Autumn gets a bad rap in Iceland. Mostly because it’s often a lot shorter than you would expect, around these parts, we tend to transition to winter a lot quicker than they do further down south. But that magical time, when stores fill up with winter coats, cafés start selling a lot more hot chocolate, right before the first serious winter storm blows all the pretty autumn leaves off the trees, can be wonderful.
The weather is getting colder and windier, but if there’s one thing the people of Iceland know how to do, it’s dressing for the weather. Icelandic wool is the nation’s best-kept secret, a woollen sweater underneath your coat will keep you warm on even the longest of treks into nature and a hat, a scarf and some mittens will add some style to your look while you’re waiting for those northern lights to show. Also, getting a winter parka in Iceland means that as god is your witness, you’ll never go cold again!
It’s not just the clothes that are the secret to getting the most out of your autumn trip to Iceland, this is the perfect time to get to know Icelandic culture. Plentiful geothermal heat allows us to keep our buildings comfortably warm and when it’s too cold to go outside, people gather to enjoy music, art and theatre. And remember: don’t leave Reykjavík without enjoying some live music in the company of cheerful locals!
Published by: MD Reykjavík ehf.
Laugavegur 5, 101 Reykjavik. Tel.: 551-3600
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WHAT‘S ON IN REYKJAVÍK is published monthly, covering events and happenings in and around Reykjavík. Opinions expressed in WHAT‘S ON IN REYKJAVÍK are those of the individual authors. While every effort has been made to ensure the information presented is accurate, prices, times, dates and other information may be subject to change.
October is a great month to be visiting Iceland. The nights are getting longer, which means that the northern lights are back in full force. The (admittedly few) trees are changing colour, and autumn is in the air. But there is just enough warmth and daylight to squeeze in some of the last summer activities, like a day hike near Reykjavík or a scenic countryside drive, before we all turn our attention to the approaching winter.
Here are What’s On’s tips for this month:
Take an autumn stroll through Heiðmörk, a nature area right next to the capital!
Catch one of the incredible films playing at the Reykjavík International Film Festival!
Take in the country views on a day trip around the Golden Circle!
Check out the Reyjavík Museum of Photography, located right above the downtown library.
Warm up with a coffee in one of Reykjavík’s cosy cafés!
Relax and treat yourself in one of Iceland’s many geothermal spas.
Explore the unique geological features of a lava tunnel near Reykjavík.
While you’re checking things off the list, snap some photos and tag #whatsonrvk on Instagram.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4. Keep a safe distance from the ocean
Sneaker waves – disproportionally large waves that encroach farther onto shore than regular waves – are frequent occurrences at the Reynisfjara and Kirkjufjara beaches in South Iceland. Sneaker waves are more powerful than people expect, and accidents have proven fatal in the past. Keep a safe distance from the water and observe nearby signs.
5. Stay on the path
Whether visiting a waterfall, a geothermal area, or hiking in the mountains, staying on the marked footpath is imperative. Respect when paths are closed and heed all signs. It’s closed for a reason, either to protect you or fragile nature.
6. Let someone know where you’re going
If you’re planning on hiking or hitchhiking, let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. You can also upload your travel plan to www.safetravel.is.
world class exhibition on volcanoes and earthquakes surrounded by active volcanoes
The Lava Centre is situated at Hvolsvöllur on the South Coast of Iceland, surrounded by active volcanoes. It truly acts as the gateway to Iceland’s most active volcanic area.
The Lava Centre just received two Red Dot Awards, which cement its position as a world class exhibition.
LAVA Centre is the best place to learn about the new Fagradalsfjall eruption, with new exhibits explaining the eruption and new film footage in the volcano cinema.
"EastWest provides exceptional small group tours and private tours so you can enjoy the famous Golden Circle, the dramatic landscapes of the South coast, the breathtaking peninsula of Snæfellsnes, or the incredible Northern lights. Our driver-guides deliver travel experiences of the highest quality in a prime fleet of Mercedes-Benz Sprinters with USB connectors and onboard WIFI."
The 1783-4 eruption of Laki was the biggest eruption in recorded history. An estimated 42 billion tonnes of poisonous gases and dust darkened the skies. Haze from the eruption floated east as far away as India, disrupting the monsoon season and leading to drought and crop failures. The famine that hit Egypt in 1784, was a result of the eruption, and killed roughly one-sixth of its population. Back in Iceland, an estimated 20–25% of the population died from famine, and over half the livestock was poisoned or killed by giant hailstones. Food shortages contributed to social unrest across Europe and contributed to the French Revolution of 1789 that gave birth to western democracy.
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.
7. Iceland has a volcanic eruption every 4-5 years
The island has somewhere between 150-200 volcanoes, split into different volcanic systems. About 30 different systems are still considered “active” in Iceland, and 13 of them have erupted since the Viking Settlement in 874. The most recent eruptions were in Fagradalsfjall valley in 2021, which lasted 6 months, and nearby in Meradalir in 2022, which lasted only 3 weeks. These short-lived eruptions were the first on the Reykjanes peninsula in over 700 years!
Towards the end of August, it gradually starts to get dark at night again. Luckily, that means that the northern lights are back. They never really left, they were just drowned out by the midnight sun. Seeing the northern lights is a sublime experience, and we recommend seeking them out while you are in Iceland. The phenomenon is caused when solar flares interact with the earth’s magnetic field about 80 miles up. It’s sometimes called the ‘solar wind,’ which moves like a wisp of smoke caught in
a slow draft. Their movement might seem familiar, but the scale is so vast and unlike anything else that it’s… well, it’s hard to put into words. Better to see for yourself.
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.
1 GET OUT OF TOWN
The city lights block the northern lights!
2 MAKE SURE IT’S DARK
Daylight and northern lights don’t go hand in hand!
3 MAKE SURE THE SKY IS CLEAR
The northern lights appear way above the clouds!
4 GIVE IT TIME AND BE PATIENT!
The northern lights don’t come out by order – be patient and you might get lucky!
5 SIGHTINGS CAN NEVER BE GUARANTEED
So we’d recommend a tour that includes some great activity as well as northern lights hunt – so you won’t feel disappointed!
6 WEAR SOMETHING WARM
It can get seriously cold, especially when the sky is clear and you’re waiting for a long time.
7 KNOW YOUR CAMERA!
Taking photos with a flash won’t work. Ever. A tripod and long exposure are your friends!
8 ENJOY IT!
Lie down on the ground. Look up. Enjoy!
Exclusive and thrilling. Going on a hunt for the lights with a specially modified superjeep is a thrilling experience that’s fun and exciting. Sights can of course never be guaranteed, but the off-road action of a superjeep makes for a great adventure, the lights are just an added bonus.
Book your northern lights tour now online or at the What’s On tourist information centre, at Laugavegur 5.
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.
Hot springs, saunas, plunge pools and steam rooms have been part of Icelandic culture in one way or another for centuries. If you’re hiking, there’s no better way to soothe tired muscles and achy joints than a relaxing soak. But where to soak?
The wildly popular and photogenic Blue Lagoon is located 50 minutes west of Reykjavík and 20 minutes from Keflavik airport. It all started in 1981 when people started bathing in the curious turquoise-coloured run-off pools of the Svartsengi geothermal power station. In 2017 the attraction recorded a whopping 1.3 million visitors and a turnover of over a hundred million euros annually. The Blue Lagoon is located on an 800-year-old lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is so popular reservations are required. The water, a combination of fresh and seawater from the nearby geothermal plant, is about 36 degrees, slightly cooler than your average hot tub. There are grottoes, steam rooms and an on-site restaurant, so spending at least a half-day at the lagoon is recommended. If you are travelling with your family, you can easily spend a full day at the Blue Lagoon with your kids.
Krauma is a natural geothermal spa next to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. It’s located in West Iceland, in the valley of Reykholtsdalur. Krauma has five hot tubs and one cold bath, a relaxation room and two steam baths. The perfect water temperature is reached by mixing glacial water with water from the hot spring. When you’re in the pool, you can order drinks that are brought to you straight in the hot tubs. If you’re longing for a bite to eat after bathing, there’s also a restaurant. Krauma is open every day 11 AM – 9 PM.
Just fifteen minutes from downtown Reykjavík, the Sky Lagoon was constructed in an impressive 15 months during the pandemic. The vibe is stylishly luxurious and expensive, and as the only bathing lagoon within the city limits, it’s the one that’s easiest to access. A traditional herringbone turf facade gives way to Bond villain aesthetic within and a great sea view from the sauna through the biggest window in all of Iceland. ‘Norse bathing culture fused with modern Nordic design’ says Vogue. The spa’s experience is built around a seven-step ritual after which there’s a cafe, bar and restaurant should the spirit move you. Booking in advance is advised.
Hvammsvík is a family-owned estate consisting of 1200 acres of land, situated in the middle of Hvalfjörður, a historic fjord in the southwest of Iceland. The bathing spot is right on the water, rustic pools overlooking the surrounding farmland and the sea. Mentioned in the Book of Settlements as an early settlement, it also became an important location during the Second World War when the Allies occupied Iceland. Hvammsvík is only a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík city centre and an easy drive to many of Iceland‘s biggest attractions, such as The Golden Circle, Glymur, Þingvellir, Esjan, and many more. The spa offers 8 geothermal pools built into the sea. They are open 10 AM – 9 PM year-round. You will also find a bistro and accommodation, and there is a direct bus transfer that can take you from Reykjvík to Hvammsvík.
Located in the middle of the Golden Circle, Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths offers several hot pools, a steam room, and more. Locals have been enjoying the healing power of the natural steam baths by Lake Laugarvatn since 1921. You
day of hiking and sightseeing. For a truly Icelandic experience, you can move between the hot pools and the icy waters of Lake Laugarvatn, as the cold temperature is believed to have beneficial health effects. Next to the spa, there is a geothermal bakery where they bake their bread using the natural heat from the earth! Laugarvatn Fontana is open every day year-round, 11 AM – 9 PM.
Created in 1891, Secret Lagoon – known in Icelandic as Gamla Laugin (the old pool) – is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland. It was abandoned for years but was renovated and reopened in 2014 with brand-new showers and changing rooms. The pool is a comfortable 38-40 C (100-104 F) and may not be as much of a secret as it once was. Located next to a spouting geyser, the Secret Lagoon is a much quieter, simpler (and cheaper) alternative to the Blue and other spa-style lagoons. Nearby is a geyser, bistro, and a beautiful geothermal area. The Secret Lagoon is typically open 10 AM – 7 PM, but it will be closed May 15 – 26 for renovations.
One museum
Three locations
artmuseum.is
+354 411 6430
artmuseum.is
Kjarvalsstaðir
Flókagata 24
Open 10h00–17h00
Hafnarhús
Tryggvagata 17
Open 10h00–17h00
Thursdays 10h00–22h00
Ásmundarsafn Sigtún
Open 13h00–17h00
Construction of the Imagine Peace Tower began on October 9th, 2006 and it was officially unveiled on the same date in 2007. The ceremony was broadcast internationally to numerous television networks. In attendance with Ono was son Sean Lennon, bandmate Ringo Starr, Olivia Harrison, widow of George Harrison, and Olivia’s son Dhani Harrison. Paul McCartney was invited but could not attend due to a court case. Yoko Ono said on the day of the inauguration that the tower was the best thing that she and John had ever done.
The tower is also lit in the week of the Winter Solstice December 21–31, February 18 (Yoko Ono‘s birthday), and the week of the Spring Equinox March 20–27.
The Imagine Peace Tower will be lit once again
If you‘re staying in Reykjavík for any period of time, you might want to get acquainted with the public transportation system, STRÆTÓ.
We don’t have trains, or an underground system, only our beautiful yellow public buses. They‘ll take you anywhere you need to go, but you might require some help to navigate the system. If you’re looking for some tips to make your life easier on the streets of Reykjavík, here’s how to take the bus in Reykjavík.
As of this writing, a single adult ticket costs ISK 570. Children 11 years and younger are free, the disabled pay ISK 171, and seniors and children 12-17 pay ISK 285.
You can buy a ticket on the bus, but only if you have the exact amount in cash (the drivers don‘t have change).Paper tickets used to be available at local stores and swimming pools, but STRÆTÓ has discontinued these as of March 2022.
You can pay for your fare through the awardwinning app, KLAPPIÐ. Using only your smartphone, you can pay for one-time fares for individual rides, purchase Klapp 10 (10 tickets), or buy a one-month or a one-year pass. It should be noted that you will need to use data or WiFi to make this transaction
Unlike the city buses, the regional buses taking you north, south or west accept card payments. You can also pay by cash, but again, only if you have the exact amount. Prices vary depending on your destination.
If you are staying in or travelling to the countryside via STRÆTÓ , the Klapp app won’t work. STRÆTÓ only recently began using Klapp. Previously, there was the much-loved Strætó app. The way to get around this, you will have to visit their website or download the old STRÆTÓ app onto your phone.
NOTE: This app is no longer usable in the city!
For instance, if you want to take the bus from the capital to Akureyri, you will have to pay through Klappið to take bus 15 to Mosfellsbær. But from there, you will need to pay through the older STRÆTÓ app or by card to take bus 57 to Akureyri.
The timetables can be found on the STRÆTÓ website, and each bus stop has the departure times for the buses that stop there. The STRÆTÓ app also has the departure times and will calculate your route for you. Generally, the buses start running before 7 am on weekdays (slightly later on weekends, but still before 10 am) and run until around midnight, depending on routes.
When deciding which bus to take, get the route number and the terminus. While you’re waiting for
the bus, check to make sure you’re waiting on the right side of the street. On a little sign right next to the bus stop you’ll find the timetable for your route. Above the timetable, you’ll find the names of the bus stops on the way (the one you’re on is specially marked) with the terminus at the end of the line, make sure it matches the one you’re supposed to take.
If it doesn’t, cross the street. When the bus arrives it will also be clearly marked with the route number and the terminus. Occasionally the bus drivers forget to change it at the end of the line, so just in case, it doesn’t hurt to ask the driver. They can also help you figure out when to step off the bus.
If you need to change routes or get on a different bus for the full journey, you can reuse your Klappið ticket for 75 minutes. If you paid by cash, just ask for a “transfer ticket” when you enter the bus. The ticket is valid for 75 minutes, and you can show it to the bus driver when you enter the next bus.
If using the Klapp app, you will also have 75 minutes to use your ticket. Simply scan the same ticket on the bus you are getting on, and it will work exactly the same.
If you had a different question about strætó, let us know! There’s also more information on the STRÆTÓ website and on the Klapp website!
Children (0–16* years) Free
Children (16*-17 years) 195 kr.
Adults (18 years and older) 1,210 kr.
Senior citizens aged 67 and over Free
Thermal pools and baths in Reykjavik are a source of health, relaxation and pureness. All of the city´s swimming pools have several hot tubs with temperatures ranging from 37˚ to 42˚C (98˚–111˚F). The pools are kept at an average temperature of 29˚ C (84˚ F)
*Based on August 1 of the birthday year
Halloween has not been traditionally celebrated in Iceland, but that is changing. Near the end of October, you can find Halloween decorations on the houses around Reykjavík, and the local grocery stores stock up on pumpkins whose only purpose is to be carved and left on the porch to rot.
Children dress up for Halloween-themed parties at their schools, and they can now be found wandering their neighbourhoods asking for candy on October 31st. The city of Reykjavík even got involved, creating a programme for children. The Árbær Open Air Museum will also host a Halloween party for kids under 12 this year.
Adults and young people use the American holiday as
an excuse to dress up and party. In fact, Icelanders put a fun twist on the name of the holiday itself, calling it Hallóvín, which literally translates as ‚Hello, wine.’ Local bars may host parties and costume contests, while the cinemas dust off old horror classics to get everyone in a spooky mood.
One of the reasons Halloween took so long to catch on in Iceland is because there was already a holiday in which children dressed up and ate sweets, celebrated in spring, not in October
Many catholic countries have a tradition of a carnival before the beginning of lent. While Iceland hasn’t been Catholic since 1550 AD, Icelanders aren’t known for saying no to a good party and have
their own, somewhat distorted version of a carnival. Monday before lent is Bolludagur, or Bun Day, celebrated with copious amounts of cream-filled pastries. Shrove Tuesday is celebrated with a meal of salt lamb and split pea soup and Ash Wednesday, although traditionally a solemn occasion, is when children dress up in costumes and go door to door asking for treats in exchange for a song. The event is a relatively modest affair centred on children’s entertainment, lacking the decorative opulence and tinge of horror we’ve come to enjoy from the American feast.
Like Halloween in the U.S., Öskudagur for children has mostly lost any religious affiliation. The children still dress up, but they now venture into the neighbourhoods and to local shops asking for sweets. But unlike Halloween, they had to earn their treats, typically by singing a song.
As the American tradition continues to grow in popularity, Icelandic children now have the possibility to dress up in costume and gather as
much candy as they can get their hands on twice a year! While parents and dentists may not be thrilled, most kids are happy with the results.
Our menu offers a selection of traditional Icelandic delicacies with a modern twist and world dishes made with Icelandic produce. Try our amazing desserts made with Icelandic candy.
Stop by for snacks & drinks, lunch, weekend brunch or dinner.
Book your table: Tel. +354 555 0950 fjallkona.is
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.
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.
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
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
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
Starts with a shot of the infarmous Icelandic spirit Brennivín
Followed by 7 delicious tapas
• Smoked puffin with blueberry “brennivín” sauce
• Icelandic arctic char with candy beets salad, asparagus and elderflower-hollandaise
• Lobster tails baked in garlic
• Pan-fried blue ling with lobster sauce
• Grilled Icelandic lamb tenderloin with beer-butterscotch sauce
• Minke Whale with sweet potato mash and malt sauce
Our kitchen is open until 23:00 on weekdays and 24:00 on weekends
And for dessert:
• White chocolate "Skyr" mousse with passion coulis
11.900 kr.
RIFF, the Reykjavík International Film Festival, offers a wide selection of new and independent cinema every year. This is also a special year for RIFF, as 2023 will be the 20th edition of this festival, which has become more and more recognized as a top destination for international cinema.
28TH OF SEPTEMBER TO THE 8TH OF OCTOBER.
Over the years, illustrious guests have included names like Jim Jarmusch, Mads Mikkelsen, Werner Herzog, and many others. RIFF is also especially exciting because its annual award, the Golden Puffin, is given to new and young filmmakers, so moviegoers know that they’re getting a glimpse into the newest frontiers of cinema.
Every RIFF has a certain emphasis, and this year we will see categories such as “Open Seas,” which will showcase depictions of the ocean, the environment, and sailing, and “A Different Tomorrow,” which highlights movies that have unique visions of the future, whether utopian or dystopian.
RIFF has also become known over the years for innovative and memorable screenings. For example, last year an environmental documentary was
screened in an ice cave underneath one of Iceland’s glaciers, and a horror movie was screened in a natural volcanic cave. A returning screening this year is the “swim-in” cinema, where moviegoers can relax in one of Reykjavík’s famous pools and catch a flick. This year’s screening will feature the 2012 Oscar-winning Life of Pi. Much of the movie takes place at sea, so you’ll really get to dive right into the movie! Rumour also has it that there will even be row boats available in the pool!
Fans of internet humour will also get a kick out of this year’s new Golden Puffin. Beloved Icelandic cartoonist and playwright, Hugleikur Dagsson, will be designing the graphics and visuals with his distinctive style. As he recently put it, “As much as I love RIFF, the main reason I said yes is simply that I wanted to draw the puffin!”
Many of RIFF’s themes in recent years have focused on the environment. So it only makes sense that RIFF is also doing its part by going green.
Introduced last year, RIFF is moving onto an app. Instead of paper schedules and tickets, you can now access everything from informational brochures, show times, trailers, and more from the RIFF app. Simply search for RIFF in the Apple or Google Play stores!
For more information and the full schedule, go to riff.is.
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 SAGA
Laxdæla is the thrilling story of bonds of friendship torn asunder for the love of a woman. The love triangle of the formerly inseparable friends Kjartan and Bolli, and the beautiful and clever Guðrún has 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
Egill’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
Do you want to have a whale of a time? Then go on a whale safari while you’re in Iceland! The waters around Iceland are the natural habitat of these gentle giants, so this is the perfect place to spot them. Baleen whales are a migratory species, and most travel long distances to tropical waters in winter and back to polar regions in summer. The best season for whale watching in Iceland is, therefore, between April and October. Going on a whale watching tour and actively searching for whales is an exciting and unique experience!
You don’t have to travel far to go on a whale safari, as Reykjavík offers good options for whale watching. Different whale watching companies have regular departures from the Old Harbour area. White-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are seen year-round in Faxaflói bay, a large bay next to Reykjavík, stretching from Reykjanes to Snæfellsnes. In the summertime, there are regular sightings of humpback whales and minke whales. You can choose to go on a bigger boat with a refreshment bar, or on a small RIB. The bigger boats have snug inside areas that offer shelter from bad weather, but the small boats have the advantage that you can get very close to oceanic wildlife. At the ticket offices, you can ask for complimentary
motion sickness pills, but don’t worry, tours are cancelled if the waves are too high.
You can also see whales outside of the Capital Area. In wintertime, the fishing town Grundarfjörður is where it’s all at. The bay is filled with herring feeding on phytoplankton. Now, seeing breaching herring is probably not the reason why you travelled to Iceland. However, this herring aggregation attracts all kinds of cetaceans, like dolphins, porpoises, and most importantly, killer whales! Can you think of anything more spectacular than seeing a pack of killer whales swim by? There are also excellent whale watching opportunities in North Iceland. The town Húsavík is also known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, because of the many whales in its bay, Skjálfandi bay. Humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, pilot whales, and sperm whales are often sighted. Because of the deep waters in the bay, there is also a higher chance of seeing rare species like the basking shark, the northern bottlenose whale, and the beluga!
In summer, puffin colonies are found all around Iceland. The first small flocks arrive in April, and the last ones leave in September, but the best months to see puffins are between May and August. Most whale watching companies offer whale and puffin combination tours. For puffin spotting, it’s best to be on a small boat and to bring binoculars. Puffins are tiny, and the closer you can get to them, the better the experience will be! These puffin tours are possible from Reykjavík. Just off the coast of the city, puffins breed each year on three small islands. Next to puffins and whales, common sights during these tours include arctic terns and the great skua.
Whales of Iceland is an exhibition in the Grandi area of Reykjavík. It showcases 23 man-made life-size models of whale species that occur in Icelandic waters, like a 25m long blue whale and a full-size sperm whale. It offers a great opportunity to see the actual sizes of these whales (they are even bigger than you think!) and to learn interesting facts about each whale at the same time by reading plaques and watching videos. Educational and fun!
Minke whale: a small baleen whale measuring 7m to 8m in length, weighing between 5 to 10 tonnes. It’s black and grey, has a dorsal fin, and will live for 30 to 50 years. It’s not likely to breach, so look for its back and dorsal fin during a tour. Also called “stinky minkes” because they smell of rotten fish.
Humpback whale: a large baleen whale measuring 12m to 16m in length and weighing about 36 tonnes. It has long pectoral fins, a stubby dorsal fin, and a knobbly head. They are known for breaching, their high spouts of water, and for showing off their flukes as they go for deeper dives!
White-beaked dolphin: the most common dolphin in Icelandic waters. It is 2.5m to 3m in length and weighs up to 350kg. They are often spotted in big groups, sometimes hundreds together! They love playing, jumping out of the water, and splashing about.
Harbour porpoise: the smallest cetacean around Iceland. They are only 1.5m to 2m in length and weigh 55kg to 70kg. They are usually quite shy but sometimes jump out of the water and play with the whale watching boats. Book your whale watching tour on WhatsOn.is
Reykjavík sightseeing has something for everyone! The city is filled with things to do, places to go, and stuff to see, but some things are just a little bit more important than others.
Check out the map in the centre of the magazine to find the exact location of these Reykjavík sights.
1 HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. It’s the largest church and the 6th tallest architectural structure in Iceland. The church tower offers a fantastic view of the city. It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, designed it to resemble the basalt lava column flows of Iceland’s landscape. Construction started in 1945 and was finished in 1984.
2 PERLAN Standing at 25m, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking buildings. Built on top of the city’s hot water tanks, Perlan is known for its unique architecture. Inside Perlan, you can visit Wonders of Iceland, an exhibition spread over multiple levels. A visit to a real ice cave, planetarium shows, exhibitions on Iceland’s history, glaciers, volcanoes, and water, and a spectacular 360° viewing platform are all included in a ticket. On the top floor, there is a restaurant and coffeehouse for guests in need of refreshment. Surrounding Perlan is the Öskjuhlíð area, one of the many green spaces in Reykjavík, perfect for a walk on a sunny day.
3 TJÖRNIN Tjörnin (The Pond) is the heart of the city centre and offers some of the most amazing views in Reykjavík. There is no better place in the city to enjoy a beautiful sunset, and you can watch or feed a huge variety of birdlife that calls the lake home while you’re at it. When the lake freezes over in winter, geothermal water is pumped in to defrost an area for the birds and feeding them is a popular family pastime all year round. Those who can handle the cold take to the lake on ice skates.
4 AUSTURVÖLLUR When the sun is shining, Austurvöllur is the place to be. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants, this public square is a popular spot for locals to dine outside, soak up some sunshine or recline on the grass with picnics. In fact, whatever the season, Austurvöllur is the place to be. It’s used for celebrations on holidays, and in December, the city’s biggest Christmas tree is located there. Due to its proximity to The House of Parliament, Austurvöllur is also a popular gathering spot for political protesters. At the centre of it all stands a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the renowned figure who is credited with leading Iceland to independence.
5 HLEMMUR The Hlemmur bus terminal has been a city centre fixture for decades – although the reason for its popularity has changed. It was transformed into a food hall a couple years back, and it’s difficult to imagine Hlemmur square without it. The food hall attracts a fun crowd, and the place is booming! With Neapolitan pizza, LA-style tacos, gourmet burgers, gelatos, and specialities from the Michelin Bib Gourmandawarded Skál, there’s something for everybody!
6 HARPA The whole 28,000m2 of Harpa stand at the edge of Reykjavík Harbour. It houses Iceland’s biggest concert hall, suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events, a conference centre with meeting facilities and in-house catering, as well as a couple of fine restaurants. Harpa also hosts promotions, plays, and public events. Harpa was designed by a Danish firm in cooperation with Ólafur Elíasson, an Icelandic artist, and opened to the public in 2011.
7 THE OLD HARBOUR Though it’s the oldest harbour in its original form, Reykjavík’s Old Harbour is no longer the busiest for freight. Instead, it’s an oft-visited area where you’ll find a community of shops, galleries, electric bike and scooter rentals, and tour operators. You will also find numerous whale watching companies willing to take you out to sea on unforgettable excursions. The area is filled with excellent restaurants (pizza, seafood, burgers, etc.) and cafés. The atmosphere at the old harbour is friendly, the air is fresh and salty, and there are plenty of interesting activities to check out.
8 THE SUN VOYAGER A beautiful sculpture of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula by Sæbraut, close to downtown Reykjavík. The sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and is an ode to the sun. It serves as a reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland. The Sun Voyager looks its best when the sun is setting, at whatever time that may be. The unforgettable view of the sculpture with a backdrop of the ocean and Mt. Esja is every photographer’s dream.
9 HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT Founded in 950 AD, Iceland’s Parliament, Alþingi, is the oldest extant parliament in the world! For centuries, the Parliament gathered in the open air (on the aptly named Þingvellir, Parliament Fields), but in recent years, the members of Parliament have met in Reykjavík. The House of Parliament is a modest classical building of hewn Icelandic dolerite, and it gives Austurvöllur square a dignified look. The Parliament garden behind the building is small but lovely in the summertime.
10 LAUGARDALSLAUG Every country has traditions when it comes to leisure. Icelanders’ favourite pastime is going swimming. Laugardalslaug is the city’s largest pool with extensive facilities, located in Laugardalur valley. Its facilities include a 50m outdoor pool, an outdoor children’s pool and a paddling pool, two waterslides, numerous hot tubs, a steam bath, gym, and a mini-golf course. There really is no better place to be on a sunny day or a cold one for that matter. Right outside, you will find a hot dog stand where you can buy traditional Icelandic hot dogs.
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.
Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights
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.
One of the first things you’ll discover upon visiting Reykjavík is that it’s very walkable. The majority of the city’s restaurants and shops are located along two streets – Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur. If you want to explore the city beyond the confines of these well-trod roads, we have a few suggestions. Stretch your legs
Smack-dab in the middle of town, you’ll find Tjörnin, Reykjavík’s central pond. We recommend starting this walk at the north end of the pond, where the ducks congregate and take a clockwise route.
You can start with greeting the ducks. If you have a snack for them (heed the signs about when it is and isn’t allowed to feed the ducks), a few may even swim alongside you on the first stretch of your walk. Take the lower sidewalk and cross over Skothúsvegur to leave the roadside and enter Hljómskalagarður park.
While looping around the southern end of the pond, you’ll see the octagonal Hljómskálinn pavilion, the first structure in Reykjavík built for music events a statue of beloved poet Jónas Hallgrímsson, and a sculpture garden showcasing the works of some of Iceland’s most renowned female sculptors.
Once you’ve crossed back over Skothúsvegur on your way back to City Hall, you’re at the spot with the best views over Tjörnin. Along this stretch of
the walk, you’ll find the statue Úr Álögum, one of Einar Jónsson’s phenomenal statues decorating the city. This one depicts the tale of Saint George and the Dragon. There’s also a park bench at this point in the walk with a bronze likeness of poet Tómas Guðmundsson and a QR code you can use to listen to a reading of his poem “Hotel Earth”.
Finish your walk with a visit to Reykjavík City Hall, where a massive topographic map of Iceland is often on display. Finally, exit City Hall via its long footbridge over the end of the pond, snap a picture with the Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat and head off to your next adventure.
Distance: 1.5 km
The coastal path running east from the Harpa Concert Hall is named the Sculpture and Shore Walk. While it is dotted with some lovely art, it’s also an excellent path to walk, jog or cycle to get that fresh sea air in your lungs and sweeping views of Esja forever imprinted on your soul – it’s a stunning mountain.
But let’s talk about the art. The walk starts at the Harpa, as mentioned above, so it should be pointed out that it is a work of art in its own right. Its iconic glass facade is the creation of Icelandic-Danish artist Ólafur Elíasson. Explore the interior and be sure to look up for a complete immersion in the majesty of the building.
On with the walk. The first sculpture you’ll encounter is the beloved Sólfar, or the Sun Voyager. While it’s often mistaken for a Viking ship, artist Jón Gunnar Árnason created it as a sun ship, meant to convey a dream of hope, progress and freedom. It was unveiled on August 18, 1990, to commemorate Reykjavík’s 200th birthday.
Walking along, you’ll encounter Pétur Bjarnason’s sculpture Partnership, which has a twin in Miami, U.S. The sculptures were made to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Iceland and the United States. Further along is Jóhann Eyfells’ Íslandsvarðan sculpture, which was completed in 2006 by pouring liquid metal into moulds the artist dug in the earth.
A personal favourite sculpture of this writer is Shore Piece by Sigurður Guðmundsson. It’s the largest piece displayed along this route, so you shouldn’t miss it.
Continue to the bright yellow Höfði lighthouse, and cross over Sæbraut to see Höfði House, where former Russian and U.S. presidents Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan met in 1986 to discuss the end of the Cold War.
From here, either retrace your steps or cut up Katrínartún to Laugavegur and hang a right to meander back to the city centre.
Distance: 1.5 km from Harpa to Höfði House
If your idea of a walk means venturing off paved paths, head to Öskjuhlíð. Perlan tops the wooded hill on the outskirts of the city centre, and it is a lovely forest to wander through. It’s crisscrossed with rough paths, mountain bike ramps and massive rocks that are undoubtedly the remains of poor trolls that got caught out in the sun.
Öskjuhlíð was used as a lookout by British and American soldiers during the Second World War, so you may come across some abandoned bunkers during your walk. Signs have been erected explaining the history of the bunkers.
Spend an hour wandering among the birch and pine trees, or continue down to Nauthólsvík geothermal area and follow the path due west to follow the seaside around the Reykjavík airport, heading back into the city centre when the path joins up with Suðurgata.
Distance: Varies
The DIY approach is all fine and good, but sometimes you want someone to guide you and regale you with fascinating trivia while you walk. If that’s more your speed, check out Reykjavík walking tours on WhatsOn.is. Happy walking!
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.
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.
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.
Undir trénu
d. Ása Helga Hjörleifsdóttir
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.
d. Baltasar Kormákur
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. Óskar Jónasson
Sódóma Reykjavík is a film that holds a special place in the country’s cinematic history as the first “modern” Icelandic movie. Directed by Óskar Jónasson, the film offers a unique blend of dark humor, punk rock, and a distinctively Icelandic perspective. Set in the vibrant but quirky Reykjavík of the early 1990s, the film follows the misadventures of Axel and his run-ins with the “Icelandic mafia.” One of the standout features of Sódóma Reykjavík is its eclectic soundtrack, featuring both Icelandic punk and rock music of the era, including the Sugarcubes.
d. Baltasar Kormákur
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. Erlingur Thoroddssen
When Óðinn begins to investigate decades-old deaths at a youth home, he starts to suspect that mysterious events there are connected to the enigmatic suicide of his wife — as well as the erratic behavior of his stepdaughter. This movie, based on the popular novel by best-selling crime novelist Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, is one of the Icelandic movie scene’s biggest recent productions. Its title simply means “cold,” and a thrilling murder mystery is the perfect way to get into the season’s mood!
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.
d. Valdimar Jóhannsson
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.
ICELANDIC LAMB IS THE FIRST ICELANDIC FOOD PRODUCT TO BE PDO-MARKED
Icelandic lamb has acquired the PDO label, the highest level of geographical indication in Europe, placing it in the company of the world's best-known and most sought-after quality products.
House of Collections, Hverfisgata 15
Siguranna is the brand-new café in Reykjavík’s House of Collections, located in the former National Library of Iceland. Now, the House of Collections is a beautiful exhibition space for the National Museum of Iceland, where you can see all sorts of important historical artworks. Siguranna is the perfect place to rest your weary feet after thoughtfully pacing the museum, and you can get soup, salads, and other lighter fare here, in addition to a fully featured café and pastry selection.
Lækjargata 6b
What they might lack in a creative name, they make up for with a generous happy hour, running every day from 12:00 to 7:00 pm. The Downtown Bar also operates the similarly named budget-friendly Downtown Guesthouse so you can sleep it off on the cheap if you have a beer too many!
Vegamótastígur 7
Dass Lounge and Restaurant is quickly becoming a favourite spot for elegant but relaxed dining for locals and visitors alike. Dass pretty much has it all, with bistro-style lunch offerings, classic and elegant dinner options, and full-fledged bar with delicious, modern cocktails. They’ve also recently added a breakfast buffet, so if you’re staying in downtown Reykjavík, skip the sad hotel buffet and head on over to Dass!
Bergstaðastræti
Jón Sæmundur’s Dead Gallery is far from new to Reykjavík - it’s been a fixture of the alternative art scene for a long time. But it’s moving to a new location, just behind the popular Einstök bar. The artist, who also goes by the name “Nonni Dead,” was diagnosed with HIV in 1994. Since then, his work has focused on celebrating life through portraying death in all of its disguises, including through music and visual art. Dead Gallery is also an exhibition space, curating both local and international art.
SEP 28- OCT 8
The Reykjavík International Film Festival is the high point of the year for Icelandic lovers of cinema. Film directors both native to Iceland and from abroad will come together for nearly two weeks to celebrate the art form. Showing up to RIFF is a great way to get a snapshot of the film scene and discover new directors, producers, and movies you might not otherwise stumble across. RIFF also features several unique screenings. Past years have included a “swim-in cinema,” a horror movie screening in a volcanic cave, and an environmental documentary shown in an ice cave.
OCTOBER 7
HARPA: ELDBORG CONCERT HALL
Vök has blown up over the past couple of years to be one of Iceland’s most popular bands, both at home and abroad. First formed for an annual music contest that also launched Of Monsters and Men to fame, Vök plays a unique blend of electronic music and indie pop. Vök has had a busy 10 years, releasing three full-length albums in addition to numerous singles and EPs. This is a great opportunity to see them perform material from all across their catalogue.
OCTOBER 14
HÓLMASLÓÐ 2
Legendary underground event organisers Eistnaflug and Reykjadoom are returning this year with the third iteration of Hellirinn Metalfest. Though the concerts are sure to feature the heaviest in Reykjavík punk and metal, it’s free entry and intended to be fun and safe for all ages. Hellirinn venue is also located by the Reykjavík harbour district, so you know you’ll have real cred when you tell your friends that you went to a death metal show in an old warehouse!
OCTOBER 22
HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA CATHEDRAL
Have you ever dreamed of singing the Mozart Requiem? Now is the chance, as the audience members are invited to sing along with the Reykjavik Opera Days’ Festival Chorus under the baton of Steinar Logi Helgason and together with organist Lára Bryndís Eggertsdóttir. Admission is ISK 2,500 and attendees are encouraged to BYOSM (bring your own sheet music).
OCTOBER 26
HARPA: ELDBORG CONCERT HALL
As fall arrives in Reykjavík, there’s less and less to do outdoors, but this is also the time of year when culture really comes alive. The third piano concerto by Rachmaninoff is one of the peaks of piano literature, composed with great inspiration and a deep understanding of the instrument’s possibilities. The concerts begin with a short orchestral piece by Jennifer Higdon, “Blue Cathedral,” where tender emotions related to the loss of a brother find their way into the beautiful orchestral fabric. Tickets available online.
OCTOBER 27
BÍÓ PARADÍS
It’s the spookiest time of year, and beloved indie movie theatre Bíó Paradís is returning with their popular Friday Party screenings. A movie about the spirits of a deceased couple who are harassed by a family that has taken over their home, Beetlejuice is a funny and creepy family movie that’s perfect for getting into the fall mood. Bíó Paradís also has beer and wine on offer, so it’s a great screening for a family outing, or a date night.
Paintings and installations by Þuríður Sigurðardóttir
For the past 20 years, Þuríður, also known as Þura, has been making innovative visual art that deals in various ways with the Icelandic landscape. From interesting perspectives on mossy rocks, icebergs, and mountains, Þuríður’s unique style blends naturalism and the abstract, giving you a whole new look on Iceland. Runs from September 30 - Spring 2024.
The exhibition features the works of sculptors Ásmund Sveinsson (1893-1982) and Carls Milles (1875-1955) from Sweden and is part of the collaboration between Millesgården Museum and Ásmundarsafn- both museums dedicated to the life and work of the two artists. Carl Milles is one of Sweden’s most respected sculptors and, like Ásmundur, he donated his house, studio and work to the public after his death. Carl Milles was Ásmundur´s mentor during his student years in Stockholm. The strong bond between these two artists has been well documented. Their works will be presented side-by-side in
Iceland for the first time this year at Ásmundarsafn.
There is perhaps nothing more magical than witnessing the beauty of a northern lights display. However, those unpredictable, ever dancing lights don’t always show up on cue – and fade away during the summer months. So, it is with great joy that we welcome Aurora Reykjavík – The Northern Lights Centre, where the northern lights are always on display.
Aurora Reykjavík’s pull and ace up its sleeve is its fantastic 4k timelapse film of the Aurora Borealis. Aurora Reykjavík’s latest additions
are virtual reality goggles featuring the world’s first 360° movie of aurora displays entirely shot in Iceland. If you can’t catch the northern lights yourself, this utterly realistic experience is definitely the next best option to witness the beauty of this truly amazing phenomenon.Capturing the northern lights with your own camera can be challenging, but at Aurora Reykjavík, you receive instruction by the experts: bring your camera and try the right settings at the Northern Lights Photo Simulator. In the exhibition, you will find an entertaining selfie booth – have fun looking all fabulous under the northern lights!
For more information, see www.aurorareykjavik.is.
• Grilled lamb prime
• Icelandic cod
• Best monkfish in town
• 37 Wines by the glass
BARTENDERS´ CHOICE AWARDS
At the beginning of 2022, the art collection of Ingibjörg Guðmundsdóttir and her husband, entrepreneur Þorvaldur Guðmundsson, owner of Síld og fiskur, was placed in the permanent keeping of the National Gallery of Iceland. The collection, which comprises about 1400 works by many of Iceland‘s leading artists, will be catalogued as part of the National Gallery collection, and the works of art will be digitised on a publicly-accessible database. A workshop and live exhibition will be installed in Gallery 3 on the upper floor of the National Gallery, where visitors can observe the work of the cataloguing team. At the same time, a selection of works from the collection will be displayed in Gallery 4, with a focus on animals, large and small, in Icelandic nature.
Iceland’s National Gallery plays an important role curating a collection that reflects trends and movements not just in Iceland, but from all over the world. Some New Works highlights some of the National Gallery’s most recent acquisitions, giving visitors an insight into the cutting-edge frontiers of Icelandic visual art. The most recent set of acquisitions focuses on different perceptions of the Icelandic landscape, with work from different generations of artists across diverse media.
Begins October 14th
In Egill Sæbjörnsson’s creative world, joy and playfulness abound. The diversity of the material world and the boundless imagination
spring forth like bubbles in the form of music, installations, living sculptures, and vividly imagined travel companions. In the exhibition, Egill invites an infinite number of friends to join in a collaborative moment in his artistic playground.
The exhibition A Window in Reykjavík comprises a selection of works by Ásgrímur Jónsson. The common feature of these works is that they relate to the artist’s surroundings in Reykjavík. The works form part of the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland; Ásgrímur Jónsson bequeathed to the Icelandic nation all his works of art, along with his home and studio at Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík.
Ásgrímur Jónsson (1876–1958) is one of the pioneers in the history of Icelandic art; he was the first Icelandic painter to make a career in art. The view from the window of Vinaminni, where he first lived on his return to Iceland, became a favourite motif for him, with its
vista of Reykjavík Harbour and Mt. Esja across the bay. The view to the south from the skylight of his studio at Bergstaðastræti would later also inspire him. Watercolour was an appropriate medium for capturing the quality of the light over the waters of Skerjafjörður and the houses on Laufásvegur. Ásgrímur’s life and oeuvre span a long period of Iceland’s history – a time when the old rural society was starting to decline and Reykjavík was growing from a town into a city. Many of Ásgrímur’s paintings from Reykjavík, painted in the first half of the 20th century, depict a peaceful little town where houses cluster along the ocean shore; yet they also show economic activity, such as workmen building roads as the new urban society evolves.
Like many innovative art projects, Our Art is difficult to describe. It’s part exhibition, part interactive game. Our Art will allow Icelanders and visitors alike to pick their favorite artworks for an exhibition at Kjarvalsstaðir that will open on Culture Night (August 19). This is an experimental project, and there are very few limits. Participants can choose any artwork from RAM’s collection, including sculpture, paintings, photography, and multimedia projects, and vote as many times as they’d like. This is a unique opportunity to not just see some beautiful, strange, and though-provoking art, but to also be a part of the exhibition.
The ongoing exhibition in Kjarvalsstaðir features artworks from the Reykjavík Art Museum’s 20th century collection by many of the nation’s leading artists. Among the many artists are Þórarinn B. Þorláksson, Gunnlaugur Scheving, Jóhannes S. Kjarval, Bragi Ásgeirsson, Nína Sæmundsson, Eyborg Guðmundsdóttir, Barbara Árnason and Guðmunda Andrésdóttir.
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.
Although this exhibition is not necessarily new, it deserves more attention. My Favourite Things, which, at first glance, looks just like a list of things people left behind when they died. But these probates tell us how Icelanders lived in the 18th and 19th centuries, what they owned, and how their lives differed
from people in different classes. The exhibition juxtaposes information gathered from probate inventorieswhat people had in their possession when they passed away - preserved at the National Archives and the artefact collections of the National Museum in order to dive into the material world of Icelanders from earlier centuries. What did people possess? How much worth was their belongings? How do the possessions of people of the past reflect in the preserved cultural heritage of the nation?
“If Garden Gnomes Could Speak” is a unique photography exhibition which takes a look at a peculiar community of mobile homes and RVs near Laugarvatn lake. Photographers Þórdís Erla Ágústsdóttir and Sigríður Marrow visited the community
at Laugarvatn a few years ago, capturing the essence of life at the location over three summers. The exhibition is a document of this community and features people enjoying each other’s company, finding time in nature, and simply being themselves.
Adjacent to An Eternity in a Moment is another photography exhibition at the National Museum titled Light and Play. It consists of six photo albums by Ragnheiður Bjarnadóttir. This personal collection depicts an individual’s journey from childhood to adulthood and sheds light on the multi-layered meaning of photography.
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?
Exhibition featuring photographs from the summer resort Laugarvatn. Laugarvatn has always been a popular recreational spot for Icelanders. The location is on a beaten track, and the hot springs have long attracted visitors. The exhibition features a series of
photographs showcasing the summer vacation spot and the school community at Laugarvatn. Additionally, the exhibition includes a series of photographs from the National Sports Competition in 1965.
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.
Karólína the Weaver
Karólína Guðmundsdóttir (1897-1981)
learned weaving in Copenhagen, and for several decades she ran a weaving atelier on Ásvallagata in Reykjavík. She wove upholstery and curtain fabrics for public bodies, businesses and homes, where the colours and textures harmonised with their surroundings. Her embroidery fabrics were used in school pupils‘ needlework projects for many years, and embroidered wall-hangings and cushions from Karólína‘s atelier adorned many Icelandic homes. She was thus an influence upon Icelanders‘ home furnishings and taste. In addition, her work led people to recognise the fine qualities of Icelandic wool and changed attitudes to crafts and needlework.
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.
The Settlement Exhibition
An open excavation where Viking ruins meet multimedia technology. Just below ground in downtown Reykjavík, this open excavation uncovers the city’s Viking Age history. Discovered during building work in 2001, these archaeological remains turned out to be the earliest evidence of human settlement in the city, with some dating to before AD 872. Careful excavation revealed a 10th-century hall or longhouse, which is now preserved in its original
location as the focal point of the exhibition. Interactive technology immerses you in the world of the Reykjavík farm at the time of the first settlers, including information on how Viking Age buildings were constructed and what life was like in the hall. The Settlement Exhibition is part of Reykjavík City Museum.
Reykjavík
...The Story Continues
Family-friendly and informative exhibition about the development of Reykjavík, from farm to city. This new display is a direct continuation of The Settlement Exhibition, representing Reykjavík’s history from settlement to the present day. Visitors get an insight into the complex history and culture of Reykjavík through the development of house construction and planning with a stop at the oldest house in the city centre, Aðalstræti 10.
The admission is valid to both Aðalstræti 10 and The Settlement Exhibition in Aðalstræti 16.
For Those Who Couldn’t Cross the Sea
For Those Who Couldn’t Cross
the Sea is a multidisciplinary group exhibition that features the works of five Middle Eastern artists. The exhibition reflects on the experiences of refugees and migrants, as well as the challenges they face in their search for a new home. The aim of the exhibition is to build empathy and highlight patterns of trauma, erasure, identities, belonging, and home. The exhibition opens on June 10th in the Hvelfing exhibition space in the Nordic House and will be on display until September 2023.
Colour palette of the time
Colour photography in Iceland
1950-1970
Colour photos from 1950-1970, when colour photography began to take root in Iceland, are the subject of the Reykjavík Museum of Photography summer exhibition in 2023. The exhibition includes new enlargements from original colour films and colour slides mixed with original copies. The photos belong to the museum’s collection and are taken by Icelandic and foreign photographers. Among them are: Hermann Schlenker, Ingibjörg Ólafsdóttir, Helga Fietz, Sigurður Demetz Franzson, Hannes Pálsson, Adolf Karlsson and Böðvar Pétursson.
Julia Hechtman: Not Once
Not Once is a series of video portraits by American visual artist Julia Hechtman. The exhibition combines recordings of personal stories from local Icelanders with footage from different locations throughout the country. The combination of these stories and places creates an intimate narrative, sometimes leading to unexpected places. The natural world plays a large role in Hechtman’s work, and we think this will be a great way to
see the Icelandic landscape from a new perspective.
Ends October 12th
This exhibition, whose full title is “19, 24, 29, 34, 39: Fate and Destiny” comprises a series of photographs of nine individuals taken by Gréta over a period of twenty years, together with their thoughts about life and existence. This is a unique look at how people change through their lives, not just in outward appearance, but in philosophy and worldview. Through these photos, Gréta asks: “When a person is 19, appearance is often very important. The individual’s philosophy in life may be read from their clothes, hairstyle, manner and home environment. But how far can each of us influence our own path in life? Do the dreams we started out with in our late teens come true?”
At the exhibition, you can see a selection of the works that have come to the museum in the last two decades. The collection spans as much as possible the breadth and the new emphases that can be found in the Icelandic art scene, both by recognized artists of the time as well as the work of younger generation of artists. This year, 2023, Reykjavík Art Museum celebrates 50 years since the museum’s first building was officially opened in Kjarvalsstadir. On the occasion, special attention will be paid to the museum art collection and the opportunity will be used to view and display treasures from the museum´s collection. This exhibition is the third in the Kaleidoscope
series - that features exhibitions in Hafnarhús and Kjarvalsstadir honouring the collection.
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.
Ends October 22nd
Helena Margrét Jónsdóttir is a young, Reykjavík-based painter with an interest in the mundane and strange. Her work mixes elements of pop art, realism, and hyper-realism
to create a lens for reassessing everyday consumer objects. Some of her distinctive works include a mirror-like reimagining of a pair of sneakers, bizarre, dream-like spiders, and surreal depictions of popular Icelandic candy. The Reykjavík Art Museum’s D-Gallery began in 2007 and has served since then as a platform for highlighting up-andcoming Icelandic artists. This is a great opportunity to see what’s at the cutting edge of Reykjavík’s famous art scene.
Begins October 26th
The next installation of the innovative D-Gallery will feature two artists who play with themes like identity, gender and self-validation. These artists are influenced by their own upbringing in the post-Soviet generation, and their video installations and sculptures show the “complexities embedded within individual identity and the working class.” Klāvs holds a BA in Contemporary Dance from Iceland University of the Arts and Renate holds a BA in Fine Art from Iceland University of the Arts.
Fish • Lamb • Whale • Icelandic cuisine with a twist Icelandic music and nightlife
Mix with the locals ...and all the Icelandic beers in one awsome place!
Höfuðstöðin is an art and culture centre that permanently displays the large-scale multi-sensory installation Chromo Sapiens by Shoplifter / Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir. Höfuðstöðin opened in 2022 and is the first self funded art center created by an Icelandic female artist around her own work, and raised over $100.000 on Kickstarter before its opening.
Chromo Sapiens is Shoplifter’s monumental, multi-sensory, large-
scale installation that debuted at the Icelandic Pavilion for the Venice Biennale in 2019, to worldwide critical acclaim. The installation consists of three caves made from Shoplifter’s signature material, synthetic hair extensions. The installation surrounds the viewer’s horizon with soundscapes from the Icelandic band HAM in each cave. Entering the installation as homo sapiens, you are invited to explore your inner landscape through the stimulation of the senses, where you are the destination of the journey, and when exiting you have transformed into Chromo Sapiens.
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 Icelandic Punk Museum is located at Bankastræti 0, an underground location that served as public toilets from 1930 to 2006. The museum honours the music and the spirit that has shaped musicians and bands to this day; people
Resistance is an interdisciplinary exhibition for children of all ages, that bridges the gap between visual arts and science. The works in the exhibition are all in the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland. The word resistance refers to opposition in general, but it may also be read in the context of physics: the measure of a conductive material’s opposition to current flow. Resistance also signifies opposition to consumption, which we must all learn to take onboard. And resistance references essential action which must be taken by the inhabitants of this planet, against climate change.
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.
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
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
Ásgrímur Jónsson was one of the pioneers of Icelandic art and the first Icelander to take up painting professionally. Having died in 1958, he bequeathed all his works, as well as his studio home to the Icelandic nation.
Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík 515-9625
www.listasafn.is
Hours: Tue-Sun 10-17
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 owned and operated business with our horses being part of the family and treated as such.
We offer a variety of day tours, combo tours and daily private tours. Please visit our site www.laxnes.is for further information and frequently asked questions.
A trek on the hardy, sure-footed Icelandic horse is an experience to remember. Whether you are a beginner or expert, old or young, these friendly horses, with their alert and willing nature are indeed a pleasure to ride in their natural surroundings.
The private tour is a variation of our Laxnes Special tour and will have daily departures by summer 2023. You´ll be able to tailor your tour time to up to two hours and enjoy the farm surroundings at your own pace.
Combine our Laxnes Special tour with a variety of different activities in one booking for a full day of adventure. Puffin or Whale watching or the Golden Circle combinations with our riding tours are just a click away on our site.
peckish after a few glasses of their delicious wines, they also serve snacks and small plates. The cosy bar is perfect for having a few glasses of wines with friends or a date.
Laugavegur 27, Reykjavík 888-2380
If you are visiting Iceland for the first time then you must stop by the Lebowski Bar. Open every day from 11AM, happy hour from 4-7PM, food served until 10PM, Quiz every Thursday (free entry), live sport events on 5 HD screens and Reykjavik nightlife every Friday & Saturday.
Laugavegur 20a, Reykjavík 552-2300
www.lebowski.is
Beer enthusiasts look no further! near the top of Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street, you will find Micro Bar. This ambitious bar serves only beer from microbreweries! Carrying an impressive 140 different kinds of beers from all over the world, this is definitely the go-to place for beer fans, and a nice place to spend an evening.
Laugavegur 86, Reykjavík
EINSTÖK
There’s nothing like an Einstök beer after a long day of exploring Reykjavíkand now there’s a whole bar dedicated to this popular brew! Einstök literally means unique and after a few sips of their refreshing craft ale, brewed with fresh water from Northern Iceland, we’re sure you’ll agree. The recently opened Laugavegur bar makes it even easier to enjoy their variety of ales, ranging from citrusy fresh white to the darkest of porters.
Laugavegur 10, Reykjavík
Port 9 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.
Aðalstræti 12, Reykjavík 571-8788
DEN DANSKE KRO
This homey pub with a Danish theme is popular among locals. Happy hour every day from 4-7pm and live music with talented Icelandic musicians every night. Beer bingo every month and other fun events! Located in the heart of the city centre.
Ingólfsstræti 3, Reykjavík
552-0070
www.danski.is
Best known as Damon Albarn’s hangout place back in the day, this most famous bar in Iceland is a popular destination for the artsy crowd. During the week it‘s more of a café, but on the weekend the volume rises and KB becomes one of the hottest bars in Reykjavik.
Bergstaðastræti 1, Reykjavík
551-1588
www.kaffibarinn.is
Every Friday and Saturday night the newly established Club Sólon is booming with music, dancing, cocktails and drinks on two floors until 4AM in the morning. Start your evening on the cozy 1st floor lounge area with 2-for-1 cocktails and then dance the night away with the local crowd.
Bankastræti 14, 2nd floor, Reykjavík
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.
Laugavegur 51, Reykjavík 860 9640 www.forsetinncafe.is
An open-sandwich restaurant in the Danish tradition offering authentic Danish smørrebrød along with a selection of hot dishes. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city centre and seats 80 guests. It is a popular lunch venue, especially with people from the business sector.
Lækjargata 4, Reykjavík 551-0100 www.jomfruin.is
KRYDD is an à la carte restaurant that offers a dinner and lunch menu, along with appetizers and a state of the art cocktailbar. On Sundays, it offers a brunch buffet between 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Hafnarborg, Strandgötu 34, Hafnarfjörður www.kryddveitingahus.is
Open: M-T 11-23, F-S, 11-01, S 11-23
Skreið is the latest star in the Reykjavík restaurant scene’s night sky, a wine bar and small-plates restaurant positively oozing that oldschool 101 Reykjavík charm. Rest assured that on a night out, the wine will be delicious, the food delectable, the vibe cool and relaxed, and the place and the people stylish. What more could you ask for?
Laugavegur 4, Reykjavík www.skreid.is
Sólon Íslandus is a family-friendly restaurant located right in the heart of Reykjavík, perfect for people-watching! Sólon was completely refurbished and redesigned over the last few months and re-opened with a fresh and elegant new look. Sólon has a lunch and dinner menu with several meat and fish dishes and some vegetarian options. Open every day.
Bankastræti 7, Reykjavík www.solon.is
Hlemmur Mathöll is a European style food hall featuring global delicacies alongside tasty Icelandic dishes. A former bus station, Hlemmur is now the new home for gourmands and fast food lovers alike in Reykjavík. Hlemmur brims with life on both weekends and weekdays alike, so head on down to see what the fuss is about.
Laugavegur, Reykjavík
787-6200 | www.hlemmurmatholl.is
As the name suggests, Reykjavík Meat is the city’s newest new steakhouse. The food is cooked over coals giving it a delicious flavour, and crowning their menu is the award-winning sashi marbled beef. They also offer seafood, lamb and vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as delicious cocktails!
Frakkastígur 8, Reykjavík 557-7665 | www.rvkmeat.is
BÆJARINS BEZTU
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur literally means The Town’s Best Hot Dogs. A must try while visiting, it is the perfect on-the-go food. We dare you to time the hot dog artists at Bæjarins Beztu after you order ‘ein með öllu’ (one with everything). They are incredibly quick to make a concoction of raw onions, fried onions, ketchup, remoulade, Icelandic mustard and the dog itself.
Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík 511-1566 | www.bbp.is
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
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.
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is
Minutes from the City Centre
