APRIL 2015
IN REYKJAVIK
REYKJAVIK’S LEADING GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT, EATING OUT, MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES.
www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is
CHECK OUT THE NEW
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM C O M P R I S I N G 5 TO P M U S E U M S :
Árbær Open Air Musem
The Settlement Exhibition
Viðey Island
Reykjavík Museum of Photography
More information in the Art & Culture section.
Reykjavík Maritime Museum
Reykjavík Art Museum
One admission to three museums
OPEn daily
Cory Arcangel, Quick Office, 2013, photo Sacha Maric
Ásmundur Sveinsson, The Water Carrier, photo Harpa Björnsdóttir
HafnarHús TryggvAgATA 17 Cory arcangel: all the small Things Just Painted 1 Erró and art History
KjarvalssTaðir FlókAgATA just Painted 2
Ásmundarsafn SigTún Ásmundur sveinsson: The Water Carrier –mountain+Woman
Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Open daily 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
www.artmuseum.is / artmuseum@reykjavik.is / +354 590 1200
WHAT’S ON
CONTENTS APRIL 2015
ON THE COVER APRIL IN ICELAND
26-37
We’re going with a very classic and iconic cover this month, celebrating the good man that was Leifur Eiríksson. He’s the guy that discovered America a few hundred years before Columbus did. His father also discovered Greenland, so these were quite industrious guys!
38-41
The sun is rising ever higher in the sky, setting later and rising earlier. We love just that. Gone is the gloom of winter, and enters the joyful hope of spring.
EXPERIENCE 6-25
WHAT’S ON
MUSEUM WALK
REYKJAVIK CITY MAP 42-43
EVENT CALENDAR
44-57
ART & CULTURE
58-63
NIGHTLIFE 64-65
SHOPPING & STYLE
66-69
FOOD & DRINK
70-75
PRACTICAL INFO
76-81
As usual there are loads of things going on in April and we try our best to cover most of them in the issue. The highlights in our minds are for example the Sequences realtime art festival, between the 10th and 19th of April, and the recent exhibition of the ancient Icelandic manuscripts of the Settlement Sagas. They’re on display in the same building as the Settlement Exhibition, a part of the Reykjavik City Museum, and are truly one of the crown jewels of Icelandic literature history. Then of course we have Easter. But they’re kind of a universal thing, so we just mention a bit about the specific Icelandic traditions around Easter, which, as is usual with Icelandic traditions, have to do with candy. April promises to be an exciting month. March was quite horrendous as far as weather was concerned, so we approach April with a moderate amount of optimism, as it’s still early enough in the year, that really everything can happen… But here’s for good weather, happy people and an adventurous life! Have a great stay in Iceland! – Hjörtur Atli, editor
CONTACT US: WHATSON@WHATSON.IS
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Editor: Hjörtur Atli Guðmunds. Geirdal, hjortur@whatson.is, Tel.: 847-4153. Content writers: The What’s On Team
Map: Kári Gunnarsson
Printing: Oddi, Ecolabelled Printing Company
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Layout & design: Stefán Birgir Stefáns, sbs@sbs.is 141
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Volume 33 – Issue 4. Published by MD Reykjavik ehf. Laugavegur 4, 101 Reykjavik. Publisher: Sigurþór Marteinn Tel.: 899-2255. E-mail: sm@whatson.is
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WHAT‘S ON IN REYKJAVIK is published monthly covering events and happenings in and around Reykjavik. Opinions expressed in WHAT‘S ON IN Reykjavik are those of the individual authors. While every effort has been made to ensure the information presented is accurate, prices, times, dates and other information may be subject to change.
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EXPERIENCE
THE WHAT’S ON
APRIL CHECKLIST As always – loads of things to try out and enjoy in April! Here are a few “must-do’s” in Reykjavik in April!
You can find checklists from past months on whatson.is
As ever, we encourage you to tag your photos using #WhatsOnRvk, as proof that you did all those things you’re boasting of!
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Indulge on an Easter Egg! Check out Sequences Art Festival! Visit Hallgrímskirkja on Good Friday for the Passía Concert! Check out Reykjavik Shorts&Docs Festival! Enjoy the Children’s Culture Festival! Ride a snowmobile! Climb a glacier! See the ancient manuscripts of the Settlement Sagas! Go swimming with the Reykjavik City Card! Taste the Icelandic fish and lamb!
CHECK OUT OLDER CHECKLISTS ON WHATSON.IS/CHECKLIST
ThE WondErs of
VolcanoEs
Volcano house features two documentaries chronicling two of Iceland´s most famous volcanic eruptions of the last 40 years
Vestmannaeyjar 1973, Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and other volcanoes showtimes
English: 10:00-21:00 every hour on the hour Vestmannaeyjar 1973 The eruption in Vestmannaeyjar began without warning on the night of January 23rd, 1973. 400 homes perished under ash and lava and nearly 5.000 people had to flee to the mainland in matter of hours.
Eyjafjallajökull 2010 The most famous volcano eruption in recent times; the eruption that caused much disruption in air travel over large parts of Europe. This powerful documentary made specially for Volcano House was filmed and directed by the Emmy-nominated Icelandic film maker, Jóhann Sigfússon.
Volcano cinema and Geological Exhibition You may touch Tryggvagata 11, 101 reykjavik | (354) 555 1900 volcanohouse.is
VOLCANO HOUSE
EXPERIENCE
THE REYKJAVIK COFFEE EXPERIENCE Iceland may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of coffee, but Icelanders are actually big coffee drinkers. You will find plenty of small coffee shops or cafés on nearly every street corner in downtown Reykjavík. We know of at least five places where you will get great coffee.
CAFÉ PARÍS
AUSTURSTRÆTI 14
Café Paris is one of Reykjavik city’s most beloved restaurants and cafés, and has been for twenty years. It’s ideally situated by Austurvöllur square, where Icelanders go to celebrate the sun in the summertime. Inside Café Paris, you’ll be able to relax in a calm and casual atmosphere while enjoying a warm cup of coffee. They have a wide selection of coffee drinks but their Frappuccino “à la Café Paris” deserves the highest praise. You can’t go wrong with any of their cakes if you’re in the mood for a luxurious refreshment as well.
10 DROPAR
LAUGAVEGUR 27
One of Reykjavik‘s oldest cafés, located in a hidden basement on Laugavegur that is frequented by avid loungers, coffee addicts, happy families and hungry travelers. There’s nothing pretentious about it, it’s just a lovely old-fashioned house with homelike atmosphere and generous coffee refills. If you want to try something really Icelandic with your coffee you should order flatkökur, rye pancakes with sliced smoked lamb, or pönnukökur, traditional Icelandic pancakes with sugar, or with jam and whipped cream.
Find more articles like this on whatson.is
REYKJAVIK ROASTERS KÁRASTÍGUR 1
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A small and intimate coffee shop in the city center where you’ll find first class coffee and refreshment. Their coffee is roasted in their own roasteries by their own roasting masters. When you walk in you’ll notice their beautiful La Marzocco espresso machine and two Mazzer grinders, and realize that coffee at Reykjavík Roasters is serious business. If you like your coffee, which you probably will, you can purchase whole beans in 300 gram bags or have them custom grinded for your coffee maker.
KAFFIFÉLAGIÐ
SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 10
It may be the smallest coffee shop in the country but it’s definitely one of the most popular ones too. Kaffifélagið offers a wide selection of coffee drinks made from Italian espresso beans that are grown in Ottolina, Milan. If you want to awaken your senses and make your mouth to foam with delight and deliciousness, Kaffifélagið is where you should go. The place is usually filled with busy locals getting their take-away coffee. You can also stock up on coffee beans, DVD’s and Icelandic music while you’re there.
SÓLON
BANKASTRÆTI 7A
If you’re looking for the perfect place to sit down, order a cup of coffee and watch people go on with their daily lives outside the window, Café Sólon is the place for you. The oversized artwork and sleek furniture definitely add to its appeal. Café Sólon is located in an old beautiful building in the city center with big windows and a lot of history. Their aromatic coffee will send any coffee lover over the edge, and if you’re looking for something more, than their variety of tapas plates or their seafood soup is definitely something to check out!
Svartifoss (Black waterfall) 20 metre high, famous for the surrounding hanging hexagonal black basalt columns. These columns have inspired many Icelandic architects and artists, most visibly in the design of Hallgrímskirkja church and the National Theatre. Svartifoss is located in Skaftafell National Park, close to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.
Michelsen Svartifoss The Waterfall collection was inspired by the watchmakers’ quest for perfection and the exceptionally beautiful Icelandic waterfalls Svartifoss and Goðafoss. These waterfalls deserve their names on a watch. A fine Swiss mechanical movement, hand-beveled and hand-decorated by a 4th generation Michelsen watchmaker. The Svartifoss features a high quality solid stainless steel case with black coating (DLC), and a Swiss traditional dial made by hand. Available with several strap offerings, including exotic Icelandic spotted wolffish leather.
For more information please visit www.michelsenwatch.com
Laugavegur 15 - 101 Reykjavík - Tel. 354 511 1900 - www.michelsenwatch.com
EXPERIENCE
#WhatsOnRvk So you‘re in Iceland. Enjoying life, seeing the sights and taking in everything our magnificent country has to offer. Why not share it with the world?
Follow WhatsOnIceland on Instagram for more beautiful shots from Iceland!
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We‘d love to publish your best moments from Iceland, so go ahead and tag them on Instagram, using #WhatsOnRvk.
EXPERIENCE
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CREATE YOUR
ADVENTURE
ON WHATSON.IS
Super Jeep Tour
Whale Watching
ON WHATSON.IS YOU WILL FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO CREATE YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE.
Blue Lagoon
Snowmobiling on a Glacier
LAUGAVEGUR 4, REYKJAVIK WWW.WHATSON.IS
EXPERIENCE
THE REYKJAVIK Reykjavík is filled with things to do, places to go and stuff to see but some are just a little bit more important than others.
1 | HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. The tower of the church is among the city’s highest buildings and offers a fantastic view of the city for the small price of 700ISK for adults, 100ISK for children. Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church- and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland. It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect who designed it, Guðjón Samúelsson is said to have designed it to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape.
2 | PERLAN Standing at 25 metres high, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking buildings and although it was opened to the public in 1991 it still makes a stand out piece of architecture for its modern construction. Up on the fourth level there is a 360 degree viewing platform where you can get the best panoramic views of Reykjavík and when the sun sets it’s a spectacular spot for the northern lights. You can also dine at the Perlan restaurant that slowly rotates so you get to see the whole city without even having to turn your head.
Check out our map on p. 42 for the locations of these sights.
3 | TJÖRNIN
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People go to the pond to feed the birds and enjoy one of the most amazing views that Reykjavík has to offer. There isn’t a better place in the city to enjoy a beautiful sunset and you can watch or feed a huge variety of birdlife that calls the lake home while you’re at it. When the lake freezes over in winter, hot geothermal waters are pumped in to defrost an area for the birds while those who can handle the cold keep warm from the romantic atmosphere and take to the ice on skates.
4 | AUSTURVÖLLUR When the sun is shining and the air is hot, Austurvöllur is the place to be no matter who you are. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants on Vallarstræti and Pósthússtræti, this public square is a wildly popular spot for locals to dine outside, soak up some sunshine or recline in the grass with picnics. With its close proximity to the Parliament of Iceland building, Austurvöllur has contrastingly also been the gathering place for political protests. At the center of it all stands a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the renowned figure who led Iceland to independence.
5 | KOLAPORTIÐ Whether you want to sample dried fish and fermented shark, purchase a bag of Icelandic candy or browse through thrifted clothing, Kolaportið should be the destination of your choice. Kolaportið is an indoor flea market that is open during the weekend between 11am-5pm. The atmosphere is very unique and the old industrial building is usually filled with people hunting for books or antiques, grocery shopping at the food court, selling their old garments, buying music and DVD’s or digging through piles of stuff in search of hidden treasures. We recommend bringing cash, as the majority of stalls don‘t accept cards.
6 | HARPA The whole 28.000 square meters of Harpa stand at the edge of the Reykjavik Harbour with Iceland‘s biggest concert hall suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events, conference centre with meeting facilities and in-house catering and fine restaurants. Harpa also occasionally hosts promotions, plays, and public events. It‘s open to everyone, always, and you should definitely visit Harpa, whether it‘s for a show, to buy souvenirs, a concert or a lovely dinner in one of the fabulous restaurants. Harpa was designed by a Danish firm in co-operation with Ólafur Elíasson, an Icelandic artist, and opened to the public in 2011.
7 | THE OLD HARBOR The descriptive name comes from the fact that it‘s the first lasting harbor in Reykjavik. The most visited area is the eastern pier where you’ll find a community of shops, galleries, electric bike and scooter rentals and guided tours in Reykjavík. You will find numerous whale watching companies willing to take you out to sea on unforgettable excursions. The area is filled with excellent restaurants (sushi and other seafood, tapas, burgers, etc.) and coffee houses. The atmosphere at the old harbour is friendly, the air is fresh and salty and there’s plenty of interesting activities to check out.
EXPERIENCE
SIGHT EXPERIENCE
8 | THE SUN VOYAGER
9 | CITY HALL With an impressive, modern design, the building sits right on the northern shore of Lake Tjörnin. It’s not only offices for the mayor and city’s excutive officials, but is also open to visitors, providing internet access, an information desk, exhibition halls and a cafe. Café Öndin boasts huge glass windows so you can sit back and admire the water, bird life, nature and city surrounds. Go to the galleries to admire one of the steady streams of new and exciting exhibitions always coming through. The three dimensional map of Iceland is always a favourite with visitors to the country.
10 | LAUGARDALSLAUG Every country has traditions when it comes to leisure. Iceland’s big thing is swimming pools.. Laugardalslaug is the city’s largest pool with extensive facilities, located in Laugardalur Valley. Its facilities include a 50m outdoor pool, outdoor children’s pool and paddling pool, two waterslides, numerous hot tubs, steam bath, gym and mini golf course. There really is no better place to be on a sunny day, or a cold one for that matter. Right outside you will find a hot dog stand where you can buy traditional Icelandic hot dog.
Find these places on the centerfold map.
Check out our map on p. 42 for the locations of these sights.
A beautiful sculpture of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula by Sæbraut, close to the Reykjavík center. The sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and an ode to the sun. It serves as reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland. An ideal opportunity to see Sólfarið at its best is when the sun is setting, at whatever time that may be. It should be every photographer’s dream to capture the amazing view.
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Gourmet Experience
- Steaks and Style at Argentina Steakhouse Barónsstíg 11 - 101 Reykjavík Tel: 551 9555 argentina.is
EXPERIENCE
THE WHAT’S ON
ICELAND‘S SECRET TO HEALTHY LIVING Legend has it that the Vikings introduced Skyr to Iceland when they settled in the country some 1.100 years ago. Travel back in time to any farm and Skyr would be on the table – essential nourishment for young and old. Generations past may not have been able to measure the nutritional content in the way we can now, but the life-expectancy of the average Icelander was proof enough that something good was going on. Icelanders have ever since loved the smooth texture of this incredibly healthy dairy product and today it plays a big role in the modern lifestyle
diet. Skyr is high in protein and a virtually fat-free dairy delight. Thick and creamy in consisteny, it is also rich in calcium and other nutrients. Skyr can be found at almost every home and workplace. Enjoyed at breakfast, lunchtime, pretty much anytime, it has also become a healthy „fastfood“ for active people on the go. Delicious in smoothies or energy-boosting drinks, it even features on the dessert menus of many top restaurants, which are bringing a contemporary twist to this established favourite.
For more information on skyr, visit skyr.is
SKYR EXPERIENCE
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EXPERIENCE
Skyr is available in many different varieties, both flavored and plain and in small containers and large. For an easy on-the-go treat, a spoon comes with the smaller ones. Below are some of the flavors available.
MS SKYR – PLAIN Skyr was originally only available as plain and was made at every farm in Iceland. Nowadays there are many flavors available but some still prefer the plain one. It can be enjoyed with berries and cream and perhaps with a little bit of honey or sugar. In the fall many Icelanders pick fresh berries and enjoy it with skyr. Plain Skyr is also a good base for all sorts of cold sauses.
KEA SKYR WITH VANILLA Originated in the northern part of Iceland, this is one of the most popular flavors available. The taste is full and creamy with zero fat.
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MS SKYR.IS WITH BAKED APPLES
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A new variety in this popular brand. As with other skyr, it is high in protein and fatfree as well as being low-carb. Even though it is low-carb the flavor is reminiscent of a creamy dessert.
MS SKYR.IS WITH BLUEBERRIES This is a long time favorite in Skyr.is, Skyr with blueberries has a long tradition in Iceland. The taste is very rich and full of blueberries.
(354) 58 12345
Treat yourself to Ice popular pizza. Ca land’s most ll and we deliver rig us at 58 12345 ht to your room!
EXPERIENCE
WELL-KNOWN (UNTRUE) FACTS ABOUT ICELAND By Rögnvaldur “Reggie” Guðmundsson
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ICELANDERS BELIEVE IN ELVES, TROLLS AND OTHER MYSTICAL BEINGS. EVEN SCIENCE SAYS SO, THERE WAS THAT ONE SURVEY THAT SHOWED MORE THAN HALF OF ICELANDERS DO!
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Yeeeeaaahhhh ... listen, I read that survey, and the way they got to that number was basically asking “is it impossible that elves exist” to which half the population would answer “no.” That’s not the same as actively believing in them though. I mean I don’t believe in ghosts, but I don’t want to find out I’m wrong, either! It’s not like the average person leaves out milk and honey at night for the elves. ICELAND IS GREEN, GREENLAND IS ICE. “BACK IN THE DAY, THE ICELANDERS WHO DISCOVERED GREENLAND, WANTED ICELAND TO THEMSELVES, SO THEY CALLED GREENLAND GREENLAND TO TRICK PEOPLE INTO MOVING THERE INSTEAD.” Weeeeeellllll, there’s definitely some truth to this. The sagas say Eric the Red named it Greenland because he wanted to encourage people to move there, nut actually nobody knows where the name Iceland came from. It might be so ancient that it was much icier when the name was made. But, Iceland is still plenty icy. And parts of Greenland are very green, especially in summertime.
We won’t presume to judge as to the truth of this, but do feel free to keep perpetuating it, at least it’s very flattering for Icelandic women’s egos.. ICELANDIC IS THE SAME NOW AS 1000 YEARS AGO, IN FACT, ICELANDERS CAN STILL READ THE VIKING SAGAS WITHOUT DIFFICULTY.
ICELAND IS A SCANDINAVIAN COUNTRY. Weeeeeeeelll... I mean sure it is. But if we’re gonna get technical (and we are) Scandinavia, strictly speaking, refers to the Scandinavian peninsula, on which Sweden, Norway and Denmark reside. Culturally, “Scandinavia” has come to encompass Iceland, Finland and the Faroese Islands as well. More importantly though, Iceland has about 50% of its blood from Ireland, so it’s as Celtic as it is Scandinavian. ICELANDERS ARE VIKINGS. Actually, I try to limit all my raiding and pillaging to the weekends..
But we still have some influences, words like pizza, email and “meikar sens” (makes sense) are in common usage, for instance. And though the language has remained largely unaffected from the outside, it has still changed internally, so most Icelanders today could probably not easily read the Viking manuscripts. And even if we can read them to some extent, we must bear in mind that though a word might be written the same, it is pronounced very differently today from what it was in the Viking age, so we would probably not understand a time-travelling viking today, even if he did stop murdering us long enough to have a civil conversation. Can you think of other common (untrue) myths about Iceland? Send us a message on whatson@whatson.is!
P.S. Lots of Icelandic kids are blond before they grow into their real hair colour. But then, while blond, they’re not very tall.
Find more articles like this on whatson.is
In Icelandic, “viking” was much more something you ‘did’ than something you ‘were.’ Icelanders were farmers and fishers, and then sometimes, when times were tough or the fancy took you, you would go and “viking” in England or somewhere. I mean, I see where you guys get confused, cause the only time you ever met Icelanders is when they were “viking-ing.”
Hmmmmm... Well. It is true that Icelandic is BY FAR the most original of the Scandinavian languages, which were influenced by European languages, since Iceland was so isolated and insignificant nobody bothered to colonise us much. It is also true that we have jealously guarded our language, opting to make up new words for everything from computer (“tölva”) to telephone (“sími”), rather than taking up foreign words.
EXPERIENCE
stole all the most beautiful women from Britain, which is why Icelandic women are so attractive.
Another common myth (well, common in Iceland at least) says that the Icelandic Vikings
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Also, that was a long long time ago, and frankly everyone was doing it at the time, and we really wish you would just let it go already. “ICELANDERS ARE ALL TALL AND BLOND, LIKE THE ELVES IN LORD OF THE RINGS.” No, that’s the Norwegians, silly. But seriously, Icelanders are relatively tall, but, presumably due to the generous admixture of Celtic blood, there are a lot of redheads. The commonest hair colour in Iceland? That dirty’blond colour that used to be called “mousy.” And all those blondes: BLEACHED, my dear.
EXPERIENCE
THE ICELANDIC EASTER EGG Every child‘s (and many grown-ups‘) favorite, the Icelandic Easter Egg is an institution all its own. Rather than the familiar emptied-and-coloured chicken eggs or the colourfully wrapped chocolate eggs, about the size of a normal egg, the Icelandic easter egg tends to be more an egg in name than in any other meaningful sense. They tend to be about the size of an ostrich egg or
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ÍSLENSK I BARINN www.islenskibarinn.is
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larger, the bottom is flattened to stand up better, and rather than nothing, they are filled with all kinds of candy. As a kind of ironic nod to the whole „egg“ concept, some brands have a tiny ornamental chick on top of them, while others go with smurfs or other decorations. Of course no easter egg is complete without the traditional „saying“ – a small note with a wise proverb of sorts. That‘s why, the day after easter, children and grown-ups alike will ask one another „what saying did you get“ and then they‘ll speculate how it’s relevant to the person‘s life.
ING ÓLFSSTRÆ TI 1A 101 REYKJAVÍK postur@islenskibarinn.is sími: 517 6767
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!
INGÓLFSSTRÆTI 1A
1 0 1 R E Y K J AV Í K
www.islenskibarinn.is postur@islenskibarinn.is sími: 517 6767
THE STEAK HOUSE
Steikhúsið simply means „The Steak House” and that underlines our goal, to focus solely on steaks. The Steak house is in the middle of Reykjavík, opposite the old harbor which has recently formed into a lively neighborhood of restaurants, cafes and artisan stores and work shops. When you wisit us, remember to try our “28 days” tendered meat. The heart of the place is a coal oven from Mibrasa, Spain. It is only fitting that we use coal for grilling and baking The Building housed a blacksmith and metal works in years gone by. THE KITCHEN IS OPEN FROM 17:00 TILL LATE — VISIT WWW.STEAK.IS
Booking: +354 561 1111 & steik@steik.is
WHAT’S ON
WRITINGS FROM
WHATSON.IS On our website, whatson.is, the What’s On Team works hard to consistently deliver fresh and fun stuff for everyone to read. It varies from tours and trips to current topics and everything in between! Here’s a few selections from last month!
IS ICELAND FULL OF TOURISTS? By Rögnvaldur “Reggie” Guðmundsson Posted March 19th, 2015, in News
Check out the What’s On blog archives on whatson.is/blog
Recently I read an article about the countries with the greatest proportion of tourists to locals, and was very surprised to find Iceland near the top of the list. Iceland has certainly become more popular in recent years and tourists have become more prominent in the city, but I still think it’s a far cry from the tourist traps and sunny beach resorts I’ve been to. It got me thinking, because it comes up every once in a while, that people will ask “where are the restaurants that the Icelanders eat at?” or ...
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CONTINUE READING ON WHATSON.IS/NEWS
ONE DOESN’T SIMPLY WALK INTO THE BLUE LAGOON By Elín Elísabet Einarsdóttir Posted March 5th, 2015, in Things to Do If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, I assume you’ve heard of the Blue Lagoon, the unique pool and spa located in the middle of a lava field. Odds are you’ll want to check it out, but these days you have to make sure to book a few days in advance. CONTINUE READING ON WHATSON.IS/THINGS-TO-DO
The Blue Lagoon is so hugely popular that they’ve had to start using a system to control the number of ...
TWO HOSTELS IN REYKJAVIK ARE THE WORLD’S BEST! By Elín Elísabet Einarsdóttir Posted March 2nd, 2015, in News Loft Hostel and Reykjavik Downtown Hostel, both hostels in Reykjavik, have been awarded as Hostelling International’s best hostels in the world! The results are based on reviews from online bookings, and out of 2500 hostels that are bookable online, these two are in first and second place. It’s the first time ever that two of the best hostels are in the same country, and they’re right here in Iceland! ...
CONTINUE READING ON WHATSON.IS/NEWS
By sbs Posted March 1st, 2015, in Food and Drink
CONTINUE READING ON WHATSON.IS/FOOD-N-DRINK
Yesterday was a beautiful Saturday—bright with blue skies and snow everywhere—here in Iceland, so we decided to go to downtown Reykjavik and check out the artisan food market in our great concert hall by the sea, Harpa. Being a great connoisseur of food I was excited to see what awaited us, and I was not disappointed. This was not the first time I went to the artisan food market, organized by the wonderfully cheesy Búrið...
THE GOLDEN PLOVER IS HERE AND I’M CRYING TEARS OF JOY
WHAT’S ON
ICELANDIC FOOD MARKET IN HARPA, REYKJAVIK
By Elín Elísabet Einarsdóttir Posted March 19th, 2015, in News The Golden Plover has arrived. This marks the start of my favourite time of year, SPRING! I’m way too optimistic and excited about this, as a proper Icelander always is. Today we had a non-windy day (those’ve been a rarity this winter), so that combined with the news of the plover being here is just making me ecstatic. Why the fuss about the plover, you may ask. Well the Golden Plover is the Icelander’s favourite bird because we associate it with the arrival of spring ...
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Bada Bing, Laugavegur 4, 101 Reykjavík
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Ice Cream • Hot Cocoa • Waffles
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WHAT’S ON
PASSÍA
MUSIC FOR THE MIND AND THE HEART AT HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA
For more info on events at Hallgrímskirkja during Easter, check out our online Event Calendar at www.whatson.is/ec
The magnificent oratorio Passía, Op 28, by Hafliði Hallgrímsson will be performed in Hallgrímskirkja on Good Friday, April 3, at 5 pm. Passía premiered in 2001 to great acclaim and a recording of the oratorio was subsequently widely praised.
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Passía was commissioned from Hafliði Hallgrímsson by The Friends of the Arts Society of Hallgrímskirkja to commemorate 1000 years of Christianity in Iceland and premiered in Hallgrímskirkja in February 2001. The following year it was performed again in a revised version and recorded. This third concert performance of the oratorio has been eagerly awaited. Passía was released on CD by the Finnish recording company Ondine in 2003 and received glowing reviews in several respected international music magazines. The consensus of the critics was that while artistically Passía is an extremely ambitious work, it is noticably accessible and moving. Passía is closely linked to Hallgrímskirkja. In the words of the composer: “The noble and peaceful interior of Hallgrímskirkja (which is named after the poet), as well as the sensitive acoustics of the church, played an important part in the creation of Passía. In a sense, this work uses the church as an instrument, as a delicate sounding board for its mysterious content.”
Easter Events at Hallgrímskirkja APRIL 2ND HOLY THURSDAY 17:00 Children’s Music Festival
APRIL 3RD GOOD FRIDAY 11:00 Passia Readings 17:00 Passia Concert
APRIL 5TH EASTER 11:00 Easter Mass
ALL MONTH Streymi - Exhibitions of new paintings by Guðbjörg Ringsted. More events and info on whatson.is/ec
The oratorio is dedicated to the Motet Choir of Hallgrímskirkja and the musical director of the church, Hörður Áskelsson, who received the Icelandic Music Award and the Cultural Prize of the newspaper DV in 2002 for his interpretation of the piece. Tickets can be purchased at Hallgrímskirkja and online at midi.is, the price is 4.900 ISK.
“New music for the mind and for the heart” Bavarian Radio
“Music of the most sublime beauty” The International Record Review
“Passion for our time” BBC
“Timeless quality” of this “dramatic, magnificently sung setting of the Passion story from Iceland”
“A modern religious masterpiece” ***** BBC Music Magazine
***** Gramophone
PASSÍA
PASSIO by HAFLIÐI HALLGRÍMSSON
Painting by Hafliði Hallgrímsson
for mixed choir, 2 soloists and 35 instrumentalists
Festive concert in Hallgrímskirkja
Good Friday, April 3 at 5 pm Performers:
Hanna Dóra Sturludóttir mezzo-soprano
Winner of the Icelandic Music Award 2015 – Female Singer of the Year
Elmar Gilbertsson tenor
Winner of the Icelandic Music Award 2015 – Male Singer of the Year
Hallgrímskirkja Chamber Orchestra Hallgrímskirkja Motet Choir Conductor: Hörður Áskelsson, Music Director of Hallgrímskirkja Admission: ISK 4.900 - Ticket sale in Hallgrímskirkja and midi.is.
The Hallgrímskirkja Friends of the Arts Society 33rd Season
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WHAT’S ON
SETTLEMENT SAGAS: A NEW EXHIBITION OF ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS
The Reykjavík City Museum is proud to present Settlement Sagas. The central feature of this new exhibition are of the nation’s greatest treasures, ancient manuscripts that are usually kept under lock and key at The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. It is therefore a great honour for us to be able to put on public display for the first time these items that tell us so much about Reykjavík’s past.
More info on DesignMarch on whatson.is
The exhibition will be in the same building as the Settlement Exhibition, so visitors will be able to view the manuscripts alongside various other artefacts that have been discovered in the Reykjavík area and therefore attain a better understanding of their significance within the wider context of the history of the Settlement. This is a unique opportunity to look back in time at the beginnings and development of Iceland’s capital city over a period of more than a millennium.
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Settlement Sagas comprises some of the nation’s most renowned documents, many of them written in the twelfth century but relating events that go back as far as 874 AD, when the first settlers are said to have come to Iceland. Recognised by the International World Heritage Programme as having outstanding cultural value, the documents on display include Landnámabók (the Book of the Settlement), Íslendingabók, Kjalnesingasaga, Jónsbók and the Bill of Purchase for Reykjavík (1615).
It is Iceland’s literary heritage that has preserved this ancient language and helps us remain in touch with the beginnings of our culture. They have shaped our view of history and given us a unique basis from which to study our origins as a nation and our long-standing relationship among the other Nordic countries. The Settlement Exhibition focuses on the settlement of Iceland in 874 AD and first few decades after that. The artefacts there give us an invaluable insight into the life and times of the first people to inhabit the Reykjavík area and the ways in which they adapted to their new environment. The exhibition is founded on archaeological and other scientific research and introduces visitors to the latest facts and interpretations forwarded by a range of experts. These two very different exhibitions afford an unprecedented view into the ancient origins of Icelandic culture. One based on archaeological findings from the days of the Settlement, the other on ancient documents from the same period. This is also the first time Iceland’s literary heritage and archaeological history have been placed side by side for the general public. In addition, the preservation of these precious manuscripts is one of the reasons why UNESCO officially designated Reykjavík as one of its Cities of Literature in 2011.
Iceland’s most precious cultural heritage
Reykjavík City Museum is proud to present Settlement Sagas. The central feature of this new exhibition are of the nation’s greatest treasures, ancient manuscripts that are usually kept under lock and key at The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. Recognised by unesco as having outstanding cultural value, the documents on display include Landnámabók (the Book of the Settlement), Íslendingabók, Kjalnesingasaga, Jónsbók and the Bill of Purchase for Reykjavík (1615). The Settlement Exhibition Settlement Sagas Aðalstræti 16/Reykjavík Open daily 9 – 20 www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is
WHAT’S ON
SEQUENCES VII Sequences VII real-time art festival opens its biennial in Reykjavík on April 10 and will run until April 19.
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An offspring of the dynamic art scene that thrives in Reykjavik, Sequences real-time art festival is an independent biennial that aims to produce and present progressive visual art with special focus on time-based mediums, such as performance, sonic works, video and public interventions. Sequences is the only art festival in Iceland that focuses solely on visual arts.
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Sequences VII presents the work of 25 local and international artists ranging from well established names such as Margrét H. Blöndal and Finnbogi Péturson to young emerging newly graduates. Sequences VII is proud to present this years honorary artist, Carolee Schneemann.
Events will take place in various locations all over Reykjavík. An off-venue program will run along Sequence’s official schedule. Majority of events are free of entrance and open for everyone. For more information visit www.sequences.com.
Artists not to miss! »» Styrmir Örn Guðmundsson »» Finnbogi Pétursson »» Carolee Schneemann »» Kris Lemsalu »» Francesca Grilli
Kolabrautin is on 4th floor Harpa Reservations +354 519 9700 info@kolabrautin.is www.kolabrautin.is
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE AND A VIEW LIKE NO OTHER
ICELANDIC FRESHNESS MEETS ITALIAN TRADITION A meal at the elevated fourth floor of Harpa concert hall is a destination in itself. Relax and enjoy fine Italian cuisine complemented with a spectacular panoramic view of ReykjavĂk and the surrounding horizon.
WHAT’S ON
WEIRD THINGS TO DO IN REYKJAVIK Many people ask us if there are some weird or unusual things to do while staying here. Of course there are! We‘re eccentric people who lived in isolation for about 1000 years. Something off is bound to happen under these circumstances.
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Here are some tips for weird stuff to try while in Iceland.
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1 | EAT ICE CREAM Okay, maybe this doesn’t sound too weird. Who doesn’t like ice cream? Try eating ice cream in the rain, in the snow, heavy winds or your regular sunny day. And during all times of day, midday, midnight, after dinner, in the morning – you name it. We like our ice cream and we enjoy it all year round. Hell if we were to limit ourselves to eating ice cream only when it’s sunny and nice then we wouldn’t have ice cream shops! Here’s a fun tip. If you’re asking an Icelander (boy or girl) out on a date, ask them to come on an ísrúntur (e. ice cream drive). It’s the typical ice breaker (pun intended) into a starting a relationship. It’s pronounced “eehs-roont-uhr”.
2 | HAVE DINNER AT THE COACH TERMINAL Better yet, eat cooked sheep heads at the
coach terminal! The main coach terminal in Reykjavik, BSÍ, is a known restaurant in Iceland. Many people go there for the traditional bus stop meals such as hamburgers or hot dogs. But the dish they are most famous for is the “kjammi og kók” which is cooked sheep’s head, served with beet stew and an ice cold Coca Cola. You just have to try it.
3 | PEE IN THE SALTY SEA When you live on an island, the language and especially proverbs will obviously revolve around the sea a lot. If you hear someone say “you’ve never peed in the salty sea” it’s being implied that you’re somehow inferior and haven’t seen anything noteworthy. This was often said about the people who lived on land and never had to experience the perils of the sea. So please pee in the sea, so you don’t come off as a total newb.
No I’m not kidding. High on Laugavegur, close to the main bus stop Hlemmur, you will find the Icelandic Phallological Museum. The museum has over 200 items on display and happens to be unique in the world. All mammals you would find in Icelandic nature, such as whale, mink, mouse and goat, are represented along with the crown jewel: a human penis. Don’t miss this unusual museum while in Iceland. www.phallus.is
5 | GET NAKED! …at the local swimming pool. We constantly hear stories of bewilderment of Icelandic swimming pool habits. Most our pools are outside heated with geothermal water from the ground. We swim all year round and we’re not shy in the locker room. Do bring your bathing suits though.
…or in nature. You won’t be able to swim in the legendary Geysir (it’s almost 100° celcius). However there are tons of warm hot springs that you can take a dip into. The closest one would be right outside of Hveragerði in Reykjadalur.
WHAT’S ON
4 | GO TO THE PENIS MUSEUM
What are some other weird things you’ve learned about Iceland? Let us know on www. whatson.is.
AN ARTICLE BY HJALTI RÖGNVALDSSON Hjalti is passionate about everything Icelandic, whether it is nature, culture, food, drink or music – he’s even attended Iceland Airwaves 8 times! He spends his time wandering around Iceland looking for new interesting things to share. For more things Hjalti, follow him on Twitter (www.twitter.com/hjaltir)
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WHAT’S ON
THE REYKJAVIK MUSEUM WALK Reykjavik is rich with culture and history which can be experienced in the many museums that our city has to offer. To make life easier for you, here is a proposed Museum Walk that covers the best bits of downtown Reykjavik, while within a walking distance. 1
VOLCANO HOUSE
The museum gives visitors an idea of the real life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur daily and Icelandic nature is in a state of constant flux. Volcano House lets you experience the world of Icelanders by coming as close as possible to experiencing an eruption or earthquake for yourself. They also have an in-house cinema where they offer two back-to-back documentaries on historical volcanic eruptions.
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REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY
The museum’s main objective is to present both historical and contemporary photography in an artistic, social and cultural context, as well as nurture public and scholarly interest in photography and its culture. The collection’s themes are diverse, you can find family photographs, photos from portrait studios, industrial- and advertising photographs, press photography, landscape photographs and more.
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THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND
The nation’s most precious treasures are kept and displayed at The National Museum of Iceland that was established on the 24th of February in 1863. The aim of the museum is to increase and relay knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage from the beginning until now. At the museum you will find objects that provide insight into Icelandic cultural history and displays from different eras.
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THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND
The principal art museum of Iceland, established in 1884. Its art collection consists mainly of 19th and 20th century art works. In its possession are many of the keystones of Icelandic art history, as well as a growing collection of works from other countries. The National Gallery’s main role is to collect, preserve, research and exhibit Icelandic art and offer education about it, as well as there is a considerable emphasis laid on showing Icelandic art in context with international art.
REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM
Hafnarhús serves as the m u s e u m ’s i n s t i t u t e o f contemporary art, where new developments in art are explored through d i ve r s e ex h i b i t i o n s o f Icelandic and international artists. An exhibition of paintings by well known pop artist Erró is a permanent feature. You’ll really like the restaurant inside that has a beautiful view over the harbour. Don’t forget to stop by the Hafnarhús shop for postcards, art posters and books published by the museum.
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THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION
Archaeological remains were excavated in Aðalstræti in 2001, which turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavík.The relics are now preserved at their original location as the focal point of the Settlement Exhibition. The construction of Viking Age buildings is explained using multimedia technology and computer technology is used to give an impression of what life was like in the hall.
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GREAT FOODGOOD DRINKS ATMO HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 17-19
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UNO at Ingólfstorg | Tel. 561 1313 | www.uno.is
Enjoy the freedom of riding To ride an Icelandic horse in the Icelandic nature is something you have to experience at least once in a lifetime. Our day tours are operated all year, every day from our Riding Centre in Hafnarfjörður, only 15 minutes drive from Reykjavik. We offer a variety of shorter and longer tours for beginners to experienced riders.
For further information check out our website www.ishestar.is, call +354 555 7000 or be our friend on Facebook.
Party Every Night. Cocktails! Live Music Every Night! 50 different kinds of beer. Live Sports Coverage Kitchen open from 11.00. Ribs, burgers, chicken wings!
LIFE IS SHORT - DRINK EARLY AUSTURSTRAETI 8 • REYKJAVIK
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WHAT’S ON HOUSE 6
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Check out the article The Reykjavik Sight Experience on pages 14-15 for more information about the places numbered here.
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REYKJAVIK CITY MAP
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With so much to see and do, why not rent a car with audio guided day tour GPS system?
Perfect day tours for the independent traveller My Way is your own audio day tour consisting of a suitable car for you and your friends together with an audio guide programmed into the GPS system. Sold in cooperation with Avis and Budget car rentals. My Way audio guided daytours exsamples: Reykjanes Peninsula
Reykjavík – Gardskagi, Hafnir, Blue Lagoon, Kleifarvatn – Hafnarfjördur Volcanic wonders and some of our country’s most unforgettable sights. The Reykjanes peninsula tour offers an extreme variety of landscapes, lava fields and geothermal activity,
MIN: 4HRS
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Golden Circle
Reykjavík – Gullfoss & Geysir Iceland’s most popular day tour, The Golden Circle, a route which encompasses many of Iceland’s most famous landmarks. This tour includes some of the best known historical sites and natural phenomena in Iceland.
MIN: 5HRS APX: 250KM
Only available from: &
To book your own day tour • Contact Avis, tel. 591 4000 or Budget, tel. 562 6060. • Ask the hotel or next information centre to book it for you. • Visit the My Way website mywayiniceland.is
South Shore
Reykjavík – South Shore to Vík – Reykjavík You drive along the south coast of Iceland passing by glaciers and volcanoes, black sand coastline and moss-covered lava fields as far as the charming village Vík í Mýrdal.
MIN: 8HRS
APX: 400KM
BERGSTAÐASTRÆTI 74, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE, SUN 14-17
IN THE LIGHT OF THE DAYS PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS BY ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON The works of Ásgrímur Jónsson span a long period in the history of our nation - the times of struggle for independence and times of conflict as the rural society is disintegrating and Reykjavík is becoming a municipality. The interpretation of the seen and the unseen, landscape and oral tradition were his main topics throughout his career spanning the first half of the twentieth century. His paintings and drawings reflect sincere love for the country and the nation. The works chosen for the exhibition reflect the width in the artist‘s themes.
IN THE LIGHT OF THE DAYS...
EVENT CALENDAR
ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND FRÍKIRKJUVEGUR 7, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE-SUN 11-17
WOMEN STEP FORWARD – PORTRAITS OF 30 WOMEN OF ICELANDIC ART
SETTLEMENT SAGAS
A KASSEN - CARNEGIE ART AWARD 2014
This year a century has passed since women obtained the rights to wote. On this occasion The National Gallery of Art invites its guests to take a closer look at the works of 30 women whose attribution granted Icelandic women a say in their quest for rights and opportunity. It seems that Icelandic women artists
The Carnegie Art Award is a prestigious art prize, established in 1998 by the Carnegie Investment Bank with the aim of promoting contemporary Nordic painting and promising young artists from Scandinavia. In November 2013 A Kassen won third prize, awarded the sum of SEK 400,000 and an obligation to take part in a touring exhibition.
THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION AÐALSTRÆTI 16, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 9-20
SETTLEMENT SAGAS The central feature of this new exhibition are the nation‘s greatest treasures, ancient manuscripts that are usually kept under lock at The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic studies. This is a temporary exhibition and a rare opportunity to see these culturally valuable manuscripts that describe the settlement in Reykjavik.
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understood from early on that without an independent means of expression there was hardly any freedom.
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EVENT CALENDAR Read more about these events on whatson.is 46
REYKJAVÍK MARITIME MUSEUM GRANDAGARÐUR 8, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 10-17
THE HISTORY OF SAILING This exhibition recounts Iceland’s maritime history and the growth of Reykjavík Harbor. Iceland’s settlement can be traced to Nordic seafarers sailing the North Atlantic. The first settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, chose the area that is now Reykjavík to make his home. It was a natural haven, with the inlet at Grandagarður being well sheltered for pulling boats safely ashore. For centuries, this natural harbor was one of the country’s main fisheries and trading centers, and over the years, Reykjavík Harbor grew to become Iceland’s largest port..
FROM POVERTY TO ABUNDANCE Portrays the Icelandic fisheries at the turn of the 20th century, and realistically depicts the lives of Icelandic fishermen. During this time, tenant fishermen resided in modest coastal cottages during the fishing season. On display is Farsæll, an original four-person rowboat built around 1900 in the Westman Islands.
SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM LAUGARNESTANGI 70, REYKJAVIK OPEN: SAT-SUN 14-17
Closed until April 22nd.
INTERPLAY From April 22nd. A new light will be shed on the relationship between the Danish architect Finn Juhl (1912-1989) and Sigurjón Ólafsson in the years of 1940 to 1945. Both of them were pioneers, each in his field, and both went unexplored paths in their experiments with form and material. The exhibition will include Finn Juhl’s furniture which he presented at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild’s furniture exhibitions in 1940 and 1941; the chair
UN PEU PLUS
The Pelikan and the sofa The Poet, along with sculptures by Sigurjón which Finn Juhl chose to interplay with his furnitures.
MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART GARÐATORG 1, 210 GARÐABÆR OPEN: TUE-SUN 12-17
UN PEU PLUS Fahion designer Helga Björnsson spent years in the midst of the haute couture at Louis Féraud in Paris and has created costumes for Icelandic theatres. Her drawings and sketches are works of an artist. With only a few pencil lines she conjures up both elegance and sensuality. Her rich fantasy and strong demand to always surpass oneself have created a body of work that in its simplicity exposes the art of the one who works in the fast-paced world of fashion.
ÁMUNDI In a career that now spans 30 years, Ámundi Sigurðsson has worked every kind of project imaginable in visual mediums for graphic designers. The
designer‘s position, listening to his client‘s wishes and working within a certain framework requires him to be a good reader of his environment and skilled at identifying his client‘s needs. Ámundi‘s body of work certainly displays decades of style history but his work is mostly characterized by the contrasts found in the conflict of the creative urge on one hand and the request for riveting images on the other.
HAFNARBORG STRANDGATA 34, HAFNAFJÖRÐUR OPEN: DAILY 12-17, EXCEPT THU 12-21 AND CLOSED TUE.
MEN The exhibition Men focuses on the status of men at the beginning of the 21st century and the changes that have occurred in the circumstances of the revised status of women.
CAIRNS An exhibition of works by Icelandic artist Jónína Guðnadóttir.
ICELANDIC GOURMET MENU
Freshly caught seafood and free range lamb – with a modern twist
DINNER
6 COURSE MENU STARTS WITH A “REFRESHING“ SHOT OF THE NATIONAL SNAPS BRENNIVÍN ICELANDIC OCEAN PERCH Slow cooked ocean perch, beetroot purée, spicy butter, serrano ham, beetroot ICELANDIC MINKE WHALE Shallot vinaigrette, crispy Jerusalem artichokes ICELANDIC SEA TROUT Yuzu mayo, truffle mayo, crispy quinoa, apple ICELANDIC PLAICE Samphire, green asparagus, blood orange, lime beurre blanc RACK OF FREE RANGE ICELANDIC LAMB Lamb fillet, leeks, pickled onions, browned celeriac, baked carrots, spinach and dill cream Dessert by pastry chef Axel Þ. CHOCOLATE ROSE Chocolate mousse, raspberry gel, Sacher layer 7.990 kr. Austurstræti 16
101 Reykjavík
Tel: 551 0011
apotek.is
EVENT CALENDAR
the diversity of contemporary painting has attracted attention. Iceland is no exception. Artists of all ages, with very different artistic styles and ideologies, have chosen painting as their primary art medium. To give an overview of painting in Iceland today, the Reykjavík Art Museum presents exhibition in two parts at Hafnarhús and Kjarvalsstaðir displaying works by 85 active artists. Such an extensive overview of Icelandic contemporary painting has never been presented before. Curators: Hafþór Yngvason and Kristján Steingrímur Jónsson.
CORY ARCANGEL: ALL THE SMALL THINGS Until April 12th.
Read more about these exhibitions on whatson.is/ec
CORY ARCANGEL
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REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM HAFNARHÚS TRYGGVAGATA 17, REYKJAVIK OPEN: FRI-WED 10-17, THU 10-20
ERRÓ AND ART HISTORY At Hafnarhús, works are always on display which provide insight into the work of Erró. The theme of this exhibition is art history itself: over the years, Erró has established a close and creative relationship with that history. Erró is well known for creating his own visual
world in his collages; and in this exhibition we see works in which he has borrowed images and fragments of pictures by some of the leading artists in history, such as Picasso and Léger. He also references the work of lesser-known artists of different periods. In that way Erró may be said to write his own version of the history of art, through his works.
JUST PAINTED 1 Until April 19th. In recent years, painting has been gaining an ever-stronger foothold worldwide. New emphasis and
Reykjavík Art Museum is proud to present All the Small Things, a solo exhibition of new works by American artist Cory Arcangel (b. 1978). Although Arcangel is only in his thirties, he has already made a name for himself in the art world as a pioneer who combines digital technologies with art. Besides creating and manipulating drawings, sculptures, photographs, and videos with digital tools, Arcangel is also notorious for his clever re-configuration of video games by tweaking computer code. He finds an abject beauty in technologies that were once state-ofthe-art and are doomed to obsolescence.
REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM ÁSMUNDARSAFN SIGTÚN, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 13-17
ÁSMUNDUR SVEINSSON:THE WATER CARRIER– MOUNTAIN+WOMAN Until April 26th. The exhibition commemorates the centenary of Icelandic women gaining the right to vote, under a royal decree of 19 June 1915. Ásmundur
REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM – KJARVALSSTAÐIR FLÓKAGATA 24, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 10-17
JUST PAINTED II
REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY TRYGGVAGATA 15, 101 REYKJAVIK OPEN: MON-THU 12-19, FRI 12-18, SAT-SUN 13-17
ICELAND DEFENCE FORCE In 2006 the US naval air base at Keflavík closed down after more than half a century. Bragi
ÁSMUNDUR SVEINSSON
ICELAND DEFENCE FORCE
Þór Jósefsson took these photographs on the base, after the military had departed. After the Cold War came to an end around 1990, the base lost much of its strategic importance, and its operations were gradually wound down until it closed in 2006, and the US military presence came to an end after 55 years. At that point Bragi Þór took his photo series Iceland Defence Force, showing the abandoned US base amid Icelandic lava fields. This American ghost town
had a 110-volt electrical supply (and not the Icelandic 220v), and its water supply was chlorinated according to American rules (a phenomenon unknown in Iceland, as the spring water is so pure). Few Icelanders had any experience of life on the base, and in the photographs it is seen abandoned, and unambiguously foreign. Bragi Þór Jósefsson graduated in photography in 1987 from the Rochester Institute of Technology, USA, and has been a professional photographer ever since.
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In recent years the painting has been gaining an ever-stronger foothold worldwide. New emphasis and expansion of the medium has attracted attention and the focus has been on the diversity of contemporary painting. Iceland is no exception. Artists of all ages, with very different artistic styles and ideologies, have chosen the painting as their primary art medium. To give an overview of painting in Iceland today, the Reykjavík Art Museum presents two exhibitions, the first one at Hafnarhús and the second at Kjarvalsstaðir displaying works by 87 active artists, 27 at Hafnarhús and 60 at Kjarvalsstaðir. Such an extensive overview of Icelandic contemporary painting has never been presented before. Curators: Hafþór Yngvason and Kristján Jónsson.
EVENT CALENDAR
Sveinsson’s iconic sculpture Vatnsberinn /The Water Carrier (1937) is the focus and the leitmotiv of the exhibition. The exhibition will include, in addition to the Water Carrier, a selection of Ásmundur’s other sculptures, in a colloquy with works by Arna Valsdóttir, Daníel Magnússon, Kristín Gunnlaugsdóttir, Níels Hafstein, Ólöf Nordal, Ragnhildur Stefánsdóttir and Sigurður Guðmundsson.
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Amtmannsstíg 1 • 101 Reykjavík • 561 3303 • www.torfan.is
FROM REYKJAVIK Daily at 13:00 53€
All aboard foer! adventur Daily at 21:00 53€
WE GO THE EXTRA MILE! Book online www.specialtours.is / info@specialtours.is Call us +354 560 8800, or visit our ticket sale at the old harbour
SUÐURGATA 41, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE-SUN 11-17
ON A WAYLESS SEA An installation by visual artist Kristinn E. Hrafnsson. Oceans and navigation in bygone days, locations and directions are exhibited. Works by the artist intermingle with items from the museum collection relating to the exhibition’s theme.
HOUSES IN THE TOWN
HOUSES IN THE TOWN Photographs of Reykjavík buildings by Kristinn Guðmundsson Over a little more than a decade, 1975-87, the photographer had taken photographs in various places in the southwest of Iceland, but primarily in central Reykjavík. He appears to have taken his photographs mainly on public holidays and at weekends when the downtown area was quiet, and few people were about. He went from building to building, capturing them on film, as if he realized that a transformation lay ahead. Because the photos span such a brief period, the archive constitutes a powerful mirror of its time. There was no indication of the identity of the photographer, but one negative sleeve provided a clue when enabled him to be traced.
The exhibition is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Settlement to the present day. The aim is to cast light on the Icelanders’ past by placing the cultural heritage preserved by the National Museum in a historical context, guided by the question: What makes a nation? The exhibition includes about 2,000 objects, dating from the Settlement Age to the present, as well as about 1,000 photographs
WHO? WHERE? WHAT?
from the 20th century. It is conceived as a journey through time: it begins with the ship in which medieval settlers crossed the ocean to their new home, it ends in a modern airport, the Icelanders’ gateway to the world.
WHO? WHERE? WHAT? Unidentified photographs from the Icelandic Museum of Photography in the National Museum When photographers’ archives come into museums and collections, it often transpires that the photographers have failed to keep notes of the subjects of the pictures. They themselves
knew what the photo showed, and remembered where and when it was taken, so they had no need for such records. In order to make the best possible use of an image, it must be placed in its historic context, located in time and place. Such information greatly enhances the value and usefulness of the picture. On several occasions the National Museum has asked its visitors to help by examining unidentified photographs, and providing information on where they were taken, when and of whom. This has been a great success.
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THE MAKING OF A NATION - HERITAGE AND HISTORY IN ICELAND
EVENT CALENDAR
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND
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EVENT CALENDAR Read more about these exhibitions on whatson.is/ec 52
EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM EIRÍKSGATA, REYKJAVÍK OPEN: SAT-SUN 13-17
A museum in the heart of Reykjavík and houses the life work of Icelands first Sculptor Einar Jónsson.
THE CINEMA GEIRSGATA 7B, REYKJAVIK
The Cinema is a cosy little movie theatre on the Old Harbour waterfront in the Reykjavik Centre, which offers a wide variety of different documentaries about everything from Volcanoes to Northern Lights to Glaciers made by the renowned Icelandic filmmaker Valdimar Leifsson. It has an impressive selection of scheduled shows as well as a possibility to book specifically a number of others, including films in German. Currently, all their screenings include a short feature about the recent eruption at Bárðarbunga, which started
THE CINEMA
in August 2014. This includes cutting edge footage shot from a drone, which has drawn attention internationally, and which The Cinema was involved in creating. This footage in addition to other incredible and dramatic material is used to highlight the awesome power and beauty of the phenomenon.
THE CULTURE HOUSE HVERFISGATA 15, REYKJAVIK
POINTS OF VIEW From April 18th. The exhibition gives visitors the chance to delve into the collections of six different cultural institutions, the National Museum of Iceland, National Gallery of Iceland, Natural History Museum,
CHECK OUT EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MUSEUMS IN REYKJAVÍK AND NEIGHBORING TOWNS—THE EXHIBITIONS, THE EVENTS AND ALL THE INFORMATION—ON WWW.WHATSON.IS/MUSEUMS.
National Archives of Iceland, National and University Library of Iceland and Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. Points of view will offer an innovative guide to a nation’s cultural history exhibiting thousand-year-old treasures e.g. manuscripts to the latest in Icelandic art.
FINALLY WE’RE HERE • Enterprise is one of the biggest car rentals in the world. • Only new car models. • Unlimited mileage. • 24/7 breakdown service. • Free hotel pick up within Reykjavík city limits.
* At your hotel within Reykjavik City limits.
BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík • Info-IS@EnterpriseRentACar.com • www.EnterpriseRentACar.is • Tel. +354 519 9300
EVENT CALENDAR
SEQUENCES
NOTABLE FESTIVITIES & RECURRING EVENTS THE ICELAND EXPO PAVILION
APRIL 2ND SKÍRDAGUR
The pavilion features a unique 360-degree film where the walls and ceiling form a visual unity. More info on whatson.is.
Read more about these exhibitions on whatson.is/ec
NOTABLE DAYS Holy Thursday
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April 21st-26th, more info on whatson.is
APRIL 3RD FÖSTUDAGURINN LANGI Good Friday
EVERY DAY AT HARPA.
APRIL 5TH PÁSKADAGUR
ALL THAT JAZZ
Easter
MÚLINN-JAZZ CLUB
APRIL 6TH ANNAR Í PÁSKUM
Monday nights at Harpa.
Second day of Easter (because that’s how we roll)
KEXJAZZ
APRIL 23RD FIRST DAY OF SUMMER
Tuesday nights at Kex Hostel.
Celebrated with outdoor fun times in the snow.
FESTIVAL CITY
PUB QUIZ PUB QUIZ AT BAR ANANAS
REYKJAVIK SHORTS&DOCS FESTIVAL 2015
Every Sunday night.
April 9th-12th, more info on whatson.is
MOVIE QUIZ AT LEBOWSKI BAR
SEQUENCES VII
Every Thursday night.
April 10th-19th, more info on page 34
TECTONICS
COZY SUNDAY
April 16th-17th, more info on whatson.is
Sundays at Kex Hostel.
CHILDREN’S CULTURE FESTIVAL
Activities for the whole family.
e c r u o s A alth e h f o
Th er m al sw i m m ing po ols
Hot t ubs and jacuzz i
Sa un as , steamb at hs an d sh ow er s
*Admission February 2014. Price is subject to change ge
Reykjavik's Thermal Pools
*
O N LY
0LiTsSk. 60 D A U k. 130DiRsEN CHIL
Fo r he alt h an d we ll- be ing
Se ve n loc at ion s
Op en ea rl y un t il lat e
Thermal pools a and d baths in Reykjavik a are e a source of health, rrelaxation elaxation and purenes pureness. s. All of the city´s swimming pools have several hot pots with temperatures ranging from 37˚ to 42˚C (98˚–111˚F). The pools are kept at an average temperature of 29˚ C (84˚ F).
Tel: +354 411 5000 • www.spacity.is
EVENT CALENDAR
ONE-OFF EVENTS APRIL 2ND, THURSDAY
ÁSMUNDARSAFN
»» Jesus Christ Superstar
»» Influential Women Discussed by Women of Influence
»» Workshop for kids
APRIL 4TH, SATURDAY HAFNARHÚS »» Film-screening of FRESHBUZZ (subway.com) by Cory Arcangel.
TJARNARBÍÓ »» Carroll: Berserkur
APRIL 14TH, TUESDAY
HARPA
TJARNARBÍÓ
»» How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes
»» Carroll: Berserkur
APRIL 8TH, WEDNESDAY HARPA »» Múlinn-Jazz Club: DÓH Trio and Two Beat Dogs
APRIL 9TH, THURSDAY TJARNARBÍÓ »» Carroll: Berserkur
HAFNARHÚS »» Symposium in connection with the exhibitions Just Painted 1 and 2.
APRIL 15TH, WEDNESDAY HARPA »» Múlinn-Jazz Club: Sigurður Flosason Quartet
TJARNARBÍÓ »» Carroll: Berserkur
APRIL 16TH, THURSDAY TJARNARBÍÓ »» Carroll: Berserkur
APRIL 17TH, FRIDAY GAMLA BÍÓ
»» More of Mozart
APRIL 10TH, FRIDAY SALURINN »» Pioneers of Rock
Read more about these events on whatson.is/ec
APRIL 23RD, THURSDAY
NATIONAL GALLERY
HARPA
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APRIL 12TH, SUNDAY
HARPA
REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY
»» RuPauls Drag Race: Battle of the Seasons in ICELAND!
TJARNARBÍÓ »» Carroll: Berserkur
APRIL 18TH, SATURDAY KJARVALSSTAÐIR
»» “Why? Thoughts about my photography” with Þórdís Erla Ágústsdóttir
»» Mini-workshop: Caution – Wet Paint! Painting Workshop for kids in the Idea-Lab.
TJARNARBÍÓ
HARPA
»» Carroll: Berserkur
APRIL 11TH, SATURDAY UNIVERSITY CENTER »» Flea Market
HÚRRA BAR »» Ojba Rasta
TJARNARBÍÓ »» Carroll: Berserkur
»» The Fire Brigade »» Svanur Concert Band
APRIL 19TH, SUNDAY NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND »» Guided Tour - A Kassen
REYKJAVIK MARITIME MUSEUM »» Treasure hunt in coast guard vessel Óðinn
ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM »» A Children’s Festival on the First day of Summer
APRIL 24TH, FRIDAY NATIONAL GALLERY »» Icelandic Flute Ensamble Concert
APRIL 25TH, SATURDAY GAMLA BÍÓ »» Eivör
HARPA »» Dimmalimm and the Swan Lake »» Dúndurfréttir - Wish You Were Here 40 year tribute
KJARVALSSTAÐIR »» Mini-workshop: Caution – Wet Paint! Painting Workshop for kids in the Idea-Lab.
APRIL 26TH, SUNDAY HARPA »» How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes
APRIL 28TH, TUESDAY HARPA »» Fóstbræður Spring Concert »» Lunchtime concert - Icelandic Opera
APRIL 29TH, WEDNESDAY HARPA »» Fóstbræður Spring Concert »» Múlinn-Jazz Club: Vikivaki
APRIL 30TH, THURSDAY
APRIL 22ND, WEDNESDAY
HARPA
HARPA
»» Fóstbræður Spring Concert »» Postnikova and Rozhdestvensky
»» Múlinn-Jazz Club:Richard Andersson Trio
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND EVEN MORE EVENTS, VISIT US ONLINE AT WHATSON.IS/EC YOU CAN ALSO SEND US YOUR EVENTS ON WHATSON.IS/EC/ADD OR EVENTS@WHATSON.IS
HOW DO YOU SAY
NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISE
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daily at 21:00 from 16 October to 14 March 22:00 from 15 March to 15 April
GEIRSGATA 9, 101 REYKJAVÍK +354 519 5195000 5050 Ægisgarður 5 , 101 Reykjavík TEL. Tel. +354 WWW. MARRESTAURANT. IS www.elding.is
Ægisgarður 5 , 101 Reykjavík Tel. +354 519 5000 www.elding.is
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WHALE WATCHING from Reykjavík all year round EL-01 / EL-02 / EL-03
Jan-Feb
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13:00
13:00
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May 9:00
Jun 9:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 17:00* 17:00 20:30**
* From 15 May to 15 September ** From 15 June to 31 July
Jul 9:00 10:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 20:30
Aug Sep Oct Nov-Dec 9:00 9:00 9:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 17:00*
ART & CULTURE
ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM
THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION
REYKJAVIK MARITIME MUSEUM
Kistuhylur, Reykjavik 411-6304 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Guided tours daily at 13.00 or by appointment.
Aðalstræti 16, Reykjavik 411-6370 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 9-20
Grandagarður 8, Reykjavik 411-6340 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17
REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY
THE EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM/ FREE ENTRY The aim of the museum is to shape a unique vision and to be leading in its field. The museum preserves various collections from professional and amateur photographers.
A museum with indoor and outdoor exhibitions dedicated to the work of Einar Jónsson, Iceland’s first modern sculptor (1874-1954). The museum was built in the early 1900’s when Einar Jónsson offered all of his works as a gift to the Icelandic nation.
Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 411-6390 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Mon-Thu 12-19, Fri 12-18, Sat & Sun 13-17
Hallgrímstorg 3, Reykjavik 551-3797 | www.lej.is Hours: Sat-Sun 13-17
HAFNARBORG
THE NUMISMATIC MUSEUM
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM This unique museum was founded in 1957 in order to give visitors a tangible sense of Reykjavík’s past. It comprises a village-like collection of over twenty “homes,” each creating a very interesting exhibition in itself.
VIÐEY ISLAND
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM Unspoiled nature reigns on island of Viðey, which has a unique place in Icelandic history. Birdlife abounds on the island, while outstandi ng works of modern art also make their mark.
Find more recommendations on whatson.is
Viðey Reykjavik 533-5055 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is
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REYKJAVIK CITY LIBRARY
FREE ENTRY Looking for a place to hang out, browse the internet, get access to Wi-Fi or meet the Reykjavik locals? Then Reykjavik City Library is the perfect place to visit. Have a seat and dip into the latest magazine or relax while checking out their great selection of books. Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 411-6100 | borgarbokasafn.is Hours: Mon-Thu 10-19, Fri 11-18, Sat & Sun 13-17
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM Experience Viking-Age Reykjavik at the Settlement Exhibition. Multimedia techniques bring Reykjavik’s past to life, providing visitors with insights into how people lived in the Viking Age, and what the environment looked like to the settlers.
FREE ENTRY Hafnarborg has a collection of Icelandic art and regular exhibitions presenting leading Icelandic and international artists. Collection exhibitions are a regular part of the program. Around exhibitions are workshops and guided tours. Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður 585-5790 | www.hafnarborg.is Hours: Daily 12-17, Thu 12-21, Closed Tue
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM It is impossible to truly get to know Iceland without getting to know its fishing history. The museum’s main exhibitions illustrate the development from rowing boats to m o d e r n t raw l e r s a n d t h e construction of Reykjavik harbour.
FREE ENTRY A selection from the numismatic collection is on display on the ground floor of the Central Bank’s main building in Kalkofnsvegur 1, Reykjavik. Kalkofnsvegur 1, Reykjavik 569-9600 www.sedlabanki.is Hours: Mon-Fri 13:30-15:30
R O
Trip duration approximately
BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík City
Keflavík International Airport
FAST, FREQUENT & ON SCHEDULE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK!
Your seat is always guaranteed
Free WiFi on all our buses
In connection with all arriving flights at KEF Int. Airport
Transfer from BSÍ Bus Terminal to Keflavík International Airport or vice versa. Scan the QR code for our flexible schedule.
Trip duration approximately 45 minutes
Transfer from most hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport or vice versa.
For our very flexible schedule kindly consult our brochures or visit www.flybus.is BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík •
+354 580 5400 • main@re.is • www.flybus.is
WE’LL TAKE YOU THERE!
The Golden Circle Tours! RE-04
The Golden Circle
ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND
RE-24
Gullfoss, Geysir & Þingvellir SRE-74
The Golden Circle & Fontana Wellness RE-44
Gullfoss, Geysir & Langjökull Snowmobiling
EXPERIENCE A GREAT DAY WITH US! More tours available on our website www.re.is
AND IN OUR BROCHURES!
Free WiFi
RELAX AT
the Blue Lagoon Reykjavík to Blue Lagoon 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00
Blue Lagoon to Reykjavík 11:15 12:15 13:15 14:15 15:15 16:15 17:15 18:15 19:15 21:15
KEF Airport to Blue Lagoon 09:30 11:30 12:30 16:30 17:30
Blue Lagoon to KEF Airport 12:00 14:00 15:00
MON TUE WED THU FRI
For departure times, please go to our webpage www.re.is
Flexible
All Year SAT
R O
BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík •
SUN
There is no better way to start or end your Iceland adventure than by bathing in the famous Blue Lagoon. You can either board the bus at BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík or at Keflavík International Airport.
+354 580 5400 • main@re.is • www.re.is
The National Gallery of Iceland has come a long way from its origins. To begin with, the collection consisted of donated artwork, mainly by Danish artists. Today the museum stands at Frikirkjuvegur in central Reykjavik, displaying both Icelandic and International art. Fríkirkjuvegur 7, Reykjavík 515-9600 | www.listasafn.is Hours: Daily 11-17, Closed Mon
ASÍ ART GALLERÝ
FREE ENTRY This museum was founded in 1961 when industrialist and book publisher Ragnar Jónsson donated his personal art collection to the museum, which consisted of paintings by Iceland’s most renowned painters. His wish was to establish an art museum that would bring art to the working class.
HANNESARHOLT
Cultural center and historic home of Hannes Hafstein, Iceland’s first Minister of State, now houses the non-profit Hannesarholt, dedicated to retrieving cultural memory, and revitalizing cultural roots. Bordstofan Bistro open daily from 11am – 6pm. Short doc on Hannes Hafstein and early Reykjavik Guided historic city walks Tue and Thu at 1 pm by appointment. Grundarstígur 10, Reykjavik 511-1904 | www.hannesarholt.is Hours: Daily 11-17
Offers a state-of-the-art exhibitions on the cultural history of Iceland. The permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History of Iceland, gives a comprehensive picture of Iceland’s cultural history through the ages to the present day. Suðurgata 41, Reykjavik 530-2200 | nationalmuseum.is Hours: Daily 11-17, Closed Mon
SAGA MUSEUM
From the time of the earliest settlers, history is brought to life in a unique and exciting way. The Saga Museum intimately recreates key moments in Icelandic history, moments that have determined the fate of our people and which give a compelling view into how Icelanders have lived for more than a millenium.
SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM
Closed until April 23rd. A museum that Icelandic sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson’s wife founded as a tribute to his life and work in 1984. She had his studio in Laugarnes converted to an exhibition space to house his collection of works, including sculptures, sketches, drawings and biographical material. Laugarnestangi 70 553-2906 | www.lso.is Hours: Sat-Sun 14-17
MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART
Its objective is to collect, study and present Icelandic design and crafts from 1900 to the present day. This young museum, the only one of its kind in Iceland, holds regular exhibitions of Icelandic and international design during the year. Exhibitions from the museum‘s own collection are regularly held.
Grandagardur, Reykjavik 511-1517 | www.sagamuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-18
Garðatorg 1, Garðabær 512-1525 | www.honnunarsafn.is Hours: Daily 12-17, Closed Mon
VOLCANO HOUSE
AURORA REYKJAVIK
Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavik 555-1900 | ww.volcanohouse.is Hours: Daily 10-21
Grandagarður 2, Reykjavik 780-4500 | aurorareykjavik.is Hours: Daily 9-21
Shows documentaries that give a good idea of real life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. There’s also a geological stone exhibition, which gives a brief overview of Iceland’s geological history and volcanic system, and a boutique, with Icelandic designs, artwork, lava rocks, pumice, bottles of ash and Lava Jewellery.
The Northern Lights Center, Aurora Reykjavik, allows you to experience the Northern Lights in a completely different way, both if you saw them, but as well if they escaped you while in Iceland. The center features information, education and of course stunning visuals of the elusive lights that’ll get your heart racing.
Find more recommendations on whatson.is
Freyjugata 41, Reykjavik 511-5353 | www.listasafnasi.is Hours: Daily 13-17, Closed Mon
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND
ART & CULTURE
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND
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ART & CULTURE
KJARVALSSTAÐIR
Mainly devoted to paintings and sculpture by well established Icelandic and international artists. Kjarvalsstaðir offers a permanent exhibition of key works by one of Iceland’s most beloved landscape painters, Jóhannes S. Kjarval, as well as changing exhibitions that explore various thematic and historical aspects of Icelandic art. Flókagata 24, Reykjavik 517-1290 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17
Find more recommendations on whatson.is
Opened in 1983, the collection is housed in a unique building designed and constructed mostly by the artist himself from 19421950. The original building served Sveinsson as studio and home; behind it he built a crescent-shaped structure as a work- and exhibition space. Sigtún, Reykjavik 553-2155 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 13-17.
GLJÚFRASTEINN LAXNESS MUSEUM
GALLERY FOLD
Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsbær 586-8066 | www.gljufrasteinn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 10-16
Rauðarárstíg 12-14, Reykjavik 551-0400 | www.myndlist.is Hours: Mon-Fri 10-18, Sat 11-16, Sun 14-16.
THE CINEMA
COLLECTORS EMPORIUM ICELAND
Halldór Laxness is arguably the most famous Icelandic writer of all time, and the only Icelander to have won a Nobel Prize, which he received for literature in 1955. Gljúfrasteinn was his home until his death, and today it is a museum dedicated to his life and work.
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ÁSMUNDARSAFN
A cozy place in a loft at the lively Old Harbour down town Reykjavík, where there is a daily show of films of volcanoes, northern lights and nature gems of Iceland made by a re-known Icelandic filmmaker. At The Cinema one can also enjoy a rock exhibition, buy DVD´s and more, look at books, get refreshments, information - or just relax in a unique place. Geirsgata 7b, Reykjavík 898 6628 | www.thecinema.is Hours: Daily 12-20
Iceland’s leading auction house and foremost fine arts dealership. Established in 1990, Gallerí Fold has been in the hands of its current proprietor since 1992. In 1994, they acquired their own premises, where they‘ve enjoyed a period of growth and prosperity. Their 600 m2 building has five exhibition spaces from 30 to 110 m2.
In a basement of sorts on Hverfisgata, just off Reykjavik’s main shopping street, you’ll find this hidden gem. Imagine it as a museum where you can take home anything you particularly fancy. A vast collection of unique and historic Icelandic items, such as stamps, coins and much more, make it well worth a visit. Hverfisgata 16, Reykjavik Hours: Mon-Fri 10-17, Sat 12-16
HAFNARHÚS
The Reykjavik Art Museum took p o ss e ss i o n o f i t s p o r t i o n o f Hafnarhús (Harbour House) in April 2000. Hafnarhús was built in 1932-39 for the offices and warehouses of Reykjavik Harbor and was at that time one of the largest buildings in the country. Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavik 590-1200 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17, Thu 10-20
ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION
One of the pioneers of Icelandic art and the first Icelander to take up painting professionally. Having died in 1958, he bequeathed all his works, as well as his studio home to the Icelandic nation. Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík 515-9625 Hours: Sun 14-17
WHALES OF ICELAND
The largest whale exhibition in Europe (and perhaps even the world), where guests can learn about the giants of the sea in a calm and modern environment. The permanent exhibition features whales like guests have never seen them before. It is truly a giant experience. Fiskislóð 23-25, Reykjavik 571-0077 | whalesoficeland.is Hours: Daily 9-18
SOUVENIR SHOP S HOP OF T H E Y E A R 2 0 1 2
The viking:info Laugavegur 1 · Reykjavík Hafnarstræti 1 - 3 · Reykjavík Hafnarstræti 104 · Akureyri Adalstræti 27 · Ísafjördur e:info@the viking
Ísafjördur
Akureyri Reykjavík
www.theviking.is TAX FREE
Two Icelandic themed villages
HLI
Ð Á LF TA NE SI
Restaurant & Lodging
The Viking Village is a unique place and it is the only Viking theme Hotel and restaurant in Iceland. We have step by step been developing our facilities over the last 24 years and will hopefully continue to do so in the future. We offer Hotel accommodation and Viking houses. Good for families and groups.
The Fisherman´s village, our newest accommodation is Hlið in Álftanes only few minutes drive from the Viking Village. Like a country home by the seaside. Such an idyllic place to visit. The restaurant is open for groups in the evenings. Close to the president´s residence.
ve ri re d nt es ce ut ty in ci m e 15 th to
Viking feasts - Souvenirs - Live entertainment most nights “You haven't been in Iceland if you haven't been to us“ Don’t miss it! Booking: www.vikingvillage.is | +354 565 1213
This is Solla, the winner of Best Gourmet Raw Chef and Best Simple Raw Chef in the 2011 and 2012 “Best of Raw” Awards. Come and try out one of her great dishes at her restaurant Gló, Iceland’s most popular health food restaurant operating at three different locations in the great Reykjavik area. Reykjavík: Engjateigur 19 and Laugavegur 20b · Hafnarfjörður: Strandgata 34 · www.glo.is
Austur is one of the hottest clubs in downtown Reykjavik, and has been since it first opened in 2009. Austur is located in Austurstraeti, one of the main bar- and shopping streets downtown, and even though the surrounding area is filled with clubs and bars, Austur seems to be the center of attention. Austurstræti 7, Reykjavik 568-1907
HÚRRA
KALDI BAR
One of the coolest bars in Reykjavik these days is Kaldi Bar. In close cooperation with north-Icelandic micro-brewery of the same name, Kaldi offers you a selection of craftbrewed beers on tap. Great happy hour and great fun, Kaldi is a place not-to-be-missed! Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 581-2200
THE CELTIC CROSS
An Irish pub with multiple beers on tap. With a big screen TV to watch the game, while enjoying a nice cold pint of beer, the Celtic Cross features friendly staff and a nice atmosphere that makes you feel just at home. Hverfisgata 26, Reykjavik 511-3240
DEN DANSKE KRO
B5 bar/bistro has become a very popular establishment with the locals of the capital. With its very contemporary and stylish interior, b5 is laid back during the day, while as night falls, the lights dim and the atmosphere changes accordingly.
There is live music playing every night at Den Danske Kro and sometimes there are live football games, pub quizzes, beer bingo, darts and happy hours. Den Danske Kro is a casual place in the heart of Reykjavik where everyone is welcome.
Naustin, Reykjavik www.hurra.is
Bankastræti 5, Reykjavik 552-9600 www.b5.is
Ingólfsstræti 3, Reykjavik 552-0070 www.danski.is
KAFFIBARINN
BAR ANANAS
THE ENGLISH PUB
Klapparstígur 38, Reykjavik
Austurstræti 12, Reykjavik 578-0400 www.facebook.com/enskibarinn
Best known as Damon Albarn’s hangout place back in the days, this most famous bar in Iceland is a popular destination for the artsy and univer sity crowd. During the week it‘s more of a café, but on the weekend the volume rises and KB becomes one of the hottest bars in Reykjavik. Bergstaðastræti 1, Reykjavik 551-1588 www.kaffibarinn.is
Ten seconds from Laugavegur, you´ll find Iceland’s one and only BeachBar/Tiki Bar in downtown Reykjavík. There, most things are made in the shape of a pineapple. Pillows, glasses, chandeliers, candlesticks and more. At weekends city´s best DJs will make guests feel sunny while they enjoy the strangest cocktails in town. Go for the Flamingophant cocktail!
In the mood for a pint? English Pub offers over 35 brands of beer and Whiskey. Whatever your preference – you will find it here. This is also a great place if you would like to catch some football (soccer). Inside they have 3 big screens and 2 TV’s so that you can catch all the action as it happens.
Find more recommendations on whatson.is
B5
Dark and raw, this large bar/club opens up its back room to make a concert venue, with live music or DJs most nights. They’ve got six Icelandic microbreweries on tap and happy hour runs till 21:00. One of the coolest and hipster friendly places in town and your best bet of catching the next big thing from Iceland.
NIGHTLIFE
AUSTUR
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SHOPPING & STYLE Find more recommendations on whatson.is 66
ANNA MARÍA DESIGN
For over twenty years, jewelry designer Anna Maria has created her things of gold and silver, a design that is both pure and timeless. Exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship create the elegant simplicity that shines through Anna Maria’s products. Skólavörðustígur 3, Reykjavik 551-0036 www.annamariadesign.is
LISTVINAHÚSIÐ
The oldest ceramic workshop in Iceland established 1927. Three generations of artistic potters. U n i q u e h a n d m a d e ce ra m i c s , Viking masks and various ceramic potteries decorated with lava, made by Gudmundur Einarsson. Located right next to Hallgrímskirkja and the statue of “Leif the Lucky”. Skólavörðustígur 43, Reykjavik 551-2850 www.listvinahusid.is
FJALLAKOFINN
A t F j a l l a ko f i n n yo u c a n f i n d top quality clothing and good equipment at a fair price. They offer good advise on all backpacking and outdoor related things and offer basic things like backpacks, sleeping bags and tents for rent. A licensed retailer of many big brands, you’ll find everything for your outdoor needs.
On Laugavegur, in the heart of Reykjavík, you’ll find the very unique Little Christmas Shop—which is dedicated to the spirit of Christmas, all year round. There you’ll find Icelandic decorations and everything needed for that festive spirit. Should not be missed as it is definitely one of the most special and fun stores to visit.
Laugavegur 11, Reykjavik 510-9505 | www.fjallakofinn.is
Laugavegur 8, Reykjavik 552-2412
ÁLAFOSS
METAL DESIGN
One of Iceland’s major woollen industry shops, the Álafoss store. Situated in old factory premises that for decades were the leading manufacturers and exporters of Icelandic woollens, Álafoss is a company that strives towards offering the newest wares along with the traditional Icelandic wool sweaters. Laugavegur 8, Reykjavik 566-6303 | www.alafoss.is
LISTASELIÐ
IGLÓ&INDÍ
Skólavörðustígur 17b, Reykjavik 551-5675 | www.listaselid.is Hours: Mon-Fri 12-18, Sat 11-16
Skólavörðustígur 2, Reykjavik 445-2020 | www.igloandindi.com
Six energetic women design and create exclusive art, while also running and working in the gallery. The gallery offers gift vouchers, issued by the store or by the Centrum organization that can be redeemed within most shops on Laugarvegur and Skólavörðustígur in downtown Reykjavik.
THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS SHOP
Loved by parents and children alike and praised in the media for boldness and creativity, Ígló&Indí has offered both parents and children an ever growing collection of clothes with a fresh take on children’s fashion since 2008— representing the best childhood has to offer.
The jewellery forms which Metal design is known for are inspired by the Icelandic flora. But what stands out the most is the shape “The Coast” that is inspired by the waves of the Icelandic coast.”The coast silver jewellery line is for ladies and gentlemen. Skólavörðustígur 2. Reykjavik 552-5445 www.MetalDesignReykjavik.is
CINTAMANI
Nowhere in the populated world does the weather change as fast, or as often as here. Thus Icelandic designers have to meet the requirements of consumers who have to go out all year long in harsh conditions. That‘s where the label Cintamani comes to the rescue. Their goal is to keep us warm, dry and comfortable, whatever the weather may bring. Bankastræti 7, Reykjavik 533-3800 | www.cintamani.is
Amazing 6 course menu
A unique Icelandic Feast Smoked puffin with blueberries, croutons, goat cheese, beet root “Torched“ arctic charr with parsnip purée, fennel, dill mayo Lobster cigar with chorizo, dates, chili jam Reindeer slider with blue cheese, portobello, steamed bun Lamb “lollipop“ with coriander, pickled red cabbage, fennel, butternut squash purée, chimichurri And to end on a high note ... Icelandic “Skyr“ panna cotta with raspberry sorbet, white chocolate crumble, passion foam, dulche de leche
6.990 kr. Our kitchen is open 17.00–23.00 sun.–thu. 17.00–24.00 fri.–sat.
Sushi Samba Þingholtsstræti 5 • 101 Reykjavík Tel. 568 6600 • sushisamba.is
SHOPPING & STYLE
GULLKÚNST HELGU
With its wide open spaces and beautiful treasures displayed in glass casting, Gullkúnst Helgu feels more like a gallery than a jewelry shop. Located on central Laugavegur, Reykjavik´s busiest shopping street, this family owned shop is not to be missed. Laugavegur 13, Reykjavik 561-6660 www.gullkunst.is
STUDIO STAFN
At Studio Stafn you will be able to look at art, purchase art and have your art framed! Great works and historical paintings by Iceland’s most famous artists could become all yours if you pay them a visit. If you’re not looking to buy art, at least stop by and take a look.
Find more recommendations on whatson.is
Ingólfsstræti 6, Reykjavik 552-4700 www.studiostafn.is
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THE HANDKNITTING ASSOCIATION OF ICELAND
Renowned for its excellent products and quality. Offering the widest selection of traditional hand knitted Icelandic sweaters, the range of products also includes special designs and a variety of woolen products from leading Icelandic manufactures. Skólavörðustígur 19, Reykjavik 552-1890 | www.handknit.is
MICHELSEN
KRAUM
Laugavegur 15, Reykjavik 511-1900 | www.michelsen.is
Aðalstræti 10, Reykjavik 517-7797 www.kraum.is
HILDUR HAFSTEIN
GEYSIR
Inside their spacious shop in downtown Reykjavik, Michelsen Watchmakers offer you to browse one of Iceland’s best selection of watches. Along with their own design they also have a wide selection of well-known brands including Rolex, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Diesel, Movado, Swiss Military and more.
A wonderful little workshop, where Hildur Hafstein creates her handmade Icelandic jewelry line, KORA. Inspired by different elements, such as Buddhism and the flower power, a visit to Hildur Hafstein will be a pleasant experience. Although the store is technically on Laugavegur, you walk in from Klapparstígur! Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 771-1177 www.HildurHafstein.is
EPAL
Their main goal has been to increase Icelanders interest and respect for fine design by introducing and providing top quality design products from all over the world, particularly Scandinavia. Epal has always been very supportive of Icelandic designers and done what they can to help them promote their design around the world. Skeifan 6, & Harpa Reykjavik Keflavík Airport 568-7740 | www.epal.is
Natural light floods the wooden floors and the fresh white walls of this stunning design hub and retail outlet, which already attracts some of Iceland´s top talents. More than 70 designers are contributing to a huge selection of products that include children’s puzzles, fish skin lamps and exquisite jewellery.
Rustic, vintage interior, intertwined with the latest fashion in outdoor and woolen clothing. Add some puffin, reindeers and other iconic animals and you‘ve got one of the coolest shops in town. This is one place you‘ll have to visit, if only for the experience. Skólavörðustíg 16, Reykjavík 519-6000 www.geysir.com
KRINGLAN
Kringlan Shopping Centre is conveniently located close to downtown Reykjavik. Standing at 50.000 sq.m. and equipped with 150 shops and services, including a multiplex cinema, a seven-outlet food court and three themed restaurants, it has something to suit every need. Kringlan 4-12, Reykjavik 517-9000 | www.kringlan.is
SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 14 - 101 REYKJAVÍK - TEL: +354 571 1100
WE’RE OPEN! FÍTON / SÍA
YOU'LL FIND US AT KRINGLAN SHOPPING CENTER
FOOD & DRINK
TORFAN RESTAURANT
This great restaurant combines traditional French cuisine with a Nordic touch. It is traditional but still connects to the present and the outcome is a classical cuisine surprise. Torfan is at Bernhöftstorfa, in one of the cities most beautiful house, built in 1838. Amtmannsstígur 1, Reykjavík 561-3303 | www.torfan.is
AUSTURLANDAHRAÐLESTIN
Find more recommendations on whatson.is
An excellent Indian restaurant, focusing on quality take-away, with the option of eating in. This means that while it‘s technically “fast food”, it’s definitely of restaurant q u a l i t y. T h e m e n u i n c l u d e s everything you could expect from an Indian restaurant, with the Chicken Tandoori being especially recommended.
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Lækjargata 8, Reykjavik 578-3838 | www.hradlestin.is
SNAPS
A new restaurant in Iceland situated at Odinstorg. Snaps is a classic french bistro using local Icelandic ingredients. The location could not be better. Snaps is literally a few steps away from downtown Reykjavik, close to the National Theatre, The National Gallery of Iceland and the two main shopping streets of Reykjavik” Óðinstorg, Reykjavik 511-6677 | www.snaps.is
VEGAMÓT BISTRO
GRILLIÐ
Vegamótastígur 4, Reykjavik 511-3040 | www.vegamot.is
Radisson BLU Hotel, Reykjavik 525-9960 | www.grillid.is
ARGENTÍNA STEAKHOUSE
HAMBORGARABÚLLAN – BURGER JOINT
Barónsstígur 11a, Reykjavik 551-9555 | www.argentina.is
Geirsgata 1, Reykjavik 511-1888 www.bullan.is
UNO RESTAURANT
APOTEK
Is a centrally located and affordable restaurant that boasts an extensive international menu with an emphasis on Tex-Mex, Italian, Indian and many light meal options. During the weekend Vegamót transforms into a bar with refreshing cocktails, a wide selection of beers and popular DJ’s playing well into the night.
They offer some of the the finest cuisine there is to find in the whole city. Grilling meat and fish of all kinds Argentinian style using wooden coal is what they do better than any other restaurant and frankly, you won‘t believe your own tastebuds
Uno is a relatively new, modern Italian restaurant in downtown Reykjavik, where original Italian culinary customs and Icelandic ingredients come together to form a delightful treat. Hafnarstræti 1-3, Reykjavik 561-1313 | www.uno.is
Just last year they celebrated their 50th anniversary. From the very beginning, Grillid has been regarded as one of the best restaurants in Iceland. If you want fine dining, perfectly executed food, professional service and excellent wines with a spectacular view over the city, you have come to the right place.
Since 2004, the Joint has kept it simple, fun and delicious. Sitting right by the Old Harbour, in a small, iconic house, the atmosphere of the Burger Joint is hard to find elsewhere. You can feel the joy of the staff, as they serve you juicy burgers, exploding with great taste.
An exciting restaurant located in one of the most beautiful corners of Reykjavik, Apotek Restaurant is casual-smart, offering delicious food in a vibrant atmosphere and stylish surroundings. The menu is a fun mix of Icelandic and European cuisine and the dishes are designed to share and enjoy together. Austurstræti 16, Reykjavik 551-0011 | www.apotek.is
The concept of the restaurant is "c a s u a l f u n d i n i n g" a n d w e p r e p a r e w h a t w e w o u l d call a simple honest, "feel good", comfort food, where we take on the classics with a modern twist.
S K Ó L AV Ö R Ð U S T Í G U R 4 0 · 1 0 1 R E Y K J AV Í K T E L . +3 5 4 5 1 7 74 74 · I N F O @ K O L R E S TA U R A N T. I S · KO L R E S TA U R A N T. I S
ROCK N’ ROLL
R I B S
2.890
IKR
Salted Cod With almond and chive butter, fig and potatoes
3.650
IKR
+3 5 4 5 1 7 4 3 0 0 geysirbistro.is
+354 527 5000 grillhusid.is
A new restaurant opposite the old harbour that offers traditional steak dishes along with some exciting and fairly unorthodox choices. The pride and joy of The Steakhouse is the Mibrasa charcoal oven, a rare oven that is designed to cook the perfect steak by mixing modern technology with ancient tradition.
AUSTURINDÍAFJELAGIÐ
JÓMFRÚIN
The spices used to season the food at Austur-Indiafjelagid are imported directly from India and blended on the spot by their team of highly experienced chefs. The Tandoori dishes on the menu must be mentioned, as the chefs have truly mastered the art of Tandoori grilling.
An open-sandwich restaurant in the Danish tradition offering authentic Danish smørrebrød along with a selection of hot dishes. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city centre and seats 80 guests. It is a popular lunch venue, especially with people from the business sector.
Tryggvagata 4-6, Reykjavik 561-1111 | www.steik.is
Hverfisgata 56, Reykjavik 552-1630 | www.austurindia.is
Lækjargata 4, Reykjavik 551-0100 | www.jomfruin.is
KOL
THE ICELANDIC BAR
PERLAN
Kol describes itself as “casual fine dining with a big bar”. The name comes from the unique charcoal oven which lends a very special, rustic flavour to the dishes. The restaurant offers a wide variety of sophisticated cocktails, mixed with handmade syrups and juices.
The Icelandic Bar is very aptly named: it is an Icelandic bar. But more than that, it is a bar that aims to preserve the essence of being Icelandic by combining the historical and cultural heritage of this ancient land with the very hip and cutting edge culture of modern times.
For the finest in dining, nothing compares to Perlan Restaurant. While your taste buds delight to superb cuisine, you will enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Reykjavik and beyond as the restaurant gently completes a full rotation every two hours.
Skólavörðustígur 40, Reykjavik 517-7474
GLÓ
Located inside Listhusid in Laugardalur valley, Glo is Iceland‘s hottest new organic restaurant. The menu consists of vegetarianand raw food courses, meat dishes, soups and salads. The courses are somewhat modest as they are simple, filling and not flooded with too much spice or ingredients. Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 553-1111 | www.glo.is
Ingólfsstræti 1a, Reykjavík 517+6767 | www.islenskibarinn.is
KAFFITÁR A chain of cafés and espresso bars with over 30 years of experience in serving and roasting high-quality coffee. They operate cafés in 8 locations in Iceland, promising a highly knowledgeable staff and a great cup of coffee procured in a responsible and fair way. Bankastræti 8, Reykjavik 420-2700 www.kaffitar.is/en
FOOD & DRINK
THE STEAK HOUSE
Perlan, Reykjavik 562-0200 | www.perlan.is
KJALLARINN KITCHEN BAR „The Cellar“ a new restaurant in one of the cities oldest houses. The menu is split up by the two main methods of cooking, a coal oven and a French planche. Master chef Eyjólfur Gestur serves up exciting feasts from both sea and land as well as great parings of food and cocktails. Aðalstræti 2, Reykjavik 517 7373
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FOOD & DRINK
SJÁVARBARINN
Sjávarbarinn’s main feature is an all-you-can-eat buffet that has received raving reviews and it also offers an à la carte menu at a very competitive price. Join the locals for lunch in a friendly and cheerful atmosphere or enjoy dinner when the chef spruces things up. Grandagarður 9, Reykjavik 517-3131 www.sjavarbarinn.is
KOPAR
Kopar is a restaurant by the old harbour in Reykjavik which has an emphasis on adventure and experience in a brasserie setting. Their menu is composed of various locally sourced ingredients from sea and land, and aims to give you a taste of Iceland in a single evening.
Find more recommendations on whatson.is
Geirsgata 3, Reykjavik 567-2700 www.koparrestaurant.is
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FLJÓTT OG GOTT
One of Reykjavik’s iconic restaurants, located in the main bus terminal, BSÍ. Here you can have the coveted “Sheep’s Head” as well as all the traditional Icelandic food, which is a must-try for all adventurous travellers! Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, Reykjavik 552-1288 | www.fljottoggott.is
MAR - SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
A restaurant in prime location in Reykjavík‘s old harbour. The menu is inspired by South-American and southern-European cuisine and the restaurant designed to deliver fresh and uplifting dining experience, unique to the harbour area. MAR is an interesting choice for individuals and groups alike.
AALTO BISTRO
A unique restaurant and café, run by the award-winning chef, Sveinn Kjartansson. AALTO puts an emphasis on Scandinavian food, inspired by European cuisine. Located in the Nordic House, designed by the acclaimed Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, this bistro is a hidden gem.
Geirsgata 9, Reykjavik 519-5050 | www.marrestaurant.is
The Nordic House, Sturlugata 5, Reykjavik 551-0200 | www.aalto.is
GRILLHÚSIÐ
73 RESTAURANT
Tryggvagata 20, Reykjavik 527-5000 www.grillhusid.is
Laugavegur 73, Reykjavik 555 7373 www.73.is
FISH COMPANY
KOLABRAUTIN
Vesturgata 2a, Reykjavik 552-5300 | www.fiskfelagid.is
Harpa, Reykjavik 519-9700 | www.kolabrautin.is
A fun restaurant, with the look and feel of an American Diner. Reasonably priced, offering delicious food and a very good service, you‘ll definitely get great value for your money here. They put a special emphasis on using only high quality ingredients, making for a terrific meal.
Quality, fusion and fun are the Fish Company’s main characteristics. The interior is stylish and the quirky tableware fits in wonderfully. The menu is a world of adventures from starters to deserts. It’s designed to take you on a seafood journey and not only a journey of the Icelandic culinary waters but a trip around the world.
Offering a great selection of Icelandic brews and one of the most Epic Burgers this country has ever seen (300gr!), 73, a family-owned and operated restaurant is the place to go for those seeking great food at good prices. Take note that the outdoor seating area is a special treat!
Harpa is not only home to the Icelandic Opera and the Orchestra, it is also the location of one of Reykjavik‘s newest fine restaurants. The kitchen is in the middle of the room, where the fiery furnace gives the dinner guests a warm welcome. An ideal choice for people who appreciate fine cuisine combined with unique architecture and elegant atmosphere.
Experience real Icelandic cuisine
Bankastræti 2, 101 Reykjavík Tel: (+354) 551 4430 info@laekjarbrekka.is www.laekjarbrekka.is
Let’s be friends!
/laekjarbrekka
vurl.is/i
Culinary underground movement — Literally The newest addition to the restaurant flora of the capital is Kjallarinn - Kitchen Bar
Kjallarinn simply means „The Cellar“ a fitting name since Kjallarinn is literally underground. The stylish yet warm surrounding is the home of some exciting innovations in both cooking as well as cocktails, which are the inventions of master chef Eyjólfur Gestur in collaboration with the bartenders. The menu is broken up by method of cooking, on one hand the coal oven and on the other a French Planche. On the menu you can find various fish, meat and fowl and of course some delicious cocktails, should you be so inclined. Enjoy!
Aðal stræt i 2 101 Reykjavík Tel : 517 7373 kjallarinn@kjallarinn.is
GENERAL TIPS AND ADVICE Want to know the population of Iceland? Who‘s the president? Why there are so many beautiful women in Iceland? Why people live so far north in the cold? When is the best time to visit? We have all these answers and plenty more. We strive to have the answer to everything you might possibly want to know about Iceland, Reykjavik, Icelanders, travelling to Iceland and everything related (or unrelated) you might be seeking. If you can‘t find your answer here – just visit us on Laugavegur 4 in Reykjavik, or drop us an email on whatson@whatson.is – ask us on facebook, twitter, instagram or any other media you can imagine and we‘ll do our best to answer promptly! YOU HAVE ANY GOOD IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS FOR ME? JUST IN CASE SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS? 112 – For every emergency you can imagine. Including if you get beat up (that’ll only happen if you’re a complete asshole by the way, we’re not a violent people. The Viking blood has been diluted over the years and with it the rage has receded) 5885522 – Every Icelander knows this number. It’s for one of the taxi stations. We won’t judge if it’s a better taxi station than the next one – but it has a catchy phone number. 58-12345 – Domino’s. What’s better than a juicy Domino’s pizza after a hard day of exploring Reykjavik? 118 – This is the phonebook and allegedly they answer all sorts of questions you might have. You’ll pay heftily for this service though.
severely injured yourself in your own home country. Apart from possibly changing the phone number you’d call – what would be your action plan? Go ahead and execute that plan – it’s likely that all the steps will align perfectly with Icelandic reality. But again. 112! That’s the number to remember. I JUST SO HAPPEN TO HAVE THIS LETTER HERE I FORGOT TO POST… CAN I DO THAT IN ICELAND? Well yes you can. There are 5 post offices scattered through Reykjavik. As well you can use the post boxes. Both the office and the boxes will be more or less red. The Icelandic word for post is póstur, so you really shouldn’t have any problems finding the correct thing. If that fails, you might want to consider joining the rest of us here in the modern day, using e-mail.
HOW CAN I CALL ICELAND? CAN PEOPLE CALL ME WHILE HERE? Your standard issue mobile phone is most likely going to work just fine in Iceland. Nowadays phones just…take care of all that complicated stuff themselves. If you really want to get down and dirty, the country code is +354 and the phone numbers have 7 digits. IS IT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE IN ICELAND? Driving should be quite safe. We drive on the right side and the speed limit is 90km/h. One major point to keep in mind though, is that the weather changes ridiculously fast and the driving conditions can get seriously disgusting, slippery, snowy and whatever. Drive according to situation always!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I JUST SEVERELY INJURED MYSELF. WHAT SHOULD I DO? Hmm… You should almost certainly start by calling 1-1-2. That’s the emergency phone number in Iceland, one you should generally use in all sorts of life threatening perils. After that you should judge the nature of the injury. Honestly though – Imagine you just
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
UNDERSTANDABLE CONCERNS YOUR LANGUAGE DOESN‘T MAKE SENSE, ARE YOU REALLY SPEAKING REAL WORDS? No, this is just an elaborate scheme we put in action whenever there’s a foreigner around. In reality our language is Spanish, because we used to do a lot of business with the Spanish some hundreds of years ago. We sold them salted fish in bulk, in exchange for red wine. That was a great deal… Okay, in reality. Yeah…Icelandic is a real language, spoken by some 300.000 Icelanders. It’s related to the other Scandinavian languages, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian, though it doesn’t really sound similar. WHY ARE THERE SO MANY BEAUTIFUL WOMEN IN ICELAND? This is not coming from us, but according to some people, it‘s because, back in the days, the Vikings went over to England and stole all the beautiful women from them, which resulted in Iceland being a disproportionally beautiful nation, as opposed to the English… This is not something we honestly believe though – the official story is Lýsi, high quality fish and a biased, yet favourable, general opinion on beauty standards. DOES EVERYONE SPEAK ENGLISH IN ICELAND? Yes. And most of us know some pretty difficult words as well!
LIFE IN THE NORTH CAN BE A BIT SNOWY AND DARK
HOW BIG IS YOUR COUNTRY? Size really doesn‘t matter, so we‘re not too worried about that…But, we‘re talking 103,000 high-quality km²‘s (40,000 sq mi). Iceland is actually the worlds 18th largest island, which isn‘t really that impressive. WHAT’S THE POPULATION OF ICELAND? Roughly 320.000. That’s thousand, not millions. Yes – we have about the same amount of people as Santa Ana or Riverside California. Or one tenth of Berlin (Germany) or Madrid (Spain) if that scale makes more sense. Less than Bilbao (Spain), Cardiff (UK) and Nice (France). More than Utrecht (Netherlands), Bari (Italy) and the renowned town of Wirral (UK). Stop making fun of us. We’re blond, tall and strong. Who cares we’re just a handful. We’re statistically good at everything.
WHY DO PEOPLE LIVE SO FAR NORTH IN THE COLD? Meh … It’s a mixture of reasons really. Firstly – we were born here, so we’re just used to it and don’t know anything else Secondly – we have some seriously warm clothes up here, so we’re not that cold all the time. Thirdly – Iceland is packed with steaming water pouring from the ground here and there, so our houses are warm all the time. Now on top of that – Iceland is BEAUTIFUL! It’s like…jawsto-the-ground stunning at times. We have Aurora borealis, waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, volcanoes and a multitude of other super cool awesome amazing stuff. That alone makes living here a dream.
CHECK OUT MORE ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ONLINE ON WHATSON.IS/FAQ 80
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MOUNTAINEERS.IS Tel: +354 580 9900 ice@mountaineers.is www.mountaineers.is 21.5.2014 11:42
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Álafoss Main Store Álafossvegi 23 270 Mosfellsbær Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 - 18.00 Saturday 9.00 - 16.00
Álafoss - Sweaters & souvenirs Laugavegi 8 Reykjavík City centre Opening hours: All days 10.00 - 21.00
Special opening for groups after closing: tel: 354 5666303
WOR N OU T FOR CE N T U R I E S
– Visit our stores: 101 Reyk jav í k , A k u rey r i a nd G eysi r, Hau k ada l. w w w.geysi r.com –