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1 What’s happening

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Plan your perfect day

On Hallgrímskirkja

SKE plans your perfect day in Reykjavík: peak inside for further details.

A introduction to Iceland’s most recognizable building.

22.05 2015-29.05 2015

Your free copy Your guide to what’s going on in iceland

Berndsen

popstar & tour guide

Ske

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What’s happening

A “Perfect” Day – Pt. 1 There is no such thing as perfect. A thing cannot be perfect. But when a thing is sufficiently wonderful we may refer to it as perfect for the sake of emphasis – such a thing is customary. Yesterday, I experienced a day that was wonderful enough to incline me towards exaggeration, and I am confident that if any traveler were to follow in my footsteps, then they too would feel the same. It was, in all honesty, a perfect day.

08:30 - A Hike Up Mt. Ejsa - Free and Healthy Mt. Esja is that cool range of mountains just north of the capital, popular among those people who prefer to take the stairs – even in nature. There is no better way to begin the day than by hiking up Mt. Esja for the reason that it is both free and healthy: In some ways, it is like Subway giving away free foot-longs. I arrived at the root of the mountain at just past eight in the morning. I hiked up the trail and when it diverged into two pathways, right and left, I went right. I went right not for any political reason but merely because the trail to the left was steeper and because I am lazy. It took me about an hour to reach the Stone (Steinn) where the two paths converged once again.

From the Stone one is afforded a nice view of the city (on a clear day, of course), and so I looked on, trying to catch my breath – as if it were a tiny rabbit doused in petroleum jelly.

Finally, I did. It was marvelous: To have conquered something so early in the morning felt good, Napoleonic almost.

12:00 - Brunch at Snaps – Egg Norwegian Snaps is a kind of French bistro on Óðinstorg in downtown Reykjavík. It is one of the most popular brunch places in town and often it is quite busy. It is quite busy because it is wonderful.

After being seated by the waiter, I ordered an Egg Norwegian with a side of bacon. If you are unfamiliar with Egg Norwegian than it is just like Egg Benedict except the waiter serves it while singing A-ha’s Take on Me (actually, Egg Norwegian is just like Egg Benedict except that the Canadian bacon is replaced with salmon). It did not take long for the food to arrive, nor did it take long for me to obliterate it. After the main course, I ordered a cappuccino and some bacon pancakes, both of which were excellent. Having stuffed myself, I observed the people – focusing, instinctively, on the attractive ones.

14:00 - Shopping at Kolaportið – Back in Time Kolaportið is an indoor flea market situated inside an old warehouse by the harbor.

To enter Kolaportið is to travel back in time without violating the laws of physics: Credit cards give way to cash; Kindles give way to old books; and Netflix gives way to DVD’s and VHS tapes. I suppose that Kolaportið is a kind of 18th century version of Kringlan – except one does not leave smelling like a cocktail of free cologne samples, but like a box of dried fish instead. But it is as they say: one has not fully experienced Iceland until one has stunk of dried fish. The best thing to do at Kolaportið is to withdraw a reasonable amount of cash from the ATM by the main entrance, and then to trade that cash for various oddities and knickknacks.

I withdrew 5,000 ISK from the ATM and invested it wisely. I purchased a bag of licorice, which was excellent; a novel by Halldór Laxness, our Nobel laureate; and an erotic painting that I later gave to an impotent friend of mine, which made him laugh and cry alternately.

SKE has gone international; it has become bilingual; from now on, our youthful magazine will not only be addressing our readers in Icelandic, but in the lingua franca, as well. Yes, sir, we have begun to speak English – the language of Shakespeare and Lil Wayne, and that tongue which is an eternal delight in the mouth of the Danes. The reason is simple. Our purpose at SKE is a philanthropic one – a noble and generous one: we aim to inform our readers what is going on in Iceland (Ske means happening, i.e. Hvað er að ske? = What’s happening?). We do not want our readers to miss a single concert, release party or art exhibition, and if our readers miss these events we want our readers to miss them purposefully, knowingly. We want them to say, “yes, I am aware so-and-so is playing tonight but I don´t give a f#$k: his music is painful and his singing is torture. I would much rather heed the desperate caterwauling of my pugnacious cat”. In other words, we want your absence to stem from preference, not ignorance. Given that this is our purpose – to inform – we have realized the following: among those people who find themselves in Iceland at any given time, no one is less informed than the tourist. The tourist knows nothing.

He (or she) comes to Iceland to enjoy himself and to relish the best that our culture has to offer. But often he fails. He winds up at all the wrong places at the wrong time. I picture him lounging carelessly at the Blue Lagoon, or walking down Laugavegur leisurely, all the while he is missing a once-in-a-lifetime concert without knowing it. SKE is here to ensure that this does not happen to you. Peace !

Ske Editors: ritstjorn@ske.is Advertisement: auglysingar@ske.is Interview & Editorial: Ragnar Tómas Hallgrímsson Interviewee: Davíð Berndsen Photographs: Allan Sigurðsson Printing: Ísafoldarprentsmiðja Design & Layout: Hlynur Ingólfsson, Lifandi verkefni ehf.

16:00 - Lounging at Sundhöll Reykjavíkur – Aquatic Idleness An indoor swimming pool, Sundhöll Reykjavíkur, was completed in 1937 by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson (Mr. Samúelsson also designed Hallgrímskirkja and the University of Iceland among other buildings). Besides the indoor pool, Sundhöllin also features a terrace with hottubs, where one may sit and relax and try to forget about global warming and the films of Adam Sandler. I arrived at the pool at just past four in the afternoon and swam a few laps, all the while wondering what it is about swimming that makes it so difficult (perhaps the periodic oxygen deprivation?). I tried to keep pace with a little girl on the lane next to me but found it difficult (I later discovered that she was wearing swimfins and reclaimed a portion of my dignity). I ended my stay in the hottub, where I tried to ignore the political babbling of two old people – to little avail. But, all in all, it was a pleasant experience.

19:00 - Dinner and Party at Prikið – Biggie Smalls The Icelandic nightlife is famous: at least, it is famous among the Icelanders. It is imperative, when visiting Reykjavík, to also visit Prikið, which is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, cafes in Reykjavík and is located in the heart of the city. When I arrived at Prikið at around seven in the evening, I ordered a burger and a beer (both of which were excellent). I then ordered a new beer every hour or so and by midnight I was quite drunk. At ‘round about midnight, it is acceptable to go a little crazy. Last I remember, I was standing atop the bar counter, rapping along to Biggie Smalls and propelling the low-hanging lights backwards and forwards with my alcohol-stained hands. I am not entirely sure how I made it home.

It was a perfect day.

(The following morning was far from perfect – but worth it).

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A GEOTHERMAL ENERGY EXHIBITION

WORTH A VISIT

Stop by the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant and see how they harness the geothermal energy.

Experienced guides are on-hand to provide informative presentations backed by multimedia shows about sustainable green energy as a global energy source and the geology of Iceland.

Origin of the Geothermal energy – The production process – An illustrated guide to Hellisheiði – The earth core Exclusive collection of minerals and stones. An excellent hiking and outdoor destination - we provide information on hiking around the Hengill area. Enjoy our coffee shop and browse through a selection of educational material in the souvenires corner.

Hönnun: adalheiduro@simnet.is

Open daily from 9:00 – 17:00. We are about 20 minutes drive from Reykjavík on Route 1 towards Hveragerði.

More information: www.orkusyn.is Tel + 354 412 5800 e-mail: orkusyn@orkusyn.is Gps 64°02”248’- 21°24”079´

Music

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Sin Fang & Vagina Boys The bands Sin Fang and Vagina Boys will be holding a concert at Húrra next Tuesday. Sin Fang has spent the last few weeks in Los Angeles recording music and finding inspiration for future projects.

Hilmar Jensson, Jim Black & Jo Berger Myhre

Vagina Boys has been gaining well-deserved attention for its single Elskan af því bara, which is at least a year old.

There is definitely a lot of excitement for this concert among music lovers.

The American drummer Jim Black is well-known among Icelanders seeing as he has performed in Iceland on a number of occasions during the past 20 years. He has performed all over the world with acts such as Tim Berne, Dave Douglas, Laurie Anderson, Nels Cliine, Uri Caine, Dave Liebman, Human Feel and his band AlasNoAxis. He is considered one of the greatest and most influential jazz drummers of his generation and he has won the hearts of listeners worldwide with his passion for playing music and his amazing drumming.

Where: Húrra When: May 26th, 20:00 Price: 1,500 ISK

Hilmar Jensson has played with Jim Black for almost 20 years, with the bands AlasNoAxis and TYFT. He has played in a number of countries with such acts as Tim Berne, Trevor Dunn, Arve Henriksen, Peter Evans, Audun Kleive, Ches Smith and others.

Over the years the Jo Berger Myhre has earned a reputation as one of the best jazz bassist in Norway. He has performed with such acts as Nils Petter Molvær, Solveig Slettehjell, Susanna Wallumrod, Mariam the Believer and Splashgirl.

At the concert, old and new material will be fused together along with some improvisation.

Peter Grimes Benjamin Britten’s opera Peter Grimes will be premiered in Iceland on May 22nd as part of the Reykjavík Arts Festival. The concert performance, to be held in Eldborg Hall, is a collaborative production of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the Icelandic Opera, Harpa and the Reykjavík Arts Festival. Two international opera stars will sing the leading roles: Stuart Skelton as Peter Grimes and Susan Gritton as Ellen Orford.

As part of the standard opera repertoire, Peter Grimes is performed regularly at major opera houses worldwide.

Composed in 1945 and based on George Crabbe’s eponymous early nineteenth century narrative poem, the opera tells the story of the misfortunes of the ship’s captain Peter Grimes. The young men Grimes hires to work as his apprentices die one after the other, and Grimes is subsequently shunned by the town residents – with tragic consequences. The lyrical and accessible music is jovial and melodramatic by turns, as the story line requires.

Conductor: Daníel Bjarnason Soloists: Stuart Skelton and Ólafur Kjartan Sigurðarson

Where: Mengi, Óðinsgata 2 When: May 24th, 21:00 Price: 2,000 ISK Additional Information: mengi.net

Where: Eldborg, Harpa When: May 22nd, 19:30 – 22:30 Price: 3,700 – 8,700 ISK Additional Information: harpa.is / tix.is

Songs of Discontent Performed by Megas and Skúli Sverrisson Megas and Skúli Sverrisson, along with other musicians, will premier a cycle of songs by Þorvaldur Þorsteinsson for the 29th Reykjavík Arts Festival. Þorvaldur was well known as an artist, novelist and playwright but few people are aware of the fact that he also composed songs. Now we have a chance to hear his songs performed by two of Iceland‘s best-loved and most-respected musicians.

In the late 1980s, while Þorvaldur was studying in the Netherlands, he went into the studio with a few musicians and recorded a cycle of eight songs that he had written.

He sung the lyrics himself. These recordings were unused until a few years ago when Þorvaldur played them for his friend Megas. They had been contemporaries at the Icelandic College of Art and Crafts and Megas had written music for one of Þorvaldur‘s plays. Megas encouraged Þorvaldur to develop his songs and Þorvaldur began this work, using a keyboard that his wife, Helena, had given him for Christmas. A few weeks later he died in their home in Antwerpen, Belgium.

The songs feature characters that voice their discontent, complaining about society and life in general. They can almost be seen as miniature plays and display many of the features that Þorvaldur was to develop more fully in his later writing. They also show that while still at university, Þorvaldur had already found his distinctive style. They are an important addition to his body of work, which includes dozens of books and plays, in addition to scores of art exhibitions.

Where: Gamla Bíó When: May 26th, 20:00 Price: 4,900 ISK Additional Information: midi.is

Radio Iceland Presents: Music for Nepal Over 8,000 people died in the recent earthquake in Nepal. 16,000 people are injured and hundreds of thousands are homeless. The earthquake is a sad reminder of just how powerless mankind is in the face of natural disaster.

He will be selling his collection of original prints of the most famous photographs of some of the world´s finest musicians.

As it happens, a wonderful organization composed of the most kindhearted people called Iceland-Nepal is operating an orphanage in Kathmandu. In light of this fact, Radio Iceland has decided to throw a benefit concert.

For those who cannot make it, but would like to donate, you can purchase tickets at www.midi.is.

Everyone else can purchase tickets at the door. The entrance fee is in a matter of good will: give as much as you want and/or can. Anything helps. Every penny counts!

Besides the concert, there will be also an art auction hosted by Smutty Smiff.

There will also be a rockabilly barbeque!!!

Line up: 17:00 – 17:30 - Meistarar Dauðans 17:50 – 18:10 - Daníel Hjálmtýsson 18:20 – 19:00 - DJ Smutty Smiff 19:00 – 20:00 - Art Show/Auction 20:00 – 20:30 - Greyhound 20:45 – 21:15 - The 59’s 21:30 – 22:00 - Q4U 22:15 – 22:45 - Dikta 23:00 – 24:00 - Kontinuum 00:15 – 00:45 - Esja 01:00 - CLOSED Where: Gamli Gaukurinn When: May 23rd, 17:00 Price: 1,000 ISK Additional Information: midi.is

5 What’s happening

Visit Mývatn and experience the geothermal baths.

www.jardbodin.is | tel. 464-4411

Music

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Damien Rice @ Gamla Bíó Damien Rice performs at a standing concert at Gamla Bíó.

Where: Gamla Bíó When: May 25th, 19:30 Price: 6,900/8,900 ISK Additional Information: www.midi.is

BORG & BLOKK Present: Local Talk (SE) BORG and BLOKK present the arrival of the Swedish legends and label bosses of the bossiest house label running today: Local Talk Records.

Mad Mats & Tooli don’t need any introduction. They have successfully brought today’s house music standards to new heights, with some of the finest house music known to men.

On May 24th, BORG & BLOKK will transform Dolly into a world class club with a pumpkin Funktion-One setup by Ofur sound and lighting.

Lineup: Local Talk (Mad Mats & Tooli) BORG (Housekell, Ómar E, Reginbald) BLOKK (Intro Beats, Viktor Birgiss, Jonbjorn) You don’t want to miss out on this ...

Dj Yamaho

Where: Dolly (Hafnarstræti 4, 101 Reykjavík) When: May 24th, 22:00 Price: Free

Dj Yamaho will position herself behind the 1’s and 2’s and in front of the famous Kaffibar mirror this Sunday. Kaffibarinn will be open until the early hours given that Monday is a holiday!

múm Founding members of múm, Örvar Smárason and Gunnar Tynes, have been improvising electronic music to accompany the silent film Menschen am Sonntag from the year 1930. This will be the third performance in the monthly series of improvisations to the same film, a sort of “work in progress” with the aim of ultimately writing a new score to the film or at least establishing a framework for a musical accompaniment to the film.

For their last performance, múm appeared as a duo, but this time their long-term collaborator and sometimes touring member of the band, Magnús Trygvason Eliassen, will join Örvar and Gunnar on drums and percussion. Magnús is well known for his work with Amiina, ADHD, Moses Hightower and countless others. Múm are known for their exploratory and exuberant approach to music that can yield eclectic results. The duo is currently working on pieces commissioned for the MDR Sinfonieorchester in Leipzig and will perform at Cappadox festival in the natural wonder of Cappadocia, Turkey in May. Menschen am Sonntag is an often overlooked gem from 1930, a directorial debut for brothers Curt and Robert Siodmak and written by none other than Billy Wilder. Not only is the film one of the last of Germany’s silent era cinema, but it follows a weekend in the life of a group of Berliners and is a rare glimpse into the lives of young and carefree people in a city that would soon be submerged in a dark shadow.

Where: Mengi (Óðinsgata 2, 101 Reykjavík) When: May 27th, 21:00 Price: 2,000 ISK

Where: Kaffibarinn When: May 24th, 23:30 Price: Free

Benni B-Ruff @ Prikið Benedikt Freyr Jónsson aka B-Ruff will be performing one of his legendary DJ sets at Prikið this Saturday.

B-Ruff is without a doubt one of the best Hip-Hop DJ’s in the country. It has been a few months since B-Ruff last performed so it will be interesting to see what he cooks up.

Where: Prikið When: May 23rd, Midnight Price: Free

Richard Andersson’s Farewell Concert For almost two years the Danish bass player Richard Andersson has been living in Reykjavík, where he has collaborated with a large number of musicians from the local jazz scene. Sadly, his stay in Iceland is coming to an end. As a final farewell, he is going to do his first solo concert ever.

As a special treat, the audience will receive a free download link of a yet-to-be-released album, which Richard recorded in December 2012 at the home of the drum guru Ra-Kalam Bob Moses in Boston. The recording features : George Garzone - saxophone Jerry Bergonzi - saxophone Ra-Kalam Bob Moses - drums Richard Andersson - bass Where: Mengi (Óðinsgata 2, 101 Reykjavík) When: May 28th, 21:00 Price: 2,000 ISK

Helgi Valur Notes from the Underground is Helgi Valur’s fourth studio album, released on May 13th. On the occasion of the album’s release, Helgi Valur will be throwing a release concert at Húrra where he will be performing alongside a cast of talented musicians: Guitar and Vocals: Helgi Valur Drums: Ási Þórðarson Bass: Bergur Thomas Anderson Electric Guitar: Úlfur Alexander Einarsson Guitar: Kári Einarsson Harp: Katie Buckley Keyboard: Jón Elísson Saxophone: Kristinn Roach Cello: Hallgrímur Jónas Jensson Along with other special guests.

Where: Húrra When: May 27th, 21:00 Price: 1,500 ISK Additional Information: www.midi.is

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Why in the world would you settle for average?

E N N E M M / S Í A / N M 6 74 7 0

When there is Slippbarinn

Ask anyone. Slippbarinn is hands-down the number one place for cocktails in Reykjavík.

But our delicious menu is still a relatively well-kept secret. Healthy, fresh and hearty dishes with a creative twist, from the best ingredients, at affordable prices.

You‘ve met our artists behind the bar, now see what our artists in the kitchen can do.

For reservation call +354 560 8080 or slippbarinn@icehotels.is Icelandair hotel Reykjavík Marina Mýrargata 2 101 Reykjavík Sími +354 560 8080 www.icelandairhotels.is

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“... I had never tried kissing a dude, and it was different: beards rubbing against each other and everything.

It was a little strange.”

Interview: Ragnar Tómas Hallgrímsson Photographs: Allan Sigurðsson

9 What’s happening Berndsen is one of the more huggable men of our time: a tall, bearded red head, slightly convex, who radiates warmth and goodness. Every time we meet, I am overcome with the childlike urge to throw myself into his arms – as if he were a kind of retro Santa Clause especially made for emotionally demanding adults. Born in the ‘80s, Berndsen has chosen to remain there.

He seems utterly unfazed by the continuing march of time. He does not mind that the ‘80s were eventually succeeded by the ‘90s, the ‘00s and so forth – for he continues to create catchy ‘80s synth-pop in homage to his favorite decade: and as well he should – it suits him well; he is more ‘80s than E.T., Alf and the Gremlins combined. Ever since the release of his first album Lover in the Dark in 2009, Berndsen has been a fixture of the Icelandic music scene.

SKE sat down with the Ginger Care Bear in his studio in Reykjavík last week.

You’re currently working on your 3rd studio album: how’s that coming along?

It’s going very well. I’ve just recently found time for the studio due to the fact that I’ve been at home with my little girl who has finally started pre-school. So now, all of the sudden, I have a lot of free-time. And it’s quite nice. Now, I go to the studio in the mornings, whereas I used to show up in the evenings and work late. But now that I’m a father there’s more of a routine to it. I wake up at 9 and show up at the studio at 10 and, knowing that I have to pick up my little girl at 4 or 5, I know that this is all the time that I have so I damn better use it: I better do something amazing. So this new album has been going very well and it will be good.

What’s your process like? How do you go from idea to finished product?

It varies. Often I start with a concept. The other day I was thinking about how I transform during live performances and how I become a totally different character. And so I wanted to work with the concept of the alter ego, and thought of calling the album that – or at least writing a song about it. But my artistic process is like this: I show up at the studio and I just do something (Berndsen laughs).

Does it begin with a lyric or the music?

I usually write the lyrics last. I write the song and then I start thinking about the lyrics. The lyrics are always the most difficult for me. I find it easier to start with a concept and then write the lyrics later. It’s so easy to start singing something about (Berndsen begins to croon) “loving, lovers, key to my heart something, I got the compass to your heart” (Berndsen laughs) – which is very ‘80s. But usually I begin by doing the music and then I write the lyrics.

On the subject of your alter-ego: Over the years you’ve come to be known for your lively stage performances. Is this something that has evolved over time, or did that come naturally during your very first show?

Yea, I think that the first gig that I did was at Réttir (a concert series in Iceland), a month before Iceland Airwaves, and I was seriously nervous: it being the first gig and everything. But our songs are a little crazy, at least some of them, so when the first song started this character just showed up. It was this kind of insanity. And it’s good to have these starter songs that help you transition into character – into gear – and one tries to work with that. Often, it’s easier to become someone else on stage.

For example, I’m a very easy-going person and then I step up on stage and (laughs) all of the sudden I’m ripping my shirt off and going crazy. Then I step off stage, and it’s weird. I’ll go meet someone from the audience and they’re like “wow, you’re like a totally different person from that maniac who was on stage” (Berndsen laughs). But this is what makes it so much fun. But I think that as I grow older I will probably start to mellow a bit.

It won’t be long before I’m playing acoustic guitar or something (laughs). But we’ll see. But, yeah, there’s something about going on stage: the lights and the music thumping – you just change, automatically.

Like a werewolf?

Yes, or perhaps one retreats into one’s shell. I don’t know.

Awesome … Your video to Gimmi Gimmi, which was shot during the annual Bears on Ice festival in Iceland, is amazing. I read that in an interview you went gay for a day. What was that like?

Yeah, we’ve shot our last music videos ourselves, with VHS cameras. And we were asked to play at Bears on Ice, which is an annual festival for gay bears, who travel to Iceland and who are these fluffy bears (laughs). It just so happened that our new album Planet Earth featured a song about my gay friend and that song is a little crazy, and I got the idea to do a video to the song at the Bears on Ice event. It just couldn’t go wrong: being there among 40 bears, all of whom are topless, and are there to have fun. And so I felt that it would be fitting to play this song and shoot a video …

(The phone rings. Berndsen proceeds to give our photographer directions.)

And so yeah, the video to Gimmi Gimmi: we were there to perform in front of gay bears, and somehow, I felt that I just had to try to participate in that whole atmosphere and, without it sounding too cliché, to kind of go gay for a day. I just wanted to try to go into that gear that my friend is in (Berndsen laughs).

So I tried making out with a few of them. Just to try it. Because I had never tried kissing a dude, and it was different: beards rubbing against each other and everything. It was a little strange (laughs).

But the outcome was fantastic. It’s a great video.

Yea, the outcome was great. But I was a little nervous. I asked my friend “what’s it like when a lot of gays meet and are partying: I want to try to make out with a dude and get it on camera – should I ask permission or at least talk to someone beforehand?”

And he was like “no, most definitely not. You just kiss someone” (laughs). And then when the song started, I transitioned into character. So I just jumped into the deep end and made out with a few of them. And it was a lot of fun. And then, I wanted to ask them to take their shirts off, but then when we started – everybody had already taken their shirts off anyway (laughs). So that was a great night and after that we gained a few loyal bear fans who still follow the band. I met one, for example, while we were playing in Germany a few weeks ago – in Germany and Switzerland – and this same guy showed up for both our concerts. He just showed up like a groupie. And so they are obviously quite loyal and quite wonderful as well.

Maybe he was just trying to steal another kiss?

(Laughs) Well, I didn’t actually kiss any dudes again. But I had already received permission from my girlfriend so it was okay. It was all for the sake of art.

Making a living in Iceland as an artist is difficult. We’ve heard that you’ve been working part-time as a tour guide to survive.

How’s that been?

Yeah, it’s very difficult to live on art in Iceland because it’s such a small country. You can’t just play the same venues over and over again. Eventually, people grow tired of you. And so you have to find something to do; there are times when things are quite busy, and times when there is nothing going on – especially in January or February. And so, I decided to study tour guiding. My girlfriend kind of nudged me in that direction. She was of the opinion that it would be good for me, if only to get out of the studio. And so I asked around. I talked to Stebbi from Gus Gus, whose studio is next door, and he told me that it was awesome.

He had been a tour guide for many years. I also felt that there was something so enchanting about going from the studio and into nature, which is a cliché thing to say: that one goes into nature and writes about the mountains and the Icelandic environment but when you go into nature, your mind just kind of empties.

You’re on these black sands and up in the mountains and it’s a lot of fun. It’s also a lot of fun to experience nature with tourists, some of which haven’t seen snow. It’s fun experiencing their reactions.

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What’s happening

“My artistic process is like this: I show up at the studio and I just do something”

How does a tour of the countryside with Berndsen differ from other tours?

The Berndsen tour begins, of course, with me trying to sell you some cd’s: “you’ve got to buy this album that I just released” (laughs). But no. It’s just a lot of fun – going into nature with the tourists and showing them how rich we are.

But isn’t this a good idea for a company: a tour-guiding company comprised entirely of Icelandic artists – like a tour of Esjan with Gísli Pálmi or a Northern Lights tour with Blaz Roca (Icelandic rappers)?

(Berndsen bursts into laughter) That’s actually quite brilliant.

I would definitely pay for that kind of tour.

I think a lot of people would.

Especially Esjan with Gísli Pálmi: that would really be something.

(Laughs) Yes that would be insane.

Name one absolute must-do thing in Iceland.

Go swimming in the west-side of Reykjavík. You could meet Björk there. I see her there sometimes. The tourists are always excited about Björk. So yeah, go swimming and try to see a concert: There’s always something going on downtown. And also, go see the Icelandic countryside: the southland and the golden circle and everything. Watch out for the northern lights tours, ‘though. It’s not always easy to spot them. So, I think it would be good to have Blaz Roca there by your side (laughs). He would entertain the tourists if the northern lights didn’t show. Or go up Esjan with GP (Gísli Pálmi) (laughs).

Finally, what’s the best thing about the ‘80s, besides, of course, the fall of the Berlin Wall and Super Mario bros?

(Berndsen laughs) Yeah, well, hmmm: the best thing that happened? You said it. But I think the fashion – and the music of course! The best music was released during that time. That’s my opinion. It’s the golden era: The ‘80s.

That’s where Berndsen lives.

Yeah, that’s where I try to live.

Well, thank you for a wonderful chat.

Thank you: See you at Esjan! (Berndsen laughs).

11 What’s happening

WHY

ERVE DO WE S BURGERS, ASS HAM N WINGS L C T S R I F CHICKE S U O I C I DEL R RIBS? & KILLE

SIMPLY,

TER T E B S ´ T I BECAUSE

Exhibitions

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What’s happening

KRÍA Kvikmyndaskóli Íslands (Icelandic Film School) Björg Ólöf Þráinsdóttir Graduation Screening KRÍA is Björg Ólöf Þráinsdóttir’s final project at the Icelandic Film School. KRÍA is a performance artwork in the form of a dance piece, directed by Björg Ólöf and Rebekka Ragnars Atladóttir, with cinematographer Magga Vala.

Björg Ólöf was born in 1987. She graduated as a makeup artist in 2009 and will soon graduate from the drama program at the Icelandic Film School. Björg’s creative emphasis lies in exploring how she can interpret mental states, thoughts and feelings without words. Performance art has captured her interest recently and her creative drive has taken a turn in that direction.

A total of 9 short films, graduating projects by students at the Icelandic Film School, will be screened during the evening – so there will be plenty to see.

CODHEAD / E-Book Haraldur Ingi Haraldsson began working on the idea for Codhead in 2000 when he moved from Reykjavík to Hrísey. Codhead considers Haraldur’s mains works of visual art between the years 2002-2014. It is a world in which cod-headed people dressed in suit and tie attend to their various duties within an environment that defines the world. Codhead was inspired by the word “godhead” and in some way it is one and the same word. “Codheadedness is godliness”, the author writes in the book’s prelude.

The book is a work of political art, concerning the deep-seated corruption, nepotism and favoritism that characterize Icelandic politics.

Haraldur Ingi (born 12.11.1955) studied visual art at Myndlista- og handíðaskóli Íslands (the Visual Art and Handicraft School of Iceland, which later merged with the Iceland Academy of the Arts) as well as history at the University of Iceland. Thereafter, he traveled to the Netherlands and studied art at a graduate level. Haraldur has held numerous visual arts exhibitions and has worked with art in various capacities, including book and magazine publishing, and in the operation of galleries. He was the first director of the Akureyri Art Museum and is currently employed as musuem’s project manager.

Where: www.codhead.net When: Now!

Where: Bíó Paradís When: May 22nd, 20:00

HANDAN (BEYOND) Graduation Exhibition – Þorvaldur Sigurbjörn Helgason We at SKE have just received word that an interesting exhibition will be held by students at the performing arts program of the Iceland Academy of the Arts during the week of May 22nd - May 29th. Students will be exhibiting their final projects all around the city of Reykjavík. It’s not every day that an exhibition is held at a hospital under the heading “from beyond”. In the event description, the viewer is invited along on a journey: “In reality, you have always been on this journey. Even before the actual you came into being. This journey will lead you through different paths, through countless moments. You will undergo continual changes; lose some of your innate characteristics, but earn new ones instead. The journey will be a long one and it is uncertain when, how, or, even, whether, it will end. Be careful: the only fixed point on the journey is you. Have a pleasant trip.”

Time slots will be allocated via email Oragnizers: Author and Director: Þorvaldur Sigurbjörn Helgason Stage and Costume Designer: Hallveig Kristín Eiríksdóttir Music: Hrafnkell Flóki Kaktus Einarsson Assistant Director: Adolf Smári Unnarsson Dancers: Árný Rún Árnadóttir, Brynja Bjarnadóttir and Sara Margrét Ragnarsdóttir Sound Art Vocals: Máni Arnarson and Þuríður Blær Jóhannsdóttir Supervisors: Una Þorleifsdóttir and Bjarni Jónsson Thanks: Ásdís Ingþórsdóttir, Eyþór Þrastarson, Fossvogskirkja Church, Kristín Gunnarsdóttir, the National University Hospital of Iceland, Líffræðifélag Íslands (Icelandic Biological Society), Útfararstofa Kirkjugarðanna, Útfararstofa Íslands Where: The National University Hospital of Iceland, Landakot When: May 22nd - May 29th, 16:00 - 20:00 Price: Free (parties must, however, reserve tickets at midisvidslist@lhi.is)

Photograph: Works by Anna Líndal, photograph taken by Helgi Braga

Prýði / Adorn Adorn is the second exhibition in the Women in Nýló series in which the directors of the museum have chosen to focus on the role of women in the history of the Living Art Museum. Artists that are exhibited include Anna Líndal, Erla Silfá Þorgrímsdóttir, Hildur Hákonardóttir, Svala Sigurleifsdóttir and Þóra Sigurðardóttir.

“In the traditional sense when we adorn, we lend beauty and increase distinction by adding to a person or thing as if with ornaments. The works presented in this exhibition come together under this word, but not in the way that they should be seen as decorative or serve some sort of ornamental purpose. What occurs rather in each is a certain adornment that addresses the question of beauty in the context of an everyday setting. The artists, who are all female, have reconsidered the everyday that surrounds them in a way that forces us to look into our relationship to the female role and to beauty, but also to the history that exists within this domestic

identity.The work in the exhibition not only help us travel back into another time, they also remind us that we are not so far away and that traces of that history are still to be felt.”

Becky Forsythe currently lives and works in Reykjavík. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University; received her Master of Arts from the University of Manitoba; and a Graduate Certificate from Georgian College specializing in Museum and Gallery Studies. Becky is Collections Assistant and Alternate Board Member at The Living Art Museum, and co-founder of the artist/curatorial collective public archives – a collaboration between Iceland and Canada. Her practice engages notions of the evolution of meaning within accumulation, collecting and the archive.

Where: The Living Art Museum, Völvufell 13-21, 111 Reykjavík When: May 14th – end of August

13 What’s happening

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www.gilbert.is

Exhibitions

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What’s happening

The Vixen and the Victim The exhibition the Vixen and the Victim is held in recognition of the fact that there are 100 years since women gained suffrage in Iceland. This is an exhibition where women focus on women: where they conjure up various manifestations of the feminine and discuss the status of women in the past and present. The Vixen and the Victim unites 11 Icelandic female artists, each of which have distinguished themselves in the art world, and who have grappled with difficult questions regarding women and gender. These women belong to three generations of female artists and express themselves through varying media and with different techniques. Additionally, short written texts by Anna Hallin, Eirún Jónsdóttir, Eva Ísleifsdóttir, Kristín Jónsdóttir from Munkþverá, Lóa Hjálmtýs, Magdalena Margrét Kjartansdóttir, Rakel MacMahon and Valgerður Guðlaugsdóttir will be included in the exhibition’s program wherein they contemplate the exhibition’s theme. Older interviews with the late Elín P. Bjarnason, Róska and Sigrid Valtingojer will be considered, which contain comments that relate to the material exhibited.

Graduation Exhibition from the Akureyri School of Visual Arts Anyone who observes the artwork of the visual artists and designers graduating from the threeyear program at the Akureyri School of Visual Arts will immediately recognize that these are strong individuals who take their work seriously and utilize the experience that they have gained to the fullest.

To them, introspection is important and demand that they overcome their proximity to the work and present their artwork in a way that interests the observer. This can be difficult, but their strength lies in an incisive, visual presentation of the work and an understanding of how best to mediate the work to the observer. The visual presentation of the work is part of the idea and plays a key role in mediating the impressions to the observers.

Art Design Department – Graphic Design: Eidís Anna Björnsdóttir, Eva Björg Óskarsdóttir, Harpa Stefánsdóttir, Ívar Freyr Kárason, Jóhann Andri Knappett, Linda Þuríður Helgadóttir, Perla Sigurðardóttir, Svala Hrönn Sveinsdóttir, Svanhildur Edda Kristjánsdóttir.

Fine Arts Department – Visual Art: Elísabet Inga Ásgrímsdóttir, James Earl Ero Cisneros Tamidles, Jónína Björg Helgadóttir, Margrét Kristín Karlsdóttir, Sigrún Birna Sigtryggsdóttir.

Where: Akureyri Art Museum When: May 16th – June 7th

The subject material may at times be depressing – but humor is always around the corner, and even though the artists’ experience, treatment and material differ, the subject is always the same: the vixen and the victim that often coexist within each woman. Cool women, revolutionary women, abandoned women, crazy women, holy women and mothers have now taken over the ASÍ Art Museum.

Curators are Steinunn G. Helgadóttir and Kristín G. Guðnadóttir Where: Listasafn ASÍ (ASÍ Art Museum), Ásmundarsalur, Freyjugata When: May 14th – June 28th Opening Hours: 13:00 – 17:00, all days except Mondays

CHECK OUT THE NEW

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

Árbær Open Air Museum

The Settlement Exhibition

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

Viðey Island

Saga – Narrative Art National Gallery of Iceland at the Reykjavík Arts Festival On Friday the exhibition “Saga – Narrative Art” opens at the National Gallery of Iceland. The exhibition will feature a series of artworks by contemporary Icelandic visual artists along with a few artworks by foreign artists that reflect the narrative style of Icelandic visual art. The exhibition was previously on show in Kunsthalle Recklinghausen in 2014 and will travel to KUMU contemporary art museum in Tallinn, Estonia this fall. The exhibition will feature artists such as Ólafur Elíasson, Erró, Steingrímur Eyfjörð, Helgi Þorgils Friðjónsson, Gabríela Friðriksdóttir, Sigurður Guðmundsson, Hulda Hákon and Ragnar Kjartansson. This is an exciting exhibition that will be fun to attend.

Curators: Norbert Weber and Halldór Björn Runólfsson The exhibition is the National Gallery of Iceland’s contribution to the Reykjavík Arts Festival.

Where: National Gallery of Iceland When: May 22nd – September 6th, 2015

www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

Reykjavík Maritime Museum

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What’s happening

South Coast, Waterfalls and Glacier Hike Departure: 08:30 Duration: 11 hours Price: 20.900 ISK

Landmannalaugar by bus Departure: 08:30 Duration: 12 hours Price: 19.500 ISK

Golden Circle Departure: 08:30, 10:30, 13:00, 16:15 & 19:00 Duration: 5 - 8.5 hours Price from: 8.000 ISK

Combination tours for those who want to make the most of their day City Sightseeing & Golden Circle Afternoon Departure: 09:00 Duration: 10 hours Price: 13.000 ISK

www.grayline.is

The Blue Lagoon & Golden Circle Afternoon Departure: 09:00 Duration: 10 hours Price: 12.500 ISK

iceland@grayline.is

City Sightseeing & The Blue Lagoon Departure: 09:00 Duration: Flexible Price: 8.000 ISK

+354 540 1313

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Whale Watching Departure: Various Duration: 3 hours Price: 9.000 ISK

South Coast & Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon Departure: 08:00 Duration: 14 hours Price: 24.900 ISK

Taste the Saga Departure: 17:30 Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours Price: 5.200 ISK

The Blue Lagoon Departure: Various Duration: Flexible Price: 3.700 ISK Entrance fee can be bought seperatly according to Blue Lagoon price list.

Book your tour now!

Contact information – 24 hour booking service • Book now at www.grayline.is or call +354 540 1313 • Bus Terminal, Hafnarstræti 20, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Food tips

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What’s happening

Chuck Norris grill (Laugavegur 30 – downtown Reykjavík) We have heard a lot about Chuck Norris. We have heard that Chuck Norris died 20 years ago but that Death has yet to work up the courage to tell him; we have heard that Chuck Norris has been to Mars and this is why there are no signs of life there; and we have heard that when Alexander Bell invented the telephone he had three missed calls from Chuck Norris. Having heard all this, we were afraid of visiting Chuck Norris grill. We were afraid that we would learn similar things about the restaurant as we had learned about its namesake. We half-expected walking out of the restaurant saying, “at Chuck Norris grill you don’t eat the burgers – the burgers eat you,” or “at Chuck Norris grill the

customer is always wrong – on account of Chuck Norris being always right,” or, perhaps, “at Chuck Norris grill you don’t settle the check – the check settles you.” Fortunately, however, we did not walk out saying such things. We were not eaten by the burgers; we did not discover that we, as customers, were always wrong; nor did the check come out and settle us violently. Instead we ordered a Porky sandwich made with pulled pork, fried onions, cream cheese, fresh salad and red- cabbage slaw served with a side of French fries. The sandwich was delicious and staff was friendly. Also, the Béarnaise sauce and the fries go together like butter and popcorn.

Thai matstofan (Skeifan, Reykjavík) Australian chef David Thompson once said that “Thai food isn’t about simplicity. It’s about the juggling of disparate elements to create a harmonious finish”. I have no idea what that means, but I am certain that the chefs at Thai matstofan do. Thai matstofan in Skeifan is a favorite among locals, owing mainly to its popular lunch (from 11:30 - 13:30) and dinner (17:00 - 19:00) specials. Guests choose between 3-4 courses, such as fried noodles with vegetables; deep-fried shrimp; deep-fried fish in sweet and sour sauce; and pork in Panaeng sauce (the Panaeng sauce is made from red curry and is truly one of a kind).

These lunch and dinner specials are affordable and delicious. But don’t take our word for it: visit Skeifan and find out for yourselves.

Svartakaffi (Laugavegur 54 – downtown Reykjavík) There is something magnificent about a bowl made from bread. Furthermore, there is something ingenious about making a bowl from bread and then pouring soup into it: It’s like making a glass of milk from Oreos ... On Laugavegur 54, in downtown Reykjavík, you will find Svarta Kaffi – the café where magnificence and genius are combined to make the restaurant’s signature dish: soupin-a-bowl-of-bread. Every day Svarta Kaffi serves two kinds of soup: meat and vegetable. When we paid a visit, the choice was between mushroom soup and Italian meat soup. Given that we are fans of all things Italian (pasta, Ferrari, Andrea Pirlo), we chose the latter – and we were not disappointed: No, sir. The soup was savory and rich, with hints of thyme, oregano and basil. The service was excellent and the restaurant was oh so cozy.

Sólon Sólon is a popular restaurant that has stood on the corner of Bankastræti for a number of years. Sólon offers fine entrees along with some smaller dishes for those who are looking for a quick bite – or something to complement their drinks. Selecting a single item from the menu proved difficult, for everything looked so delicious. Despite experiencing a healthy dose of choice anxiety, we finally settled on the steak with lobster tails. The steak was cooked just right and was served with a side of mais polenta, root vegetables and red wine sauce – which was delicious.

We also couldn’t resist the Bernaise, which was equally delicious.

Vitabar Vitabar is a true gem of a place, concealing itself on the corner of Vitastígur in downtown Reykjavík. Vitabar has a bar-room atmosphere that is nonetheless quite cozy.

During the cold Icelandic winter, there is no feeling like escaping the elements into Vitabar and ordering a burger and a beer. We at SKE were among the first to enjoy a recent addition to the menu: the Forget-Me-Not burger, topped with lettuce, onions and melted blue cheese. It proved a delightful surprise that will keep us coming back for more.

19 What’s happening

Svarfadur Valley is Iceland’s most beautiful place, according to its people, the Svarfdaelings. A few years ago, all sheep in the valley were quarantined and destroyed because of scrapie, a fatal and infectious disease. That’s when they founded the Herding Society, a venerable club of shepherds, car mechanics, carpenters, schoolteachers and plumbers. They are also poets and singers and festive men. And they continue to herd every year, despite the fact that there is not a single sheep left in the valley.

The Svarfadur Valley Herding Society: Skál fyrir þér!

Léttöl

Design

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What’s happening

KULA Design: Bryndís Bolladóttir KULA by Bryndís Bolladóttir is a range of colorful spherical and hemispherical products made of felted wool. The collection consists of sound absorbers and diffusers, door dampers, hooks and trivets – a tactile set of objects with a real sense of playfulness and fun. Seeing is believing. www.bryndisbolladottir.com

Stuðlar Design: Friðgerður Guðmundsdóttir With Friðgerður’s Stuðlar the opportunities are endless: magnificent design that draws inspiration from Icelandic nature. What more could you want?

Mr. Tree Design: Tullipop The Mr. Tree lamp fits fantastically into any children’s room and even better if more friends from Signý and Helga’s Tullipop collection are to be found nearby. www.tullipop.is

Stuðlar are available at Epal.

The Culture House Hverfisgata 15 101 Reykjavík

Illuminated manuscripts, textiles, carvings, photographs, paintings and contemporary Icelandic art www.culturehouse.is The Culture House is part of the National Museum of Iceland

Design: Erla Sólveig Óskarsdóttir The timeless design of the Formel B contemporary chair is suitable for mettings, the lounge and the private home. Formel B is a functional sitting sculpture on a turntable pedestal. This chair is manufactured in molded hardfoam and fully upholstered with leather or fabric.

The exhibition, shop Closed on Mondays and café are open 16/9 – 30/4 daily 10 - 17

A journey through the visual world of Iceland

Formel B

www.oskarsdottir.com

Cobra Porcelain from Georg Jensen

Cobra Porcelain is the long-awaited addition to Georg Jensen’s Cobra collection. As the name suggests, the collection is crafted from porcelain, with Georg Jensen exploring new styles with this gorgeously crafted tableware set. The beautifully designed, unique Cobra collection from Georg Jensen has been very popular over the years.

There are additional products expected from the collection, such as a lamp, which will be available in two sizes, and that goes perfectly with the popular Cobra candleholder.

Georg Jensen products are available at Kúnígúnd www.kunigund.is

Turks Head – from UMEMI Design: Ragnheiður Ösp Sigurðardóttir The Turks Head pillow is part of the Notknot collection and is available in several colors.

Ragnheiður draws inspiration from scouting knots and the result is an original and beautiful collection that looks good in every home.

21 What’s happening

Made in Perlan

This croissant is among many other delicious offerings made in Perlan earlier today for you to enjoy with the spectacular view overseeing the city in any direction.

C

A

F

É

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What’s happening What’s happening

Snooker & Pool Let’s face it: in most living rooms there’s no room for a snooker or pool table – either that, or you’re significant other disagrees about the incredible aesthetic impact that having such a table in your home can have. Snooker and pool saloons are situated around the city where you can stick

your behind out and smash a few balls into pockets.

Two nice places that we recommend are Snóker & Poolstofan, in Lágmúli 5 (pool.is), and Billiard Barinn, in Faxafen 12 www.billiardbarinn.is

Freddi – Arcade The Freddi Arcade is located on Ingólfsstræti, right across from Prikið. Recently, Freddi hosted the Icelandic championships in King Kong and Pacman. All of the major arcade games go through Freddi’s because the owners are constantly offering new (that is, old and renovated) arcade

games in order to keep it fresh. On the top floor of Freddi, there are a few fully-equipped rooms where guests can play video games for X-Box, Nintendo and PlayStation. Renting a room costs a meager 500 ISK and so it is ideal to take a few friends along for some video-game awesomeness.

Crate digging VEGAMÓT Elegant but casual two floor Bistro located in the Heart of the City on Vegamótarstígur.

www.vegamot.is

Vinyl’s popularity has gone through many dips and dives throughout the years – but currently, the vinyl stock seems to be at an all-time high.

To many, digging in vinyl crates is a passion. To find the buried treasure in that vast desert of vinyl crates is the incentive that keeps them going through crate after crate of records until that treasure has been found. Dusty fingers, coughing, dry eyes and sore knees are common side effects of crate digging. We especially recommend this form of leisure considering that we possess a few excellent record stores in downtown Reykjavík.

Lucky Records on Rauðarárstígur and Reykjavík Record Shop on Klapparstígur are sweet spots to dig.

HAPPY HUNTIN’!

Drink & Draw Vol. 3 The monthly Drink & Draw at Prikið is where people gather round, grab some paper and a box of drawing utensils and are awarded with a bargain beer for each picture that they submit. At the end of the night, all of the pictures are collected and exhibited at the following Drink & Draw event. This is the third Drink & Draw and so we suggest that you show up, admire the artwork from the previous events and get busy drawing !

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e c r u o s A alth e h of

T her m al sw im m in g po ol s

Hot t ubs and jacuzz i

S a u n a s, steambat hs and sh ow ers

*Admission February 2014. Price is subject to change

Reykjavik's Thermal Pools

*

O N LY

k. s i 0 0 6 ADULTS k. s i 0 3 1 DREN CHIL

For he al t h an d w e ll -be in g

S eve n lo ca t io n s

O pe n e ar ly u n t il la te

Thermal pools and d baths in Reykjavik are a source of health health, relaxation laxation and puren pureness.

All of the city´s swimming pools have several hot pots with temperatures ranging from 37˚ to 42˚C (98˚–111˚F). The pools are kept at an average temperature of 29˚ C (84˚ F).

Tel: +354 411 5000 • www.spacity.is

What’s happening

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What’s happening

On Hallgrímskirkja The church of Hallgrim is the Robert Wadlow of Icelandic churches. At 74 meters high, it is the third tallest building in the country and its loftiness is further accentuated by its situation: resting atop the city’s highest hill, it towers above Reykjavík in the way God loomed over mankind, before the advent of science and skeptical atheism. Construction began in 1945 and was not completed until 1986. In that time, Bob Marley (1945–1981) was born and died; if he had had any interest in the church, one could have joked that he “waited in vain” for its completion, but seeing as he

cared nothing for the building – one cannot. Besides being tall, the church of Hallgrim is also strange (it is currently ranked second on the website strangebuildings.com) and its strangeness owes mainly to the singularity of its steeple.

The church’s designer, state architect Guðjón Samúelsson, adorned the tower with columns of concrete made to resemble the columnar basalt of Iceland’s countryside.

The church is named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, a hymn writer and leper, who is the only known Icelander to have murdered a fox with a quatrain. In front of the church, one

The concept of the restaurant is "casual fun dining" and we prepare what we would call a simple honest, "feel good", comfort food, where we take on the classics with a modern twist.

can observe a statue of Leif Eriksson, who is staring into the distance and lamenting the fact that he is an explorer stuck to the concrete prow of an imaginary ship. Anyhow, there is an ongoing and eternal debate regarding the aesthetics of the edifice: architects say that it’s ugly; patriots say that it’s beautiful; but I say that it’s like everything else: drink a few beers and it becomes increasingly attractive. If it’s ugly, then you simply aren’t drunk enough.

Happy Hour!

You know what time it is Prikið, Bankastræti 12

Hlemmur Square, Laugavegur 105

Vegamót, Vegamótastígur 4

Slippbarinn, Mýrargata 2

Stofan Café, Aðalstræti 7

Smurstöðin Restaurant, Austurbakki 2

Kaldi Bar, Laugavegur 20B

Barber Bar, Laugavegur 66-68

All weekdays from 16:00 - 20:00 Beer - 500 ISK

Thursday till Saturday from 22:00 - 01:00 Beer - 750 ISK Wine - 750 ISK

All days from 17:00 - 20:00 Beer - 750 ISK Wine - 950 ISK

All days from 16:00- 19:00 Beer - 650 ISK SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 40 · 101 REYKJAVÍK · TEL.+354 517 7474 · KOLRESTAURANT.IS

All days from 17:00 - 21:00 Beer - 600 ISK Wine - 600 ISK

All days from 15:00 - 18:00 Beer - 500 ISK Wine - 500 ISK

All days from 16:00 - 18:00 Beer - 500 ISK Wine - 600 ISK

All days from 16:00 - 19:00 Beer - 650 ISK Wine - 650 ISK

25 What’s happening

Iceland’s Premier Hotel Chain

Hospitality runs in the family

Icelandair Hotels is a renowned chain of quality hotels located around Iceland. The characteristic of each hotel is shaped by the surrounding nature, local vitality and cultural heritage, but what they have in common is equally important; warmth, style and great service. The Icelandair Hotels are like members of a tight-knit family where the personality and temperament of each individual shine through.

Your own family will feel right at home in the Icelandair Hotels family.

For information and bookings: www.icelandairhotels.com or by telephone (+354) 444 4000.

REYKJAVÍK NATURA

REYKJAVÍK MARINA

in KEFLAVÍK

FLÚÐIR

VÍK

KLAUSTUR

HÉRAÐ

AKUREYRI

HAMAR

Fashion

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What’s happening

Sindri Jensson

Hildur Ragnarsdóttir

(Húrra Reykjavík)

(Einvera)

White Sneakers

Summer Trends

& Shades We don’t need to waste any words on the Icelandic summer - we locals have long grown used to the disappointment that that subject inspires. There are, however, always a few sunny days strewn among the gray ones, which awaken the desire to wear fewer layers and lighter outfits. One simple piece of advice for people (of both genders) who are looking to make their outfits a bit fresher is to incorporate white sneakers and cool sunglasses. Iceland’s selection of sneakers is steadily growing and the sneaker culture is always improving. I have noticed that the average consumer purchases sneakers from established brands and searches for rare models that are hard to come by. It is also nice to see people taking better care of their sneakers and cleaning them regularly. For the longest time it was faux pas to show up to the club wearing sneakers - but this is changing. More and more people have begun to break out their favorite sneakers for the nightlife, and I applaud their style.

Denim is hot this summer: whether we are talking jeans, denim jackets, shirts or dresses. The denim jacket seems to be making a real comeback, so the classic black leather jacket may get a little rest. #1 - Denim jacket – available soon @ Einvera Stripes are always classic in summer.

This sweater has a v-back which is an interesting twist. #2 - Sweater – available @ GK Reykjavík (9,900 ISK) Baggy boyfriend jeans that are both comfortable and summery: a denim jacket, a white shirt, jeans and some sneakers are the perfect summer outfit! #3 - Boyfriend jeans – available soon @ Einvera Colored bags and backpacks are trendy this summer when it comes to accessories.

Icelanders tend to be too keen of wearing black, which makes a colored bag or backpack a good way to make one’s outfit pop. #4 - Bag – Furla / 38 Þrep A fresh pair of new sneakers is just what you need to perfect your summer outfit. #5 - Nike Air Internationalist are available in women’s sizes @ Húrra Reykjavík (19,900 ISK)

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Party Every Night. Cocktails!

Live Music Every Night!

50 different kinds of beer.

Happy hour 4-7PM! Kitchen open from 11.00.

Ribs, burgers, chicken wings!

LIFE IS SHORT - DRINK EARLY AUSTURSTRAETI 8 • REYKJAVIK

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HOT PURSUIT ÁLFABAKKI | KRINGLUBÍÓ SAMBÍÓIN EGILSHÖLL | SAMBÍÓIN AKUREYRI SAMBÍÓIN KEFLAVÍK

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AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON ÁLFABAKKI | KRINGLUBÍÓ | SAMBÍÓIN AKUREYRI SAMBÍÓIN EGILSHÖLL | SAMBÍÓIN KEFLAVÍK

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THE AGE OF ADALINE HÁSKÓLABÍÓ | BORGARBÍÓ AKUREYRI

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PITCH PERFECT 2 SMÁRABÍÓ | HÁSKÓLABÍÓ | LAUGARÁSBÍÓ SAMBÍÓIN KEFLAVÍK | BORGARBÍÓ AKUREYRI

7,3

THE WATER DIVINER

WILD TALES

ÁLFABAKKI | SAMBÍÓIN EGILSHÖLL

BÍÓ PARADÍS

7,3

61%

8,2

95%

68%

29 What’s happening

30

What’s happening

BAKK SMÁRABÍÓ | HÁSKÓLABÍÓ | LAUGARÁSBÍÓ BORGARBÍÓ AKUREYRI

FAST & FURIOUS 7 SMÁRABÍÓ

7,7

82%

CITIZENFOUR BÍÓ PARADÍS

8,2

A SECOND CHANCE

FÚSI

HÁSKÓLABÍÓ

7,1

45%

98%

HÁSKÓLABÍÓ | BÍÓ PARADÍS BORGARBÍÓ AKUREYRI

7,7

SAMBA HÁSKÓLABÍÓ

6,7

6,4

CHILD 44

PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2

ÁLFABAKKI

SMÁRABÍÓ

23%

6,4

23%

63%

31 What’s happening

At Public House Gastropub we put an emphasis on serving fun dining along with some quality ambience.

We use Icelandic ingredients but we add some japanese flair to our dishes because we like to have fun with our food and drinks.

TRY OUR PHGP TASTE OF ICELAND

I‘M TRAPPED Slow cooked LAMB SHANK doughnut | Apricot jam

LOL Cured PUFFIN with liquorice | Cherries | Blue cheese sauce

SENBAI Thyme smoked ARCTIC CHARR on a senbai cracker | Dill mayo | Chimichurri

TATAKI REINDEER TATAKI with Icelandic blue cheese | Smoked sour cream | Amazu ponzu

PUBLIC HOUSE GASTROPUB Laugavegur 24 | Tel. 555 7333 publichouse@publichouse.is #publichousegastropub publichouse.is

32

What’s happening

N ew M en u , 2 0 1 5 Hákon M ár Örvarsson (b. 1973) Letters on a Page All the Works Are for Sale

H ve r f i s g a ta 1 0 1 0 1 Rey kj aví k