What's On in Reykjavik - January 2015 by MD Reykjavik

JANUARY 2015

IN REYKJAVIK

REYKJAVIK’S LEADING GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT, EATING OUT, MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES.

www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

CHECK OUT THE NEW

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM C O M P R I S I N G 5 TO P M U S E U M S :

Árbær Open Air Musem

The Settlement Exhibition

Viðey Island

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

More information in the Art & Culture section.

Reykjavík Maritime Museum

Reykjavík Art Museum

One admission to three museums

OPEn daily

Cory Arcangel, Quick Office, 2013, photo Sacha Maric

Einar Hákonarsson, Kveðjustund, Farwell, 2011

Erró, Two Faces, 1985

HafnarHús TryggvAgATA 17 Cory arcangel: all the small Things Erró and Art History

KjarvalssTaðir FlóKAgATA Einar Hákonarson: The Pulse of Time Poetic Colour Palette: From the Kjarval Collection

Ásmundarsafn SigTún a Posterori: House, sculpture

Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Open daily 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

www.artmuseum.is / artmuseum@reykjavik.is / +354 590 1200

WHAT’S ON

CONTENTS JANUARY 2015

ON THE COVER HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE

EXPERIENCE 6-28

EVENT CALENDAR

30-41

REYKJAVIK CITY MAP 42-43

MUSEUM WALK

44-45

WHAT’S ON

46-55

ART & CULTURE

56-61

NIGHTLIFE 62-63

SHOPPING & STYLE

64-67

FOOD & DRINK

68-73

PRACTICAL INFO

74-81

Dear reader. Merry Christmas and a happy new year. I truly hope you had a great 2014 and that 2015 will be even better. We here at What’s On had an outstanding year. This was a year of growth and good spirits. In the beginning of the year, we opened our Tourist Information and Booking Centre, right in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. There we’ve serviced thousands of jolly faced visitors, with everything from arranging for a week long holiday in Iceland, to locating the nearest ATM, or simply serving as a shelter from the cold for a bit and a warm cup of coffee. Then a beautiful ice cream shop opened up on the floor below us! That was a blessing in disguise, as while the ice cream sure is delicious, some members of staff have commented on the adverse effects on one’s figure. I in particular suffer greatly from over imbibing on ice cream. But now it’s time to embrace the New Year. We’ll keep publishing What’s On, diligently every month and as ever, try our very best to keep churning out interesting articles and informing on the numerous things happening in Reykjavik each month. I of course encourage you all to share your Iceland photos with us on instagram, using #WhatsOnRvk, as they might even be featured in this very magazine! Again, I hope you had a great time over the holidays and rock on 2015! – Hjörtur Atli, editor

Editor: Hjörtur Atli Guðmunds. Geirdal, hjortur@whatson.is, Tel.: 847-4153. Content writers: The What’s On Team Map: Kári Gunnarsson Printing: Oddi, Ecolabelled Printing Company

Layout & design: Stefán Birgir Stefáns, sbs@sbs.is 141

I C E CO L A

B EL

www.whatson.is

Volume 33 – Issue 1. Published by MD Reykjavik ehf. Laugavegur 4, 101 Reykjavik. Publisher: Sigurþór Marteinn Tel.: 899-2255. E-mail: sm@whatson.is

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PRINTED MATTER

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

WINTER ADVENTURE DAY TOURS MAKE SURE IT’S MOUNTAIN GUIDES

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GLACIER WALKREYKJAVÍK DAY TOURS

REYKJAVÍK

FROM DAY TOURS

PIONEER

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AWARD

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2006

For designing and developing Glacier Walks.

Ministry for the Environment Natural Resourcesand

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Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources

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for Ministry and the Environment Resources Natural

PIONEER AWARD

2006

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For designing

ICELANDAIR

and developing For designing Glacier Walks.

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ice lan 2014 Call +354 dro ver s.is es.is -2015 2014 guidmountainguides.is 587 9999 -2015 mountain Call +354 587 9999 587 9999

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2006 For designing and developing Glacier Walks.

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MOUNTAINGUIDES.IS info@mountainguides.is · Tel: +354 587 9999

EXPERIENCE You can find checklists from past months on whatson.is 6

THE

JANUARY C H E C K L I S T

You’re in Iceland – now go enjoy Iceland! Here is a list of things we think you should do this month! As ever, we encourage you to tag your photos using #WhatsOnRvk, as proof that you’ve did those things you’re bound to be boasting of!

THE TOP 10 TO-DO IN JANUARY! Gaze at the sky and hope to see the Northern Lights Eat Ice Cream like an Icelander, yes in January Visit a local swimming pool Visit at least one location of the Reykjavik City Museum And don’t forget about Reykjavik Art Museum either Taste some of Elín’s favourite foods! (pages 27-28) Explore a volcanic Lava Tube Have a quality cup of coffee (page 8) Sample some of the great Icelandic beers (if you’re 20+!) (pages 22-23) Start a random snowball fight with a stranger

THE WONdErS Of

VOLCANOES Volcano House features two documentaries chronicling two of Iceland´s most famous volcanic eruptions of the last 40 years

Vestmannaeyjar 1973, Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and other volcanoes Showtimes

English: 10:00-21:00 every hour on the hour German: 18:00 from June 15th to September 15th Open every day Vestmannaeyjar 1973 The eruption in Vestmannaeyjar began without warning on the night of January 23rd, 1973. 400 homes perished under ash and lava and nearly 5.000 people had to flee to the mainland in matter of hours.

Eyjafjallajökull 2010 The most famous volcano eruption in recent times; the eruption that caused much disruption in air travel over large parts of Europe. This powerful documentary made specially for Volcano House was filmed and directed by the Emmy-nominated Icelandic film maker, Jóhann Sigfússon.

Geological Exhibition you may touch Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavik | (354) 555 1900 volcanohouse.is

VOLCANO HOUSE Cinema | Geological Exhibition

EXPERIENCE

THE REYKJAVIK COFFEE EXPERIENCE Iceland may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of coffee, but Icelanders are actually big coffee drinkers. You will find plenty of small coffee shops or cafés on nearly every street corner in downtown Reykjavík. We know of at least five places where you will get great coffee.

CAFÉ PARÍS

AUSTURSTRÆTI 14

Café Paris is one of Reykjavik city’s most beloved restaurants and cafés, and has been for twenty years. It’s ideally situated by Austurvöllur square, where Icelanders go to celebrate the sun in the summertime. Inside Café Paris, you’ll be able to relax in a calm and casual atmosphere while enjoying a warm cup of coffee. They have a wide selection of coffee drinks but their Frappuccino “à la Café Paris” deserves the highest praise. You can’t go wrong with any of their cakes if you’re in the mood for a luxurious refreshment as well.

10 DROPAR

LAUGAVEGUR 27

One of Reykjavik‘s oldest cafés, located in a hidden basement on Laugavegur that is frequented by avid loungers, coffee addicts, happy families and hungry travelers. There’s nothing pretentious about it, it’s just a lovely old-fashioned house with homelike atmosphere and generous coffee refills. If you want to try something really Icelandic with your coffee you should order flatkökur, rye pancakes with sliced smoked lamb, or pönnukökur, traditional Icelandic pancakes with sugar, or with jam and whipped cream.

Find more articles like this on whatson.is

REYKJAVIK ROASTERS KÁRASTÍGUR 1

A small and intimate coffee shop in the city center where you’ll find first class coffee and refreshment. Their coffee is roasted in their own roasteries by their own roasting masters. When you walk in you’ll notice their beautiful La Marzocco espresso machine and two Mazzer grinders, and realize that coffee at Reykjavík Roasters is serious business. If you like your coffee, which you probably will, you can purchase whole beans in 300 gram bags or have them custom grinded for your coffee maker.

KAFFIFÉLAGIÐ

SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 10

It may be the smallest coffee shop in the country but it’s definitely one of the most popular ones too. Kaffifélagið offers a wide selection of coffee drinks made from Italian espresso beans that are grown in Ottolina, Milan. If you want to awaken your senses and make your mouth to foam with delight and deliciousness, Kaffifélagið is where you should go. The place is usually filled with busy locals getting their take-away coffee. You can also stock up on coffee beans, DVD’s and Icelandic music while you’re there.

SÓLON

BANKASTRÆTI 7A

If you’re looking for the perfect place to sit down, order a cup of coffee and watch people go on with their daily lives outside the window, Café Sólon is the place for you. The oversized artwork and sleek furniture definitely add to its appeal. Café Sólon is located in an old beautiful building in the city center with big windows and a lot of history. Their aromatic coffee will send any coffee lover over the edge, and if you’re looking for something more, than their variety of tapas plates or their seafood soup is definitely something to check out!

EXPERIENCE

#WhatsOnRvk So youâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;re in Iceland. Enjoying life, seeing the sights and taking in everything our magnificent country has to offer. Why not share it with the world?

Follow WhatsOnIceland on Instagram for more beautiful shots from Iceland!

@HANNAHOGAHARA

@PHILATRAVELGIRL

@EMILYTNE

@JESSFAW

@TLKNBOUTWILLIS

@FITOPY

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;d love to publish your best moments from Iceland, so go ahead and tag them on Instagram, using #WhatsOnRvk.

EXPERIENCE

on Instagram

@RYAN_RMRZ

@LESLIE2381

@CRACKR

@HJALTIR

@MY1STIMPRESSIONS

Follow WhatsOnIceland on Instagram for more beautiful shots from Iceland!

@KAMILALUTHIEN

EXPERIENCE

THE TASTE OF ICELAND If you’re coming to Iceland, you will be blown away by the vibrant and unique food culture. Between the world-class restaurants with pristine ingredients and master chefs, the quaint little local flavours and the unique and unusual traditional cuisine, there is no shortage of flavourful experiences for both the adventurous explorer and the demanding connoisseur. MODERN ICELANDIC CUISINE Modern day Iceland offers every kind of food you can imagine, and many that you probably can’t. With world-class chefs working with pristine ingredients, Icelandic Restaurants are sure to be a thrill. Most restaurants will offer some traditional Icelandic dishes, such as smoked lamb, or some twist on tradition, such as a reindeer burger. Reykjavik offers any kind of international food you can imagine, sushi, thai, mexican, you name it. It offers steak houses and seafood restaurants. You can go from very high end to fast food in one block. Because icelandic farms are relatively traditional and the icelandic nature is very pure and unspoiled, the ingredients of the food will be absolute first rate. We particularly recommend you try the lamb, which is in a league of its own.

For more must-do-things, check out www.whatson.is

THE ICELANDIC HOT DOG – AN UNUSUAL INSTITUTION

You don’t get more authentically Icelandic than the hot dog. Whereas some of the more traditional food are only really eaten during the Þorri festival, Icelanders actually eat hot dogs all the time. The Icelandic hot dog is unique in that it contains lamb in addition to the international pork and beef, and it is supposed to be eaten “með öllu” (with everything): raw chopped onions, roasted

onions, ketchup, mustard and remoulade. If you order one “with everything” up north, it will also include “cocktail sauce,” a mixture of ketchup and mayo. ICE (CREAM) LAND Icelanders, somewhat appropriately, love ice cream. They love it at any time, in fact, you can sometimes see a line at the ice cream parlour in a snowstorm. There is a long-standing debate in Reykjavík of which is better, Ísbúð Vesturbæjar or the one in Skeifan. Unless of course you’re from the north, and the obvious winner is Brynjuís. Because, well, obviously. TRADITIONAL ICELANDIC FOOD Finally, don’t miss out on the traditional Icelandic food! These dishes, prepared the same way they have for centuries, are steeped in history and... other things. There are some flavours everyone can enjoy such as the smoked lamb, flat bread, and liverwurst and some more unusual delicacies such as blood pudding and dried fish. At the far end of the spectrum you find curiosities of acquired taste such as fermented shark, singed sheep’s head and pickled ram’s testicles. These are otherwise known as “things you only eat so you can tell your friends at home you did it”. With a shot of Brennivin, an Icelandic Schnapps lovingly nicknamed “Black Death”, you can wash down your meal, along with washing away any memory you might have had of the whole affair.

Svartifoss (Black waterfall) 20 metre high, famous for the surrounding hanging hexagonal black basalt columns. These columns have inspired many Icelandic architects and artists, most visibly in the design of Hallgrímskirkja church and the National Theatre. Svartifoss is located in Skaftafell National Park, close to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.

Michelsen Svartifoss The Waterfall collection was inspired by the watchmakers’ quest for perfection and the exceptionally beautiful Icelandic waterfalls Svartifoss and Goðafoss. These waterfalls deserve their names on a watch. A fine Swiss mechanical movement, hand-beveled and hand-decorated by a 4th generation Michelsen watchmaker. The Svartifoss features a high quality solid stainless steel case with black coating (DLC), and a Swiss traditional dial made by hand. Available with several strap offerings, including exotic Icelandic spotted wolffish leather.

For more information please visit www.michelsenwatch.com

Laugavegur 15 - 101 Reykjavík - Tel. 354 511 1900 - www.michelsenwatch.com

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EXPERIENCE

THE REYKJAVIK Reykjavík is filled with things to do, places to go and stuff to see but some are just a little bit more important than others.

1 | HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. The tower of the church is among the city’s highest buildings and offers a fantastic view of the city for the small price of 700ISK for adults, 100ISK for children. Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church- and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland. It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect who designed it, Guðjón Samúelsson is said to have designed it to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape.

2 | PERLAN Standing at 25 metres high, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking buildings and although it was opened to the public in 1991 it still makes a stand out piece of architecture for its modern construction. Up on the fourth level there is a 360 degree viewing platform where you can get the best panoramic views of Reykjavík and when the sun sets it’s a spectacular spot for the northern lights. You can also dine at the Perlan restaurant that slowly rotates so you get to see the whole city without even having to turn your head.

Check out our map on p. 42 for the locations of these sights.

3 | TJÖRNIN

People go to the pond to feed the birds and enjoy one of the most amazing views that Reykjavík has to offer. There isn’t a better place in the city to enjoy a beautiful sunset and you can watch or feed a huge variety of birdlife that calls the lake home while you’re at it. When the lake freezes over in winter, hot geothermal waters are pumped in to defrost an area for the birds while those who can handle the cold keep warm from the romantic atmosphere and take to the ice on skates.

4 | AUSTURVÖLLUR When the sun is shining and the air is hot, Austurvöllur is the place to be no matter who you are. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants on Vallarstræti and Pósthússtræti, this public square is a wildly popular spot for locals to dine outside, soak up some sunshine or recline in the grass with picnics. With its close proximity to the Parliament of Iceland building, Austurvöllur has contrastingly also been the gathering place for political protests. At the center of it all stands a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the renowned figure who led Iceland to independence.

5 | KOLAPORTIÐ Whether you want to sample dried fish and fermented shark, purchase a bag of Icelandic candy or browse through thrifted clothing, Kolaportið should be the destination of your choice. Kolaportið is an indoor flea market that is open during the weekend between 11am-5pm. The atmosphere is very unique and the old industrial building is usually filled with people hunting for books or antiques, grocery shopping at the food court, selling their old garments, buying music and DVD’s or digging through piles of stuff in search of hidden treasures. We recommend bringing cash, as the majority of stalls don‘t accept cards.

6 | HARPA The whole 28.000 square meters of Harpa stand at the edge of the Reykjavik Harbour with Iceland‘s biggest concert hall suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events, conference centre with meeting facilities and in-house catering and fine restaurants. Harpa also occasionally hosts promotions, plays, and public events. It‘s open to everyone, always, and you should definitely visit Harpa, whether it‘s for a show, to buy souvenirs, a concert or a lovely dinner in one of the fabulous restaurants. Harpa was designed by a Danish firm in co-operation with Ólafur Elíasson, an Icelandic artist, and opened to the public in 2011.

7 | THE OLD HARBOR The descriptive name comes from the fact that it‘s the first lasting harbor in Reykjavik. The most visited area is the eastern pier where you’ll find a community of shops, galleries, electric bike and scooter rentals and guided tours in Reykjavík. You will find numerous whale watching companies willing to take you out to sea on unforgettable excursions. The area is filled with excellent restaurants (sushi and other seafood, tapas, burgers, etc.) and coffee houses. The atmosphere at the old harbour is friendly, the air is fresh and salty and there’s plenty of interesting activities to check out.

EXPERIENCE

SIGHT EXPERIENCE

8 | THE SUN VOYAGER

9 | CITY HALL With an impressive, modern design, the building sits right on the northern shore of Lake Tjörnin. It’s not only offices for the mayor and city’s excutive officials, but is also open to visitors, providing internet access, an information desk, exhibition halls and a cafe. Café Öndin boasts huge glass windows so you can sit back and admire the water, bird life, nature and city surrounds. Go to the galleries to admire one of the steady streams of new and exciting exhibitions always coming through. The three dimensional map of Iceland is always a favourite with visitors to the country.

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

Find these places on the centerfold map.

Check out our map on p. 42 for the locations of these sights.

A beautiful sculpture of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula by Sæbraut, close to the Reykjavík center. The sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and an ode to the sun. It serves as reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland. An ideal opportunity to see Sólfarið at its best is when the sun is setting, at whatever time that may be. It should be every photographer’s dream to capture the amazing view.

THE STEAK HOUSE

Steikhúsið simply means „The Steak House” and that underlines our goal, to focus solely on steaks. The Steak house is in the middle of Reykjavík, opposite the old harbor which has recently formed into a lively neighborhood of restaurants, cafes and artisan stores and work shops. When you wisit us, remember to try our “28 days” tendered meat. The heart of the place is a coal oven from Mibrasa, Spain. It is only fitting that we use coal for grilling and baking The Building housed a blacksmith and metal works in years gone by. THE KITCHEN IS OPEN FROM 17:00 TILL LATE — VISIT WWW.STEAK.IS

Booking: +354 561 1111 & steik@steik.is

EXPERIENCE

THE WHAT’S ON

ICELAND‘S SECRET TO HEALTHY LIVING Legend has it that the Vikings introduced Skyr to Iceland when they settled in the country some 1.100 years ago. Travel back in time to any farm and Skyr would be on the table – essential nourishment for young and old. Generations past may not have been able to measure the nutritional content in the way we can now, but the life-expectancy of the average Icelander was proof enough that something good was going on. Icelanders have ever since loved the smooth texture of this incredibly healthy dairy product and today it plays a big role in the modern lifestyle

diet. Skyr is high in protein and a virtually fat-free dairy delight. Thick and creamy in consisteny, it is also rich in calcium and other nutrients. Skyr can be found at almost every home and workplace. Enjoyed at breakfast, lunchtime, pretty much anytime, it has also become a healthy „fastfood“ for active people on the go. Delicious in smoothies or energy-boosting drinks, it even features on the dessert menus of many top restaurants, which are bringing a contemporary twist to this established favourite.

For more information on skyr, visit skyr.is

SKYR EXPERIENCE

EXPERIENCE

Skyr is available in many different varieties, both flavored and plain and in small containers and large. For an easy on-the-go treat, a spoon comes with the smaller ones. Below are some of the flavors available.

MS SKYR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PLAIN Skyr was originally only available as plain and was made at every farm in Iceland. Nowadays there are many flavors available but some still prefer the plain one. It can be enjoyed with berries and cream and perhaps with a little bit of honey or sugar. In the fall many Icelanders pick fresh berries and enjoy it with skyr. Plain Skyr is also a good base for all sorts of cold sauses.

KEA SKYR WITH VANILLA Originated in the northern part of Iceland, this is one of the most popular flavors available. The taste is full and creamy with zero fat.

MS SKYR.IS WITH BAKED APPLES A new variety in this popular brand. As with other skyr, it is high in protein and fatfree as well as being low-carb. Even though it is low-carb the flavor is reminiscent of a creamy dessert.

MS SKYR.IS WITH BLUEBERRIES This is a long time favorite in Skyr.is, Skyr with blueberries has a long tradition in Iceland. The taste is very rich and full of blueberries. 20

EXPERIENCE

THE ICELANDIC

Although beer and ale have been brewed in Iceland for a long time, the growth in recent years has been amazing. In just a few years, we‘ve seen many great breweries emerge, filled with ambition and ingenuity. There is one thing they all have in common though, the Icelandic water; renowned for its purity and quality. Here you can read up on some of our favorite beers, all of whom you‘ll find in Reykjaviks pubs and bars.

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. This Classic type of beer has become one of the best sellers on draught in Iceland in one year. 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.

BRÍÓ The first beer produced by Borg Brugghús, Bríó is a pilsner, however unlike what most people might think, being a pilsner doesn‘t mean it‘s any less of a beer. The name comes from the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. This style of brewing first emerged in the middle of the 19th century and immediately became so popular that the majority of beer drunk today is in some way derived from the original pilsner. Brío uses German hops, giving a very distinctive taste and a sweet aroma. Along with the hops, it uses Pilsen malt and under-fermentation yeast. Brío, which has won many awards and prizes over the years, was originally brewed as the House Beer for Ölstofan (see pg. 12) and is available in liquor stores around the country as well as most bars in town.

Find more articles like this on whatson.is

KALDI

The Brewery on Árskógssandur was the first microbrewery that opened in Iceland, back in 2006. Their first product, Kaldi, definitely paved the way for the rest of them. The regular Kaldi is a pure pilsner, with all the ingredients, except the Icelandic water, coming from the Czech Republic. Even their Brewmaster is Czech! Kaldi is a very mild and comfortable pilsner, with 5% ABV. You can detect a hint of sweetness in it. Kaldi is the most sold bottled beer in Iceland today and has been tremendously well received. You can get Kaldi in the liquor stores in bottles, as well as on draught at MicroBar.

KALDI DARK Most Icelanders are a bit afraid of dark beers, at least until they taste Kaldi Dark. A dark pilsner, it‘s not that much different from the regular Kaldi, as the main difference is the use of burnt malt, which provides the beautiful, distinctive dark color. Kaldi Dark is unpasteurized with no added sugar or preservatives. As mentioned – the Kaldi beers are brewed by Czech traditions, dated from 1842. Kaldi Dark is brewed using 3 different types of Czech hops. You can get Kaldi Dark in all liquor stores as well as in MicroBar on draught.

EINSTÖK TOASTED PORTER With clear notes of toffee and dark chocolate, this Porter is roasty and rich, offering a medium body that is robust, yet smooth on the palate. Toasted and chocolate malts give it a sinister black color, but its easy-to-drink taste will have you believing that there’s no need to be afraid of the dark anymore.

EXPERIENCE

BEER EXPERIENCE

ÚLFUR The first Icelandic IPA (India Pale Ale) on the market. Úlfur IPA is in the same caliber as the best produced on the West Coast of the Unites States and probably comes to many Icelanders as a surprise regarding flavor and aroma. The aroma is of fresh citrus fruits, especially grapefruit, which can also be found in the flavor and a strong bitterness makes you crave another sip. Only American hops are used in the beer and hops are added when boiled and after fermentation, a so called “dry hopping” technique. Icelanders took to the beer immediately and it helped clear the way for smaller breweries to try new things.

LAVA This beer is unique in the Icelandic beer scene and quite possibly globally as well. Lava is a pitch black Ale, with its colour coming from dark-roasted mat, burnt in a similar way as coffee beans. The Brewmasters goal was to create a distinctive beer. Lava is described as being like a good wine – improving with age, reaching optimal quality after 3 years of storage in a cold place. Lava is a very smoked Imperial Stout, and considered by beer connoisseurs as one of the best Icelandic beers. It has received many international awards, including a gold medal at the “United States Open Beer Championship” – where it competed against over 1650 beers. Lava is available at the bigger liquor stores as well as exclusively on draught at MicroBar.

GÆÐINGUR PALE ALE The Pale Ale from Gæðingur is a mixture of American and British Pale Ale. It’s ABV is quite low, at 4,5%, but it has the body of a much bigger beer. Bitterness and hops describe it aptly. Gæðingur is the latest addition to the Icelandic Microbrewery scene, founded in 2010. Gæðingur Pale Ale is unfiltered, so it has some residue at the bottom of the bottle. The Pale Ale is the beer that cemented Gæðingur as a quality Microbrewery and is available at most liquor stores, and as with many of the other beers mentioned, on draught in MicroBar

EXPERIENCE

BEST NORTHERN LIGHTS SITE SPOTS IN REYKJAVIK AREA — Article by Hjalti Rögnvaldsson

BORGARHOLT (KÓPAVOGUR)

It’s aurora borealis season! If conditions are good you can see them right by your hotel. But of course some spots are better than others. Here’s a list of some good ones.

I have to drop my home town in there as well. There you get a great view of the city, you get to venture into a neighboring town and if you’re lucky, catch some great northern lights. The church on top of the hill is legendary, some people call it the McDonald’s church. You’ll know why when you get there

Note: It’s best to get out of the city! This is because in and around the city there is always light ‘pollution’ – a lot of light sources. This tends to overpower the relatively fainter Northern Lights, so you can’t see them. Here, however, are the best spots in and around Reykjavík city.

REYNISVATN Reynisvatn is a small lake way by the city limits in the small neighbourhood of Grafarholt. It‘s so close to the city yet so secluded, since people rarely go there. How to get there: Punch these coordinates into Google Maps and get directions: 64.125897, -21.731609

Book a tour now on whatson.is

ÖSKJUHLÍÐ

Possibly the closest place to down-town Reykjavik, it‘s well within walking distance. It‘s the hill with the big glass dome on top. How to get there: Punch these coordinates into Google Maps and get directions: 64.129156, -21.919063

GRÓTTA LIGHTHOUSE Possibly the best place in the Reykjavik vicinity. It’s very poorly lit, which is good. It’s facing the ocean which is always majestic. And like said before, it’s just a terrific place to watch the stars and go northern lights hunting. Or to make out. How to get there: Punch these coordinates into Google Maps and get directions: 64.164502, -22.021556

How to get there: Punch these coordinates into Google Maps and get directions: 64.112335, -21.912948

WHEREVER THE GUIDE TELLS/TAKES YOU There are numerous agencies which can take you northern lights hunting. Even though the spots listed above are the best in the city, your greatest chances are always going to be away from the city lights. There are three main types of tours, the Super Jeep, the Boat or the Bus tours. Basically the Jeep is probably the most luxurious, and exclusive, with at most 10 people in the truck, and they can go back roads and interesting places. The Boat Tour has the benefit that you’re able to walk around on the vessel, and even if the lights don’t materialise on that particular night, you still get a nice boat tour of the bay and get to see the city lights in the night. It has, however, the detriment of being more weather dependent, since you don’t just need a clear night, you also need a relatively still one. The Bus is the cheapest option, and it’s a fine way to see the lights. All these different tours have experienced guides and organisers whose job it is to find the lights, so you can rest assured that if they are to be found, they will find them. You could also rent a car and drive anywhere the forecast is good but then of course you don’t have the guides who know where to go, and if you don’t see the lights, you don’t get a do-over.

Gourmet Experience

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EXPERIENCE

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE FOODS... MY FAVOURITE ICELANDIC FOOD AND WHERE TO GET IT

#1 ICELANDIC LAMB SOUP (KJÖTSÚPA) For centuries, Icelanders were generally a poor nation and they had to use whatever food they had well. The Icelandic sheep was the most important part of the diet and every single bit of this hardy animal was used to the utmost. Kjötsúpa is made out of bony, fat bits of lamb, hardy vegetables that are easily stored like potatoes and rutabagas, and a variety of herbs. It can be eaten when ready but it’s even tastier the day after. This is a really tasty meal, perfect for a cold winter’s day. Where to get it: Súpuvaginn (The Soup Wagon), on

Lækjargata, next to the Pond. Also the book café Súfistinn, above the Mál og menning bookstore on Laugavegur.

#2 FISH STEW (PLOKKFISKUR) Fish mixed with potatoes and onions. It is the perfect combo. This is as typical as Icelandic food gets. Often served with rye bread with lots of butter. Where to get it: Íslenski barinn – they serve it with bérnaise sauce and offer lots of different Icelandic beers to go with it!

#3 HOT DOGS (PYLSUR) Maybe this sounds like the odd one out in between all these classic Icelandic dishes, but in fact the Icelandic hot dogs are one thing most Icelanders can agree on loving. Hot dogs in foreign countries are always a disappointment because nothing beats the good old Icelandic ones. I don’t know what it is but it just always works. Where to get it: Loads of places, but the best ones are at Bæjarins bestu, the famous hot dog stand close to the harbour.

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What you’ve heard about Icelandic cuisine may not sound delicious to you. You may have heard something about ram’s testicles, seal flippers and cured whale fat, and I agree with you, it doesn’t sound too good. But this isn’t all Iceland has to offer! I’m born and raised in Iceland and my family is pretty traditional when it comes to food. Plus, I’m extremely good at eating, so I will be telling you about my personal favourites of the local cuisine and where in Reykjavík you can taste these delicacies.

EXPERIENCE

#4 BLOOD PUDDING AND LIVER SAUSAGE (SLÁTUR) Directly translated, Slátur means “slaughter”. Every autumn, my family gets together at my grandmother’s house for a day or two to make this delicacy. We start with sewing pouches out of sheep’s stomachs while my grandmother feeds us chocolate raisins. Then there’s the slaughter mix. The ingredients are more or less sheep’s blood or livers and kidneys, minced sheep’s fat, oatmeal, rye and spices, and my family’s recipe changes every year. Last but not least, we fill the stomach pouches and close them with a pin. Now this is when my grandmother’s garage starts looking like the scene of a massacre. Slátur is usually served with boiled potatoes and the leftovers are great with rice pudding and cinnamon. This is an ancient tradition in Iceland and it’s not uncommon for modern Icelandic families to get together to make slátur. This keeps the family together and reminds us how Icelanders of the not so distant past had to work hard to survive. Where to get it: As far as I know the only place to buy slátur is at supermarkets. But for the really good home made stuff, try your best to get invited to dinner by a traditional Icelandic family!

#5 DRIED FISH (HARÐFISKUR) A good snack, healthy and nutritious. Goes well with heaps of butter. Perfect for on-the-go eating, as long as you don’t mind the fishy smell (I don’t!). Where to get it: Supermarkets or Kolaportið Fleamarket.

#6 FERMENTED SHARK (KÆSTUR HÁKARL) This is not for everyone. Shark meat has to be allowed to fully decay to be edible, as it is poisonous to humans when fresh. The fish factory I used to work at in Borgarfjörður eystri, Fiskverkun Kalla Sveins, makes the best shark in Iceland and the process is as follows: Large chunks of shark meat are put in containers with rocks on top. The weight of the rocks presses the poisonous fluids out of the shark for a period of several weeks. Then the meat is hung up to dry for a few weeks more. Then it is tasted and the best bits are sold in little cubes to be eaten on the point of a toothpick. Like I said, it’s not for everyone – even most Icelanders cringe at the thought. I, however, love it. Some say it tastes like a strong french cheese and

I think it’s a perfect snack with your beer, or better still, your shot of Brennivín. Where to get it: Íslenski barinn og Kolaportið Fleamarket.

#7 SHEEP HEADS (SVIÐ) This is a particular favourite of mine. Some may think that half a head on your plate would make you lose your appetite, but being born and raised in Iceland this is absolutely ordinary (and delicious) to me. Svið is another result of Icelanders not being able to afford to let any part of the animal go to waste. The heads are cut in half, singed and boiled. And don’t worry – the brain is removed. However, the eye is left in and many Icelanders consider it the best part of svið. Svið is sometimes made into a kind of jelly called Sviðasulta. Where to get it: As it is a favourite of many bus drivers, the only place to get it is the BSI Bus Terminal. So now you should be ready to pop by Reykjavík and do some food exploration! See you there. I’ll be the one wearing a lopapeysa with a hot dog in one hand and a sheep’s head in the other.

AN ARTICLE BY ELÍN ELÍSABET EINARSDÓTTIR Tour guide and illustrator from Borgarnes. Elin’s interests include Icelandic birds, poetry and music.

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South Shore

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GARÐATORG 1, 210 GARÐABÆR OPEN: TUE-SUN 12-17

PRÝÐI

„ARE YOU READY, MRS. PRESIDENT?“ The Museum of Design and Applied Art’s exhibit Ertu tilbúin frú forseti? presents clothing and various accessories from the wardrobe of Mrs. Vigdís Finnboga-dóttir, former President of Iceland, from her years in office

The exhibition Are You Ready, Madam President? sheds light for the first time on an important factor in the tenure of the first woman president of the republic. The clothing Vigdís chose during her presidency reflects her personal style. Each individual’s choice of attire is shaped by taste, but traditions and customs for a given office also exert their influence. In selecting the pieces that are exhibited here, an effort was made to showcase the elegance and hard work involved in “being Vigdís.”

REYKJAVÍK MARITIME MUSEUM GRANDAGARÐUR 8, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 11-17

THE HISTORY OF SAILING This exhibition recounts Iceland’s maritime history and the growth of Reykjavík Harbor. Iceland’s settlement can be traced to Nordic seafarers sailing the North Atlantic. The first settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, chose the area that is now Reykjavík to make his home. It was a natural haven, with the inlet at Grandagarður being well sheltered for pulling boats safely ashore. For centuries, this natural harbor was one of the country’s main fisheries and trading centers, and over the years, Reykjavík Harbor grew to become Iceland’s largest port..

FROM POVERTY TO ABUNDANCE The Maritime Museum’s permanent 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.

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM LAUGARNESTANGI 70, REYKJAVIK

Closed until January 31st.

ASÍ ART GALLERY FREYJUGATA, REYKJAVIK

Closed until January 31st.

EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM EIRÍKSGATA, REYKJAVÍK

Closed until February 1st.

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The Society of Icelandic Goldsmiths celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, and the exhibition Prýði/Splendor has been developed in collaboration with them to mark this occasion. The exhibition includes the work of 40 gold-smiths, who were at liberty to create new objects for the occasion or to choose items from their own collection. The age of the goldsmiths ranges widely. Some have worked in the field for decades, built businesses and taken on apprentices, while goldsmiths of a younger generation, who here present their work alongside their masters, have built a reputation by participating in numerous exhibitions and contributing to the running of studios and shops. Recently graduated goldsmiths are also among the craftsmen featured, and their participation is an important ele-ment in fulfilling the exhibition’s purpose of illuminating the breadth of Icelandic goldsmithing today.

between 1980-1996. Vigdís was the first woman in the world to be democratically elected as her country’s head of state.

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MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART

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THE CINEMA GEIRSGATA 7B, REYKJAVIK

The Cinema is a cosy little movie theatre on the Old Harbour waterfront in the Reykjavik Centre, which offers a wide variety of different documentaries about everything from Volcanoes to Northern Lights to Glaciers made by the renowned Icelandic filmmaker Valdimar Leifsson. It has an impressive selection of scheduled shows as well as a possibility to book specifically a number of others, including films in German. Currently, all their screenings include a short feature about the recent eruption at Bárðarbunga, which started in August 2014. This includes cutting edge footage shot from a drone, which has drawn attention internationally, and which The Cinema was involved in creating. This footage in addition to other incredible and dramatic material is used to highlight the awesome power and beauty of the phenomenon.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

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FRÍKIRKJUVEGUR 7, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE-SUN 10-17

JÓN ÓSKAR - NEW WORKS Jón Óskar is a painter of large format and size has always been an inseparable part of his means of expression. The prime element in his art has always been drawing in its simplest, yet complex form. In this respect he is related to Kjarval, who regularly drew with a stiff oil brush and often painted by reversing the brush and scratched the wet paint with the tip of the shaft. The result is frequently graphical, patterned and based on a methodology,

THE CINEMA

which can be traced to late 19th century symbolism, with the fusion of cartooning and illustration, together with all the printing features, which the Victorian era made accessible to the broad public. The exhibited works are massive and tiny, and various intermediary sizes.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND 1884-2014 SELECTED WORKS FROM THE COLLECTION The National Gallery of Iceland celebrated its founding on October 16, when 130 years had passed since the proponent Björn Bjarnarson (1853–1918) established the museum in Copenhagen in 1884. The first Icelandic work, Outlaws, by sculptor Einar Jónsson

entered the collection in 1904. The first Icelandic painting in the National Gallery, Repose by Þórarinn B. Þorláksson, did not reach the collection until 1911, almost 30 years after its foundation. Now, after 130 years, the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland possesses more than 11 thousand items, of which circa 11 hundred, or the tenth part, are by foreign artists. The collection comprises works by nearly 800 artists, of whom a little less than half are Icelandic.

SUBSTANCE - SIGRÚN HRÓLFSDÓTTIR In her work, Sigrún Hrólfsdóttir explores the non-material realm of emotions and the interplay of the inner world and the personal with the outer world of ideas and symbols. In her newest work, emotional activity is materialized in a straightforward way. Hands pull colorful pieces of fabric from a head, and a face is lit up in various colors, a sincere and almost childlike adoration and idealization of the field of emotions, inspired by the expressionistic paintings of Gabriele Munther and images from modern fMRI scanners.

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UNIQUE EXPERIENCE AND A VIEW LIKE NO OTHER

ICELANDIC FRESHNESS MEETS ITALIAN TRADITION A meal at the elevated fourth floor of Harpa concert hall is a destination in itself. Relax and enjoy fine Italian cuisine complemented with a spectacular panoramic view of ReykjavĂk and the surrounding horizon.

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REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM HAFNARHÚS TRYGGVAGATA 17, REYKJAVIK OPEN: FRI-WED 10-17, THU 10-20

ERRÓ AND ART HISTORY At Hafnarhús, works are always on display which provide insight into the work of Erró. The theme of this exhibition is art history itself: over the years, Erró has established a close and creative relationship with that history. Erró is well known for creating his own visual world in his collages; and in this exhibition we see works in which he has borrowed images and fragments of pictures by some of the leading artists in history, such as Picasso and Léger. He also references the work of lesser-known artists of different periods. In that way Erró may be said to write his own version of the history of art, through his works.

SYNTHESIS Until January 18th. This international exhibition comprises works by seven artists who make three-dimensional installations which share the qualities of reflecting a certain perception, thinking and rhythm, which may be seen as an echo

of life itself, of primal forces, the structure of the fabric of the world and the ongoing genesis of the universe. Another factor which unites the works is that they are the result of a process in which energy and time appear to have built them up.

in 1884, a satirical portrayal of the social hierarchy using the language of mathematics and geometry.

SIRRA SIGRÚN SIGURÐARDÓTTIR: FLATLAND

This exhibition is a selection of works by Gunter Damisch (b. 1958) from the 1980s to 2013. On dislay are both graphic works which Damisch has given Reykjavík Art Museum and a selection of other works by him. The works are highly individual iconography and mythology oscillates between figuration and abstraction. Within the framework of this exhibition are early works from the 1980s and his recent production of monumental woodcuts, monotypes, and printed collages. Damisch prints works in all technics but lately he has used wooden panels as the plates, sheets of industrial ply-wood.

Until January 25th. In her Flatland Sirra Sigrún (b. 1977) juxtaposes structural stasis with movement by integrating video with text, movement and sculpture. The title Flatland is a reference, among other things, to a book of that title published

GUNTER DAMISCH: WORLDS AND WAYS Until January 25th.

REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM ÁSMUNDARSAFN SIGTÚN, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 10-17

A POSTERIORI: HOUSE, SCULPTURE

A posteriori, or from what comes after, a translation from early 17th century Latin, presents, a selection of artworks with original references to buildings or houses.

REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM – KJARVALSSTAÐIR FLÓKAGATA 24, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 10-17

KJARVAL: TOP SOIL

Roundabouts, Eriksson’s first major international solo exhibition, is a collaboration amongst Bonniers Konsthall, Trondheim kunstmuseum, Centre pasquArt, Biel and Reykjavik Art Museum, with support from the Nordic Culture Fund. A catalogue published by Walther Koenig accompanies the exhibition.

THE PULSE OF TIME From January 17th. The paintings in Einar Hákonarson’s retrospective span the artist’s career for over 50 years, from juvenilia and student works until the present year, 2014. The works have been selected on the principle of enabling visitors to trace the evolution of his art without difficulty; and the organisation and hanging of the exhibition are also intended to facilitate that process. The theme of the show, Púls tímans/Pulse of Time, is also the title of one of the paintings, evoking the artist’s desire to keep his finger on the pulse of time. The exhibition is

curated by Ingiberg Magnússon.

POETIC COLOUR PALETTE, FROM THE KJARVAL COLLECTION From January 17th. Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval occupies a special place in the history of Icelandic culture and art, as one of the country’s most beloved artists, before or since. Born in 1885, he was a native of the south coast, from the farm Efri-Ey in the Meðalland district, but was raised by relatives on the east coast at Geitavík in Borgarfjörður-eystri. In his early twenties he assumed the royal Irish name Kjarval and used it to his dying day. He set off for Reykjavik in 1902; only two years prior, Iceland’s first exhibition of paintings had been mounted by painter Þórarinn B. Þorláksson. In Reykjavík Kjarval took drawing and painting courses with Þorláksson and also with the painter Ásgrímur Jónsson, but his mind was set on going abroad for further studies in art.

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Artists in the exhibition have created the works, either from existing or fabricated architecture, to construct impressions of memories. As a feature of the exhibition, Ásmundarsafn, befittingly a sculpture and a house built by Ásmundur Sveinsson, becomes the embodiment of the reconstructed references. Ásmundur built the house in tandem with many of the sculptures now standing in the garden, and as an enhancing component of the exhibition, on display are smaller or actual versions of these figurative works. In addition to making a direct connection to their enlargements, these figurative sculptures play into actual perceptions of scale in the exhibition, both inside and outside the house.

Until January 4th.

ANDREAS ERIKSSON: ROUNDABOUTS Until January 4th. Andreas Eriksson (b. 1975 in Björsäter, Sweden) is one of the most acclaimed Swedish artists of his generation. He represented Sweden at the Nordic Pavilion at the 2011 Venice Biennale and his works have been shown widely.

ROUNDABOUTS

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Kjarval has served as a historic source of inspiration for Andreas Eriksson. In his works, Eriksson points out, Kjarval “chose not only to bring himself closer to earth, lava and rock types, but also to concentrate equally on the oil paint…[as if] to honourably try to return the pigments to their origin.” For the exhibition Top Soil Eriksson has selected paintings and drawings by Kjarval, which will be shown along with new work by Eriksson himself in appreciation of Kjarval’s art.

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BERGSTAÐASTRÆTI 74, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE, THU, SUN 14-17

ÁSGRÍMUR JONSON VIEW ON HÚSAFELL The exhibition includes works from the years 19151955. Ásgrímur spent the summer in 1915, 1917 and 1919 at Húsafell, after that Húsafell became a regular visit for him the rest of his life. After 1940 the Húsafell became his primary dwelling at summer and most Húsafell paintings are from the fifth decade of the last century. Contrasting nature, crooked trees that testifies to harsh weather gods; white glacier against a black desert or colorful vegetation of the ground emotionally moved the artist and make these paintings unique in his career. Works painted after 1940 reveals a strong emotional interpretation akin to the work of van Gogh.

VOLCANO HOUSE TRYGGVAGATA 11, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 9-22

WONDERS OF VOLCANOES

slow motion, swallowing and crushing everything in its path. Like a sci-fi monster, you see it start to engulf a thriving community and the impending disaster as it edges to the harbour to destroy the only safe haven for the fishing fleet. Every boat is pressed into service to ferry the inhabitants to safety as they watch more of their lives disappear. Then, the 2010 eruption in Eyjafjallajökull that covered farms and villages in a deep layer of ash and an almost impenetrable fog, threatening, once again, the livelihoods of hard-working communities. A massive flood sweeps down the mountain, putting bridges along the main road linking the southern towns and villages at risk.

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY TRYGGVAGATA 15, 101 REYKJAVIK OPEN: MON-THU 12-19, FRI 12-18, SAT-SUN 13-17

LAUREN GREENFIELD GIRL CULTURE Until January 11th. Girl Culture is about the central role occupied by popular culture in the construction or deconstruction of female identity. The camera of

American photographer Lauren Greenfield records the vanishing distance between a girl‘s everyday life and the idealized discourse about women in popular culture. The exhibition consists of portrait images and interviews that cast a light on the experiences and expressions of women today. In Girl Culture the ordinary and the extreme become intertwined: a teenaged girls obsession with appearance and the privade suffering of an anorexic woman; the girl playing dress-up and the stripper wearing a schoolgirl outfit. Greenfield has turned her lens to capture the experience of modern womanhood in all its fragmentation. Lauren Greenfield has worked as a documentary photographer and film maker since 1991. Greenfield´s work chronicles youth culture, gender and consumerism in America today. Among Greenfield‘s works are the chronicles Fast Forward (1997), Girl Culture (2002) og THIN (2006) and the documentaries Kids + Money (2008), Beauty CULTure (2011) og Queen of Versaille (2012). Greenfield‘s documentary and press photographs regularly appear in magazines such as The New York Times Magazine, National Geographic and Harper‘s Bazaar.

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From the small island Vest’-mannaeyjar, watch the awesome power of red-hot lava, seemingly irresistible as it moves in

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON

EVENT CALENDAR

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION

EVENT CALENDAR

HAFNARBORG STRANDGATA 34, HAFNAFJÖRÐUR OPEN: DAILY 12-17, EXCEPT THU 12-21 AND CLOSED TUE.

LIP-STICKS Until January 4th. An engaging exhibition of new paintings by leading Icelandic artist who dazzle the viewer with colorful narratives and blunt attitudes. The artists are Gabríela Friðriksdóttir, Guðmundur Thoroddsen, Helgi Þórsson, Hulda Vilhjálmsdóttir, Ragnar Þórisson, Þorvald Jónsson and Þórdís Aðalsteinsdóttir. The exhibition is curated by Birta Fróðadóttir. Inner stuggle, confusion and solitude are all underlying tones in Hulda Vilhjálmsdóttir and Ragnar Þórrisson`s work. Animalistic figures from a subconcious world speak to one another in the works of Gabríela Friðriksdóttir and Þórdís Aðalsteinsdóttir while Helgi Þórsson, Þorvaldur Jónsson and Guðmundur Thoroddsen`s paintings portray humor and playfulness.

LIP-STICKS

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND SUÐURGATA 41, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 11-17

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

CHECK OUT EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MUSEUMS IN REYKJAVÍK AND NEIGHBORING TOWNS—THE EXHIBITIONS, THE EVENTS AND ALL THE INFORMATION—ON WWW.WHATSON.IS/MUSEUMS.

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. It is conceived as a journey through time: it begins with the ship in which medieval settlers crossed the ocean to their new home, it ends in a modern airport, the Icelanders’ gateway to the world.

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EVENT CALENDAR For more informations about these events, visit whatson.is/ec 40

JAN 1ST, THURSDAY

JAN 10TH, SATURDAY

JAN 22ND, THURSDAY

HARPA

»» Phantoms of the Opera »» Pearls of Icelandic Song - New Year’s Concerts

»» New Year’s Concert »» Händel’s Messiah, as you never heard it before!

»» Macbeth and Kullervo

HAFNARHÚS

HÚRRA

JAN 2ND, FRIDAY HARPA »» Phantoms of the Opera »» Pearls of Icelandic Song - New Year’s Concerts »» Piano Recital: Philipp Richardsen

JAN 3RD, SATURDAY HARPA »» Pearls of Icelandic Song - New Year’s Concerts

JAN 4TH, SUNDAY HAFNARBORG »» Artist Talk - Ragnar Þórisson

HARPA

»» Gallery Talk

JAN 11TH, SUNDAY NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND »» Guest’s Talk about work from the Exhibition: The National Gallery of Iceland 1984-2014

JAN 14TH, WEDNESDAY HÚRRA »» Kría Brekkan

JAN 15TH, THURSDAY HARPA »» Young soloists

»» Pearls of Icelandic Song - New Year’s Concerts »» The Golden Age of Swing - New Year’s Concert of the Reykjavik Big Band

JAN 5TH, SUNDAY HARPA »» Musicians of tomorrow: Valdís Gregory, soprano

JAN 6TH, MONDAY ÞRETTÁNDINN »» Þrettándinn, or ‘Twelfth Night’, marks the end of Christmas in Iceland and is celebrated with bonfires all over the city.

JAN 8TH, THURSDAY HARPA »» New Year’s concert 2015

FREDDÍ »» First Iceland Championship in Donkey Kong

JAN 9TH, FRIDAY HARPA »» New Year’s concert 2015

HÚRRA »» Sindri Eldon

JAN 16TH-JAN 25TH REYKJAVIK INTERNATIONAL GAMES

JAN 16TH, FRIDAY HARPA »» Todmobile and Steve Hackett from Genesis

JAN 17TH, SATURDAY GAUKURINN »» Bömbers – Mötorhead tribute band

HÚRRA »» Vio album release show

JAN 18TH, SUNDAY NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND »» Artist Talk with Jón Óskar about the Exhibition: Jón Óskar - New Works

HARPA »» The Chamber Music Society #6

JAN 23RD, FRIDAY »» Stand-Up Comedy Night

JAN 25TH, SUNDAY HARPA »» The Chamber Music Society #4: Bach’s Cello Suites

ÁSMUNDARSAFN »» Artist talk in connection to ‘A Posteriori: House, Sculpture’

JAN 29TH-FEB 1ST HARPA »» Dark Music Days 2015

JAN 29TH, THURSDAY HARPA »» Icelandic Masters »» The Dark Music Days piece

JAN 30TH, FRIDAY HARPA »» Words – Music theater Work »» CAPUT ensemble »» Peripherryberry: Lindsay Vickery – Silent revolution »» Lecture: Berglind M. Tómasdóttir

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND »» Concert - The Icelandic Flute Ensamble

JAN 31ST, SATURDAY HARPA »» Ingólfur Vilhjálmsson, clarinet »» KÚBUS – 21 new music minutes »» Opera in progress, working title ‘UR’ »» “The children tackle the composers” – Concert for children »» Nordic Affect – Atonement

HÁSKÓLABÍÓ »» Skálmöld

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WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON HOUSE 6

Check out the article The Reykjavik Sight Experience on pages 16-17 for more information about the places numbered here.

REYKJAVIK CITY MAP

WHAT’S ON

THE REYKJAVIK MUSEUM WALK Reykjavik is rich with culture and history which can be experienced in the many museums that our city has to offer. To make life easier for you, here is a proposed Museum Walk that covers the best bits of downtown Reykjavik, while within a walking distance. 1

VOLCANO HOUSE

The museum gives visitors an idea of the real life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur daily and Icelandic nature is in a state of constant flux. Volcano House lets you experience the world of Icelanders by coming as close as possible to experiencing an eruption or earthquake for yourself. They also have an in-house cinema where they offer two back-to-back documentaries on historical volcanic eruptions.

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, industrialand advertising photographs, press photography, landscape photographs and more.

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THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

The nation’s most precious treasures are kept and displayed at The National Museum of Iceland that was established on the 24th of February in 1863. The aim of the museum is to increase and relay knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage from the beginning until now. At the museum you will find objects that provide insight into Icelandic cultural history and displays from different eras.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

The principal art museum of Iceland, established in 1884. Its art collection consists mainly of 19th and 20th century art works. In its possession are many of the keystones of Icelandic art history, as well as a growing collection of works from other countries. The National Gallery’s main role is to collect, preserve, research and exhibit Icelandic art and offer education about it, as well as there is a considerable emphasis laid on showing Icelandic art in context with international art.

REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM

Hafnarhús serves as the m u s e u m ’s i n s t i t u t e o f contemporary art, where n e w d e ve l o p m e n t s i n art are explored through d i ve r s e ex h i b i t i o n s o f Icelandic and international artists. An exhibition of paintings by well known pop artist Erró is a permanent feature. You’ll really like the restaurant inside that has a beautiful view over the harbour. Don’t forget to stop by the Hafnarhús shop for postcards, art posters and books published by the museum.

THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION

Archaeological remains were excavated in Aðalstræti in 2001, which turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavík.The relics are now preserved at their original location as the focal point of the Settlement Exhibition. The construction of Viking Age buildings is explained using multimedia technology and computer technology is used to give an impression of what life was like in the hall.

NICE

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

Ice Cream • Hot Cocoa • Waffles Bada Bing, Laugavegur 4, 101 Reykjavík

WHAT’S ON

GLJÚFRASTEINN

LAXNESS MUSEUM Gljúfrasteinn was the home of writer Halldór Laxness (the winner of The Nobel Prize in Literature 1955) and his family for more than half a century. The house is now a museum, where the author’s home is preserved just as it was when he lived and worked there. A number of events are hosted throughout the year. Every Sunday during the summertime there are concerts in the living room at 4pm. The museum is open everyday from 9am – 17pm. Audio guides of the house are available in Icelandic, English, German, Swedish and Danish, and an illustrated guide in French. Gljúfrasteinn-Laxness museum is located in the valley of Mosfellsdalur on the way to Þingvellir National Park, only 20 minute drive from Reykjavik. For more information, go to www.gljufrasteinn.is.

Í SL E N SKI BA RI NN www.islenskibarinn.is

I NGÓLF SST RÆT I 1A 1 01 R EYK JAV Í K postur@islenskibarinn.is sími: 517 6767

Fish • Lamb • Whale • Icelandic cuisine with a twist Icelandic music and nightlife Mix with the locals . .and all the Icelandic beers in one awsome place!

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46www.islenskibarinn.is postur@islenskibarinn.is sími: 517 6767

WHAT’S ON

A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF ICELAND 16-18 Million 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: Parliament Established. Iceland is arguably the oldest still extant democracy in the world. 1000 AD: Conversion to Christianity, Discovery of America. Parliament decided everyone would be christian or at least pretend to be. 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 resulted in making peace by submitting to Norway. Later, Iceland somehow wound up under Danish rule.

1550 AD: Civil war and Lutheranism. The violent conflict between Catholics and Lutherans ended with the beheading of bishop Jón Arason.

the century saw the first motor boat and car. The world wars and American occupation resulted in the first serious urbanisation and foreign cultural influence.

1602: Monopoly (not the fun kind). The king of Denmark decided Icelanders would only trade with particular Danes, resulting in abject poverty until the monopoly was abolished in 1786.

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.

The 1750s: The Enlightenment and the Birth of Reykjavík. Industrialisation and modernisation started when “Sheriff” Skúli Magnússon started wool manufacturing in Aðalstræti 10.

2008 AD: Crash and Miraculous Recovery. Iceland’s banking system went spectacularly bankrupt. Since then, things are picking up surprisingly well, but they’re still tough.

1944 AD: Independence. Iceland declared independence while Denmark was too busy being invaded by Germany to protest.

2009 AD: First openly gay prime minister. The world’s first openly lesbian head of government, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, took office.

20th century: The World Wars and modernization. The turn of

Come ride with us ISK 500.- discount!* For almost 30 years Íshestar has given people an opportunity to experience the Icelandic horse on long and short trips. Horses are our passion. Come ride with us in the beautiful surroundings of our Íshestar Riding Centre. You get free transport from all major hotels and guesthouses in the capital area.

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EXPERIENCE

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WHAT’S ON

WEIRD THINGS TO DO IN REYKJAVIK Many people ask us if there are some weird or unusual things to do while staying here. Of course there are! We‘re eccentric people who lived in isolation for about 1000 years. Something off is bound to happen under these circumstances. Here are some tips for weird stuff to try while in Iceland.

Okay, maybe this doesn’t sound too weird. Who doesn’t like ice cream? Try eating ice cream in the rain, in the snow, heavy winds or your regular sunny day. And during all times of day, midday, midnight, after dinner, in the morning – you name it. We like our ice cream and we enjoy it all year round. Hell if we were to limit ourselves to eating ice cream only when it’s sunny and nice then we wouldn’t have ice cream shops! Here’s a fun tip. If you’re asking an Icelander (boy or girl) out on a date, ask them to come on an ísrúntur (e. ice cream drive). It’s the typical ice breaker (pun intended) into a starting a relationship. It’s pronounced “eehs-roont-uhr”.

2 | HAVE DINNER AT THE COACH TERMINAL Better yet, eat cooked sheep heads at the

coach terminal! The main coach terminal in Reykjavik, BSÍ, is a known restaurant in Iceland. Many people go there for the traditional bus stop meals such as hamburgers or hot dogs. But the dish they are most famous for is the “kjammi og kók” which is cooked sheep’s head, served with beet stew and an ice cold Coca Cola. You just have to try it.

3 | PEE IN THE SALTY SEA When you live on an island, the language and especially proverbs will obviously revolve around the sea a lot. If you hear someone say “you’ve never peed in the salty sea” it’s being implied that you’re somehow inferior and haven’t seen anything noteworthy. This was often said about the people who lived on land and never had to experience the perils of the sea. So please pee in the sea, so you don’t come off as a total newb.

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1 | EAT ICE CREAM

WHAT’S ON

4 | GO TO THE PENIS MUSEUM No I’m not kidding. High on Laugavegur, close to the main bus stop Hlemmur, you will find the Icelandic Phallological Museum. The museum has over 200 items on display and happens to be unique in the world. All mammals you would find in Icelandic nature, such as whale, mink, mouse and goat, are represented along with the crown jewel: a human penis. Don’t miss this unusual museum while in Iceland. www.phallus.is

5 | GET NAKED! …at the local swimming pool. We constantly hear stories of bewilderment of Icelandic swimming pool habits. Most our pools are outside heated with geothermal water from the ground. We swim all year round and we’re not shy in the locker room. Do bring your bathing suits though.

…or in nature. You won’t be able to swim in the legendary Geysir (it’s almost 100° celcius). However there are tons of warm hot springs that you can take a dip into. The closest one would be right outside of Hveragerði in Reykjadalur. What are some other weird things you’ve learned about Iceland? Let us know on www. whatson.is.

AN ARTICLE BY HJALTI RÖGNVALDSSON Hjalti is passionate about everything Icelandic, whether it is nature, culture, food, drink or music – he’s even attended Iceland Airwaves 8 times! He spends his time wandering around Iceland looking for new interesting things to share. For more things Hjalti, follow him on Twitter (www.twitter.com/hjaltir)

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WHAT’S ON

THE

NORTHERN LIGHTS

ARE HERE!

We‘re sitting right in the middle. Middle of winter. Middle of the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis season. The nights are pitch black, and they‘re long. That means that if you‘re visiting right now, your chances are as high as they can be of catching the ever elusive, yet beautiful lights!

never guaranteed to see them and luck always plays a fair part. Sometimes they decide to play nice and dance around for awe struck visitors, but at other times they won’t show, even though all conditions indicate a light spectacle should be showing.

During the ever bright summers of Iceland, they’re completely impossible to see – so a big crowd of would-be visitors to our country await the winter with excitement, as the lights are truly an impressive sight. However, nothing‘s for free in this world – and neither are the Northern Lights. You’re

We’ve constructed this list of useful tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Northern Lights hunt. Nothing is guaranteed – but our hope is that these tips will be useful and aide you in your search for the beautiful Northern Lights!

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.

PRICES FROM: 5800 KR.

PRICES FROM: 8500 KR.

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!

WHAT’S ON

TO THE NOP 8 TIPS FOR RTHERN LIGHTS! 1 | GET OUT OF TOWN

| GIVE IT TIME AND BE PATIENT!

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!

GOING BY SUPER-JEEP:

Book your Northern Lights tour now on whatson.is or at the What’s On Tourist Information Center!

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.

PRICES FROM: 19900 KR. © REYKJAVIK EXCURSION

ART & CULTURE

ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM This unique museum was founded in 1957 in order to give visitors a tangible sense of Reykjavík’s past. It comprises a village-like collection of over twenty “homes,” each creating a very interesting exhibition in itself. Kistuhylur, Reykjavik 411-6304 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Guided tours daily at 13.00 or by appointment.

VIÐEY ISLAND

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM Unspoiled nature reigns on island of Viðey, which has a unique place in Icelandic history. Birdlife abounds on the island, while outstandi ng works of modern art also make their mark.

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Viðey Reykjavik 533-5055 | 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

THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION

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.

REYKJAVIK MARITIME MUSEUM 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.

Aðalstræti 2, Reykjavik 411-6370 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17

Grandagarður 8, Reykjavik 411-6340 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

THE EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM/ FREE ENTRY The aim of the museum is to shape a unique vision and to be leading in its field. The museum preserves various collections from professional and amateur photographers.

A museum with indoor and outdoor exhibitions dedicated to the work of Einar Jónsson, Iceland’s first modern sculptor (1874-1954). The museum was built in the early 1900’s when Einar Jónsson offered all of his works as a gift to the Icelandic nation.

Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 411-6390 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Mon-Thu 12-19, Fri 12-18, Sat & Sun 13-17

Hallgrímstorg 3, Reykjavik 561-3797 | www.lej.is Closed until February

HAFNARBORG

THE NUMISMATIC MUSEUM

FREE ENTRY Hafnarborg has a collection of Icelandic art and regular exhibitions presenting leading Icelandic and international artists. Collection exhibitions are a regular part of the program. Around exhibitions are workshops and guided tours. Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður 585-5790 | www.hafnarborg.is Hours: Daily 12-17, Thu 12-21, Closed Tue

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

Free WiFi

BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík City

Trip duration approximately

Keflavík International Airport

FAST, FREQUENT & ON SCHEDULE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK! The Flybus operates in connection with all arriving flights at Keflavík International Airport and your seat is always guaranteed. For our very flexible schedule kindly consult our brochures or visit www.flybus.is

Transfer from BSÍ Bus Terminal to Keflavík International Airport or vice versa.

Scan the QR code for our flexible schedule.

Transfer from most hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport or vice versa.

BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík +354 580 5400 main@re.is • www.flybus.is

R O

WE’LL TAKE YOU THERE!

Northern Lights Tours! RE-62

Northern Lights Tour

ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND

SRE-63

Highlands Northern Lights Tour SRE-64

Warm Baths & Cool Lights! SRE-95

The Horse Theatre & Northern Lights

EXPERIENCE A GREAT EVENING WITH US! More tours available on our website www.re.is BOOK NOW

AND IN OUR BROCHURES!

on www.re.is

at your reception

Free WiFi

RELAX AT

the Blue Lagoon Reykjavík to Blue Lagoon 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00

Blue Lagoon to Reykjavík 11:15 12:15 13:15 14:15 15:15 16:15 17:15 18:15 19:15 21:15

KEF Airport to Blue Lagoon 09:30 11:30 12:30 16:30 17:30

Blue Lagoon to KEF Airport 12:00 14:00 15:00

Reykjavik Excursions offer great flexibility in Blue Lagoon tours.

BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík +354 580 5400 main@re.is • www.flybus.is

Flexible

All Year MON TUE WED THU FRI

SAT

SUN

There is no better way to start or end your Iceland adventure than by bathing in the famous Blue Lagoon. You can either board the bus at BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík or at Keflavík International Airport.

R O

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

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.

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.

Fríkirkjuvegur 7, Reykjavík 515-9600 | www.listasafn.is Hours: Daily 10-17, Closed Mon

Suðurgata 41, Reykjavik 530-2200 | nationalmuseum.is Hours: Daily 11-17, Closed Mon

ASÍ ART GALLERÝ

SAGA MUSEUM

FREE ENTRY This museum was founded in 1961 when industrialist and book publisher Ragnar Jónsson donated his personal art collection to the museum, which consisted of paintings by Iceland’s most renowned painters. His wish was to establish an art museum that would bring art to the working class.

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.

HANNESARHOLT

Cultural center and historic home of Hannes Hafstein, Iceland’s first Minister of State, now houses the non-profit Hannesarholt, dedicated to retrieving cultural memory, and revitalizing cultural roots. Bordstofan Bistro open daily from 11am – 6pm. Short doc on Hannes Hafstein and early Reykjavik Guided historic city walks Tue and Thu at 1 pm by appointment. Grundarstígur 10, Reykjavik 511-1904 | www.hannesarholt.is Hours: Daily 11-18

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

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 Closed until February

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: Daily 12-17, Closed Mon

THE LIVING ART MUSEUM

AURORA REYKJAVIK

FREE ENTRY The museum is an active exhibition space in central Reykjavik that has organized many exciting exhibitions throughout the years. They put an emphasis on introducing young Icelandic artists, as well as showcasing work done by better known Icelandic and foreign artists.

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.

Skúlagata 28, Reykjavik 551-4350 | www.nylo.is Hours: Daily 12-17, Closed Mon

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Freyjugata 41, Reykjavik 511-5353 | www.listasafnasi.is Hours: Daily 13-17, Closed Mon

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM

ART & CULTURE

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

Grandagarður 2, Reykjavik 780-4500 | aurorareykjavik.is Hours: Daily 9-21

ART & CULTURE

KJARVALSSTAÐIR

ÁSMUNDARSAFN

HAFNARHÚS

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.

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.

The Reykjavik Art Museum took p o ss e ss i o n o f i t s p o r t i o n o f Hafnarhús (Harbour House) in April 2000. Hafnarhús was built in 1932-39 for the offices and warehouses of Reykjavik Harbor and was at that time one of the largest buildings in the country.

Flókagata 24, Reykjavik 517-1290 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17

GLJÚFRASTEINN LAXNESS MUSEUM

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

Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsbær 586-8066 | www.gljufrasteinn.is Hours: Tue-Fri 10-17

THE CINEMA A cozy place in a loft at the lively Old Harbour down town Reykjavík, where there is a daily show of films of volcanoes, northern lights and nature gems of Iceland made by a re-known Icelandic filmmaker. At The Cinema one can also enjoy a rock exhibition, buy DVD´s and more, look at books, get refreshments, information - or just relax in a unique place. Geirsgata 7b, Reykjavík 898 6628 | www.thecinema.is Hours: Daily 12-20

Sigtún, Reykjavik 553-2155 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 13-17.

GALLERY FOLD Iceland’s leading auction house and foremost fine arts dealership. Established in 1990, Gallerí Fold has been in the hands of its current proprietor since 1992. In 1994, they acquired their own premises, where they‘ve enjoyed a period of growth and prosperity. Their 600 m2 building has five exhibition spaces from 30 to 110 m2. Rauðarárstíg 12-14, Reykjavik 551-0400 | www.myndlist.is Hours: Mon-Fri 10-18, Sat 11-16,

COLLECTORS EMPORIUM ICELAND In a basement of sorts on Hverfisgata, just off Reykjavik’s main shopping street, you’ll find this hidden gem. Imagine it as a museum where you can take home anything you particularly fancy. A vast collection of unique and historic Icelandic items, such as stamps, coins and much more, make it well worth a visit. Hverfisgata 16, Reykjavik Hours: Mon-Fri 10-17, Sat 12-16

Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavik 590-1200 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17, Thu 10-20

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION One of the pioneers of Icelandic art and the first Icelander to take up painting professionally. Having died in 1958, he bequeathed all his works, as well as his studio home to the Icelandic nation. Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík 515-9625 Closed until February

NORDIC HOUSE Iceland maintains strong ties to other Nordic countries, and the center of this cooperation is the Nordic House, designed by acclaimed Finnish architect Alvar Aalto in 1968. The Nordic House is the venue to be if you want to enjoy the best of Icelandic cultural as well as experiencing rich culture of the Nordic countries Sturlugata 5, Reykjavik 551-7030 | www.nordice.is Hours: Daily 12-17, Closed Mon

SOUVENIR SHOP S HOP OF T H E Y E A R 2 0 1 2

The viking:info Laugavegur 1 · Reykjavík Hafnarstræti 1 - 3 · Reykjavík Hafnarstræti 104 · Akureyri Adalstræti 27 · Ísafjördur e:info@the viking

Ísafjördur

Akureyri Reykjavík

www.theviking.is TAX FREE

Two Icelandic themed villages

HLI

Ð Á LF TA NE SI

Restaurant & Lodging

The Viking Village is a unique place and it is the only Viking theme Hotel and restaurant in Iceland. We have step by step been developing our facilities over the last 24 years and will hopefully continue to do so in the future. We offer Hotel accommodation and Viking houses. Good for families and groups.

The Fisherman´s village, our newest accommodation is Hlið in Álftanes only few minutes drive from the Viking Village. Like a country home by the seaside. Such an idyllic place to visit. The restaurant is open for groups in the evenings. Close to the president´s residence.

ve ri re d nt es ce ut ty in ci m e 15 th to

Viking feasts - Souvenirs - Live entertainment most nights “You haven't been in Iceland if you haven't been to us“ Don’t miss it! Booking: www.vikingvillage.is | +354 565 1213

This is Solla, the winner of Best Gourmet Raw Chef and Best Simple Raw Chef in the 2011 and 2012 “Best of Raw” Awards. Come and try out one of her great dishes at her restaurant Gló, Iceland’s most popular health food restaurant operating at three different locations in the great Reykjavik area. Reykjavík: Engjateigur 19 and Laugavegur 20b · Hafnarfjörður: Strandgata 34 · www.glo.is

KALDI BAR

THE CELTIC CROSS

Austur is one of the hottest clubs in downtown Reykjavik, and has been since it first opened in 2009. Austur is located in Austurstraeti, one of the main bar- and shopping streets downtown, and even though the surrounding area is filled with clubs and bars, Austur seems to be the center of attention.

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!

An Irish pub with multiple beers on tap. With a big screen TV to watch the game, while enjoying a nice cold pint of beer, the Celtic Cross features friendly staff and a nice atmosphere that makes you feel just at home.

Austurstræti 7, Reykjavik 568-1907

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 581-2200

Hverfisgata 26, Reykjavik 511-3240

DEN DANSKE KRO

One of the newest and hottest clubs in Reykjavik these days, mostly attracting young people who want to dance. Electronic music is their main thing during the weekend, but on weekdays they like to play makeout music, Icelandic classics from the 80’s and 90’s and host curiously themed-pub quizzes.

B5 bar/bistro has become a very popular establishment with the locals of the capital. With its very contemporary and stylish interior, b5 is laid back during the day, while as night falls, the lights dim and the atmosphere changes accordingly.

There is live music playing every night at Den Danske Kro and sometimes there are live football games, pub quizzes, beer bingo, darts and happy hours. Den Danske Kro is a casual place in the heart of Reykjavik where everyone is welcome.

Hafnarstræti 4, Reykjavik 571-9222

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

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

KAFFIBARINN

MICROBAR

THE ENGLISH PUB

Beer enthusiasts, look no further! In a small hole-in-the-wall kind of place just off Ingólfstorg square you will find Micro Bar. Carrying an impressive 140 different kinds of beers from all over the world, this is definitely the go-to place for beer fans.

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.

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

Austurstræti 6, Reykjavik 847-9084 www.facebook.com/ MicroBarIceland

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

Find more recommendations on whatson.is

DOLLY

NIGHTLIFE

AUSTUR

SHOPPING & STYLE Find more recommendations on whatson.is

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.

GALLERÍ SMÍÐAR OG SKART

THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS SHOP

Gallery Smíðar og Skart offers a wide selection of contemporary Icelandic art. Oil paintings, acrylic paintings, watercolors as well as ceramics and glass art. Over 50 local artists have their work on display in the Gallery.

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.

Skólavörðustígur 3, Reykjavik 551-0036 www.annamariadesign.is

Skólavörðustígur 16a, Reykjavik 561-4090

LISTVINAHÚSIÐ

ÁLAFOSS

METAL DESIGN

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”.

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.

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 43, Reykjavik 551-2850 www.listvinahusid.is

Laugavegur 8, Reykjavik 552-2412

Laugavegur 8, Reykjavik 566-6303 | www.alafoss.is

Skólavörðustígur 2. Reykjavik 552-5445 www.MetalDesignReykjavik.is

LISTASELIÐ

IGLÓ&INDÍ

CINTAMANI

Six energetic women design and create exclusive art, while also running and working in the gallery. The gallery offers gift vouchers, issued by the store or by the Centrum organization that can be redeemed within most shops on Laugarvegur and Skólavörðustígur in downtown Reykjavik.

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.

Skólavörðustígur 17b, Reykjavik 551-5675 | www.listaselid.is Hours: Mon-Fri 12-18, Sat 11-16

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

Nowhere in the populated world does the weather change as fast, or as often as here. Thus Icelandic designers have to meet the requirements of consumers who have to go out all year long in harsh conditions. That‘s where the label Cintamani comes to the rescue. Their goal is to keep us warm, dry and comfortable, whatever the weather may bring. Bankastræti 7, Reykjavik 533-3800 | www.cintamani.is

SHOPPING & STYLE Find more recommendations on whatson.is

GULLKÚNST HELGU

MICHELSEN

KRAUM

With its wide open spaces and beautiful treasures displayed in glass casting, Gullkúnst Helgu feels more like a gallery than a jewelry shop. Located on central Laugavegur, Reykjavik´s busiest shopping street, this family owned shop is not to be missed.

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.

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.

Laugavegur 13, Reykjavik 561-6660 www.gullkunst.is

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

Aðalstræti 10, Reykjavik 517-7797 www.kraum.is

STUDIO STAFN

HILDUR HAFSTEIN

GEYSIR

At Studio Stafn you will be able to look at art, purchase art and have your art framed! Great works and historical paintings by Iceland’s most famous artists could become all yours if you pay them a visit. If you’re not looking to buy art, at least stop by and take a look.

A wonderful little workshop, where Hildur Hafstein creates her handmade Icelandic jewelry line, KORA. Inspired by different elements, such as Buddhism and the flower power, a visit to Hildur Hafstein will be a pleasant experience. Although the store is technically on Laugavegur, you walk in from Klapparstígur!

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.

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

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 771-1177 www.HildurHafstein.is

EPAL

Their main goal has been to increase Icelanders interest and respect for fine design by introducing and providing top quality design products from all over the world, particularly Scandinavia. Epal has always been very supportive of Icelandic designers and done what they can to help them promote their design around the world. Skeifan 6, & Harpa Reykjavik Keflavík Airport 568-7740 | www.epal.is

Skólavörðustíg 16, Reykjavík 519-6000 www.geysir.com

KRINGLAN Kringlan Shopping Centre is conveniently located close to downtown Reykjavik. Standing at 50.000 sq.m. and equipped with 150 shops and services, including a multiplex cinema, a seven-outlet food court and three themed restaurants, it has something to suit every need. Kringlan 4-12, Reykjavik 517-9000 | www.kringlan.is

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

WE’RE OPEN! FÍTON / SÍA

YOU'LL FIND US AT KRINGLAN SHOPPING CENTER

FOOD & DRINK

TORFAN RESTAURANT

VEGAMÓT BISTRO

GRILLIÐ

This great restaurant combines traditional French cuisine with a Nordic touch. It is traditional but still connects to the present and the outcome is a classical cuisine surprise. Torfan is at Bernhöftstorfa, in one of the cities most beautiful house, built in 1838. Amtmannsstígur 1, Reykjavík 561-3303 | www.torfan.is

Is a centrally located and affordable restaurant that boasts an extensive international menu with an emphasis on Tex-Mex, Italian, Indian and many light meal options. During the weekend Vegamót transforms into a bar with refreshing cocktails, a wide selection of beers and popular DJ’s playing well into the night.

Just last year they celebrated their 50th anniversary. From the very beginning, Grillid has been regarded as one of the best restaurants in Iceland. If you want fine dining, perfectly executed food, professional service and excellent wines with a spectacular view over the city, you have come to the right place.

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

Radisson BLU Hotel, Reykjavik 525-9960 | www.grillid.is

AUSTURLANDAHRAÐLESTIN

ARGENTÍNA STEAKHOUSE

HAMBORGARABÚLLAN – BURGER JOINT

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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.

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

They offer some of the the finest cuisine there is to find in the whole city. Grilling meat and fish of all kinds Argentinian style using wooden coal is what they do better than any other restaurant and frankly, you won‘t believe your own tastebuds

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.

Barónsstígur 11a, Reykjavik 551-9555 | www.argentina.is

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

UNO RESTAURANT

LIFANDI MARKAÐUR

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.

A modern and health conscious restaurant and whole food shop which offers a wide range of hot or cold food to eat in or take-out. The selection consists of both vegetarian food and healthy food. No white flour, white sugar, MSG is used in the food.

Hafnarstræti 1-3, Reykjavik 561-1313 | www.uno.is

Borgartún 24, Reykjavik 585-8700 www.lifandimarkadur.is

The concept of the restaurant is "c a s u a l f u n d i n i n g" a n d w e p r e p a r e w h a t w e w o u l d call a simple honest, "feel good", comfort food, where we take on the classics with a modern twist.

S K Ó L AV Ö R Ð U S T Í G U R 4 0 · 1 0 1 R E Y K J AV Í K T E L . +3 5 4 5 1 7 74 74 · I N F O @ K O L R E S TA U R A N T. I S · KO L R E S TA U R A N T. I S

Enjoy

Every day from 18:00

Hugsa sér!

All your favorites

Steaks, fish´n chips, burgers, … or take at our sandwiches anda look salads menu with a variety of Icelandic delicacies

Grillhúsið Tryggvagötu - Phone + 354 527 5000 - www.grillhusid.is RR-WO_145x107_0513.indd 1 GH-RCG_145x107_0313.indd 1

Hugsa sér!

We just love it.

Aðalstræti 2 | 101 Reykjavík | Tel: +354 517 4300 | www.geysirbistro.is

22.5.2013 15:25 19.3.2013 16:41

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

AUSTURINDÍAFJELAGIÐ

JÓMFRÚIN

The spices used to season the food at Austur-Indiafjelagid are imported directly from India and blended on the spot by their team of highly experienced chefs. The Tandoori dishes on the menu must be mentioned, as the chefs have truly mastered the art of Tandoori grilling.

An open-sandwich restaurant in the Danish tradition offering authentic Danish smørrebrød along with a selection of hot dishes. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city centre and seats 80 guests. It is a popular lunch venue, especially with people from the business sector.

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

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

Lækjargata 4, Reykjavik 551-0100 | www.jomfruin.is

KOL

THE ICELANDIC BAR

PERLAN

Kol describes itself as “casual fine dining with a big bar”. The name comes from the unique charcoal oven which lends a very special, rustic flavour to the dishes. The restaurant offers a wide variety of sophisticated cocktails, mixed with handmade syrups and juices.

The Icelandic Bar is very aptly named: it is an Icelandic bar. But more than that, it is a bar that aims to preserve the essence of being Icelandic by combining the historical and cultural heritage of this ancient land with the very hip and cutting edge culture of modern times.

For the finest in dining, nothing compares to Perlan Restaurant. While your taste buds delight to superb cuisine, you will enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Reykjavik and beyond as the restaurant gently completes a full rotation every two hours.

Skólavörðustígur 40, Reykjavik 517-7474

Located inside Listhusid in Laugardalur valley, Glo is Iceland‘s hottest new organic restaurant. The menu consists of vegetarianand raw food courses, meat dishes, soups and salads. The courses are somewhat modest as they are simple, filling and not flooded with too much spice or ingredients. Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 553-1111 | www.glo.is

KAFFITÁR A chain of cafés and espresso bars with over 30 years of experience in serving and roasting high-quality coffee. They operate cafés in 8 locations in Iceland, promising a highly knowledgeable staff and a great cup of coffee procured in a responsible and fair way. Bankastræti 8, Reykjavik 420-2700 www.kaffitar.is/en

Perlan, Reykjavik 562-0200 | www.perlan.is

KJALLARINN KITCHEN BAR „The Cellar“ a new restaurant in one of the cities oldest houses. The menu is split up by the two main methods of cooking, a coal oven and a French planche. Master chef Eyjólfur Gestur serves up exciting feasts from both sea and land as well as great parings of food and cocktails. Aðalstræti 2, Reykjavik 517 7373

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GLÓ

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

FOOD & DRINK

THE STEAK HOUSE

FOOD & DRINK Find more recommendations on whatson.is

SJÁVARBARINN Sjávarbarinn’s main feature is an all-you-can-eat buffet that has received raving reviews and it also offers an à la carte menu at a very competitive price. Join the locals for lunch in a friendly and cheerful atmosphere or enjoy dinner when the chef spruces things up. Grandagarður 9, Reykjavik 517-3131 www.sjavarbarinn.is

MAR - SEAFOOD RESTAURANT A restaurant in prime location in Reykjavík‘s old harbour. The menu is inspired by South-American and southern-European cuisine and the restaurant designed to deliver fresh and uplifting dining experience, unique to the harbour area. MAR is an interesting choice for individuals and groups alike. Geirsgata 9, Reykjavik 519-5050 | www.marrestaurant.is

AALTO BISTRO

A unique restaurant and café, run by the award-winning chef, Sveinn Kjartansson. AALTO puts an emphasis on Scandinavian food, inspired by European cuisine. Located in the Nordic House, designed by the acclaimed Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, this bistro is a hidden gem. The Nordic House, Sturlugata 5, Reykjavik 551-0200 | www.aalto.is

KOPAR

GRILLHÚSIÐ

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.

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.

Offering a great selection of Icelandic brews and one of the most Epic Burgers this country has ever seen (300gr!), 73, a familyowned 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!

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

Laugavegur 73, Reykjavik 555 7373 www.73.is

FLJÓTT OG GOTT

FISH COMPANY

KOLABRAUTIN

One of Reykjavik’s iconic restaurants, located in the main bus terminal, BSÍ. Here you can have the coveted “Sheep’s Head” as well as all the traditional Icelandic food, which is a must-try for all adventurous travellers!

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.

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.

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

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

Geirsgata 3, Reykjavik 567-2700 www.koparrestaurant.is

Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, Reykjavik 552-1288 | www.fljottoggott.is

73 RESTAURANT

Experience real Icelandic cuisine

Bankastræti 2, 101 Reykjavík Tel: (+354) 551 4430 info@laekjarbrekka.is www.laekjarbrekka.is

Let’s be friends!

/laekjarbrekka

vurl.is/i

Culinary underground movement — Literally The newest addition to the restaurant flora of the capital is Kjallarinn - Kitchen Bar

Kjallarinn simply means „The Cellar“ a fitting name since Kjallarinn is literally underground. The stylish yet warm surrounding is the home of some exciting innovations in both cooking as well as cocktails, which are the inventions of master chef Eyjólfur Gestur in collaboration with the bartenders. The menu is broken up by method of cooking, on one hand the coal oven and on the other a French Planche. On the menu you can find various fish, meat and fowl and of course some delicious cocktails, should you be so inclined. Enjoy!

Aðal stræt i 2 101 Reykjavík Tel : 517 7373 kjallarinn@kjallarinn.is

GENERAL TIPS AND ADVICE Want to know the population of Iceland? Who‘s the president? Why there are so many beautiful women in Iceland? Why people live so far north in the cold? When is the best time to visit? We have all these answers and plenty more. We strive to have the answer to everything you might possibly want to know about Iceland, Reykjavik, Icelanders, travelling to Iceland and everything related (or unrelated) you might be seeking. If you can‘t find your answer here – just visit us on Laugavegur 4 in Reykjavik, or drop us an email on whatson@whatson.is – ask us on facebook, twitter, instagram or any other media you can imagine and we‘ll do our best to answer promptly! YOU HAVE ANY GOOD IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS FOR ME? JUST IN CASE SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS? 112 – For every emergency you can imagine. Including if you get beat up (that’ll only happen if you’re a complete asshole by the way, we’re not a violent people. The Viking blood has been diluted over the years and with it the rage has receded) 5885522 – Every Icelander knows this number. It’s for one of the taxi stations. We won’t judge if it’s a better taxi station than the next one – but it has a catchy phone number. 58-12345 – Domino’s. What’s better than a juicy Domino’s pizza after a hard day of exploring Reykjavik? 118 – This is the phonebook and allegedly they answer all sorts of questions you might have. You’ll pay heftily for this service though.

severely injured yourself in your own home country. Apart from possibly changing the phone number you’d call – what would be your action plan? Go ahead and execute that plan – it’s likely that all the steps will align perfectly with Icelandic reality. But again. 112! That’s the number to remember. I JUST SO HAPPEN TO HAVE THIS LETTER HERE I FORGOT TO POST… CAN I DO THAT IN ICELAND? Well yes you can. There are 5 post offices scattered through Reykjavik. As well you can use the post boxes. Both the office and the boxes will be more or less red. The Icelandic word for post is póstur, so you really shouldn’t have any problems finding the correct thing. If that fails, you might want to consider joining the rest of us here in the modern day, using e-mail.

HOW CAN I CALL ICELAND? CAN PEOPLE CALL ME WHILE HERE? Your standard issue mobile phone is most likely going to work just fine in Iceland. Nowadays phones just…take care of all that complicated stuff themselves. If you really want to get down and dirty, the country code is +354 and the phone numbers have 7 digits. IS IT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE IN ICELAND? Driving should be quite safe. We drive on the right side and the speed limit is 90km/h. One major point to keep in mind though, is that the weather changes ridiculously fast and the driving conditions can get seriously disgusting, slippery, snowy and whatever. Drive according to situation always!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I JUST SEVERELY INJURED MYSELF. WHAT SHOULD I DO? Hmm… You should almost certainly start by calling 1-1-2. That’s the emergency phone number in Iceland, one you should generally use in all sorts of life threatening perils. After that you should judge the nature of the injury. Honestly though – Imagine you just

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS I HEARD ICELANDIC FOOD IS DISGUSTING, WHAT‘S UP WITH THAT? It‘s not really. Well, some of it is, sure, but the regular food is honestly just that, regular food. You have to keep in mind that back in the day, Iceland was dirt poor and isolated in the middle of the ocean. So we really didn‘t have much choice when it came to culinary development and enhancements. Summer was about hoarding as much food as possible, just in order to survive winter. However, having plenty of food in August is not going to help at all if it‘s all destroyed and disgusting in April is it? So the ingenious Icelanders of yore had to figure out ways to preserve the food and did so by inventing methods of varying foulness, ranging from not foul at all (drying, smoking, salting) to quite foul and even very foul (fermenting stuff in sour whey, leaving stuff in barrels for weeks and calling it “processing”, when in fact things are just going bad.) As a result, some of the traditional Icelandic food has an acquired taste. A lot of it is quite delicious though. For more information, please refer the article “The Taste of Iceland,” on page 12. WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME POSITIVE ABOUT THE FOOD?

Skyr, Hangikjöt, Harðfiskur, Kleinur, Laufabrauð. We have plenty. Modern Icelandic cuisine is awesome. Icelandic fish is by default superb, and the lamb is great as well. Visiting modernday Iceland is not going to leave you disappointed when it comes to food. As stated earlier – refer to “The Taste of Iceland,” which touches on the high-end stuff. Oh and of course our “Food & Drink” section only covers great stuff. Promise.

WHO WANTS SECONDS?

ARE YOU REALLY ESKIMOS? Where did you even get that idea from? No we‘re not. SINCE YOU GUYS LIVE IN IGLOOS, DO YOU HAVE INTERNET? The igloo joke is not funny. At all. We are serious folk, living in serious looking houses, with roofs and doors and electricity and stuff. Yes we have internet. Actually, we have like, the highest internet penetration in the world. Practically everyone in Iceland has access to internet.

You can literally leave your wallet on the ground and either some one will deliver it to you, the nearest police station, or it‘ll still be there the next morning. WHAT ABOUT TROLLS AND ELVES AND STUFF? SHOULD I WORRY? Nah, not really. Unless you provoke or irritate them, in that case you should run.

WHAT ABOUT…PROPER INTERNET, LIKE WI-FI AND STUFF? Yeah. We have that as well. You’ll have access to 3G, 4G, LTE, Wi-Fi and a multitude of other cool standards and abbreviations. Majority of café’s, restaurants, hotels and other frequented places are going to offer free Wi-Fi. I JUST GOT MUGGED! WHAT SHOULD I DO??? No you didn‘t get mugged. You don‘t get mugged in Iceland.

ARE ICELANDERS COOL? (PUN INTENDED) That was an awful pun. But yeah – we are… Have you seen the Of Monsters and Men kids? Or Björk?

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Th er m al sw i m m ing po ols

Hot t ubs and jacuzz i

Sa un as , steamb at hs an d sh ow er s

*Admission February 2014. Price is subject to change ge

Reykjavik's Thermal Pools

O N LY

0LiTsSk. 60 D A U k. 130DiRsEN CHIL

Fo r he alt h an d we ll- be ing

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

Tel: +354 411 5000 • www.spacity.is

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

UNDERSTANDABLE CONCERNS YOUR LANGUAGE DOESN‘T MAKE SENSE, ARE YOU REALLY SPEAKING REAL WORDS? No, this is just an elaborate scheme we put in action whenever there’s a foreigner around. In reality our language is Spanish, because we used to do a lot of business with the Spanish some hundreds of years ago. We sold them salted fish in bulk, in exchange for red wine. That was a great deal… Okay, in reality. Yeah…Icelandic is a real language, spoken by some 300.000 Icelanders. It’s related to the other Scandinavian languages, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian, though it doesn’t really sound similar. WHY ARE THERE SO MANY BEAUTIFUL WOMEN IN ICELAND? This is not coming from us, but according to some people, it‘s because, back in the days, the Vikings went over to England and stole all the beautiful women from them, which resulted in Iceland being a disproportionally beautiful nation, as opposed to the English… This is not something we honestly believe though – the official story is Lýsi, high quality fish and a biased, yet favourable, general opinion on beauty standards. DOES EVERYONE SPEAK ENGLISH IN ICELAND? Yes. And most of us know some pretty difficult words as well!

LIFE IN THE NORTH CAN BE A BIT SNOWY AND DARK

HOW BIG IS YOUR COUNTRY? Size really doesn‘t matter, so we‘re not too worried about that…But, we‘re talking 103,000 high-quality km²‘s (40,000 sq mi). Iceland is actually the worlds 18th largest island, which isn‘t really that impressive. WHAT’S THE POPULATION OF ICELAND? Roughly 320.000. That’s thousand, not millions. Yes – we have about the same amount of people as Santa Ana or Riverside California. Or one tenth of Berlin (Germany) or Madrid (Spain) if that scale makes more sense. Less than Bilbao (Spain), Cardiff (UK) and Nice (France). More than Utrecht (Netherlands), Bari (Italy) and the renowned town of Wirral (UK). Stop making fun of us. We’re blond, tall and strong. Who cares we’re just a handful. We’re statistically good at everything.

WHY DO PEOPLE LIVE SO FAR NORTH IN THE COLD? Meh … It’s a mixture of reasons really. Firstly – we were born here, so we’re just used to it and don’t know anything else Secondly – we have some seriously warm clothes up here, so we’re not that cold all the time. Thirdly – Iceland is packed with steaming water pouring from the ground here and there, so our houses are warm all the time. Now on top of that – Iceland is BEAUTIFUL! It’s like…jawsto-the-ground stunning at times. We have Aurora borealis, waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, volcanoes and a multitude of other super cool awesome amazing stuff. That alone makes living here a dream.

CHECK OUT MORE ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ONLINE ON WHATSON.IS/FAQ 80

All the games and all the action on Big HD Screens.

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MOUNTAINEERS.IS Tel: +354 580 9900 ice@mountaineers.is www.mountaineers.is 21.5.2014 11:42

Álafoss Main Store Álafossvegi 23 270 Mosfellsbær Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 - 18.00 Saturday 9.00 - 16.00

Álafoss - Sweaters & souvenirs Laugavegi 8 Reykjavík City centre Opening hours: All days 10.00 - 21.00

Special opening for groups after closing: tel: 354 5666303

WOR N OU T FOR CE N T U R I E S

– Visit our stores: 101 Reyk jav í k , A k u rey r i a nd G eysi r, Hau k ada l. w w w.geysi r.com –