’s capital Reykjavík, easily accessible for those staying in the city. There is also hotel in the Viking Village called Hotel Viking.
WHAT’S ON
For example there have been Viking weddings and Viking baptisms on the Viking Festival.
This time as always the Viking festival will be hosted by Fjörukráin in the Viking village in Hafnarfjordur and everyone is welcome! For further info - check out www.fjorukrain.is
Find more articles like this on whatson.is 23
WHAT’S ON
WRITINGS FROM
WHATSON.IS On our website, whatson.is, the What’s On Team works hard to consistently deliver fresh and fun stuff for everyone to read. It varies from tours and trips to current topics and everything in between! Here’s a few selections from last month!
NEW AND PROMISING ICELANDIC BANDS! By Elín Elísabet Einarsdóttir Posted May 14th, 2015, in Music
Check out the What’s On blog archives on whatson.is/blog
Kriki is a brand new mellow indie dream-pop band. Frontwoman and singer/songwriter Katrín Helga Andrésdóttir has become quite well known lately for her performances with Reykjavíkurdætur, an all female hip hop ensemble, and Hljómsveitt, a feminist band lead by her and her sister. She has written controversial songs about unconventional sex and edgy parodistic political songs, but with Kriki, her ..
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CONTINUE READING ON WHATSON.IS/MUSIC
ICELAND – THE 4TH MOST SOCIALLY PROGRESSIVE COUNTRY IN THE WORLD! By Rögnvaldur “Reggie” Guðmundsson Posted May 21st, 2015, in News
CONTINUE READING ON WHATSON.IS/NEWS
According to the Social Progress Index 2015, Iceland is the 4th most socially progressive country in the world, after Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. The index is an innovative attempt to measure social progress not according to economic measures but according to how successfully a society meets Basic Human ...
ICELANDIC HISTORY FROM A NEW POINT OF VIEW AT THE CULTURE HOUSE By Elín Elísabet Einarsdóttir Posted May 17th, 2015, in History The Culture House of Reykjavík has recently reopened with a brand new exhibition. This is one of Reykjavík’s most beautiful buildings, both inside and out. It’s located in Hverfisgata, right next to the National Theater. The new exhibition is called Points of View. The concept is a bit all over the place – taking in elements from all aspects of Iceland’s visual history...
CONTINUE READING ON WHATSON.IS/HISTORY
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED
Blue Lagoon has limited availability Book online at bluelagoon.com
WHAT’S ON
Secret Solstice is Reykjavík‘s newest festival. This will be the second time the festival is held in Laugardalur valley in Reykjavík during the summer solstice weekend. And yes that does mean that it will not get dark – at all!
For more info, visit whatson.is/secret-solstice
The line-up looks excellent. It mostly consists of hip hop and electro artists, but with interesting reggae and alternative acts in between – both local and international.
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The headliner of the festival is definitely the Wu Tang Clan who is making their first visit to Iceland. Among other artists are The Wailers, FKA Twigs, Skream, the beautiful MØ, Bam Margera‘s band Earth Rocker and the strange but equally awesome Hercules & Love Affair. On the local side we’re excited to see Mugison, dance crazies FM Belfast, the always amazing
Berndsen, and of course the timeless rock band HAM. The festival has an ongoing program pretty much all day ending each in a big rave in the gigantic ice skating rink where you can dance until your limbs fall off. The What‘s On team will definitely be out there monitoring what‘s happening at Secret Solstice and reporting back on the 24 hour sunlight awesomeness. And while you’re here, make sure you try some of the amazing things Iceland has to offer.
All photos on this page © Brynjar Snær
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FKA TWIGS
I’ve been obsessed with Twigs for some time now, her spellbinding vocals and beats ooze sensuality mixed in with heartfelt lyrics and dance moves most of us can only dream of. She plans her shows (and videos) meticulously and this live performance will be the definite highlight for me!
MØ
26 year old Danish singer-songwriter Mø crash-landed onto the scene in 2013 with what’s being described as “electro music with guts”. Last year she won four Danish Music Awards and had international hits in collaboration with artists such as Major Lazer and Iggy Azalea. I can’t wait to see this girl!!
WHAT’S ON
THE WHAT’S ON STAFF RECOMMENDS AT SECRET SOLSTICE FESTIVAL 2015
KELIS
Since singing the hook on ‘Ol Dirty Bastards (A WuTangClan founder) “Got your money” in 1999 Kelis has been in my heart and mind. Her ever-changing career, from singer to chef has now shaped into her collaboration with producer Dave Sitek from TV on the radio for her latest album “Food”. Reaching critical acclaim I’m excited to see her perform at this stage in her career, as we never know what she’ll do next!
GUS GUS
Icelandic electronica trip-hop legends that continue to grow and wow us. With multiple changes in their line-up since being founded by two filmmakers, GusGus have achieved well-deserved international acclaim and produced amazing albums. The crowd is going to go crazy during their set and we can be sure these veterans will deliver!
For more info, visit whatson.is/secret-solstice
WU-TANG-CLAN
Out of New York City (The shaolins of Staten Island) 9 rappers founded this legendary hiphop group. Following the release of seminal album Enter the Wu-Tang in 1993 founders have since helped shape hip-hop as we know it as a group as well as with numerous solo projects. Performing in Iceland for the first time, this will be one to strike off my bucket list.
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WHAT’S ON
THE WHAT’S ON STAFF RECOMMENDS AT SECRET SOLSTICE FESTIVAL 2015 SAMARIS
It all began in 2011 and within a couple of months performing together Samaris had won both the Icelandic battle of the bands and Kraumur award. The combination of electronics, clarinet, haunting chant-like vocals and lyrics from nineteenth century Icelandic poems results in a new modern meets ancient sensation. This is definitely one to watch.
ÚLFUR ÚLFUR
This hip-hop duo had an epic live performance last year at Secret Solstice with a full band and awesome stage presence. Their hit “Tarantúlur” is my favourite and their sound is described as one of the freshest in Icelandic rap and hip-hop today.
For more info, visit whatson.is/secret-solstice
RETRO STEFSON
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A band that started out as a project in middle school led to these young musicians stealing our hearts with some of the tightest beats and disco licks around. The main thing here is seeing them live – they have played wicked shows, most memorably during Iceland Airwaves and always maintain their reputation for FUN and lots of interaction with the crowd.
KIRYAMA FAMILY
5 piece electronic pop fusion band working with sounds from the 70’s and 80’s, R&B as well as elements of jazz and funk. They deliver airtight sets, catchy melodies and have established themselves as one the best live bands within the Icelandic music scene.
FM BELFAST
Fun, witty darlings of electro pop never fail to pump it up during their energetic live performances. They will have you jumping, shouting, laughing and crying by the end of their set. Wear sensible shoes and dance till you drop.
ART HOUSE CINEMA & CAFÉ
ICELANDIC FILMS WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES EVERY DAY AT 6, 8 & 10 PM
BJÖRN THORS "GORGEOUS VISUALS" - VARIETY
PARIS
HELGI BJÖRNS
NANNA KRISTÍN MAGNÚSDÓTTIR "DELIGHTFULLY DRY AND WRY COMEDY DRAMA...HAFSTEINN GUNNAR SIGURÐSSON IS ONE OF THE BEST UP-AND-COMING EUROPEAN DIRECTORS."
"BJÖRN THORS IS A TERRIFICALLY CHARISMATIC PERFORMER.”
- SCREEN DAILY
WRITTEN BY HULDAR
-THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
BREI-DFJÖRÐ DIRECTED BY HAFSTEINN GUNNAR SIGURÐSSON
PARIS THE ONE WHO TRAVELS FURTHEST, KNOWS THE LEAST
OF THE NORTH
KJARTANSSON AND ZIK ZAK FILMWORKS IN ASSOCIATION WITH ARIZONA PRODUCTIONS FLICKBOOK FILMS AND PROFILE PICTURES WITH SUPPORT FROM ICELANDIC FILMCENTRE AND EURIMAGES PRESENT BJÖRN THORS HELGI BJÖRNSSON NANNA KRISTÍN MAGNÚSDÓTTIR SIGURÐUR SKÚLASON JÓN PÁLL EYJÓLFSSON HAKI LORENZEN IN “PARIS OF THE NORTH” MUSIC BY PRINS PÓLÓ COSTUME DESIGN EVA VALA GUÐJÓNSDÓTTIR AND MARGRÉT EINARSDÓTTIR SOUND DESIGN HULDAR FREYR ARNARSON EDITOR KRISTJÁN LOÐMFJÖRÐ PRODUCTION DESIGN HÁLFDÁN PEDERSEN CINEMATOGRAPHY G. MAGNI ÁGÚSTSSON, ÍKS CO-PRODUCERS DITTE MILSTED JACOB JAREK GUILLAUME DE
SEILLE TOBIAS MUNTHE SKÚLI FR. MALMQUIST PRODUCERS SINDRI PÁLL KJARTANSSON AND ÞÓRIR SNÆR SIGURJÓNSSON SCREENPLAY HULDAR BREIÐFJÖRÐ DIRECTED BY HAFSTEINN GUNNAR SIGURÐSSON
HAPPY HOUR 5-8 PM CULT MOVIE POSTERS BY LOCAL ARTISTS ShowtimeS: bioparadis.is | Hverfisgata 54 | Reykjavík | midasala@bioparadis.is
Meet some of Iceland’s finest designers Epal Harpa / Epal Skeifan 6 / Epal Design Kringlan / 568 7733
www.epal.is
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Choose a card that suits your stay: 24, 48 or 72 hours
the city card #reykjavikloves
Ask for the Reykjavík City Card at the official tourist information centre in Aðalstræti 2. www.visitreykjavik.is
WHAT’S ON
SETTLEMENT SAGAS: A NEW EXHIBITION OF ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS
The Reykjavík City Museum is proud to present Settlement Sagas. The central feature of this new exhibition are of the nation’s greatest treasures, ancient manuscripts that are usually kept under lock and key at The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. It is therefore a great honour for us to be able to put on public display for the first time these items that tell us so much about Reykjavík’s past.
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The exhibition will be in the same building as the Settlement Exhibition, so visitors will be able to view the manuscripts alongside various other artefacts that have been discovered in the Reykjavík area and therefore attain a better understanding of their significance within the wider context of the history of the Settlement. This is a unique opportunity to look back in time at the beginnings and development of Iceland’s capital city over a period of more than a millennium.
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Settlement Sagas comprises some of the nation’s most renowned documents, many of them written in the twelfth century but relating events that go back as far as 874 AD, when the first settlers are said to have come to Iceland. Recognised by the International World Heritage Programme as having outstanding cultural value, the documents on display include Landnámabók (the Book of the Settlement), Íslendingabók, Kjalnesingasaga, Jónsbók and the Bill of Purchase for Reykjavík (1615).
OPEN DAILY UNTIL 20:00!
It is Iceland’s literary heritage that has preserved this ancient language and helps us remain in touch with the beginnings of our culture. They have shaped our view of history and given us a unique basis from which to study our origins as a nation and our long-standing relationship among the other Nordic countries. The Settlement Exhibition focuses on the settlement of Iceland in 874 AD and first few decades after that. The artefacts there give us an invaluable insight into the life and times of the first people to inhabit the Reykjavík area and the ways in which they adapted to their new environment. The exhibition is founded on archaeological and other scientific research and introduces visitors to the latest facts and interpretations forwarded by a range of experts. These two very different exhibitions afford an unprecedented view into the ancient origins of Icelandic culture. One based on archaeological findings from the days of the Settlement, the other on ancient documents from the same period. This is also the first time Iceland’s literary heritage and archaeological history have been placed side by side for the general public. In addition, the preservation of these precious manuscripts is one of the reasons why UNESCO officially designated Reykjavík as one of its Cities of Literature in 2011.
Iceland’s most precious cultural heritage
Reykjavík City Museum is proud to present Settlement Sagas. The central feature of this new exhibition are of the nation’s greatest treasures, ancient manuscripts that are usually kept under lock and key at The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. Recognised by unesco as having outstanding cultural value, the documents on display include Landnámabók (the Book of the Settlement), Íslendingabók, Kjalnesingasaga, Jónsbók and the Bill of Purchase for Reykjavík (1615). The Settlement Exhibition Settlement Sagas Aðalstræti 16/Reykjavík Open daily 9 – 20 www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is
WHAT’S ON For more information, check out www.listvinafelag.is 36
INTERNATIONAL ORGAN SUMMER AT HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA THE INTERNATIONAL ORGAN SUMMER A concert series hosted by the Friends of the Arts Society in Hallgrimskirkja for the 23rd time this summer. It holds an important position in Reykjavík’s cultural environment and enriches the experience of tourists during the summer. Due to an ever increasing interest in the Organ Summers events the festivalperiod has been lengthened and this summer there will be four concerts per week in the period from June 13th to August 9th: the main concerts are every Saturday at 12 noon and every Sunday at 5 PM with internationally acclaimed organists, every Thursday at 12 noon in collaboration with The Society of Icelandic Organist and the Schola cantorum chamber choir gives a concert at 12 noon every Wednesday. The weekend organists of the IOS participate in the Sunday services in Hallgrímskirkja by playing the postludium. The International Organ Summer series started after the inauguration of the church’s Klaisorgan in 1992 and at the beginning of last year the grand Klais-organ underwent extensive renovation; a complete cleaning of its pipes and infrastructure, all clutches were checked and its computer equipment renewed. Tickets are sold at the entrance one hour before each concert.
CITY OF GOD The Hallgrimskirkja Friends of the Arts Society’s Summer exhibition 2015 “City of God” by artist Rósa Gísladóttir, deals with Christianity and its profound
cultural impact on us. The exhibition includes five works. Keldur – Khor Virap looks at ancient connections between Iceland and Armenia, in view of the fact that the Old Icelandic history of Ari the Wise mentions three “ermskir” bishops who are said to have come to Iceland in 1020. They were probably envoys of the Armenian Church, the oldest in the world, founded in AD 301. Keldur in Iceland and Khor Virap in Armenia are ancient monasteries on the outskirts of the Christian world, associated by their names which both mean ‘source’ or ‘bog’. In addition, I have renovated the reliquary that used to belong to Keldur Church, now in the National Museum in Copenhagen; I propose the hypothesis that it was a gift to Iceland by the Armenian bishops. The third piece, entitled Abraham’s Heritage, comprises the unification of three houses of worship: a church, a mosque and a synagogue. These belong to the three great monotheistic religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism, which originally sprung from the same source although their disunity is disrupting the world peace. The fourth work is of the Lord’s Prayer, an audio installation in many different languages. The fifth object is located outside the church and entitled Mirror of Time, it consists of a cylinder-shaped mirror reflecting the world and man whom God created in his own image. This work has previously been exhibited in Rome (2012) and Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík (2013).
Hallgrimskirkja's Friends of the Arts Society 33rd season
The International Organ Summer in Hallgrímskirkja 2015 13th June – 9th August Lunchtime concerts
on Wednesdays at 12 noon
Schola cantorum
Weekend concerts
Saturday at 12 noon and Sunday at 5 pm with international concert organists
Hallgrimskirkja Chamber Choir
13. 6. 12 noon & 14. 6. 5 pm 20. 6. 12 noon & 21. 6. 5 pm 27. 6. 12 noon & 28. 6. 5 pm 4. 7. 12 noon & 5. 7. 5 pm 11. 7. 12 noon & 12. 7. 5 pm 18. 7. 12 noon & 19. 7. 5 pm 25. 7. 12 noon & 26. 7. 5 pm 1. 8. 12 noon & 2. 8. 5 pm 8. 8. 12 noon & 9. 8. 5 pm
Björn Steinar Sólbergsson, Hallgrímskirkja Iveta Aphalna, world famous concert organist, Latvia James B. Hicks, Norway / Virginia Hicks USA soprano Elżbieta Karolak, Poland Hörður Áskelsson, Music Director of Hallgrimskirkja Dexter Kennedy, USA, Winner of Chartre Int. Organ Competition 2014 Janos Kristofi, Hungary Lára Bryndís Eggertsdóttir, Iceland Andreas Liebig, Basel Münster, Switzerland
Lunchtime concerts
on Thursdays at 12 noon
In cooperation with Icelandic Organist Association
18. 6. Lenka Mateova, Kópavogur Church Steinunn Skjenstad soprano 25. 6. Kári Þormar, Dómkirkjan 2. 7. Jónas Þórir, Bústaðakirkja, film music, Star Wars and more 9. 7. Hörður Áskelsson, Hallgrímskirkja Fjölnir Ólafsson baritone 16. 7. Guðný Einarsdóttir, Fella- og Hólakirkja 23. 7. Steingrímur Þórhallsson, Neskirkja/Pamela Sensi flute 30. 7. Eyþór WechWner Franzson 6. 8. Ágúst Ingi Ágústsson
WHAT’S ON
THE REYKJAVIK MUSEUM WALK Reykjavik is rich with culture and history which can be experienced in the many museums that our city has to offer. To make life easier for you, here is a proposed Museum Walk that covers the best bits of downtown Reykjavik, while within a walking distance. 1
VOLCANO HOUSE
The museum gives visitors an idea of the real life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur daily and Icelandic nature is in a state of constant flux. Volcano House lets you experience the world of Icelanders by coming as close as possible to experiencing an eruption or earthquake for yourself. They also have an in-house cinema where they offer two back-to-back documentaries on historical volcanic eruptions.
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REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY
The museum’s main objective is to present both historical and contemporary photography in an artistic, social and cultural context, as well as nurture public and scholarly interest in photography and its culture. The collection’s themes are diverse, you can find family photographs, photos from portrait studios, industrial- and advertising photographs, press photography, landscape photographs and more.
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THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND
The nation’s most precious treasures are kept and displayed at The National Museum of Iceland that was established on the 24th of February in 1863. The aim of the museum is to increase and relay knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage from the beginning until now. At the museum you will find objects that provide insight into Icelandic cultural history and displays from different eras.
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THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND
The principal art museum of Iceland, established in 1884. Its art collection consists mainly of 19th and 20th century art works. In its possession are many of the keystones of Icelandic art history, as well as a growing collection of works from other countries. The National Gallery’s main role is to collect, preserve, research and exhibit Icelandic art and offer education about it, as well as there is a considerable emphasis laid on showing Icelandic art in context with international art.
REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM
Hafnarhús serves as the m u s e u m ’s i n s t i t u t e o f contemporary art, where new developments in art are explored through d i ve r s e ex h i b i t i o n s o f Icelandic and international artists. An exhibition of paintings by well known pop artist Erró is a permanent feature. You’ll really like the restaurant inside that has a beautiful view over the harbour. Don’t forget to stop by the Hafnarhús shop for postcards, art posters and books published by the museum.
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THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION
Archaeological remains were excavated in Aðalstræti in 2001, which turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavík.The relics are now preserved at their original location as the focal point of the Settlement Exhibition. The construction of Viking Age buildings is explained using multimedia technology and computer technology is used to give an impression of what life was like in the hall. Open until 20:00.
©2013 GOOGLE
NICE
GREAT FOODGOOD DRINKS ATMO HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 17-19
KITCHEN IS OPEN Weekends 11.30–24 Other days 11.30–23
UNO at Ingólfstorg | Tel. 561 1313 | www.uno.is
Enjoy the freedom of riding ÍSHESTAR offers horseback riding tours through the spectacular Icelandic landscape. Whether you join our tours into the wilderness of the remote highlands, through the lush countryside or, all year round, for a short ride from our Riding Centre near Reykjavik, riding with Íshestar is a great experience. For further information check out our website www.ishestar.is, call +354 555 7000 or be our friend on Facebook.
For over 30 years Íshestar has given people an opportunity to ride the Icelandic horse, the most versatile gait horse in the world. Horses are our partners and our passion.
Party Every Night. Cocktails! Live Music Every Night! 50 different kinds of beer. Live Sports Coverage Kitchen open from 11.00. Ribs, burgers, chicken wings!
LIFE IS SHORT - DRINK EARLY AUSTURSTRAETI 8 • REYKJAVIK
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Check out the article The Reykjavik Sight Experience on pages 12-13 for more information about the places numbered here.
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REYKJAVIK CITY MAP
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With so much to see and do, why not rent a car with audio guided day tour GPS system?
Perfect day tours for the independent traveller My Way is your own audio day tour consisting of a suitable car for you and your friends together with an audio guide programmed into the GPS system. Sold in cooperation with Avis and Budget car rentals. My Way audio guided daytours exsamples: Reykjanes Peninsula
Reykjavík – Gardskagi, Hafnir, Blue Lagoon, Kleifarvatn – Hafnarfjördur Volcanic wonders and some of our country’s most unforgettable sights. The Reykjanes peninsula tour offers an extreme variety of landscapes, lava fields and geothermal activity,
MIN: 4HRS
APX: 180KM
Golden Circle
Reykjavík – Gullfoss & Geysir Iceland’s most popular day tour, The Golden Circle, a route which encompasses many of Iceland’s most famous landmarks. This tour includes some of the best known historical sites and natural phenomena in Iceland.
MIN: 5HRS APX: 250KM
Only available from: &
To book your own day tour • Contact Avis, tel. 591 4000 or Budget, tel. 562 6060. • Ask the hotel or next information centre to book it for you. • Visit the My Way website mywayiniceland.is
South Shore
Reykjavík – South Shore to Vík – Reykjavík You drive along the south coast of Iceland passing by glaciers and volcanoes, black sand coastline and moss-covered lava fields as far as the charming village Vík í Mýrdal.
MIN: 8HRS
APX: 400KM
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND SUÐURGATA 41, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 10-17
BUNDLED UP IN BLUE An exhibition based on new research on the bones and grave good found in a settlement-era grave. The grave was discovered in 1938 in East-Iceland. The research can provide answers on the age of the woman in the grave and where she came from, together with indications of how she looked and dressed.
I - PORTRAITS BY VALDIMAR THORLACIUS
ICELANDIC WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE, 19152015 From June 19th Women at work and the struggle for equality over the hundred years since Icelandic women gained the right to vote. Are voting rights as important in the minds of young women in 2015 as they were to their sisters in 1915? The exhibition is supported
THE PEOPLE DOWNTOWN – PORTRAITS BY DAVÍÐ ÞORSTEINSSON (FROM 2012-2015) Portraits of downtown life: the photographer’s neighbours and passing tourists, shop assistants and servers, bankers, realtors, artists, postal workers, parking inspectors, graffiti artists ...
THE MAKING OF A NATION - HERITAGE AND HISTORY IN ICELAND The exhibition is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Settlement to the present day. The aim is to cast light on the Icelanders’ past by placing the cultural heritage preserved by the National Museum in a historical context, guided by the question: What makes a nation? 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. It 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.
SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM LAUGARNESTANGI 70, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE-SUN 14-17
INTERPLAY A new light will be shed on the relationship between the Danish architect Finn Juhl (1912-1989) and Sigurjón Ólafsson in the years of 1940 to 1945. Both of them were pioneers, each in his field, and both went unexplored paths in their experiments with form and material. The exhibition will include Finn Juhl’s furniture which he presented at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild’s furniture exhibitions in 1940 and 1941; the chair The Pelikan and the sofa The Poet, along with sculptures by Sigurjón which Finn Juhl chose to interplay with his furnitures.
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Portraits of Icelandic loners, hermits and recluses and their living spaces. A glimpse into the life of those who live alone in rural and urban Iceland. Some remain in their childhood homes, while others seek out seclusion.
by The Committee for the Centenary of Women’s Suffrage in Iceland.
EVENT CALENDAR
ICELANDIC WOMEN
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EVENT CALENDAR
ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION BERGSTAÐASTRÆTI 74, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE,-SUN 14-17
IN THE LIGHT OF THE DAYS PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS BY ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON The works of Ásgrímur Jónsson span a long period in the history of our nation - the times of struggle for independence and times of conflict as the rural society is disintegrating and Reykjavík is becoming a municipality. The interpretation of the seen and the unseen, landscape and oral tradition were his main topics throughout his career spanning the first half of the twentieth century. His paintings and drawings reflect sincere love for the country and the nation. The works chosen for the exhibition reflect the width in the artist‘s themes.
IN THE LIGHT OF THE DAYS...
THE CINEMA
THE CINEMA
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GEIRSGATA 7B, REYKJAVIK
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The Cinema is a cosy little movie theatre on the Old Harbour waterfront in the Reykjavik Centre, which offers a wide variety of different documentaries about everything from Volcanoes to Northern Lights to Glaciers made by the renowned Icelandic filmmaker Valdimar Leifsson. It has an impressive selection of scheduled shows as well as a possibility to book specifically a number of others, including films in German. Currently, all their screenings include a short feature about the recent eruption at Bárðarbunga, which started in August 2014. This includes cutting edge footage shot from a drone, which has drawn attention internationally, and which The Cinema was involved in creating. This footage in addition to other incredible and dramatic material is used to highlight the awesome power and beauty of the phenomenon.
REYKJAVIK CITY HALL OPEN: MON-FRI 8-19; SAT-SUN 12-18.
BEING:FEMALE:BEING Guðrún Sigríður Haraldsdóttir’s installation VERA:KVEN:VERA (being:female:being) in Tjarnarsalur is created especially to coincide with this year’s celebration of 100 years of women’s right to vote in Iceland. It is created in collaboration with The Municipal Archives of Reykjavík and artist Kristín Gunnlaugsdóttir. VERA:KVEN:VERA explores the idea of there being a form of a collective female self. The installation examines and seeks to reconcile or unite, on one hand our innermost secret self and on the other hand our most external reflections - our looks. This multimedia installation is based on three diverse strands:
-firstly Kristín Gunnlaugsdóttir ́s artwork – SKÖPUNARVERK I, which has been on display in Tjarnarsalur for the last year; -secondly handwritten letters and formal portraits of women from around 1915, found in the Municipal Archives of Reykjavík; -and thirdly the private view guests are invited to take part by being added into the digital projection, - which is a method Guðrún Sigríður has recently been developing within her work.
Get to know the Icelanders 5 0 m i n i at ur e e s s ay s o n t h e q uirk s a n d fo i b le s o f th e i c e l an d i c p e o p l e
EVENT CALENDAR Read more about these exhibitions on whatson.is/ec 48
REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM HAFNARHÚS TRYGGVAGATA 17, REYKJAVIK OPEN: FRI-WED 10-17, THU 10-20
ÁSMUNDUR SVEINSSON
ERRÓ AND ART HISTORY At Hafnarhús, works are always on display which provide insight into the work of Erró. The theme of this exhibition is art history itself: over the years, Erró has established a close and creative relationship with that history. Erró is well known for creating his own visual world in his collages; and in this exhibition we see works in which he has borrowed images and fragments of pictures by some of the leading artists in history, such as Picasso and Léger. He also references the work of lesser-known artists of different periods. In that way Erró may be said to write his own version of the history of art, through his works.
KATHY CLARK: BEARS; TRUTHS… Kathy Clark creates the installation bears; truths... using used teddy bears that have been discarded by the children of Reykjavík. She intends to reflect a complex narrative about life’s journey through an assemblage
of hundreds of teddy bears that she has taken apart, sewn, tied, glued, and/or treated with wax and other materials. Kathy lives and works in Reykjavík and has shown in a number of solo and group shows in Iceland and USA. She is also the founder of two window galleries, namely Wind and Weather, and Better Weather. Curator: Yean Fee Quay.
exhibition opens at 21 May but each exhibition will last for two weeks. Many people have been involved in the Kunstschlager over the years; at present it comprises eight artists and one art historian. Kunstschlager has gained a favourable reputation for interesting programmes and a unique ambiance.
RICHARD SERRA: ÁFANGAR
REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM ÁSMUNDARSAFN
This year marks the twentyfifth anniversary of the installation of Richard Serra’s environmental art work Áfangar on Viðey Island. Serra (b.1939) is one of the most respected of contemporary artists. The exhibition includes drawings and graphic works made by Serra in connection with Áfangar, as well as film and photographs from the installation of the work on the island. Details about events on Viðey Island in connection with the exhibition will be available at information desk or the museum´s website. The exhibition is a part of Reykjavik Arts Festival’s 2015 programme.
KUNSTSCHLAGER From May 21st. Kunstschlager will be in the D-gallery this summer and opens six exhibitions along with other artists. The first
SIGTÚN, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 10-17
ÁSMUNDUR SVEINSSON: ARTISTIC INCLINATION The Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum is dedicated to the works of the sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982). The collection in the Museum contains works that span the whole career of the artist and clearly show how his artistic vision developed throughout his life. Among the oldest are sculptures that he created as a student at the Sate Academy in Sweden; later came the grand masterpieces that sing the praise of the Icelandic common people, folktales and nature, and finally the collections has a number of abstract works, that the artist created in the last decades of his life.
FLÓKAGATA 24, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 10-17
Ásmundur Sveinsson, Stríð og flótti-War and Flight, 1943
JUST PAINTED II
POINTS OF VIEW
Until June 7th.
TEXTILE ART BY JÚLÍANA SVEINSDÓTTIR AND ANNI ALBERS: VERTICAL / HORIZONTAL In parallel with her painting career Júlíana Sveinsdóttir (18891966) enjoyed a successful and interesting career as a textile artist. Her textiles are shown here alongside the works of the German Bauhaus weaver/artist Anni Albers, (1899–1994) who was one of the most influential weavers of the twentieth century.
MARGINALIA – TEXTS, SKETCHES, AND DOODLES IN KJARVAL’S ART
thousand-year-old treasures e.g. manuscripts to the latest in Icelandic art.
From June 19th. “I see myself writing, and I hear the pen on the paper.” Kjarval’s words could be taken as the theme of his exhibition – as they focus attention on the material, the method and the imagination.
JÚLÍANA SVEINSDÓTTIR AND RUTH SMITH: TWO STRONG WOMEN From June 19th. On 19 June, Iceland’s Women’s Rights Day, 2015, the exhibition Two Strong Women will open at Kjarvalsstaðir – Reykjavík Art Museum.
THE CULTURE HOUSE HVERFISGATA 15, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE-SUN 10-17
POINTS OF VIEW The exhibition gives visitors the chance to delve into the collections of six different cultural institutions, the National Museum of Iceland, National Gallery of Iceland, Natural History Museum, National Archives of Iceland, National and University Library of Iceland and Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. Points of view will offer an innovative guide to a nation’s cultural history exhibiting
REYKJAVÍK MARITIME MUSEUM GRANDAGARÐUR 8, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 10-17
THE HISTORY OF SAILING This exhibition recounts Iceland’s maritime history and the growth of Reykjavík Harbor. Iceland’s settlement can be traced to Nordic seafarers sailing the North Atlantic. The first settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, chose the area that is now Reykjavík to make his home. It was a natural haven, with the inlet at Grandagarður being well sheltered for pulling boats safely ashore. For centuries, this natural harbor was one of the country’s main fisheries and trading centers, and over the years, Reykjavík Harbor grew to become Iceland’s largest port..
FROM POVERTY TO ABUNDANCE Portrays the Icelandic fisheries at the turn of the 20th century, and realistically depicts the lives of Icelandic fishermen. During this time, tenant fishermen resided in modest coastal cottages during the fishing season. On display is Farsæll, an original four-person rowboat built around 1900 in the Westman Islands.
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In recent years the painting has been gaining an everstronger foothold worldwide. New emphasis and expansion of the medium has attracted attention and the focus has been on the diversity of contemporary painting. Magnús, Sigurðarson, Rotating Renaissance Man, vizcaya Museum & gardens, Miami, 2015 Iceland is no exception. Artists of all ages, with very different artistic styles and KjarvalsstaðIr ideologies, have chosen the FlóKagaTa painting as their primary art just Painted 2 an overview medium. To give of painting in Iceland today, the Reykjavík Art Museum presents two exhibitions, the first one at Hafnarhús and the second at Kjarvalsstaðir displaying works by 87 active artists, 27 at Hafnarhús and Open 10 a.m. – 5Such p.m.an 60 atdaily Kjarvalsstaðir. extensive overview of Icelandic contemporary painting has never been presented before. Curators: Hafþór Yngvason and Kristján Jónsson.
EVENT CALENDAR
REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM – KJARVALSSTAÐIR
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Harpa Regulars They’re always around Guided Tours
Expo Pavilion
Winter time Weekdays: 15:30 Weekends: 11:00, 15:30 Summer time Daily: 09:00, 11:00, 13:30, 15:30
A 360° cinematic experience, every day in Harpa. Iceland in all its diversity, projected onto four walls and the ceiling, forming a cube that surrounds its guests.
harpa.is/guidedtours
harpa.is/expo
Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Austurbakki 2 101 Reykjavík Iceland
www.harpa.is +354 528 5000
TRYGGVAGATA 15, 101 REYKJAVIK OPEN: MON-THU 12-19, FRI 12-18, SAT-SUN 13-17
KEPPERS
consists of series by Agnieszka Sosnowska, Bára Kristinsdóttir, Daniel Reuter, Hallgerður Hallgrímsdóttir, Kristina Petrošiutė and Skúta.
THE CUBE: BÁRA KRISTINSDÓTTIR – THE WORKSHOP
TRACES OF LIFE – THE SUBJECTIVE AND PERSONAL IN ICELANDIC CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY Traces of Life examines the subjective, intimate and personal in contemporary photography. The exhibition presents six photographers whose work centers around their personal lives and perception of the everyday. The exhibition
GARÐATORG 1, 210 GARÐABÆR OPEN: TUE-SUN 12-17
KEEPERS The exhibition KEEPERS focuses on the Museum of Design and Applied Art’s collection. It will display the diversity that defines the collection while highlighting the fact that the museum’s collection is almost entirely composed of gifts. The title KEEPERS refers both to the objects themselves, the ones worth keeping, as well as the people who preserved them, kept them and eventually so generously gave them to the museum for safekeeping.
HAFNARBORG STRANDGATA 34, HAFNAFJÖRÐUR OPEN: DAILY 12-17, EXCEPT THU 12-21 AND CLOSED TUE.
YOUR PLACE, OUR ENVIRONMENT BY THE FLENSBORG HARBOR The Flensborg harbor has a long history and in this exhibition groundwork for a new construction plan for the area is introduced. Maps, photographs and drawings of the area have been installed
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND FRÍKIRKJUVEGUR 7, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE-SUN 11-17
SAGA - NARRATIVE SAGA The exhibition aims to reflect the notion of the Narrative in Icelandic visual art. It consists of artworks by many of the best known Icelandic artists such as Ólafur Elíasson, Erro, Steingrímur Eyfjörð, Helgi Þorgils Friðjónsson, Gabríela Friðriksdóttir, , as well as from international artists such as Magdalena Jetelova and Cindy Sherman. The exhibition was previously on show at Kunsthalle Recklinghausen, Germany and will travel to KUMU; Contemporary Art Museum in Tallinn, Estonia in late-2015.
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In the Cube display space, photographer Bára Kristinsdóttir shows her photographic/video work The Workshop. The work provides insight into the life of two elderly gentlemen, who provide nylon coating services in a workshop on the outskirts of Reykjavík, in the last two years. In the past, business thrived at the workplace with its “old style“ handmade manufacturing. But the business never adopted modern technology, and now the time has come that their work is no longer in demand. Only the owner and one employee are left, and the company is inexorably forced out of business by Chinese mass-production which has taken over the market.
MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART
. Muesum guests can get acquainted to the harbor‘s history and reports of the project and other visual material will be on display and on a big map visitors are encouraged to make suggestions.
EVENT CALENDAR
REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY
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EVENT CALENDAR Read more about these exhibitions on whatson.is/ec 52
THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION AÐALSTRÆTI 16, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 9-20
SETTLEMENT SAGAS The central feature of this new exhibition are the nation‘s greatest treasures, ancient manuscripts that are usually kept under lock at The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic studies. This is a temporary exhibition and a rare opportunity to see these culturally valuable manuscripts that describe the settlement in Reykjavik.
ASÍ ART GALLERÝ FREYJUGATA 41, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE-SUN 13-17
SETTLEMENT SAGAS
40) were given the right to vote in Iceland. To celebrate this The ASI Art Gallery will open an exhibition on May 13th where women focus on women. Age, method and the chosen material of the artists differ but the theme is the same; The Vixen and the victim who are unceasingly being chiselled into the DNA of every woman.
THE VIXEN AND THE VICTIM A woman’s role was that of the model, the substance a man needed to create another woman, a fact that is still apparent in the last pages of art history. Now, in the year 2015, there are 100 years since women (older than
carvings from the artist´s youth, sculpture, paintings and drawings. A beautiful tree-clad garden adorned with 26 bronze casts of the artist´s works is located behind the museum. The task of the museum is to colloect, preserve and display the work of Einar Jónsson and conduct research on his life and art.
EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM EIRÍKSGATA, REYKJAVÍK OPEN: TUE-SUN 13-17
A museum in the heart of Reykjavík and houses the life work of Icelands first Sculptor Einar Jónsson. The museum contains close to 300 art works spanning a 60 year career:
CHECK OUT EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MUSEUMS IN REYKJAVÍK AND NEIGHBORING TOWNS—THE EXHIBITIONS, THE EVENTS AND ALL THE INFORMATION—ON WWW.WHATSON.IS/MUSEUMS.
FINALLY WE’RE HERE • Enterprise is one of the biggest car rentals in the world. • Only new car models. • Unlimited mileage. • 24/7 breakdown service. • Free hotel pick up within Reykjavík city limits.
* At your hotel within Reykjavik City limits.
BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík • Info-IS@EnterpriseRentACar.com • www.EnterpriseRentACar.is • Tel. +354 519 9300
EVENT CALENDAR Read more about these exhibitions on whatson.is/ec 54
THE VIKING FESTIVAL
NOTABLE FESTIVITIES & RECURRING EVENTS NOTABLE DAYS
ALL THAT JAZZ
JUNE 17TH NATIONAL DAY IN ICELAND
KEXJAZZ
More info on www.whatson.is
Tuesday nights at Kex Hostel.
FESTIVAL CITY
COZY SUNDAY
THE ICELANDIC TATTOO CONVENTION
Sundays at Kex Hostel. Activities for the whole family.
June 5th-7th. More info on www.whatson.is
FESTIVAL OF THE SEA June 6th-7th. More info on www.whatson.is
HARPA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC ACADEMY June 6th-17th. More info on www.whatson.is
THE VIKING FESTIVAL June 12th-17th. More info on pages 22-23 and on www.whatson.is/secret-solstice
REYKJAVIK MIDSUMMER MUSIC June 18th-21st. More info on www.whatson.is
SECRET SOLSTICE 2015 June 19th-21st. More info on pages 26-30 and on www.whatson.is/secret-solstice
GUIDED MUSEUM TOURS NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND Every Tuesday and Friday at 12:10 PM from May 15th until September 15th.
ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM Guided tour every day at 13:00.
HAFNARHÚS & VIÐEY ISLAND Guided tours every Saturday in June, July and August in Hafnarhús at 11 a.m. and Viðey Island at 12.30 p.m.
THE ICELAND EXPO PAVILION The pavilion features a unique 360-degree film where the walls and ceiling form a visual unity. More info on whatson.is. Every day at Harpa.
e c r u o s A alth e h f o
Th er m al sw i m m ing po ols
Hot t ubs and jacuzz i
Sa un as , steamb at hs an d sh ow er s
*Admission February 2014. Price is subject to change ge
Reykjavik's Thermal Pools
*
O N LY
0LiTsSk. 60 D A U k. 130DiRsEN CHIL
Fo r he alt h an d we ll- be ing
Se ve n loc at ion s
Op en ea rl y un t il lat e
Thermal pools a and d baths in Reykjavik a are e a source of health, rrelaxation elaxation and purenes pureness. s. All of the city´s swimming pools have several hot pots with temperatures ranging from 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
EVENT CALENDAR
ONE-OFF EVENTS JUNE 1ST, MONDAY
HARPA
»» Blues Night
»» Jaðarber Concert
»» An Evening with Three Sisters
JUNE 2ND, TUESDAY
JUNE 11TH, THURSDAY
JUNE 22ND, MONDAY
GAMLA BÍÓ
HARPA
HARPA
»» Tónar & Trix Release Concert
»» Titans and Trailblazers
»» Pearls of Icelandic Song
VODAFONE HÖLLIN
JUNE 12TH, FRIDAY
»» Alt J Concert
HARPA »» Lunchtime concert - Icelandic Opera
JUNE 3RD, WEDNESDAY MENGI HARPA »» How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes
JUNE 4TH, THURSDAY HARPA »» Summer Breeze »» Jan Lundgren Trio
HÁSKÓLABÍÓ HARPA »» Stuðmenn - Sumar á Sýrlandi
JUNE 6TH, SATURDAY DOWNTOWN REYKJAVIK »» The Color Run Iceland
HARPA
»» How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes
»» Pearls of Icelandic Song
JUNE 13TH, SATURDAY »» How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes »» TINA - The Queen of Rock!
JUNE 14TH, SUNDAY HARPA »» Atlantic Piano Duo: Oceanic & Planetary Voyages »» An Evening with Three Sisters »» The Devil’s Violin
HARPA »» Ásgeir
JUNE 18TH, THURSDAY MENGI »» Mary Ocher
HARPA
»» Gyða Valtýsdóttir
JUNE 20TH, SATURDAY
HARPA »» Help Nepal! Concert »» How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes »» Stuðmenn - Sumar á Sýrlandi
JUNE 8TH, MONDAY
JUNE 24TH, WEDNESDAY HARPA »» How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes
JUNE 25TH, THURSDAY HARPA »» How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes
JUNE 26TH, FRIDAY HARPA »» An evening with three sisters
JUNE 16TH , TUESDAY
»» How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes
MENGI
JUNE 23RD, TUESDAY
HARPA
HARPA
»» Under the Sea Concert
»» Jason Rouse - Global Warning
Read more about these events on whatson.is/ec
JUNE 21ST, SUNDAY
HARPA
JUNE 5TH, FRIDAY
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JUNE 10TH, WEDNESDAY
CAFÉ RÓSENBERG
HAFNARHÚS »» Artist Talk
HARPA »» How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes
JUNE 27TH, SATURDAY HARPA »» Pearls of Icelandic Song »» How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes
JUNE 28TH, SUNDAY HARPA »» Pearls of Icelandic Song »» NEC Youth Philharmonic Orchestra »» An evening with three sisters
JUNE 30TH, TUESDAY HARPA »» Pearls of Icelandic Song
HARPA »» Tom Jones Concert
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND EVEN MORE EVENTS, VISIT US ONLINE AT WHATSON.IS/EC YOU CAN ALSO SEND US YOUR EVENTS ON WHATSON.IS/EC/ADD OR EVENTS@WHATSON.IS
SEA ANGLING
PUFFIN WATCHING Make it’s Eldsure ing!
daily at 11:00 from 1 May to 31 August
daily at 9:30 and 15:00 from 15 May to 15 August
g.is www.eldin 000 5 19 5 +354
WHALE WATCHING from Reykjavík all year round EL-01 / EL-02 / EL-03
Jan-Feb
Mar 9:00
13:00
13:00
Apr 9:00
May 9:00
Jun 9:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 17:00* 17:00 20:30**
* From 15 May to 15 September ** From 15 June to 31 July
Jul 9:00 10:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 20:30
Aug Sep Oct Nov-Dec 9:00 9:00 9:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 17:00*
ART & CULTURE
ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM
THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION
REYKJAVIK MARITIME MUSEUM
Kistuhylur, Reykjavik 411-6304 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Guided tours daily at 13.00 or by appointment.
Aðalstræti 16, Reykjavik 411-6370 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 9-20
Grandagarður 8, Reykjavik 411-6340 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17
REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY
THE EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM/ FREE ENTRY The aim of the museum is to shape a unique vision and to be leading in its field. The museum preserves various collections from professional and amateur photographers.
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.
Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 411-6390 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Mon-Thu 12-19, Fri 12-18, Sat & Sun 13-17
Hallgrímstorg 3, Reykjavik 551-3797 | www.lej.is Hours: Sat-Sun 13-17
HAFNARBORG
THE NUMISMATIC MUSEUM
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM This unique museum was founded in 1957 in order to give visitors a tangible sense of Reykjavík’s past. It comprises a village-like collection of over twenty “homes,” each creating a very interesting exhibition in itself.
VIÐEY ISLAND
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM Unspoiled nature reigns on island of Viðey, which has a unique place in Icelandic history. Birdlife abounds on the island, while outstandi ng works of modern art also make their mark.
Find more recommendations on whatson.is
Viðey Reykjavik 533-5055 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is
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REYKJAVIK CITY LIBRARY
FREE ENTRY Looking for a place to hang out, browse the internet, get access to Wi-Fi or meet the Reykjavik locals? Then Reykjavik City Library is the perfect place to visit. Have a seat and dip into the latest magazine or relax while checking out their great selection of books. Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 411-6100 | borgarbokasafn.is Hours: Mon-Thu 10-19, Fri 11-18, Sat & Sun 13-17
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM Experience Viking-Age Reykjavik at the Settlement Exhibition. Multimedia techniques bring Reykjavik’s past to life, providing visitors with insights into how people lived in the Viking Age, and what the environment looked like to the settlers.
FREE ENTRY Hafnarborg has a collection of Icelandic art and regular exhibitions presenting leading Icelandic and international artists. Collection exhibitions are a regular part of the program. Around exhibitions are workshops and guided tours. Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður 585-5790 | www.hafnarborg.is Hours: Daily 12-17, Thu 12-21, Closed Tue
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM It is impossible to truly get to know Iceland without getting to know its fishing history. The museum’s main exhibitions illustrate the development from rowing boats to m o d e r n t raw l e r s a n d t h e construction of Reykjavik harbour.
FREE ENTRY A selection from the numismatic collection is on display on the ground floor of the Central Bank’s main building in Kalkofnsvegur 1, Reykjavik. Kalkofnsvegur 1, Reykjavik 569-9600 www.sedlabanki.is Hours: Mon-Fri 13:30-15:30
R O
Trip duration approximately
BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík City
Keflavík International Airport
FAST, FREQUENT & ON SCHEDULE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK!
Your seat is always guaranteed
Free WiFi on all our buses
In connection with all arriving & departing flights at KEF Int. Airport
Transfer from BSÍ Bus Terminal to Keflavík International Airport or vice versa. Scan the QR code for our flexible schedule.
Trip duration approximately 45 minutes
Transfer from most hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport or vice versa.
For our very flexible schedule kindly consult our brochures or visit www.flybus.is BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík •
+354 580 5400 • main@re.is • www.flybus.is
WE’LL TAKE YOU THERE!
The Golden Circle Tours! RE-04
The Golden Circle
ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND
RE-24
Gullfoss, Geysir & Þingvellir SRE-74
The Golden Circle & Fontana Wellness SRE-44
Gullfoss, Geysir & Langjökull Snowmobiling
EXPERIENCE A GREAT DAY WITH US! More tours available on our website www.re.is
AND IN OUR BROCHURES!
Free WiFi
Relax at the Blue Lagoon Reykjavík to Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon to Reykjavík
KEF Airport to Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon to KEF Airport
08:00* 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00
11:15 12:15 13:15 14:15 15:15 16:15 17:15 18:15 19:15 21:15 23:15
08:30* 09:30 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 15:30 16:30 17:30
10:30 11:30 12:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 16:30 17:30 18:30 21:30 22:30
Summer June - August
12:30 14:30 15:30
MON TUE WED THU FRI
*22 May - 31 August 2015.
Autumn September - October
Winter November - March
Flexible
All Year
Spring April - May
SAT
For departure times, please go to our webpage www.re.is
R O
BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík •
SUN
There is no better way to start or end your Iceland adventure than by bathing in the famous Blue Lagoon. You can either board the bus at BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík or at Keflavík International Airport.
+354 580 5400 • main@re.is • www.re.is
The National Gallery of Iceland has come a long way from its origins. To begin with, the collection consisted of donated artwork, mainly by Danish artists. Today the museum stands at Frikirkjuvegur in central Reykjavik, displaying both Icelandic and International art. Fríkirkjuvegur 7, Reykjavík 515-9600 | www.listasafn.is Hours: Daily 11-17, Closed Mon
ASÍ ART GALLERÝ
FREE ENTRY This museum was founded in 1961 when industrialist and book publisher Ragnar Jónsson donated his personal art collection to the museum, which consisted of paintings by Iceland’s most renowned painters. His wish was to establish an art museum that would bring art to the working class.
HANNESARHOLT
Cultural center and historic home of Hannes Hafstein, Iceland’s first Minister of State, now houses the non-profit Hannesarholt, dedicated to retrieving cultural memory, and revitalizing cultural roots. Bordstofan Bistro open daily from 11am – 6pm. Short doc on Hannes Hafstein and early Reykjavik Guided historic city walks Tue and Thu at 1 pm by appointment. Grundarstígur 10, Reykjavik 511-1904 | www.hannesarholt.is Hours: Daily 11-17
Offers a state-of-the-art exhibitions on the cultural history of Iceland. The permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History of Iceland, gives a comprehensive picture of Iceland’s cultural history through the ages to the present day. Suðurgata 41, Reykjavik 530-2200 | nationalmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17
THE ICELANDIC PHALLOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Probably the most unique museum you’ll visit on your trip, the Icelandic Phallological Museum is a one of a kind. Here you’ll find a collection of more than two hundred penises and penile part belonging to almost all land and sea mammals that can be found in Iceland. Laugavegur 116, Reykjavik 561 6663 | www.phallus.is Hours: Daily 10-18
SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM
Closed until April 23rd. A museum that Icelandic sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson’s wife founded as a tribute to his life and work in 1984. She had his studio in Laugarnes converted to an exhibition space to house his collection of works, including sculptures, sketches, drawings and biographical material. Laugarnestangi 70 553-2906 | www.lso.is Hours: Sat-Sun 14-17
MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART
Its objective is to collect, study and present Icelandic design and crafts from 1900 to the present day. This young museum, the only one of its kind in Iceland, holds regular exhibitions of Icelandic and international design during the year. Exhibitions from the museum‘s own collection are regularly held. Garðatorg 1, Garðabær 512-1525 | www.honnunarsafn.is Hours: Daily 12-17, Closed Mon
VOLCANO HOUSE
AURORA REYKJAVIK
Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavik 555-1900 | ww.volcanohouse.is Hours: Daily 10-21
Grandagarður 2, Reykjavik 780-4500 | aurorareykjavik.is Hours: Daily 9-21
Shows documentaries that give a good idea of real life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. There’s also a geological stone exhibition, which gives a brief overview of Iceland’s geological history and volcanic system, and a boutique, with Icelandic designs, artwork, lava rocks, pumice, bottles of ash and Lava Jewellery.
The Northern Lights Center, Aurora Reykjavik, allows you to experience the Northern Lights in a completely different way, both if you saw them, but as well if they escaped you while in Iceland. The center features information, education and of course stunning visuals of the elusive lights that’ll get your heart racing.
Find more recommendations on whatson.is
Freyjugata 41, Reykjavik 511-5353 | www.listasafnasi.is Hours: Daily 13-17, Closed Mon
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND
ART & CULTURE
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND
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ART & CULTURE
KJARVALSSTAÐIR
Mainly devoted to paintings and sculpture by well established Icelandic and international artists. Kjarvalsstaðir offers a permanent exhibition of key works by one of Iceland’s most beloved landscape painters, Jóhannes S. Kjarval, as well as changing exhibitions that explore various thematic and historical aspects of Icelandic art. Flókagata 24, Reykjavik 517-1290 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17
GLJÚFRASTEINN LAXNESS MUSEUM
Find more recommendations on whatson.is
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.
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ÁSMUNDARSAFN
Opened in 1983, the collection is housed in a unique building designed and constructed mostly by the artist himself from 19421950. The original building served Sveinsson as studio and home; behind it he built a crescent-shaped structure as a work- and exhibition space. Sigtún, Reykjavik 553-2155 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17.
THE CULTURE HOUSE A unique venue dedicated to Icelandic history and cultural heritage. In the building there are facilities for exhibitions, meetings, gatherings, lectures, artistic events, public ceremonies and other occasions. On the ground floor you will find a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsbær 586-8066 | www.gljufrasteinn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 10-16
Hverfisgata 15, Reykjavik 545-1400 | www.thjodmenning.is
THE CINEMA
COLLECTORS EMPORIUM ICELAND
A cozy place in a loft at the lively Old Harbour down town Reykjavík, where there is a daily show of films of volcanoes, northern lights and nature gems of Iceland made by a re-known Icelandic filmmaker. At The Cinema one can also enjoy a rock exhibition, buy DVD´s and more, look at books, get refreshments, information - or just relax in a unique place. Geirsgata 7b, Reykjavík 898 6628 | www.thecinema.is Hours: Daily 12-20
In a basement of sorts on Hverfisgata, just off Reykjavik’s main shopping street, you’ll find this hidden gem. Imagine it as a museum where you can take home anything you particularly fancy. A vast collection of unique and historic Icelandic items, such as stamps, coins and much more, make it well worth a visit. Hverfisgata 16, Reykjavik Hours: Mon-Fri 10-17, Sat 12-16
HAFNARHÚS
The Reykjavik Art Museum took p o ss e ss i o n o f i t s p o r t i o n o f Hafnarhús (Harbour House) in April 2000. Hafnarhús was built in 1932-39 for the offices and warehouses of Reykjavik Harbor and was at that time one of the largest buildings in the country. Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavik 590-1200 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17, Thu 10-20
ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION
One of the pioneers of Icelandic art and the first Icelander to take up painting professionally. Having died in 1958, he bequeathed all his works, as well as his studio home to the Icelandic nation. Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík 515-9625 Hours: Sun 14-17
WHALES OF ICELAND
The largest whale exhibition in Europe (and perhaps even the world), where guests can learn about the giants of the sea in a calm and modern environment. The permanent exhibition features whales like guests have never seen them before. It is truly a giant experience. Fiskislóð 23-25, Reykjavik 571-0077 | whalesoficeland.is Hours: Daily 9-19
SOUVENIR SHOP S HOP OF T H E Y E A R 2 0 1 2
The viking:info Laugavegur 1 · Reykjavík Hafnarstræti 1 - 3 · Reykjavík Hafnarstræti 104 · Akureyri Adalstræti 27 · Ísafjördur e:info@the viking
Ísafjördur
Akureyri Reykjavík
www.theviking.is TAX FREE
Two Icelandic themed villages
HLI
Ð Á LF TA NE SI
Restaurant & Lodging
The Viking Village is a unique place and it is the only Viking theme Hotel and restaurant in Iceland. We have step by step been developing our facilities over the last 24 years and will hopefully continue to do so in the future. We offer Hotel accommodation and Viking houses. Good for families and groups.
The Fisherman´s village, our newest accommodation is Hlið in Álftanes only few minutes drive from the Viking Village. Like a country home by the seaside. Such an idyllic place to visit. The restaurant is open for groups in the evenings. Close to the president´s residence.
ve ri re d nt es ce ut ty in ci m e 15 th to
Viking feasts - Souvenirs - Live entertainment most nights “You haven't been in Iceland if you haven't been to us“ Don’t miss it! Booking: www.vikingvillage.is | +354 565 1213
This is Solla, the winner of Best Gourmet Raw Chef and Best Simple Raw Chef in the 2011 and 2012 “Best of Raw” Awards. Come and try out one of her great dishes at her restaurant Gló, Iceland’s most popular health food restaurant operating at three different locations in the great Reykjavik area. Reykjavík: Engjateigur 19 and Laugavegur 20b · Hafnarfjörður: Strandgata 34 · www.glo.is
Austur is one of the hottest clubs in downtown Reykjavik, and has been since it first opened in 2009. Austur is located in Austurstraeti, one of the main bar- and shopping streets downtown, and even though the surrounding area is filled with clubs and bars, Austur seems to be the center of attention. Austurstræti 7, Reykjavik 568-1907
HÚRRA
KALDI BAR
One of the coolest bars in Reykjavik these days is Kaldi Bar. In close cooperation with north-Icelandic micro-brewery of the same name, Kaldi offers you a selection of craftbrewed beers on tap. Great happy hour and great fun, Kaldi is a place not-to-be-missed! Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 581-2200
THE CELTIC CROSS
An Irish pub with multiple beers on tap. With a big screen TV to watch the game, while enjoying a nice cold pint of beer, the Celtic Cross features friendly staff and a nice atmosphere that makes you feel just at home. Hverfisgata 26, Reykjavik 511-3240
DEN DANSKE KRO
B5 bar/bistro has become a very popular establishment with the locals of the capital. With its very contemporary and stylish interior, b5 is laid back during the day, while as night falls, the lights dim and the atmosphere changes accordingly.
There is live music playing every night at Den Danske Kro and sometimes there are live football games, pub quizzes, beer bingo, darts and happy hours. Den Danske Kro is a casual place in the heart of Reykjavik where everyone is welcome.
Naustin, Reykjavik www.hurra.is
Bankastræti 5, Reykjavik 552-9600 www.b5.is
Ingólfsstræti 3, Reykjavik 552-0070 www.danski.is
KAFFIBARINN
BAR ANANAS
THE ENGLISH PUB
Klapparstígur 38, Reykjavik
Austurstræti 12, Reykjavik 578-0400 www.facebook.com/enskibarinn
Best known as Damon Albarn’s hangout place back in the days, this most famous bar in Iceland is a popular destination for the artsy and univer sity crowd. During the week it‘s more of a café, but on the weekend the volume rises and KB becomes one of the hottest bars in Reykjavik. Bergstaðastræti 1, Reykjavik 551-1588 www.kaffibarinn.is
Ten seconds from Laugavegur, you´ll find Iceland’s one and only BeachBar/Tiki Bar in downtown Reykjavík. There, most things are made in the shape of a pineapple. Pillows, glasses, chandeliers, candlesticks and more. At weekends city´s best DJs will make guests feel sunny while they enjoy the strangest cocktails in town. Go for the Flamingophant cocktail!
In the mood for a pint? English Pub offers over 35 brands of beer and Whiskey. Whatever your preference – you will find it here. This is also a great place if you would like to catch some football (soccer). Inside they have 3 big screens and 2 TV’s so that you can catch all the action as it happens.
Find more recommendations on whatson.is
B5
Dark and raw, this large bar/club opens up its back room to make a concert venue, with live music or DJs most nights. They’ve got six Icelandic microbreweries on tap and happy hour runs till 21:00. One of the coolest and hipster friendly places in town and your best bet of catching the next big thing from Iceland.
NIGHTLIFE
AUSTUR
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SHOPPING & STYLE Find more recommendations on whatson.is 66
ANNA MARÍA DESIGN
For over twenty years, jewelry designer Anna Maria has created her things of gold and silver, a design that is both pure and timeless. Exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship create the elegant simplicity that shines through Anna Maria’s products. Skólavörðustígur 3, Reykjavik 551-0036 www.annamariadesign.is
LISTVINAHÚSIÐ
The oldest ceramic workshop in Iceland established 1927. Three generations of artistic potters. U n i q u e h a n d m a d e ce ra m i c s , Viking masks and various ceramic potteries decorated with lava, made by Gudmundur Einarsson. Located right next to Hallgrímskirkja and the statue of “Leif the Lucky”. Skólavörðustígur 43, Reykjavik 551-2850 www.listvinahusid.is
FJALLAKOFINN
A t F j a l l a ko f i n n yo u c a n f i n d top quality clothing and good equipment at a fair price. They offer good advise on all backpacking and outdoor related things and offer basic things like backpacks, sleeping bags and tents for rent. A licensed retailer of many big brands, you’ll find everything for your outdoor needs.
On Laugavegur, in the heart of Reykjavík, you’ll find the very unique Little Christmas Shop—which is dedicated to the spirit of Christmas, all year round. There you’ll find Icelandic decorations and everything needed for that festive spirit. Should not be missed as it is definitely one of the most special and fun stores to visit.
Laugavegur 11, Reykjavik 510-9505 | www.fjallakofinn.is
Laugavegur 8, Reykjavik 552-2412
ÁLAFOSS
METAL DESIGN
One of Iceland’s major woollen industry shops, the Álafoss store. Situated in old factory premises that for decades were the leading manufacturers and exporters of Icelandic woollens, Álafoss is a company that strives towards offering the newest wares along with the traditional Icelandic wool sweaters. Laugavegur 8, Reykjavik 566-6303 | www.alafoss.is
LISTASELIÐ
IGLÓ&INDÍ
Skólavörðustígur 17b, Reykjavik 551-5675 | www.listaselid.is Hours: Mon-Fri 12-18, Sat 11-16
Skólavörðustígur 2, Reykjavik 445-2020 | www.igloandindi.com
Six energetic women design and create exclusive art, while also running and working in the gallery. The gallery offers gift vouchers, issued by the store or by the Centrum organization that can be redeemed within most shops on Laugarvegur and Skólavörðustígur in downtown Reykjavik.
THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS SHOP
Loved by parents and children alike and praised in the media for boldness and creativity, Ígló&Indí has offered both parents and children an ever growing collection of clothes with a fresh take on children’s fashion since 2008— representing the best childhood has to offer.
The jewellery forms which Metal design is known for are inspired by the Icelandic flora. But what stands out the most is the shape “The Coast” that is inspired by the waves of the Icelandic coast.”The coast silver jewellery line is for ladies and gentlemen. Skólavörðustígur 2. Reykjavik 552-5445 www.MetalDesignReykjavik.is
CINTAMANI
Nowhere in the populated world does the weather change as fast, or as often as here. Thus Icelandic designers have to meet the requirements of consumers who have to go out all year long in harsh conditions. That‘s where the label Cintamani comes to the rescue. Their goal is to keep us warm, dry and comfortable, whatever the weather may bring. Bankastræti 7, Reykjavik 533-3800 | www.cintamani.is
WHALE WATCHING AND OTHER WILDLIFE ADVENTURES FROM REYKJAVIK
“Special Tours is the best!” Reviewed Apr 19, 2015
WHALE WATCHING
Whale Watching Andrea: 09:00, 13:00, 17:00 Whale Watching Express: 10:00, 14:00, 20:00
APR
09:00 13:00
MAY
09:00 10:00 13:00 14:00 17:00*
JUN
09:00 10:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 20:00**
JUL
09:00 10:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 20:00**
AUG
09:00 10:00 13:00 14:00 17:00
SEP
OCT- MAR
13:00
13:00
09:00
17:00*
*From 15th May-15th September **From 15th Jun-31th Jul Price: Adults: 9000 ISK / 58 € Children (7-15) 4.500 ISK / 29 € Children (0-6) FREE
PUFFIN EXPRESS*
MAY
10:30 12:30 14:30
JUN
10:30 12:30 14:30 16:00
JUL
10:30 12:30 14:30 16:00
AUG
10:30* 12:30* 14:30* 16:00*
PRICE: Adults 5.000 ISK / 33 € Children (7-15) 2.500 ISK / 15.5 € Children (0-6) FREE *Daily until 20th August
SEA AN
GLING
PUFFIN EXPR
SEA ANGLING
MAY JUN JUL AUG
17:00 17:00 17:00 17:00 PRICE: Adults 11.500 ISK / 72 € Children (7-15) 5.750 ISK / 36 € Children (0-6) FREE
DINNER CRUISE JUN-JUL-AUG EVERY FRIDAY AT 20:00
PRICE: Adults 15.900 ISK / 102 € Children (4-12) 11.925 ISK / 77 €
Hotel pick-up/drop-off:
Adults: 2000 ISK (13€) / Children 7-15 1000 ISK (7€) / Children 0-6: FREE Pre-booked pickup service starts 1 hour before departure
WE GO THE EXTRA MILE! Book online www.specialtours.is / info@specialtours.is Call us +354 560 8800, or visit our ticket sale at the old harbour
ESS
SHOPPING & STYLE
GULLKÚNST HELGU
With its wide open spaces and beautiful treasures displayed in glass casting, Gullkúnst Helgu feels more like a gallery than a jewelry shop. Located on central Laugavegur, Reykjavik´s busiest shopping street, this family owned shop is not to be missed. Laugavegur 13, Reykjavik 561-6660 www.gullkunst.is
STUDIO STAFN
At Studio Stafn you will be able to look at art, purchase art and have your art framed! Great works and historical paintings by Iceland’s most famous artists could become all yours if you pay them a visit. If you’re not looking to buy art, at least stop by and take a look.
Find more recommendations on whatson.is
Ingólfsstræti 6, Reykjavik 552-4700 www.studiostafn.is
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THE HANDKNITTING ASSOCIATION OF ICELAND
Renowned for its excellent products and quality. Offering the widest selection of traditional hand knitted Icelandic sweaters, the range of products also includes special designs and a variety of woolen products from leading Icelandic manufactures. Skólavörðustígur 19, Reykjavik 552-1890 | www.handknit.is
MICHELSEN
KRAUM
Laugavegur 15, Reykjavik 511-1900 | www.michelsen.is
Aðalstræti 10, Reykjavik 517-7797 www.kraum.is
HILDUR HAFSTEIN
GEYSIR
Inside their spacious shop in downtown Reykjavik, Michelsen Watchmakers offer you to browse one of Iceland’s best selection of watches. Along with their own design they also have a wide selection of well-known brands including Rolex, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Diesel, Movado, Swiss Military and more.
A wonderful little workshop, where Hildur Hafstein creates her handmade Icelandic jewelry line, KORA. Inspired by different elements, such as Buddhism and the flower power, a visit to Hildur Hafstein will be a pleasant experience. Although the store is technically on Laugavegur, you walk in from Klapparstígur! Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 771-1177 www.HildurHafstein.is
EPAL
Their main goal has been to increase Icelanders interest and respect for fine design by introducing and providing top quality design products from all over the world, particularly Scandinavia. Epal has always been very supportive of Icelandic designers and done what they can to help them promote their design around the world. Skeifan 6, & Harpa Reykjavik Keflavík Airport 568-7740 | www.epal.is
Natural light floods the wooden floors and the fresh white walls of this stunning design hub and retail outlet, which already attracts some of Iceland´s top talents. More than 70 designers are contributing to a huge selection of products that include children’s puzzles, fish skin lamps and exquisite jewellery.
Rustic, vintage interior, intertwined with the latest fashion in outdoor and woolen clothing. Add some puffin, reindeers and other iconic animals and you‘ve got one of the coolest shops in town. This is one place you‘ll have to visit, if only for the experience. Skólavörðustíg 16, Reykjavík 519-6000 www.geysir.com
KRINGLAN
Kringlan Shopping Centre is conveniently located close to downtown Reykjavik. Standing at 50.000 sq.m. and equipped with 150 shops and services, including a multiplex cinema, a seven-outlet food court and three themed restaurants, it has something to suit every need. Kringlan 4-12, Reykjavik 517-9000 | www.kringlan.is
SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 14 - 101 REYKJAVÍK - TEL: +354 571 1100
WE’RE OPEN! FÍTON / SÍA
YOU'LL FIND US AT KRINGLAN SHOPPING CENTER
FOOD & DRINK
TORFAN RESTAURANT
This great restaurant combines traditional French cuisine with a Nordic touch. It is traditional but still connects to the present and the outcome is a classical cuisine surprise. Torfan is at Bernhöftstorfa, in one of the cities most beautiful house, built in 1838. Amtmannsstígur 1, Reykjavík 561-3303 | www.torfan.is
AUSTURLANDAHRAÐLESTIN
Find more recommendations on whatson.is
An excellent Indian restaurant, focusing on quality take-away, with the option of eating in. This means that while it‘s technically “fast food”, it’s definitely of restaurant q u a l i t y. T h e m e n u i n c l u d e s everything you could expect from an Indian restaurant, with the Chicken Tandoori being especially recommended.
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Lækjargata 8, Reykjavik 578-3838 | www.hradlestin.is
SNAPS
A new restaurant in Iceland situated at Odinstorg. Snaps is a classic french bistro using local Icelandic ingredients. The location could not be better. Snaps is literally a few steps away from downtown Reykjavik, close to the National Theatre, The National Gallery of Iceland and the two main shopping streets of Reykjavik” Óðinstorg, Reykjavik 511-6677 | www.snaps.is
VEGAMÓT BISTRO
GRILLIÐ
Vegamótastígur 4, Reykjavik 511-3040 | www.vegamot.is
Radisson BLU Hotel, Reykjavik 525-9960 | www.grillid.is
ARGENTÍNA STEAKHOUSE
HAMBORGARABÚLLAN – BURGER JOINT
Barónsstígur 11a, Reykjavik 551-9555 | www.argentina.is
Geirsgata 1, Reykjavik 511-1888 www.bullan.is
UNO RESTAURANT
APOTEK
Is a centrally located and affordable restaurant that boasts an extensive international menu with an emphasis on Tex-Mex, Italian, Indian and many light meal options. One thing you can be sure of, when you visit Vegamót is that the place will be crowded. This local hit is usually filled with locals for lunch, dinner and during evenings.
They offer some of the the finest cuisine there is to find in the whole city. Grilling meat and fish of all kinds Argentinian style using wooden coal is what they do better than any other restaurant and frankly, you won‘t believe your own tastebuds
Uno is a relatively new, modern Italian restaurant in downtown Reykjavik, where original Italian culinary customs and Icelandic ingredients come together to form a delightful treat. Hafnarstræti 1-3, Reykjavik 561-1313 | www.uno.is
Just last year they celebrated their 50th anniversary. From the very beginning, Grillid has been regarded as one of the best restaurants in Iceland. If you want fine dining, perfectly executed food, professional service and excellent wines with a spectacular view over the city, you have come to the right place.
Since 2004, the Joint has kept it simple, fun and delicious. Sitting right by the Old Harbour, in a small, iconic house, the atmosphere of the Burger Joint is hard to find elsewhere. You can feel the joy of the staff, as they serve you juicy burgers, exploding with great taste.
An exciting restaurant located in one of the most beautiful corners of Reykjavik, Apotek Restaurant is casual-smart, offering delicious food in a vibrant atmosphere and stylish surroundings. The menu is a fun mix of Icelandic and European cuisine and the dishes are designed to share and enjoy together. Austurstræti 16, Reykjavik 551-0011 | www.apotek.is
The concept of the restaurant is "c a s u a l f u n d i n i n g" a n d w e p r e p a r e w h a t w e w o u l d call a simple honest, "feel good", comfort food, where we take on the classics with a modern twist.
S K Ó L AV Ö R Ð U S T Í G U R 4 0 · 1 0 1 R E Y K J AV Í K T E L . +3 5 4 5 1 7 74 74 · I N F O @ K O L R E S TA U R A N T. I S · KO L R E S TA U R A N T. I S
ROCK N’ ROLL
R I B S
2.890
IKR
Salted Cod With almond and chive butter, fig and potatoes
3.650
IKR
+3 5 4 5 1 7 4 3 0 0 geysirbistro.is
+354 527 5000 grillhusid.is
A new restaurant opposite the old harbour that offers traditional steak dishes along with some exciting and fairly unorthodox choices. The pride and joy of The Steakhouse is the Mibrasa charcoal oven, a rare oven that is designed to cook the perfect steak by mixing modern technology with ancient tradition.
AUSTURINDÍAFJELAGIÐ
JÓMFRÚIN
The spices used to season the food at Austur-Indiafjelagid are imported directly from India and blended on the spot by their team of highly experienced chefs. The Tandoori dishes on the menu must be mentioned, as the chefs have truly mastered the art of Tandoori grilling.
An open-sandwich restaurant in the Danish tradition offering authentic Danish smørrebrød along with a selection of hot dishes. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city centre and seats 80 guests. It is a popular lunch venue, especially with people from the business sector.
Tryggvagata 4-6, Reykjavik 561-1111 | www.steik.is
Hverfisgata 56, Reykjavik 552-1630 | www.austurindia.is
Lækjargata 4, Reykjavik 551-0100 | www.jomfruin.is
KOL
THE ICELANDIC BAR
PERLAN
Kol describes itself as “casual fine dining with a big bar”. The name comes from the unique charcoal oven which lends a very special, rustic flavour to the dishes. The restaurant offers a wide variety of sophisticated cocktails, mixed with handmade syrups and juices.
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.
For the finest in dining, nothing compares to Perlan Restaurant. While your taste buds delight to superb cuisine, you will enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Reykjavik and beyond as the restaurant gently completes a full rotation every two hours.
Skólavörðustígur 40, Reykjavik 517-7474
GLÓ
Located inside Listhusid in Laugardalur valley, Glo is Iceland‘s hottest new organic restaurant. The menu consists of vegetarianand raw food courses, meat dishes, soups and salads. The courses are somewhat modest as they are simple, filling and not flooded with too much spice or ingredients. Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 553-1111 | www.glo.is
Ingólfsstræti 1a, Reykjavík 517+6767 | www.islenskibarinn.is
KAFFITÁR A chain of cafés and espresso bars with over 30 years of experience in serving and roasting high-quality coffee. They operate cafés in 8 locations in Iceland, promising a highly knowledgeable staff and a great cup of coffee procured in a responsible and fair way. Bankastræti 8, Reykjavik 420-2700 www.kaffitar.is/en
FOOD & DRINK
THE STEAK HOUSE
Perlan, Reykjavik 562-0200 | www.perlan.is
KJALLARINN KITCHEN BAR „The Cellar“ a new restaurant in one of the cities oldest houses. The menu is split up by the two main methods of cooking, a coal oven and a French planche. Master chef Eyjólfur Gestur serves up exciting feasts from both sea and land as well as great parings of food and cocktails. Aðalstræti 2, Reykjavik 517 7373
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FOOD & DRINK
SJÁVARBARINN
Sjávarbarinn’s main feature is an all-you-can-eat buffet that has received raving reviews and it also offers an à la carte menu at a very competitive price. Join the locals for lunch in a friendly and cheerful atmosphere or enjoy dinner when the chef spruces things up. Grandagarður 9, Reykjavik 517-3131 www.sjavarbarinn.is
KOPAR
Kopar is a restaurant by the old harbour in Reykjavik which has an emphasis on adventure and experience in a brasserie setting. Their menu is composed of various locally sourced ingredients from sea and land, and aims to give you a taste of Iceland in a single evening.
Find more recommendations on whatson.is
Geirsgata 3, Reykjavik 567-2700 www.koparrestaurant.is
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FLJÓTT OG GOTT
One of Reykjavik’s iconic restaurants, located in the main bus terminal, BSÍ. Here you can have the coveted “Sheep’s Head” as well as all the traditional Icelandic food, which is a must-try for all adventurous travellers! Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, Reykjavik 552-1288 | www.fljottoggott.is
MAR - SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
A restaurant in prime location in Reykjavík‘s old harbour. The menu is inspired by South-American and southern-European cuisine and the restaurant designed to deliver fresh and uplifting dining experience, unique to the harbour area. MAR is an interesting choice for individuals and groups alike.
AALTO BISTRO
A unique restaurant and café, run by the award-winning chef, Sveinn Kjartansson. AALTO puts an emphasis on Scandinavian food, inspired by European cuisine. Located in the Nordic House, designed by the acclaimed Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, this bistro is a hidden gem.
Geirsgata 9, Reykjavik 519-5050 | www.marrestaurant.is
The Nordic House, Sturlugata 5, Reykjavik 551-0200 | www.aalto.is
GRILLHÚSIÐ
73 RESTAURANT
Tryggvagata 20, Reykjavik 527-5000 www.grillhusid.is
Laugavegur 73, Reykjavik 555 7373 www.73.is
FISH COMPANY
KOLABRAUTIN
Vesturgata 2a, Reykjavik 552-5300 | www.fiskfelagid.is
Harpa, Reykjavik 519-9700 | www.kolabrautin.is
A fun restaurant, with the look and feel of an American Diner. Reasonably priced, offering delicious food and a very good service, you‘ll definitely get great value for your money here. They put a special emphasis on using only high quality ingredients, making for a terrific meal.
Quality, fusion and fun are the Fish Company’s main characteristics. The interior is stylish and the quirky tableware fits in wonderfully. The menu is a world of adventures from starters to deserts. It’s designed to take you on a seafood journey and not only a journey of the Icelandic culinary waters but a trip around the world.
Offering a great selection of Icelandic brews and one of the most Epic Burgers this country has ever seen (300gr!), 73, a family-owned and operated restaurant is the place to go for those seeking great food at good prices. Take note that the outdoor seating area is a special treat!
Harpa is not only home to the Icelandic Opera and the Orchestra, it is also the location of one of Reykjavik‘s newest fine restaurants. The kitchen is in the middle of the room, where the fiery furnace gives the dinner guests a warm welcome. An ideal choice for people who appreciate fine cuisine combined with unique architecture and elegant atmosphere.
Experience real Icelandic cuisine
Bankastræti 2, 101 Reykjavík Tel: (+354) 551 4430 info@laekjarbrekka.is www.laekjarbrekka.is
Let’s be friends!
/laekjarbrekka
vurl.is/i
Culinary underground movement — Literally The newest addition to the restaurant flora of the capital is Kjallarinn - Kitchen Bar
Kjallarinn simply means „The Cellar“ a fitting name since Kjallarinn is literally underground. The stylish yet warm surrounding is the home of some exciting innovations in both cooking as well as cocktails, which are the inventions of master chef Eyjólfur Gestur in collaboration with the bartenders. The menu is broken up by method of cooking, on one hand the coal oven and on the other a French Planche. On the menu you can find various fish, meat and fowl and of course some delicious cocktails, should you be so inclined. Enjoy!
Aðal stræt i 2 101 Reykjavík Tel : 517 7373 kjallarinn@kjallarinn.is
GENERAL TIPS AND ADVICE Want to know the population of Iceland? Who‘s the president? Why there are so many beautiful women in Iceland? Why people live so far north in the cold? When is the best time to visit? We have all these answers and plenty more. We strive to have the answer to everything you might possibly want to know about Iceland, Reykjavik, Icelanders, travelling to Iceland and everything related (or unrelated) you might be seeking. If you can‘t find your answer here – just visit us on Laugavegur 4 in Reykjavik, or drop us an email on whatson@whatson.is – ask us on facebook, twitter, instagram or any other media you can imagine and we‘ll do our best to answer promptly! YOU HAVE ANY GOOD IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS FOR ME? JUST IN CASE SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS? 112 – For every emergency you can imagine. Including if you get beat up (that’ll only happen if you’re a complete asshole by the way, we’re not a violent people. The Viking blood has been diluted over the years and with it the rage has receded) 5885522 – Every Icelander knows this number. It’s for one of the taxi stations. We won’t judge if it’s a better taxi station than the next one – but it has a catchy phone number. 58-12345 – Domino’s. What’s better than a juicy Domino’s pizza after a hard day of exploring Reykjavik? 118 – This is the phonebook and allegedly they answer all sorts of questions you might have. You’ll pay heftily for this service though.
severely injured yourself in your own home country. Apart from possibly changing the phone number you’d call – what would be your action plan? Go ahead and execute that plan – it’s likely that all the steps will align perfectly with Icelandic reality. But again. 112! That’s the number to remember. I JUST SO HAPPEN TO HAVE THIS LETTER HERE I FORGOT TO POST… CAN I DO THAT IN ICELAND? Well yes you can. There are 5 post offices scattered through Reykjavik. As well you can use the post boxes. Both the office and the boxes will be more or less red. The Icelandic word for post is póstur, so you really shouldn’t have any problems finding the correct thing. If that fails, you might want to consider joining the rest of us here in the modern day, using e-mail.
HOW CAN I CALL ICELAND? CAN PEOPLE CALL ME WHILE HERE? Your standard issue mobile phone is most likely going to work just fine in Iceland. Nowadays phones just…take care of all that complicated stuff themselves. If you really want to get down and dirty, the country code is +354 and the phone numbers have 7 digits. IS IT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE IN ICELAND? Driving should be quite safe. We drive on the right side and the speed limit is 90km/h. One major point to keep in mind though, is that the weather changes ridiculously fast and the driving conditions can get seriously disgusting, slippery, snowy and whatever. Drive according to situation always!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I JUST SEVERELY INJURED MYSELF. WHAT SHOULD I DO? Hmm… You should almost certainly start by calling 1-1-2. That’s the emergency phone number in Iceland, one you should generally use in all sorts of life threatening perils. After that you should judge the nature of the injury. Honestly though – Imagine you just
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
UNDERSTANDABLE CONCERNS YOUR LANGUAGE DOESN‘T MAKE SENSE, ARE YOU REALLY SPEAKING REAL WORDS? No, this is just an elaborate scheme we put in action whenever there’s a foreigner around. In reality our language is Spanish, because we used to do a lot of business with the Spanish some hundreds of years ago. We sold them salted fish in bulk, in exchange for red wine. That was a great deal… Okay, in reality. Yeah…Icelandic is a real language, spoken by some 300.000 Icelanders. It’s related to the other Scandinavian languages, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian, though it doesn’t really sound similar. WHY ARE THERE SO MANY BEAUTIFUL WOMEN IN ICELAND? This is not coming from us, but according to some people, it‘s because, back in the days, the Vikings went over to England and stole all the beautiful women from them, which resulted in Iceland being a disproportionally beautiful nation, as opposed to the English… This is not something we honestly believe though – the official story is Lýsi, high quality fish and a biased, yet favourable, general opinion on beauty standards. DOES EVERYONE SPEAK ENGLISH IN ICELAND? Yes. And most of us know some pretty difficult words as well!
LIFE IN THE NORTH CAN BE A BIT SNOWY AND DARK
HOW BIG IS YOUR COUNTRY? Size really doesn‘t matter, so we‘re not too worried about that…But, we‘re talking 103,000 high-quality km²‘s (40,000 sq mi). Iceland is actually the worlds 18th largest island, which isn‘t really that impressive. WHAT’S THE POPULATION OF ICELAND? Roughly 320.000. That’s thousand, not millions. Yes – we have about the same amount of people as Santa Ana or Riverside California. Or one tenth of Berlin (Germany) or Madrid (Spain) if that scale makes more sense. Less than Bilbao (Spain), Cardiff (UK) and Nice (France). More than Utrecht (Netherlands), Bari (Italy) and the renowned town of Wirral (UK). Stop making fun of us. We’re blond, tall and strong. Who cares we’re just a handful. We’re statistically good at everything.
WHY DO PEOPLE LIVE SO FAR NORTH IN THE COLD? Meh … It’s a mixture of reasons really. Firstly – we were born here, so we’re just used to it and don’t know anything else Secondly – we have some seriously warm clothes up here, so we’re not that cold all the time. Thirdly – Iceland is packed with steaming water pouring from the ground here and there, so our houses are warm all the time. Now on top of that – Iceland is BEAUTIFUL! It’s like…jawsto-the-ground stunning at times. We have Aurora borealis, waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, volcanoes and a multitude of other super cool awesome amazing stuff. That alone makes living here a dream.
CHECK OUT MORE ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ONLINE ON WHATSON.IS/FAQ 80
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MOUNTAINEERS.IS Tel: +354 580 9900 ice@mountaineers.is www.mountaineers.is 21.5.2014 11:42
Pour a glass of the number one beer in the country, raise your glass to a friend and say “scowl fyrewr thyer!” You should fit right in.
Enjoy responsibly
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Álafoss Main Store Álafossvegi 23 270 Mosfellsbær Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 - 18.00 Saturday 9.00 - 16.00
Álafoss - Sweaters & souvenirs Laugavegi 8 Reykjavík City centre Opening hours: All days 10.00 - 21.00
Special opening for groups after closing: tel: 354 5666303
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