WHAT’S
There’s nothing like the start of a new year. Everything just feels fresh and exciting. Especially if you’re on holiday, travelling in a country like Iceland where things might be a little different then they are back home.
Visiting a new country is the best possible way to make the most of new opportunities, try new things, and collect new experiences. Have you ever hiked on a glacier before? Or zoomed across one on a snowmobile? Have you ever sat in a warm geothermal pool underneath twinkling stars when the air was so cold your breath forms mist in the air? Have you ever seen the northern lights before? And if you have, have you ever seen them from a boat?
To make the most out of new experiences, make sure to share them with someone. The pleasure of seeing, doing, or hearing something new is doubled when shared with a loved one, a new acquaintance, some locals, or even on social media! (Psst, make sure you tag us in your holiday photos, #WhatsonRVK. We’d love to see how your trip goes).
The thing about a vacation is that no matter how good it feels to get away from your day-to-day life, it should feel even better to get back home, with plenty of new memories in your luggage. If it doesn’t maybe you need to book another trip to Iceland, and stay even longer!
WHAT’S ON — VOLUME 41 — ISSUE 1
Published by: MD Reykjavík ehf.
Laugavegur 5, 101 Reykjavik. Tel.: 551-3600
Contact us: info@whatson.is
Publisher: Kjartan Þorbjörnsson
Distribution: info@baeklingadreifing.is Tel.: 662-6122
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.
Winter in Iceland is a magical experience, with northern lights twinkling over icy landscapes. It can get cold, but there is plenty to do! Here are some ideas on how to spend this January in Iceland. While you’re checking things off the list, we encourage you to take photos, and tag them with #whatsonrvk, of course!
Here are What’s On’s tips for this month:
Go eat some ice cream. Yes, even in January!
Wrap up and head out to go see the northern lights.
Visit a museum on a cold day, for instance the Reykjavík Art Museum or the National Museum. Try þorramatur, traditional Icelandic food served with rye bread, butter, and Brennivín.
Go to a bonfire and set off some fireworks on Þrettándinn. Get hip with some new music at the Dark Music Days festival.
Head to a cosy coffeehouse and have a cup of quality Icelandic coffee. Visit the Golden Circle, a day tour you can do all year round!
While you’re checking things off the list, snap some photos and tag #whatsonrvk on Instagram.
An immersive installation inspired by Icelandic nature at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. harpa.is
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Now that the darkness of night has returned in full, Icelanders and tourists alike can be seen craning their necks and watching the sky for the magnificent Aurora Borealis. The northern lights are actually the results of sun flares caused by magnetic storms on the sun‘s surface. These flares send bursts of charged particles (electrons, ions, atoms) into outer space through the Sun’s corona.
If this burst is in the direction of Earth, these charged particles can cause northern lights to appear near the Earth’s poles. Oxygen and nitrogen particles in the Earth’s atmosphere can collide with charged particles from the Sun’s atmosphere.
This collision causes the Earth’s particles to get into a high-energy state, and when they return
to their normal state, they release a photon, causing them to light up. This light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, reaching the Earth along with radio waves. When billions of these collisions occur, the oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere emit enough light for the eye to detect them, resulting in bright green, white, red and purple colours to dance across the sky.
Seeing the lights is a magical experience, and we recommend seeking them out while you’re in Iceland. However, there are a few things every northern lights hunter should keep in mind. The northern lights aren’t a reliable attraction and seeing them can be a matter of being in the right spot at the right time. It’s not all down to luck, however, as there are a few things you can do to maximise your chances of seeing the ethereal lights.
Cheap and effective. A northern lights tour by bus or minibus is a good way to see the lights if you’re not too concerned about being surrounded by a lot of people and simply travelling by bus. Perhaps not the best time if you don’t see anything – but it’s the cheapest option to see the lights, and it gets the job done.
A great experience regardless of lights. Going by boat is a very good choice for those who want to ensure they get something out of their tour even if no lights are found. Being out at sea and viewing the city lights from the water is in itself a great experience.
DO have a relatively good camera with you that allows for easy and quick change of settings.
DON’T rule out taking a photo on your phone’s camera.
DO have your ISO set to at least 800 and your aperture as low as it goes.
DON’T forget your tripod. However little you think you move while waiting for your camera to take your picture, believe me, you always move and it’s enough to make your photos blurry.
DO keep your shutter speed anywhere between 5 to 30 seconds, although the optimal would be between 5 and 20 seconds (30 seconds is only for very faint lights, basically).
DON’T forget to plan ahead when booking your northern lights tour- finding a stable surface on a boat is difficult, and large group tours might make your photography session more difficult.
DO consider using continuous shooting, so that while shooting the lights, you don’t have to keep staring at them through your camera.
DON’T focus solely on your photographs and forget to be in the moment. You don’t see the northern lights every day!
If you need any more information, check out www.whatson.is or stop by the What’s On information office at Laugavegur 5.
The northern lights forecast can be found on en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/, but it is a little hard to decipher if you’ve never seen it before. Our handy-dandy guide should make things a little bit easier.
There are many tours taking you far from the bright city lights for a better chance of seeing the aurora. These tours will be cancelled if there is no chance of seeing the lights. All major operators can be trusted to do this, first of all, because there is a high standard of professionalism in Iceland, but more importantly, because they lose money if they take you out needlessly – most of them promise to take you out again for free if you don’t see anything.
White means no clouds while dark green means very cloudy. The different shades of green then mean more, or less, cloudy.
The numbers are a combination of how likely it is for the lights to be active and how active they will be. Don’t be discouraged if the number is low, it’s actually very rare for the number to be higher than five. Also, take the scale with a grain of salt; a low number doesn’t mean that they won’t come out or won’t be impressive, and a high number isn’t a guarantee that they will be glorious all through the night.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. While 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.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
In the Old Norse calendar, Þorri was the name of a month that ran from late January to February in our current calendar. Since it was usually the coldest month of the year, Þorri was anthropomorphised into an allegorical figure, like Jack Frost. Þorri is fair but ruthless, and some stories claim he’s married to Góa (the following month).
When Icelanders still worshipped the Old Norse gods, there was usually a blót, or a sacrificial ceremony combined with a festival, to appease the gods and ensure the return of summer. With the conversion to Christianity, this tradition died out but was resurrected by romantic nationalists in the 19th century, and Þorrablót celebrations (minus the sacrifice) have become tradition.
Check out the Reykjavík Food Lovers Tour to try some of the unique Icelandic tastes of Þorri.
During modern Þorrablóts, people get together to consume a feast of the traditional foods Icelanders used to eat before they had refrigerators. Since it had to be preserved somehow, the dominant flavours are pickled, salted, dried, and smoked. Some of it is quite tasty, some is not good at all, and almost all of it will seem very strange to those unfamiliar with it. Here’s a handy guide to some of the most popular Þorri food.
The name doesn’t sound very appetising, that’s for sure. Still, this blood sausage, a combination of lamb blood and suet mixed with flour, oats, and some spices, actually tastes pretty good. Blóðmör is usually boiled and served with mashed turnips and a white sauce that’s a bit sweeter version of béchamel. Leftovers are sliced and pan-fried. It’s also delicious served cold with a bowl of cinnamonsweet rice pudding.
Svið are sheep’s heads, cut in half, singed to get rid of the fur, and boiled. Svið isn’t bad, and the head is pretty good meat. In centuries past, it made no sense to throw away the head just because it looked icky. Nowadays, we recognise that many find it uncomfortable to literally look their food in the eye, but they can always get sviðasulta, a lamb’s head terrine, which is sometimes pickled in acid whey. If you’re a first-timer, we recommend at least starting with the unpickled variety, as acid-whey-pickled lamb’s head terrine is definitely an acquired taste.
Yes, you read it correctly; súrsaðir hrútspungar are ram’s testicles. They really did use everything back in the day. The testes are pressed into blocks, boiled, and cured in acid whey. This does not sound very tasty – and to be frank, that’s probably because it really isn’t. There are some who enjoy snacking on these sheep balls occasionally, but my guess is that we mostly keep this dish around because we feel like we sort of have to because it’s tradition. Either that or we just like freaking out tourists.
Drying fish is a good way to preserve it when you don’t have access to freezers. It also, coincidentally, produces a delicious, savoury snack that’s almost pure protein. It’s best eaten with lots of creamy Icelandic butter. Harðfiskur can be purchased in most supermarkets and at Hafnarþorpið market. This is one of the few traditional Icelandic delicacies we can definitely recommend.
Since fresh shark is poisonous, in order to eat it, you first have to bury it in the ground for 6-12 weeks.
After that most of the poison has broken down into ammonia and you can eat hákarl. This explains the pungent odour of ammonia (often compared to the smell of strong, and we mean STRONG cheese) that this “delicacy” gives off. It’s best washed down with a shot of Brennivín schnapps (an aquavit flavoured with caraway seeds). This pairing is often considered the ultimate test of masculinity.
Are you indulging in some Þorri food while in Iceland? Share your experience with us (and the world) by using the hashtag #whatsonrvk
The first day of Þorri is known as Bóndadagur (Husband’s Day). It falls on January 20 this year, so make sure to take extra good care of the men in your life that day. The women aren’t left out; they have their own day a month later, the first day of Góa. Consider this Iceland’s version of Valentine’s day.
There really isn‘t a bad time to visit Iceland. Of course in the winter, the weather can be bad and has the potential to turn dangerous. The good news is that there is plenty to do in Reykjavík on a nasty January day.
Many visitors to Iceland come specifically to try and see the northern lights. But, the aurora can be tricky to predict and even harder to see if it‘s cloudy or stormy. Thankfully, we have Aurora Reykjavík, an exhibition focused solely on the northern lights. You will learn about the myths and legends held by different cultures in ages past, the science behind what you are actually seeing, and a dark cinema to watch a 30-minute timelapse video of the northern lights from different spots around Iceland. You can even experience the northern lights in virtual reality!
One of the biggest attractions in the city is Perlan, which is worth a visit even on a sunny day. The museum offers insight into Iceland’s wildlife, but the big attractions are the interactive video on volcanoes, the northern lights film inside the planetarium, and the man-made ice cave. Perlan’s unique architecture also gives visitors a 360-degree view of Reykjavík on its observation deck, and an amazing view from inside the café on the top floor.
If you can’t get out into nature because of bad or cold weather, FlyOver Iceland has got you covered. Experience all of Iceland’s wild beauty - glaciers,
volcanoes, waterfalls, and more - from inside a building in Reykjavík! This interactive experience makes it feel like you are really flying over Iceland. Suspended from a seat in front of a gigantic screen, you will feel the cold wind in your hair, feel the mist and smell the moss as you journey around Iceland.
Why not get warm inside the National Museum where you can learn about Iceland’s long and fascinating history? The main exhibition is Making of a Nation, which takes you from the Viking Age through the fight for independence into modern Iceland. An exhibition opened in November titled 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. Get the Reykjavík City Card for free entry to the National Museum and other museums around the city!
Reykjavík is home to several different art museums and galleries. If you purchase the Reykjavík City Card, you can visit all of them free of charge! But we recommend two in particular for a cold January day: The National Gallery and Kjarvalsstaðir. The
National Gallery isn‘t just home to the best and most treasured works of art created by Icelanders but also to international artists as well. In January you can see South African artist Zanele Muholi‘s photographs on display. And the jewellery created by Swiss artist Dieter Roth – who lived and worked in Reykjavík for some time – will be on display until the 22nd of January. Kjarvalsstaðir is named after celebrated Icelandic artist Jóhannes S. Kjarval. The museum sits on the edge of Klambratún park for a picturesque experience. We recommend viewing Kjarval‘s paintings and grabbing a coffee in the café for a relaxing winter day.
Nothing warms you up on a frigid day like a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate. There‘s perhaps no better way to get familiar with Icelandic culture than by getting a book by an Icelandic author – we recommend Yrsa Sigurdardóttir‘s true crime novels – and curling up in a café to people watch. Reykjavík Roasters, Kaffihús Vesturbæjar, Café Babalú and Mokka Kaffi are just a few cosy spots for a tasty cup of joe and a comfy atmosphere.
With only 4-5 hours of daylight, it feels like it‘s always 5 o‘clock (or later) – so why not have a drink?! Whether it‘s a tall glass of red, a tasty Christmas lager, a fancy cocktail, or a bitter IPA, Reykjavík has you covered. Ölstofa is a cosy bar in the heart of downtown where it‘s easy to chat with the locals. For a delicious cocktail, head down to Slippbarinn in the old harbour. Skúli offers a wide variety of craft beers, from sours to barrel-aged porters to double IPAs. Warm up with a glass of wine in Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar, a cosy wine bar in a basement on Laugavegur. Or head to Lebowski Bar for a classic White Russian.
Yes, we go to the pool in January. If you can stomach the walk from the changing rooms to the water, it is worth it. Once you plop down in the steaming hot water, you will forget the cold of winter. The pool is a great place to meet and chat with locals. But if you are looking for a more luxurious experience, just head over to Kópavogur and visit the Sky Lagoon and relax with their 7-step ritual, complete with sauna and mud mask. And who knows, if you go in the evening and the skies are clear, you may even see the northern lights from the warmth of the geothermally heated water!
Even though Iceland doesn’t have high mountains like Switzerland, it is a ski paradise – if you know where to go. Bláfjöll is a popular ski area situated just half an hour outside of Reykjavík. It’s the largest ski resort in Iceland, with runs of varying difficulty levels. Hlíðarfjall in North Iceland is Akureyri’s topnotch ski resort. Floodlit slopes guarantee skiing in the dark winter months. Iceland also has a lot to offer for cross-country skiing and heli-skiing enthusiasts.
On a clear day, glacier hiking is one of the most amazing things you can do in wintry Iceland! The glacial tongue Sólheimajökull offers excellent options for short, easy, and beautiful hikes, with a breathtaking view over the glacier and the south coast of Iceland. Glaciers are beautiful but tricky; that’s why it’s only safe to go on a hike with an
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can also go snowmobiling, which is possible on the glaciers Langjökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Vatnajökull. You will
be brought to the snowmobile starting point on top of the glacier by either glacier truck or super jeep. After putting on a warm overall and helmet, you are ready to go on an exhilarating ride over the ice. It’s the coolest way to enjoy the beautiful view of the glacier and its surroundings.
Iceland offers great opportunities for underwater adventures, as you can snorkel between two tectonic plates. Snorkelling or diving in the Silfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park is a fantastic experience; the lava-rock filtered glacier water is some of the cleanest in the world and provides impressive visibility. The water is 2-4°C all year round, but don’t worry, a dry or wet suit will protect you from (most of) the cold.
An ice cave tour is a great winter activity. You can only visit natural ice caves in the wintertime since they are unsafe in summer. You can find ice caves in different areas of Iceland, even (an artificial one) in Reykjavík! The longest man-made ice tunnel in the world is available any time of year. It’s in Langjökull glacier and offers a unique glimpse of the insides of a glacier!
Northern lights can be seen everywhere in Iceland in winter, but you need to be far away from the city lights dimming your view to get a good look at them. Northern lights tours take you away from the city on
a night when the auroras are active. Remember to wrap up and be patient; it might take a while for them to show. If the northern lights don’t cooperate on the night of your tour, you can usually try again for free.
The weather in Iceland is fickle, and the most important thing is to stay safe. By all means, make plans, but be prepared to change them if the weather is acting up. Check the weather forecast before you set off, and don’t risk driving far if the weather is bad! If you’re not used to driving in wintry conditions or feel uncomfortable, take a guided tour instead.
For more information, check out the link or visit the What’s On Information Centres on Laugavegur.
Gljúfrasteinn was the home of writer Halldór Laxness (the winner of The Nobel Prize in Literature 1955) and his family for more than half a century. The house is now a museum, where the author’s home is preserved just as it was when he lived and worked there.
The museum is open on Tuesdays to Fridays from 10:00–16:00.
Audio guides of the house are available in Icelandic, English, German, Swedish, and Danish, as well as an illustrated guide in French.
Gljúfrasteinn-Laxness museum is located in the valley of Mosfellsdalur on the way to Þingvellir National Park, only a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík.
For more information, go to www.gljufrasteinn.is.
While Iceland’s horses get all the attention for being unique to the island, modern day Icelandic sheep are also direct descendants of the livestock that arrived with settlers in the 9th century. As such, they boast some characteristics that have long since disappeared from their relatives in Europe. Like their ancient forefathers, the Icelandic sheep are double coated, with an outer layer of long, coarse hair called ‘tog’ that repels water, and a short, soft and fluffy undercoat called ‘þel’, which is a perfect insulator. This is a big part of what makes Icelandic wool –and the garments made with it – so special.
… but it’s not old fashioned
There have been innovations in Icelandic wool. For instance, the two coat layers used to be separated by hand (a very labour-intensive process) and used for different purposes. In the 1920s, however, quicker new methods of processing the wool were created and Iceland’s famed ‘lopi’ – consisting of the two coats spun together to produce strands that are simultaneously light, warm, tough and waterproof – was born.
It’s colourful
Icelandic sheep have always been bred in a variety of colours, and some farmers even pride themselves on preserving specific colours. The result is Icelandic wool being produced in as many colours as there are sheep, with the most common
and grey. Besides these classic “sheep colours”, lopi can also be found dyed in every colour of the rainbow.
That double coat mentioned above gives lopi its dual-fibre structure, making it perfect for knitting garments that are warm, waterproof and light. Whether you intend to knit a scarf or try your hand at the intricate patterns of a famous Icelandic lopapeysa, lopi is ideal. Not only is it beautiful, it’s also easy to knit with (the loose-spun wool can be twisted back together if broken) and it felts easily. As any Icelandic child will tell you, lopi is scratchy right against the skin, so it’s best used for outer layers of clothing – unless you get your hands on some lambswool, that is.
By “magical” we mean it’s self-cleaning, which is just about as close to magic as it gets for any parent trapped in an endless laundry cycle. Lopi garments need to be hand-washed, but it almost never needs to be washed. Thanks to the structure of the hair fibres, lopi doesn’t hold bacteria like cotton or synthetic materials do. So the only time you might need to wash your woollens is when they get stained (which is also rare, since they’re fairly waterproof). So just air them out and call it a day. Another of lopi’s magic tricks – one we absolutely
the lopi in question – is that it doesn’t burn. It may light up if you put it right in a flame, but it will selfextinguish once you take it out. Amazing!
It’s versatile Icelandic wool looks great just about any way you knit it. And if you don’t knit yourself, just check out the range of products Icelanders have made with their wool as proof of its versatility – and its beauty. You can find everything from simple hats and mittens to the colourful scarves and blankets by Vík Prjónsdóttir. Of course, the most popular wool garment in Iceland is the Lopapeysa, the classic sweater with intricate and unique patterns around the yoke. An infinite range of classic lopapeysur can be found at the Icelandic Handknitting Association, while Farmer’s Market boasts a fashion-forward
Hrútar
Once upon a time, there were no Icelandic films. We know, it’s shocking. Things have changed though, now there are lots of them, and good ones, too! Read our recommendations of movies you should watch before coming to Iceland.
UNDIR TRÉNU (2017)
d. Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson
Icelandic films tend to be heavy on angst, and Undir trénu (Under the Tree) is filled to the brim with it. It’s about neighbours fighting over a tree that is causing shade. It doesn’t sound too crazy, and even relatable to some, but things get pretty insane quickly and we, the audience, never really know what will happen next. The shining star of the film is Edda Björgvinsdóttir, a celebrated Icelandic actress mostly known for comedy who proves a deft hand at drama as well. She manages to portray a character that is simultaneously an insane caricature of a hostile old lady, and a true-to-life portrait of someone you know.
HRÚTAR (2015)
d. Grímur Hákonarson
Two brothers live on farms next door to each other. The only problem is that they’ve been estranged for years. Dark comedy Hrútar (Rams) is a triumph for everyone involved, especially famed comedian Sigurður Sigurjónsson who portrays one of the brothers, and it made people really fall in love with the idea of stubborn old kooks living in misery somewhere out in the countryside.
This romantic drama is based on a Bergsveinn Birgisson novel and tells the story of a forbidden love affair in a remote fjord in Iceland. Two unhappy couples, Bjarni & Unni and Helga & Hallgrím learn how to deal with ecstatic joy and crushing sadness when Bjarni and Helga start an affair and try to conceal it from the tiny community. When the relationship becomes common knowledge, and Helga wants to move to Reykjavík, Bjarni is forced to choose between his love for his wife, his lover, and the countryside.
You might not think that Iceland has too many murders, and you would be right. Instead, we have books about murder mysteries, and the most famous series is about detective Erlendur and his adventures solving crimes in modern Reykjavík. The first, and only, film adaptation of an Erlendur story is Mýrin (Jar City) and by golly, it’s good. Ingvar E. Sigurðsson was born to portray the permanently-resentful Erlendur. In fact, most of the casting is pitch-perfect, and the result is a fantastic Nordic crime tale.
d. Friðrik Þór
During World War II, the UK, and then the US, occupied Iceland and built over 7,000 steel huts –barracks. When they left, the barracks were used as housing for less-fortunate Icelanders, who lived in terrible conditions. Djöflaeyjan (Devil’s Island) takes place in the 1950s in one of these neighbourhoods. Baddi goes with his mother (who married a US soldier) to America. When he comes back to Iceland, you better believe that he has been turned into a greaser (like those guys in the film Grease). Hilarity and drama ensue.
d.
In many ways, Hlynur, the protagonist of 101 Reykjavík, is a loser. And by “many”, we mean “all.” He lives with his mom in a small, cramped, apartment in downtown Reykjavík and spends most of his time at the local bar. When his mom brings home a girlfriend, things get complicated, especially when the girlfriend and Hlynur have sex. Most of the film is about the daily struggles of a suicidal man that does nothing, but as the story progresses, so does Hlynur. Will he find his place in the world? You have to watch the movie to find out! Also, yes he does.
d. Guðný Halldórsdóttir
Karlakórinn Hekla (The Men’s Choir) is one of those movies that everybody (in Iceland) has seen at some point. It’s about a men’s choir in a small town outside of Reykjavík. One day, the most beloved member of the choir, Max, has a heart attack and dies, so the remaining choir members do the most logical thing possible: they decide to have a statue of him raised in his birth town in Germany. The group (most played by noted 80s comedians) decide to head to Germany, accompanied by Max’s girlfriend, and everything goes as well as you might expect.
d. Dagur Kári
The bluest hues you will ever see on the big screen! Nói, the albino, is a socially inept smart-arse living in a remote fjord in Iceland (most fjords in Iceland are remote). He dreams of a better life elsewhere, but escaping the fjords can be a difficult task. He falls for a girl from the city (there is one city in Iceland) and sees a chance of a better future with her, but he is socially inept so, you know. The film is funny and all around a great watch.
Unlike the similarly named Rams, Lamb (Dýrið) contains very little to laugh at. This folk-horror film takes place on a farm where María and her husband Ingvar discover a lamb-human hybrid. Instead of being horrified, the couple adopts the creature and raises it as their own child. When Ingvar‘s brother Pétur arrives for a visit, the farm becomes the site of jealousy, secrets, and betrayal. But this darkness is nothing compared to whatever is haunting the farm from the shadows. As disturbing as it is brilliant – the film was co-written by beloved Icelandic writer Sjón –this is a movie experience you aren‘t likely to forget.
Icelanders are so into Christmas that the celebration technically lasts for 13 days, ending on Þrettándinn, January 6. Þrettándinn literally translates as “The Thirteenth” but is more commonly known as Twelfth Night in the Englishspeaking world. Christmas is a Christian holiday, and most who celebrate this date know it as The Epiphany or Three Kings‘ Day, which celebrates the magi coming from the East to acknowledge the birth of Christs. In Iceland, however, Twelfth Night is dedicated to elves, hidden people, and other mythological creatures.
Þrettándinn is a very mysterious time of year in Iceland. During this day, which used to be considered the last day of the year, the lines between our reality and the supernatural one get blurred. According to folktales, all sorts of supernatural events occur; cows can talk, seals shed their skin and become human, the night dew has healing powers, and your dreams can tell the future!
Despite all these truly amazing situations, what most captures people’s imagination about Þrettándinn are the elves. For instance, there’s the belief that if you sit on a crossroad where you can see four churches, you have a chance of meeting elves, who give you gifts to try to lure you to their world. If you’re tempted to accept the gifts before dawn, the elves will drive you mad (as you see, we’re
not talking friendly fantasy elves here, this is serious stuff), but if you manage to resist, you get to keep all the loot. This is also the day the elves move to a new house, (even though they actually live in stones) and many people keep their lights on all night long to aid them on their journey.
Traditions on Þrettándinn include getting together with your family to have a big dinner, followed by going to bonfires. By the fire, people sing elf songs, and Elf Queens and Kings often make an appearance. Þrettándinn is also a perfect evening for finishing shooting up the rest of the New Year’s fireworks, as it’s the last day you can do it legally. If the traditions seem similar to New Year’s Eve, that’s because they are! Historically, the new year started when the Christmas season ended, on Þrettándinn.
Since this day marks the final day of Christmas, there’s also the mundane task of throwing out the Christmas tree and taking down all your Christmas decorations. Well, most of them. It’s the darkest time of the year and many people like to keep the Christmas lights up for just a little while yet. The
twinkly lights add a little brightness to the January darkness.
If you find yourself in Iceland on Þrettándinn, why not join in our hidden people holiday? Look up to the sky for fireworks (and the northern lights, of course) and go dancing around a bonfire, but watch out for the elves, please!
16-18 million years BC: The formation of Iceland. Volcanic eruptions formed the landmass known as Iceland.
871 AD: The settlement. Ingólfur Arnarson killed a man in Norway and fled to Iceland.
930 AD: Alþingi (the Icelandic Parliament) was established. It’s the oldest still existing parliamentary institution in the world.
1000 AD: Conversion to Christianity, the discovery of America. Parliament decided everyone would be Christian or at least pretend to be. Leifur “the Lucky” Eiríksson got lost and found America, didn’t like it, and came home.
1262 AD: Iceland submits to Norway. Civil war between powerful clans was finally resolved by forfeiting independence and submitting to Norwegian rule, before winding up under Danish rule
1550 AD: Reformation. A violent conflict between Catholics and Lutherans ended with the beheading of Catholic bishop Jón Arason.
1602 AD: Monopoly (not the fun kind). The king of Denmark decided Icelanders could only trade with particular Danes, resulting in economic stagnation
until the monopoly was abolished in 1786.
The 1750s: The Enlightenment and the birth of Reykjavík. Industrialisation and modernisation started when “Sheriff” Skúli Magnússon started wool manufacturing at Aðalstræti 10.
1944 AD: Independence. Iceland declared independence while Denmark was too busy being invaded by Germany to protest.
1955 AD: Nobel Prize. Halldór Laxness was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
1980 AD: First female president. The world’s first democratically elected female head of state, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, took office.
2008 AD : Crash and miraculous recovery. Iceland’s banking system went spectacularly bankrupt. Since then, things have picked up surprisingly well.
2009 AD: First openly gay prime minister. The world’s first openly lesbian head of government, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, took office.
2010 AD: Volcano. International air traffic was delayed for weeks after the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption.
Iceland’s favorite softdrink since 1955
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Iceland‘s glaciers are part of its unique, beautiful and harsh landscape. Every year, thousands of people come to look at these wonders. Perhaps the most adventurous dare to hike across the glacier, which can be dangerous and is only to be done with an experienced guide. There is another option: enjoy the glacier from the inside.
Ice caves can be found in different parts of Iceland. Some occur naturally, while others are manmade. Regardless of how they were created, the experience of walking through the ice into a glacier is unlike anything you have ever experienced. And just like walking on top of a glacier, walking into an ice cave should never be done without a guide.
A natural ice cave is formed when the meltwater of a glacier moves through the ice, leaving behind a cavern. The summer sunlight sometimes melts the ice inside the cavern, creating stunning ice formations.
One of Iceland‘s most famous natural ice cave resides in South Iceland under Mýrdalsjökull glacier, near Vík. Created by a volcanic eruption – Mýrdalsjökull is also home to Katla, one of the most violently explosive volcanoes in the country – what is now known as The Secret Ice Cave is
an unbelievable spectacle. To get to the cave, you must first traverse the otherworldly black sands in a special 4x4 vehicle. The illuminating blue of the ice contrasts wildly with the bleak landscape. It is an easy hike through the cave that takes around 3 hours. The most popular ice cave experience, however, is in the man-made cavern in Langjökull. Opened in 2015, this tunnel goes 30m into the ice and then stretches on for half a kilometre. Even though it was fabricated, nature has put its own stamp on the cave, as ice formations have formed naturally inside. To get there, you have to first ride on the giant, 8-wheel glacier truck, which is an unforgettable experience itself. Once inside the cave, however, you will see a side of nature most people never get to experience. Into the Glacier is the company that runs these tours, and they operate year-round.
Don‘t have the time or the ability to get out to these wonders? You can experience an ice cave inside the Perlan museum! Inside the exhibition room is a 100m long ice cave made from 350 tonnes of snow. Make sure you grab a selfie while sitting on the ice throne!
There are several other natural and man-made ice caves found throughout the Icelandic countryside – but these should never be visited without a guide. Ice caves and glaciers change constantly
under influence of the weather and movements of the ice. Outside adventure tours are heavily weather-dependent and might be cancelled based on weather conditions. Caves are sometimes narrow, and cave floors might be slippery. Tour operators will make sure you have the right clothes and equipment.
Check out the article Reykjavik Sights to See on pages 40-41 for more information about the places numbered here.
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 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 (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
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. Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights
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.
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 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 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.
Whether you visit a thermal pool in Reykjavík, a luxurious spa, or a natural pool in the countryside, swimming in Iceland is a unique experience. Nothing beats relaxing in warm water while breathing in fresh cold air.
Swimming pools are one of the most kid-friendly activities you can find in Iceland, so the short answer is – all of them! To be more specific, the centrally located Sundhöll has a great outdoor area, and so does Vesturbæjarlaug, but Árbæjarlaug is a hidden gem, a perfect stop if you’re going out of town anyway, and pairs well with a visit to the Árbær Open Air Museum.
Locals love going to the pool, and chilling in a hot tub is a good way to connect to Icelanders. Often, Icelanders meet in the pool and use this time to chat and catch up on the latest developments. Good options for hanging out with locals are Vesturbæjarlaug, Seltjarnarneslaug, and Árbæjarlaug pools.
Laugardalslaug is Reykjavík’s biggest pool and the best one for a long swim. It’s an Olympic-size swimming pool, used for recreational swimming,
Vesturbæjarlaug
exercise, and competitions. The big indoor pool is also used for training and competitions. Laugardalslaug also offers plenty of hot tubs, cold tubs, and steam baths for relaxation after a healthy swim, and to top it off, a fitness centre and spa are located next to the pool.
Basically every town in Iceland has its own pool. Almost all of them are beautifully located next to mountains and overlooking fjords and the ocean. If you plan to make a day tour out of your pool visit, head to the Westman Islands and visit Sundhöllin Vestmannaeyjar on Heimaey island. The ferry ride out to the island is an adventure, and there is a great indoor pool, a large outside pool with hot tubs, and cool waterslides.
In need of pampering? You’ve heard of the Blue Lagoon with its milky blue waters and mud masks, but did you know a brand-new spa opened just 10 minutes by car from downtown Reykjavík? Located at the edge of the bay of Kópavogur, the pool offers amazing coastal views. Sky Lagoon boasts a modern approach to traditional Icelandic swimming culture, making it the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a drink, socialise, and soak in the sun.
WINTER OPENING HOURS
More info on www.sundlaugar.is
Árbæjarlaug (Tel. 411 4200)
Mon - Fri: 6:30-22 • Sat - Sun: 9-22
Dalslaug (Tel. 411 5650)
Mon - Fri: 6:30-22 • Sat - Sun: 9-22
Grafarvogslaug (Tel. 510 4600)
Mon - Fri: 6:30-22 • Sat - Sun: 9-22
Laugardalslaug (Tel. 411 5100)
Mon - Thu: 6:30-22 • Fri - Sun: 8-22
Vesturbæjarlaug (Tel. 411 4200)
Mon - Fri: 6:30-22 • Sat - Sun: 9-22
Breiðholtslaug (Tel. 557 5547)
Mon - Fri: 6:30-22 • Sat - Sun: 9-22
Klébergslaug (Tel. 566 6879)
Mon - Thu: 11-22 • Fri: 11-19 • Sat - Sun: 11-18
Sundhöllin (Tel. 411 5350)
Mon - Fri: 6:30-22 • Sat - Sun: 8-22
An extraordinary amount of books are published in Iceland each year, considering the size of the nation. The Christmas season is the most important period in publishing in Iceland because books are a particularly popular Christmas gift. The majority of books are sold in December and for a few weeks around Christmas, every Icelander is a literary critic! It’s known as the Christmas book flood, so take a dive!
You can get a collection with all the sagas, but we recommend starting with the most popular ones, such as the epic Njáls Saga, the adventurous Egils Saga, or the romantic Laxdæla Saga. Reading these centuriesold texts is challenging but rewarding at the same time.
Independent People is Halldór’s best-known novel and it is nothing short of a masterpiece, but it’s also a bleak and depressing portrait of a poor farmer’s life complete with domestic violence, class injustice, child labour, and light paedophilia. What we’re saying is that this is no fun summer read. If you think you’re up for
it, by all means, go ahead, but for a more palatable taste of Laxness, we recommend picking up The Fish Can Sing, a charming coming-of-age story set in Reykjavík at the turn of the century.
Devil’s Island by Einar Kárason tells the story of life in Iceland after World War II, when families were living in barracks left by the US army. The rural community in Iceland conflicted with American pop culture brought to the country by American troops during the war. The story revolves around one family and reads just like an Icelandic saga. The movie adaption of the book by director Friðrik Þór Friðriksson was released in 1996.
BY ANDRI SNÆR MAGNASON
Among Andri’s oeuvre is a book of discount poetry sold in grocery stores, children’s books, and a non-fiction books on the state of Iceland’s industry and its future direction. He also ran for president of Iceland in 2016 and came in third. LoveStar is a dystopian novel, initially published in 2002, set in a future where a giant corporation controls the lives of
BY AUÐUR AVA ÓLAFSDÓTTIR
The protagonist is a young man who’s leaving Iceland, still reeling from the sudden loss of his mother. Their shared love of tending roses inspires him to move to a remote monastery to restore its gardens but he’s leaving some complex relationships behind. This touching story paints an intimate portrait of a man dealing with grief, fatherhood, and his own masculinity, while nurturing the plants he surrounds himself with. Auður Ava’s masterful grasp of symbolism has earned her several awards, including the Icelandic Literature Prize and the Nordic Council Literature Prize.
BY YRSA SIGURÐARDÓTTIR
Yrsa is the queen of Icelandic crime fiction. Despite writing about horrific crimes in a country with statistically less than one murder per year, Yrsa is knwown for writing believable and threedimensional characters as well as a thrilling plot with twists and turns aplenty. Her books about Þóra Guðmundsdóttir, a crime-solving lawyer, are immensely popular,
An exhibition showcasing the magazine’s award-winning photography.
Community - Culture - Nature
The Sagas of the Icelanders, written in the 12th and 13th century and telling the stories of the early settlers of Iceland from the 10th century, are an amazing treasure trove of historical knowledge about the early years of settlement in Iceland. Better yet, they’re also impressive examples of literary excellence that still hold their own when it comes to enthralling storytelling.
The sagas might be several centuries old and originate in a society with completely different values to our own, but the stories they tell are universal and timeless. Just like modern literature, they deal with love, loss, honour, adventure and everything in between. If you want to start reading the sagas but you’re just not sure where to begin, here’s our guide to reading the them.
Laxdæla is the thrilling story of bonds of friendship torn asunder for the love of a woman. The love triangle of the formerly inseparable friends Kjartan and Bolli, and the beautiful and clever Guðrún has far-reaching consequences in this heartwrenching story of honour, destiny, love and betrayal. Will Guðrún follow her heart or her pride? Are they all mere pawns of fate? Will her efforts to overturn destiny prove fruitful… or fatal?
Njála, as this saga is affectionately known, is the most revered of all the sagas in Iceland and its main character, Gunnar of Hlíðarendi, is probably the most idealised hero in all Icelandic literature. Familial obligations, honour and, most importantly, love, throw him, his best friend Njáll and everyone they hold dear into a whirlwind of theft, lawsuits, murder and punishments. His fate is marked from the moment he lays eyes on the woman he loves, and not even Njáll’s sage advice can save him. As an added bonus, Gunnar’s wife, Hallgerður, happens to be arguably the best female character in all medieval literature.
Völsunga saga has it all, dragons, sleeping beauties, magical swords, revenge and a dash of incest. It’s basically Game of Thrones for the 13th century! It’s the story of the Völsungs, a dynasty of kings and heroes. The best-known
Egil ’s saga tells the story of the fascinating antihero Egill Skallagrímsson and his adventurous travels all over the north of Europe. A fierce fighter and clever poet with severe anger management issues, Egill’s saga weaves together the stories of the first time he killed a man (at the tender age of 7), his impending beheading thwarted by some seriously great poetry, and a drunken feast turned massacre (where our hero at one point cuts off a man’s head before vomiting down his neck), to name a few.
If you aren’t completely sold yet, there’s also the story of Egill in his old age, plotting mischief involving his treasure. He wanted to throw his silver in the air at a parliament session, and sit back and watch people fighting over it. When those plans were thwarted, he decided to bury his treasure, creating the legend of Egill’s silver.
All the sagas are available in English in
Fiskislóð 73
Did you miss the volcanic eruption in Fagradalsfjall that ended in August this year? Now you have a chance to see lava flowing in Reykjavík because The Icelandic Lava Show has opened its doors to visitors. They are melting lava, 1100 degrees of glowing liquid flowing down a small slope and they experiment with it, using a steel bar to poke it when it starts to solidify again. The Iceland Lava Show is located in the old harbour area (approximately a 30minute walk from downtown).
Lækjargata 8
You can’t leave Iceland without eating plenty of fresh seafood. Fish and Chips, as the name clearly suggests, is the newest Fish and Chips place in town. Their menu focuses on, of course, fish and chips, but they also offer some meaty options. Casual and affordable, Fish and Chips is the right place to grab a bite after a long day of sightseeing.
Skólavörðustígur 8 (entrance from Bergstaðastræti)
Bingo Drinkery is the new addition to the bar scene in Reykavík. Bingo sets the spotlight on cocktails and craft beer but also serves other beverages. This place has a remarkable view of the famous rainbow street (Skólavörðustígur 8), perfect for peoplewatching. Bingo Drinkery is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Don’t miss out on their happy hour, every day from 4 PM to 6 PM.
Aðalstræti 2
Located in one of the oldest buildings of downtown Reykjavík, Vík Wool has all the essentials you need to keep yourself warm during the Icelandic winter (and all year around). From woollen underlayers to cosy warm sweaters, to gloves and hats, you can find it all and you won’t be sorry when that Icelandic wind starts to bite. Vík Wool is open every day from 9 AM to 9 PM.
JANUARY 1
If you are hungover on New Year‘s Day or simply a huge fan of Peter Jackson‘s adaptation of the Tolkien classic, Bíó Paradís has the right event for you: a Lord of the Rings marathon. That‘s right –relive all 3 films in their entirety back in a cinema. It‘s an all-day event, so make sure you stock up on popcorn, soda, and candy in the lobby. Brush up on your Elvish and prepare to enter the lore of Middle Earth for like 10 hours straight!
JANUARY 10
American comedian Iliza Shlesinger will bring her talents to Reykjavík on January 10. The talented comedian/writer/actress/podcaster won first place in the comedy talent show Last Comic Standing in 2008. Known for her gut-busting comedy specials, Shlesinger also has written books and acted in films. Most notably, she starred alongside Mark Wahlberg in the Netflix film Spenser Confidential (2020). She will be performing at Háskólabíó for a night of guaranteed laughs.
JANUARY 21
In case you didn’t know, jazz is a big deal in Iceland! Many bars host jazz nights throughout the city of Reykjavík, and this year, Harpa concert hall will host the inaugural Freyjufest on January 21. This event showcases up-and-coming jazz talent from Iceland, the U.S., Switzerland, Sweden, and more! You can buy a ticket for the afternoon sessions or evening sessions for ISK 5.200. To attend both, it’s only ISK 8.000!
JANUARY 21
Join Icelanders in Harpa concert hall on a night of remembrance, perseverance and celebration of the Icelandic spirit. Fifty years ago in 1973, a volcano erupted on the island of Heimaey in the Westman Islands, disrupting the lives of 1350 families - roughly 2.5% of Iceland’s population - many of whom lost their homes. Despite the losses, people moved back to Heimaey and rebuilt their community. Performers at Eyjanótt will sing and play some of Iceland’s most popular songs in memory of this important event in Iceland’s history.
JANUARY 21 - 26
Since the 1980s, this festival has showcased innovative talent in contemporary music. Held during the winter when sunlight is sparse, Dark Music Days prides itself on its diversity. From contemporary classical music to experimental, artists perform across the city in beloved venues like Harpa, The Nordic House, and Hallgrímskirkja.
JANUARY 28 - 31
The 16th annual Reykjavík International Games begins during the last weekend of January at the sports complex in Laugardalur. The events will finish during the first weekend of February. Competitors from 20 different sports, including powerlifting, climbing, fencing, darts, figure skating, and even chess, descend on Reykjavík for a chance to win big. Along with the competitions and matches, there will also be a conference where speakers will address things like nutrition, psychology in sports, and more. For more information, visit https://www.rig.is/en.
Contemporary sculptor Unndór Egill Jónsson presents a new body of work framed as a response or conversation with the work and legacy of Ásmundur Sveinsson. The museum itself was designed and built as a studio and home by Ásmundur. All about light, the modernist concrete structure is (apparently) a mix of the Mediterranean and Nordic styles, though that might take a minute. If you’ve not been, it’s a very cool space and well worth checking out. Unndór Egill’s practice mixes woodwork, furniture and kinetic timber machinery. It will be interesting to see how it fits with the singular vision of Ásmundur’s beautiful, peculiar space.
There is perhaps nothing more magical than witnessing the
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.
African photographer and visual activist Zanele Muholi. Muholi‘s powerful images capture the struggle for the rights of black lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex people in the artist‘s home country. Muholi gives a voice to those who have to battle daily for recognition of their identity.
More than 100 photographs, together with video works, provide
insight into these marginalised communities: Muholi‘s sincere view focuses especially on identity politics, prohibitions, hate crime and rape, but also on pride, resistance, unity and love.
Jewellery by Dieter Roth
Dieter Roth (1930—1998) was a pioneer who respected no boundaries: a thinker, trailblazer, poet, musician, filmmaker and visual artist. A less well-known aspect of his career is that he also made an impression with his creation of innovative jewellery, starting in Iceland in the late 1950s. The first pieces of jewellery designed by Roth were made in collaboration with his wife, artist Sigríður Björnsdóttir, at the kitchen table in their home; but before long, they were offered better facilities in the atelier of goldsmith Halldór Sigurðsson at Skólavörðustígur 2 in central Reykjavik.
Roth‘s jewellery, generally composed of screws, bolts and other mechanical parts, could be assembled in various different ways, and reconfigured. His
jewellery-making was characterised by the same approach as his art: he made use of materials that were generally dismissed as waste or refuse, which he transformed. No two objects are alike; Dieter Roth was familiar with the qualities of the material and worked directly with it. In the 1960s, Roth embarked on a collaboration with Swiss goldsmith Hans Langenbacher; the two men had first met at the atelier of goldsmith Jón Sigmundsson in Reykjavík in 1958, and had been impressed by each other‘s methods, use of materials, and skill.
Opening on January 14 is an exhibition highlighting the works of the diverse artist Hildur Hákonardóttir, who was an important figure in Icelandic culture in the 1960s and 70s. Her work reflects the ongoing social movements both in Iceland and in New York, where she lived with her then-husband. Race, gender, equality and more issues have come to define Hildur‘s illustrious career. Although she worked through
many mediums, she is perhaps most famous for her preferred method of weaving. The exhibition contains many of Hildur’s bestknown works, which have become important landmarks in Icelandic cultural history and influenced societal changes. There are also installations, photographs, videos and computerised drawings from a career that spans over 50 years.
The Icelandic phrase ‚jæja‘ can mean anything or nothing. It means nothing on its own, but it can carry a lot of weight, depending on the context. It can be a word of sympathy, a verbal smirk, or simply something to say to fill an awkward silence.
Sculptor Guðjón Ketilsson channels this nuance into his new exhibition, Jæja. He creates works of art out of ordinary or mundane objects and gives them a new context, so their meanings change. Traditionally, he has created works composed of found furniture that he has treated in his own unique way, finely polished wooden objects that look like little-seen useful objects in a museum, highly detailed drawings of body parts, houses and buildings of all kinds, a collection of junk that he has collected and arranged as a whole, photographs of arranged
objects and clothing - all kinds of clothing carved in wood, such as shoes, loincloths and hats. Jæja will run from October 1 through mid-January at Kjarvalsstaðir.
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.
At Hofstaðir, in the district of Lake Mývatn, North Iceland, extensive archaeological excavations have been carried out over the past three decades. The site includes remains from the Viking Age to the 20th century. A huge Viking-Age structure was excavated: a hall or longhouse where people gathered on social occasions, with other smaller buildings around it. The hall is one of the largest structures ever excavated in Iceland. In addition, a churchyard was excavated at Hofstaðir, which is one of the oldest churchyards unearthed in Iceland. Whole families were laid to rest in the cemetery,
and their bones yield evidence about their lives. The face of one of the women buried at Hofstaðir has been reconstructed using DNA technology, and a drawing of her is included in the exhibition.
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?
The exhibition From mire to metal explores bloomery research in Iceland. Bloomery experiments were carried out at Eiríksstaðir, successfully smelting iron for the first time from Icelandic bogs in centuries.
In the 1970s, only a few of Iceland’s turf houses were still inhabited. Having served as the primary form of housing for more than a thousand years, the Icelandic
turf farm had now played out its role, and with no comprehensive preservation plan in sight, the remaining farms faced extinction. An Icelandic architecture student in Copenhagen set out and documented a representative selection of the Icelandic turf farms before it was too late. Working closely with the National Museum of Iceland and other parties to identify important subjects for their surveys, summer after summer, students and teachers travelled around the country to measure and draw the unique Icelandic turf architecture as well as other buildings in danger of disappearing.
Offering a glimpse into life as a “measurer” in 1970s Iceland, the exhibition aims to give an insight into the expeditions and the invaluable source material that was derived from them. While Iceland’s neglected 19th century timber houses were measured as an integral part of their preservation and later restoration, most of the turf houses perished or fell into ruin. In many cases, the architecture schools’ documentation is the only existing source in relation to these buildings.
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 inventories - what 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?
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 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.
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.
Karólína
Weaver Karólína Guðmundsdóttir (1897-1981)
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.
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.
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.
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.
English photographer Christopher
Taylor has been visiting Iceland regularly since 1983, when he married an Icelandic woman, Álfheiður. During that time, he amassed a huge collection of photographs showing Icelandic life from a new perspective. The new exhibition, Proximity, opening on January 14 at the Reykjavík Photography Museum, consists of three photo series that span a 25-year period and together shed a different light on the concept of proximity in the Icelandic context. Taylor explores proximity with portraits of friends and family in Iceland, photographs of people-less spaces inside, and stones in the countryside.
Aðalstræti
Family-friendly and informative exhibition about the development of Reykjavík, from farm to city.
The exhibition Fálkar/Falcons showcases a selection of photographs from Daníel Bergmann‘s book Fálkinn (The Gyrfalcon), published in Icelandic in October 2022. The book is the fruit of more than two decades of fieldwork by the photographer in the gyrfalcon territory in northeast Iceland. He photographed gyrfalcons at all seasons of the year; among other things, he observed one remarkably fine female through most of her life over a period of 15 years.
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. The exhibition opens at the end of the month, January 28, and will be on display at Hafnarhús.
Translated as Up and Down, this exhibition focuses on contemporary art in the Nordic region and features the work of around 30 artists from the Nordic region, Iceland, Canadian coastal areas, and the Pacific Northwest in the U.S. The artwork relay ideas related to the North: popular perceptions, climate change and environmental crisis, and the painful history of colonization of Indigenous peoples. The exhibition is a collaboration
between three art museums: the Portland Museum of Art in the state of Maine in the USA, the Bildmuseet in Umeå in Sweden and the Reykjavík Art Gallery in Iceland. There, 30 artists show new works that deal with the changes that are taking place in society, nature and life in the Arctic at the beginning of the 21st century, and which are largely caused by climate change. The exhibition travels between partners from February 2022 to October 2023.
Video artist Sigurður Guðjónsson will represent Iceland at the 2022 international curated exhibition Venice Biennale. Known for his voluminous video works where image, sound and space form an unbroken whole, Sigurður has made a name for himself in Iceland as one of the leading contemporary artists. He mainly focuses on the functionality of various equipment, where the viewer is lured into a world of soothing repetition, rhythm and order, and the boundaries between the human and the mechanical become blurred. Sigurður Guðjónsson was born in 1975 in Reykjavík. He studied at Billedskolen in Copenhagen 19981999, Iceland Academy of Arts 2000-2003 BA and Akademie Der Bildenden Kunste in Vienna 2004. He was chosen Visual Artist of the Year 2018.
The exhibition in Hafnarhús, which opens on October 20, presents the artist’s new and older works that introduce Sigurðar’s unique artistic creation to the audience.
In this exhibition on the 3rd floor some of Erró’s early works, where freehand line and form are foregrounded, meet later collagedbased works that source, freely mix and quote found visual material.
Through them it is possible to follow Erró’s curiousity and quest in developing his collage-painting method, or visual quotation; a practice he continues to this day. A sense of restless, dynamic ability to entangle and change resonates in the human or human-like forms that move across the two-dimensional surfaces. In these works, these forms evolve over time – first as loosely, energetically drawn images from Erró’s imagination and then as layered collaged references that directly represent and rely on different print sources and places.
Iceland Review is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and will kick off the anniversary year with the opening of an exhibition in the Epal Gallery on Laugavegur 7. On display will be images from the last decade of Iceland Review, including some of the award-winning photographs. Since its inception, Iceland Review has sought to highlight Icelandic community, culture and nature, not only through words but also through high-quality photos and images. Photography has been an essential in communicating Icelandic traditions, the rapid changes of the last several years, and the spirit of the Icelandic people to foreign and domestic readers.
The Icelandic Punk Museum is located at Bankastræti 0, an underground location that served as public toilets from 1930 to 2006. The museum honours the music and the spirit that has shaped musicians and bands to this day; people who dared to be different. Objects, photographs, videos, posters, etc. from roughly 1978 to 1992 are on display with texts in Icelandic and English, and the main music from the period is available to guests.
The National Gallery of Iceland’s collection contains over eleven thousand works. In the exhibition Treasures of a Nation, a selection of works from the collection displays the evolution of art in Iceland from the early nineteenth century to our times.
Resistance is an interdisciplinary exhibition that bridges the gap between visual arts and science. The works on display are key works in the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland, that establish an interesting dialogue between art and science and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The ocean is all around in an exhibition on level 2 at the House of Collections on Hverfisgata, Reykjavík, where the treasures of Icelandic art are on display. Visitors now have the opportunity to experience works that relate to the seas, and to the discourse on sustainability.
Welcome to Jómfrúin, the home of Danish smørrebrød in Reykjavik. It all began in 1888 with Oscars Davidsen’s highly praised smørrebrød restaurant in Copenhagen. An unbroken tradition of quality and Danish culinary culture for the past 100 years. Enjoy!
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
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
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
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
A harbour museum exploring Iceland’s dramatic relationship with the sea. The survival of a nation depended on generations of brave fishermen heading into the unknown. Exhibitions and artefacts bring our ocean history to life. Guided tours of Óðinn Coast Guard Vessel: 10-17.
Grandagarður 8, Reykjavík | 411-6340 www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is
A museum with indoor and outdoor exhibitions dedicated to the work of Einar Jónsson Iceland’s first modern sculptor (1874-1954). The museum was built in the early 1900’s when Einar Jónsson offered all of his works as a gift to the Icelandic nation.
Hallgrímstorg 3, Reykjavík 551-3797 | www.lej.is Hours: Tue-Sun 12-17
REYKJAVÍK
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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 run business and the oldest tour operator in Iceland. Founded in 1968, the farm offers horseback riding tours all year round for travelers interested in the gentle Icelandic horse.
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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 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.
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
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 7a, Reykjavík 562-3232
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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 |
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.
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
Sólon offers seafood, lamb, salmon, salads, hamburgers and juicy steaks, as well as a delicious fish of the day. Sólon resides in a beautiful old building on the main shopping street with high & wide windows, perfect for people watching! Local beer, wine, coffee, cocktails, and Black Death are served at Sólon Bistro & Bar.
Bankastræti 7a, Reykjavík 562-3232 | www.solon.is
The east-Asian citrus fruit was a stranger to Icelandic palates until a few years ago and now there’s a whole burger place dedicated to its aromatic sourness. This upscale burger will keep your belly full and your taste buds delighted with an array of burgers, cocktails and even a signature brew. Vegan options available!
Pósthús Food Hall, Reykjavík
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
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 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
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
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
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 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
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
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 INFO, CONTACT INFO@WHATSON.IS
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
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.
Iceland has its own currency, the Icelandic króna (ISK). It’s best to get króna at any bank (open Monday to Friday, 9-4), including the one at the Keflavík International Airport (open 24/7). You can either exchange money or go to an ATM to get cash. Credit card and debit card payments are widely accepted in Iceland.
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!
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.
There are 18 swimming pools in the capital area and if you have the time, you should try them all. Swimming is great, but don’t miss relaxing in the hot tubs – this is where the community gathers and socialises. If you haven’t packed a bathing suit, you can rent one at the pool.
Visit What’s On at Laugavegur 5 or contact us at info@whatson.is.
