What's On in Reykjavik - February 2017 by MD Reykjavik

FEBRUARY 2017

IN REYKJAVÍK

REYKJAVIK’S LEADING GUIDE TO INFORMATION, EVENTS, MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES.

thermal pools Reykjavík city museum Reykjavík art museum #reykjavikloves

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WHAT’S ON

CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2016

ON THE COVER FEBRUARY IN REYKJAVIK

EXPERIENCE 6-39 WHAT'S ON

40-41

REYKJAVÍK CITY MAP 50-51

RVK MUSEUM WALK

52-53

EVENTS 54-73

ART & CULTURE

74-81

PUBS & NIGHTLIFE

82-85

SHOPPING & STYLE

86-89

FOOD & DRINK

90-95

PRACTICAL INFO

96-97

Between Christmas and Easter, Icelanders celebrate a peculiar holiday season known as Þorri. It’s a remnant of the old Norse calendar, where Þorri was the month that now stretches from late January through most of February. In the old days, this was usually the harshest month of the year, so naturally, the Vikings used to get together for blót (sacrificial ceremonies) followed by a huge party. Things have changed a lot since then and today, we almost never sacrifice things anymore. That is, however, no reason to skip the post sacrifice party. Þorrablót are a popular tradition to this day but today, people usually just get together to eat some traditional Icelandic food (more on that on p. 47) and drink some brennivín. In fact, people use almost any excuse they can to get together in February, to ward off the cold and the dark. Lucky for you, that means that there’s plenty to do in February in Iceland. There’s not one but two film festival, an arts and culture festival, a music festival, and last but not least, a beer festival! What more can you ask?

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Volume 35 – Issue 2 Published by MD Reykjavík ehf. Laugavegur 5, 101 Reykjavik. Publisher: Sigurþór Marteinn Tel.: 899-2255. E-mail: sm@whatson.is

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

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EXPERIENCE

THE WHAT’S ON

FEBRUARY CHECKLIST There are loads of things to do for entertainment in Reykjavik this month! Here are a few “must-do’s” you can try out.

You can find checklists from past months at whatson.is/

While you're checking things off the list, we encourage you to take photos, and tag them with #whatsonrvk, of course!

Eat a boiled sheep’s head or (if you dare) some shark! Have dinner at a nice Reykjavík restaurant to get the taste of shark out of your mouth! Go see the Northern Lights! Stuff yourself with cream puffs and salt lamb during the Icelandic carnival! Discover some new Icelandic music at Sónar Visit one of Reykjavík’s thermal pools after dinner. Sitting in a hot tub underneath a dark, starry sky might just end up being the highpoint of your trip! If it’s raining, go caving! Drink some delicious craft beers at the Annual Icelandic Beer Festival If you’re looking for some action, go snowmobiling!

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EXPERIENCE

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

1 | HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. It’s is the largest church and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland. The church tower offers a fantastic view of the city for the small price of 900ISK for adults or 100ISK for children. It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, designed it to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape. Construction started in 1945 and was finished in 1984.

2 | PERLAN Standing at 25 metres, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking buildings. Up on the fourth level, there is a 360 degree viewing platform where you can get the city's best panoramic views. During the day, the Perlan café is a nice place to get coffee or ice cream. If you come in the evening, the Perlan restaurant has some of the finest cuisine in the city. The restaurant also rotates slowly so you get to see the whole city without even having to turn your head.

3 | TJÖRNIN

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

4 | AUSTURVÖLLUR When the sun is shining and the air is hot, Austurvöllur is the place to be. 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. In fact, whatever the season, Austurvöllur is the place to be. It’s used for celebrations on holidays, the city’s biggest Christmas tree is located there and due to its close proximity to the Parliament building, Austurvöllur has also a popular 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, an indoor flea market, open on the weekends between 11am-5pm, is your best bet. The atmosphere is 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, or visiting the ATM at one of the entrances, as the majority of stalls don’t accept cards.

The whole 28.000 square meters of Harpa stand at the edge of the Reykjavik Harbour. It houses Iceland‘s biggest concert hall, suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events, a conference centre with meeting facilities and in-house catering, as well as a couple of fine restaurants. Harpa also hosts promotions, plays, and public events. It‘s open to everyone, always, and you should definitely visit Harpa, whether it‘s to take in a show, buy souvenirs, go to a concert or have 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 HARBOUR It’s the first lasting harbour in Reykjavik, although it’s no longer the city’s busiest one. The most visited area is the eastern pier where you’ll find a community of shops, galleries, electric bike and scooter rentals and guided tour operators. You will also find numerous whale watching companies willing to take you out to sea on unforgettable excursions. The area is filled with excellent restaurants (sushi and other seafood, tapas, burgers, etc.) and cafés. 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

6 | HARPA

8 | THE SUN VOYAGER A beautiful sculpture of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula by Sæbraut, close to the Reykjavík centre. The sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and is an ode to the sun. It serves as reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland.

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

10 | LAUGARDALSLAUG Every country has traditions when it comes to leisure. 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 dogs.

Find these places on the centerfold map.

Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights.

Sólfarið looks its best when the sun is setting, at whatever time that may be. The unforgettable view of the sculpture with a backdrop of the ocean and mount Esjan is every photographer’s dream.

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

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 consistency, 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 „fast-food“ 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.

EXPERIENCE

THE WHAT’S ON SKYR EXPERIENCE

MS SKYR – PLAIN Skyr was originally only available as plain and was made at every farm in Iceland. Nowadays, there is a huge variety of flavours available but many still prefer the plain one.

KEA SKYR WITH VANILLA

MS SKYR.IS WITH BAKED APPLES Skyr producers have been experimenting with new flavours in skyr while still keeping it as nutritious as possible. One of the more recent additions is the baked apple flavour.

MS SKYR.IS WITH BLUEBERRIES This is a long-time favourite of the Skyr.is varieties. Blueberries are among the few summer fruits that grow in Iceland so eating Skyr with fresh blueberries has a long tradition in Iceland. The taste is very rich and full of blueberries.

For more information on skyr, visit skyr.is

Kea skyr comes from the northern part of Iceland and this is one of the most popular flavours available. The taste is full and creamy with zero fat. It’s mild and creamy flavour also makes it popular as a base for desserts.

AQUARACER STEEL & CERAMIC DIAMONDS Cara Delevingne challenges rules. Being free-minded is her motto. Like TAG Heuer, she defies conventions and never cracks under pressure.

EXPERIENCE

THE ICELANDIC Although beer and ale have been brewed in Iceland for a long time, beer production was limited during the 20th century, as beer was illegal in Iceland until 1989! Icelanders have more than made up for lost time and the growth in beer production in recent years has been amazing. In just a few years, we‘ve seen many great breweries emerge, filled with ambition and ingenuity, and beer is now the most popular alcoholic beverage in Iceland.

BRÍÓ Brío uses German hops, giving the beer a very distinctive taste and a sweet aroma. Along with the hops, it uses Pilsen malt and under-fermented yeast. Bríó is the first beer produced by Borg Brugghús, a brewery that now produces several popular beers all year round along with seasonal beers for summer, Christmas and Easter. Bríó is a pilsner, a style of beer named after the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. This style of brewing first emerged in the middle of the 19th century and became so popular that the majority of beer drunk today is a relative of the original pilsner. Brío was originally brewed as the house beer for Ölstofan but due to its popularity, it’s now available in liquor stores as well as most bars in town.

VÍKING STOUT Viking stout is pitch black, reminiscent of cocoa and coffee with a smoothly roasted aftertaste.

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This is one of the first stouts made in Iceland. Only brewed from the finest ingredients, Víking stout is unfiltered and has a distinctly smoky aftertaste. It’s recently had its look revamped along with the other Víking craft beers. The labels now carry graphic designs that interpret events and traditions from the Viking age. The pitch black stout’s label fittingly evokes images of the ravens of Flóki, the Viking traveller who named Iceland.

KALDI Kaldi is a very mild and comfortable pilsner, dry, fresh, slightly bitter, with notes of roasted barley and hops, and has 5% ABV. You might detect a hint of sweetness as well. The brewery on Árskógssandur, makers of Kaldi beer, was the first microbrewery that opened in Iceland, back in 2006. The regular Kaldi is a pure pilsner, with all the ingredients, except the Icelandic water, coming from the Czech Republic. Even their brew-master is Czech! Following its success, the brewery opened Kaldi bar in the centre of Reykjavík, where all the varieties of Kaldi beer are available. Kaldi bar is, of course, the best place to get Kaldi, but it’s available in other bars as well, and in bottles at the liquor stores.

VÍKING CLASSIC Víking Classic is a Vienna style beer with golden amber colour and taste of roasted malt. It has a good body and medium bitterness with balancing sweetness and a hint of caramel. The name might seem a bit presumptuous as this classic has only been in production for a few years, but it’s in fact named after the Danish “Classic” style of beer. Víking Classic is available in draught, bottles and cans and is part of the Víking beer family which is the most popular beer brand in Iceland.

ÞORRI BEERS Iceland’s craft brewery scene is booming these days, which is most noticeable in the rising popularity of seasonal beers. In addition to summer beers and Christmas beers, Icelanders like to celebrate the season of Þorri with a beer or two.

HRÚTSKÝRIR Hrútskýrir is the Þorri beer from Bryggjan brewery by the old harbour. It’s brewed in an old german brewing style called gose and is apparently both sour and salty. It’s premiered on Bóndadagur (husband’s day) which explains the name, Hrútskýrir is Icelandic for mansplaining. Best enjoyed at the brewery’s attached bar/restaurant!

EXPERIENCE

BEER EXPERIENCE

SKJÁLFTI & STÓRISKJÁLFTI For Þorri this year, Ölvisholt brewery are presenting us with a bigger and stronger version of their original brew, Skjálfti (quake). Stóri Skjálfti (big quake), like Skjálfti is a California Common Lager, but bigger in every way. It’s only sold in 750 ml bottles and has a whopping 8.8 ABV! If you’re wondering about the name, the Ölvisholt brewery is on the south coast of Iceland in an area famous for powerful earthquakes.

Borg have been experimenting with imperial stouts for Þorri for a while now and let me just say, their getting really good at it. Surtur is the name of a coal-coloured fire demon in the tales of the norse gods, fitting for the black-as-night beer! You can get Surtur brewed with coffee, a smoked Surtur and Surtur aged in barrels formerly housing Armagnac or rum!

ÞORRAKALDI Þorrakaldi was first brewed in 2008 but the recipe has changed greatly in the years since. The modern day interpretation of Þorrakaldi is a beautiful copper- coloured lager, although if it weren’t for the lager fermentation, Þorrakaldi would probably be classified as a pale ale. Þorrakaldi is available in liquor stores as well as the Kaldi bar downtown!

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The 1783-4 eruption of Laki was history’s biggest volcanic eruption. When it erupted, the ash darkened the sky over all of Europe for years. The ash’s toxicity caused widespread crop failures and the resulting famine all over Europe was almost certainly one of the causes of the French revolution in 1789, ultimately resulting in the first modern democracy as we know it.

NOT JUST ONE, BUT TWO OF THE BIGGEST ERUPTIONS IN THE RECORDED HISTORY OF THE WORLD, OCCURRED IN ICELAND! Not only was Laki the biggest eruption in recorded history, measured by volume of lava, but Iceland was also the site of the second biggest emission in recorded history, the 2014 eruption of Bárðarbunga. In just 6 months, Bárðarbunga produced enough lava to cover the island of Manhattan – 85km2. It still isn‘t close to matching Laki. That eruption produced 370 km2 of lava, the size of the Gaza strip, in only 50 days!

All photos provided by the Volcano House

For more information on Icelandic volcanoes, check out www.volcanohouse.is

AN ICELANDIC VOLCANO IS THE REASON FOR DEMOCRACY AS WE KNOW IT

EXPERIENCE

5 FACTS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT ICELANDIC VOLCANOES

EXPERIENCE For more information on Icelandic volcanoes, check out www.volcanohouse.is 20

1/3 OF ALL THE EARTH’S FRESH LAVA ORIGINATED IN ICELAND! When you’re discussing volcanoes, all concepts that have something to do with time get a bit skewed. For instance, fresh lava means lava emissions on earth since the year 1500. The reason for this impressive amount of liquid rock spewing to the surface is because not only does Iceland sit on a crack between two tectonic plates, it’s also on top of a geologic hotspot. Even so, for such a small island, that’s a pretty impressive amount of lava.

ICELAND HAS A VOLCANIC ERUPTION EVERY 4-5 YEARS! This isn’t surprising considering the island has somewhere around 150-200 volcanoes, split into different volcanic systems. About 30 different systems are still considered “active” in Iceland, and 13 of them have erupted since the Viking Settlement in 874. Not all the eruptions are on the

WANT TO GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE VOLCANOES OF ICELAND? For more information on volcanoes and geothermal activity in Iceland, go visit the Volcano House by the old harbour. Its attractions include a mineral exhibition and an hour-long documentary on volcanoes, which is shown every hour, on the hour. As an added bonus, there’s also a What’s On desk over there, in case you need any information.

same scale as the Eyjafjallajökull eruption though; some are small enough to be considered tourist attractions and some happen underneath glaciers and never even see the light of day.

ICELAND HAS THE ONLY ISLAND SCIENTISTS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OBSERVE AND DOCUMENT FROM THE MOMENT OF ITS CREATION: SURTSEY Surtsey was formed by a volcanic eruption at the bottom of the ocean and emerged from the water on December 14, 1963. It was immediately granted protection by law and no one was allowed to set foot on the island. To this day only scientists are allowed to go there, and even they have to get special permission. This means that we have been able to monitor how life settles on a brand-new land from the beginning, and the information gained has been invaluable to scientists.

THE FINEST BEER & WHISKY SELECTION IN DOWNTOWN REYKJAVÍK

Live Music Every Night | Live Sports on 5 Big Screens

EXPERIENCE

TOP 8 TIPS FOR TS! H THE NORTHERN LIG 1

| GET OUT OF TOWN

The city lights block the Northern Lights!

| MAKE SURE IT’S DARK

Daylight and Northern Lights don’t go hand in hand!

| MAKE SURE THE SKY IS CLEAR

The Northern Lights appear way above the clouds!

| GIVE IT TIME AND BE PATIENT!

For more information, check out www.whatson.is/northern-lights/

The Northern Lights don’t come out by order – be patient and you might get lucky!

| SIGHTINGS CAN NEVER BE GUARANTEED

So we’d recommend a tour that includes some great activity as well as Northern Lights hunt – so you won’t feel disappointed!

| WEAR SOMETHING WARM

It can get seriously cold, especially when the sky is clear and you’re waiting for a long time.

| KNOW YOUR CAMERA!

Taking photos with a flash won’t work. Ever. A tripod and long exposure are your friends!

| ENJOY IT!

Lie down on the ground. Look up. Enjoy!

Different ways to see the Northern Lights:

GOING BY COACH:

GOING BY BOAT:

Cheap and effective – A Northern Lights tour by bus is a good way to see the lights if you’re not too concerned about a lot of people and simply travelling by bus. Perhaps not the best time if you don’t see anything – but it’s the cheapest option to see the lights, and gets the job done!

A great experience regardless of lights – Going by boat and seeing the city from the sea at night, is in itself a great experience. The boat ride is a very good choice for those that want to ensure they get something out of their tour – even if no lights are found.

DO have a relatively good camera with you that allows for easy and quick change of settings. DON’T despair if you only have the camera on your phone to work with. Most newer phones allow you to change the settings like you would on a camera and if not, there’s an app for that!

EXPERIENCE

NORTHERN LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY DOs AND DON'Ts

DO have your ISO set to at least 800 and your aperture as low as it goes.

DO keep your shutter speed anywhere between 5 seconds to 30 seconds, although the optimal would be between 5-20 (30 is for very faint lights, basically). DON’T go by boat! If you’re intent on getting photos, at least. The movement of the boat makes it impossible. DO consider using continuous shooting so that while shooting the lights you don’t have to keep staring at them through your camera DON’T focus solely on your photographs and forget to be in the moment. You don’t see the Northern Lights every day!

GOING BY SUPER-JEEP:

For more information, check out www.whatson.is or stop by the What’s On information office

Exclusive and thrilling – Going in a specially modified super-jeep on a hunt for the lights is a thrilling experience that’s fun and exciting. Sights can of course never be guaranteed, but the off-road action of the super jeep make for a great adventure and the lights are just an added bonus. © REYKJAVIK EXCURSION

For more information, check out www.whatson.is/northern-lights/

DON’T forget your tripod! However little you think you move while waiting for your camera to take your picture, believe me, you always move a little and it’s enough to make your photos blurry.

EXPERIENCE

HOW TO READ THE NORTHERN LIGHTS FORECAST IN ICELAND The Northern Light forecast can be found on en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/ but it is a little hard to decipher if you’ve never seen it before. Our handy guide should make things a little bit easier.

THE COLORS

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WHITE means NO CLOUDS, while DARK GREEN means VERY CLOUDY. The different shades of green then mean more, or less, cloudy.

THE NUMBERS The numbers are a combination of how likely it is for the lights to be active and how active they will be. Don’t be discouraged if the number looks low, it’s actually very rare for the number to be higher than five. Also, take this with a grain of salt; a low number doesn't mean that they won't come out or won't be impressive, and a high number isn't a guarantee that they will be glorious all through the night.

GOING ON A TOUR? There are many tours taking you out of the bright city lights for a better chance of seeing the Aurora. These tours will be CANCELLED if there is no chance of seeing the lights. All the major operators can be relied on to do this, first of all because there is a high standard of professionalism in Iceland, but more importantly because they lose money if they take you out needlessly – most of them promise to take you out again for free if you don’t see anything.

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NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF ICELAND 16-18 Millions BC: The Formation of Iceland. Volcanic eruptions form the landmass known as Iceland. 871 AD: The Settlement of Iceland. Ingólfur Arnarson killed a man in Norway and fled to Iceland. 930 AD: Alþingi (the Icelandic parliament) established. Alþingi is the oldest parliamentary institution in the world that is still extant. 1000 AD: Conversion to Christianity, Discovery of America. Parliament decided everyone should convert to Christianity, or at least pretend to. Leif “the Lucky” Ericson got lost and found America, didn’t like it and went home. 1262 AD: Iceland Submits to Norway. Civil war between powerful clans was finally resolved by forfeiting independence and submitting to Norwegian rule. This eventually led to Iceland winding up under Danish rule.

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1550 AD: Reformation. A violent conflict between Catholics and Lutherans ended with the beheading of Catholic bishop Jón Arason. 1602: Monopoly (not the fun kind). The king of Denmark decided Icelanders could only trade with particular Danes, resulting in economic stagnation until the monopoly was abolished in 1786. The 1750s: The Enlightenment and the Birth of Reykjavík. Industrialisation and modernisation started when “Sheriff” Skúli Magnússon started manufacturing wool in Aðalstræti 10.

Jón Sigurðsson

1944 AD: Independence. Iceland declared independence while Denmark was too busy being invaded by Germany to protest. 20th century: The World Wars and modernization. The turn of the century saw the first motor boat and car. The effects of the world wars and American occupation were serious urbanisation for the first time and increased foreign cultural influences. 1955 AD: Nobel Prize. Halldór Laxness was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. 1980 AD: First Female President. The world’s first democratically elected female head of state, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, took office. 2008 AD: Crash and Miraculous Recovery. Iceland’s banking system went spectacularly bankrupt. Since then, things have picked up surprisingly well. 2009 AD: First openly gay prime minister. The world’s first openly lesbian head of government,

Vigdís Finnbogadóttir

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EXPERIENCE Find more information about Iceland on www.whatson.is 28

A GUIDE TO READING THE SAGAS OF THE ICELANDERS The Sagas of the Icelanders, written in the 12th and 13th century and telling the stories of the early settlers of Iceland from the 10th century, are an amazing treasure trove of historical knowledge about the early years of settlement in Iceland. Better yet, they’re also impressive examples of literary excellence that still hold their own when it comes to enthralling storytelling. The sagas might be several centuries old and originate in a society with completely different values to our own, but the stories they tell are universal and timeless. Just like modern literature, they deal with love, loss, honour, adventure and everything in between. If you want to start reading the sagas but you’re just not sure where to begin, here’s our guide to reading the sagas. IF YOU LIKE ROMANCE NOVELS AND SOAP OPERAS – START WITH LAXDÆLA SAGA Laxdæla is the thrilling story of bonds of friendship torn asunder for the love of a woman. The love triangle of the formerly inseparable friends Kjartan and Bolli and the beautiful and

clever Guðrún has far-reaching consequences in this heartwrenching story of honour, destiny, love and betrayal. Will Guðrún follow her heart or her pride? Are they all mere pawns of fate? Will her efforts to overturn destiny prove fruitful? …or fatal!? IF YOU’RE A FAN OF LEGAL DRAMAS AND THE GREEK TRAGEDIES – START WITH BRENNUNJÁLS SAGA Njála, as it is affectionately known, is the most revered of all the sagas in Iceland and its main character, Gunnar of Hlíðarendi is probably the most idealised hero in all Icelandic literature. Familial obligations, honour and, most importantly, love, throw him, his best friend Njáll and everyone they hold dear into a whirlwind of theft, lawsuits, murder and punishments. His fate is marked from the moment he lays eyes on the woman he loves and not even Njáll’s sage advice can save him. As an added bonus, Gunnar’s wife, Hallgerður, also happens to be arguably the best female character in all medieval literature.

Völsunga saga has it all, dragons, sleeping beauties, magical swords, revenge and a dash of incest. It’s basically Game of Thrones for the 13th century! Its the story of the Völsungs, a dynasty of kings and heroes. The best known story from the saga is the story of Sigurður, the slayer of the dragon Fáfnir. After he kills the dragon, he eats his heart because magical birds told him to do it. What more do you need to know?

IF YOU LIKE ACTION MOVIES AND ADVENTURE STORIES – START WITH EGIL’S SAGA Egil’s saga tells the story of the fascinating antihero Egill Skallagrímsson and his adventurous travels all over the north of Europe. A fierce fighter and clever poet with severe anger management issues, Egil’s saga weaves the stories of the first time he killed a man (at the tender age of 7), his impending beheading which he escapes with the aid of some seriously great poetry, and a drunken feast turned massacre (where our hero at one point cuts off a man’s head before vomiting down his neck), to name a few.

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IF YOU’RE INTO FANTASY – START WITH VÖLSUNGA SAGA

ALL THE SAGAS are available in English in bookstores in Iceland. If you’re interested in the sagas

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and want to know more, head to the Settlement Exhibition where some of the original manuscripts to the centuries old sagas are on display. If you’re looking for some lighter entertainment, get some tickets to Icelandic Sagas – Greatest hits at Harpa. The comedy show takes on all the Icelandic sagas in 75 minutes. Additionally, if you’re travelling outside the city limits, we recommend seeking out the areas where the sagas are set. Borgarnes and Hvolsvöllur, for example, each have a museum dedicated to the Sagas of the area, Egil’s saga and Njáls saga, respectively.

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In countries where Lent is observed, it‘s usually preceded by a carnival. Icelanders do not observe Lent, but that’s no reason not to have a holiday or three, although our version is maybe not what you’d expect.

BOLLUDAGUR

CREAM PUFF DAY “Bolludagur” is the first in the row of three peculiar holidays that together constitute “Icelandic Carnival." It roughly translates to “Cream Puff Day” and falls on Monday six weeks before Easter so the actual date changes every year. It is believed that bakers from Denmark or Norway introduced the custom to Icelanders in the middle of the nineteenth century. It’s those people we have to thank for bringing us the delicious Bolludagsbolla.

Want to make your own bollur? Here’s a recipe!

Vatnsdeigsbollur (Cream Puffs) »» 4 dl water »» 160g margarine »» 250g flour »» ¼ teaspoon baking powder »» 5 eggs We start by mixing water with butter in a pot, bringing it to boil. Add the flour and baking powder and mix fiercely, until the mixture gathers up in a ball of dough when you stir it. Remove from heat and let cool for a while. Add the eggs, one by one, stirring well in between each one. Pipe the dough on a baking sheet (or spoon it on if you’re not that fussy about their shape), and be careful to keep a good space between them, the puff part of the name is there for a reason. Bake

for 30-35 minutes at 210°c or until golden brown. Be careful not to open the oven before you think the puffs are ready! The outer crust must be well baked so the puffs hold their structure and don’t collapse in on themselves. For the perfect, Icelandic bolla, fill the puff with jam and whipped cream and top it with chocolate. If you’re feeling adventurous, fill them with whatever you like! Caramel pudding, Ice cream, and Nutella all spring to mind. Good luck! This brilliant recipe is borrowed from eldhus.is and the sender is Linda. We recommend that website for an array of nice Icelandic recipes.

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Bolla is a word used in Iceland for all sorts of round breads, sweet or savoury. The Bolludagsbolla, however is something special. It’s a glorious choux pastry bun traditionally filled with jam and whipped cream and topped with a chocolate glaze, although in later years bakers have been experimenting with all sorts of fillings. It can be made at home or bought from a bakery and its only flaw is that it’s only served on Bolludagur.

Eating the bollur (the plural form) is great, but that’s not the only thing this day is about. See, the tradition dictates you can’t buy your own bolla, you have to get someone to buy it for you. If you manage to spank someone before they get up in the morning, they owe you a bolla. Children all over Iceland arm themselves with a “Bolludagsvöndur” (a paper paddle specially made for the occasion) on the Sunday before Bolludagur. When they wake up the following day, they creep into their parents’ room and spank them repeatedly while yelling “bolla!” over and over again. Doesn’t that just sound like a great way to start your Monday morning?

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“ICELANDIC CARNIVAL!”

EXPERIENCE

SPRENGIDAGUR

EAT-TILL-YOU-BURST DAY Sprengidagur is Iceland’s version of Mardi Gras. We celebrate it by eating as much as we can, of boiled, corned (salt-preserved) lamb (sometimes horse) and split pea soup. It’s delicious! This holiday falls on the Tuesday after Bolludagur. On Sprengidagur, every Icelandic home as well as most restaurants are flooded with the aroma of salted meat and peas. Why is it called Exploding Day? You should eat until you feel like you’re about to explode (think Monty Python’s Mr. Creosote). Rembember, this comes just after a day dedicated to stuffing your face with an obscene amount of cream puffs. Like I said, Lent is not something we actually observe, not anymore at least, but for some reason we still have a special day for filling up on treats before Lent. It’s basically a celebration of gluttony, so enjoy it with us. Go to the nearest restaurant and ask if they’re serving saltkjöt. If they don’t, there’s probably another one close by that is.

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ÖSKUDAGUR ASH WEDNESDAY

Ash Wednesday is, in most countries, a solemn day. It’s the first day of Lent, and the fast that comes with it, and people give up something they enjoy in order to remember Jesus’s 40 days in the desert. In Iceland, however, children dress up in costumes and sing songs for candy. It’s sort of like the Icelandic version of Halloween, without the pagan undertones. The children only beg for candy in shops and businesses (In Reykjavík and the bigger towns, at least) so Laugavegur and the shopping malls are filled with kids of all ages in costumes of

all shapes and sizes. The children are expected to earn their candy by singing a song, a tradition that excites the young ones, but most adults dread it, especially those working in commerce. If by any chance you are traveling to Iceland with a child, you might want to look into this. If not, keep this in mind when picking a day to go grocery shopping. Öskudagur is always a Wednesday, so this is mostly for children, not adults, and it’s celebrated with candy, not alcohol.

IT’S REALLY JUST ABOUT CANDY

Joe

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EXPERIENCE

WHAT TO DO IN ICELAND

IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE DAY If you only have one day in Iceland, the first advice I will give you is to change your flight and stay for at least a week more. If that’s not an option, my next suggestion would be to use the time you have to the fullest, since Iceland is a unique destination. IF ICELANDIC GEOLOGY INTERESTS YOU

It’s no coincidence that The Golden Circle is the most popular day tour from Reykjavík. There are three stops on the way that just happen to be three of the most captivating destinations in Iceland, and as an added bonus, the tour doesn’t take up more than half of your day. The stops are Þingvellir, the national park where the Icelandic Parliament congregated since Viking times, Gullfoss, the aweinspiring waterfall which lends its name to the Golden Circle, and Geysir, an erupting hot spring, guaranteed to wow visitors.

Nobody does volcanoes like Iceland, there’s a reason it’s called the land of Ice and Fire. The Reykjavík Erupts! volcano hike takes you to a geothermally active area where the effects of the extreme heat underground are clearly visible on the surface. The colours of the earth are akin to a rainbow and there are bubbling cauldrons of mud everywhere. Lava Tube Caving tour, on the other hand, allows you to visit a cave that was formed during a volcanic eruption. The rock formations alone make this tour worth the trip.

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IF YOU JUST WANT TO SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS

EXPERIENCE

IF YOU WANT TO SEE A GLACIER Since you’re visiting ICE-land, you might want to check out some icy tours and it doesn’t get any icier than hiking on a glacier. Glacier hikes are relatively easy and the professional gear is provided so it should be accessible for most people. You get to walk on a glacier, along with guides that know everything there is to know about glaciers and Iceland in general. IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR A LITTLE LUXURY Even if you’re only in Iceland for a short time, that doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time on a bus. If a day of luxurious pampering is more appealing, look no further than the Blue Lagoon. The turquoise blue waters make for a divinely soothing and relaxing experience. It doesn’t hurt that you can book all sorts of massages and treatments and get drinks straight to the lagoon. The Lava restaurant at the Blue Lagoon is also first class.

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IF YOU PREFER CITY STREETS TO HIKING TRAILS

You don’t have to leave the city to experience Iceland. Not only does Reykjavík offer a variety of great museums, restaurants, cafés, and shops, it also has spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the city, right from the city centre. If you’re staying in the city and want to get the most out of your time, invest in the City Card. It gives you access to all the city’s museums for free, as well as access to the thermal pools of Reykjavík, the Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo in Laugardalur, and allows you to use the Icelandic Bus (Strætó) within the Capital Region. IF YOU READ MOBY DICK AND LIKED IT Marine life abounds in the ocean around Iceland. Of all the creatures that live in these waters, the most spectacular ones have to be the whales. If you’re interested in seeing these immense creatures for yourself, take a whale watching cruise. Even the smallest Icelandic whale you could spot is still the size of a full grown man, and the largest can reach

up to 30 metres in length! If you have a few hours to spare before or after the cruise (or if you get seasick and a cruise is out of the question), check out the Whales of Iceland exhibition for some extra information on these gentle giants.

Whether you are going on tours or staying within city limits, you can be sure of one thing: you won’t have seen enough of what Iceland has to offer. The next time you’re in Iceland (and we’re pretty sure you’ll be back) stop by the What’s On office, or send us an email, and ask the staff to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.

A RARE, ONCE-INA-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY Around, on and deep within the awesome Langjökull ice gap glacier. Into the Glacier offers various tours to the World's largest ice tunnel. The ice tunnel and caves are located high on Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjökull. Daily departures from Klaki base camp, Húsafell center and from Reykjavik. You can choose from various tours and book online at www.intotheglacier.is Tel: +354 578-2550

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ICELAND EXPLAINED

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA >> What is it? Hallgrímskirkja church is probably the best-known landmark in Reykjavík, along with Perlan. It’s the last work of one of Iceland‘s most prolific architect, Guðjón Samúelsson. His work usually drew inspiration from Icelandic nature in some way and Hallgrímskirkja is no exception, conjuring the mountains and glaciers of Iceland along with the iconic columnar igneous rock. Guðjón started sketching the church in 1937 and they started building it in 1945. It wasn’t completely finished until 1986, although parts of the church had been ready for a long time at that point, even consecrated so the unfinished church could be put to use. >>Why is there a Viking statue in front of the church? It’s thanks to the Americans, actually. They gave us the statue to commemorate the thousand-

year anniversary of Iceland’s parliament, Alþingi. The statue is a likeness of Leifur Eiríksson, or Leif the lucky, the Norse Viking who sailed to North America centuries before Christopher Columbus. It might seem strange to place a Viking statue in front of a church, but actually, it was the other way around. The statue got there in 1932, but they didn’t start building the church until 1945. >> How do I get to the top of the tower? You take the elevator! It costs a few hundred krónur but you’ll be rewarded with a view to die for. Hallgrímskirkja is the second tallest building in Reykjavík and seeing the rows of the multi-coloured houses in the centre all laid out neatly like doll’s houses, and further away, the bright blue sea and mount Esja, is really something you shouldn’t miss.

ICELAND EXPLAINED

BEER! >> What about it? It’s good and we like it! Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Iceland. That wouldn’t really be surprising, except for the fact that for a large part of the 20th century, it was illegal to make or sell beer in Iceland!

>> Why on earth did you ban delicious beer? Actually, we started out by banning all alcohol like many countries were doing in the early 20th century. It just didn’t last very long, mainly because we were exporting a lot of fish to Spain and they didn’t like it when we stopped buying wine from them in return. When wine and spirits were legalised, for some reason, beer was left behind and remained illegal until the year 1989. The

arguments against the legalisation are quite funny in retrospect. People thought everyone would start drinking beer at all hours of the day and everyone would be drunk at work. One member of parliament even claimed she was against the legalization of beer since it would mean that beer would replace coffee as the nation’s adult beverage of choice. Needless to say, that hasn’t happened yet. >> How is Icelandic beer, then? It’s good! There’s been an explosion in craft beer production and microbreweries are popping up all over the place. Check out our guide to Icelandic beer on page 16-17

WARM WELCOME

UNNUR ICELAND 69.990 ISK

WHAT’S ON Need information about Iceland? Visit our information center on Laugavegur 5. 40

WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL 2 5 FEBRUARY 2017 MUSEUM NIGHT 3 FEB. POOL NIGHT 4 FEB.

VETRARHATID.IS It‘s no secret that it gets dark in Iceland in winter,

#VETRARHATID but Icelanders don’t let the darkness get them

down. The dark winter nights have their own special charm about them! Celebrating the dark winter nights is what the Winter Lights Festival is all about. The festival offers an array of sparkling events, where the many faces of Reykjavík culture come together. Art and industry, environment and history, sports and culture come together when all the major museums, the swimming pools, and a ski resort join forces and put on an amazing variety of events, all over the city.

Opening night is on February 2nd, and the opening ceremony will begin with a beautiful outdoor light installation at Hallgrímskirkja church. Regular features of the Winter lights festival, like Museum Night and Swimming pool Night will have their place on the program, and like last year, the festival will end with a Snow Celebration at the Bláfjöll Ski Resort. There will be plenty of exciting events, such as an Icelandic horse show at Austurvöllur, a playground of lights at Gerðuberg and the WOW Northern Lights Fun Run, which leaves from the Harpa concert hall!

WHAT’S ON

MUSEUM NIGHT

Museum night is not only a chance to visit your favourite museum, free of charge, but most of the museums are also putting on special events and offer their visitors a chance to see, hear and even taste the museum in a different way.

Special Museums Night busses will transport guests between museums, free of charge, of course and this year, the National Film Archive will screen films in the bus! See the programme and the Museum Night bus schedule at www.vetrarhatid.is

SWIMMING POOL NIGHT There aren’t many things that beat sitting in a geothermal hot tub underneath the stars feeling toasty warm. On Swimming Pool Night, nine of the largest pools in the Reykjavík capital area open their doors to visitors. Entrance is free of charge from 6 PM - 11 PM! During the evening, many of the swimming pools will host special events, creating a unique atmosphere, encouraging guests to take part, dance, sing, or just relax and enjoy the moment. © Raggi Th. Sigurdsson

See the programme at www.vetrarhatid.is

Need information about Iceland? Visit our information center on Laugavegur 5.

On Museum Night, the museums across the whole capital will open their doors to the public at 6 PM, and stay open till 11 PM.

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SÓNAR REYKJAVÍK 2017

It’s Sónar time again! If you’ve never been before, Sónar is a music festival dedicated to all kinds of electronic music. It was originally founded in Barcelóna in 1994, but has made its way to Reykjavík for a weekend in February for the past few years. Not only will some of your new favourite artists take over four stages of Harpa on February. 18th-20th but the underground car park is transformed into a nightclub for the weekend as well! Take a look at some of the artists we’re most excited to see.

ICELANDIC

Aron Can

ARTISTS

YOU

Iceland’s hip hop wunderkind, Aron Can is only 16 years old but his 2016 mixtape “Þekkir stráginn” got so much attention that he was one of Iceland’s most played artists on Spotify in 2016! Think autotune, heavy basslines and melodic hooks and make sure you don't miss his first Sónar performance.

CAN’T

MISS

If you’re attending Sónar hoping to discover fresh and exciting Icelandic artists, they don’t get any fresher or more exciting than Cyber. The rap duo have gotten some attention as part of Reykjavíkurdætur, the feminist rap collective that’s been kicking asses and taking names for a few years now. Cyber are very much doing their own thing and they promise an exciting show!

FM Belfast

If there’s any show you don’t want to miss, it’s an FM Belfast show. Known for their incredibly energetic and colourful live performances, Fm Belfast have a knack for making you want to dance until your feet fall off, no matter how foul a mood you might have been in at the start of the show. Their music is fun to listen to at home but their live shows knock it out of the park every single time.

WHAT’S ON

Cyber

Emmsjé Gauti

2016 was Emmsjé Gauti’s year, man! He’s been around for years despite his (relatively) young age but last year he was everywhere! With not just one but two records out this year, Gauti charmed the pants of the nation with his unapologetically fun take on hip hop. Expect a large crowd at his show, with every Icelander in the room singing along!

Originally founded in 1995, Gus Gus has been many things, but one thing they’ve never been is boring! Founded as a film and art collective, but gaining most attention for the electromusic, Gus have made all sorts of music spanning the whole scale of electronic music, from trip hop to pop and back again. With their 10th studio album slated for release in 2017, performing with GusGus this time are founding members Daníel Ágúst and Biggi Veira.

Sin Fang

Sindri Már Sigfússon, the man behind Sin Fang, has been making music for years and we hope he won’t ever stop. With his fourth full-length album, Spaceland, out last year, it seems like Sin Fang is better than ever. His electronic pop is deeply personal to the artist and the new album was written in the wake of a difficult period of panic attacks, resulting in uniquely sincere music, a treat for the ears!

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Gus Gus

WHAT’S ON

INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS YOU NEED TO SEE

Fatboy Slim

Fatboy Slim is coming to Iceland! He hardly needs an introduction, especially for people attending Sónar, but here’s one anyway! He owned the 90’s electronic scene but didn’t rest on his laurels. Instead, he reinvented himself again and again, producing hit after hit and reaching iconic status. Get excited!

De la soul

De la soul are hip hop legends, having burst their way onto the scene in the eighties with the hip hop masterpiece that was their debut album, 3 feet high and rising. The landmark album introduced a new flavour into the burgeoning scene and De la soul have been keeping up their independent spirit ever since!

Giggs

The british rap and grime act has been lauded as one of the most ground-breaking artists on the scene today. Giggs peforms at Sónar 2017 fresh from the release of his third longplayer, Landlord, which has been gathering rave reviews - with Nosey claiming it "raises the bar on UK rap in 2016 to Olympic levels".

Moderat

These Berlin electronic music pioneers are actually a supergroup of a sort – a coming together of established acts Modeselektor and Apparat. The collaboration is an oddity but it just works, the music styles that should clash instead come together to form something completely new, and boy, does it sound good.

CHECK OUT WHATSON.IS/SONAR FOR OUR SÓNAR COVERAGE AND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FESTIVAL!

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During modern Þorrablóts, it is traditional to eat some of the oldfashioned foods Icelanders used to eat before they had refrigerators. Since it had to be preserved somehow, the dominant flavours are pickled, salted, dried and smoked. Some of it is quite good, some is not good at all, and almost all of it will seem very strange to those unfamiliar with it. Here’s a handy guide to some of the most popular Þorri food.

— ON THE MENU —

SÚRSAÐIR HRÚTSPUNGAR PICKLED RAM’S TESTICLES

Yes, you read it correctly; ram testicles. They really did use everything back in the day. The testes are pressed into blocks, boiled and cured in acid whey. This does not sound very tasty – and to be frank, that’s probably because it really isn’t. There are some who enjoy snacking on these sheep balls occasionally, but my guess is that we mostly keep this dish around because we feel like we sort of have to, because it’s tradition. Either that or we just like freaking out the tourists.

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In the Old Norse calendar, Þorri was the name of a month that ran from late February to February in the current system. The first day of Þorri is Bóndadagur (husband’s day). During this month, there was usually a blót, or a sacrifice combined with a festival, to appease the god and ensure the return of summer. With the conversion to Christianity, this tradition died out, but was resurrected by romantic nationalists in the 19th century, and Þorrablót celebrations (minus the sacrifice) have today become a firmly established tradition.

WHAT’S ON

ÞORRI!

WHAT’S ON

BLÓÐMÖR BLOOD-SUET The name doesn’t sound very appetising, that’s for sure. Still, this blood sausage, a combination of lamb blood and suet mixed with flour, oats and some spices, actually tastes pretty good. Blóðmör is usually boiled and served with mashed turnips and a white sauce closely related to béchamel, or cut in slices and pan-fried. It’s also delicious served cold, with a bowl of cinnamony-sweet rice pudding.

HARÐFISKUR

HÁKARL

DRIED FISH

FERMENTED SHARK

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Drying fish is a good way to preserve it when you don’t have access to freezers. It also, coincidentally, produces a delicious, salty snack that’s almost pure protein. It’s best eaten with lots of creamy Icelandic butter. Harðfiskur can be purchased in most supermarkets and at Kolaportið flea market. This is one of the few traditional Icelandic delicacies we can definitely recommend.

Since fresh shark is poisonous, in order to eat it, you first have to bury it in the ground for 6-12 weeks. After that most of the poison has broken down into ammonia. This explains the pungent odour of ammonia (often compared to the smell of strong, and we mean STRONG, cheese) that this “delicacy” gives off. It’s best washed down with a shot of Brennivín schnapps (an aquavit flavoured with caraway seeds). This pairing is often considered the ultimate test of masculinity.

SVIÐ SINGED SHEEP HEAD Svið are sheeps’ heads, cut in half, singed, to get rid of the fur, and boiled. In centuries past, when there was never too much meat to go around, it made no sense to throw away the head just because it looked icky. Nowadays we recognise that many find it uncomfortable to literally look their food in the eye, but they can always get Sviðasulta, a lamb’s head terrine, which is sometimes pickled in acid whey. If you’re a first-timer, we recommend at least starting with the unpickled variety, since the pickled one is definitely an acquired taste, to put it mildly.

Are you indulging in some Þorri food while in Iceland? Share your experience with us (and the world) by using the hashtag #WhatsOnRvk.

Try our amazing 3 course dinner menu STARTER

Choose between Langoustine Fried langoustine, green celery, spring onions, lobster butter sauce and mango salsa or Icelandic roll- 4 pcs Gravlax roll with Brennivín (Icelandic traditional Snaps) and dill. Avocado, mango, cucumber, dill mayo, rye bread crumble

MAIN COURSE

Choose between Grilled salmon Mango-cucumber salsa, plantain-chips, chili foam, dill or Rack of lamb Onion purée, slow cooked leeks, chimichurri, baked carrot

DESSERT Skyr Skyr infused with birch, berries, white chocolate crumble, and sorrel granita

FRESH ICELANDIC FUSION

5.900 kr. Sushi Social Þingholtsstræti 5 • 101 Reykjavík Tel. 568 6600 • sushisocial.is

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON LOCATIONS

4 9

Check out the article The Reykjavik Sight Experience on pages 10-11 for more information about the places numbered here.

REYKJAVIK CITY MAP

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WHAT’S ON

THE REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM WALK Reykjavík’s history reaches back for more than a thousand years and the city is rich with culture. This heritage can be experienced in the museums scattered throughout the city. To make life easier for you, here is a proposed Museum Walk that covers the best ones in downtown Reykjavik, all within a walking distance. 1

VOLCANO HOUSE

The museum gives visitors an idea of the life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. Icelandic n at u re i s i n a st ate o f constant flux, earthquakes occur daily somewhere in Iceland, and volcanic eruptions are always a possibility. 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 a Volcano Show, which consists of two back-to-back documentaries on historical volcanic eruptions.

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. The museum was established on the 24th of February in 1863 and it’s aim is to increase and relay knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage from the country’s settlement until now. In the museum you will find a permanent exhibition of objects that provide insight into Icelandic history and culture as well as temporary exhibitions highlighting specific eras or aspects of the Icelandic cultural heritage.

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. There is also 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. Don’t forget to stop by the Hafnarhús shop for postcards, art posters and books published by the museum.

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 and are the focal point of the Settlement Exhibition. The construction of Viking Age buildings is explained u s i n g m u l t i m e d i a te c h n o l o g y a n d co m p u te r technology is used to give an impression of what life was like in the hall.

The Wonders of the Volcanoes Volcano House features two documentaries that focus on the most famous eruptions of Iceland, including Vestmannaeyjar in 1973 and Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, as well as talking about the causes and effects of Icelandic volcanology in general. The Volcano House includes a FREE “hands on” geology exhibition featuring many different mineral samples, such as lava from the 2014 eruption of Bárðabunga and ash from the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. Reviews from tripadvisor “Friendly staff - excellent documentary”

Due to weather and unfamiliarity with Reykjavik we arrived just after the last show started and were told that we could go in right away and pay after the show. In my opinion everyone should visit and watch this show. - jdsteven, Colorado

VOLCANO HOUSE

Volcano Cinema and Geological Exhibition in Downtown Reykjavik, next to the Old Harbour. Open Every Day from 10:00-21:00 / Show time every hour, on the hour. Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavík | (+354) 555 1900 | www.volcanohouse.is

EVENTS

NOTABLE FESTIVITIES & RECURRING EVENTS

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EVENTS FROM WHATSON.IS/EC

February 1st, 2017 @ Húrra TEITUR MAGNÚSSON

February 21st @ Iðnó LISTEN TO ICELAND – ICELANDIC FOLK SONGS

February 2nd-5th, 2017 @ Reykjavik REYKJAVÍK WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL

February 23rd @ Bíó Paradís STOCKFISH FILM FESTIVAL

February 2nd @ Harpa STRAVINSKY AND BRITTEN-ICELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

February 23rd – 25th @ Kex Hostel THE ANNUAL ICELANDIC BEER FESTIVAL

February 2nd @ Háskólabíó FRENCH SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

February 23rd @ Harpa RACHMANINOFF AND BEETHOVEN-ICELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

February 3rd @ Mengi STEPHEN DOROCKE

February 24th @ Hverfisgata 12 MIKROPOLIS BAR BURST!

February 7th @ Húrra TANYA TAGAQ

February 25th @ Harpa HOW TO BECOME ICELANDIC IN 60 MINUTES

February 10th – 19th @ Bíó Paradís

February 25th @ KEX Hostel FM BELFAST LIVE

GERMAN FILM DAYS February 14th @ Kex Hostel JAZZ February 16th – 18th @ Harpa SÓNAR REYKJAVÍK

February 26th @ Harpa ICELANDIC SAGAS – THE GREATEST HITS February 26th @ Bryggjan Brugghús JAZZ

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND EVEN MORE EVENTS, VISIT US ONLINE AT WHATSON.IS/EC SEND US YOUR EVENTS AT WHATSON.IS/EC/ADD OR EVENTS@WHATSON.IS

THE STEAK HOUSE

Steikhúsið simply means “The Steak House” and that underlines our goal, to focus solely on steaks. Steikhúsið is in the middle of Reykjavík, opposite the old harbor, which has recently formed into a lively neighborhood of restaurants, cafes, artisan stores and work shops. When you visit us, remember to try our “28-day” 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, since 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

EVENTS

FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL January 27th - February 10th It’s an exciting time to be a film lover in Reykjavík, as February boasts not one but three film festivals! The month opens with the French Film Festival, hosted by Alliance Francaise and the French embassy in Iceland. As the name suggests, the festival airs some of the most interesting examples of French cinema available. On the programme are eleven francophone films, most of them French but also one from Canada. As usual, the festival focuses on a

diverse selection of films, featuring everything from children’s movies to silly comedies to the films opening film, Paul Verhoeven’s Elle. The psychological thriller starring Isabelle Huppert was lauded at Cannes and was France’s submission to the Oscars this year.

GERMAN FILM DAYS February 10th-19th When the French film Festival has come and gone, it’s time for another festival with the same concept, the German Film Days. Hosted for the 7th time by the Goethe Institut and the German embassy in Iceland, The German Film Days features six of the most exciting recent german films.

The German Film Days open with Maren Ade’s third feature, Toni Erdmann. This Cannes-favourite is a dramatic comedy about a father-daughter relationship and it has captured the hearts of critics all over the world. It’s not the only award-winning film featured at the German Film Days, so get your butt to Bíó Paradís!

February 23rd - March 5th If you’re still thirsting for quality cinema after the smorgasboards that are the French and German film festivals, don’t panic! There’s still the Stockfish film festival to go! The festival showcases over 30 hand-picked award-winning films of different genres and origins, each more interesting than the next. In addition, Stockfish also hosts Shortfish, a programme of Icelandic short films competing for the 2017 Shortfish, and plenty of masterclasses, panels and other film-related events.

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STOCKFISH FILM FESTIVAL

EVENTS

ICELANDIC BEER FESTIVAL February 23rd - February 25th Beer was actually banned in Iceland until March 1st 1989! Ever since, Icelanders have celebrated their freedom around this time by – you guessed it – drinking a lot of beer! For the past few years, Kex hostel has used this occasion to host The annual Icelandic beer festival. The festival is just what it sounds like, a long weekend dedicated to enjoying the best Icelandic and international beers possible! With visitors from some of the most exciting breweries from around the world as well as

representatives from Icelandic craft breweries, this is a chance to taste some of the best beers in the world and get to meet the people making them.

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February 9th, 10th, 12th & 26th.

THE ICELANDIC OPERA LA VOIX HUMAINE REYKJAVÍK JAZZ NIGHTS If you’re a jazz-lover (and who isn’t?), there are plenty of options to have a good time in Reykjavík. If you come here in August, there’s the Jazz festival of course, but there are also some pretty good jazz nights on a weekly basis if you know where to find them. Bryggjan Brugghús have Sunday Jazz where some accomplished Icelandic jazz musicians get together to play their hearts out. If Sunday nights don’t suit you, there’s also Monday jazz at Húrra, the choice is yours!

The Icelandic Opera has a lot to live up to this spring after last year’s much-lauded staging of Tchaikovsky’s grand opera, Eugene Onegin. This time, the Opera is going in a very different direction, with Francis Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine, first staged in 1959. The single act opera, based on a play by the same name, is about a woman’s last phone call to a former lover after he broke off their relationship. The audience only gets to see the woman’s side of matters as she tries to deal with her pain and loss. The Icelandic Opera promises a new and refreshing interpretation, with soprano Auður Gunnarsdóttir and actress Elva Ósk Ólafsdóttir in the role of the nameless woman.

Don’t Fight the Power. Feel It. We could talk forever about how interesting our clean energy production at Hellisheidi is. But, instead, let’s see what some of our guests at the Geothermal Exhibition have to say on TripAdvisor: “A must see activity”, “Bucket List”, “... interactive and inspiring”, “Now I’m impressed!” We hope to welcome you too on your trip to Iceland at the most powerful exhibition in the world.

Only 20 min. drive from Reykjavík. A perfect stop on your way to or from the city.

The exhibition is open every day 9am-5pm. Info: exhibition@on.is Tel: (+354) 591 2880 www.onpower.is/exhibition

WEEKLY SYMPHONY CONCERTS IN HARPA CONCERT HALL Harpa Concert Hall sinfonia.is harpa.is (+354) 528 50 50

Main sponsor:

@icelandsymphony / #sinfo

EVENTS

VOLCANO HOUSE WONDERS OF VOLCANOES The Volcano House includes a FREE “hands on” geology exhibition featuring many different mineral samples, such as lava from the 2014 eruption of Bárðabunga and ash from the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. A documentary in English is screened every hour, on the hour, from 10am to 9pm. It focuses on some of the most famous eruptions of Iceland, as well as talking about the causes and effects of Icelandic volcanology in general. The show is also available in different languages by prearrangement »» The Volcano House is fun and educational for people of all ages, and kids are especially welcome. (Free for 0-12)

WONDERS OF VOLCANOES

»» Volcano House is a great late-night activity (last show at 21:00), a good replacement if your tour is cancelled, or if the weather is bad (it’s always nice and warm inside). Drop by any time! For more information see www.volcanohouse.is.

HAFNARBORG THE HEROINE Artist Steingrímur Eyfjörð exhibits a range of works from the start of his career to the present day which deal with women or female personalities. Most of them have been exhibited before, but now there is an opportunity to view them together and see how the

THE BUILDING AS A BEING...

subject of women has accompanied him since the earliest part of his career.

RÓSA In Hafnarborg’s Sverrisgallery artist Sigga Björg Sigurðardóttir has created an installation where we get to meet Rósa – and learn about background and history. The installation comprised of drawings, sculptures, and a video accompanied by an

aggressive soundscape. Rósa is of an undetermined species but she deals with human emotions and circumstances. We sense her desolation and desperation while we also see her mature and literally form herself. Her loneliness is tangible and her sadness obvious. In the end, it seems like her world shatters while she plays the harp with a combination of melancholy and recklessness.

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»» The Volcano House is a great stop on your Museum Day. After standing and reading for hours, it’s nice to sit down and watch a movie.

EVENTS

REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM – KJARVALSSTAÐIR KJARVAL – FROM COLLECTION Kjarvalsstaðir is a space where the art of Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, in whose honour it is named, has been presented in diverse ways since it opened in 1973. In that time extensive research has been carried out on his art and his important place in Icelandic art history. ÁSMUNDUR & ÞORVALDUR

REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM ÁSMUNDARSAFN

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ÁSMUNDUR SVEINSSON AND ÞORVALDUR SKÚLASON: CHILDREN OF THE EYE

Works by Ásmundur Sveinsson (f. 1893 – 1982) and Þorvaldur Skúlason (f. 1906 – 1984) both focused greatly on the formalist imagery of their work, thus connecting themselves to modernist traditions.

KJARVAL

REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM – HAFNARHÚS ILMUR STEFÁNSDÓTTIR: PANIK There is chaos and panic in Gallery A at Hafnarhús. The structure shakes from the strenuous efforts of a woman which serve no obvious purpose. She runs, jumps, cycles and uses various strange devices to create movement for movement´s sake. It appears that the exhibition hall may collapse. The question is whether the woman´s struggles can prevent that from happening, or whether they will be the reason for its downfall.

BOUT: VIDEO WORKS FROM THE COLLECTION BOUT is an extensive project where a large part of the animated works in the Reykjavík Art Museum collection will be put on show. The title refers to

PANIK

the works being exhibited in four different bouts, each one lasting around four weeks. Each bout has its own theme which is based on the approach and subjects of the artists. The themes in question are play, performance, documentation and storytelling.

D29 ANNA HRUND MÁSDÓTTIR: FANTASTIC SOUVENIRS The twenty-ninth artist in Gallery-D of Reykjavík Art

Museum – Hafnarhús, is Anna Hrund Másdóttir. Anna Hrund searches for art in her closest surroundings and tries to combine the subconscious and meditation with concrete things. She takes things from the landscape, stores them and transports them between homes and continents. She dissects them and rearranges, and brings us a rod – a representation of discoveries from the real world.

Gourmet Experience

- Steaks and Style at Argentina Steakhouse Barónsstíg 11 - 101 Reykjavík Tel: 551 9555 argentina.is

EVENTS

THE ICELANDIC PUNK MUSEUM The Icelandic Punk Museum is located at Bankastræti 0, an underground location that served as public toilets from 1930 to 2006. The Icelandic Punk Museum honors the music and the spirit that has shaped musicians and bands to this day; people who dared to be different. Objects, photographs, videos, posters, etc. from those years (roughly 1978 to 1992) are on display with texts in Icelandic and English, as well as the main music from the period is available to guests.

PUNK MUSEUM

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART ON PAPER Sketches and drawings by designers and artists An exhibition of a selection of drawings and sketches from the museum collection and from private collections will open on Saturday, November 19th. The pieces displayed provide an idea about the working process of designers and artists when making packaging, advertisements, book covers and of furniture and interior designers from the 1920s until the 1960s.

ON PAPER

KEEPERS Museum collections are collections made up by a number of collected objects and sources that have some meaning to the museum But how are the objects collected? What reasons lie behind certain objects

KEEPERS

being collected and where do the boundaries lie when collecting objects for a collection? The exhibition KEEPERS focuses on the museums’s collection. It will display the diversity that defines the collection. The title

refers both to the objects themselves, the ones worth keeping, as well as the people who preserved them, kept them and eventually so generously gave them to the museum for safekeeping.

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The exhibition includes works by Jónas Sólmundsson (1905-1983), Jón Kristinsson or Jóndi (1925-2009), Kristín Þorkelsdóttir (1936), Lothar Grund (1923-1995), Stefán Jónsson (1913-1989) and Sverrir Haraldsson (19301985).

EVENTS

REYKJAVÍK MARITIME MUSEUM SEA WOMEN The exhibition is a collaborative project between Reykjavik city museum (of which the Maritime museum is a part) and Dr. Margaret E. Willson, an anthropologist with the University of Washington (Seattle, Washington State). Dr. Willson discovered through extensive historical and ethnographic research in Iceland that women have consistently worked at sea from the mid- 900s to the present day. In West Iceland, through the 1700s and 1800s, women comprised a full third of the fishing fleet. This appears to be different from any other group of female fishers about whom a study has been done. From the 1970s through the early 2000s.

JOAN JONAS

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FROM POVERTY TO ABUNDANCE

The exhibition 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.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND VALTÝR PÉTURSSON Valtýr Pétursson (1919−1988) was a pioneer of Icelandic abstract art, a productive painter, an important critic and an active participant in artists' unions and groups. The exhibition be to opened at the National Gallery of Iceland in September 2016 is intended to provide an overview of his rich artistic career.

JOAN JONAS Joan Jonas (b. 1936) is a pioneer in the field of video

SEA WOMEN

and performance art and has a profound impact on artists who have seen her exhibitions in respected art institutions such as MoMA: Museum of Modern Art, The Kitchen, Queens Museum and Dia:Beacon in New York, Dokumenta 11 in Kassel, and Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona. Joan Jonas has received numerous awards for her art and has worked as a professor emeritus at MIT, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, since 1998. Joan Jonas has made works based on the writing of Icelandic Nobel Price laureate Halldór Laxness, Under a Glacier, and one of the Icelandic Sagas, Laxdæla, neither of which has previously been exhibited in Iceland. The works

will now be presented at the National Gallery of Iceland and the Akureyri Art Museum. Some of Jonas' previous works were exhibited at a group exhibition in the Living Art Museum in Reykjavik in 1985. Joan Jonas represented the US at the Venice Biennale in 2015.

TEXT The exhibition T E X T shows a selection of text-based art works by fifty Icelandic and international visual artists. The works all belong to the private art collection of Reykjavík and Berlin based collectors Pétur Arason and Ragna Róbertsdóttir, whose collection of contemporary art has reached over 1.000 works since the early 1960s until today.

rmal Poo Reykjaviks' The ls

A sou r ce of health Therm al swi m m ing pools

Hot t ubs and jacuzz i

Saunas, steambat hs and showers

Se ve n loc at i on s ope n ea rly un t i l lat e

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

Tel: +354 411 5000 www.spacity.is

EVENTS ASSEMBLAGE

THE CINEMA

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM

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ASSEMBLAGE

Sigurjón Ólafsson is known as a traditional sculptor, modeller of clay and plaster pieces and a welder of iron structures. In addition a large proportion of his later sculptures out of wood can be classified as assemblages, consisting as they do of assorted wooden parts, found or reworked, constructed around a given spatial core. This show features a selection of these later assemblages, chosen by the artist's widow, Birgitta Spur.

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION FRIGHTENING NATURE In the magnificent works depicting people and animals fleeing from natural catastrophe, one can sense the artist's inner struggle bringing us closer to his life

CMY

THE CINEMA

and work, joy and suffering which goes together with the process of creating as new roads are travelled. The story of a poor farmer's son, who becomes one of the nation's most respected painters, resembles a fairy tale. The varied treatment of the material shows the artist's continuous search for a suitable way of expressing the different subjects from local landscapes to the

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interpretation of the saga heritage, Icelandic folklore and fairy tales as natural disaster.

THE CINEMA There’s a cosy little movie theatre on the Old Harbour waterfront in the Reykjavik Centre that’s simply called The Cinema. It offers a wide variety of documentaries, made by the renowned Icelandic filmmaker Valdimar Leifsson, on everything from volcanoes to the Northern Lights and glaciers. It has an impressive selection of scheduled shows and it’s also possible to book specially a number of others, including films in German.

Make it’s Eld sure ing!

Call us on +354 519 5000 or visit www.elding.is elding@elding.is

NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISE

WHALE WATCHING Check out our Akureyri whale watching tours on elding.is

Reykjavík Northern Light Cruise

Take part in an adventure at sea with an unforgettable trip into the world of whales and sea birds all year round.

EL-09

– 1 Sept - 30 Sept & 15 Mars - 15 Apr at 22:00 – 1 Oct - 14 Mars at 21:00

Reykjavík Whale Watching schedule – all year round EL-01 / EL-02 / EL-03

Jan

Feb 9:00

13:00 13:00

Mar 9:00

Apr 9:00

May 9:00

13:00

13:00 17:00

Jun 9:00 10:00 13:00 14:00 17:00

Jul 9:00 10:00 13:00 14:00 17:00

20:30*

20:30

Aug 9:00 10:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 19:00

Sept 9:00

Oct 9:00

Nov 9:00

Dec

13:00

17:00

* From 15 June

Environmental Award Icelandic Tourist Board

www.elding.is

Akureyri

Reykjavík

EVENTS

NORDIC HOUSE CENTURY OF THE CHILD The Nordic House is proud to present the exhibition Century of the Child: Nordic Design for Children 1900 to Today. The exhibition appeals to visitors of all ages and The Nordic House offers various playful and interactive experiences in connection with the exhibition – both indoor and outdoor. Century of the Child gathers for the first time Nordic design for children from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day.

CENTURY OF THE CHILD

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

MAKING OF A NATION

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

The Maiden series is a bittersweet love story from the countryside. The history of past, present and future. Romance takes power but it needs to be downplayed. The feelings simmering beneath the surface must not be amplified. Love blossoms, but the inner struggle and conflict characterises life, and a showdown takes place. The Country Boy’s Dream series is a story of lovelessness, both old and new, and about how the

EINAR JÓNSSON

attitude of society can hold an individual in its shackles of prejudice and prevent him from thriving and living in accordance with his sexual orientation. Persecution and oppression leave deep and lasting scars

on victims in addition to having a major impact on the welfare and happiness of those affected. We should, therefore, be good to each other and celebrate our diversity.

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THE MAIDEN / THE COUNTRY BOY'S DREAM

EVENTS

THE CULTURE HOUSE POINTS OF VIEW The exhibition offers visitors a chance to delve into the collections of six different cultural institutions, the National Museum of Iceland, National Gallery of Iceland, Natural History Museum, National Archives of Iceland, National and University Library of Iceland and Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. Points of view offers an innovative guide to a nation’s cultural history exhibiting thousand-year-old treasures, e.g. manuscripts, along with the latest in Icelandic art.

MAKING OF A NATION

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

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ICELAND IN THE WORLD, THE WORLD IN ICELAND

Iceland, in both past and present, has been characterised by transnationalism. Iceland has thus been a part of the mobility of people and ideas through the centuries. It is important to highlight this in the present, when current discourse is often based on the idea that in the past different parts of the world existed in isolation from each other. Prejudices are nothing new in Icelandic society, as for centuries Icelanders' ideas have been influenced by global conceptions of race.

KALDAL'S PORTRAITS AND KALDAL, TIME AND SPACE Exhibition Kaldal's Portraits on his iconic portrait photograhs, amongst whom include portraits of Icelandic artists. Exhibition Kaldal, Time and Space focuses on the inside of the home, the interiors of dormitories, and workplaces in years 1926-1938.

POINTS OF VIEW

THE MAKING OF A NATION - HERITAGE AND HISTORY IN ICELAND The exhibition is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Settlement to the present day. The aim is to cast light on the Icelanders’ past by placing the cultural heritage preserved by the National Museum in a historical context, guided by the question: What makes a nation? The exhibition includes about 2,000 objects, dating from the Settlement Age to the present, as well as about 1,000 photographs from the 20th century. The exhibition 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.

THE RE-INVESTIGATION OF A VIKING GRAVE An exhibition based on new research on the bones and grave good found in a settlement-era grave.The grave was discovered in 1938 in East-Iceland. The research can provide answers on the age of the woman in the grave and where she came from, together with indications of how she looked and dressed.

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ART & CULTURE

ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM

THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION

REYKJAVIK MARITIME MUSEUM

Kistuhylur, Reykjavik 411-6304 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Weekdays guided tours 13:00.

Aðalstræti 16, Reykjavik 411-6370 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 9-18

Grandagarður 8, Reykjavik 411-6340 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 12-17

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

THE EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM

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: Tue-Sun 10-17

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 outstanding works of modern art also make their mark.

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Viðey Reykjavik 411-6356. reykjavikcitymuseum.is

REYKJAVIK CITY LIBRARY

FREE ENTRY Looking for a place to hang out, browse the internet, get access to Wi-Fi or meet the Reykjavik locals? Then Reykjavik City Library is the perfect place to visit. Have a seat and dip into the latest magazine or relax while checking out their great selection of books. Tryggvagata 15, 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.

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM 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.

HAFNARBORG

FREE ENTRY Hafnarborg has a collection of Icelandic art and regular exhibitions presenting leading Icelandic and international artists. Collection exhibitions are a regular part of the program. Around exhibitions are workshops and guided tours. Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður 585-5790 | www.hafnarborg.is Hours: Wed-Mon 12-17

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.

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.

THE NUMISMATIC MUSEUM

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

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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: Tue-Sun: 10-17

THE LIVING ART MUSEUM

An active exhibition space that has organized many exciting exhibitions throughout the years. They put a n e m p h a s i s o n i n t ro d u c i n g young Icelandic artists, as well as showcasing work by better-known Icelandic and foreign modern and contemporary artists.

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: Tue-Sun 10-17

THE ICELANDIC PHALLOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Probably the most unique museum you’ll visit on your trip, the Icelandic Phallological Museum is a one of a kind. Here you’ll find a collection of more than two hundred penises and penile part belonging to almost all land and sea mammals that can be found in Iceland. Laugavegur 116, Reykjavik 561 6663 | www.phallus.is Hours: Daily 10-18

HANNESARHOLT

VOLCANO HOUSE

Grundarstígur 10, Reykjavik 511-1904 | www.hannesarholt.is Hours: Daily 11-17

Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavik 555-1900 | www.volcanohouse.is Hours: Daily 10-21

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.

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.

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM

A museum that Icelandic sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson’s wife founded as a tribute to his life and work in 1984. She had his studio in Laugarnes converted to an exhibition space to house his collection of works, including sculptures, sketches, drawings and biographical material. Laugarnestangi 70 553-2906 | www.lso.is Hours: Sat-Sun 14-17

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART

Its objective is to collect, study and present Icelandic design and crafts from 1900 to the present day. This young museum, the only one of its kind in Iceland, holds regular exhibitions of Icelandic and international design during the year. Exhibitions from the museum‘s own collection are regularly held. Garðatorg 1, Garðabær 512-1525 | www.honnunarsafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 12-17

AURORA REYKJAVIK

The Northern Lights Center, Aurora Reykjavik, allows you to experience the Northern Lights in a completely different way, both if you saw them, but as well if they escaped you while in Iceland. The center features information, education and of course stunning visuals of the elusive lights that’ll get your heart racing. Grandagarður 2, Reykjavik 780-4500 | aurorareykjavik.is Hours: Daily 9-21

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Völvufell 13-21, Reykjavik 551-4350 | www.nylo.is Hours: Tue-Fri 12-17

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

ART & CULTURE

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

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 411-6420 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17

GLJÚFRASTEINN LAXNESS MUSEUM

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

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsbær 586-8066 | www.gljufrasteinn.is Closed for repairs in February.

ÁSMUNDARSAFN

Opened in 1983, the collection is housed in a unique building designed and constructed mostly by the artist himself from 19421950. The original building served Sveinsson as studio and home; behind it he built a crescent-shaped structure as a work- and exhibition space. Sigtún, Reykjavik 411-6430 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17.

THE CULTURE HOUSE

Artifacts and works of art from the varied collections of six institutions provide a reflection of Iceland’s visual art history and cultural heritage in the exhibition Points of View, a journey through the Icelandic visual world of past and present. There are seven points of view to be found in as many wings of the house, connecting what you’ll see, independent from the medium or time. Hverfisgata 15, Reykjavik 545-1400 | www.culturehouse.is Hours: Tue-Sun 10-17

GERÐARSAFN

SAGA MUSEUM

Hamraborg 4, Kópavogur 441-7600 | gerdarsafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 11-17

Grandagardur 2, Reykjavik 511-1517 | sagamuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-18

Gerðarsafn is a progressive modern art museum in Kópavogur. It’s dedicated to sculptor Gerður Helgadóttir and it’s the only museum in Iceland dedicated to a woman. The museum collection consists of more than 1400 works by Gerður, as well as the works of the most celebrated Icelandic artists of the 20th and 21st century.

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.

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 2000. Hafnarhús was built in 193239 for the offices and warehouses of Reykjavik Harbor and was at that time one of the largest buildings in the country. Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavik 411-6410 | 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 | www.listasafn.is 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 10-17

Wool & Souvenirs

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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.

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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

Welcome to Gló Restaurant AT LAUGAVEGUR Gló is Iceland’s most popular health food restaurant in Reykjavik. Gló offers different set menu everyday: Raw food, chicken, a vegetarian dish and soup. Tasty desserts, coffee, tea and delicious juices are offered as well.

Laugavegur 20b · Open every day 11–22 Tel 553 1111 · www.glo.is · #gloiceland

Named after a legendary Icelandic football player, Reykjavík's premier Sports Bar is nestled in the heart of the city and boasts the biggest array of HD screens in town. Classic bar food is served hot and the beers ice cold. Finally, it’s open 7 days a week so you never miss the game! Austurstræti 20, Reykjavik 561-2240 | bjarnifel.is

KOFINN

This café/bar is in the perfect spot on the main street. This snug basement used to be a butcher’s shop but has been transformed into a comfy place to relax, have a drink and swap tales with friends. As an added bonus, Kofinn doesn’t just have happy hour, they have coffee hour as well! Laugavegur 2, Reykjavik www.ktf.is

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

AMERICAN BAR

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 581-2200

Austurstræti 8, Reykjavik 571 9999

DEN DANSKE KRO

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!

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. Bankastræti 5, Reykjavik 552-9600 www.b5.is

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

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. Ingólfsstræti 3, Reykjavik 552-0070 www.danski.is

BAR ANANAS

THE ENGLISH PUB

Klapparstígur 38, Reykjavik

Austurstræti 12, Reykjavik 578-0400 www.facebook.com/enskibarinn

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 some of the best cocktails in town.

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 at whatson.is

KAFFIBARINN

KALDI BAR

PUBS & NIGHTLIFE

BJARNI FEL SPORTSBAR

PUBS & NIGHTLIFE

HÚRRA

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. Naustin, Reykjavik www.hurra.is

DRUNK RABBIT

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Every city needs to have a friendly neighbourhood Irish pub and in Reykjavík, that bar is the Drunk Rabbit. It doesn’t matter if you’re going in for a snack, to enjoy the live music they have every night, people-watching in the lively bar, or just enjoying a beer or five in good company, the Drunk rabbit has got everything you need.

Austurstræti 3, Reykjavik 553 1041

LOFT HOSTEL

This hostel café/bar is bright and spacious; the perfect place to start the night. The hall hosts events most nights and on summer afternoons, the balcony is the best place in town for a beer in the sun. Last but not least, Loft has the best foosball table of all the bars in the city centre. Bankastræti 7, Reykjavik 553 8140

LEBOWSKI BAR

The Big Lebowski by the Coen brothers is not only a film, it has now become a lifestyle. With the emergence of the Lebowski Bar in Reykjavik, everyone can now be a part of The Dude’s peculiar world. They even offer a whole White russian menu! Laugavegur 20a, Reykjavík 552-2300 | www.lebowski.is

AUSTUR

O n e o f t h e h o t te st c l u b s i n 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

KIKI - QUEER BAR

Kiki is the only queer bar in town these days but it is also the best one! If you’re worried you won’t find the place, don’t be. The rainbow coloured street entrance, stream of people in a dancing mood, and the far off sound of dance-heavy beats should lead you where you want to go! Laugavegur 22 www.kiki.is

MICROBAR

Beer enthusiasts look no further! In a cellar underneath Restaurant Reykjavík, just off Ingólfstorg square, you will find Micro Bar. This ambitious bar serves only beer from microbreweries! Carrying an impressive 140 different kinds of beers from all over the world, this is definitely the go-to place for beer fans. Vesturgata 2, Reykjavik

LOFTIÐ

Some nights, you just want to get all dressed up and go downtown for a cocktail or two. When you’re in that kind of mood, there’s no place better to relax than in the comfortable leather chairs at Loftið, with a delicious drink crafted by the skilled mixologists tending the bar. Austurstræti 9, Reykjavík www.loftbar.is

CAFÉ RÓSENBERG

There’s always something happening at Café Rósenberg! The concert and event programme is impressive, ranging from intimate concerts, to stand-up shows to a blues or jazz band taking the stage. It doesn’t hurt that the food there is delicious! Klapparstíg 27, Reykjavik 551 2442

There are many places worth checking out in Iceland and even though we feel that our 21 stores should be up there with the waterfalls and geysers, we’re not completely mad. That’s why we offer free delivery right to your door.

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SHOPPING & STYLE Find more recommendations at whatson.is 84

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

HRÍM

Icelanders are known for being a stylish people, whether you judge from their clothes, their homes, or just their lifestyles. At the heart of their stylishness is Scandinavian design, whether it‘s Icelandic or from our neighbouring countries. The Hrím stores offer you the chance to decorate your home (or even yourself) with the classic style of the Scandinavians!

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 25, Reykjavik 553-3003 | www.hrim.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

JÖKLA

IGLÓ&INDÍ

Laugavegur 90, Reykjavik 696 6604

Skólavörðustígur 2, Reykjavik 445-2020 | www.igloandindi.com

If you‘er interested in getting some Icelandic design to take back home , be sure to stop by Jökla on your way down the Laugavegur shopping street. You can get Icelandic design for you, your children, or your home and the best thing is that you‘re buying straight from the designers

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 d e s i g n e r s h ave to m e e t t h e 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

BY BOAT

ALSO TRY

NORTHERN LIGHTS BY BOAT

SEP OCT NOV DES JAN FEB MAR APR** 22:00 21:00* 21:00 21:00 21:00 21:00 21:00* 22:00

WHALE WATCHING FROM REYKJAVIK

PRICE: Adults 9.900 ISK Children (7-15) 50% OFF Children (0-6) FREE

*Departing at 21:00 from 16th Oct-14th Mar **Until 15 April

WHALE WATCHING SEP OCT NOV DES JAN FEB MAR APR 09:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 10:00* 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 14:00* 17:00** Price: Adults: 9.900 ISK Children (7-15) 50% OFF Children (0-6) FREE

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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

SHOPPING & STYLE

GALLERY GALLERA

MICHELSEN

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.

KRAUM

If you walk up a flight of stairs from the city‘s main shopping street, you‘ll come across this hidden gem of a space, Gallery Gallera. This workshop/gallery/store is run by a group of up-and-coming artists and sells everything from hand-printed t-shirts to books and posters, perfect to keep for yourself or as gifts for family and friends back home! Laugavegur 33, Reykjavik 773-3550

Laugavegur 15, Reykjavik 511-1900 | www.michelsen.is

Bankastræti 7, Reykjavik 517-7797 www.kraum.is

KIOSK

GEYSIR

Don‘t leave Reykjavík without stopping by one of the city‘s most ambitious galleries! I8 is one of the mainstays on the scene and constantly offers new and exciting works by Iceland‘s best-known artists. Stop by to take a look at the cream of Icelandic art today!

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Ingólfsstræti 6, Reykjavik 552-4700 www.studiostafn.is

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 manufacturers. Skólavörðustígur 19, Reykjavik 552-1890 | www.handknit.is

Taking some Icelandic design home is the best possible souvenir of a great trip. Luckily, Icelandic designers are known for their inimitable style! Try stopping by Kiosk, a co-op shop owned by 8 different designers. Not only are the clothes to die for, but the designers also take shifts behind the counter so you get to meet the people behind the design as well! Laugavegur 65, Reykjavik 445 3269 | kioskreykjavik.com

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. Laugavegur 70.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

Pub quiz Bingo

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soccer, nba, nfl, nhl, ufc, golf, tennis, formula 1 track and field, nascar, winter sports... we have it all live events every day Hamburgers, sandwiches, salat, steaks, icelandic food, and ice cold beer www.bjarnifel.is - tel. 561 2240

TS ALL SPOR

FOOD & DRINK

FORRÉTTABARINN

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

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Is a centrally located and affordable restaurant that boasts an extensive international menu with an emphasis on Tex-Mex, Italian, Indian and many light meal options. One thing you can be sure of, when you visit Vegamót is that the place will be crowded. It's usually filled with locals for lunch, dinner and during evenings.

BRYGGJAN Bryggjan is not just a restaurant where you can get fresh Icelandic seafood overlooking the old harbour, it also doubles as a brewery. For beer enthusiasts, Bryggjan also offers an evening of beer school, where you can learn all about the beer and how it’s made, while tasting it with the appropriate courses.

Nýlendugata 14, Reykjavík 517-1800 | www.forrettabarinn.is

Vegamótastígur 4, Reykjavik 511-3040 | www.vegamot.is

Grandagarður 8, Reykjavík 456-4040 | bryggjanbrugghus.is

AUSTURLANDAHRAÐLESTIN

ARGENTÍNA STEAKHOUSE

HAMBORGARABÚLLAN – BURGER JOINT

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.

VEGAMÓT BISTRO

They offer some of 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. Barónsstígur 11a, Reykjavik 551-9555 | www.argentina.is

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

UNO RESTAURANT

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. Whether you're in the mood for a light lunch or a dinner feast, Uno is the place to be! Hafnarstræti 1-3, Reykjavik 561-1313 | www.uno.is

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. Geirsgata 1, Reykjavik 511-1888 www.bullan.is

ICELANDIC FISH & CHIPS

This is not your run of the mill fish and chip shop! Not only does the restaurant use the freshest fish and ingredients, they serve their fish with delicious skyr-based sauces,.This fast-food upgrade is much more nutritious than you‘d think! After eating, we recommend visiting the Volcano House, it‘s in the same building! Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavik 511 11 18 | ww.fishandchips.is

SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 14 - 101 REYKJAVÍK - TEL: +354 571 1100

SEAFOOD

BUFFET Every day from 17:30

Salted Cod With almond and chive butter, fig and potatoes

3.855

IKR

+3 5 4 5 1 7 4 3 0 0 geysirbistro.is

A restaurant opposite the old harbour that offers traditional steak dishes along with some exciting and fairly unorthodox choices. The pride and joy of The Steakhouse is the Mibrasa charcoal oven, a rare oven that is designed to cook the perfect steak by mixing modern technology with ancient tradition. Tryggvagata 4-6, Reykjavik 561-1111 | www.steik.is

AUSTURINDÍAFJELAGIÐ

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. Hverfisgata 56, Reykjavik 552-1630 | www.austurindia.is

JOE & THE JUICE

THE ICELANDIC BAR

Ingólfsstræti 1a, Reykjavík; Smáralind, Kringlan, World Class Laugum, Keflavík Airport www.joeandthejuice.is

Ingólfsstræti 1a, Reykjavík 517-6767 | www.islenskibarinn.is

Joe & The Juice is an on-trend coffee shop / juice bar. The concept answers today’s busy people’s needs for a quick pick-me-up in the form of great espresso drinks, freshly pressed juices, and variety of sandwiches prepared on the spot.

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.

HLÖLLI Hlölli has been serving up delicious subs, with his secret-ingredient sauce, for more than 30 years. Whether you’re in the mood for a lunch on your way about town or a late night snack after a night of dancing in the Reykjavík clubs, Hlöllabátar is the way to go. The bread is baked fresh every day and topped with fresh Icelandic ingredients. Ingólfstorgi, Reykjavik 511-3500 | www.hlollabatar.is

PYLSUHÚSIÐ

Hot dogs are the perfect fast food. They’re quick, portable and they taste great!. The classic Icelandic hot dog with all the fixings, raw and fried onions, ketchup, remoulade and mustard is of course available here, but they also offer more adventurous “dogs”, like chilli dogs and a French hot dog. If you’re not in the mood for a hot dog, they also serve ice cream!

KAFFITÁR

ESSENSIA

Vesturgötu 3b, Reykjavik 551 2344 | www.tapas.is

Bankastræti 8, Reykjavik 420-2700 www.kaffitar.is/en

Hverfisgata 4-6, Reykjavik 517-0030 | www.essensia.is

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.

If you’re looking for top-notch Italian food, look no further than Essensia. Using only the best ingredients and preparing them in a way that showcases their quality, the good people of Essensia make sure our whole dining experience is one to remember. Don’t forget about their delicious Italian wines!

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Ingólfstorgi, Reykjavik 842-2800

TAPAS BARINN

This Spanish-themed tapas bar is one of Reykjavík’s most popular restaurants and has been for a while! Their extensive menu gives you a chance to sample a host of Spanish cuisine made with Icelandic ingredients and best of all, the kitchen is open late! Don’t forget the Sangria!

FOOD & DRINK

THE STEAK HOUSE

FOOD & DRINK

KITCHEN AND WINE

Situated inside the stylish 101 hotel downtown, Kitchen and Wine is a luxurious bistro with a relaxed atmosphere. The cuisine is seasonal and focuses on simplicity and finesse. The cocktails are also excellent! Hverfisgata 10, Reykjavik 580-0103 www.kitchenandwine.is

Not only does Smurstöðin have some of Reykjavík’s best new Nordic smørrebrød, it also has the added bonus of being inside the stunning Harpa concert hall. The delicious, beautifully decorated open-faced sandwiches are best washed down with an icy glass of the house-made schnapps. Harpa Austurbakki 2, Reykjavik 519-9750 | www.smurstodin.is

GRILLHÚSIÐ

73 RESTAURANT

Tryggvagata 20, Reykjavik 527-5000 www.grillhusid.is

Laugavegur 73, Reykjavik 555 7373 www.73.is

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

FISH COMPANY

KOLABRAUTIN

Lækjargata 2a, Reykjavik 5600 800 www.hardrock.com/cafes/reykjavik

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

Kopar is a restaurant by the old harbour in Reykjavik which has an emphasis on adventure and experience in a brasserie setting. Their menu is composed of various locally sourced ingredients from sea and land, and aims to give you a taste of Iceland in a single evening. Geirsgata 3, Reykjavik 567-2700 www.koparrestaurant.is

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

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.

SMURSTÖÐIN

Geirsgata 9, Reykjavik 519-5050 | www.marrestaurant.is

KOPAR

MAR - SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Hard Rock Café really doesn‘t need any introduction! You can get the food, drinks, and music you know and love at their recently opened three story restaurant/bar/shop in the heart of the city centre. Their cellar even doubles as a concert venue, so get ready to enjoy yourself!

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. Harpa, Reykjavik 519-9700 | www.kolabrautin.is

PRE-BOOKING IS REQUIRED Book online at bluelagoon.com

FOOD & DRINK

RESTAURANTS OUTSIDE REYKJAVIK CENTRE

NAUTHÓLL

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

KRÚSKA

What’s the only thing that’s better than a feast of Icelandic langoustine? A feast of Icelandic langoustine in a charming restaurant by the seaside in a tiny, picturesque fishing village. Their langoustine soup alone is well worth the 45-minute drive from the city.

Krúska serves delicious, nutritious meals, both for people on the go and those who want to linger over their vegan, fish, vegetarian or chicken dishes. Everything is made right in their own kitchen from first class ingredients with no additives or preservatives. Krúska also serves coffee and cakes.

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

Fjöruborðið Eyrarbraut 3 A Stokkseyri 483-1550 | www.fjorubordid.is

Suðurlandsbraut 12, Reykjavik 557-5880 | www.kruska.is

VON MATHÚS

BORÐIÐ

KRINGLUKRÁIN

Just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, in the charming town of Hafnarfjörður, lies Von mathús. Looking out over the Hafnarfjörður harbour, this gem of a restaurant serves delicious food made from local and seasonal ingredients in a charming rustic environment. Personal comfort and professional service come together to create the perfect atmosphere for a night out.

Borðið is a hidden gem in 107 Reykjavík. A slow-food takeaway and gourmet store serving the busy locals, where guests are also welcome to dine-in, for lunch, dinner and brunch (weekends). Borðið has a strong personality and while the menus and gourmet selection vary, all is rooted in passion for tasty and authentic dishes and appreciation for seasonality and traditions.

For almost three decades, Kringlukráin has built their reputation on serving good food in a pleasant atmosphere and that’s not about to change. The menu has everything from pasta to steaks as well as a lovely menu of Italian-style pizzas. Perfect for dinner before a night at the theatre! Kringlan, Reykjavík 568 0878 | www.kringlukrain.is

Strandgata 75, Hafnafjörður 583 6000 | vonmathus.is

Ægisíða 123, Reykjavík 655 1230 | www.bordid.is

MATHÚS GARÐABÆJAR

BIKE CAVE

LAUGA-ÁS

Einarsnes 36, Reykjavík | 770 3113

Laugarásvegi 1, Reykjavík 553 1620 | www.laugaas.is

Mathús Garðabæjar, the newest addition to the restaurant flora in Garðabær, has been delighting its customers ever since they opened their doors. Serving everything from fish to pasta to vegetarian fare in exquisite dishes, Mathús Garðabæjar is the perfect place to bring the whole family! Garðatorg 4B, Garðabæ 571 3775 | www.mathus.is

FJÖRUBORÐIÐ

Whether you’re interested in having a meal, a quick snack, renting a scooter, or even just fixing your bike, Bike Cave has got you covered. Also, while their burgers will satisfy every meat-eater out there, the also have an impressive selection of vegan offerings! Strandgötu 34, Hafnarfjörður 571 3144 | www.bikecave.is

Lauga-ás is an established restaurant close to the city centre and has been run by the same family for almost four decades. The focus is on Icelandic cuisine with quality Icelandic ingredientsserved in a cosy atmosphere. Don’t miss the sauce béarnaise, it’s delicious!

We´ve got the car to make your day We go out of our way to bring you the vehicle you want - at a price you like. To complete our service, here´s a really great offer for you.

BOOK ONLINE

DISCOUNT PER RENTAL*

#enterpriseiceland

*Book online and use the coupon code FLYBUS1 to claim your discount

BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík Keflavík International Airport Info@EnterpriseRentACar.is www.EnterpriseRentACar.is • Tel. +354 519 9300

NICE

GREAT FOODGOOD DRINKS ATMO HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 17-19

KITCHEN IS OPEN Weekends 11.30–24 Other days 11.30–23

UNO at Ingólfstorg | Tel. 561 1313 | www.uno.is

Got a question about Iceland? Wondering if it’s safe? (It is). Who the president is? (Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson). Maybe you’re wondering about where to find some original Icelandic Igloos? (Just stop. Don’t.). We have the answers to these questions and plenty more at our website: www.whatson.is. If you can’t find your answer there, just visit us on Laugavegur 4 in Reykjavík, or drop us an e-mail at whatson@whatson.is. MUST KNOW PHONE NUMBERS

IMPORTANT STATISTICS

112 – The only number you need to have in your arsenal. If you get hurt, robbed, set on fire or accidentally set something on fire yourself, this is the number you call. Memorize it. Luckily, it isn’t complicated.

330.000 The population of the country. Yes, we know, it’s not a lot.

5885522 – Thanks to a catchy jingle this company had in the early nineties, every Icelander knows this number. There are other taxi companies, but ask any Icelander for a number for a taxi, this is probably what you get.

0 Number of people living in Igloos in Iceland. 99.5 Percentage of Icelanders who speak English. Although we of course encourage you to check out the beautiful Icelandic language, if only for the always hilarious Eyjafjallajökull joke, you’ll be perfectly safe conversing with locals in a more international language.

11 The street number of the Tryggvagata location of the Volcano House, which also has a What‘s On information desk. 5 Number of post offices in the Reykjavík area. Also the street number of our Laugavegur office! Stop by in case you have more questions, or just want to chat! 230 Number of volts Icelandic electricity uses. Converters are needed for people from the UK and the USA, at least for those who like their phones charged and their hair dry and/ or curled.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW!

1818 – If you forget the emergency number, want to call a different taxi company or you met some nice Icelanders last night and want to call them up, this is the only number you need, the Icelandic phonebook. +354 – The country code to Iceland. Add this to the seven digit phone numbers in Iceland and you can telephone to your heart’s desire, so long as you’re calling people in Iceland.

CHECK OUT MORE ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ONLINE AT WHATSON.IS/FAQ

Make a toast with Iceland’s no. 1 beer Pour a glass of the number one beer in the country, raise your glass to a friend and say “scowl fyrewr thyer!” You should fit right in. Skál fyrir þér!

Enjoy responsibly

Rock on at the northernmost Hard Rock Cafe in the world. Cool, tough, intense, exciting, powerful – just like the weather. Hard Rock Cafe Reykjavik is now open in the City Center

TD S U J PENE O

boo

ace

u isit

HARD ROCK CAFE REYKJAVIK

HRCREYKJAVIK

#THISISHARDROCK

– Visit our stores: Skólavörðustígur & Kringlan, Reykjavík. Hafnarstræti, Akureyri. Geysir, Haukadalur. geysir.com –