NOVEMBER 2017 IN REYKJAVÍK
REYKJAVIK’S LEADING GUIDE TO INFORMATION, EVENTS, MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES SINCE 1982.
Make the most of The Southern Coast of Iceland Book your tour now! Contact information: Tel. +354 540 1313 | iceland@grayline.is | grayline.is 2006-035
ON THE COVER NOVEMBER IN REYKJAVIK
WHAT'S ON
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REYKJAVÍK CITY MAP
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RVK MUSEUM WALK
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EVENTS 54-73 ART & CULTURE
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PUBS & NIGHTLIFE
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SHOPPING & STYLE
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FOOD & DRINK
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PRACTICAL INFO
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First of all, claiming that Iceland is dark 6 months out of the year is being overdramatic. Most of Iceland is below the Arctic Circle so even at the winter solstice, we get at least around 4 hours of sunlight. Also, even if the hours of daylight seem awfully few, Iceland’s position on the globe also makes for a longer period of twilight each day, which means that it’s at least bright-ish for the main part of the working day. Even though there is admittedly a lack of daylight this time of year, winter in Iceland does have its perks. Northern Lights! The aurora borealis only show up under the cover of night and the sun outshines them all summer long. Winter in Iceland does have its pros and cons but the truth is that most Icelanders just don't think about it all that much. We’re used to it. We’re too busy with other things, like the Iceland Airwaves music festival, trying new restaurants, and our day jobs, to be worrying too much about the sun natural behaviour.
What's On - Volume 35 – Issue 11
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Publisher: Sigurþór Marteinn, sm@whatson.is Editor: Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir, greta@whatson.is Content Writers: The What’s On Team Ad Sales: Reynir Elís Þorvaldsson, reynir@whatson.is
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“How can you live in a country where it gets so dark?” It’s a question every Icelander who’s ever met a foreigner is familiar with. Sure, people want to come to Iceland in the summer to witness the midnight sun but nobody ever gets that excited about the dark days of winter.
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WHAT’S ON
CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2017
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WHAT‘S ON IN REYKJAVÍK is published monthly, covering events and happenings in and around Reykjavík. Opinions expressed in WHAT‘S ON IN REYKJAVÍK are those of the individual authors. While every effort has been made to ensure the information presented is accurate, prices, times, dates and other information may be subject to change. PRINTED MATTER
& OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
DAY TOURS FROM: REYKJAVÍK SÓLHEIMAJÖKULL SKAFTAFELL OUTDOOR ADVENTURES SUPER
JEEP ADVENT LKS URES GLACIER WA GLACIER WALKS, HIKING AND PRIVATE FELL L & SKAFTA SÓLHEIMAJÖKUL - 18
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& CAVING FROM REYKJAVÍK 2017-18 TOURS FROM REYKJ AVÍK 2017 - 18
icelandrove mountainguides.is info@ice s.is info@mountainguides.is · Tel: +354 587 rs.is 9999 landrovers.is guide587 · Tel: +354 9999 mountain 587 9999 s · Tel: +354 tainguides.i uides.is
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WHAT’S ON
THE WHAT’S ON
NOVEMBER CHECKLIST There are loads of things to do for entertainment in Reykjavik this month! Here are a few “must-do’s” you can try out.
You can find checklists from past months at whatson.is
While you're checking things off the list, we encourage you to take photos, and tag them with #whatsonrvk, of course!
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The Iceland Airwaves music festival, of course! The harvest festival of the Icelandic music scene is not to be missed! Whether you have a ticket to Iceland Airwaves or not, check out the off-venue program. See the Northern Lights! The nights are getting longer, which means more time to see the colourful lights. Have an evening swim in one of Reykjavík’s many thermal pools! There’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in a geothermal hot tub underneath a starry sky on a cool night. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping! A piece of Icelandic design or music make for unique presents when you get back home! Try some Christmas beers! There are no rules as to what makes a beer a Christmas beer but they tend to be darker, stronger and tastier. Eat some black licorice! It’s an acquired taste but Icelanders love it.
G I ACO M O P U CCI N I
MUSIC DIRECTOR: BJARNI F. BJARNASON STAGE DIRECTOR: GREG ELDRIDGE OCTOBER 21 & 28 · NOVEMBER 5,11 & 18 TICKETS: WWW.OPERA.IS
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WHAT’S ON
SKYR
ICELAND‘S SECRET TO HEALTHY LIVING Legend has it that the Vikings introduced Skyr to Iceland when they settled in the country some 1.100 years ago. Travel back in time to any farm and Skyr would be on the table – essential nourishment for young and old. Generations past may not have been able to measure the nutritional content in the way we can now, but the life-expectancy of the average Icelander was proof enough that something good was going on. Icelanders have ever since loved the smooth texture of this incredibly healthy dairy product and today it plays a big role in the modern
lifestyle diet. Skyr is high in protein and a virtually fat-free dairy delight. Thick and creamy in consistency, it is also rich in calcium and other nutrients. Skyr can be found at almost every home and workplace. Enjoyed at breakfast, lunchtime, pretty much anytime, it has also become a healthy „fast-food“ for active people on the go. Delicious in smoothies or energy-boosting drinks, it even features on the dessert menus of many top restaurants, which are bringing a contemporary twist to this established favourite.
MS SKYR – PLAIN Skyr was originally only available as plain and was made at every farm in Iceland. Nowadays, there is a huge variety of flavours available but many still prefer the plain one, especially served with sugar and/or cream.
KEA SKYR WITH VANILLA
For more information on skyr, visit skyr.is
Kea skyr comes from the northern part of Iceland and this is one of the most popular flavours available. The taste is full and creamy with zero fat. It’s mild and creamy flavour also makes it popular as a base for desserts.
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ÍSEY SKYR WITH BLUBERRIES Ísey Skyr is a remarkable dairy product unique to Iceland. High in protein and naturally fat free, Ísey skyr is delicious, rich in flavour with a thick and creamy texture. Ísey is a beautiful Icelandic female name, meaning ice (ís) and island (ey), in honour of the women who passed on Iceland‘s secret to healthy living from generation to generation.
MS SKYR.IS WITH DARK CHOCOLATE AND VANILLA Skyr producers have been experimenting with new flavours in skyr while still keeping it as nutritious as possible. One of the more recent additions is the dark chocolate and vanilla flavour.
ICELAND’S SECRET TO HEALTHY LIVING
HIGH PROTEIN – FAT FREE
#iseyskyr
AQUARACER STEEL & CERAMIC DIAMONDS Cara Delevingne challenges rules. Being free-minded is her motto. Like TAG Heuer, she defies conventions and never cracks under pressure.
WHAT’S ON
THE ICELANDIC Although beer and ale have been brewed in Iceland for a long time, beer production was limited during the 20th century, as beer was illegal in Iceland until 1989! Icelanders have more than made up for lost time and the growth in beer production in recent years has been amazing. In just a few years, we‘ve seen many great breweries emerge, filled with ambition and ingenuity, and beer is now the most popular alcoholic beverage in Iceland.
VÍKING CLASSIC Víking Classic is a Vienna style beer with golden amber colour and taste of roasted malt. It has a good body and medium bitterness with balancing sweetness and a hint of caramel. The name might seem a bit presumptuous as this classic has only been in production for a few years, but it’s in fact named after the Danish “Classic” style of beer. Víking Classic is available in draught, bottles and cans and is part of the Víking beer family which is the most popular beer brand in Iceland.
BRÍÓ Brío uses German hops, giving the beer a very distinctive taste and a sweet aroma. Along with the hops, it uses Pilsen malt and under-fermented yeast. Bríó is the first beer produced by Borg Brugghús, a brewery that now produces several popular beers all year round along with seasonal beers for summer, Christmas and Easter. Bríó is a pilsner, a style of beer named after the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. This style of brewing first emerged in the middle of the 19th century and became so popular that the majority of beer drunk today is a relative of the original pilsner. Brío was originally brewed as the house beer for Ölstofan but due to its popularity, it’s now available in liquor stores as well as most bars in town.
VÍKING STOUT Find more articles like this at whatson.is
Viking stout is pitch black, reminiscent of cocoa and coffee with a smoothly roasted aftertaste.
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This is one of the first stouts made in Iceland. Only brewed from the finest ingredients, Víking stout is unfiltered and has a distinctly smoky aftertaste. It’s recently had its look revamped along with the other Víking craft beers. The labels now carry graphic designs that interpret events and traditions from the Viking age. The pitch black stout’s label fittingly evokes images of the ravens of Flóki, the Viking traveller who named Iceland.
KALDI Kaldi is a very mild and comfortable pilsner, dry, fresh, slightly bitter, with notes of roasted barley and hops, and has 5% ABV. You might detect a hint of sweetness as well. The brewery on Árskógssandur, makers of Kaldi beer, was the first microbrewery that opened in Iceland, back in 2006. The regular Kaldi is a pure pilsner, with all the ingredients, except the Icelandic water, coming from the Czech Republic. Even their brew-master is Czech! Following its success, the brewery opened Kaldi bar in the centre of Reykjavík, where all the varieties of Kaldi beer are available. Kaldi bar is, of course, the best place to get Kaldi, but it’s available in other bars as well, and in bottles at the liquor stores.
Icelandic Christmas Beers On November 15th every year, Iceland gets into the holiday spirit with seasonal beers. These festive drinks are a bit darker and stronger than your everyday lagers. We’ve compiled a list of some unmissable Icelandic brewed Christmas beers for you to try out during your stay!
WHAT’S ON
BEER EXPERIENCE
ICELANDIC WINTER ALE Einstök’s Winter ale is a bold drink, but it seems like their effort to bottle the taste of winter has paid off here in a festive seasonal ale. Spicy, citrusy, and with more than a distinct aroma of pine needles, this winter ale almost demands to be drunk besides a roaring fire while blizzard rages outside but in a pinch, some candlelight and a healthy dose of Christmas spirit will do.
FAGNAÐARERINDIÐ Bryggjan brewery is a relatively new brewer on the scene and this is the second time they sell a special Christmas beer. The name Fagnaðarerindið is biblical in origin, meaning the gospel, as in the one you spread when you go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere. This Belgian Dubbel is probably best served on tap at the Bryggjan restaurant and bar, preferably alongside some delicious dishes from their menu.
JÓLA KALDI
GILJAGAUR For the more seasoned beer drinkers comes Borg’s finest, Giljagaur. Named after the mischievous Yule Lad, Giljagaur was known for hiding in cowsheds and stealing the foam off the milk. His memory is celebrated with a strong 10% barleywine that promises an especially festive character with a perfect blend of British and American hops. Be sure to save some for the trip home, the longer you keep Giljagaur, the better it’ll taste.
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Kaldi is becoming an established brewery and their Christmas beer has been on the market for some years now, or since 2008 to be exact. It’s a classic Christmas beer, or as close to it as you get as there really is no real consensus on what constitutes a Christmas beer. But Jóla Kaldi is a bit darker than the most common lager beers and a bit higher ABV, along with a malty, spicy and orangey flavour, marking it as a seasonal favourite.
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WHAT’S ON What’s On Recommends:
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A Day at the Old Harbour!
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The Grandi harbour area has undergone a transformation in the last couple of years and nowadays, it’s one of the best areas to spend a day near the Reykjavík city centre. It is a melting pot of culture, food, and industry, with designers’ workshops and delicatessen shops right next to an industrial harbour. Grandi is a lively place with tons of stuff to do so visitors should give the area ample time to fully enjoy it. The beautiful row of white houses with aqua coloured doors hosts a vast array of gourmet shops and designer‘s workshops. A storage shed for fishing boats transforming into a cupcake store might just be the U-turn of all U-turns. EAT ALL THE THINGS! The old harbour is brimming with exciting restaurants, cafés, delicatessens, and cake shops. A great place to start the day is Kaffivagninn (open from 7:30 AM!), which offers an honest down-toearth dining experience. Coocoo’s Nest also has one of the best weekend brunch menus Reykjavik
has to offer. Bryggjan Brugghús is a good choice for some grub afterwards, serving the freshest seafood available, complete with a lovely view of the sea, but the best part about it is that the place is a brewery as well. It offers one of the best happy hours in town with crisp, smooth brews. Visitors can also whet their appetite in the Marshall House, a fish processing facility turned art museum, as there is a fantastic restaurant on site. If it is other art forms you desire, then head on over to the gelato style ice cream store Valdís to enjoy a delicious dessert. Their caramel and salted nuts flavour is to die for!
WHAT’S ON
ENTERTAINMENT GALORE! The area is awash with museums for young and old alike. In an astonishingly small radius, you can find the Maritime museum, the northern lights exhibition Aurora Reykjavik, an exhibition of life-size whale models, aptly named Whales of Iceland, as well as the Saga museum, depicting scenes from early Icelandic history. On your way round Grandi, look out for the peculiar monument in honour of players of the online video game Eve Online. The usernames of the players are written on the base of the statue!
ART IN ALL FORMS
WHAT ELSE? You can catch whale watching and sea angling tours alike from just around the corner. Renting a bike is a fun way to explore the area, especially if the weather is cooperative. If you have a sweet tooth then the chocolate factory Omnom, which hosts chocolate making workshops, is just around the corner. Why not end the night by heading over to nearby Oddsson hostel with its well stocked bar. Yes, they do have karaoke. Yes, I am heading over there right now!
Grandi Checklist:
Head to the Maritime muesum and explore decomissioned Icelandic coast guard ship Óðinn!
Get ice cream at Valdís or a cupcake at 17 Sortir!
Visit the happy hour at Bryggjan Brewery!
Check out the gamer tags inscribed on the EVE Online statue by the CCP building.
Climb the Hillock, a hill/artwork by Ólöf Nordal.
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Grandi is brimming with art as there are murals, art exhibitions, and even a large art piece in the form of a tiny hill. Þúfa (The Hillock), by Ólöf Nordal, is well worth the walk as it offers one of the best places to enjoy the Reykjavík skyline. The modern concert hall Harpa stands in sharp contrast with the fishdrying hut on top of the Hillock, complete with fish heads hanging out to dry. Just around the corner is
the newly opened Marshall House which houses the Living Art Museum, Kling & Bang art gallery, and the studio of artist Ólafur Elíasson, known among other things for designing the honeycomb facade of the Harpa concert hall.
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Fish • Lamb • Whale • Icelandic cuisine with a twist Icelandic music and nightlife Mix with the locals . .and all the Icelandic beers in one awsome place!
INGÓLFSSTRÆTI 1A
1 0 1 R E Y K J AV Í K
www.islenskibarinn.is postur@islenskibarinn.is sími: 517 6767
Experience real Scandinavian cuisine
Bankastræti 2, 101 Reykjavík Tel: (+354) 551 4430 info@laekjarbrekka.is www.laekjarbrekka.is
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The 1783-4 eruption of Laki was history’s biggest volcanic eruption. When it erupted, the ash darkened the sky over all of Europe for years. The ash’s toxicity caused widespread crop failures and the resulting famine all over Europe was almost certainly one of the causes of the French revolution in 1789, ultimately resulting in the first modern democracy as we know it.
NOT JUST ONE, BUT TWO OF THE BIGGEST ERUPTIONS IN THE RECORDED HISTORY OF THE WORLD, OCCURRED IN ICELAND! Not only was Laki the biggest eruption in recorded history, measured by volume of lava, but Iceland was also the site of the second biggest emission in recorded history, the 2014 eruption of Bárðarbunga. In just 6 months, Bárðarbunga produced enough lava to cover the island of Manhattan – 85km2. It still isn‘t close to matching Laki. That eruption produced 370 km2 of lava, the size of the Gaza strip, in only 50 days!
All photos provided by the Volcano House
For more information on Icelandic volcanoes, check out www.volcanohouse.is
AN ICELANDIC VOLCANO IS THE REASON FOR DEMOCRACY AS WE KNOW IT
WHAT’S ON
5 FACTS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT ICELANDIC VOLCANOES
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WHAT’S ON For more information on Icelandic volcanoes, check out www.volcanohouse.is
1/3 OF ALL THE EARTH’S FRESH LAVA ORIGINATED IN ICELAND!
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When you’re discussing volcanoes, all concepts that have something to do with time get a bit skewed. For instance, fresh lava means lava emissions on earth since the year 1500. The reason for this impressive amount of liquid rock spewing to the surface is because not only does Iceland sit on a crack between two tectonic plates, it’s also on top of a geologic hotspot. Even so, for such a small island, that’s a pretty impressive amount of lava.
ICELAND HAS A VOLCANIC ERUPTION EVERY 4-5 YEARS! This isn’t surprising considering the island has somewhere around 150-200 volcanoes, split into different volcanic systems. About 30 different systems are still considered “active” in Iceland, and 13 of them have erupted since the Viking Settlement in 874. Not all the eruptions are on the same scale
WANT TO GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE VOLCANOES OF ICELAND? For
more
information
on
volcanoes
and
geothermal activity in Iceland, go visit the Volcano House by the old harbour. Its attractions include a mineral exhibition and an hour-long documentary on volcanoes, which is shown every hour, on the hour. As an added bonus, there’s also a What’s On desk over there, in case you need any information.
as the Eyjafjallajökull eruption though; some are small enough to be considered tourist attractions and some happen underneath glaciers and never even see the light of day.
ICELAND HAS THE ONLY ISLAND SCIENTISTS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OBSERVE AND DOCUMENT FROM THE MOMENT OF ITS CREATION: SURTSEY Surtsey was formed by a volcanic eruption at the bottom of the ocean and emerged from the water on December 14, 1963. It was immediately granted protection by law and no one was allowed to set foot on the island. To this day only scientists are allowed to go there, and even they have to get special permission. This means that we have been able to monitor how life settles on a brand-new land from the beginning, and the information gained has been invaluable to scientists.
THE FINEST BEER & WHISKY SELECTION IN DOWNTOWN REYKJAVÍK
Live Music Every Night | Live Sports on 5 Big Screens
H S I L G N E L FUL Breakfast
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 tuesdays to fridays from 10am – 16pm. 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.
WHAT’S ON
GLJÚFRASTEINN
For more information, go to www.gljufrasteinn.is.
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Tryggvagata 11 - Volcano house Open 11:30-21:00 www.fishandchips.is
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SINCE 1982
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HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ICELAND? OUR EXPERTS HAVE ALL (WELL, MOST OF) THE ANSWERS! Check out our main location at Laugavegur 5, downtown Reykjavík! • • • • • • • • •
Tour Booking/Car Rental Information Luggage Storage SIM Cards Maps Free Wi-Fi Reykjavik City Card Event Calendar Bus Tickets and more!
You can also find us at Tryggvagata 11, in the Volcano House by the Old Harbour. www.whatson.is | info@whatson.is | +354 551 3600
WHAT’S ON
WHAT TO DO IN ICELAND IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE DAY
If you only have one day in Iceland, the first advice I will give you is to change your flight and stay for at least a week more. If that’s not an option, my next suggestion would be to use the time you have to the fullest, since Iceland is a unique destination.
IF ICELANDIC GEOLOGY INTERESTS YOU
It’s no coincidence that The Golden Circle is the most popular day tour from Reykjavík. There are three stops on the way that just happen to be three of the most captivating destinations in Iceland, and as an added bonus, the tour doesn’t take up more than half of your day. The stops are Þingvellir, the national park where the Icelandic Parliament congregated since Viking times, Gullfoss, the aweinspiring waterfall which lends its name to the Golden Circle, and Geysir, an erupting hot spring, guaranteed to wow visitors.
Nobody does volcanoes like Iceland, there’s a reason it’s called the land of Ice and Fire. The Reykjavík Erupts! volcano hike takes you to a geothermally active area where the effects of the extreme heat underground are clearly visible on the surface. The colours of the earth are akin to a rainbow and there are bubbling cauldrons of mud everywhere. Lava Tube Caving tour, on the other hand, allows you to visit a cave that was formed during a volcanic eruption. The rock formations alone make this tour worth the trip.
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IF YOU JUST WANT TO SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS
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WHAT’S ON
© Blue Lagoon
© Megan Whittaker, Elding
IF YOU WANT TO SEE A GLACIER Since you’re visiting ICE-land, you might want to check out some icy tours and it doesn’t get any icier than hiking on a glacier. Glacier hikes are relatively easy and professional gear is provided so the tour should be accessible for most people. You get to walk on a glacier, with guides who know everything there is to know about glaciers and Iceland in general, what more could you ask for?
IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR A LITTLE LUXURY Even if you’re only in Iceland for a short time, that doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time on a bus. If a day of luxurious pampering is more appealing, look no further than the Blue Lagoon. The turquoise blue waters of this most famous tourist destination in Iceland make for a divinely soothing and relaxing experience. It doesn’t hurt that you can book all sorts of massages and treatments and get drinks straight to the lagoon. The Lava restaurant at the Blue Lagoon is also first class.
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IF YOU PREFER CITY STREETS TO HIKING TRAILS
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You don’t have to leave the city to experience Iceland. Not only does Reykjavík offer a variety of great museums, restaurants, cafés, and shops, it also has spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the city, right from the city centre. If you’re staying in the city and want to get the most out of your time, invest in the City Card. It gives you access to all the city’s museums for free, as well as access to the thermal pools of Reykjavík, the Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo in Laugardalur, and allows you to use the Icelandic Bus (Strætó) within the Capital Region.
IF YOU READ MOBY DICK AND LIKED IT Marine life abounds in the ocean around Iceland. Of all the creatures that live in these waters, the most spectacular ones have to be the whales. If you’re interested in seeing these immense creatures for yourself, take a whale watching cruise. Even the smallest Icelandic whale you could spot is still the size of a full grown man, and the largest can reach
© Icelandic Mountain Guides
up to 30 metres in length! If you have a few hours to spare before or after the cruise (or if you get seasick and a cruise is out of the question), check out the Whales of Iceland exhibition for some extra information on these gentle giants.v
Whether you are going on tours or staying within city limits, you can be sure of one thing: you won’t have seen enough of what Iceland has to offer. The next time you’re in Iceland (and we’re pretty sure you’ll be back) stop by the What’s On office, or send us an email, and ask the staff to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.
A LOCAL FAVOURITE FOR 17 YEARS
Experience tapas the Icelandic way, made with the freshest local ingredients in an energetic and vibrant atmosphere.
TAPASBARINN – A MUST TRY IN ICELAND
late night dining Our kitchen is open until 23:30 on weekdays and 01:00 on weekends
Vesturgötu 3B | 101 Reykjavík | Tel. 551 2344 | www.tapas.is
Varma is available in various tourist shops around Iceland
www.arnartr.com
Varma is dedicated to maintaining Icelandic tradition in developing, designing and manufacturing quality garments and accessories from the best Icelandic wool and sheepskin shearling.
WHAT’S ON
THINGS TO DO ON A RAINY DAY If it’s raining outside, and you’re not sure what you should do with yourself, here’s a short list of some activities and places you could visit on a rainy day in our lovely country. Enjoy! MUSEUMS Reykjavík is a veritable feast of cultural treats. Whether it’s art, history or science you’re after, the museums in this small Nordic city offer an array of interesting and diverse exhibitions all year round, guaranteed to pique your interest. When it starts to drizzle, try visiting the Volcano House or Reykjavík Art Museum. It has three locations, Hafnarhúsið, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn and purchasing admission to any one of these automatically grants you access to the other two.
COFFEEHOUSE
The Icelandic landscape is amazing whatever the weather, but hiking in the rain is a recipe for a cold toes and grumpy moods. Zooming past the dramatic landscapes of the Icelandic countryside from the comfort and warmth of a bus or a car, however, is extremely enjoyable. Be sure to blast some great Icelandic music on your drive, it can only enhance the experience.
SWIMMING You may think that it sounds strange to go for a swim in the rain, but swimming in Iceland is particularly enjoyable in bad weather. Thanks to the geothermal heat, you’ll be nice and toasty in the hot tubs, chatting with the locals, while the rain offers a welcome, cooling contrast.
MOVIE AT BÍÓ PARADÍS
Eggert Pétursson @ I8
Bíó Paradís keeps up an ambitious schedule of internationally acclaimed movies from all over the world. It hosts several film festivals and airs Icelandic movies with English subtitles all year round. It’s also the only cinema in downtown Reykjavík and a great place to keep dry and out of the waterworld outside. Not only is it a great place to watch great movies, it also has a place to sit down, get some coffee or a beer, before or after the movie.
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It’s hard to explain why Icelanders have such a deep love for coffee, considering it doesn’t grow anywhere near this Nordic island. Maybe it has something to do with those long dark winter mornings, but whatever the reason, the sheer quantity of cafés in downtown Reykjavík is proof positive of Icelanders’ affection for the black stuff. The cafés range from small holes-inthe- wall with take-away coffee to places with plush couches on which you could stay sitting comfortably for several hours.
DRIVE IN THE COUNTRY SIDE
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WHAT’S ON
FIVE MUST SEE ICELANDIC FILMS From the 80’s and onwards, Icelandic filmmaking has flourished, and to this day shows no signs of backing down. We have picked out five of our favourite Icelandic films to watch before leaving Iceland. BENJAMÍN DÚFA 1995 (BENJAMIN, THE DOVE) A heartbreaking, yet lovable story about friendship and the importance of courage, taking place in a mid-20th century Reykjavík. It follows the adventures of three young boys and their run-ins with a new kid on the block who just moved from Scotland. Icelanders growing up in the nineties can all relate to the pain of watching Benjamín Dúfa, as it is one of Iceland’s most touching films from the era.
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ENGLAR ALHEIMSINS 2000 (ANGELS OF THE UNIVERSE)
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“We are all residents at Kleppur. Be so kind as to call the police immediately”. Englar Alheimsins brings focus to Kleppur, Reykjavík’s psychiatric hospital. Based on a true story, its main character, Páll is mentally ill and is sent to Kleppur after a breakup. There he befriends someone who believes himself to be the songwriter for the Beatles, among other very interesting characters. With music by Sigur Rós, this one is a must-see.
HRAFNINN FLÝGUR 1984 (WHEN THE RAVEN FLIES) One of the films that propelled the Icelandic film industry, Hrafninn Flýgur takes place during the Icelandic settlement period, featuring Vikings and drama galore. An Irish bloke travels to Iceland in order to get revenge for the actions of local Vikings, in a story inspired by Akira Kurosawa and Sergio Leone as much as the Icelandic sagas.
MEÐ ALLT Á HREINU 1982 (ON TOP) The most iconic and popular Icelandic film to date, Með Allt Á Hreinu features Icelandic pop-band Stuðmenn in a bizarre musical-film in which the aforementioned band loses its female singer to a new, all female rival band. And those are just the first ten minutes. Enjoy listening to Icelandic classics such as “Manstu ekki eftir mér” and “Sísí fríkar út”, songs that are still being performed to crowds of thousands all over Iceland.
HRÚTAR 2015 (RAMS) A multiple- award winning film, which nabbed the Un Certain Regard prize at the Cannes Film Festival, Hrútar features two middle-aged brothers and sheep farmers, who haven’t spoken to each other in years although they live side by side and often compete in ram competitions. Its themes of dry humour and drama, as well as stubbornness and loneliness, are what sets this unique film apart from so many others.
Getting hooked on Icelandic movies? Check out the screenings at Bíó Paradís, where you can catch Icelandic films with English subtitles.
THE STEAK HOUSE
Steikhúsið simply means “The Steak House” and that underlines our goal, to focus solely on steaks. Steikhúsið is in the middle of Reykjavík, opposite the old harbor, which has recently formed into a lively neighborhood of restaurants, cafes, artisan stores and work shops. When you visit us, remember to try our “28-day” tendered meat. The heart of the place is a coal oven from Mibrasa, Spain. It is only fitting that we use coal for grilling and baking, since the building housed a blacksmith and metal works in years gone by. THE KITCHEN IS OPEN FROM 17:00 ‘TILL LATE — VISIT WWW.STEAK.IS
Booking: +354 561 1111 & steik@steik.is
WHAT’S ON
SCHOLA CANTORUM IN HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA ON ALL SAINT'S DAY The Hallgrímskirkja church is probably the bestknown landmark in Reykjavík but it’s so much more than just a place to get a good photo. Not only does it function as a parish church for the city centre’s inhabitants, but the church also regularly hosts concerts with some of the finest musicians in Iceland.
For a chance to hear Schola Cantorum in action, be sure to stop by Hallgrímskirkja Nov. 5, 5 pm, when they will perform in their annual All Saints’ Day concert. The choir will perform three pieces, Media Vita by John Sheppard, Miserere by James MacMillan, and Missa Defunctorum by Kjell Mörk Karlsen, and as usual, the performance can be expected to be gripping and atmospheric. There’s nothing better than taking in some beautiful music in the stunning setting of Hallgrímskirkja church.
• It‘s named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, a 17th century priest in Iceland, who is today best known for his poetry. His magnum opus, the Passion Hymns, are read in the church every Easter, which takes about 5 hours. • They started building the church in 1945 and was consecrated in 1986, the year of Reykjavík‘s 200th anniversary. • The church‘s Klais organ, with its 5275 pipes, is the biggest instrument in Iceland.
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Schola Cantorum, Hallgrímskirkja‘s magnificent chamber choir was founded in 1996 making this year their 21st and they simply keep getting better. The choir was founded by Hörður Áskelsson, the cantor of Hallgrímskirkja, who is still serves as their conductor today. The choir has made its mark on the Icelandic music scene by specialising in the music of the old masters of the renaissance as well as performing contemporary Icelandic music. Throughout the years, the choir has received several awards for their work and performed all over Iceland as well as in other countries.
Did you know? • Hallgrímskirkja is one of the best known landmarks of Reykjavík, but still functions as a parish church for the city centre.
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ICELAND AIRWAVES
ICELAND AIRWAVES 2017 Ever since the first festival in 1999, Iceland Airwaves has become one of the premier showcases for new music, Icelandic as well as international. Known for its intimacy and party spirit, Airwaves features several local and visiting artists playing venues all around the Reykjavík city centre. Local artists include the very young and incredibly successful duo of Jói Pjé x Króli, the electro ensemble GusGus and the synth-fuelled FM Belfast. Among the visiting artists this year is Scandinavian popqueen Sigrid, the soothing Seattle-band Fleet Foxes and Irish sensation Bonzai.
TIPS & TRICKS
Tag Your Photos There are 2 key hashtags you’ll want to use during your stay in Iceland. The first one being #WhatsOnRvk, which is us right here, the second is of course #airwaves17, which is Iceland Airwaves!
Dress Accordingly
Use the App
The festival is held in ICELAND at the beginning of November so no doubt it will be cold. But keep in mind that the venues are usually packed and you’ll be hot and sweaty after dancing. The key here is layers!
The official Iceland Airwaves app is your best friend during the festival. Check out info on the bands, follow recent news, discover new artists and most importantly plan ahead and make your own schedule.
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Do something during the day!
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Nobody’s saying you have to wake up to go wormhunting with the early bird, but when you do manage to roll out of bed, go see a museum, the Blue Lagoon or the Golden Circle. They’re worth it, I promise!
Plan Ahead! Most of the artists playing at the festival are not big names but rather up-and-coming artists. We recommend checking out the line-up before to know which ones you want to see.
Don’t Plan Too Much The great thing about a festival like Iceland Airwaves is the experience of seeing something new and unexpected. That band you’ve never heard of that is playing next could be awesome. Remember that Of Monsters and Men were discovered at this festival!
Don’t Miss the Off-Venues Don’t have a ticket? Off-venues are open to everyone. Are two of your favourite acts playing at the same time? Check out if either one of them is playing an off-venue gig as well and go see them both!
Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH THE LOCALS: PRICELESS Enjoy your stay in Iceland, where you are as welcome as your MastercardÂŽ
ICELAND AIRWAVES
WHAT TO DO DURING THE DAY So you’re going to Iceland Airwaves? Sounds amazing. There’s only one problem, the showcases normally start around 8 pm and go on until late. What are you going to do during the day? You might want to explore more of the country than just the insides of the concert hall.
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See the sights
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There are some magnificent natural wonders just on Reykjavík’s doorstep. The most popular day tour is the Golden Circle. You’ll get to see a beautiful waterfall, a geyser and a rift in the earth between two tectonic plates, and there are several departures per day! The Reykjavík Erupts tour takes you to a geothermally active area in the vicinity of Reykjavík where you will learn all about the awe-inspiring forces of the fires underneath this volcanic island.
Learn Go to some of Reykjavík’s many museums. The National Museum is always a treat and the Volcano House shows a documentary on volcanic eruptions in Iceland every hour and has an exhibition of semi-precious stones, minerals, ash and pumice. Just around the corner is the Aurora museum where you can learn all about the magic of the Northern Lights.
If you’re looking for a nice afternoon of relaxation, look no further than the Blue Lagoon. Not only will the waters wash away all evidence of last night’s partying, your skin is also going to feel baby smooth. If you don’t have the time, you can also soak in a hot tub of one of Reykjavík’s many thermal pools.
Explore Take a walk downtown and check out Icelandic design on the main shopping streets, Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur. Visit Hallgrímskirkja church (you can go up the tower for a great view), stroll along the Pond (Tjörnin) and talk to the ducks and swans. If you’d prefer a guided tour, there are bus tours available and a free walking tour as well.
Have an adventure!
ICELAND AIRWAVES
Relax
How do you feel about going caving through a lava cave, with large halls and tight tunnels? Riding an Icelandic horse of Viking descent through lava fields and across rivers? Going snowmobiling on a glacier? Snorkelling in a rift between two tectonic plates? Going on a whale watching cruise? If your hangover can handle it, you can go out and still be back before the shows start again! If you prefer to stay in the city, how does a beer tour of a microbrewery sound to get the evening started?
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Don’t hesitate to visit us at Laugavegur 5 or email us at booking@whatson. is for further information or bookings. For more tours, check out whatson.tourdesk.is.
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EVERY TRIP IS AN ADVENTURE
EXIT THE CITY ENTER THE ADVENTURE WITH GEYSIR CAR RENTAL Geysir Car Rental is located in Geysirland Tourist Info at the Harpa Concert Hall. Get free CDW insurance cover and Unlimited Milage on all rentals. No one way fees and great prices.
Geysirland | Austurbakka 2 | 101 reykjavik | www.geysir.is | info@geysir.is | Tel +354 455 0001 /geysircarrental
Sigrid This Norwegian starlet is the undisputed synth-pop queen of Scandinavia. Recently signed to Island Records, her hit single ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe’ has received rave reviews. Sigrid Solbakk Raabe is only 21 years old but it sounds like she’ll be around for some time yet.
Fleet Foxes The soothing indie folk sounds of this Seattle band have enthralled listeners ever since they first started out in 2006. They are back after a three-year hiatus and of course they came to Reykjavík. There is no better way to get cozy after standing in a rainy queue than with the soothing voices of the Fleet Foxes squad.
Mura Masa Mura Masa is quite possible the best thing to come out of Guernsey (No offence, Guernsey!). His trap-style electropop gets your hips moving in ways you didn’t know were possible. His banger ‘Love$ick’, featuring A$AP Rocky, sits at a cool 111 million plays on Spotify. Yup. Get your dancing boots on, punters!
ICELAND AIRWAVES
VISITING ARTISTS YOU MUST SEE
Bonzai This Irish native’s music has been described as a mix of Destiny’s Child, club sounds, rave attitude, and indie hooks. She lists her influences as MIA, Santigold, FKA Twigs, and Sade. Alright, I think we all know who we are going to see at Airwaves… Show up, turn up!
Drum machines and synths galore! This Copenhagen based duo is a throwback to the 80s as Niels Juhl’s vocals and Theis Vesterløkke’s synths will have you asking what decade it is. Their soundscape really is something to behold so close your eyes and dance to their soothing beats.
Michael Kiwanuka Michael Kiwanuka is a North London native and a heartbreaker. Since first stepping on the scene in 2012 he has charmed audiences all over the world with his smooth and soulful voice. His soul style has been compared to artists such as Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and Otis Redding. Not bad company!
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Gents
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ICELAND AIRWAVES
ICELANDIC ARTISTS YOU MUST SEE Jói Pjé x Króli Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this show. This young duo (born in ’99 and ’00) have taken the hip hop scene by storm in the last couple of months. Their sound is a refreshing 90’s boom-bap throwback while pop and trap hits are also in their repertoire.
Gus Gus If you didn’t go and see GusGus – can you really say you went to Iceland Airwaves? The electro ensemble will close out the Saturday night at the Reykjavík Art Museum. Active since 1995, they are known worldwide for their electro hits. GusGus always puts on a fantastic show - expect fantastic vocals, crisp synths, and a visceral experience.
Cyber The girls in Cyber have promised the wildest show that Airwaves has ever seen. Fresh off the release of their first full length album ‘Horror’ – Cyber is as fierce and ready as ever. Expect spandex, alter-egos, breakneck rap, crazy visuals, and lots of Aktu Taktu burgers. Yes… You have to be there.
FM Belfast
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FM Belfast is practically an institution in the Reykjavík party scene by this point. The Iceland Airwaves regulars always put on a synth-fuelled, crazed performance which gets the crowd going. One of the best live bands in Iceland, it’s impossible to stand still at an FM Belfast show!
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Alexander Jarl Palestinian-Icelandic rapper Alexander Jarl has an unmatched sound in the Icelandic hip hop game. He spurts out spitfire lyrics and is supported by one the best beatmakers in Iceland, Helgi Ársæll. The duo has been kicking butts and taking names since 2015 and their shows are always energetic. Check out the banger ‘Láttu Í Friði’.
Vök The members of Vök have been busy creating the finest indie-electronic in the country since 2013. The group lists Portishead, Air, and Massive Attack as their main influences. They are fresh off a European tour to support the release of their highly anticipated debut LP ‘Figure’. If you are into indie then Vök is a must see.
Day tours for beginners to experienced riders. In stunning nature only 15 minutes from Reykjavik!
www.ishestar.is 555 7000
WHAT’S ON Find more articles like this at whatson.is 42
THE
NORTHERN LIGHTS ARE BACK!
The new season may be bringing the end of the bright summer nights, but never fear; The Northern Lights are here! The Aurora have been absent all summer long, as their faint light is no match for the midnight sun, but as the autumn equinox draws nearer, it’s now getting dark enough in the evenings that the Northern Lights are able to strut their stuff.
Seeing the lights is a magical experience and we recommend seeking them out while you’re in Iceland. However, there are a few things every Northern Lights hunter should keep in mind. The Northern Lights aren’t a reliable attraction and seeing them can be a matter of being in the right spot at the right time. It’s not all down to luck, however, as there are a few things you can do to maximise your chances of seeing the ethereal lights.
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.
1 GET OUT OF TOWN
The city lights block the Northern Lights!
2 MAKE SURE IT’S DARK
Daylight and Northern Lights don’t go hand in hand!
3 MAKE SURE THE SKY IS CLEAR
The Northern Lights appear way above the clouds!
WHAT’S ON
TOP 8 TIPS FOR THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
4 GIVE IT TIME AND BE PATIENT!
The Northern Lights don’t come out by order – be patient and you might get lucky!
5 SIGHTINGS CAN NEVER BE GUARANTEED
So we’d recommend a tour that includes some great activity as well as Northern Lights hunt – so you won’t feel disappointed!
6 WEAR SOMETHING WARM
It can get seriously cold, especially when the sky is clear and you’re waiting for a long time.
7 KNOW YOUR CAMERA!
Taking photos with a flash won’t work. Ever. A tripod and long exposure are your friends!
Lie down on the ground. Look up. Enjoy!
For more information, check out www.whatson.is or stop by the What’s On information office
GOING BY SUPER-JEEP: 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.
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8 ENJOY IT!
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WHAT’S ON
NORTHERN LIGHT PHOTOGR APHY DOs AND DON'Ts DO have a relatively good camera with you that allows for easy and quick change of settings. DON’T rule out taking a photo on your phone's camera. DO have your ISO set to at least 800 and your aperture as low as it goes.
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DON’T forget your tripod! However little you think you move while waiting for your camera to take your picture, believe me, you always move a little and it’s enough to make your photos blurry.
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DO keep your shutter speed anywhere between 5 seconds to 30 seconds, although the optimal would be between 5-20 (30 is for very faint lights, basically). DON’T go by boat! If you’re intent on getting photos, at least. The movement of the boat makes it impossible. DO consider using continuous shooting so that while shooting the lights you don’t have to keep staring at them through your camera DON’T focus solely on your photographs and forget to be in the moment. You don’t see the Northern Lights every day! If you need any more information, check out www.whatson.is or stop by the What’s On information office at Laugavegur 5 and Tryggvagata 11.
ICELANDIC GASTROPUB
LOCAL FOOD AND BEER Tasty and fun food made with fresh and local Icelandic ingredients. We offer a unique selection of Icelandic beer – 20 bottled, 10 on draft, and artisan cocktails to enjoy alongside the food.
Drop by for lunch, late lunch, dinner or drinks in a casual and fun atmosphere.
OUR KITCHEN IS OPEN 11:30–23:30
HAPPY
15–18 EV
HOUR
ERY
DAY All cockta ils house win , beer on draft a nd e by glass – half pri ce!
SÆTA SVÍNIÐ // Hafnarstræti 1–3 / Tel. 555 2900 / saetasvinid.is
Harpa Concert Hall sinfonia.is harpa.is (+354) 528 50 50
Main sponsor:
@icelandsymphony / #sinfo
The Northern Light forecast can be found on en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/ but it is a little hard to decipher if you’ve never seen it before. Our handy guide should make things a little bit easier.
WHAT’S ON
HOW TO READ THE NORTHERN LIGHTS FORECAST
THE COLORS WHITE means NO CLOUDS, while DARK GREEN means VERY CLOUDY. The different shades of green then mean more, or less, cloudy.
GOING ON A TOUR? There are many tours taking you out of the bright city lights for a better chance of seeing the Aurora. These tours will be CANCELLED if there is no chance of seeing the lights. All the major operators can be relied on to do this,
first of all because there is a high standard of professionalism in Iceland, but more importantly because they lose money if they take you out needlessly – most of them promise to take you out again for free if you don’t see anything.
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THE NUMBERS The numbers are a combination of how likely it is for the lights to be active and how active they will be. Don’t be discouraged if the number looks low, it’s actually very rare for the number to be higher than five. Also, take this with a grain of salt; a low number doesn't mean that they won't come out or won't be impressive, and a high number isn't a guarantee that they will be glorious all through the night.
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WHAT’S ON
REYKJAVIK Reykjavik sightseeing has something for everyone! The city is filled with things to do, places to go and stuff to see, but some things are just a little bit more important than others.
1 | HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. It is the largest church and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland. The church tower offers a fantastic view of the city for the small price of 900ISK for adults or 100ISK for children. It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, designed it to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape. Construction started in 1945 and was finished in 1984.
2 | PERLAN Standing at 25 metres, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking buildings. Built on top of the city’s hot water tanks, Perlan is known for its unique architecture. Up on the fourth level, there is a 360 degree viewing platform where you can get the city's best panoramic views for a fee. During the day, the Perlan café is a nice place to get coffee or ice cream. Surrounding the Perlan is the Öskjuhlíð area, one of the many green spaces in Reykjavík, perfect for a walk on a sunny day.
Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights
3 | TJÖRNIN
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Tjörnin (the pond) is the heart of the city centre and offers some of the most amazing views in Reykjavík. There is no better place in the city to enjoy a beautiful sunset and you can watch or feed a huge variety of birdlife that calls the lake home, while you’re at it. When the lake freezes over in winter, geothermal water is pumped in to defrost an area for the birds, and feeding them is a popular family pastime all year round. Those who can handle the cold take to the lake on ice skates.
4 | AUSTURVÖLLUR When the sun is shining, Austurvöllur is the place to be. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants, this public square is a popular spot for locals to dine outside, soak up some sunshine or recline on the grass with picnics. In fact, whatever the season, Austurvöllur is the place to be. It‘s used for celebrations on holidays and in December, the city‘s biggest Christmas tree is located here. Due to its proximity to the Parliament building, Austurvöllur is also a popular gathering spot for political protesters. At the centre of it all stands a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the renowned figure who is credited with leading Iceland to independence.
5 | KOLAPORTIÐ Whether you want to sample dried fish and fermented shark, purchase a bag of Icelandic candy or browse through thrifted clothing, Kolaportið, an indoor flea market, open on the weekends between 11am-5pm, is your best bet. The atmosphere is unique and the old industrial building is usually filled with people hunting for books or antiques, grocery shopping at the food court, selling their old garments, buying music and DVD’s or digging through piles of stuff in search of hidden treasures. We recommend bringing cash, or visiting the ATM at one of the entrances, as the majority of stalls don’t accept cards.
Check out the map in the centre of the magazine to find the exact location of these Reykjavík sights.
6 | HARPA The whole 28.000 square meters of Harpa stand at the edge of the Reykjavik Harbour. It houses Iceland‘s biggest concert hall, suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events, a conference centre with meeting facilities and in-house catering, as well as a couple of fine restaurants. Harpa also hosts promotions, plays, and public events. It‘s open to everyone, always, and you should definitely visit Harpa, whether it‘s to take in a show, buy souvenirs, go to a concert or have a lovely dinner in one of the fabulous restaurants. Harpa was designed by a Danish firm in co-operation with Ólafur Elíasson, an Icelandic artist, and opened to the public in 2011.
WHAT’S ON
SIGHTS TO SEE
7 | THE OLD HARBOUR It’s the first lasting harbour in Reykjavik, although it’s no longer the city’s busiest one. The most visited area is the eastern pier where you’ll find a community of shops, galleries, electric bike and scooter rentals and guided tour operators. You will also find numerous whale watching companies willing to take you out to sea on unforgettable excursions. The area is filled with excellent restaurants (sushi and other seafood, tapas, burgers, etc.) and cafés. The atmosphere at the old harbour is friendly, the air is fresh and salty and there’s plenty of interesting activities to check out.
8 | THE SUN VOYAGER
Sólfarið looks its best when the sun is setting, at whatever time that may be. The unforgettable view of the sculpture with a backdrop of the ocean and mount Esjan is every photographer’s dream.
9 | HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT Founded in 950 A.D, Iceland‘s parliament, Alþingi, is the oldest extant parliament in the world! For centuries, the parliament gathered in the open air (on the aptly named Þingvellir, Parliament fields) but in recent years, they’ve met in Reykjavík. The House of Parliament is a modest classical building of hewn Icelandic dolerite but it gives Austurvöllur square a dignified look. The parliament garden behind the building is small but lovely in the summertime.
10 | LAUGARDALSLAUG Every country has traditions when it comes to leisure. Icelanders' favourite pastime is going swimming. Laugardalslaug is the city’s largest pool with extensive facilities, located in Laugardalur Valley. Its facilities include a 50m outdoor pool, outdoor children’s pool and paddling pool, two waterslides, numerous hot tubs, steam bath, gym, and mini golf course. There really is no better place to be on a sunny day, or a cold one for that matter. Right outside you will find a hot dog stand where you can buy traditional Icelandic hot dogs.
Check out our centerfold map 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 centre. The sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and is an ode to the sun. It serves as reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland.
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6 5
5 4
6
4
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3
9 1
7
2
3 9
1
11
8
Check out the article The Reykjavik Sight Experience on pages 48-49 for more information about the places numbered here.
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REYKJAVÍK CITY MAP What’s On Tourist Information and Booking Centre Locations
Main areas
Sights
Tour Pick Ups
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WHAT’S ON
THE REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM WALK Reykjavík’s history reaches back for more than a thousand years and the city is rich with culture. This heritage can be experienced in the museums scattered throughout the city. To make life easier for you, here is a proposed Museum Walk that covers the best ones in downtown Reykjavik, all within a walking distance.
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VOLCANO HOUSE
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REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY
The museum gives visitors an idea of the life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. Icelandic nature is in a state of constant flux, earthquakes occur daily somewhere in Iceland, and volcanic eruptions are always a possibility. Volcano House lets you experience the world of Icelanders by coming as close as possible to experiencing an eruption or earthquake for yourself. They also have a Volcano Show, which consists of two back-toback documentaries on historical volcanic eruptions.
The museum’s main objective is to present both historical and contemporary photography in an artistic, social and cultural context, as well as nurture public and scholarly interest in photography and its culture. The collection’s themes are diverse, you can find family photographs, photos from portrait studios, industrial- and advertising photographs, press photography, landscape photographs and more.
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REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM
Hafnarhús serves as the museum’s institute of contemporary art, where new developments in art are explored through diverse exhibitions of Icelandic and international artists. An exhibition of paintings by wellknown pop artist Erró is a permanent feature. Don’t forget to stop by the Hafnarhús shop for postcards, art posters and books published by the museum.
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THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION
Archaeological remains were excavated in Aðalstræti in 2001, which turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavík. The relics are now preserved at their original location and are the focal point of the Settlement Exhibition. The construction of Viking Age buildings is explained using multimedia technology and computer technology is used to give an impression of what life was like in the hall.
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THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND
The nation’s most precious treasures are kept and displayed at The National Museum of Iceland. The museum was established on the 24th of February in 1863 and it’s aim is to increase and relay knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage from the country’s settlement until now. In the museum you will find a permanent exhibition of objects that provide insight into Icelandic history and culture as well as temporary exhibitions highlighting specific eras or aspects of the Icelandic cultural heritage.
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THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND
The principal art museum of Iceland, established in 1884. Its art collection consists mainly of 19th and 20th century art works. In its possession are many of the keystones of Icelandic art history, as well as a growing collection of works from other countries. The National Gallery’s main role is to collect, preserve, research and exhibit Icelandic art and offer education about it. There is also a considerable emphasis laid on showing Icelandic art in context with international art.
The Wonders of the Volcanoes Volcano House features two documentaries that focus on the most famous eruptions of Iceland, including Vestmannaeyjar in 1973 and Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, as well as talking about the causes and effects of Icelandic volcanology in general. The Volcano House includes a “hands on” geology exhibition featuring many different mineral samples, such as lava from the 2014 eruption of Bárðabunga and ash from the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. Reviews from tripadvisor “Friendly staff - excellent documentary”
Due to weather and unfamiliarity with Reykjavik we arrived just after the last show started and were told that we could go in right away and pay after the show. In my opinion everyone should visit and watch this show. - jdsteven, Colorado
VOLCANO HOUSE
Volcano Cinema and Geological Exhibition in Downtown Reykjavik, next to the Old Harbour. Open Every Day from 9:00-22:00 / Show time every hour, on the hour. Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavík | (+354) 555 1900 | www.volcanohouse.is
Joe
HAS ARRIVED DOWNTOWN WE ARE NOW OPEN ON LAUGAVEGUR! DROP BY FOR SOME AMAZING JUICES, SANDWICHES AND SHAKES. P.S. WE’RE REALLY GOOD AT MAKING COFFEE TOO!
LAUGAVEGUR | SMÁRALIND | KRINGLAN | WORLD CLASS LAUGAR | KEFLAVIK AIRPORT
WHAT’S ON
NEW IN TOWN HYALIN REYKJAVÍK
GÓÐI ÚLFURINN
Gourmands take note! Whether it is the finest French foie gras or divinely smelling candles you crave, Hyalin is set to become the go-to store in Reykjavík. The store is owned by the Frenchmen Arnaud-Pierre and Didier, who both have an extensive background in the culinary arts. Hyalin is an exquisitely designed space found on the recently renovated Hverfisgata, just off the main street Laugavegur. Go ahead and indulge in some French pleasures and luxuries.
The newest starlet in the Icelandic hip-hop scene is 10-year-old rap phenomenon Góði Úlfurinn (The Good Wolf). His new song, ‘Græða peninginn’ (Earn the money) has a playful beat and is the best thing to come out of Iceland for a long time. His 4th grade raps have already amassed 114 thousand plays on YouTube and 30 thousand more on Spotify. What can you expect? “The only one with a beard in my class” and “Hit up grandma, get some cake”. Check it out ASAP!
WONDERS OF ICELAND
CUPCAKE CAFÉ Situated in the vibrant Grandi area, CupCake Café promises to bring you the most scrumptious cupcakes you have ever feasted on. Kitkat, Lemon Paradise, Maltesers, Nutella, cherry, salted caramel – they got it all. CupCake Café doesn’t only do cupcakes though, so it might be a good idea to warm up after a whale-watching tour with a hot cup of joe and their delicious lunch options. Yes, they have vegan options but more importantly, cupcakes!
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The Glaciers and Ice Cave Exhibition is the first extension of the new Perlan Museum – Wonders of Iceland. The exhibition hosts the first indoor ice cave in the world! Visitors have a chance to have a glacial experience in the middle of Reykjavík city. The cave is situated inside one of Perlan’s six hot water tanks, where exhibition guests are introduced to the history and future of glaciers.
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A RARE, ONCE-INA-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY Around, on and deep within the awesome Langjökull ice gap glacier. Into the Glacier offers various tours to the World's largest ice tunnel. The ice tunnel and caves are located high on Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjökull. Daily departures from Klaki base camp, Húsafell center and from Reykjavik. You can choose from various tours and book online at www.intotheglacier.is Tel: +354 578-2550
EVENTS FROM WHATSON.IS/EC Nov. 1-5th @Reykjavík & Akureyri ICELAND AIRWAVES
Nov. 14th @ Dillon SINGER-SONGWRITER BUBBI MORTHENS
Nov. 2nd @ Harpa ICELAND SYMPHONY AIRWAVES CONCERT
Nov. 15th-19th @ Reykjavík EVERYBODY'S SPECTACULAR FESTIVAL
Nov. 5th, 12th, 26th @ Tjarnarbíó CHILDREN'S PUPPET THEATRE: ÍÓ Nov. 5th & 11th @ Harpa ICELANDIC OPERA: TOSCA Nov. 7th @ Reykjavík Yoga ENGLISH-LANGUAGE YOGA CLASS
Nov. 9th @ Gaukurinn VIO & TEITUR MAGNÚSSON Nov. 9th-11th @ National Theatre REYKJAVÍK KABARETT BURLESQUE SHOW Nov. 10th @ Tjarnarbíó FUBAR Nov. 12th @ Bryggjan Brugghús SUNDAY JAZZ
PERFORMANCE
Nov. 16th @ Gaukurinn REYKJAVÍK GOTH NIGHT Nov. 17th @ Gaukurinn SHAM 69 & LOCAL PUNK BANDS Nov. 20th @ Húrra MONDAY JAZZ Nov. 22nd @ Petersen Svítan SIGGA EYRÚN, KALLI OLGEIRS & SIGMAR ÞÓR MATTHÍASSON Nov. 23rd @ Græna Herbergið GOONSQUAD COMEDY NIGHT Nov. 25th @ Harpa PEARLS OF ICELANDIC SONG Nov. 25th @ Gaukurinn BERLIN - REYKJAVIK - DAMASCUS
For more information and even more events, visit us online at whatson.is/EC Send us your events at whatson.is/EC/add or events@whatson.is
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Nov. 9th @ Harpa TORTELIER CONDUCTS RACHMANINOFF
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
NOTABLE FESTIVITIES & RECURRING EVENTS
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WHALE HELLO THERE! WHALE WATCHING WITH THE PROS FROM REYKJAVÍK & AKUREYRI BOOK NOW AT ELDING.IS
Tel: +(354) 519 5000
One of the most critically acclaimed operas of all time has arrived in Reykjavík city. Tosca tells a story of passionate love and betrayal in the midst of political intrigue. Giacomo Puccini created a beautiful, romantic score, which continues to give audiences all over the world goosebumps to this day. The Icelandic Opera performs Tosca in Eldborg, the largest hall in Harpa, Reykjavík’s glittering concert hall. The world class acoustics are sure to bring out the best in the performers. The production features the best of the best of Icelandic vocalists along with Scottish singer Claire Rutter. For more information, check out www.harpa.is
EVERYBODY'S SPECTACULAR MUSIC DIRECTOR: BJARNI F. BJARNASON STAGE DIRECTOR: GREG ELDRIDGE
OCTOBER 21 & 28 · NOVEMBER 5,11 & 18 November 15th - 19th TICKETS: WWW.OPERA.IS
The annual performance art festival Everybody’s Spectacular is produced by the Reykjavík Dance Festival and LÓKAL International Theater Festival. It brings together the best local talent along with a host of international talent for a celebration of different performance styles. Countless dance and theatre events will take place all over the city over the span of five days. The festival is a playground for aesthetic performance, joy, humour, and physical performance. For more information, check out www.spectacular.is
SLEEPING BEAUTY Nightly between November 23rd - 25th The classic Sleeping Beauty will be performed in the Harpa music hall this November by the St. Petersburg Festival Ballet alongside the Icelandic Symphony. The company is coming to Reykjavík for the fifth year in a row, and will perform the beautiful dance routine of Marius Petipa. Revel in Tchaikovsky's magnificent score and enjoy the world class acoustics of Harpa. Children, under the age of twelve years old, get a 50% discount to the show.
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
TOSCA
For more information, check out www.harpa.is
November 24th Maus are veterans of the Icelandic indie game and they plan to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the album ‘Lof mér að falla að þínu eyra’. Hard Rock is the place to be on the 24th of November if your ears have a penchant for some 00’s indie. The band will release a special 20-year anniversary vinyl edition of the album as well. ‘Life in a fishbowl’ is a great gateway song for anglophones. For more information, check out www.facebook.com/hardrockreykjavik
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MAUS ALBUM RELEASE CONCERT
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EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
VOLCANO HOUSE THE WONDERS OF VOLCANOES The Volcano House includes a “hands on” mineral exhibition featuring different mineral samples, such as lava from the 2014 eruption of Bárðabunga and ash from the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. A documentary in English is screened every hour, on the hour, from 10am to 9pm. It focuses on some of the most famous eruptions of Iceland, as well as talking about the causes and effects of Icelandic volcanology in general. The show is also available in different languages by arrangement The Volcano House is fun and educational for people of all ages, and kids are especially welcome. (Free for 0-12) The Volcano House is a great stop on your Museum Day. After standing and reading for hours, it’s nice to sit down and watch a movie.
Wonders of Volcanoes
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The Volcano House is a great late-night activity (last show at 21:00), a good replacement if your tour is canceled, or if the weather is bad (it’s always nice and warm inside). Drop by any time!
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For more information www.volcanohouse.is.
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THE LIVING ART MUSEUM READ THROUGH Artworks in book form are contradictory phenomena: books as works of art, art as literature. Artists´ books request a new way of reading, not only through the text but through the visual, tactile and conceptual senses; the formal and non-formal aspects of the book.
Read Through
The exhibition READ THROUGH presents artworks in book form from the collection of The Living Art Museum, where 800 titles can be found, making it the largest artists’ book collection in Iceland. The exhibition takes the form of a reading room where guests have the chance to
study works from the collection by Icelandic and foreign artists from the 60’s to the present day. It is also a research space for the curator, and where his private library on artists’ books and bibliographia will be accessible during the course of the exhibition.
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
Erró
REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM – HAFNARHÚS
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ERRÓ: MORE IS BEAUTIFUL
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This exhibition shines a special light on Erró´s works which revolve around excess and density. This imaging has been an important part of his art and goes all the way back to his earliest work. More than thirty pieces from the Erró collection of the Reykjavík Art Museum – paintings, collages and movies – show how the artist creates intricate and charged structures which communicate materials related to politics, science, fiction and art history.
GREATER-ICELAND Group exhibition with international artists who have
settled in Iceland for limited or extended period of time. Participants are Anna Hallin, Claudia Hausfeld, Jeannette Castioni, Joris Rademaker, Rebecca Erin Moran, Sari Cedergren and Theresa Himmer.
PIERRE COULIBEUF: DOUBLING In his exhibition Pierre Coulibeuf presents three video installations, The Panic Monkey (2017), Dédale (2009) and Delectatio morosa (1988/2006). His most recent work was created in collaboration with the Icelandic dancers Erna Ómarsdóttir and Lovísa Ósk Gunnarsdóttir and partly shot in the museum‘s Hafnarhús venue. Previously, Coulibeuf has created works inspired by and in collaboration with Pierre
Klossowski, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Marina Abramovic, Michel Butor, Jean-Marc Bustamante, Jan Fabre, Meg Stuart, among others. The exhibition coincides with RIFF, the Reykjavík International Film Festival, where selected films by Coulibeuf will be screened.
D31: ANNA RÚN TRYGGVADÓTTIR Anna Rún Tryggvadóttir is the 31st artist to show in the exhibition-series in Gallery D of the Reykjavík Art Museum – Hafnarhús. The series in Gallery D aims to give promising artists a chance to work within the walls of the museum and call attention to new and interesting voices in the art world. In 2017, a total of four exhibitions are planned in the series.
Academy of St Martin in the Fields Violin virtuoso Joshua Bell leads classical masterpieces
Tickets available at +354 528 5050 and harpa.is harpa.is/stmartin
Photo: Alan Kerr
Eldborg Nov 21 at 19:30 Music Director Joshua Bell
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ÁSMUNDUR SVEINSSON: ART FOR THE PEOPLE Retrospective on the works of Ásmundur Sveinsson. The sculptor was born in 1893 and died nearly ninety years later, in 1982. He lived through some of the most intense times of history. He was born into poverty, much like most Icelanders at the time. When he died Icelanders had become one of the richest nations of the world, and the country had long ago become a republic with active democracy. The nation's history is reflected in his work.
REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM – KJARVALSSTAÐIR KJARVAL – KEY WORKS FROM THE COLLECTION Kjarvalsstaðir is a space where the art of Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, in whose honour it is named, has been presented in diverse ways since it opened in 1973. In that time extensive research has been carried out on his art and his important place in Icelandic art history. Many of Kjarval’s works are familiar, but opportunities are welcome to renew the acquaintance from different perspectives, and in the context of time passing.
Art for the People
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM ÁSMUNDARSAFN
ANNA LÍNDAL: EXPEDITION
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Since 1990 Anna Líndal has been active in numerous solo and joint exhibitions in Iceland and abroad. Her recent project; Infinite Next is based on Lindal’s research expedition to Greenland in collaboration with several scientist and experts in Climate Change, a project that led to a group exhibition of works by 6 artists taking place at The Living Art Museum, Reykjavik, in summer 2016. The works in the exhibition deal in different ways with Climate Change, systems which all societies struggle with; late-capitalism, ecosystems in degradation, human experiments to alter the environment, knowledge production, manifestations and the effects of humans on the environment.
Kjarval
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EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS Find more events at whatson.is/ec/ 66
Shoplifter
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND TREASURES OF A NATION In the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland there are over eleven thousand works of various kinds, from various countries and periods. In the exhibition Treasures of a Nation a fair selection of works from the collection displays the evolution of art in Iceland from the early nineteenth century to our times. The exhibition features the variety of media and styles distinguishing this short but eventful history.
COMPARATIVE VANDALISM In the late 1950s, the multifaceted artist Asger Jorn (1914–1973, Denmark) began working on an alternative art history: his ‘Scandinavian Institute of Comparative Vandalism'. Jorn intended to create an encyclopaedia in 32 volumes covering Nordic folk art, but tens of thousands of photos for the project ended up unused in a massive archive. The exhibition
Comparative Vandalism is based on these images.
PABLO PICASSO IN THE COLLECTION OF THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND The National Gallery of Iceland invites visitors to experience the work of Pablo Picasso, the most famous artist of the 20 th century, while getting acquainted with the art of the Spanish master and the history of the work through text and video. The work has recently been on loan for two exhibitions, at the National Portrait Gallery in London and at Museo Picasso in Barcelona. It has now been returned and is on display at the National Gallery of Iceland. Picasso's widow, Jacqueline Roque Picasso, gave the portrait of herself to Mrs. Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, who as a president of Iceland at the time took the generosity as a gift to the nation. Following this unique decision of both women the bust was consigned to the
National Gallery of Iceland in 1988. It has been shown more often abroad than in Iceland and it is considered to be among the artist's most unusual portraits. It is consequently coveted by art museums worldwide.
ORKA To commemorate that 20 years have passed since Steina (Steinunn Briem Bjarnadóttir Vasulka) became the first Icelandic woman artist chosen to represent the nation at the Venice Biennale, Vasulka Chamber will exhibit her video-installation Orka (Force), the work Steina exhibited in the Icelandic pavilion in Venice in 1997. In this work Icelandic nature appears to the viewer in a magnificent way, not least because of Steina’s digital processing of shots from Iceland. Steina seeks to communicate a different view on Icelandic nature in her works, a view where the viewer sees the landscape with eyes distinct from his own – the eyes of the camera.
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS Find more events at whatson.is/ec/ 68
REYKJAVÍK MARITIME MUSEUM FOR COD'S SAKE A exhibition about the Cod Wars, which were a series of confrontations between Iceland and Britain over fishing rights in the North Atlantic during the years 1958-1976. Each of the disputes ended with Iceland's victory.
FROM POVERTY TO ABUNDANCE The exhibition portrays the Icelandic fisheries at the turn of the 20th century, and realistically depicts the lives of Icelandic fishermen. During this time, tenant fishermen resided in modest coastal cottages during the fishing season. On display is Farsæll, an original four-person rowboat built around 1900 in the Westman Islands.
From Poverty to Abundance
MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART KEEPERS Museum collections are collections made up by a number of collected objects and sources that have some meaning to the museum. But how are the objects collected? What reasons lie behind certain objects being collected and where do the boundaries lie when collecting objects for a collection? The exhibition focuses on the museums’s collection. It will display the diversity that defines the collection. The title refers both to the objects themselves, the ones worth keeping, as well as the people who preserved them, kept them and eventually so generously gave them to the museum for safekeeping.
ICELANDIC RECORD COVERS Design has been part of the publication of records from the very beginning but it wasn’t until the mid 20th century,
Keepers
when Drangey employee Tage Ammendrup started the record company Íslenzkir tónar and had special record labels made, that this type of design became part of Icelandic design history. Shortly thereafter, records were released in illustrated sleeves and the look of these album covers would then evolve with the trends and technology of the coming decades. The CD brought new possibilities in the 80’s and in today’s world of digitalized music we find ourselves again at a crossroads.
The CD era is coming to an end while at the same time vinyl records are making a comeback. But why possess a tangible object with recordings when technology enables people to stream or download the material from the internet, sometimes even for free? Are packaging, plastics and other synthetics illfitted in a society that wants to minimize packaging and reduce its ecological footprint, or are they an unbreakable part of the musical experience and a way to ensure that musicians are paid for their work?
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Tel: +354 411 5000 www.spacity.is
EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM A museum in the heart of Reykjavík that houses the work of Iceland's first sculptor Einar Jónsson. The museum contains close to 300 art works spanning a 60 year career: carvings from the artist's youth, sculpture, paintings and drawings.
REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY JACK LATHAM – SUGAR PAPER THEORIES An exhibition about The Guðmundur and Geirfinnur case which has become the biggest and most controversial murder investigation in Icelandic history. British Photographer, Jack Latham, has immersed himself
Einar Jónsson Museum
in all aspects of the case, meeting key protagonists, exploring and photographing key sites from the investigation. From police files to conspiracy theories, forensic science to the notion of Memory Distrust Syndrome, Latham’s project examines issues of evidence and truth, certainty and uncertainty, especially with regard to memory and the medium of photography.
Latham’s project is a challenge to authoritative, or official, state-sanctioned photographic narratives, and by extension, documentary photography, itself. Sugar Paper Theories offers narratives of uncertainty: a photography of doubt. Here the photograph is not an endpoint – a visual evidentiary footnote to prove a point – but a beginning to a new set of questions:a recognition of photography’s instability.
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A beautiful tree-clad garden adorned with 26 bronze casts of the artist's works is located behind the museum. The task of the museum is to collect, preserve and display the work of Einar as well as to conduct research on his life and art.
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
Sugar Paper Theories
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EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
Guðmundur Ingólfsson
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND
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BUNDLED-UP IN BLUE
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An exhibition based on new research on the bones and grave good found in a settlement-era grave. The grave was discovered in 1938 in East-Iceland. The research can provide answers on the age of the woman in the grave and where she came from, together with indications of how she looked and dressed.
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 shed light on the Icelanders' past by placing the cultural heritage preserved by the National Museum in a historical context, guided by the question: What makes a nation? The exhibition includes about 2,000 objects, dating from the Settlement Age to the present, as well as about 1,000 photographs from the 20th century.
ICELAND IN THE WORLD, THE WORLD IN ICELAND Iceland, in both past and present, has been characterised by transnationalism – just like other countries in the world. Iceland has thus been a part of the mobility of people and ideas through the centuries. It is important to highlight this in the present, when current
discourse is often based on the idea that in the past different parts of the world existed in isolation from each other. Prejudices are nothing new in Icelandic society, as for centuries Icelanders' ideas have been influenced by global conceptions of race.
GUÐMUNDUR INGÓLFSSON - GOING HIS OWN WAY. PHOTOGRAPHS 1967–2017 Guðmundur Ingólfsson is one of the leading photographers of his generation in Iceland. Guðmundur has enjoyed taking large-format photos of Iceland and nature, and of Reykjavik in all its aspects. The exhibition is a retrospective of Guðmundur's work over the last half a century.
Meet some of Iceland’s finest designers Epal Harpa / Epal Skeifan 6 / Epal Design Kringlan / 568 7733
www.epal.is
The Icelandic Punk Museum is located at Bankastræti 0, an underground location that served as public toilets from 1930 to 2006. The Museum honours the music and the spirit that has shaped musicians and bands to this day; people who dared to be different. Objects, photographs, videos, posters, etc. from those years (roughly 1978 to 1992) are on display with texts in Icelandic and English, as well as the main music from the period is available to guests.
Punk Museum
THE CULTURE HOUSE POINTS OF VIEW The exhibition gives visitors the chance to delve into the collections of six different cultural institutions. A unique journey through Iceland's visual legacy, offering an innovative guide to a nation's cultural history. The exhibition is a collaborative project of the following institutions: National and University Library of Iceland, Icelandic Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Iceland, The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies, National Archives of Iceland, National Museum of Iceland.
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
THE ICELANDIC PUNK MUSEUM
Points of View
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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
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 out standing works of modern art also make their mark.
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Viðey Reykjavik 411-6356. reykjavikcitymuseum.is
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REYKJAVIK CITY LIBRARY
FREE ENTRY Looking for a place to hang out, browse the internet, get access to Wi-Fi or meet the Reykjavik locals? Then Reykjavik City Library is the perfect place to visit. Have a seat and dip into the latest magazine or relax while checking out their great selection of books. Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 411-6100 | borgarbokasafn.is Hours: Mon-Thu 10-19, Fri 11-18, Sat & Sun 13-17
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 modern trawlers and the construction of Reykjavik harbour.
Aðalstræti 16, Reykjavik 411-6370 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 9-18
Grandagarður 8, Reykjavik 411-6340 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17
REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY
THE EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM
The aim of the museum is to shape a unique vision and to be leading in its field. The museum preserves various collections from professional and amateur photographers. Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 411-6390 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Mon-Thu 10-18, Fri 11-18, Sat & Sun 13-17
Hallgrímstorg 3, Reykjavik 551-3797 | www.lej.is Hours: Tue-Sun 10-17
REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM
HAFNARBORG
FREE ENTRY Hafnarborg has a collection of Icelandic art and regular exhibitions presenting leading Icelandic and international artists. Collection exhibitions are a regular part of the program. Around exhibitions are workshops and guided tours. Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður 585-5790 | www.hafnarborg.is Hours: Wed-Mon 12-17
A museum with indoor and outdoor exhibitions dedicated to the work of Einar Jónsson, Iceland’s first modern sculptor (1874-1954). The museum was built in the early 1900’s when Einar Jónsson offered all of his works as a gift to the Icelandic nation.
THE ICELANDIC MUSEUM OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
Björk, Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men… What’s their story? At the museum guests can dive into the history of Icelandic rock ‘n’ roll music. Don’t miss the cinema running documentaries all day, the gift shop, the sound lab where you can try various instruments and sing your heart out in a karaoke booth! Hjallavegi 2, 260 Reykjanesbæ 420 1030 | www.rokksafn.is
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Iceland's leading art museum, established in 1884. Its collection consists mainly of 19th, 20th and 21st century art. The National Gallery possesses a coherent array of Icelandic works and a fine collection of international art. Together they constitute around 11.000 items. Fríkirkjuvegur 7, Reykjavík 515-9600 | www.listasafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun: 11-17
ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION
One of the pioneers of Icelandic art and the first Icelander to take up painting professionally. Having died in 1958, he bequeathed all his works, as well as his studio home to the Icelandic nation. Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík 515-9625 | www.listasafn.is Hours: Sat-Sun 14-17
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND
Offers a state-of-the-art exhibitions on the cultural history of Iceland. The permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History of Iceland, gives a comprehensive picture of Iceland’s cultural history through the ages to the present day. Suðurgata 41, Reykjavik 530-2200 | nationalmuseum.is Hours: Tue-Sun: 11-17
THE ICELANDIC PHALLOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Probably the most unique museum you’ll visit on your trip, the Icelandic Phallological Museum is a one of a kind. Here you’ll find a collection of more than two hundred penises and penile part belonging to almost all land and sea mammals that can be found in Iceland. Laugavegur 116, Reykjavik 561 6663 | www.phallus.is Hours: Daily 9-18
SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM
A museum that Icelandic sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson’s wife founded as a tribute to his life and work in 1984. She had his studio in Laugarnes converted to an exhibition space to house his collection of works, including sculptures, sketches, drawings and biographical material. Laugarnestangi 70 553-2906 | www.lso.is Hours: Sat-Sun 14-17
ART & CULTURE
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND
MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART
Its objective is to collect, study and present Icelandic design and crafts from 1900 to the present day. This young museum, the only one of its kind in Iceland, holds regular exhibitions of Icelandic and international design during the year. Exhibitions from the museum‘s own collection are regularly held. Garðatorg 1, Garðabær 512-1525 | www.honnunarsafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 12-17
HANNESARHOLT
VOLCANO HOUSE
AURORA REYKJAVIK
The Northern Lights Center, Aurora Reykjavik, allows you to experience the Northern Lights in a completely different way, both if you saw them, but as well if they escaped you while in Iceland. The centre features information, education and of course stunning visuals of the elusive lights that’ll get your heart racing.
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Grundarstígur 10, Reykjavik 511-1904 | www.hannesarholt.is Hours: Daily 11-17
Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavik 555-1900 | www.volcanohouse.is Hours: Daily 10-21
Grandagarður 2, Reykjavik 780-4500 | aurorareykjavik.is Hours: Daily 9-21
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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 11-18. Short doc on Hannes Hafstein and early. Reykjavik Guided historic city walks Tue and Thu at 1 pm by appointment.
Shows documentaries that give a good idea of real life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. There’s also a mineral exhibition, giving a brief overview of Iceland’s geological history and volcanic system, and a boutique, with Icelandic designs, artwork, lava rocks, pumice, bottles of ash and Lava Jewellery.
ART & CULTURE
KJARVALSSTAÐIR
Mainly devoted to paintings and sculpture by well established Icelandic and international artists. Kjarvalsstaðir offers a permanent exhibition of key works by one of Iceland’s most beloved landscape painters, Jóhannes S. Kjarval, as well as changing exhibitions that explore various thematic and historical aspects of Icelandic art. Flókagata 24, Reykjavik 411-6420 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17
GLJÚFRASTEINN LAXNESS MUSEUM
Halldór Laxness is arguably the most famous Icelandic writer of all time, and the only Icelander to have won a Nobel Prize, which he received for literature in 1955. Gljúfrasteinn was his home until his death, and today it is a museum dedicated to his life and work.
Find more recommendations at whatson.is
Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsbær 586-8066 | www.gljufrasteinn.is
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GERÐARSAFN
Gerðarsafn is a progressive modern art museum in Kópavogur. It’s dedicated to sculptor Gerður Helgadóttir and it’s the only museum in Iceland dedicated to a woman. The museum collection consists of more than 1400 works by Gerður, as well as the works of the most celebrated Icelandic artists of the 20th and 21st century. Hamraborg 4, Kópavogur 441-7600 | gerdarsafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 11-17
ÁSMUNDARSAFN
Opened in 1983, the collection is housed in a unique building designed and constructed mostly by the artist himself from 19421950. The original building served Sveinsson as studio and home; behind it he built a crescentshaped structure as a work- and exhibition space. Sigtún, Reykjavik 411-6430 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17.
THE CULTURE HOUSE
Artifacts and works of art from the varied collections of six institutions provide a reflection of Iceland’s visual art history and cultural heritage in the exhibition Points of View, a journey through the Icelandic visual world of past and present. There are seven points of view to be found in as many wings of the house, connecting what you’ll see, independent from the medium or time. Hverfisgata 15, Reykjavik 530-2210 | www.culturehouse.is Hours: Daily 10-17
THE NUMISMATIC MUSEUM
FREE ENTRY A selection from the numismatic collection is on display on the ground floor of the Central Bank’s main building in Kalkofnsvegur 1, Reykjavik. Kalkofnsvegur 1, Reykjavik 569-9600 www.sedlabanki.is Hours: Mon-Fri 13:30-15:30
HAFNARHÚS
The Reykjavik Art Museum took possession of its portion of Hafnarhús (Harbour House) in 2000. Hafnarhús was built in 193239 for the offices and warehouses of Reykjavik Harbor and was at that time one of the largest buildings in the country. Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavik 411-6400 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17, Thu 10-22
THE LIVING ART MUSEUM
An active exhibition space that has organized many exciting exhibitions throughout the years. They put an emphasis on introducing young Icelandic artists, as well as showcasing work by better-known Icelandic and foreign modern and contemporary artists. Grandagarður 20, Reykjavik 551-4350 | www.nylo.is Hours: Tue-Sun 12-18, Thu 12-21
THE 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 culture as well as experiencing rich culture of the Nordic countries. Sturlugata 5, Reykjavik 551-7030 | nordice.is
Vodafone 4G
Choose Vodafone in Iceland With Vodafone, you gain access to an extensive 4G network in Iceland. The Vodafone Starter Pack is the perfect travel companion, enabling you to stay safely connected as well as share your memories with family and friends during your stay in Iceland.
Vodafone Power to you
Buy the Vodafone Starter Pack at Keavik Airport, What’s On at t Laugavegur 5 and Tryggvagata 11, Macland, Vodafone stores, N1 fuel stations all around Iceland, and at our network of resellers.
PHOTO
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
Named after a legendary Icelandic football player, Reykjavík's premier Sports Bar is nestled in the heart of the city and boasts the biggest array of HD screens in town. Classic bar food is served hot and the beers ice cold. Finally, it’s open 7 days a week so you never miss the game! Austurstræti 20, Reykjavik 561-2240 | bjarnifel.is
KOFINN
This café/bar is in the perfect spot on the main street. This snug basement used to be a butcher’s shop but has been transformed into a comfy place to relax, have a drink and swap tales with friends. As an added bonus, Kofinn doesn’t just have happy hour, they have coffee hour as well! Laugavegur 2, Reykjavik www.ktf.is
Best known as Damon Albarn’s hangout place back in the days, this most famous bar in Iceland is a popular destination for the artsy and univer sity crowd. During the week it‘s more of a café, but on the weekend the volume rises and KB becomes one of the hottest bars in Reykjavik. Bergstaðastræti 1, Reykjavik 551-1588 www.kaffibarinn.is
AMERICAN BAR
Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 581-2200
Austurstræti 8, Reykjavik 571 9999
B5
DEN DANSKE KRO
One of the coolest bars in Reykjavik these days is Kaldi Bar. In close cooperation with north-Icelandic micro-brewery of the same name, Kaldi offers you a selection of craft-brewed beers on tap. Great happy hour and great fun, Kaldi is a place not-to-be-missed!
B5 bar/bistro has become a very popular establishment with the locals of the capital. With its very contemporary and stylish interior, b5 is laid back during the day, while as night falls, the lights dim and the atmosphere changes accordingly. Bankastræti 5, Reykjavik 552-9600 www.b5.is
American Bar is named appropriately since it’s an American Bar in Reykjavík, of the kind you’re probably familiar with from other countries: there are dudes, chicks and random university students partying to the latest MTV tunes. They specialize in American culture and entertainment.
There is live music playing every night at Den Danske Kro and sometimes there are live football games, pub quizzes, beer bingo, darts and happy hours. Den Danske Kro is a casual place in the heart of Reykjavik where everyone is welcome. Ingólfsstræti 3, Reykjavik 552-0070 www.danski.is
BAR ANANAS
THE ENGLISH PUB
Klapparstígur 38, Reykjavik
Austurstræti 12, Reykjavik 578-0400 www.facebook.com/enskibarinn
Ten seconds from Laugavegur, you'll find Iceland’s one and only Beach-Bar/Tiki Bar in downtown Reykjavík. There, most things are made in the shape of a pineapple. Pillows, glasses, chandeliers, candlesticks and more. At weekends city's best DJs will make guests feel sunny while they enjoy some of the best cocktails in town.
In the mood for a pint? English Pub offers over 35 brands of beer and Whiskey. Whatever your preference – you will find it here. This is also a great place if you would like to catch some football (soccer). Inside they have 3 big screens and 2 TV’s so that you can catch all the action as it happens.
Find more recommendations at whatson.is
KAFFIBARINN
KALDI BAR
PUBS & NIGHTLIFE
BJARNI FEL SPORTSBAR
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PUBS & NIGHTLIFE
HÚRRA
Dark and raw, this large bar/club opens up its back room to make a concert venue, with live music or DJs most nights. They’ve got six Icelandic microbreweries on tap and happy hour runs till 21:00. One of the coolest and hipster friendly places in town and your best bet of catching the next big thing from Iceland. Naustin, Reykjavik www.hurra.is
DRUNK RABBIT
Every city needs to have a friendly neighbourhood Irish pub and in Reykjavík, that bar is the Drunk Rabbit. It doesn’t matter if you’re going in for a snack, to enjoy the live music they have every night, people-watching in the lively bar, or just enjoying a beer or five in good company, the Drunk rabbit has got everything you need.
Find more recommendations at whatson.is
Austurstræti 3, Reykjavik 553 1041
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LOFT HOSTEL
This hostel café/bar is bright and spacious; the perfect place to start the night. The hall hosts events most nights and on summer afternoons, the balcony is the best place in town for a beer in the sun. Last but not least, Loft has the best foosball table of all the bars in the city centre. Bankastræti 7, Reykjavik 553 8140
LEBOWSKI BAR
The Big Lebowski by the Coen brothers is not only a film, it has now become a lifestyle. With the emergence of the Lebowski Bar in Reykjavik, everyone can now be a part of The Dude’s peculiar world. They even offer a whole White russian menu!
MICROBAR
Laugavegur 20a, Reykjavík 552-2300 | www.lebowski.is
Beer enthusiasts look no further! In a cellar underneath Restaurant Reykjavík, just off Ingólfstorg square, you will find Micro Bar. This ambitious bar serves only beer from microbreweries! Carrying an impressive 140 different kinds of beers from all over the world, this is definitely the go-to place for beer fans.
PORT 9
THE GREEN ROOM
Port 9 wine bar is a hidden gem just off the main shopping street. Serving selected wines and a unique blend of appetizers made with the freshest seasonal ingredients, Port 9 is one of the best spots in the city to stop by for a glass of quality wine in a relaxed atmosphere. Veghúsastígur 9, Reykjavík 897 8212 | www.vport9.is
KIKI - QUEER BAR
Kiki is the only queer bar in town these days but it is also the best one! If you’re worried you won’t find the place, don’t be. The rainbow coloured street entrance, stream of people in a dancing mood, and the far off sound of dance-heavy beats should lead you where you want to go! Laugavegur 22 www.kiki.is
Vesturgata 2, Reykjavik
The Green Room is owned by musicians so you know the music is going to be good! With live jazz band jams on Wednesdays, sing-alongs by the grand piano on Thursdays, stand-up comedians on Tuesdays and some of Iceland’s best musicians on weekends, there’s always something going on there. Great cocktails and cosy atmosphere. Lækjargata 6a, 101 Reykjavík www.greenroom.is | 571 3555
CAFÉ RÓSENBERG
There’s always something happening at Café Rósenberg! The concert and event programme is impressive, ranging from intimate concerts, to stand-up shows to a blues or jazz band taking the stage. It doesn’t hurt that the food there is delicious! Klapparstíg 27, Reykjavik 551 2442
There are many places worth checking out in Iceland and even though we feel that our 21 stores should be up there with the waterfalls and geysers, we’re not completely mad. That’s why we offer free delivery right to your door.
Reykjavik area
Akureyri
Akranes Reykjavik Keflavik Selfoss
TEL. 58 12345
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SHOPPING & STYLE
ANNA MARÍA DESIGN
For over twenty years, jewelry designer Anna Maria has created her things of gold and silver, a design that is both pure and timeless. Exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship create the elegant simplicity that shines through Anna Maria’s products. Skólavörðustígur 3, Reykjavik 551-0036 www.annamariadesign.is
Icelanders are known for being a stylish people, whether you judge from their clothes, their homes, or just their lifestyles. At the heart of their stylishness is Scandinavian design, whether it‘s Icelandic or from our neighbouring countries. The Hrím stores offer you the chance to decorate your home (or even yourself) with the classic style of the Scandinavians!
LISTVINAHÚSIÐ
FARMERS MARKET
The oldest ceramic workshop in Iceland established 1927. Three generations of artistic potters. Unique handmade ceramics, 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”.
Find more recommendations at whatson.is
Skólavörðustígur 43, Reykjavik 551-2850 www.listvinahusid.is
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HRÍM
JÖKLA
If you‘er interested in getting some Icelandic design to take back home , be sure to stop by Jökla on your way down the Laugavegur shopping street. You can get Icelandic design for you, your children, or your home and the best thing is that you‘re buying straight from the designers Laugavegur 90, Reykjavik 696 6604
Laugavegur 25, Reykjavik 553-3003 | www.hrim.is
An Icelandic design company and clothing brand, founded in 2005 by a young artist couple, designer Bergthora Gudnadottir and musician Jóel Pálsson. With strong ties to the vibrant Icelandic music and design scene, the Farmers Market design concept and inspiration draws from Icelandic roots, combining classic Nordic design elements with chic modernity. Laugavegur 37, Reykjavik 552-1965 | www.farmersmarket.is
IGLÓ&INDÍ
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 2, Reykjavik 445-2020 | www.igloandindi.com
LITTLE CHRISTMAS SHOP
On Laugavegur, in the heart of Reykjavík, you’ll find the very unique Little Christmas Shop— which is dedicated to the spirit of Christmas, all year round. There you’ll find Icelandic decorations and everything needed for that festive spirit. Should not be missed as it is definitely one of the most special and fun stores to visit. Laugavegur 8, Reykjavik 552-2412
METAL DESIGN
The jewellery forms which Metal design is known for are inspired by the Icelandic flora. But what stands out the most is the shape “The Coast” that is inspired by the waves of the Icelandic coast.”The coast silver jewellery line is for ladies and gentlemen. Skólavörðustígur 2. Reykjavik 552-5445 www.MetalDesignReykjavik.is
CINTAMANI
Nowhere in the populated world does the weather change as fast, or as often as here. Thus Icelandic designers have to meet the requirements of consumers who have to go out all year long in harsh conditions. That‘s where the label Cintamani comes to the rescue. Their goal is to keep us warm, dry and comfortable, whatever the weather may bring. Bankastræti 7, Reykjavik 533-3800 | www.cintamani.is
NORTHERN LIGHTS BY BOAT FROM REYKJAVIK
AND OTHER WILDLIFE ADVENTURES
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SHOPPING & STYLE
GALLERY GALLERA If you walk up a flight of stairs from the city‘s main shopping street, you‘ll come across this hidden gem of a space, Gallery Gallera. This workshop/gallery/store is run by a group of up-and-coming artists and sells everything from hand-printed t-shirts to books and posters, perfect to keep for yourself or as gifts for family and friends back home!
Find more recommendations at whatson.is
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.
Laugavegur 33, Reykjavik 773-3550
Laugavegur 15, Reykjavik 511-1900 | www.michelsen.is
I8
KIOSK
Don‘t leave Reykjavík without stopping by one of the city‘s most ambitious galleries! I8 is one of the mainstays on the scene and constantly offers new and exciting works by Iceland‘s best-known artists. Stop by to take a look at the cream of Icelandic art today! Ingólfsstræti 6, Reykjavik 552-4700 www.studiostafn.is
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MICHELSEN
THE HANDKNITTING ASSOCIATION OF ICELAND
Renowned for its excellent products and quality. Offering the widest selection of traditional hand knitted Icelandic sweaters, the range of products also includes special designs and a variety of woolen products from leading Icelandic manufacturers. Skólavörðustígur 19, Reykjavik 552-1890 | www.handknit.is
Taking some Icelandic design home is the best possible souvenir of a great trip. Luckily, Icelandic designers are known for their inimitable style! Try stopping by Kiosk, a co-op shop owned by 8 different designers. Not only are the clothes to die for, but the designers also take shifts behind the counter so you get to meet the people behind the design as well! Laugavegur 65, Reykjavik 445 3269 | kioskreykjavik.com
EPAL
Their main goal has been to increase Icelanders interest and respect for fine design by introducing and providing top quality design products from all over the world, particularly Scandinavia. Epal has always been very supportive of Icelandic designers and done what they can to help them promote their design around the world. Laugavegur 70, Skeifan 6, & Harpa Reykjavik, Keflavík Airport 568-7740 | www.epal.is
12 TÓNAR
The Icelandic music scene is extraordinarily vibrant, considering the size of the nation. Is there a better souvenir to take home than music from your new favourite Icelandic musician? The 12 Tónar shop is a friendly place where you can sit down, listen to a selection of music, enjoy a free espresso, read magazines, or browse their juicy collection of rock literature. Skólavörðustíg 15, Reykjavík 511 5656 | www.12tonar.is
GEYSIR
Rustic, vintage interior, intertwined with the latest fashion in outdoor and woolen clothing. Add some puffin, reindeers and other iconic animals and you‘ve got one of the coolest shops in town. This is one place you‘ll have to visit, if only for the experience. Skólavörðustíg 16, Reykjavík 519-6000 www.geysir.com
KRINGLAN
Kringlan Shopping Centre is conveniently located close to downtown Reykjavik. Standing at 50.000 sq.m. and equipped with 150 shops and services, including a multiplex cinema, a seven-outlet food court and three themed restaurants, it has something to suit every need. Kringlan 4-12, Reykjavik 517-9000 | www.kringlan.is
dress code iceland
s n a p c h a t /c i n t a m a n i . i s
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f a c e b o o k /c i n t a m a n i . i c e l a n d
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b a n ka s t rĂŚt i + k r i n g l a n + s m ĂĄ ra l i n d + a u s t u r h ra u n + a k u rey r i + w w w.c i nt a m a n i . i s
FOOD & DRINK Find more recommendations at whatson.is 90
FORRÉTTABARINN
Tasty tapas with an Icelandic twist. With a new spin on traditional Icelandic cuisine and an extensive selection of local beer, Forréttabarinn – “The Starters Bar” – is worth seeking out when you need a bite to eat or a place to start your night out in Reykjavík. Whatever you choose from the refreshingly creative menu, you’re in for a treat! Nýlendugata 14, Reykjavík 517-1800 | www.forrettabarinn.is
SÆGREIFINN
Iceland is an island, surrounded by water, so it only makes sense that we have some of the best seafood in the world. Taste the delicious grilled fish skewers and try the fermented shark if you dare but don’t miss out on their famous lobster soup. It’s delicious! Geirsgata, Reykjaví 553 1500 | www.saegreifinn.is
TE OG KAFFI
FJÖRUBORÐIÐ
Passion, expertise and craftsmanship are the main characteristics of Te & Kaffi, a family owned chain of coffee houses and speciality coffee roasters. Highly skilled and amicable baristas, exciting and tasty drinks in beautifully designed coffee houses makes Te & Kaffi a must visit.
What’s the only thing that’s better than a feast of Icelandic langoustine? A feast of Icelandic langoustine in a charming restaurant by the seaside in a tiny, picturesque fishing village. Their langoustine soup alone is well worth the 45-minute drive from the city.
555-1910 | www.teogkaffi.is
Eyrarbraut 3A, Stokkseyri 483-1550 | www.fjorubordid.is
SNAPS
MATHÚS GARÐABÆJAR
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
Mathús Garðabæjar, the newest addition to the restaurant flora in Garðabær, has been delighting its customers ever since they opened their doors. Serving everything from fish to pasta to vegetarian fare in exquisite dishes, Mathús Garðabæjar is the perfect place to bring the whole family! Garðatorg 4B, Garðabæ 571 3775 | www.mathus.is
JÓMFRÚIN
An open-sandwich restaurant in the Danish tradition offering authentic Danish smørrebrød along with a selection of hot dishes. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city centre and seats 80 guests. It is a popular lunch venue, especially with people from the business sector. Lækjargata 4, Reykjavik 551-0100 | www.jomfruin.is
EARLY IN THE MORNING
Early in the Morning is the perfect start to your day, whether you're going hiking on a volcano or just strolling around Reykjavík. This breakfast/brunch spot is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, so stop by for a tasty breakfast in a relaxing atmosphere! Veghúsastígur 7-9, Reykjavík 695 1021
ICELANDIC FISH & CHIPS
This is not your run of the mill fish and chip shop! Not only does the restaurant use the freshest fish and ingredients, they serve their fish with delicious skyr-based sauces,. This fast-food upgrade is much more nutritious than you‘d think! After eating, we recommend visiting the Volcano House, it‘s in the same building! Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavik 511 11 18 | ww.fishandchips.is
SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 14 - 101 REYKJAVÍK - TEL: +354 571 1100
SEAFOOD
BUFFET Every day from 17:30
Salted Cod With almond and chive butter, fig and potatoes
3.855
IKR
+3 5 4 5 1 7 4 3 0 0 geysirbistro.is
NAUTHÓLL
HLÖLLI
A restaurant opposite the old harbour that offers traditional steak dishes along with some exciting and fairly unorthodox choices. The pride and joy of The Steakhouse is the Mibrasa charcoal oven, a rare oven that is designed to cook the perfect steak by mixing modern technology with ancient tradition.
Looking out over the Nauthólsvík beach, this charming Scandinavian-inspired bistro is the perfect oasis from the stress of the everyday. Whether you’re there for a light lunch, a glass of wine on a sunny afternoon, a cup of hot coffee on a cold one, or a lovely dinner with a loved one, Nauthóll is the place to go.
Tryggvagata 4-6, Reykjavik 561-1111 | www.steik.is
Nauthólsvegi 106, 101 Reykjavík 599 6660 | www.nautholl.is
Ingólfstorgi, Reykjavik 511-3500 | www.hlollabatar.is
JOE & THE JUICE
THE ICELANDIC BAR
PYLSUHÚSIÐ
Joe & The Juice is an on-trend coffee shop / juice bar. The concept answers today’s busy people’s needs for a quick pickme-up in the form of great espresso drinks, freshly pressed juices, and variety of sandwiches prepared on the spot. Ingólfsstræti 1a, Reykjavík; Smáralind, Kringlan, World Class Laugum, Keflavík Airport www.joeandthejuice.is
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. Ingólfsstræti 1a, Reykjavík 517-6767 | www.islenskibarinn.is
Hlölli has been serving up delicious subs, with his secret-ingredient sauce, for more than 30 years. Whether you’re in the mood for a lunch on your way about town or a late night snack after a night of dancing in the Reykjavík clubs, Hlöllabátar is the way to go. The bread is baked fresh every day and topped with fresh Icelandic ingredients.
Hot dogs are the perfect fast food. They’re quick, portable and they taste great!. The classic Icelandic hot dog with all the fixings, raw and fried onions, ketchup, remoulade and mustard is of course available here, but they also offer more adventurous “dogs”, like chilli dogs and a French hot dog. If you’re not in the mood for a hot dog, they also serve ice cream! Ingólfstorgi, Reykjavik 842-2800
KAFFITÁR
ESSENSIA
Austurstræti 16, Reykjavik 551-0011 | www.apotek.is
Bankastræti 8, Reykjavik 420-2700 www.kaffitar.is/en
Hverfisgata 4-6, Reykjavik 517-0030 | www.essensia.is
A chain of cafés and espresso bars with over 30 years of experience in serving and roasting high-quality coffee. They operate cafés in 8 locations in Iceland, promising a highly knowledgeable staff and a great cup of coffee procured in a responsible and fair way.
If you’re looking for top-notch Italian food, look no further than Essensia. Using only the best ingredients and preparing them in a way that showcases their quality, the good people of Essensia make sure our whole dining experience is one to remember. Don’t forget about their delicious Italian wines!
Find more recommendations at whatson.is
APOTEK
An exciting restaurant located in one of the most beautiful corners of Reykjavik, Apotek Restaurant is casual-smart, offering delicious food in a vibrant atmosphere and stylish surroundings. The menu is a fun mix of Icelandic and European cuisine and the dishes are designed to share and enjoy together.
FOOD & DRINK
THE STEAK HOUSE
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FOOD & DRINK
MARSHALL RESTAURANT + BAR
MAR - SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Grandagarður 20, Reykjavik 519 7766 marshallrestaurant.is
Geirsgata 9, Reykjavik 519-5050 | www.marrestaurant.is
Marshall Restaurant + Bar is situated in Marshallhúsið a new center for modern art in Reykjavík. Honest approach to food and cooking and an atmosphere of warmth. Icelandic fish and mediterranean inspired fare with vegetarian dishes, pasta and meat.
KOPAR
Harpa,Austurbakki 2, Reykjavik 519-9750 | www.smurstodin.is
73 RESTAURANT
Tryggvagata 20, Reykjavik 527-5000 www.grillhusid.is
Laugavegur 73, Reykjavik 555 7373 www.73.is
HARD ROCK CAFÉ
FISH COMPANY
KOLABRAUTIN
Lækjargata 2a, Reykjavik 5600 800 hardrock.com/cafes/reykjavik
Vesturgata 2a, Reykjavik 552-5300 | www.fiskfelagid.is
Geirsgata 3, Reykjavik 567-2700 www.koparrestaurant.is
Find more recommendations at whatson.is
Not only does Smurstöðin have some of Reykjavík’s best new Nordic smørrebrød, it also has the added bonus of being inside the stunning Harpa concert hall. The delicious, beautifully decorated open-faced sandwiches are best washed down with an icy glass of the house-made schnapps.
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.
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A restaurant in prime location in Reykjavík‘s old harbour. The menu is inspired by South-American and southern-European cuisine and the restaurant designed to deliver fresh and uplifting dining experience, unique to the harbour area. MAR is an interesting choice for individuals and groups alike.
SMURSTÖÐIN
Hard Rock Café really doesn‘t need any introduction! You can get the food, drinks, and music you know and love at their recently opened three story restaurant/bar/shop in the heart of the city centre. Their cellar even doubles as a concert venue, so get ready to enjoy yourself!
A fun restaurant, with the look and feel of an American Diner. Reasonably priced, offering delicious food and a very good service, you‘ll definitely get great value for your money here. They put a special emphasis on using only high quality ingredients, making for a terrific meal.
Quality, fusion and fun are the Fish Company’s main characteristics. The interior is stylish and the quirky tableware fits in wonderfully. The menu is a world of adventures from starters to deserts. It’s designed to take you on a seafood journey and not only a journey of the Icelandic culinary waters but a trip around the world.
Offering a great selection of Icelandic brews and one of the most Epic Burgers this country has ever seen (300gr!), 73, a 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!
Harpa is not only home to the Icelandic Opera and the Orchestra, it is also the location of one of Reykjavik‘s newest fine restaurants. The kitchen is in the middle of the room, where the fiery furnace gives the dinner guests a warm welcome. An ideal choice for people who appreciate fine cuisine combined with unique architecture and elegant atmosphere. Harpa, Reykjavik 519-9700 | www.kolabrautin.is
Pre-booking is required. Book online at bluelagoon.com
Welcome to Jómfrúin, the home of Danish smørrebrød in Reykjavik. It all began in 1888 with Oscars Davidsen’s highly praised smørrebrød restaurant in Copenhagen. An unbroken tradition of quality and Danish culinary culture for the past 100 years. Enjoy! Open every day 11:00 - 22:00 | Lækjargata 4 | 101 Reykjavík | jomfruin.is
Your Ticket to
Adventure Super Jeep Monstertrucks Snowmobiles
Tel. (+354) 580 9900 ice@mountaineers.is www.mountaineers.is
Got a question about Iceland? Wondering if it’s safe? (It is). Who the president is? (Guðni Th. Jóhannesson). Maybe you’re wondering about where to find some original Icelandic Igloos? (Just stop. Don’t.). We have the answers to these questions and plenty more at our website: www.whatson.is. If you can’t find your answer there, just visit us on Laugavegur 5 in Reykjavík, or drop us an e-mail at whatson@whatson.is.
MUST KNOW PHONE NUMBERS 112 The only number you need to have in your arsenal. If you get hurt, robbed, set on fire or accidentally set something on fire yourself, this is the number you call. Memorize it. Luckily, it isn’t complicated. 5885522 Thanks to a catchy jingle this company had in the early nineties, every Icelander knows this number. There are other taxi companies, but ask any Icelander for a number for a taxi, this is probably what you get.
IMPORTANT STATISTICS 345.000 The population of the country. Yes, we know, it’s not a lot. 0 Number of people living in Igloos in Iceland. 99.5 Percentage of Icelanders who speak English. Although we of course encourage you to check out the beautiful Icelandic language, if only for the always hilarious Eyjafjallajökull joke, you’ll be perfectly safe conversing with locals in a more international language.
11 The street number of the Tryggvagata location of the Volcano House. 5 Number of post offices in the Reykjavík area. Also the street number of our Laugavegur office! Stop by in case you have more questions, or just want to chat! 230 Number of volts Icelandic electricity uses. Converters are needed for people from the UK and the USA, at least for those who like their phones charged and their hair dry and/or curled.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW!
1818 If you forget the emergency number, want to call a different taxi company or you met some nice Icelanders last night and want to call them up, this is the only number you need, the Icelandic phonebook. +354 The country code to Iceland. Add this to the seven digit phone numbers in Iceland and you can telephone to your heart’s desire, so long as you’re calling people in Iceland.
If you need more info contact info@whatsovn.is
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Explosive Show!
Volcano Documentary, Stone Collection and Geological Exhibition in Reykjavík, next to the Old Harbour.
Tryggvagata 11 | Reykjavík | +354 555 1900 | www.volcanohouse.is
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– Geysir Skólavörðustíg 7 & 16 & Kringlan, Reykjavík. Hafnarstræti, Akureyri. Geysir, Haukadalur. Sími 519 6000. geysir.com –