What's On in Reykjavík - August 2023

August 2023

IN REYKJAVÍK

CONTENT LIST FROM THE EDITOR

We’re having an eruption. A volcanic eruption. It’s quite exciting. Well, we’re having an eruption at the time of writing at least, with glowing red-hot lava, streaming from a crack in the ground only half an hour’s drive from the country’s capital. The thing is, with volcanoes, the only thing you can be certain of is that they’re unpredictable and no one can foresee what the capricious natural event will do next.

We do have some clues though, seeing as this is the third eruption in the same or similar place in a span of as many years. This time around, the police were ready when the scientists started issuing warnings, search-and rescue teams were ready, and even guides and tour operators knew what to expect. It’s not every day you can go see an actual real-life, ongoing volcanic eruption, right in your own backyard. Only every year, apparently.

Seeing a live volcano is a magnificent and sublime sight that you will very likely remember forever, and if you’re in Iceland, you should go see it! That said, there are a few things everyone who wants to see the volcano should bear in mind. Safety comes first, so before you set off, check the status of the hiking route. How’s the weather, what direction is the wind blowing, and are there any closures in place? If the 20km roundtrip hike seems daunting, consider taking a flight on a helicopter instead. Nothing beats an aerial view straight into the earth’s fiery maw.

And in case the eruption ends by the time this issue is out - the rest of Iceland’s nature is still absolutely incredible to see and will not disappoint.

WHAT’S ON — VOLUME 41 — ISSUE 8

Published by: MD Reykjavík ehf.

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

Contact us: info@whatson.is

Publisher: Kjartan Þorbjörnsson

Distribution: nora@whatson.is

Tel.: 830-3629

Map of Reykjavík: Friðrik Bjarnason

Editor: Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir, greta@whatson.is

Content writers: The What’s On Team

Ad sales: Sigurþór Marteinn, sm@whatson.is

Printing: Kroonpress Ltd.

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

What’s On Information Centre, Laugavegur 5.

Welcome to Reykjavík!

(Menningarnótt) on the 19th. August is green and beautiful everywhere you look, so get out there and enjoy nature, whether it’s a day hike near Reykjavík, or a drive through the countryside.

Here are What’s On’s tips for this month:

Celebrate Reykjavík Pride by cheering on the annual parade and attending other events!

Snorkel between tectonic plates in the crystal-clear water of Silfra fissureI

Eat waffles and sing Happy Birthday to Reykjavík during Menningarnótt!

Go on a whale watching tour to meet some dolphins, minke whales and humpback whales!

Tour the Snæfellsnes peninsula, aka “Iceland in Miniature.”

Take a stroll up Þúfa hill!

Check out Iceland’s latest eruption at Litli-Hrútur!

While you’re checking things off the list, snap some photos and tag #whatsonrvk on Instagram.

#WhatsOnRVK on Instagram

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

Tag your photos #WhatsOnRvk and you might be featured in our magazine next month! Browse the entire What’s On catalogue at www.whatson.is.

@markhelelo

@1ruthbarton

@dandigz

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE DAY TO SPEND IN ICELAND

Our first piece of advice if you have just one day to spend in Iceland is to change your flight and stay for at least a week. If that’s not an option, here’s what we suggest to get the most out of this unique destination in such a short time.

If you just want to see the highlights

The Golden Circle is the most popular day tour from Reykjavík – and it’s easy to see why. The classic route includes three stops that also happen to be three of the most captivating natural wonders in Iceland. Tour operators may add their own twists, but you’re sure to stop at Þingvellir, a national park straddling the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; Gullfoss, an awe-inspiring waterfall that lends its name to the Golden Circle (gull translates to gold); and the Geysir geothermal area, with an erupting hot spring guaranteed to impress. You can complete the Golden Circle in half a day (depending on the tour you book), leaving you time to squeeze more into your short stay.

If you want to visit the newest lava field

The Reykjanes peninsula reminds us for the second year running why Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice. The Meradalir eruption began on August 3rd and lasted until around August 22, 2022. The site of the eruption is an hour’s drive south of the capital and accessible to anyone that can handle a four to five-hour hike. There is also of course the birds-eye view option by helicopter or light aircraft. While the eruption is over, you can still marvel at the

youngest lava field in Iceland and admire nature’s fury first-hand. But please don’t walk on the young lava fields! Lava takes years to fully cool, so there may be molten lava just beneath the seemingly solid surface. Check out the what’s on Iceland website, www.whatson.is for up-to-date info.

If you want to see a glacier

There’s no better way to get a feel for the latter half of Iceland’s “Land of Fire and Ice” moniker than to go on a glacier hike. Glacier hikes are relatively easy and accessible for most, especially because professional gear is provided. You get to walk on a glacier with guides who know everything there is to know about glaciers and Iceland in general. What’s cooler than that?

If you want a little luxury

What’s better than a spa day? Visiting a geothermal spa fed by Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. At Krauma Natural Geothermal Baths, the water from the hot spring is mixed with cool glacial water for a perfect temperature. It has five hot tubs and one cold bath, plus a relaxation room, two steam baths and an infrared sauna. Alternatively, if you don’t want to leave the capital area, book the seven-step “Ritual” at the Sky Lagoon for a luxurious afternoon of soaking, steaming, scrubbing and other soothing activities.

If you want an adrenaline rush

Are you looking for a thrill? Go on a buggy ride. A buggy is a fast, sturdy and stable ATV, perfect for anyone who loves to get their blood pumping in the great outdoors – and who doesn’t mind getting a little dirty in the process. Driving a buggy through rough Icelandic terrain, over mud puddles, dirt roads or snow, makes for an exhilarating day.

If you want to hit the high seas

Marine life abounds in the water around Iceland, and you can see everything from harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins to minke and humpback whales on a whale watching tour. Tour boats depart Reykjavík’s old harbour throughout the day, cruising to the spots where sightings are most likely. Nothing beats the thrill of seeing a massive whale breach or watching one slap its enormous flukes on the water’s surface. If you have a few hours to spare before or after the cruise (or if you get seasick and a cruise is out of the question), check out the Whales of Iceland exhibition to learn more about these gentle giants.

Stop by the What’s On information centre, or send us an email, info@whatson.is , and ask the staff to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.

How to Travel Safely in Iceland

With a subarctic climate and a tiny population, Iceland is a little different from other popular travel destinations. Desolate landscapes, extreme weather, mountain roads, geothermal areas, and the ocean can all catch the unprepared off-guard. Keep the following six safety guidelines in mind when planning your trip to Iceland.

1. Familiarise yourself with Iceland’s emergency numbers

The emergency number in Iceland is 112. You can dial it free of charge to reach emergency services like ambulances, rescue teams, and the police, and there is also a 112 app that can send your information to emergency services at the press of a button.

2. Follow updates on Safetravel.is

Icelandic weather is infamously fickle, and extreme weather is not uncommon. In wintertime, high wind speeds and snow can frequently limit visibility. Safetravel.is offers up-to-date road condition maps, weather alerts, and plenty of helpful tips and information on the best and safest way to travel around the country. There’s an app for that, too. It’s well worth downloading and checking regularly throughout your travels.

3. Be extra careful when visiting geothermal areas

The water in geothermal areas can reach temperatures upward of 100°C. Falling in or slipping can result in severe burns. Safe paths are clearly marked, so stick to them, and never walk on ground that is steaming.

4. Keep a safe distance from the ocean

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

5. Stay on the path

Whether visiting a waterfall, a geothermal area, or hiking in the mountains, staying on the marked footpath is imperative. Respect when paths are closed and heed all signs. It’s closed for a reason, either to protect you or fragile nature.

6. Let someone know where you’re going

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

A

world class exhibition on volcanoes and earthquakes surrounded by active volcanoes

The Lava Centre is situated at Hvolsvöllur on the South Coast of Iceland, surrounded by active volcanoes. It truly acts as the gateway to Iceland’s most active volcanic area.

The Lava Centre just received two Red Dot Awards, which cement its position as a world class exhibition.

LAVA Centre is the best place to learn about the new Fagradalsfjall eruption, with new exhibits explaining the eruption and new film footage in the volcano cinema.

passionate about ICeland

"EastWest provides exceptional small group tours and private tours so you can enjoy the famous Golden Circle, the dramatic landscapes of the South coast, the breathtaking peninsula of Snæfellsnes, or the incredible Northern lights. Our driver-guides deliver travel experiences of the highest quality in a prime fleet of Mercedes-Benz Sprinters with USB connectors and onboard WIFI."

7 FACTS YOU (PROBABLY) DON’T KNOW ABOUT VOLCANOES

1. Liberty, Equality, Fraternity... Volcanicity?

The 1783-4 eruption of Laki was the biggest eruption in recorded history. An estimated 42 billion tonnes of poisonous gases and dust darkened the skies. Haze from the eruption floated east as far away as India, disrupting the monsoon season and leading to drought and crop failures. The famine that hit Egypt in 1784, was a result of the eruption, and killed roughly one-sixth of its population. Back in Iceland, an estimated 20–25% of the population died from famine, and over half the livestock was poisoned or killed by giant hailstones. Food shortages contributed to social unrest across Europe and contributed to the French Revolution of 1789 that gave birth to western democracy.

2. And in second Place…

Iceland was also the site of the second biggest emission in recorded history: the 2014 eruption of Bárðarbunga. In just 6 months, Bárðarbunga produced enough lava to cover the island of Manhattan - 85km2

3. Enter the Volcano

In Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth, the heroes climb down a crater on the Snæfellsnes peninsula to find vast oceans filled with extinct prehistoric creatures. While an encounter with a herd of mastodons is unlikely, a trip to Þríhnúkagígur (Thrihnukagigur) still feels pretty Jules Verne.

Þríhnúkagígur is the only volcano in the world

where you can descend into the magma chamber. Discovered in 1974 and opened to the public in 2012.

4. New Earth

Surtsey, Iceland’s most southern point was formed by a volcanic eruption at the bottom of the ocean and emerged from the water on November 14, 1963. It was immediately granted protection by law, and to this day, only scientists are allowed to go there, and even they have to get special permission. This means that we have been able to monitor how life settles on a brand-new land from the beginning, which has, of course, been invaluable to scientists.

5. SuperFresh Lava

Iceland has a third of the world’s fresh lava. ‘Fresh’ is a relative term that may need defining. When discussing Arctic Char, it’s best measured in hours. In geological time fresh lava means lava that’s less than five hundred years old. Iceland is full of these ‘Here’s one I prepared earlier’ landscapes offering snapshots of geological time and processes.

6. Icelandic volcanoes are on the move!

Due to changes in on the tectonic level of the earth, Iceland’s volcanoes are actually moving east. Veeeeeeeery slowly. If you visited Iceland 20 million years ago, the volcanoes would all have been situated in the West Fjords. Fifty million years ago, during the Eocene epoch, you would find our volcanoes living happily in Greenland, and 70

million years ago, our volcanoes would have been terrorising dinosaurs somewhere in Canada.

7. Iceland has a volcanic eruption every 4-5 years

The island has somewhere between 150-200 volcanoes, split into different volcanic systems. About 30 different systems are still considered “active” in Iceland, and 13 of them have erupted since the Viking Settlement in 874. The most recent eruptions were in Fagradalsfjall valley in 2021, which lasted 6 months, and nearby in Meradalir in 2022, which lasted only 3 weeks. These short-lived eruptions were the first on the Reykjanes peninsula in over 700 years!

Ridi n g wit h E l dhesta r

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW FOR REYKJAVÍK PRIDE 2023

From August 7-13, Pride is back and erupting onto the streets, parks, and bars of Reykjavík. Celebrate diversity and identity with a calendar that’s full of singing, dancing, ukuleles, and synchronised swimming. Alongside the party, Reykjavík Pride is also convening the Rainbow Conference, a program of talks, workshops and sharings addressing issues and challenges that face the LGBTQ+ community in Reykjavík and farther afield.

The event is a vibrant and inclusive celebration of diversity, where people from all walks of life come together to support and show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Participants don colourful costumes, wave rainbow flags, and march through the streets of Reykjavik with enthusiasm and pride. The parade is accompanied by lively music, cheering, and heartfelt speeches, creating an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and celebration. 2023’s pride will be the 24th pride festival in Reykjavík. As well as being a big draw for visitors, the festival is supported and embraced by the city and locals. Of course it’s not always been this way. Here’s the cliff notes to the journey so far...

HÖRÐUR’S EXILE

In 1975, Hörður Torfason, an up-and-coming singer, scandalised the country when he admitted to being homosexual in an interview in the magazine Samúel. His coming out was groundbreaking for the LGBTQ+ community, but society’s reaction was less than stellar. Faced with hostile reactions and threats, Hörður eventually left the country for a few years while the commotion died down.

EVERY VICTORY WAS HARD EARNED

Much like Hörður Torfason was the “first (openly) gay man” in Iceland, Anna Kristjánsdóttir was the “first (openly) trans person” in Iceland. Anna didn’t get the support she needed from the Icelandic medical system, so she went abroad to finish the transition and came out as trans while she lived in Sweden in the 90s. Amazingly, Anna was the only out trans person in Iceland and faced an uphill struggle to gain acceptance.

BUT IT’S GETTING BETTER

Ever since 1940, the year ’gay sex’ stopped being a punishable offence in Iceland, there has been glacially slow but steady (they have power, those glaciers) progress towards acceptance in Iceland. Rigid gender roles and strict heteronormativity have slowly made way for a more liberal attitude towards sex, love and life from the general population.

THERE HAVE BEEN MILESTONES…

The LGBTQ+ community in Iceland today have many legal rights that seemed unthinkable just a few decades ago. Confirmed cohabitation, a substitute for marriage with some of the legal rights, came first, followed by the right to adopt, and finally, in 2010, individuals of the same sex could get married, a ruling that’s given birth to a thriving elopement and wedding industry.

international news when she not only became the first female prime minister of Iceland, but also the first openly lesbian prime minister in the world. Her wife, Jónína, is a writer, who, in 2013 published their love story after having to keep their relationship private for decades.

BUT THINGS AREN’T PERFECT YET

When Hörður Torfa returned to Iceland after his informal exile, he and some other enterprising people founded Samtökin ’78 (that simply translates to The ‘78 Organisation), Iceland’s most prominent LGBTQ+ rights association. Samtökin ‘78 have spent decades educating the public in Iceland and fighting for the rights of their members. Unfortunately, there’s still a need for Samtökin – the fight for equality isn’t over yet.

For more information, visit

Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir

REYKJAVÍK CULTURE NIGHT

Celebrating all things cultural, Reykjavík throws open the doors of its studios, galleries, and museums for a night of special events celebrating all things cultural. There’s so much going on that it’s not possible to see everything, so it’s well worth checking out the program and making a plan - or you can just head out and follow your nose, it’s too big to miss. The Arts, you may have noticed, are quite the thing in Reykjavík, and there’s a (proportionately) huge arts community here. Culture night reflects this and has evolved from a mini festival to one of the biggest events in the Reykjavík social calendar.

The festival celebrates culture in the broadest sense, high, low and middle brows are all accommodated in a program that includes popular music, dance, classical, hip - hop, jazz, techno, experimental music, food, theatre - even sport gets a look in. The festival’s schedule changes annually, but

some aspects of the festival have been there for years, like free concerts and a very rad fireworks display.

Concerts, big and small

Some of Iceland’s most popular musicians will be gathering up their instruments for the outdoor concerts around the city centre. Hljómskálagarður park is the location of a series of concerts over the course of the day, as well as Arnarhóll hill right by Harpa Concert Hall. In addition, there are smaller gigs, performances and open houses across the city.

Fireworks show

The grand finale of Reykjavík Culture night is the fireworks display. After a hard day’s night soaking up culture, the crowds mass by Arnarhóll hill to be mesmerised by Iceland’s biggest annual fireworks show. It starts at 11:00, when it’s just dark enough. After the display, the night is still young, and the town is all abuzz with revellers and music. Please note that because of the festival, parts of the city centre will be closed off from traffic, so leave your car at home. To get downtown, use the bus. City buses will be free of charge during the festival, but note that some bus routes might be disrupted due to street closures in the city centre.

For more events and information, check out www.culturenight.is.

Three Locations

In the Center of Reykjavík

Þórarinn B. Þorláksson (1867-1924) Uppstilling / Still Life with Apples and a Vase, 1924

Gunnlaugur Scheving (1904-1972) Sumarnótt / Summer night, 1959

Ásgrímur Jónsson (1876-1958) Kvöld í Reykjavík / Evening in Reykjavík, 1916

A GUIDE TO GEOTHERMAL SPAS

Hot springs, saunas, plunge pools and steam rooms have been part of Icelandic culture in one way or another for centuries. If you’re hiking, there’s no better way to soothe tired muscles and achy joints than a relaxing soak. But where to soak?

BLUE LAGOON

The wildly popular and photogenic Blue Lagoon is located 50 minutes west of Reykjavík and 20 minutes from Keflavik airport. It all started in 1981 when people started bathing in the curious turquoise-coloured run-off pools of the Svartsengi geothermal power station. In 2017 the attraction recorded a whopping 1.3 million visitors and a turnover of over a hundred million euros annually. The Blue Lagoon is located on an 800-year-old lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is so popular reservations are required. The water, a combination of fresh and seawater from the nearby geothermal plant, is about 36 degrees, slightly cooler than your average hot tub. There are grottoes, steam rooms and an on-site restaurant, so spending at least a half-day at the lagoon is recommended. If you are travelling with your family, you can easily spend a full day at the Blue Lagoon with your kids.

Sky Lagoon

KRAUMA

Krauma is a natural geothermal spa next to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. It’s located in West Iceland, in the valley of Reykholtsdalur. Krauma has five hot tubs and one cold bath, a relaxation room and two steam baths. The perfect water temperature is reached by mixing glacial water with water from the hot spring. When you’re in the pool, you can order drinks that are brought to you straight in the hot tubs. If you’re longing for a bite to eat after bathing, there’s also a restaurant. Krauma is open every day 11 AM – 9 PM.

SKY LAGOON

Just fifteen minutes from downtown Reykjavík, the Sky Lagoon was constructed in an impressive 15 months during the pandemic. The vibe is stylishly luxurious and expensive, and as the only bathing lagoon within the city limits, it’s the one that’s easiest to access. A traditional herringbone turf facade gives way to Bond villain aesthetic within and a great sea view from the sauna through the biggest window in all of Iceland. ‘Norse bathing culture fused with modern Nordic design’ says Vogue. The spa’s experience is built around a seven-step ritual after which there’s a cafe, bar and restaurant should the spirit move you. Booking in advance is advised.

HVAMMSVÍK

Hvammsvík is a family-owned estate consisting of 1200 acres of land, situated in the middle of Hvalfjörður, a historic fjord in the southwest of Iceland. The bathing spot is right on the water, rustic pools overlooking the surrounding farmland and the sea. Mentioned in the Book of Settlements as an early settlement, it also became an important location during the Second World War when the Allies occupied Iceland. Hvammsvík is only a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík city centre and an easy drive to many of Iceland‘s biggest attractions, such as The Golden Circle, Glymur, Þingvellir, Esjan, and many more. The spa offers 8 geothermal pools built into the sea. They are open 10 AM – 9 PM year-round. You will also find a bistro and accommodation, and there is a direct bus transfer that can take you from Reykjvík to Hvammsvík.

LAUGARVATN FONTANA

Located in the middle of the Golden Circle, Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths offers several hot pools, a steam room, and more. Locals have been enjoying the healing power of the natural steam baths by Lake Laugarvatn since 1921. You

day of hiking and sightseeing. For a truly Icelandic experience, you can move between the hot pools and the icy waters of Lake Laugarvatn, as the cold temperature is believed to have beneficial health effects. Next to the spa, there is a geothermal bakery where they bake their bread using the natural heat from the earth! Laugarvatn Fontana is open every day year-round, 11 AM – 9 PM.

SECRET LAGOON

Created in 1891, Secret Lagoon – known in Icelandic as Gamla Laugin (the old pool) – is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland. It was abandoned for years but was renovated and reopened in 2014 with brand-new showers and changing rooms. The pool is a comfortable 38-40 C (100-104 F) and may not be as much of a secret as it once was. Located next to a spouting geyser, the Secret Lagoon is a much quieter, simpler (and cheaper) alternative to the Blue and other spa-style lagoons. Nearby is a geyser, bistro, and a beautiful geothermal area. The Secret Lagoon is typically open 10 AM – 7 PM, but it will be closed May 15 – 26 for renovations.

Blue Lagoon

Taking the bus

As of this writing, a single adult ticket costs ISK 570. Children 11 years and younger are free, the disabled pay ISK 171, and seniors and children 12-17 pay ISK 285.

You can buy a ticket on the bus, but only if you have the exact amount in cash (the drivers don‘t have change).Paper tickets used to be available at local stores and swimming pools, but STRÆTÓ has discontinued these as of March 2022.

You can pay for your fare through the awardwinning app, KLAPPIÐ. Using only your smartphone, you can pay for one-time fares for individual rides, purchase Klapp 10 (10 tickets), or buy a one-month or a one-year pass. It should be noted that you will need to use data or WiFi to make this transaction

Taking the bus outside the city limits

Unlike the city buses, the regional buses taking you north, south or west accept card payments. You can also pay by cash, but again, only if you have the exact amount. Prices vary depending on your destination.

If you are staying in or travelling to the countryside via STRÆTÓ , the Klapp app won’t work. STRÆTÓ only recently began using Klapp. Previously, there was the much-loved Strætó app. The way to get around this, you will have to visit their website or download the old STRÆTÓ app onto your phone.

NOTE: This app is no longer usable in the city!

For instance, if you want to take the bus from the capital to Akureyri, you will have to pay through Klappið to take bus 15 to Mosfellsbær. But from there, you will need to pay through the older STRÆTÓ app or by card to take bus 57 to Akureyri.

When do the buses leave?

The timetables can be found on the STRÆTÓ website, and each bus stop has the departure times for the buses that stop there. The STRÆTÓ app also has the departure times and will calculate your route for you. Generally, the buses start running before 7 am on weekdays (slightly later on weekends, but still before 10 am) and run until around midnight, depending on routes.

When deciding which bus to take, get the route number and the terminus. While you’re waiting for

the bus, check to make sure you’re waiting on the right side of the street. On a little sign right next to the bus stop you’ll find the timetable for your route. Above the timetable, you’ll find the names of the bus stops on the way (the one you’re on is specially marked) with the terminus at the end of the line, make sure it matches the one you’re supposed to take.

If it doesn’t, cross the street. When the bus arrives it will also be clearly marked with the route number and the terminus. Occasionally the bus drivers forget to change it at the end of the line, so just in case, it doesn’t hurt to ask the driver. They can also help you figure out when to step off the bus.

Changing buses

If you need to change routes or get on a different bus for the full journey, you can reuse your Klappið ticket for 75 minutes. If you paid by cash, just ask for a “transfer ticket” when you enter the bus. The ticket is valid for 75 minutes, and you can show it to the bus driver when you enter the next bus.

If using the Klapp app, you will also have 75 minutes to use your ticket. Simply scan the same ticket on the bus you are getting on, and it will work exactly the same.

If you had a different question about strætó, let us know! There’s also more information on the STRÆTÓ website and on the Klapp website!

Asource

Children (0–16* years) Free

Children (16*-17 years) 195 kr.

Adults (18 years and older) 1,210 kr.

Senior citizens aged 67 and over Free

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

*Based on August 1 of the birthday year

Thermal swimming pools Saunas, steambaths

The place to meet locals

Hot tubs and jacuzzi

How to Have Fun during Verslunarmannahelgi

Verslunarmannahelgi (Merchant’s Weekend for non-Icelandic speakers) is a three-day weekend at the beginning of August. It’s the biggest travelling weekend in Iceland and in many places, it’s celebrated with an útihátíð (outdoor festival).

On Merchant’s Weekend, a steady stream of cars flows out of Reykjavík stuffed with tents, guitars, and Icelandic sweaters, headed for various festivals around the country. People of all ages flock to these outdoor events, which usually feature familycentred activities during the day and concerts and dances at night. It’s a great time to experience Icelandic nature, get to know Icelanders, and most importantly, have some fun!

HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR FESTIVALS AROUND ICELAND:

THE CLASSIC ONE – The ultimate útihátíð is also the oldest one, Þjóðhátíð í eyjum. It’s taken place every year since 1874 on the Westman Islands, just off the south coast of Iceland. It’s got everything an Icelandic festival needs: camping, bonfires, fireworks, people of all generations getting together and Iceland’s most popular musicians keeping the crowd dancing. It’s also steeped in traditions – a festival song has been commissioned for the festival every year since 1933 and on the last night of the festival, all the people on the island, young and old, get together for a sing-along.

THE HIPSTER ONE – For some people, a festival outside in nature sounds super fun. For others, the camping aspect sort of ruins it. The solution? A festival in downtown Reykjavík! Innipúkinn (literally “the indoor imp”, an Icelandic term for couch potato) is where the coolest people of Reykjavík will be spending their long weekend, far from any sort of rural setting. You can hear some great music,

shower) come morning. It may not be the ultimate overnight festival experience, but it’s clean, dry, and painfully hip.

THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY ONE – Neskaupsstaður is a small town in the east of Iceland and its yearly Neistaflug festival is perfect for family fun. The small town is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and the festival is a celebration of colours and children’s entertainment. The programme is designed so that everyone in the family - kids, teens,

MarinaHotel

Geirsgata

WELCOMESFJALLKONANYOU!

Our menu offers a selection of traditional Icelandic delicacies with a modern twist and world dishes made with Icelandic produce. Try our amazing desserts made with Icelandic candy.

Stop by for snacks & drinks, lunch, weekend brunch or dinner.

Book your table: Tel. +354 555 0950 fjallkona.is

LIVING IN A HIKERS’ PARADISE

Dust off your backpack and hiking boots, it’s time to discover Iceland on foot. Why you ask? Because Iceland has some of the best hiking trails in the world! As you probably know, Iceland is a volcanic island filled with mountains and natural wonders, many of which are easily accessible. In fact, Iceland is so crammed with natural wonders that you’re never far away from a great hike.

Hiking through Iceland’s beautiful wilderness is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not sure what you’re doing. If you’re unfamiliar with Icelandic nature, consider taking a guided tour. Available guided tours include everything from a stroll through downtown Reykjavík to a multi-day hike in the Icelandic highlands. Contact the What’s On information office for more information.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?

I want to climb a mountain!

Mt. Esjan, the mountain visible from the city centre, is one of the most popular hiking spots for locals in Reykjavík. Just step on a bus and get off at the visitor centre at the foot of the mountain! There are several ways up the mountain, and the most popular one takes you straight up the hill, alongside a babbling brook, and offers a view of the city and the surrounding area. The trail leads all the way to the top, but about an hour’s hike will take you to Steinn, a big rock marking the spot where most people stop and head back. The slightly less steep Úlfarsfell or Helgafell might be a good choice for those who haven’t gone hiking in a while.

I want to hike to a waterfall

Why not hike up to Glymur, Iceland’s second tallest waterfall? It used to be considered the tallest waterfall in Iceland, but not so long ago, a new one far into the mountains was discovered that’s even taller! Getting there is very difficult, however, so most people stick to Glymur, with an easy hike a short distance from the city. There are a few ways to get to the waterfall, but the easiest one (and the one that requires no fording of rivers) takes about 45 minutes either way. You’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of water thundering down an almost 200m drop!

I want to hike for several days

The most famous hiking trail in Iceland is called Laugavegur, a hike of approximately 55km in the highlands. The hike takes you through two nature reserves, with a wide variety of landscapes and several river crossings along the way. You walk from the red and yellow mountains of Landmannalaugar through lava fields with bubbly geothermal areas to the birch forests of Þórsmörk. The trail is well marked, with trekking huts along the way, but it’s also possible to camp (and since the huts are often fully booked, it might be necessary!). Usually, people take four days to complete the Laugavegur trail. Note that the trail usually opens for the summer in late June!

I want to see a forest!

Nestled between two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, and surrounded by active volcanoes, Þórsmörk can be thought of as Iceland in miniature; intersected by fresh glacial rivers, the area is home to rumbling waterfalls, lofty mountains, and a rich array of birdlife. What’s more, the area is best discovered on foot! Following the exclusion of sheep, who love to nibble on birch saplings, Þórsmörk has been transformed into a green oasis. There is an oft-cited joke about finding your way when lost in an Icelandic forest: just stand up. However, since the sheep have moved out, the trees have become very tall, making

Þórsmörk one of the few forests in Iceland where it is, in fact, possible to get lost!

I want to go off the beaten track

Hornstrandir in the Westfjords is Iceland’s northernmost peninsula. It’s a nature reserve known for its dazzling cliffs, rich birdlife, and amazing sea views. It takes a bit of travelling to get there, but the hiking opportunities in this area are totally worth it! From Ísafjörður, you can take the ferry to Hesteyri where there are plenty of hiking options. And the best thing is, the area is the natural habitat of the arctic fox. In isolated, uninhabited areas like Hornstrandir, arctic foxes feel more at ease around humans and are therefore easier to spot.

Before you set off into Iceland’s untamed nature, it’s vital that you prepare for your trip accordingly.

Plan your route so you know exactly where you’re going, and let someone else know as well.

Check the weather forecast before you head out.

Make sure you have the right equipment! Wear good boots and dress appropriately.

Taste the best of iceland

ICELANDIC GOURMET FEAST

Starts with a shot of the infarmous Icelandic spirit Brennivín

Followed by 7 delicious tapas

• Smoked puffin with blueberry “brennivín” sauce

• Icelandic arctic char with candy beets salad, asparagus and elderflower-hollandaise

• Lobster tails baked in garlic

• Pan-fried blue ling with lobster sauce

• Grilled Icelandic lamb tenderloin with beer-butterscotch sauce

• Minke Whale with sweet potato mash and malt sauce

late night dining

Our kitchen is open until 23:00 on weekdays and 24:00 on weekends

And for dessert:

• White chocolate "Skyr" mousse with passion coulis

10.900 kr.

Reykjavík jazz festival

Over its 5-day program, the Reykjavík Jazz Festival hosts a jam-packed program of jazz, blues, funk, and improvisation. Jazz is popular in Scandinavia and the Nordic countries, and Reykjavík’s venues, from the small and intimate to the state-of-the-art Harpa concert hall to Hallgrímskirkja church, play host to a roster of leading international and Icelandic jazzers.

The second longest-running music festival in Iceland, the festival includes performances from contemporary and avant-garde performers to Latin jazz, gospel and big bands, drawing acclaimed international jazz players as well as homegrown talent. The venues are best accessed with a JAZZPASS wristband. The pass offers access to all concerts free of charge. The pass will also get you a 15% discount at Jómfrúin restaurant on Lækjargata. The pass costs 21,900 ISK.

REYKJAVÍK ENSEMBLE WITH KATHERINE WINDFELD

Aug 23 - The British newspaper The Guardian describes Kathrine Windfeld’s compositions as “a rare combination of mood and strength.” No stranger to Reykjavík, she played at the Reykjavík Jazz Festival two years ago, then with her sextet. Now it’s time to hear the work of this rising star in the European jazz world in a larger context.

INSOMNIA BRASS BAND

Aug 24 - A scaled-down version of traditional New Orleans brass bands, Insomnia Brass Band takes paths untrodden through free jazz, funk, and more. The trio has toured widely since 2017, exhibiting their own unique compositions and improvisations. Insomnia Brass Band received first prize at this year’s Deutscher JazzPreis, the German Jazz Festival.

BJÖSSI THOR AND UNA STEF

Aug 26 - Icelandic guitarist Bjössi takes a stroll through the history of the guitar and plays many of his favorite songs. The music will be a mix of rhythm & blues music and powerful jazz rock. Bjössi has been gaining ground in the guitar world in the last few years and has played with many of the world’s best-known guitarists, so this is a can’t-miss show.

TUMI TORFASON

Aug 27 - This young composer and trumpeter will be celebrating the release of his debut album with a concert in Domkirkján. His diverse compositions feature influences from classical, minimalism, and modern jazz. It’s also sure to be an amazing performance because of the venue, a beautiful old church in the heart of Reykjavík.

REYKJANES ERUPTS AGAIN!

On July 10, an eruption began at Litli Hrútur, a hillside on the Reykjanes peninsula located between Mt. Keilir and Fagradalsfjall. This is now the third year in a row that the Reykjanes peninsula has seen an eruption!

The eruption has been called “tourist-friendly,” so there is no immediate danger to people, infrastructure, and so on. The hike to the eruption is quite long at 20km (12mi), and can be accessed from Parking Lot 2 from the previous Fagradalsfjall eruptions.

Before you visit the site, here are some things to keep in mind:

Be careful and be aware of your surroundings. We have unfortunately seen people walking over still-hot lava. Not a great idea!

Prolonged exposure to volcanic gasses can be toxic. Be conscious of the wind direction, and stay elevated.

As with any hike, bring good boots, windand water-proof layers, water, food, and navigation.

Active volcanoes are not good places for children and animals!

RUN, REYKJAVÍK, RUN!

Reykjavík Culture night is one of Reykjavík’s biggest celebrations of the year and they don’t limit themselves to just the kind of culture that you can see in galleries. The Reykjavík Marathon, established as early as 1984, has by now become an integral part of the celebration.

Taking place for the 34rd time this year, the Reykjavík Marathon has grown from a 214 people race to an event that attracts 15.000 people every year! If a whole marathon sounds like a bit too much for you, other events at the marathon include a halfmarathon, a 10 km run, a marathon relay, a 3 km run and a Kids Run. The starting line is in the heart of the city centre by the pond and the city hall, and you run through residential areas, public parks and by the coast so it’s a great way to see the city!

The race takes place on Saturday, August 19. Online registration will be open until noon on Wednesday, August 16 at marathon.is. Registration fees go towards a charity of your choice, and include a ticket to one of Reykjavík’s geothermal pools.

BEST WHALE WATCHING SPOTS AROUND ICELAND

Do you want to have a whale of a time? Then go on a whale safari while you’re in Iceland! The waters around Iceland are the natural habitat of these gentle giants, so this is the perfect place to spot them. Baleen whales are a migratory species, and most travel long distances to tropical waters in winter and back to polar regions in summer. The best season for whale watching in Iceland is, therefore, between April and October. Going on a whale watching tour and actively searching for whales is an exciting and unique experience!

Whale watching in the Capital Area

You don’t have to travel far to go on a whale safari, as Reykjavík offers good options for whale watching. Different whale watching companies have regular departures from the Old Harbour area. White-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are seen year-round in Faxaflói bay, a large bay next to Reykjavík, stretching from Reykjanes to Snæfellsnes. In the summertime, there are regular sightings of humpback whales and minke whales. You can choose to go on a bigger boat with a refreshment bar, or on a small RIB. The bigger boats have snug inside areas that offer shelter from bad weather, but the small boats have the advantage that you can get very close to oceanic wildlife. At the ticket offices, you can ask for complimentary

motion sickness pills, but don’t worry, tours are cancelled if the waves are too high.

Whale watching outside the Capital Area

You can also see whales outside of the Capital Area. In wintertime, the fishing town Grundarfjörður is where it’s all at. The bay is filled with herring feeding on phytoplankton. Now, seeing breaching herring is probably not the reason why you travelled to Iceland. However, this herring aggregation attracts all kinds of cetaceans, like dolphins, porpoises, and most importantly, killer whales! Can you think of anything more spectacular than seeing a pack of killer whales swim by? There are also excellent whale watching opportunities in North Iceland. The town Húsavík is also known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, because of the many whales in its bay, Skjálfandi bay. Humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, pilot whales, and sperm whales are often sighted. Because of the deep waters in the bay, there is also a higher chance of seeing rare species like the basking shark, the northern bottlenose whale, and the beluga!

Combo tours – whales and puffins

In summer, puffin colonies are found all around Iceland. The first small flocks arrive in April, and the last ones leave in September, but the best months to see puffins are between May and August. Most whale watching companies offer whale and puffin combination tours. For puffin spotting, it’s best to be on a small boat and to bring binoculars. Puffins are tiny, and the closer you can get to them, the better the experience will be! These puffin tours are possible from Reykjavík. Just off the coast of the city, puffins breed each year on three small islands. Next to puffins and whales, common sights during these tours include arctic terns and the great skua.

Whales of Iceland exhibition

Whales of Iceland is an exhibition in the Grandi area of Reykjavík. It showcases 23 man-made life-size models of whale species that occur in Icelandic waters, like a 25m long blue whale and a full-size sperm whale. It offers a great opportunity to see the actual sizes of these whales (they are even bigger than you think!) and to learn interesting facts about each whale at the same time by reading plaques and watching videos. Educational and fun!

COMMON SIGHTS

Minke whale: a small baleen whale measuring 7m to 8m in length, weighing between 5 to 10 tonnes. It’s black and grey, has a dorsal fin, and will live for 30 to 50 years. It’s not likely to breach, so look for its back and dorsal fin during a tour. Also called “stinky minkes” because they smell of rotten fish.

Humpback whale: a large baleen whale measuring 12m to 16m in length and weighing about 36 tonnes. It has long pectoral fins, a stubby dorsal fin, and a knobbly head. They are known for breaching, their high spouts of water, and for showing off their flukes as they go for deeper dives!

White-beaked dolphin: the most common dolphin in Icelandic waters. It is 2.5m to 3m in length and weighs up to 350kg. They are often spotted in big groups, sometimes hundreds together! They love playing, jumping out of the water, and splashing about.

Harbour porpoise: the smallest cetacean around Iceland. They are only 1.5m to 2m in length and weigh 55kg to 70kg. They are usually quite shy but sometimes jump out of the water and play with the whale watching boats. Book your whale watching tour on WhatsOn.is

REYKJAVÍK CITY MAP

Reykjavík sights to see

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

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

1 HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. It’s the largest church and the 6th tallest architectural structure in Iceland. The church tower offers a fantastic view of the city. It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, designed it to resemble the basalt lava column flows of Iceland’s landscape. Construction started in 1945 and was finished in 1984.

2 PERLAN Standing at 25m, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking buildings. Built on top of the city’s hot water tanks, Perlan is known for its unique architecture. Inside Perlan, you can visit Wonders of Iceland, an exhibition spread over multiple levels. A visit to a real ice cave, planetarium shows, exhibitions on Iceland’s history, glaciers, volcanoes, and water, and a spectacular 360° viewing platform are all included in a ticket. On the top floor, there is a restaurant and coffeehouse for guests in need of refreshment. Surrounding Perlan is the Öskjuhlíð area, one of the many green spaces in Reykjavík, perfect for a walk on a sunny day.

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

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

5 HLEMMUR The Hlemmur bus terminal has been a city centre fixture for decades – although the reason for its popularity has changed. It was transformed into a food hall a couple years back, and it’s difficult to imagine Hlemmur square without it. The food hall attracts a fun crowd, and the place is booming! With Neapolitan pizza, LA-style tacos, gourmet burgers, gelatos, and specialities from the Michelin Bib Gourmandawarded Skál, there’s something for everybody!

6 HARPA The whole 28,000m2 of Harpa stand at the edge of Reykjavík Harbour. It houses Iceland’s biggest concert hall, suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events, a conference centre with meeting facilities and in-house catering, as well as a couple of fine restaurants. Harpa also hosts promotions, plays, and public events. Harpa was designed by a Danish firm in cooperation with Ólafur Elíasson, an Icelandic artist, and opened to the public in 2011.

7 THE OLD HARBOUR Though it’s the oldest harbour in its original form, Reykjavík’s Old Harbour is no longer the busiest for freight. Instead, it’s an oft-visited area where you’ll find a community of shops, galleries, electric bike and scooter rentals, and tour operators. You will also find numerous whale watching companies willing to take you out to sea on unforgettable excursions. The area is filled with excellent restaurants (pizza, seafood, burgers, etc.) and cafés. The atmosphere at the old harbour is friendly, the air is fresh and salty, and there are plenty of interesting activities to check out.

8 THE SUN VOYAGER A beautiful sculpture of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula by Sæbraut, close to downtown Reykjavík. The sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and is an ode to the sun. It serves as a reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland. The Sun Voyager looks its best when the sun is setting, at whatever time that may be. The unforgettable view of the sculpture with a backdrop of the ocean and Mt. Esja is every photographer’s dream.

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

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

Museums in Downtown Reykjavík

Reykjavík’s history reaches more than a thousand years into the past, and the city has a rich cultural heritage. What better way to learn more about Icelandic culture than visiting the city centre’s museums?

Hafnarhús serves as the museum’s institute of contemporary art, where new developments in art are explored through rotating exhibitions. An exhibition of paintings by well-known pop artist Erró is a permanent feature. Kjarvalsstaðir is devoted to one of Iceland’s most influential painters, Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, and Ásmundarsafn is the former home and workshop of sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson.

THE REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

The Museum of Photography’s main objective is to present both historical and contemporary photography in an artistic, social, and cultural context, as well as to nurture public and scholarly interest in photography. The collection’s themes range from family photographs to photos from portrait studios, industrial and advertising photography, press photography, landscape

In 2001, archaeological remains of a settlement-era hall were excavated, which was inhabited from 930-1000. North of the hall, two pieces of a turf wall were found, which were built before 871. These findings are the oldest relics of human habitation found in Reykjavík. An innovative, interactive exhibition gives an impression of what life was like in those times. Objects from the age of settlement found in central Reykjavík and on Viðey island are also on display.

THE REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM

The Reykjavík Art Museum has three locations: Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, and Ásmundarsafn.

The nation’s most precious treasures are kept and displayed at the National Museum of Iceland. The museum was established in 1863, and it gives an insight into Iceland’s cultural heritage from the time of the settlement up to modern times. There’s a permanent exhibition of Icelandic history and culture from the settlement era on, as well as temporary exhibitions highlighting specific eras or aspects of Iceland’s cultural heritage.

Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights

7 FUN THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN REYKJAVÍK

Reykjavík is an amazing place to travel with kids at any time of year. It’s bursting with colourful houses, squares and parkettes, and interactive museums that encourage young (and old) imaginations to flourish.

Here are a few of our favourite things to do with kids in Reykjavík.

Soak up some culture

We’re of the opinion that you’re never too young for museums. Reykjavík has a lot to choose from, but those that we’ve found to be most kid-approved have an interactive element or two.

The Maritime Museum will teach the whole family about Iceland’s fishing tradition from the olden days up to modern times, while allowing kids to dress up like fishermen, go on a scavenger hunt through the exhibit, and try their hand stacking crates of fish with a forklift.

The Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík 871±2 is another family favourite. Built around the remains of a Viking longhouse excavated smackdab in the middle of Reykjavík, the museum tells the story of Reyjavík’s settlement (in the year 871, give or take

a couple years) with interactive screens to learn more about the rocky remains. There’s also a room where kids can dress as Viking settlers and play old games.

Also great for families travelling with younger members are the Árbær Open Air Museum, with its turf houses and olden-day charm, and the National Museum of Iceland, which has a room for families to enjoy.

Meet the ducks

Reykjavík’s central pond, Tjörnin, is home to a healthy population of ducks, geese and swans, in part thanks to its proximity to Vatnsmýri, a protected wetland and bird sanctuary, to the south. A stroll around the pond is a great way to spot the pairs of ducks floating around and doing their thing.

Feeding bread to the ducks is frowned upon – and not allowed at all over the summer when ducklings arrive – but if you happen to have frozen peas or birdseed in your pocket, feel free to toss that for your new beaked buddies.

Expect to see mallards, gadwall, greater scaup, tufted ducks and teal, plus greylag geese and

swans. There’s also a sign on the north end of the pond (by City Hall) with descriptions of some birds you might spot in the area.

Go for a dip

Iceland’s thermal pools are good for swimming laps and lounging around in, but they’re also tons of fun for kids. Many locations have kids’ pools, with fountains and slides for the littlest ones, and bigger kids will get a thrill out of the bigger slides with their twists and turns.

Just remember: shower with soap before suiting up and jumping in.

Ride a horse

Even if you’re not a family of avid equestrians, you can enjoy a day on horseback in Iceland. Icelandic horses are known for their calm and friendly nature, making them perfect for inexperienced adults or children to ride – plus they’re shorter than horses you find in other parts of the world, so climbing into the saddle is less intimidating an experience. Always check the minimum age requirements before booking a riding tour, but some will welcome kids as young as 7-years old. It’ll be an unforgettable experience for kids of all ages.

Hit the high seas

Introduce your kids to whales while in Iceland. A number of whale watching tours depart from Reykjavík’s old harbour year-round, taking you out on Faxaflói Bay for a chance to spot humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.

There’s a real thrill in the hunt, and the excitement onboard goes through the roof at the sight of a humpback’s mighty fluke slapping the water. Go later in the spring or during the summer to also see puffins, which are not the most graceful of birds –kids and adults will get a laugh as they crash-land on the water’s surface.

Kids that don’t have the patience (or the stomach) for a three-hour tour might opt for a visit to Whales of Iceland, where they can come face to face with the true scale of the gentle giants of the sea, learn about whales and play on the orca-themed climbing structure.

Go inside a glacier

For an activity that your kids will be ooh-ing and ahh-in over long after you’ve departed Iceland, take them inside a glacier. A tour atop Langjökull glacier and into a man-made tunnel dug into it a few years back is a suitable adventure for the whole family. Those travelling with adventurous kids 6-years or older are also able to take a tour of the natural ice cave in Katlajökull glacial tongue, part of the glacier covering the mighty Katla volcano.

Don’t feel like schlepping to a real glacier? Perlan has brought the ice cave experience to Reykjavík. Just catch a shuttle to the glass-domed building on Öskjuhlíð to visit Perlan’s Ice Cave and Glacier Exploratorium, the world’s first indoor ice cave. There’s also an ice cream parlour and cafe at Perlan, which you definitely won’t find atop a real glacier.

Visit Laugardalur

If it’s a nice day to spend outdoors, there are few better places to be than in Reykjavík’s Laugardalur neighbourhood. Take the kids to the Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo to meet Icelandic farm animals, plus foxes, seals and reindeer. Let them run wild and jump on the air trampoline in the park’s expansive play area, and then wind down with a stroll through Reykjavík’s Botanic Garden. It’ll be a day well spent just outside the city centre.

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

LAUGAVEGUR HIKING TRAIL

Landmannalaugar is a highly sought-after hiking destination in Iceland, known for its breathtaking landscapes, which are enhanced by the region’s geothermal activity. Interestingly, Landmannalaugar translates to “the People’s Pools,” so if you’re a person – it’s for you!

To reach this remarkable destination, you can either take a bus or embark on a private day tour, depending on your budget and personal preferences.

The trail from Landmannalaugar south to Þórsmörk is called Laugavegur (The Hot Spring Route) and spans 53 km and typically takes around four days to hike. The trail starts at Landmannalaugar (situated at an altitude of 600 m above sea level). Throughout the route, huts are available for accommodation, along with designated campsites for outdoor enthusiasts. Huts need to be booked well in

advance, as spaces fill up quickly. Please note that camping outside designated areas is forbidden.

After exploring Þórsmörk, you can catch a bus back to town or extend your adventure by adding an extra day to continue the hike all the way down to Skógar. The trail between Skógar and Þórsmörk is called Fimmvörðuháls and is slightly shorter than Laugavegur, or about 23-25 km. It’s also a popular single day hike on its own.

For those seeking a more ambitious challenge, consider hiking from south to north, starting at Skógar and making your way towards Landmannalaugar. This presents a greater uphill challenge, making it an ideal choice for experienced hikers. If the four-day hike feels overwhelming, however, Þórsmörk offers a variety of options for single-day hikes with varying levels of difficulty.

Bus Transfer

A number of bus companies offer transfers to and from the area, allowing you to arrive at one end of the trail and departing from the other.

A no-hiking option

There is also a way to see the sights of the Laugavegur hiking trail without having to spend four days walking. Taking a super-jeep tour to Landmannalaugar or Þórsmörk will allow you to see these natural wonders for yourself.

Contact info@whatson.is or stop by the What’s On Information Office on Laugavegur for more information.

By The Old Harbour

Under the Midnight Sun

There are not many places in this world that offer the spectacle of midnight golf, a joy any golf enthusiast has to try at least once in his life. The near 24 hours of sunlight in the summer months allows golfers from around the world to experience this phenomenon. Iceland has golf courses situated in the most picturesque parts of the country, surrounded by untouched wildlife.

ODDUR

Far away from the noise of the city, Oddur Golf Club is one of the gems in the flora of Icelandic golf courses, surrounded by the beautiful valley area of Urriðavatnsdalir. Playing the course is a unique experience. Urriðavöllur, the main course, is one of the few 18-hole golf courses in Iceland, somewhat of a rarity within this young golfing nation. A challenging par 71, Urriðavöllur amounts to a total of 5,900m. Opened in 1997, it is recognised as one of the finest courses in the country, having been honoured with hosting multiple Icelandic championships as well as the European Ladies Team Championship in 2016. Oddur Golf Club also sports an easier-going ninehole practice course named Ljúflingur (Beloved Course), for those looking for a nice day out. Only a short 20-minute drive away from the city centre, Oddur is the perfect getaway from the city for some golf in the midnight sun.

Oddur

Contact: afgreidsla@oddur.is - +354 565-9092, www.oddur.is

The very first impression is the stunning views and great food in the modern clubhouse. The golf club also has a quaint 9-hole course in the hills of the valley Mosfellsdalur called Bakkakot. The 18-hole Hlíðavöllur championship course offers a spectacular view of the cold beauty of the North Atlantic, overlooking Mt. Esjan, as well as the pristine Snæfellsjökull glacier. It will challenge any golf course in the world in terms of dramatic landscape. Situated in nearby Mosfellsbær, Hlíðavöllur is an ambitious course with lush fairways and clean greens which golfers of all skill levels can enjoy. Like many courses in Iceland, Hlíðavöllur is close to the breeding grounds of local birds. The birds haven’t been taught golfing etiquette yet though, so they’ll be the only thing to distract you while trying to sink that putt for a birdie. The spectacular views are the perfect backdrop to enjoy midnight golf on this course, which was designed to flow perfectly with the natural surroundings. A rough ocean and coarse lava fields surround the course as the integrity of the site was placed above any preconceived notions of hole sequences, yardage, or par. Mosfellsbær is only a short 10-minute drive away from Reykjavík’s city centre. After the round, the modern clubhouse, featuring local favourite BLIK Bistro & Grill, offers a respite.

Contact: Hlíðavöllur, golfmos@golfmos.is+354 566 6999, www.english.golfmos.is

KEILIR

Keilir Golf Course is one of the top-ranked golf courses in Iceland, increasingly drawing attention from international guests. It’s a links golf course in Hafnarfjörður, a small town that’s just a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík. The design of the course follows the curves and contours of the land. When playing the Keilir Golf Course, you need to adjust your game to its challenges. Focusing on skill and accuracy will take you farther than power and distance, particularly when dealing with the lava field in the front nine! The toughest hole on the card is the 14th hole played over a small bay. Your drive must be accurate and have some distance to make it to the fairway. The course accommodates both beginners and advanced golfers. Recently, the club opened three new holes on the back nine, which puts more coastline into play. Keilir is a golf course not to be missed!

Contact: budin@keilir.is - +354 565-3360, www.keilir.is

Hlíðavöllur

ONE OF THE FOOD WONDERS OF THE WORLD

ICELANDIC LAMB IS THE FIRST ICELANDIC FOOD PRODUCT TO BE PDO-MARKED

Icelandic lamb has acquired the PDO label, the highest level of geographical indication in Europe, placing it in the company of the world's best-known and most sought-after quality products.

New in Town

Bon

Laugavegur 55

In classic bistro style, Bon (as in appétit) offers a selection of wine along with small dishes, great for a lazy weekend lunch or light dinner. Take a trip to Alsace with the flammkueche, or get properly Parisian with some croquettes and escargot. Bon is conveniently located right next to Von hotel, also making it a great breakfast option for visitors staying in downtown Reykjavík.

Freyja Pop Up

Laugavegur 56

What if we told you that you could get some delicious Icelandic candy for free? If you’re anything like us, you’d be justifiably suspicious, but it’s true! All you have to do is fill out a short survey. If you can’t be bothered to fill out the survey, then it’s just ISK 400 for a sampling platter of some of the best sweets Iceland has to offer.

Bístró

Elliðaárstöð

Reykjavík’s latest café is nestled in the lush Elliðaárdalur valley, just minutes from downtown. The old hydroelectric dam there is now being reimagined as a bistro, where you can grab a coffee and bite to eat after exploring this beautiful area. The menu at Bístró features seasonal, Icelandic ingredients, mirroring the beautiful natural surroundings.

La Havana

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At a sweltering 18° C (that’s 64° F to you Americans), we in Reykjavík also know how to enjoy a nice tropical day. So next time you find the harsh, Icelandic sun beating down on you, why not check out La Havana to beat the heat? All the tropical, summer classics make an appearance here, including nachos and salsa, mojitos, and sangria.

Bon

Freyja Pop Up

PEARLS OF ICELANDIC SONG

JUL 19-AUG 23

Visitors seeking a look into the Iceland of yesteryear should check out Pearls of Icelandic Song in Reykjavík’s beautiful opera house, Harpa. The programme features some of the most important classical music and most-beloved folk songs to come from this island. While the songs are sung in their native Icelandic, you won’t have to struggle to keep up, because a presenter will outline the importance of the works, in addition to the stories behind the people that composed them. It’s a great way to experience centuries of culture and history in one evening.

ROCK FESTIVAL AT LEMMY

AUG 3-6

For the punks and metalheads, local venue Lemmy (yes, named after that Lemmy) is hosting a fourday celebration of riffs and d-beats. It’s a veritable smorgasbord of everything heavy and underground, including the witchy post-punk tunes of Kælan Mikla, hardcore band Une Misére, retro metalheads Power Paladin, and the up-and-coming angry youngsters from Blóðmör. Tickets cost ISK 6.660 and are valid for the whole weekend.

INNIPÚKINN

AUG 4-7

Innipúkinn is an annual music festival right in the heart of downtown Reykjavík. Looking for a weekend of fun and music, but can’t make it to the Westman Islands for Þjóðhátíð? Well, then come by Innipúkinn for some of the best the Icelandic music scene has to offer! Some of the acts appearing this year we’re excited for are rapper Birnir, Eurovisionhopefuls Langi Seli og Skuggarnir, hard rockers Skrattar, and GDRN of Netflix fame.

REYKJAVÍK PRIDE

AUG 7-13

After some disruptions due to COVID, Pride returned to Reykjavík in full form last year, and boy, did the city miss it! A multi-day celebration of identity and diversity, Reykjavík Pride has something for everyone, including drag shows, cabaret performances, concerts, face painting, and more. The highlight of Reykjvík Pride, the parade, begins at Hallgrímskirkja and makes its way to Hljómskálagarður, a popular park near the city pond. There is also a series of lectures and workshops on the pressing issues of the day for the LGBTQ community.

MENNINGARNÓTT

AUG 19

Culture Night, or Menningarnótt, is the high point of the year in Reykjavík city, with events, concerts, food, and more than we can possibly list here. Nearly every business and venue will be doing something special today, so why not wander around downtown and see what some of the museums have going on? While you’re wandering, keep an eye out for the outdoor concert at Kex hostel, street food, and spontaneous art exhibitions of all sorts. The climax of the evening is a huge concert by Arnarhóll, a hill in downtown Reykjavík, and an evening fireworks show. Fireworks start at 11:00 PM.

REYKJAVÍK JAZZ FESTIVAL

AUG 23-27

A small city near the arctic circle might not be the first place you’d think of for an international jazz festival, but the annual Reykjavík Jazz Festival has surely and steadily been getting more recognition as a must-see musical event. Founded in 1990, the Reykjavík Jazz Festival represents most styles and genres, with everything from contemporary and avant-garde to Latin jazz, swing, fusion, and more. Venues range from cool dive bars to the elegantly modern Harpa concert hall. Get a weekend ticket and enjoy days of great music, or just find a show and check it out!

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM

The Gift of Children

Sigurjón Ólafsson’s reliefs and portraits of the family members of Einar Sigurðs son fisher ies magnate in Vestman Islands. In a booklet that accompanies the ex hibition, art histor ian Aðal steinn Ingólfs son discus ses these family por traits in the con text of other works by the artist em pha siz ing the re sponsibility that Einar Sigurðs son, as a pros perous business man, felt towards struggl ing artists.

REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM ÁSMUNDARSAFN

Ásmundur Sveinsson and Carl Milles

The exhibition features the works of sculptors Ásmund Sveinsson (1893-1982) and Carls Milles (1875-1955) from Sweden and is part of the collaboration between Millesgården Museum and Ásmundarsafn- both museums dedicated to the life and work of the two artists. Carl Milles is one of Sweden’s most respected sculptors and, like Ásmundur, he donated his house, studio and work to the public after his death. Carl Milles was Ásmundur´s mentor during his student years in Stockholm. The strong bond between these two artists has been well documented. Their works will be presented side-by-side in

Iceland for the first time this year at Ásmundarsafn.

AURORA REYKJAVÍK

Catch the Aurora Borealis All Year Round

There is perhaps nothing more magical than witnessing the beauty of a northern lights display. However, those unpredictable, ever dancing lights don’t always show up on cue – and fade away during the summer months. So, it is with great joy that we welcome Aurora Reykjavík – The Northern Lights Centre, where the northern lights are always on display.

Aurora Reykjavík’s pull and ace up its sleeve is its fantastic 4k timelapse film of the Aurora Borealis. Aurora Reykjavík’s latest additions

are virtual reality goggles featuring the world’s first 360° movie of aurora displays entirely shot in Iceland. If you can’t catch the northern lights yourself, this utterly realistic experience is definitely the next best option to witness the beauty of this truly amazing phenomenon.Capturing the northern lights with your own camera can be challenging, but at Aurora Reykjavík, you receive instruction by the experts: bring your camera and try the right settings at the Northern Lights Photo Simulator. In the exhibition, you will find an entertaining selfie booth – have fun looking all fabulous under the northern lights!

For more information, see www.aurorareykjavik.is.

Aurora Reykjavík

Carl Milles

FRESH ICELANDIC SEAFOOD

• Grilled lamb prime

• Icelandic cod

• Best monkfish in town

• 37 Wines by the glass

BARTENDERS´ CHOICE AWARDS

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

Sigtryggur Bjarni Baldvinsson: Into the Valley in Late Autumn Ends August 27th

At the beginning of 2022, the art collection of Ingibjörg Guðmundsdóttir and her husband, entrepreneur Þorvaldur Guðmundsson, owner of Síld og fiskur, was placed in the permanent keeping of the National Gallery of Iceland. The collection, which comprises about 1400 works by many of Iceland‘s leading artists, will be catalogued as part of the National Gallery collection, and the works of art will be digitised on a publicly-accessible database. A workshop and live exhibition will be installed in Gallery 3 on the upper floor of the National Gallery, where visitors can observe the work of the cataloguing team. At the same time, a selection of works from the collection will be displayed in Gallery 4, with a focus on animals, large and small, in Icelandic nature.

Rúrí: Glassrain

Glassrain is an installation from 1984, one of the first of many works that address the theme of

time and menace by Icelandic artist Rúrí. Born in 1951, Rúrí has become one of the most distinguished artists in Northern Europe. A pioneer in performance art in Scandinavia, she has never limited herself to just one discipline but has presented her work through a variety of mediums. But a consistent theme in nearly all her work is philosophical questions about identity, time, relativity and the environment. Glassrain comprises 500 razor-sharp fragments of glass of different lengths that hang menacingly from the ceiling. The exhibition opens on March 4 at the National Gallery.

The Private Collection

At the beginning of 2022, the art collection of Ingibjörg Guðmundsdóttir and her husband, entrepreneur Þorvaldur Guðmundsson, owner of Síld og fiskur, was placed in the permanent keeping of the National Gallery of Iceland. The collection, which comprises about 1400 works by many of Iceland‘s leading artists, will be catalogued as part of the National Gallery collection, and the works of art will be digitised on a

publicly-accessible database. A workshop and live exhibition will be installed in Gallery 3 on the upper floor of the National Gallery, where visitors can observe the work of the cataloguing team. At the same time, a selection of works from the collection will be displayed in Gallery 4, with a focus on animals, large and small, in Icelandic nature.

The Thought of Drawing

The art collection of Ingibjörg Guðmundsdóttir and Þorvaldur Guðmundsson includes about 300 drawings on paper by Jóhannes S. Kjarval. The selection of works for the exhibition was guided by the principle of diversity in material and technique. On display are works of art made with pencil, ink, charcoal, wax crayons, watercolour and oils, on a range of support materials. In a work from 1944, Hugsun um teikninguna (The Thought of Drawing), Kjarval has written in the lower left corner: “In drawing, the thought of drawing is whether it is drawn rightly or wrongly.” In the picture, which is characterised by flowing lines, two human figures are seen in an enigmatic landscape.

Sigtryggur Bjarni Baldvinsson

Jóhannes Kjarval

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION

A Window in Reykjavík –Ásgrímur Jónsson’s house

The exhibition A Window in Reykjavík comprises a selection of works by Ásgrímur Jónsson. The common feature of these works is that they relate to the artist’s surroundings in Reykjavík. The works form part of the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland; Ásgrímur Jónsson bequeathed to the Icelandic nation all his works of art, along with his home and studio at Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík.

Ásgrímur Jónsson (1876–1958) is one of the pioneers in the history of Icelandic art; he was the first Icelandic painter to make a career in art. The view from the window of Vinaminni, where he first lived on his return to Iceland, became a favourite motif for him, with its vista of Reykjavík Harbour and Mt. Esja across the bay. The view to the south from the skylight of his studio at Bergstaðastræti would later also inspire him. Watercolour was an appropriate medium for capturing the quality of the light over the waters of Skerjafjörður and the houses on Laufásvegur. Ásgrímur’s life and oeuvre span a long period of Iceland’s history – a time when the old rural society was starting to decline and Reykjavík was growing from a town into a city. Many of Ásgrímur’s paintings from Reykjavík, painted in the first half of the 20th century, depict a peaceful little town where houses cluster along the ocean shore; yet they also show economic activity, such as workmen building roads as the new urban society evolves.

REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM KJARVALSSTAÐIR

Kaleidoscope:

Icelandic 20th-Century Art

Ends August 7th

Kaleidoscope is the title of an exhibition series where we examine artworks in the Reykjavík Art Museum’s collection. In 2023, the museum celebrates fifty years since the opening of the museum’s first location at Kjarvalsstaðir. To mark this occasion, special attention is paid to the museum collection, with an opportunity to view and display treasures therefrom. Presently, the museum collection holds over seventeen thousand registered artworks of all types and created in various media, from sketches and drafts by Kjarval to contemporary works by young and old artists. Kaleidoscope of the 20th century is presented at Kjarvalsstaðir, but the Kaleidoscope of the 21st century will be on display in Hafnarhús from 6 June, and Kaleidoscope of international art from the collection in Hafnarhús until 7 May. The exhibition Kaleidoscope –Icelandic Art in the 20th Century

gives an insight into Icelandic art during the last century through the part of our cultural heritage that is preserved at Reykjavík Art Museum. The museum belongs to the city of Reykjavík, and there with its citizens. Now is a chance to become acquainted with its collection.

Myndlistin okkar - Our Art

Starts August 19th

Like many innovative art projects, Our Art is difficult to describe. It’s part exhibition, part interactive game. Our Art will allow Icelanders and visitors alike to pick their favorite artworks for an exhibition at Kjarvalsstaðir that will open on Culture Night (August 19). This is an experimental project, and there are very few limits. Participants can choose any artwork from RAM’s collection, including sculpture, paintings, photography, and multimedia projects, and vote as many times as they’d like. This is a unique opportunity to not just see some beautiful, strange, and though-provoking art, but to also be a part of the exhibition. Would-be curators can cast their votes here: betrireykjavik.is/ community/9179.

Ásgrímur Jónsson

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

The Making of a Nation Heritage and History in Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland’s permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation – Heritage and History in Iceland, is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the settlement to the present day. The aim is to cast light on the Icelanders’ past by placing the cultural heritage preserved by the National Museum in a historical context, guided by the question: what makes a nation? The exhibition includes about 2,000 objects dating from the Settlement Age to the present, as well as about 1,000 photographs from the 20th century. The exhibition is conceived as a journey through time: it begins with the ship in which mediaeval settlers crossed the ocean to their new home, and it ends in a modern airport, the Icelanders’ gateway to the world.

My Favourite Things

Although this exhibition is not necessarily new, it deserves more attention. My Favourite Things, which, at first glance, looks just like a list of things people left behind when they died. But these probates tell us how Icelanders lived in the 18th and 19th centuries, what they owned, and how their lives differed from people in different classes. The exhibition juxtaposes information gathered from probate inventorieswhat people had in their possession when they passed away - preserved at the National Archives and the artefact collections of the National Museum in order to dive into the material world of Icelanders from earlier centuries. What did people possess? How much worth was their belongings? How do the possessions of people of the past reflect in the preserved cultural heritage of the nation?

Rúnar Gunnarsson: An Eternity in a Moment

Opening on March 11 at The Photo Gallery in the National Museum is an exhibition of photographs by Rúnar Gunnarsson. Born in 1944, Rúnar grew up in Reykjavík during its rapid transformation into a modern city. His photographs capture the city and its complex human life. His collection contains over 100,000 photographs, which have been the subject of several exhibitions and books. Rúnar is still active, with a camera up in the air, capturing glimpses of our time.

Light and Play

Adjacent to An Eternity in a Moment is another photography exhibition at the National Museum titled Light and Play. It consists of six photo albums by Ragnheiður Bjarnadóttir. This personal collection depicts an individual’s journey from childhood to adulthood and sheds light on the multi-layered meaning of photography.

From Mire to Metal

In the past, iron smelting from bog iron was performed in Iceland. The use of metallurgical furnaces called bloomeries were used to smelt iron throughout the Middle Ages. Thereafter the practice steadily declined until it was completely abandoned in the 17th or 18th century. The knowledge of this ancient craftmanship has since been forgotten to time, leaving numerous questions about the bloomery process unanswered.

For a long time, scientists have attempted to answer questions about bloomery in Iceland. How was bog iron processed? How were bloomery furnaces constructed, isolated, and ignited? What quality of iron could be produced from Icelandic bog iron?

ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM

Árbær was an established farm well into the 20th century, and the museum opened there in 1957. Árbær is now an open-air museum with more than 20 buildings which form a town square, a village and a farm. Most of the buildings have been relocated from central Reykjavik.Árbær Open Air Museum tries to give a sense of the architecture and way of life and lifestyles of the past in Reykjavík

Rúnar Gunnarsson

Making of a Nation

WELCOME TO ICELAND

THE LOCAL BEER LÉTTÖL

and during summer visitors can see domestic animals. There are many exhibitions and events held at the Museum, which highlight specific periods in Reykjavik’s history. These include craft days, vintage car displays, Christmas exhibitions and much more. There is something for everyone at Árbær Open Air Museum.

Karólína the Weaver

Karólína Guðmundsdóttir (1897-1981) learned weaving in Copenhagen, and for several decades she ran a weaving atelier on Ásvallagata in Reykjavík. She wove upholstery and curtain fabrics for public bodies, businesses and homes, where the colours and textures harmonised with their surroundings. Her embroidery fabrics were used in school pupils‘ needlework projects for many years, and embroidered wall-hangings and cushions from Karólína‘s atelier adorned many Icelandic homes. She was thus an influence upon Icelanders‘ home furnishings and taste. In addition, her work led people to recognise the fine qualities of Icelandic wool and changed attitudes to crafts and needlework.

Consumption - Reykjavík in the 20th century

The exhibition aims to show the huge and rapid changes that took place in consumption patterns in Reykjavík during the 20th century –to explore the factors that affected consumption, and how technical advances, government actions, wars, and events in Iceland and

abroad influenced the daily life of the people of Reykjavík.

EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM

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

AÐALSTRÆTI The Settlement Exhibition

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

Reykjavík ...The Story Continues

Family-friendly and informative exhibition about the development of Reykjavík, from farm to city.

This new display is a direct continuation of The Settlement Exhibition, representing Reykjavík’s history from settlement to the present day. Visitors get an insight into the complex history and culture of Reykjavík through the development of house construction and planning with a stop at the oldest house in the city centre, Aðalstræti 10.

The admission is valid to both Aðalstræti 10 and The Settlement Exhibition in Aðalstræti 16.

NORDIC HOUSE

For Those Who Couldn’t Cross the Sea

For Those Who Couldn’t Cross the Sea is a multidisciplinary group exhibition that features the works of five Middle Eastern artists. The exhibition reflects on the experiences of refugees and migrants, as well as the challenges they face in their search for a new home. The aim of the exhibition is to build empathy and highlight patterns of trauma, erasure, identities, belonging, and home. The exhibition opens on June 10th in the Hvelfing exhibition space in the Nordic House and will be on display until September 2023.

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Colour palette of the time Colour photography in Iceland

1950-1970

Colour photos from 1950-1970, when colour photography began to take root in Iceland, are the subject of the Reykjavík Museum of Photography summer exhibition in 2023. The exhibition includes new enlargements from original colour films and colour slides mixed with original copies. The photos belong to the museum’s collection and are taken by Icelandic and foreign photographers. Among

Árbær open air museum

them are: Hermann Schlenker, Ingibjörg Ólafsdóttir, Helga Fietz, Sigurður Demetz Franzson, Hannes Pálsson, Adolf Karlsson and Böðvar Pétursson.

Giita Hammond:

View from the Sea - a homage to friendship and the sea Ends August 20th

‘View from the Sea’ is a photography and video work by Giita Hammond. She took the photos while swimming in the sea with her friends in Dublin, Ireland, during the first year and a half of the Covid epidemic. The work is about friendship and the freedom they felt in the sea, which was important in maintaining sanity in times of heavy restrictions.

Julia Hechtman:

Not Once Starts

August 19th

Not Once is a series of video portraits by American visual artist Julia Hechtman. The exhibition combines recordings of personal stories from local Icelanders with footage from different locations throughout the country. The combination of these stories and places creates an intimate narrative, sometimes leading to unexpected places. The natural world plays a large role in Hechtman’s work, and we think this will be a great way to see the Icelandic landscape from a new perspective.

REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM HAFNARHÚS

Kaleidoscope – Icelandic 21st Century Art

At the exhibition, you can see a selection of the works that have come to the museum in the last two decades. The collection spans as much as possible the breadth and the new emphases that can be found in the Icelandic art scene, both by recognized artists of the

time as well as the work of younger generation of artists. This year, 2023, Reykjavík Art Museum celebrates 50 years since the museum’s first building was officially opened in Kjarvalsstadir. On the occasion, special attention will be paid to the museum art collection and the opportunity will be used to view and display treasures from the museum´s collection. This exhibition is the third in the Kaleidoscope series - that features exhibitions in Hafnarhús and Kjarvalsstadir honouring the collection.

D 48 Dýrfinna Benita Basalan Ends August 20th

Dýrfinna Benita Basalan (b.1992), also known as Countess Malaise, is born and raised in Iceland. In 2018 she graduated from Gerrit Rietveld Academie with a B.A. in Art and Design and has had and active artistic practice and worked across various media. In her practice she draws inspiration from different countercultures, manga, queer culture and her personal experiences as a mixed race person.

Erró: Cunning Scissors

Celebration of the pop art Icelandic icon Erró continues this month with an exhibition showcasing his collages. Collage has formed the basis of Erró’s artworks for over

sixty years, beginning early on with his Meca-Make-Up series in 1959-60, and resulting in more than 30,000 collages today. Through collecting, cutting, pasting and then painting, Erró has freely mixed and quoted visual material, transforming it into dynamic, striking and jarring visual collisions. Throughout the exhibition, it is possible to trace Erró’s commitment to collage as a form of art in its own right, as a step to creating other artworks, and as a means to continue to narrate unexpected stories.

D 49 Helena Margrét Jónsdóttir

Starts August 24th

Helena Margrét Jónsdóttir is a young, Reykjavík-based painter with an interest in the mundane and strange. Her work mixes elements of pop art, realism, and hyper-realism to create a lens for reassessing everyday consumer objects. Some of her distinctive works include a mirror-like reimagining of a pair of sneakers, bizarre, dream-like spiders, and surreal depictions of popular Icelandic candy. The Reykjavík Art Museum’s D-Gallery began in 2007 and has served since then as a platform for highlighting up-andcoming Icelandic artists. This is a great opportunity to see what’s at the cutting edge of Reykjavík’s famous art scene.

Ragnar Kjartansson

Fish • Lamb • Whale • Icelandic cuisine with a twist Icelandic music and nightlife

Mix with the locals ...and all the Icelandic beers in one awsome place!

HÖFUÐSTÖÐIN

Höfuðstöðin is an art and culture centre that permanently displays the large-scale multi-sensory installation Chromo Sapiens by Shoplifter / Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir. Höfuðstöðin opened in 2022 and is the first self funded art center created by an Icelandic female artist around her own work, and raised over $100.000 on Kickstarter before its opening.

Chromo Sapiens is Shoplifter’s monumental, multi-sensory, large-

scale installation that debuted at the Icelandic Pavilion for the Venice Biennale in 2019, to worldwide critical acclaim. The installation consists of three caves made from Shoplifter’s signature material, synthetic hair extensions. The installation surrounds the viewer’s horizon with soundscapes from the Icelandic band HAM in each cave. Entering the installation as homo sapiens, you are invited to explore your inner landscape through the stimulation of the senses, where you are the destination of the journey, and when exiting you have transformed into Chromo Sapiens.

THE ICELANDIC PUNK MUSEUM

who dared to be different. Objects, photographs, videos, posters, etc. from roughly 1978 to 1992 are on display with texts in Icelandic and English, and the main music from the period is available to guests.

HOUSE OF COLLECTIONS

Resistance

Shoplifter

The Icelandic Punk Museum is located at Bankastræti 0, an underground location that served as public toilets from 1930 to 2006. The museum honours the music and the spirit that has shaped musicians and bands to this day; people

Resistance is an interdisciplinary exhibition for children of all ages, that bridges the gap between visual arts and science. The works in the exhibition are all in the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland. The word resistance refers to opposition in general, but it may also be read in the context of physics: the measure of a conductive material’s opposition to current flow. Resistance also signifies opposition to consumption, which we must all learn to take onboard. And resistance references essential action which must be taken by the inhabitants of this planet, against climate change.

ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM

Reykjavík’s only open air museum, where you can stroll through the past and experience the way we lived. Fun, fascinating and full of surprises, this living museum takes you on a journey through time. Guided tours at 13:00 all year round.

Kistuhylur, Reykjavík

411-6304 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is

Hours: Daily 13-17

THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM

An open excavation where Viking ruins meet digital technology. Just below ground in downtown Reykjavík, this open excavation uncovers the city’s Viking Age history. Discovered during building work, then carefully excavated, these remnants of the past are the earliest evidence of human settlement in the city.

Aðalstræti 10 & 16, Reykjavík | 411-6370 www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

Hours: Daily 10-17

REYKJAVÍK ... THE STORY CONTINUES

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM

The city’s oldest house, built in 1762 houses an exhibition detailing the history of Reykjavík, and the daily life of the people who inhabited it, continuing where the nearby Settlement Exhibition leaves off.

Aðalstræti 10, 101 Reykjavík 411 6300 | www.borgarsogusafn.is

REYKJAVIK CITY LIBRARY

FREE ENTRY Looking for a place to hang out, browse the internet, get access to Wi-Fi or meet the Reykjavik locals? Then Reykjavik City Library is the perfect place to visit. Have a seat and dip into the latest magazine or relax while checking out their great selection of books.

Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavík

411-6100 | borgarbokasafn.is

Hours: Mon-Thu: 10-16, Fri 11-16

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM

A harbour museum exploring Iceland’s dramatic relationship with the sea. The survival of a nation depended on generations of brave fishermen heading into the unknown. Exhibitions and artefacts bring our ocean history to life.

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

EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM

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.

Hallgrímstorg 3, Reykjavík

551-3797 | www.lej.is

Hours: Tue-Sun 12-17

VIÐEY ISLAND

REYKJAVÍK

CITY MUSEUM

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

Viðey Reykjavik

411-6356.

www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

WHALES OF ICELAND

An exhibition in Reykjavík consisting of 23 life-size whale models - fun to touch and explore. Learn more about whales with in-depth multimedia and interactive information displays, videos and audio guide in several languages mixed with soothing whale sounds and underwater ambient lighting.

Fiskislóð 23-25 , Reykjavík

571-0077 | www.whalesoficeland.is

Hours: Daily 10-17

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM

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

Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavík | 411-6390

reykjavikcitymuseum.is | Hours: MonThu 10-18, Fri 11-18, Sat & Sun 13-17

OF ICELAND

Iceland's leading art museum, established in 1884. Its collection consists mainly of 19th, 20th and 21st century art. The National Gallery possesses a coherent array of Icelandic works and a fine collection of international art. Together they constitute around 11,000 items.

Fríkirkjuvegur 7, Reykjavík 515-9600 | www.listasafn.is

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

Offers 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, Reykjavík 530-2200 | www.nationalmuseum.is

Hours: Tue-Sun: 10-17

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM

A museum that Icelandic sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson’s wife founded as a tribute to his life and work in 1984. She had his studio in Laugarnes converted to an exhibition space to house his collection of works, including sculptures, sketches, drawings and biographical material.

Laugarnestangi 70

553-2906 | www.lso.is

Hours: Closed in January

HOME OF AN ARTIST

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

Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík 515-9625

www.listasafn.is

Hours: Tue-Sun 10-17

THE ICELANDIC PHALLOLOGICAL MUSEUM

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

Hafnartorg, Reykjavík 561-6663 | www.phallus.is

Hours: Daily 10-19

AURORA REYKJAVIK

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

Grandagarður 2, Reykjavík 780-4500 | www.aurorareykjavik.is

Hours: Daily 9-21

PERLAN

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

Varmahlíð 1, Reykjavík 566-9000 | www.perlan.is

Hours: 9-22

FLYOVER ICELAND

FlyOver Iceland utilises state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flight. You will hang suspended, feet dangling, before a 20-metre spherical screen while the film whisks you away on an exhilarating journey across Iceland. Special effects, including wind, mist and scents, combine with the ride’s motion to create an unforgettable experience.

Fiskislóð 43, 101 Reykjavík. 527-6700. www.flyovericeland.is Hours: Mon-Fri, 11:00-19:00 & Sat-Sun, 11:00-19:00.

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART

Its objective is to collect, study and present Icelandic design and crafts from 1900 to the present day. This young museum, the only one of its kind in Iceland, holds regular exhibitions of Icelandic and international design during the year. Exhibitions from the museum‘s own collection are regularly held.

Garðatorg 1, Garðabær

512-1525 | www.honnunarsafn.is

Hours: Tue-Sun 12-17

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, Reykjavík

411-6420 | www.artmuseum.is

Hours: Daily 10-17

ÁSMUNDARSAFN

Opened in 1983, the collection is housed in a unique building designed and constructed mostly by the artist himself from 1942-1950. The original building served Sveinsson as studio and home; behind it he built a crescent-shaped structure as a work and exhibition space.

Sigtún, Reykjavík

411-6430 | www.artmuseum.is

Hours: Daily 10-17

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

Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavík

411-6400 | www.artmuseum.is

Hours: Daily 10-17, Thu 10-22

GLJÚFRASTEINNLAXNESS MUSEUM

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

Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsbær

586-8066 | www.gljufrasteinn.is

Hours: Tue-Fri 10-17

HAFNARBORG

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

Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður 585-5790 | www.hafnarborg.is

Hours: 12-17, closed on Tuesdays

THE LIVING ART MUSEUM

An active exhibition space that has organized many exciting exhibitions throughout the years. They put an emphasis on introducing young Icelandic artists, as well as showcasing work by better-known Icelandic and foreign modern and contemporary artists. The Marshall House Grandagarður 20, Reykjavík

551-4350 | www.nylo.is

Hours: Wed-Sun: 12-18

GERÐARSAFN

A progressive modern art museum in Kópavogur, dedicated to sculptor Gerður Helgadóttir; the only museum in Iceland dedicated to a woman. Its collection consists of more than 1,400 works by Gerður, as well as the works of the most celebrated Icelandic artists of the 20th and 21st century.

Hamraborg 4, Kópavogur

441-7600 | www.gerdarsafn.is

Hours: Tue-Sun 10-17

HOUSE OF COLLECTIONS

House of collections was built in 1906 and for most of the 20th century served as the country’s National Library. The stately building currently houses the National Gallery’s exhibition Treasures of a Nation, displaying works from the Gallery’s extensive collection depicting Iceland’s art history from the early 19th century to our times.

Hverfisgata 15, Reykjavík

515-9600 | www.listasafn.is

Hours: Daily 10-17

THE NORDIC HOUSE

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

Sturlugata 5, Reykjavík

551-7030 | www.nordice.is

Hours: Tue-Sun: 10-17

Laxnes Horse Farm is a family owned and operated business with our horses being part of the family and treated as such.

We offer a variety of day tours, combo tours and daily private tours. Please visit our site www.laxnes.is for further information and frequently asked questions.

Our Tours

Laxnes Special

A trek on the hardy, sure-footed Icelandic horse is an experience to remember. Whether you are a beginner or expert, old or young, these friendly horses, with their alert and willing nature are indeed a pleasure to ride in their natural surroundings.

Laxnes Private Tour

The private tour is a variation of our Laxnes Special tour and will have daily departures by summer 2023. You´ll be able to tailor your tour time to up to two hours and enjoy the farm surroundings at your own pace.

Laxnes Combo Tours

Combine our Laxnes Special tour with a variety of different activities in one booking for a full day of adventure. Puffin or Whale watching or the Golden Circle combinations with our riding tours are just a click away on our site.

peckish after a few glasses of their delicious wines, they also serve snacks and small plates. The cosy bar is perfect for having a few glasses of wines with friends or a date.

Laugavegur 27, Reykjavík 888-2380

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

Laugavegur 20a, Reykjavík 552-2300

www.lebowski.is

Beer enthusiasts look no further! near the top of Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street, you will find Micro Bar. This ambitious bar serves only beer from microbreweries! Carrying an impressive 140 different kinds of beers from all over the world, this is definitely the go-to place for beer fans, and a nice place to spend an evening.

Laugavegur 86, Reykjavík

EINSTÖK

There’s nothing like an Einstök beer after a long day of exploring Reykjavíkand now there’s a whole bar dedicated to this popular brew! Einstök literally means unique and after a few sips of their refreshing craft ale, brewed with fresh water from Northern Iceland, we’re sure you’ll agree. The recently opened Laugavegur bar makes it even easier to enjoy their variety of ales, ranging from citrusy fresh white to the darkest of porters.

Laugavegur 10, Reykjavík

PORT 9

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

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

VEÐUR

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

Klapparstígur 33, Reykjavík www.vedurbarinn.is

LOFT HOSTEL

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

Bankastræti 7, Reykjavík 553-8140

KIKI - QUEER BAR

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

Laugavegur 22 www.kiki.is

RÖNTGEN

In the early 20th century, Hverfisgata 12 was home to the country’s first X-ray clinic. Today, the building houses one of the city’s newest bars but the name pays homage to the building’s long history. Expect cocktails, natural wines, and the city’s artsiest crowd having a night out.

Hverfisgata 12, Reykjavík www. www.rontgenbar.is

THE IRISHMAN PUB

An Irish-style pub in downtown Reykjavík. Happy hour every day from 12PM to 7PM! Guests can enjoy a game of darts, listen to live music Thursday to Sunday evenings, spin the wheel of fortune and you can even book a private karaoke room! Sláinte.

Klapparstígur 27, Reykjavík

581-2020

www.irishman.is

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

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavík 581-2200

AMERICAN BAR

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

Austurstræti 8, Reykjavík

571-9999

PETERSEN SVÍTAN

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

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

UPPI BAR

Uppi Bar offers upscale dining, wine and cocktails. The name Uppi refers to its location, upstairs above the renowned Fish Market Restaurant. You can expect the same exquisite attention to detail and delicious food, but in a casual bar setting, perfect for happy hour or a fancy start to a night out.

Aðalstræti 12, Reykjavík 571-8788

DEN DANSKE KRO

This homey pub with a Danish theme is popular among locals. Happy hour every day from 4-7pm and live music with talented Icelandic musicians every night. Beer bingo every month and other fun events! Located in the heart of the city centre.

Ingólfsstræti 3, Reykjavík

552-0070

www.danski.is

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

Bergstaðastræti 1, Reykjavík

551-1588

www.kaffibarinn.is

SESSION

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

Bankastræti 14, 2nd floor, Reykjavík

THE ENGLISH PUB

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

Austurstræti 12, Reykjavík

578-0400

facebook.com/enskibarinn

THE STEAK HOUSE

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

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

NAUTHÓLL

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

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

GRANDI MATHÖLL

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

Grandagarður 16, Reykjavík

577-6200 | www.grandimatholl.is

DUCK & ROSE

This trendy restaurant overlooking Austurvöllur square serves light and delicious food, inspired by French and Italian cuisine. The duck dishes are highly recommended but whatever you do, don’t forget to order one of their expertly mixed cocktails!

THE ICELANDIC BAR

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

THE LAUNDROMAT CAFE

Situated right downtown in Austurstræti, Laundromat houses laundry facilities and a family-friendly environment. A spacious recreational room downstairs will keep your children busy while you’re chomping on the bistro menu. Whether it’s brunch, board games or beer you’re looking for, Laundromat should have you covered.

Austurstræti 9, Reykjavík

restaurant institution at this point, having opened in 1979. Situated in downtown Reykjavík, it was the first Italian restaurant in town and is as strong as ever. Expect fresh pizza, made right in front of the guests in the open kitchen. The cosy place is also a decent spot for people watching, with its large windows.

Hafnarstræti 15, Reykjavík

551-3340 I www.hornid.is

of British and Icelandic culture, with fresh, quality Icelandic fish served in the traditional British way. You can even get mushy peas and malt vinegar with it! Festing on hot fish and chips while looking over the old harbour is an unbeatable Reykjavík experience.

Between the Reykjavík Maritime Museum and Reykjavík Marina Hotel 840-4100 | fishandchipsvagninn.is

SPÁNSKI BARINN

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

Ingólfsstræti 8, Reykjavík 832-8881

MarinaHotel

Geirsgata

FORRÉTTABARINN

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

Nýlendugata 14, Reykjavík 517-1800 |

FORSETINN

Feeling presidential? Why not sit down for a powerful beverage (hot or cold) or even a light meal fit for a president in the cosy retro atmosphere on the city’s main street. Forsetinn (Icelandic for President) is a versatile spot - café, bistro, and bar - perfect for people watching at any time of the day.

Laugavegur 51, Reykjavík 860 9640 www.forsetinncafe.is

JÓMFRÚIN

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.

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

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

Hafnarborg, Strandgötu 34, Hafnarfjörður www.kryddveitingahus.is

Open: M-T 11-23, F-S, 11-01, S 11-23

SKREIÐ

Skreið is the latest star in the Reykjavík restaurant scene’s night sky, a wine bar and small-plates restaurant positively oozing that oldschool 101 Reykjavík charm. Rest assured that on a night out, the wine will be delicious, the food delectable, the vibe cool and relaxed, and the place and the people stylish. What more could you ask for?

Laugavegur 4, Reykjavík www.skreid.is

SÓLON ÍSLANDUS

Sólon Íslandus is a family-friendly restaurant located right in the heart of Reykjavík, perfect for people-watching! Sólon was completely refurbished and redesigned over the last few months and re-opened with a fresh and elegant new look. Sólon has a lunch and dinner menu with several meat and fish dishes and some vegetarian options. Open every day.

Bankastræti 7, Reykjavík www.solon.is

Hlemmur Mathöll is a European style food hall featuring global delicacies alongside tasty Icelandic dishes. A former bus station, Hlemmur is now the new home for gourmands and fast food lovers alike in Reykjavík. Hlemmur brims with life on both weekends and weekdays alike, so head on down to see what the fuss is about.

Laugavegur, Reykjavík

787-6200 | www.hlemmurmatholl.is

REYKJAVÍK MEAT STEAKHOUSE

As the name suggests, Reykjavík Meat is the city’s newest new steakhouse. The food is cooked over coals giving it a delicious flavour, and crowning their menu is the award-winning sashi marbled beef. They also offer seafood, lamb and vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as delicious cocktails!

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

BÆJARINS BEZTU

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

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

LA PRIMAVERA

One of Iceland’s most treasured restaurants has made a comeback. The Italian delicacies of La Primavera are here to stay. Situated in the Marshall building, a former fishing warehouse, the building is also home to an art gallery, an art studio and the Living Art Museum.

Grandagarður 20 & Harpa Concert hall, Reykjavík

519-7766

www.laprimavera.is

BASTARD

This Irish-bar looking restaurant is one of the city’s best places to sit down for a quick lunch and end up whiling away a whole afternoon in the cosy booth while the game is on or on the sunny patio. The weekend-bottomless brunch is particularly popular. so make sure to get a reservation!

Vegamótastígur 4, Reykjavík 558-0800

www.bastardbrewandfood.is

PUBLIC HOUSE

This Laugavegur gastropub is a great place to treat yourself to a a dinner and some drinks with friends, old and new. With a delicious menu of Asian-fusion inspired small plates to share and an even more delicious menu of cocktails, Public House is a recipe for a fun evening. If you want a fun morning or a fun afternoon instead, check out their bottomless brunch!

Laugavegur 24, 101 Reykjavík

www.publichouse.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.

Geirsgata 3, Reykjavík

567-2700

www.koparrestaurant.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.

Laugavegur 96, Reykjavík 527-5000

www.grillhusid.is

BREWDOG

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

Frakkastígur 8, Reykjavík

www.brewdog.com

Monkeys is an exciting restaurant offering Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese recipes and traditions with Peruvian ingredients. Exciting flavours of miso, ginger, soy, wasabi, and rice vinegar are mixed with quinoa, bell peppers, Andean potatoes, and corn, in a beautiful setting that creates just the right atmosphere. A great addition to the Reykjavík culinary scene!

Klapparstígur 30, 101 Reykjavík 519-5350 | www.monkeys.is

FISH COMPANY

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.

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

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

Opens early, closes at 18:00.

Frakkastígur 16, Reykjavík

Fákafen 11, Reykjavík

www.braudogco.is

IF

YOU NEED MORE

HOW TO ...

TAKE THE BUS

Strætó is the Icelandic bus company, and their yellow buses are easy to spot around the city. In November 2021, Strætó introduced the KLAPP payment system in their buses. You have three ways to pay. With a top up KLAPP card, with the KLAPP app, and with KLAPP ten, a bus pass with ten tickets. You can buy KLAPP cards and KLAPP ten at selected gas stations, convenience stores, museums, and swimming pools. For more information, go to https://www.klappid.is/en/sales

GET TO THE AIRPORT

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

GET MONEY

There are different parking zones which charge different rates. Look for a parking sign (the familiar big P) indicating zones 1-4 and parking garages. Look for the nearest black terminal to pay, with cash or card, and type in your car’s number plate, no ticket necessary!

MAKE CALLS

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

GO SWIMMING

There are 18 swimming pools in the capital area and if you have the time, you should try them all. Swimming is great, but don’t miss relaxing in the hot tubs – this is where the community gathers and socialises. If you haven’t packed a bathing suit, you can rent one at the pool.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

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