Issu e 37 • 2018

Exciting winter tours Safety on Icelandic Roads The Wilderness Center, a peaceful hideaway Experience geothermal energy in soothing hot baths Day Tours - All the most exciting places in Iceland WE’LL TAKE YOU THERE!

PROBABLY THE WORLD’S SMALLEST WATCH MANUFACTURER

Our Master Watchmaker never loses his concentration With his legendary concentration and 45 years of experience our Master Watchmaker and renowned craftsman, Gilbert O. Gudjonsson, inspects every single timepiece before it leaves our workshop.

All the watches are designed and assembled by hand in Iceland. Only highest quality movements and materials are used to produce the watches and every single detail has been given the time needed for perfection.

At JS Watch co. Reykjavik we’re committed to provide a personal quality service and we pride ourselves on the close relationships we have with our customers.

We’re always happy to assist and we provide a friendly and reliable BOOK NOW! ON WWW.RE.IS AT YOUR RECEPTION service where our customers speak directly to the designers and Scan it and learn more! manufacturers of the brand. www.jswatch.com

BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík • +354 580 5400 • [email protected] • www.re.is 3 Gilbert Watchmaker, Laugvegur 62, 101 Reykjavik, tel + (354) 551 4100, www.jswatch.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

n Icelandic winter is unique. One This is the time for the Northern Lights After a day out, the Aminute, there’s a clear blue sky, to be very visible and the tour operators restaurants, pubs crispness to the air and a view that are quite adept at finding the best spots and bistros are great stretches to the horizon. Then, before you to view this spectacular display, both places to relax and know it, there’s a gale blowing, visibility from the land and sea. Some hotels and the quality of the food is cut to almost nothing as snow swirls guesthouses have ‘hot pots’ or jacuzzis is exceptional. There around you. So being prepared is very where you can sit snugly in the warm are lots of high quality, important. If you’re bringing a car, make water while sipping a glass of wine and award-winning local brews available from sure you have everything you need, watching the show overhead. Take beers to spirits that are worth trying—and should the weather turn off. See the article photos—your friends won’t believe you taking home with you. You’ll find them in about road safety in the magazine. As otherwise! the Duty Free Store at the airport. Snacks for clothing, layers are advisable, with Iceland is very much alive during the are always nice and chocolate all the more a good hat, warm scarf and gloves and winter months. The days may be short so! You’ll find that Iceland has some of the good shoes. A warm, windproof coat is but you can pack a lot into them! There world’s top master chocolatiers. essential. You’ll find the Icelandic sweaters are countless activities offered across the It may be a small country, but what made from genuine Icelandic wool, are country to take advantage of the different Iceland has to offer in every season is both very warm and comfortable—not weather. Smart travellers head out of the something magical! to mention, very long-lasting. Given this capital to the outlying towns for special preparation, you’ll find your stay much experiences. There are regular scheduled Einar Th. Thorsteinsson more comfortable when going outside. flights to every part of the country. Managing Editor and Publisher Contents Reykjavík Area Spaks Fashion Design Studio...... 44 East Iceland Kaffitár: Quality Coffee in Vibrant Cafés...... 8 Your safety on Icelandic Roads...... 48 The East Iceland Heritage Museum...... 94 Reykjavík City Museum...... 10 We Specialise In Your Adventure...... 50 Petra’s Stone & Mineral Collection...... 95 Rammagerðin: When Tourism meets Design...... 12 Wilderness Center of Iceland...... 97 The Mansion of the Icelandic Soul...... 14 REYKJANES PENINSULA Mountaineers of Iceland...... 15 As Fresh as it Gets...... 54 South Iceland Flóki Whisky...... 16 The Town of Grindavík...... 55 The Surround Sounds of Silence...... 100 See the Northern Lights by Boat...... 17 geoSilica Local Supplement Promotes Health...... 56 Dreaming of Iceland...... 102 Glacier Walks and Outdoor Adventures...... 18 The Place to Stay in Grindavík...... 57 Dine in the Langoustine Capital...... 103 The Quiet Elegance of Hotel Holt...... 20 Grindavík’s Harbour Café...... 57 Digging Deeper into Iceland...... 104 A Sweet Explosion in Iceland...... 22 Park Inn by Radisson Keflavik Airport...... 58 Vestrahorn: A Beautiful Slice of Iceland...... 106 Urta Islandica's Gourmet Local Products...... 23 Keflavik International Airport is Growing...... 60 See Iceland in Safety, Comfort and Style...... 108 64° Reykjavik Distillery Quality Crafted Spirits...... 24 Keflavik Duty Free...... 62 FREIRAUM-Fotografie...... 112 Reykjavik Helicopters...... 26 West Iceland Dining out at Icelandair’s Hotel Klaustur...... 114 The Icelandic Phallological Museum...... 28 Everything Volcanic...... 68 The House that Disappeared...... 116 A Taste of Nepal...... 29 Hótel Búðir: Love is in the Air...... 70 Going Above and Beyond around the Golden Circle.... 117 The Fine Art of Knifemaking...... 30 Krauma Geothermal Baths...... 72 The Enchanted Island...... 118 The Joyful Wonderland...... 31 Icelandic Lamb...... 74 A Little Bit of Icelandic Paradise...... 119 Leather Designer...... 31 Between Reykjavik and Akureyri...... 76 A Taste of Iceland's Wild & Sweet...... 120 Celebrating 50 years of service in tourism...... 32 Stóri Kambur Horse Rental...... 78 Refreshing Vík...... 121 The World’s Most Exclusive Watchmaker...... 34 Sjávarpakkhúsið Restaurant & Bar...... 79 Harmonious Hjarðarból Guesthouse...... 122 Live with the Vikings...... 35 Stracta Hotel Hella...... 123 Westfjords Iceland Journey to the Inside of a Glacier...... 36 Hótel Smyrlabjörg...... 124 Iceland’s First Settler...... 84 Catch the Northern Lights All Year Around...... 38 Discover an Ice-Blue World...... 125 Ancestors’ Knowledge...... 40 North Iceland Researching Iceland’s Puffins...... 126 Grandi’s Brewery & Bistro...... 42 Explore the North...... 90 About the Icelandic Times...... 128 The All-Icelandic Wool Shop...... 43 Acco Akureyri...... 91 Credits Icelandic language How to make use of QR codes Publisher Graphic design Jacqueline Sanz Icelandic is one of the European root Account Managers Andrew Scott Fortune Kolbrún Kristín Ólafsdóttir languages, like Latin. There is no ‘c’ [email protected] WRITERS Andrew Scott Fortune Sandra Guðrún or ‘z’ in modern Icelandic, except in ICELANDIC TIMES E. Marie Valgarðsson Guðmundsdóttir foreign words. However, it still contains [email protected] Edda Snorradóttir Dagmar Trodler Managing Editor & website Delphine Briois some letters not found in most other General Manager Hari Aravind Hallur Hallsson Einar Th. Thorsteinsson languages. This basic list provides a PHOTOGRAPHY Jenna Gotlieb [email protected] Björn Rúriksson Magnús Þór Hafsteinsson general idea of their sounds, using ENGLISH EDITOR Brynjar Ágústsson Jón R. Hjálmarsson Andrew Scott Fortune Friðþjófur Helgason Kamma Thordarson familiar words rather than phonetics. Project Manager Kristján Ingi Einarsson Karin Fjall Murray-Bergquist Þorsteinn Þorsteinsson Peter Fischer Katrín Baldursdóttir Nanna Hlín Halldórsdóttir Character Pronunciation Technology Use your QR code reader application on your smartphone FRONT COVER PHOTO Sandra Guðrún Steingrímur Jón Guðjónsson Photo from á Like ‘ow’ in ‘cow’ or iPad to scan the QR codes. QR code reader applications Guðmundsdóttir can be downloaded free for all makes of smartphones [email protected] Snæfellsnes, Simon Falkner æ Like the personal pronoun ‘I’ SALES & MARKETING photo by Svava Jónsdóttir ð Like ‘th’ in ‘with’ Friðþjófur Helgason Viðar Ingason Vignir Andri Guðmundsson þ Like ‘th’ in ‘thing’ [email protected] Viðar Ingason Icelandic Times Síðumúla 1 • 108 Reykjavík The opinions expressed in Icelandic Times do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or their agents. Though the +354 578 5800 contents of this issue have been meticulously prepared, no warranty is made about the accuracy and completeness thereof. [email protected] Copyright © January 2018 Icelandic Times All rights reserved Printed in Sweden by V-TAP www.icelandictimes.com

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can assure sustainability from seed to cup. Kaffitár is the first café in Iceland to receive Kaffitár: Quality Coffee the Nordic environmental certification. The Swan is the official ecolabel of the Nordic countries that helps consumers in Vibrant Cafés choose products and services that are more The local company produces a delightful range of coffees that can environmentally friendly than others on be enjoyed in a number of cafés in Iceland. the market. In accordance with The Swan, Kaffitár has taken specific measures to offee culture is strong in ambience with a background of bright reduce the use of disposable packaging, Iceland, and Kaffitár leads the oranges, deep reds, and primary yellows like cardboard and plastic, which reduces way. A big part of Kaffitár’s for customers to enjoy while they feast on trash. The company strives to use recyclable story is their seven coffee artisan sandwiches, gourmet cakes and packaging as well as eco-friendly cleaning Chouses, with the newest location at Perlan pastries, and fine Icelandic treats. products. Strict requirements related to (The Pearl). The cafés feature vibrant hues, The Swan designation ensure that Kaffitár‘s cheerful décor, and an engaging staff. The Direct trade is important activities and services are at the forefront company aspires to combine the hominess Sourcing, roasting, brewing and serving of minimizing negative environmental of coffee house culture in a playful great coffee is the reason why Kaffitár exists and health effects. In collaboration with environment. You won’t find a pretentious, as a business and what makes employees customers, Kaffitár has worked hard to stuffy aura in Kaffitar cafés. The culture excited to go to work every day. The coffee is focus on reducing waste and promoting emphasizes a friendly feel that offers a fun carefully sourced and comes from different positive environmental factors. parts of the world, but the producers are very much part of the Kaffitár family. The Great coffee and cosy atmosphere company is proud to buy 85% of their You can expect a fun, light-hearted atmosphere green coffee beans directly from the farmers when you visit a Kaffitár café and the new themselves. They also employ a direct trade addition at the Pearl is a welcome addition concept that allows the company to provide to the neighbourhood, where tourists and donations and offer cooperation to the locals enjoy quality coffee in comfortable farms they buy from in order to enhance surroundings. Kaffitár is popular for a the quality of life for their workers. These reason: customers get quality coffee and are important principles to Kaffitár and delicious food, along with a company that they are pleased to bring a bit of Icelandic cares about its environmental impact in the cheer to their communities. world. Enjoy a break at Kaffitár during your trip to Iceland! -JG Sustainability is key The sustainability issue is also near and dear Kaffitár ehf Stapabraut 7 to Kaffitár, and by having their cafes certified +354 420 2700 by Nordic Ecolabelling (The Swan), they www.kaffitar.is

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Árbær Open Air Museum The Árbær Open Air Museum is a treasure. The museum, which was founded in 1957, gives visitors a visual sense of Reykjavík’s past. The site comprises a village-like collection of more than 20 houses, each of which is a separate exhibition. Visitors learn how Reykjavík developed from a few isolated farms into the capital city of Iceland that is home to more than 120.000 people. During the summer months, staff members are clad in period costumes that are quite Reykjavík Museum charming and fun. The of Photography museum is suitable for Reykjavík is home to some great all ages and includes photographers, past and present. The a playground and a Reykjavík Museum of Photography has an toy exhibition where impressive collection, which now comprises children can play about six million photographs. The oldest freely. photos date from around 1860, giving a glimpse of city life decades ago. The museum preserves photographs from professional, and amateur photographers, including industrial and commercial photographers, as well as portrait and press photographers. Reykjavík is a vibrant city with rich history and contemporary Viðey Island culture. Stop by to Viðey is a little gem of an island check out the latest just off the coast of Reykjavík exhibitions. and is accessible by ferry. The island, which is just 1.6 km2 in size, hosts unspoiled nature with Reykjavík Maritime Museum vast stretches of grassy plains Fishing has been the backbone of Iceland since the days and rich birdlife, as well as the Family Friendly Fun of settlement. Fish nourishes Iceland’s inhabitants and John Lennon Peace Tower, an Reykjavík City Museum is family is an important industry, exporting Icelandic fish abroad. installation created by Yoko Ono, friendly and all museum sites have The Reykjavík Maritime Museum, which is located in along with art by world renowned something that caters to children. For eykjavík City Museum The Settlement Exhibition the old harbour, focuses on artist Richard Serra. Viðey is a example, the exhibition “Come and gives travellers the The Settlement Exhibition is as authentic exhibitions that show the favourite among birdwatchers, as play” at Árbær Open Air Museum has opportunity to experience as it gets as it was built around the importance of fish to the the island is a nesting ground for a playground, furnished rooms with the history of Reykjavík actual ruins of a Viking Age longhouse nation. Today, Icelanders more than 30 bird species. In the everything in child sizes as well as lots in a fun and engaging that has been preserved in situ. fish on modern trawlers, but summer, there are daily ferry trips of toys to play with. The Settlement way. The museum, which comprises The exhibition gives visitors a look into in the old days, fishermen from the Old Harbour, Ægisgarður Exhibition has a special family corner Rfive separate sites, aims to preserve the life of the first people who called regularly put their lives at harbour and Skarfabakki harbour. where children and parents can have Reykjavík’s cultural heritage, which the Reykjavík area their home and the risk on primitive boats in Please visit www.videy.com for a fun time together. The Reykjavík dates back to the days of settlement in ways in which they adapted to their order to feed their families. the ferry schedule. Maritime Museum offers a fun treasure the late 9th century. new life. The construction of Viking The museum shows the hunt for kids during their museum visit. Four of the museums are Age buildings is explained using equipment fishermen conveniently within walking distance of multimedia technology. Computer used through the ages. downtown Reykjavík, while the Árbær technology is used to give an However, one of the main Open Air Museum is only a 15-minute impression of what life was like in the attractions at the museum drive from the city centre. The ferry hall. The exhibition is suitable for all is the Coast Guard ship, Óðinn, which took part in all Borgarsögusafn Reykjavíkur to Viðey Island leaves from the Old ages and includes an activity centre three cod wars with Britain. Guided tours are offered Grandagarði 8 • 101 Reykjavík +354 411 6300 for children. daily at 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00. Harbour in downtown Reykjavík. –JG www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

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Rammagerðin: When Tourism Meets Design The downtown shop has unique Icelandic products for sale, including by talented designer, Sunneva.

celandic design is having a moment. studied fashion design in Italy at New for Rammagerðin For a country with only just 340,000 Polimoda University of Fashion and The new collection VEÐRABRIGÐI is a inhabitants, there are so many decided then to specialise in fur. After unique collection that uses untraditional talented designers making waves on working in Florence for a number of materials like lamb skins. “I’ve always Ithis small island in the North Atlantic. years, she returned to Akureyri, her had it in mind to design a product Everything from clothing to accessories, hometown in North Iceland, to establish line from raw materials that are not as jewellery, ceramic, graphic design and her fashion studio and creative base. seasonal as past collections,” she says. everything in between, Icelanders are a “I’m very happy with the decision because The product line includes three sizes of creative group. I have worked with fur in my profession bags, key rings and teddy bears in three Rammagerðin is a shop with several ever since, both in my small business sizes. “Earlier this summer I was working locations in Iceland, including a shop which I founded in 1995, and for larger with Elizabet Jónsdóttir, the designer of in the heart of downtown Reykjavík, companies,” she says. the Volk brand, on a new version of a on Skólavörðustígur. Here, visitors can teddy bear, in which we “propped” him buy goods from well known, established Natural materials up with colourful woollen material on Icelandic brands and independent Sunneva has always emphasised the one side and lamb sheepskin on the other designers alike, including clothing from importance of using only natural materials and now the first bears of this type are at local designer Sigríður Sunneva. in her designs. The use of natural Rammagerðin.” fabrics reflects her respect For a large selection of unique Icelandic Passion for design for nature and has shaped designs, drop in to Rammagerðin during Sunneva is an educated her personal style. your visit to Iceland! -JG f a s h i o n d e s i g n e r Sunneva combines specialising in fur influences of Italian Rammagerðin garments, mainly aesthetics she became Skólavörðustígur 12 • 101 Reykjavik +354 535 6690 producing warm familiar with when [email protected] coats and cold studying, with a chic www.rammagerdin.is www.sunnevadesign.is/ weather wear. She Nordic look.

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he ansion T M Mountaineersountaineers of Iceland is a fully- licensed travel agency based in of the celandic oul Reykjavík,M specialising in super trucks Gljúfrasteinn Museum I is the Former Home S and snowmobile tours. The company was of Icelandic Writer Halldór Laxness founded in 1996 and has been operating adventure tours ever since. The company’s of Iceland owners are Herbert Hauksson and Ólöf Einarsdóttir. Mountaineers own and operate super jeeps and trucks which have been specially modified to get to glaciers and other remote areas over the rugged mountain tracks of the highlands. Mountaineers offer open day tours as well as private tailor-made tours for groups of all sizes. Along with their friendly team at their headquarters in Reykjavík, they can create the adventure tour of your dreams! ljúfrasteinn-Laxness museum, in its tiny steps as well as its big jumps, often They have extensive knowledge of Iceland the Mosfellsdalur valley, is only 20 foreseeing their consequences, and creating and everything it has to offer. Whatever minutes away from Reykjavík on the way his much-loved literature from the fast-paced G your idea or wish might be, Mountaineers to Þingvellir National Park. It was the journey and characters the Icelanders dicuss will make it happen. Careful planning, home and workplace of Halldór Laxness, and refer to as if they had actually existed. He flexibility, entertainment, and safety are winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature totally captured the Icelandic soul. of the human race and develop a kindness their top priorities. With knowledge and in 1955, and his family for more than In the reception building at Gljúfrasteinn, towards those less fortunate—which is experience they are committed to providing half a century. It is now open to the you can watch a multimedia presentation quite apparent in his novels. The area where unforgettable experiences. public as a museum. Hardly anything has dedicated to Laxness’ life and work. Indeed, Laxness spent his childhood became his been changed in or around the museum it is worth your while, as the writer was both source of inspiration throughout his life. Mountaineers of Iceland since Laxness lived there and thus, it is interesting and fun, with a tremendous The garden at Gljúfrasteinn is open to Köllunarklettsvegur 2, a perfect example of how the cultural sense of humour. There is also a souvenir 104 Reykjavík the public and a number of pleasant walks +354 580 9900 families of Iceland lived during a century shop on the premises where Laxness’ books can be taken throughout the area. Halldór [email protected] mountaineers.is of stunning changes, an era when Iceland can be obtained in various languages. Laxness spent long hours roaming the took a leap from being a remote and tad beautiful countryside around Gljúfrasteinn reclusive fishing and farming community The Source of Inspiration and visitors are encouraged to walk along to becoming a player on the world stage. The reason Laxness built his home here both the river Kaldakvísl and around the was his love for the Mosfellsdalur valley. valley, which were both his childhood Capturing the Soul He was born and raised in the valley. It was haunts and his inspiration in later life. Laxness, who was born in 1902 and died there, at his grandmother’s knee, that he If you already know Laxness’ work, you in 1998, absorbed society’s players and all learned to appreciate the different destinies will love this museum. And if you don’t know it, the museum is your first step towards an unimaginably versatile and rich world. If you are planning to visit during the summer check the museum’s schedule first. During June, July and August there are chamber concerts in the living room, which sports a grand piano, as Laxness was an excellent pianist himself. -SS Gljúfrasteinn Gljúfrasteinn • 270 Mosfellsbær +354 586 8066 [email protected] www.gljufrasteinn.is

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smoky notes that perfectly compliment the taste derived from the Icelandic barley and Flóki, Sheep Dung Smoked Reserve has been getting great reviews from whisky connoisseurs all over the world.

A premium pot distilled gin and the original Icelandic schnapps Vor Gin, a small batch pot distilled gin is Flóki WhiskyGrain to Glass in Iceland not your typical Gin. Rather it is made in the style of the 19th century Icelandic gin, lóki is the first Icelandic Single Malt authentic Icelandic gin called Vor along triple pot distilled and using only native See the Northern Lights by Boat whisky. Produced by Eimverk Distillery, with a small batch distilled Aquavite called Icelandic ingredients available to the gin Watch the majestic Aurora Borealis off the coast of Reykjavík whichF is located in Garðabær, just a 10 Víti Brennivín. This year, Eimverk will be makers of that time. Vor is handcrafted in minute drive from Reykjavík city centre, releasing their first 3-year-old Flóki Single small batches of only 500 bottles, and all offers distillery tours by appointment. Malt and you can say that this Icelandic herbs and botanicals are native to Iceland iewing the Northern Lights in well as Iceland’s adorable mascot, the puffin. Eimverk Distillery is a family run whisky adventure is truly just beginning, and steeped in the spirit for the third Iceland is truly magical. Watching Travellers can also book sea angling tours, distillery dedicated to making premium with further aging styles and future releases distillation. Eimverk is also bringing back Vthe green and white lights flicker and a Reykjavík by Sea sailing tour, and the Icelandic spirits from 100% local planned into the next decades. the roots of Icelandic spirits with Víti, their dance in the sky, fading, only to reappear spectacular New Years Fireworks Cruise, ingredients. The journey began in 2009 handcrafted Icelandic Brennivín. Víti is a brighter and stronger. It’s no wonder that where guests can watch the sky light up with the the first experimental batch of The taste and spirit of Icelandic nature small-batch triple distilled aquavite made people travel from all around the world to with one of the most amazing fireworks Flóki being made from just a couple of kilos Flóki Whisky is handcrafted and from local barley, caraway seeds and other hunt the Aurora Borealis! While hunting display in the world. of Icelandic barley. The goal was always to produced from 100% local Icelandic native Icelandic botanicals. Northern Lights by land is fun, seeing make a great and truly Icelandic whisky. barley. The Icelandic barley is a hardy them from the ocean is breathtaking. Experience and excellence Over the course of four years, the recipe strain that thrives during the short, Visits and availability Travellers sail from the Reykjavik harbour Special Tours was founded in 1996 as a was developed and improved, and the final intense Icelandic summer, and it has a Eimverk Distillery is located a 10-minute out to sea, leaving the capital city and Puffin Watching & School Trip Sea Tour recipe for Flóki took 163 different iterations. sweet bready maltiness with complex drive from downtown Reykjavík and is towering mountains in the distance. Operator. Over the past 21 years, the Today, Eimverk produces Flóki, Icelandic spice notes. Much of the barley is sourced the perfect destination for whisky fans company’s main focus is providing personal Young Malt as well as a Flóki, Sheep Dung from the family farm, at the base of the and anyone with an interest in Icelandic A special experience with Special service, making sure to meet customers’ Smoked Reserve. They also pot distill an Hekla volcano, where Flóki is slowly spirits. Flóki and all of Eimverk’s spirits Tours expectations and also protect and respect maturing in oak casks in the family barn. are available locally in Iceland and in the Special Tours operates the original Northern the environment. Special Tours offers Perhaps one of the more interesting duty-free store in Keflavik International Lights by Boat tour in Iceland, departing sea adventures year-round, to individuals things about how Eimverk Distillery Airport. The company also exports to 14 from the Old Harbour in the heart of and groups, offering competitive prices, produces Flóki is that their Smoked countries around the world. -JG Reykjavik. The tours, which are led by an excellent service and a great experience on Reserve uses an age-old tradition of experienced and enthusiastic guide, run for the tours. -JG Eimverk Distillery st smoking with sheep dung rather than Lyngas 13 • 210 Gardaber 2-3 hours and operate from 1 September to the traditional peated smoke which is the +354 698 9691 15th April. The boats are comfortable, with Sérferðir Special Tours prevalent way of smoking whisky. This [email protected] a café/bar on board as well as free Wi-Fi. Grandagarði 16 • 101 Reykjavík www.flokiwhisky.is 354 560-8805 smoking method imparts sweet and subtle The staff provide warm overalls to keep you [email protected] comfortable and it is recommended to wear www.specialtours.is layers with a hat, scarf and gloves. After just 10-15 minutes, you will be far from the bright city lights, sailing to a perfect location to spot Northern Lights. But if you don’t get to see them, don’t fret; you will receive a free ticket to try again. You have to keep in mind that this natural phenomenon is unpredictable, but guides monitor the forecast closely and sail to the clearest area.

A variety of tours The company specialises in a number wildlife adventures at sea. You can book whale watching and puffin watching tours, allowing you to get up close to numerous whale and dolphin species as 16 17 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

ssentially, it is Iceland’s tours range from 2 – 7 hours, so everyone Ice Cave and Northern Lights beautiful and unspoilt should be able to find a tour to their Short Breaks nature that makes it such a liking. On the glacier walks, you are The Icelandic Mountain Guides winter unique destination. Iceland guided through the magical landscape short breaks to the natural ice caves in Eis the outdoor enthusiast’s dream, of the outlet glaciers, exploring the the Vatnajökull National Park region Glacier where volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs wonderland of ice sculptures, water have become very popular amongst those and waterfalls set their mark on the cauldrons, ridges, and deep crevasses. looking for a 2-3 day winter adventure landscape. Even though there are no technical from the capital of Reykjavík. requirements needed for the tours, safety On these tours, you get a chance to Walks and Outdoor Adventures is a big issue when travelling on glaciers. explore black sand beaches, glaciers, – Iceland & Greenland Therefore, all Icelandic Mountain Guides glacier lagoons, waterfalls and even the Icelandic Mountain Guides was go through a strict training programme Golden Circle. In the evenings you will established in 1994 by four pioneering to make sure you enjoy your adventure in get a chance to look out for the natural Outdoor mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts a fun and safe way. phenomenon being the Northern Lights. whose aim was to introduce the wonders of the Icelandic nature to travellers from Day Tours from Reykjavík Years of Experience all over the world. Today, the company On the outdoor adventure day tours The company has more than two decades is considered to be Iceland’s premier from Reykjavík, you can sit back, relax of experience creating exciting tours that Adventures adventure tour operator, offering and enjoy being driven between your accommodate and adapt to different outdoor adventures in both Iceland tour highlights by an experienced and needs, preferences, and languages. and Greenland. The tours range from knowledgable driver-guide. A perfect Whether you are a solo traveller, a family, short and easy glacier walks to hiking, way to enjoy a great day out in the or you are coming to Iceland in a large trekking and multi-day expeditions. Icelandic nature. All tours are operated group, Icelandic Mountain Guides has on small mini buses for a more personal you covered. Glacier Walk Pioneers small group experience. The tours can Icelandic Mountain Guides offers the include everything from glacier walks original glacier walks on a daily basis, and ice climbing tours to hot spring Icelandic Mountain Guides Stórhöfði 33 • 110 Reykjavík all year round from both Sólheimajökull hikes, caving, waterfalls, geysers and +354 587 9999 glacier in the south and Skaftafell in Northern Lights hunts, depending on [email protected] www.mountainguides.is Vatnajökull National Park. The glacier your tour selection. www.greenland.is

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Cognac, Scotch, and whiskey from around the world. Another wall of shelves stocks an equally impressive collection of spirits, craft beers, wines and liqueurs that help liven things up every evening from 4 to 9PM. Tempting snacks and amuse-bouches are also available at the bar.

Setting the standard for fine dining in Reykjavík I would be amiss if I didn’t mention Hotel Holt’s restaurant which has been one of Reykjavík’s finest dining establishments since it opened in 1965. The restaurant is known for its classical cuisine with a vibrant Icelandic twist. It comes as no surprise that the restaurant has earned top marks in international rankings and has had the honour of hosting dinners and events for visiting ambassadors, dignitaries and royalty down through the years. Among the seventeen paintings that adorn the walls, The Picnic (1939) by Jón Stefánsson has become something of an icon and is one of the first paintings that captures your attention as you enter the room.

The Old Library Take your time to take in the atmosphere of the hotel’s exceptional library with its beautifully preserved collection of leather The Quiet Elegance bound volumes on a variety of subjects, including poetry, the Icelandic Sagas, and even a Bible from 1728. Hotel Holt is located in central ofA hotel Hotelof distinction Holt Reykjavík, on Bergstaðastræti 37 in the 101 neighbourhood of Reykjavík, five minutes’ t’s like stepping back into another A permanent art collection The geode effect walk from the main streets of Laugavegur era and another time. Touches of old The hotel is home to part of the country’s As with many Icelandic buildings, Hotel and Skólavörðustígur and within easy worldI charm, elements of classical interior largest privately owned art collection and Holt’s façade belies its rich interiors; marble walking distance to Hallgrímskirkja design and nearly 500 works of art by features numerous works by several of floors, persian carpets and gilded antiques Church and the Old Harbour area. –EMV renowned Icelandic artists are what set Iceland’s most cherished late 19th century grace the hotel lobby while the breakfast this mid-century, boutique hotel apart and early 20th century artists such as area is laid with ornate Italian ceramic Hotel Holt Bergstaðastræti 37 from the rest. Johannes Kjarval, Jón Stefánsson, and tiles. Some forty-two rooms spanning four 101 Reykjavík Ásmundur Sveinsson, among others. Many floors are furnished with the clean lines of Tel +354 552 5700 [email protected] Steeped in history of the works on the hotel’s ground floor are contemporary Icelandic decor and include www.holt.is The elegant Hotel Holt is located in what can by Kjarval, while the upper floors are lined all modern amenities, ensuite bathrooms be perhaps called the most quintessential with old maps and 134 lithographs by the and of course it goes without saying– neighbourhood of Reykjavík with its quiet artist M. August Mayer who accompanied comfortable beds! streets and quaint 19th century timber and French naturalist Joseph Paul Gaimard corrugated iron clad houses. Over the on his voyage to Iceland between 1835 The classy Gallery Bar years, the 4-star hotel has attracted many and 1836. The 460 works of art scattered The sofas and chairs are leather; the drawings of Reykjavík’s artistic, social and political throughout the hotel are numbered and on the walls are pure Kjarval–delightful and vanguard, and continues its tradition of catalogued and a guided tour of the hotel playful. On one wall, a large glass cabinet quality and excellence. museum is available upon request. is stocked with an impressive collection of 20 21 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

Urta Islandica’s Gourmet

LocalThe family company Products that produces delightful teas, syrups, salts, and jams.

rta Islandica is a family-run business Add Urta to your cooking that specialises in producing and There are so many ways to incorporate these sellingU artisan products made from local delightful gourmet products into food and Icelandic ingredients. The products, which drinks. For instance, for a fillet of Arctic are sold at retailers around the country, Salmon, Urta Islandica’s Kelp and Garlic A Sweet Explosion include unique herbal salts, teas and syrups, Salt pairs nicely with the fish along with along with jams and gift boxes. Rhubarb Chutney with Angelica. For a simple treat, consider the company’s syrups Hafliði Ragnarsson’s Artisanal Chocolates The Icelandic wild nature’s variety for homemade Rice Krispie Treats. Mix in Iceland Urta Islandica uses more than 70 types of Rice Krispies with butter, white chocolate, wild herbs and berries in their products. Birch syrup and Arctic salt, or Liquorice ad you arrived in Iceland even 15 jobs around the shop. As a teen I became The herbs are handpicked, dried and stored salt and Liquorice syrup for a more savory years ago, you would have been interested in cake baking, and entered in good conditions so their freshness lasts option. As for Urta Islandica’s syrups, they hardH-pressed to find much in the way of many competitions, gradually working my longer. The company’s salt comes in many are perfect in cocktails; with their variety, luxury food items that other destinations way up to chocolate confectionery. In 2003 flavours, which perfectly complement the all sorts of cocktails both alcoholic and are known for. France, Switzerland and I won 1st place for best cake and best dessert food or cocktails you are preparing. For non-alcoholic, can be made. For instance, Belgium, for example, have long been and 2nd place overall in the International instance, their Arctic Herbal, Blueberry for an Urta Cocktail, mix apple juice, beet celebrated for their culinary excellence Belgian Chocolate Awards competition.” and Black Lava Salts go very well with meat juice, soda water, and lime juice with Urta’s and their mastery of the fine art of pastry dishes, while Rhubarb and Angelica, and Crowberry and Wild berry syrups. Top off and confectionery. When dreams come true and only Liqourice salts accompany desserts and with a pinch of parsley and three slices of Over the last few years however, the best will do cocktails very well. Kelp and Garlic salt is cucumber. Iceland’s gastronomic landscape has been The prestigious award paved the way for the perfect topping for your baked potato All products are handmade and can be changing rapidly with new restaurants Hafliði, and that same year saw the opening or homemade garlic bread. purchased online, at Urta Islandica’s shops, and foods that were not seen here a of a café and bakery in downtown Reykjavík, Urta Islandica’s herbal tea line is and in shops around Iceland. Urta Islandica decade ago, bringing a wave of excitement Mosfellsbakarí, which had been his dream impressive, with teas including Birch, Arctic also offers customised labels for all kinds of to the industry. And now there is one for many years. Here you will find signature Thyme, Kelp and Ginger, and their famous occasions, company meetings or weddings. enterprising Icelander who is raising the boxes of hand-dipped chocolates lining the creations are made from only the best raw 100% Bilberry tea. If you enjoy sweets, you It’s the perfect food souvenir or gift from bar for fine chocolates in Iceland and has shelves and a glass display case full of his materials– almonds from Spain, hazelnuts will love the company’s range of syrups all Iceland. -JG the field pretty much to himself. most exclusive chocolate confections, sold from Italy and of course the holy grail of made with organic sugar and wild harvested Urta Islandica by the piece. At Christmas and Easter chocolate from producers such as Barry, herbs and berries like Crowberry, Rhubarb, Austurgata 47, especially, Hafliði pulls out all the stops Callebaut and Valrhona. Birch, and Rowan berry. If you are looking 220 Hafnarfjörður Iceland’s Ambassador of Belgian +354 470 1300 with beautifully packaged new creations for a tasty jam, it will be difficult to pick [email protected] Chocolate www.urta.is/en His name is Hafliði Ragnarsson who that show off his artistry to the full. The Ultimate Icelandic Indulgence just one, as their Traditional Caramelized comes from a long line of bakers– his It goes without saying that the master Do make it your mission while in Iceland Rhubarb jam, along with Wild Blueberry great grandfather, his grandfather and his chocolatier insists on quality ingredients to search out these fabulous hand-crafted and Red Currant jams are divine, especially father all had a passion for baking and ran for all his creations. His beautiful sweets that also make wonderful gifts for as a topping on their unique Black Lava the family bakery for as far back as he friends and family back home. For more Crackers which are made from Icelandic can remember. “I information, go to www.konfekt.is or pop barley and herbs. would help out in in at one of Mosfellsbakarí’s two locations, the bakery when I in Reykjavík and Mosfellsbær, on the way was 12 or 13 years to the Golden Circle. -EMV old, sweeping floors Mosfellsbakarí and doing odd Háholti 13-15 • 270 Mosfellsbær Mosfellsbakarí Háaleitisbraut 58-60 • 108 Reykjavík +354 566 6145 www.konfekt.is

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64° Reykjavik Distillery: Quality Crafted Spirits An independent distillery with unique spirits and liqueurs The spirits, which can be enjoyed in mixed drinks or on their own, can be Reykjavik Distillery is a family- small batch distillation. The ingredients found in the finest restaurants and bars in run, independent micro-distillery are sourced sustainably, and are proudly Iceland as well as in state-run liquor stores. 64°that handcrafts unique Icelandic-inspired foraged locally in Iceland. Great care is spirits and liqueurs. Popular among spent in selecting the best ingredients Something for everyone locals and visitors alike, the spirits as the unique quality and intensity of There is a flavour to suit every taste: feature flavours including blueberry, the berries are key to the rich flavours of the blueberry, crowberry and rhubarb juniper, crowberry and rhubarb. The the spirits. There is a short window for liqueurs are on the sweet side and are distillery, which was founded in 2009, foraging berries in Iceland, so the pickers great for cocktails or to enjoy along with uses handcrafted processes to create the must time the season perfectly to collect a dessert. spirits including natural infusion and the best berries. Reykjavik Distillery’s Einiberja (juniper) is a delicious gin that has an elegant, pure, yet intense and crisp flavour. Meanwhile, the company’s Brennivín packs a bit of a punch. Distilled from the best organic caraway seeds and local angelica seeds, 64° Brennivín is enjoyed neat with traditional Icelandic food. Lately, local and international bartenders have discovered 64° Brennivín, along with other 64° Reykjavik Distillery spirits, to design fantastic cocktails. -JG Reykjavik Distillery +354 695 1008 [email protected] www.reykjavikdistillery.is

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ReykjavikIn a truly amazing country – the experience Helicopters is multiplied from above

eeing a panorama of the colours of widow of John Lennon, comes every year main priority. Under their control, your the season, experiencing the feeling to illuminate the sky with the light tower journey will be unforgettable. The company Sof soaring securely on a cloud over she gave the city. offers 24/7 service and will get you closer to all the most beautiful characteristics Fascinating from the first minute to the historical secrets of Iceland and some of that Iceland has to offer, is thrilling. the last, the journey continues over the its cultural issues. The rotors are spinning. The pilot is a dwelling of the Nobel literary prize winner, Reykjavik Helicopters can take you to safe professional, knowledgeable and Halldór Laxness, across the Thingvellir most of Iceland’s most fascinating nature unpretentious. Your first thought: “This National Park, where the tectonic plates pearls including volcanoes or the majority is what I have always dreamed off”. It is of the European and American continents of Iceland’s “postcard” sites in only one already worth it from the first minute. slowly tear apart through the centre of day in a journey called The Full Monty. The take-off is soft and dreamlike. Then Iceland, and then into the breath-taking The country that immediately gets so you are flying over the colourful roofs of desolation of the country’s interior. You remote and unexpected as you leave the central Reykjavík. Harpa Opera House feel in a privileged position. Now imagine ground reveals its fascinating qualities stands out below. The pilot explains the the rest of the journey. It is a dream come in the best possible way as you sit in the story of the city’s main landmarks as you true as the start of the trip described helicopters of the Reykjavik Helicopters pass over Viðey, the island in the middle above is only one of many tours that – the transportation route of the near- of Reykjavik bay, where Yoko Ono, the Reykjavik Helicopter could take you on. supernatural. Feel it – the softness, the little pleasant turbulence that reminds See Iceland from above you that this is reality, after all. in comfort and safety You want to feel a bit privileged? It is Reykjavik Helicopters is Iceland’s easy. Reykjavik Helicopters can arrange premium helicopter tour provider. Their to pick you up just about anywhere in fleet comprises the most modern and the country from their base at Reykjavik meticulously maintained helicopters on the Airport. -VI market. The pilots are trained to the highest Reykjavik Helicopters standards, experienced, friendly, multi- Reykjavikurflugvelli • Skyli 6, lingual individuals with great knowledge of 101 Reykjavik +354 589 1000 Iceland’s spectacular nature. The safety and [email protected] comfort of their customers is always their www.rehe.is 26 27 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

epalese Kitchen is a cosy restaurant on Reykjavík’s Laugavegur that is Ntruly a feast for the senses. Upon walking inside, guests are greeted by the aroma of delicious spices as well as a welcome from its friendly owner, Deepak Panday. Deepak, who was born in Nepal, has been living in Iceland for about 10 years, and takes great care in creating a warm atmosphere, first class service, a diverse menu and absolutely delicious food. “I have been a chef for 34 years and I enjoy serving quality food and authentic spices for Icelanders and tourists,” says Deepak. This passion for food started when he was a child and led him to work as a chef in many countries including England, India, Nepal, France and the United States, before settling in Iceland.

Inventive Dishes The dishes, prepared by Deepak and his wife, are perfectly spiced, while the chefs are eager to cater for any dietary restrictions. “We have guests he Icelandic Phallological Museum that have a gluten allergy, or a number of other in Reykjavík is, without a doubt, one food sensitivities and we are happy to prepare ofT a kind. It holds a collection of phallic food just how they like it,” says Deepak. “All our specimens that belong to various types of dishes are made from scratch for each individual mammals. Here in the museum you can guest.” The menu is so diverse, it could be difficult see examples of more than 220 penises to choose just one dish! Diners will find chicken, and penile parts that belong to all the lamb, seafood, and vegetarian choices with sauces land and sea mammals found in Iceland. ranging from delicate to hearty. It even has on display the penis of an old Icelandic gentleman who died in 2011 at Special Spices the ripe old age of 95. Furthermore, the The key to Nepalese food is the spice used. museum has between 40–50 specimens Deepak is very concerned about the spices; not from foreign mammals including a giraffe just how they taste but also how they impact and an elephant. the body and soul. “We have spices that can “The purpose of the museum is be helpful to diabetics, people that are stressed, showing these specimens,” says the and those with some food sensitivities,” says curator, Hjörtur Sigurðsson, “but it’s also Hjörtur says that what gets the most and the Hidden People.” Regarding the Deepak. Every summer, he travels to India to a scientific museum. Many professionals, attention are the big things, like the penis Hidden People: some claim they can see hand-select the herbs and spices used in the labour of love and Deepak’s passion for quality during your visit to Reykjavík for tasty food, such as biologists and doctors visit the of a sperm whale that is 1.7 metres long the hidden man’s penis; especially the restaurant. “I want to see the plants for myself, food shines through. “It is so important to a wide selection of beer and wine, and warm museum to study. The purpose is also to and weighs somewhere between 70–80 women. - sj to see that they are the best quality,” he says. cook good food for people; it gives them so service. - jG educate and amuse people and, of course, kilos. Strangely, the human penis gets a much. People feel loved when they get good The Icelandic Phallological Museum to lift the taboo that has shrouded this lot of attention too! food,“ says Deepak. One of his favorite dishes NepaleseVatnshellir Kitchen Cave Laugavegur 116 • 105 Reykjavik Beautiful Space Laugavegur 60A • 101 Reykjavík subject for so long. It’s just a part of the For the foreigners, the folklore section +354 561 6663 The restaurant is tastefully decorated with a on the menu is a Nepali curry. “The spice +354 517 7795 anatomy; people should be able to discuss is popular. “They find it very funny that [email protected] nod to Nepali culture in the art, linens and mixture is unique and it comes directly from [email protected] www.phallus.is www.nepalesekitchen.is these things.” we can display penises from elves, trolls even music. It’s clear that the restaurant is a my mother.” Plan to stop by Nepalese Kitchen 28 29 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

nne Helen, owner of ‘The Little Christmas Shop’ on Laugavegur, Reykjavik’sA main shopping street, is what you might call a ‘one woman wonder’. Ten years ago, she decided it was time for a change and turned to doing what she does better than most of us; making the world a prettier place, clay. In addition to customary Christmas one Christmas ball at a time. ornaments, she includes local folklore figures, like the thirteen Yule Lads and the In the Land of Eternal Christmas Christmas Cat. Anne Helen, a genuine Anne Helen loves is to tell customers aesthete, says she has about Icelandic Christmas traditions. Visitors always had somewhat of often stop by simply because they’ve heard a Christmas obsession of her hospitality and the shop’s friendly and an intense passion atmosphere. They rarely leave empty handed. for things of beauty. She After all, placing an Icelandic Yule Lad on never goes for anything your Christmas tree every year is a great way to average but hunts for remember your visit to Iceland. –HÞ things of quality that truly stand out. Though she an extensive range, most made Litla Jólabúðin Laugavegi 8 • Reykjavík imports merchandise from all over Europe, exclusively for her by a number of craftsmen, +354 552 2412

her ambition is to specialise in Icelandic each having a distinctive approach and facebook handiwork and ornaments. She already has working in materials such as wool, glass and [email protected] n the town of Mosfellsbær, and Soffía are happy to work just a 15 minutes’ drive from with you to produce a custom Reykjavík,I master craftsman Páll knife made to your specifications. Kristjánsson (or Palli) and his More information can be found co-creator Soffía Sigurðardóttir at their websites listed below are hard at work in their rustic where you can browse their atelier, where they create an collections and even special array of handsome knives for order online. collectors, chefs, and all those uality Icelandic design and leather she started her own business. “I’ve worked handcraft is much sought after. “My on some amazing projects, ranging from who appreciate the workmanship that goes The Woman’s Touch Walk-ins Welcome into a finely crafted tool. For her part, Soffía, who has worked under Palli and Soffía’s workshop can be found at firstQ leather design was a handbag painted large buildings to single family homes. My Palli’s tutelage for several years, has created a Álafossvegur 29, 270 Mosfellsbær. Opening with colourful artwork and patterns,” favourite projects are those where I design says Guðrún Stefánsdóttir, a successful everything from A-Z for private homes. Icelandic Artisans at Work line of beautiful professional kitchen knives hours are 9am–6pm, Monday through Damascus steel, well known for its durability and her own collection of steak knives Friday, from 9am–4pm on Saturdays or, if independent architect who found a second Those projects would typically involve the and razor sharp blades, as well as stainless steel and forks which are gaining in popularity. you are in the neighbourhood outside of career in creative leather designs. house and interior design, the landscaping from Denmark, Germany and Sweden are Blades for these knives come in various those hours, you are always welcome to Guðrún designs leather handbags and now around the house and the furniture inside.” choice materials favoured by Palli and Soffía. shapes and materials (Japanese, Damascus pop in for a chat. she’s added necklaces and earrings to her Ark Her services are available upon request. Many of the blades are Viking Age replicas steel or high carbon steel) and the finely Though a visit to their workshop would Art accessory collection. “I wanted to use the The Ark Art collection is available at decorated with finely etched designs that are balanced handles make them a joy to use be well worth your time, you can also find leather cut-offs for something useful, when I the National Art Gallery, Snorrastofa in then expertly paired with a handle carved by in the kitchen. Chefs, cooking schools and their products available in Brynja hardware came up with the idea to use them to make Reykholt, at Rammagerðin at the Keflavík Palli. Traditional Icelandic materials are all cooking enthusiasts tend to love to show store on Laugavegur 29 in the centre of jewellery—earrings and necklaces.” International Airport, and directly from used to create beautifully carved handles— off these one-of-a-kind handmade kitchen Reykjavík. -EMV Guðrún’s Ark Art leather jewellery is Guðrún. More information can be found on birch, rowan, horse’s hooves, reindeer antler, tools that have become something of a recognisable by her use of thin leather rings or Facebook: Arkart-leatherdesign. -nhh goat and sheep horn and even fossilised sought after souvenir from Iceland. squares and use of colours. It is a sophisticated Álafossvegur 29 • 270 Mosfellsbæ Arkart wood. Palli’s knives can be found distributed +354 899 6903 yet simple design, skilfully using geometric Síðumúli 1 • 105 Reykjavík [email protected] shapes and colours. Guðrún graduated from throughout the world in 85 countries and as Custom-made [email protected] +354 551 5533 collector’s items. They sometimes enjoy fierce Should you have your own design ideas or www.knifemaker.is the Royal School of Architecture in Denmark [email protected] www.facebook.com/pages/Arkart-leather-design/ bidding between collectors on the Internet. materials that you would like to use, Palli www.kitchenknives.is in 1986. After working at an architect’s office, 30 31 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

o you’ve made it to Iceland! Hurray! Now it’s time to decide on what to see, what to do and how to get there. The options are many, but we have made a list of 8 compelling reasons why booking a trip with Reykjavik Excursions Smight just be one of your best decisions yet. Celebrating With Icelandic winter weather being 1rather unpredictable, it’s good to know that you don’t have to brave the elements on your own. Reykjavik Excursions is one of Iceland’s oldest tour companies. With seasoned drivers and 50 years of experience under its belt since its humble beginnings in 1968, you can rest assured that you will be in safe hands with encompass Iceland’s three celebrated 50 years Reykjavik Excursions—and that’s a reason to landmarks—Thingvellir National Park, 8 Compellingof Reasons toservice book a trip with Reykjavik Excursions celebrate! Geysir Geothermal Area and the raging Any road trip in Iceland during the Gullfoss waterfall, which make up the “big 2winter months demands preparedness three” of the Golden Circle. Reykjavik that only the most professional companies Excursions goes all out with a full list of can offer. activities that are paired with the Golden With its experienced drivers, guides Circle how about an ATV quad bike and specially equipped coaches, Reykjavik adventure tour, or a health and wellness Excursions maintains one of the largest tour that combines the Golden Circle with fleets in the country, with vehicles of all a relaxing dip in the geothermal waters of shapes and sizes taking you to all the most Laugarvatn Fontana? Or maybe you would beautiful spots in Iceland. And one of the prefer a few hours getting to know the coolest features has to be the fact that all Icelandic horse before heading off around the Reykjavik Excursions’ comfortable coaches Golden Circle. With so many combo tours are equipped with free Wi-Fi, so you can to choose from there is something to suit keep friends and family updated as you travel. everyone. One of the highlights of any winter trip Enjoy the peaceful calm of Iceland’s 3to Iceland is the possibility of seeing 5winter landscapes. the Northern Lights. Reykjavik Excursions’ hugely popular But those flirty, fleeting auroras have a South Coast Adventure tour is ideal for seeing reputation of being consistently inconsistent, all those iconic places that the south coast is dancing around the skies on their terms, not known for waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss ours. To this end, Reykjavik Excursions has and Skógafoss, the black sand beach of The company is also certified by Vakinn, come up with a whole range of Northern Reynisfjara and the imposing basalt columns Iceland’s official independent quality and Lights tours in conjunction with other of Reynisfjall, the picturesque village of Vík environmental rating system. activities, thereby giving you more bang for and a walk up to Sólheimajökull glacier. Reykjavik Excursions is the only your buck. Choose from a variety of tours How exciting is that? 8company in Iceland with membership that cater to a plethora of interests Northern Getting from Keflavik Airport to in the Global Passenger Network, an Lights and the Golden Circle Combo 6Reykjavik has never been easier. international association founded to tour, Northern Lights and a countryside Reykjavik Excursions’ shuttle, known as promote the highest standards in coach langoustine dinner, Northern Lights by boat. the Flybus is conveniently timed to coincide operations worldwide. How about a Northern Lights, lava tube cave with many arriving and departing flights. Be warm, be well and enjoy Iceland this and skyr factory visit? All of these and more This means you can stay with Reykjavik winter with Reykjavik Excursions. Oh... and are available to help you get the most out of Excursions from the moment you begin your Happy 50th, Reykjavik Excursions! -EMV your time in Iceland and maximising your journey until it is time to say goodbye. chances of catching the Northern Lights. Reykjavik Excursions is the first Reykjavik Excursions What is a trip to Iceland without Icelandic tour operator to be 7 BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavik 4seeing the Golden Circle? granted the ISO 14001 certification for +354 580 5400 Reykjavik Excursions offers a whole environmental management from the [email protected] www.re.is smorgasbord of possible day tours that British Standard Institute (BSI). 32 33 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

TheThey sell World’s to the stars but Mostare known onlyExclusive to the few Watchmaker

t is probably the world’s smallest watchmaker, located in a very small shopI in one of the world’s smallest countries and yet they produce the most exquisitely crafted and sought-after hand made watches. In this era of electronic, battery-powered watches, you might expect that automatic mechanical watches had passed into history. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is a greater demand for high quality timepieces that will outlast the temporary electronic watch phenomenon.

The choice of connoisseurs You can be defined by your choices. There are watches for the mass market and there are those watches that are individualised, personalised collectors’ items, works of art that are cherished for generations. These are investments - e s p e c i a l l y Live with those limited Relying on reliability Wear the volcano editions. Yet, Pilots and the Icelandic Iceland used to be known as “Europe’s they have a key coastguard have to be Best Kept Secret” but it was thrust into the The Viking Village gives you a baptism into Viking life place in the able to trust their limelight in 2010 with the Eyjafjallajökull lives of the wearers. watches. Lives could volcanic eruption. The fine ash that brought here are rumoursthe that busloads ofVikings given large wooden plates of food and jugs Kings, princesses, depend on them. The Europe’s air traffic to a halt now coats the tourists have been snatched from of drinks, regaled with stories and songs by international leaders from East and West, coastguard are issued with the “Sif” face of the most sought-after watch, the theirT coaches in Hafnarfjörður by wild minstrels, in an evening to be remembered film stars, rock idols – all have made their watch, designed especially for them. Goð. Ornate Viking engravings on the case Viking warriors and held in a rock wall a lifetime. Fish from the harbour across way to the small shop on Laugavegur, The only watch in the range without a make this watch stand out – especially as cave, watched over by a polar bear at one the road, sheep’s head and lamb and other Reykjavik’s main shopping street, to select transparent back, it has a 4mm Sapphire some of the engraving can be personalised end and the Viking god, Thor, at the other. Icelandic cuisine is on the menu. their own watch, have it assembled and non-reflective glass and can be used to a to make it totally unique. –ASF The reports say that they were treated Those taken in mid-June, found personalised just for them, a testament to depth of at least 1,000 metres. It is also mercifully, given plush rooms to stay in, a themselves guests at the Viking market their discernment of true quality. available to the general public, along JS Watch co. chance to bathe in the geothermal hot pool where, under rough tents, artisans made While I was visiting the shop, with it’s with pilots’ watches, likewise known Laugavegur 62 • 101 Reykjavik sheltered by a rock wall, overlooked by gods, and sold their wares. They sat enthralled +354 551 4100 wall filled with photos of well-known for their dependability and absolute [email protected] before being brought into the Viking long as competing tribes fought a pitched battle. You don’t have to wait to be abducted, you personalities who are now wearing their reliability. www.jswatch.com hall - a restaurant in modern parlance - Vikings love to celebrate and the can book in advance. Horses are stabled watches, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was with rough-hewn wooden tables, under Valhalla hall is set aside for groups of up to elsewhere, nowadays. only the rich and famous who could afford the watchful gaze of Freyja, the goddess of 50. It’s a the place for wedding celebrations, The Viking crafts have lived on and can such time pieces. My answer came as I was fertility, a large wooden carving over the for schools or incentive groups to get be seen - and taken home with you, for a standing there. A beautiful young woman upstairs bar. Viking shields that look as if together. Many are even inducted into the little bit of silver - crafts from the Nordic came to pick up a watch she had ordered and they’ve been used recently and the heads warrior clan, given helmets and certificates, countries, Faroe Islands, Greenland and two tourists selected watches for themselves. of wild animals like reindeer, hang on the certifying their valour. Iceland, itself. Probably the best thing you’ll They would return later in the day to collect walls alongside murals of major events from Not only is the hotel state of the art in take home is the experience of real Viking their watches after their selections had been history. every one of its 42 rooms that early Vikings hospitality. assembled specifically for them in the tiny The bar dispenses drinks of all kinds, would envy - or snort at, depending on Fjörukráin studio at the back of the shop. while above it, fish swim in a large tank, their disposition, but there are also 14 Strandgata 55 • 220 Hafnarfjordur Others, wanting something even more held up by hand-carved wood pillars. An Viking cottages for families or couples who +354 565 1213 personal, have their watches engraved on equally massive stone throne awaits a worthy want something different. For the modern [email protected] www.fjorukrain.is the inner rotor with special messages. chieftain. The abductees are treated royally, guests, there is also WiFi and parking space. 34 35 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018 WE’LL TAKE YOU THERE! ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND

EXPERIENCE A GREAT DAY WITH US!

xploring the surface of a glacier is thrilling, Ebut actually getting inside one is a once- in-a-lifetime experience. The staff behind Into the Glacier offer travellers that rare opportunity. Situated in the western part of Langjökull, the BOOK NOW on www.re.is at your reception second largest ice cap in Iceland, and 1,260 metres above sea level, the ice cave stretches 40 metres deep underground, giving visitors the chance to see ice that’s been forming over More tours available on centuries. The ice cave stretches more than 550 Image © Roman Gerasymenko our website www.re.is metres into the glacier. wooden beams, it serves as a venue for AND IN OUR BROCHURES! Trip to the Top weddings, marriage proposals and concerts. The classic guided tour begins in Húsafell, Into the Glacier offers daily departures which is 130km from Reykjavík, when from Húsafell at 12:30pm and the tour lasts Free WiFi guests board one of the most unique vehicles about four hours during the winter. Day ever made, a customised super truck. This tours from Reykjavík to the ice cave are truck, which seats up to 35 passengers, was available as well. For those that would like acquired from NATO, who originally used it to treat themselves to a meal, you can buy a as a cruise missile launcher. The 20km trip scrumptious lunch at Hotel Húsafell before up to the glacier is an experience in itself something very few have seen. Lit by LED you head out on your excursion. So be sure in good weather or bad. Clear days offer lights, guests begin to explore the tunnel, to put Into the Glacier on your list of 'must exquisite views of the vast icy desert, while with a knowledgeable guide leading small do's in Iceland! -jg poor weather conditions reveal the power and groups, sharing many interesting facts about unpredictability of Icelandic weather. Iceland’s glaciers. Travellers are treated to IntoVatnshellir the Glacier Cave views of gaping crevices as they look above. Viðarhöfði 1 • 110 Reykjavík Enter the Glacier Additionally, there is a special area in the +354 578 2550 Once inside, travellers, with crampons cave, which developers named ‘the chapel’, [email protected] www.intotheglacier.is GOLD-CLASS CERTIFIED ENVIRONMENTAL TRAVEL SERVICE UMHVERFISFLOKKUN VIÐURKENND attached to their feet, get to experience with LED-lit blocks of ice supporting FERÐAÞJÓNUSTA OR 36 37 www.icelandictimes.com BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavíkwww.icelandictimes.com • +354 580 5400 • [email protected] • www.flybus.is • www.re.is To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

ANCESTORS’ KNOWLEDGE Aurora Reykjavík’s Northern Lights Centre lets you see the Lights all year HEALTHY FOOD here is perhaps nothing more magical learn something about the science behind DIRECT FROM THE EARTH and unforgettable than witnessing the this amazing phenomenon and gaze at beautyT of a Northern Lights display in one’s spectacular Northern Lights photography lifetime. It’s the dream of many who come from top Icelandic photographers. There In the old days, people still had knowledge about nature’s richness. They used what Wild Nature to Iceland, but alas, those unpredictable, is even a specially equipped ‘photo booth’ provided them: picked leaves and herbs, or searched the shores for the ocean’s supplies such as frenetic lights tend to have a mind of their where you can learn how to adjust your seaweed. The shore is a garden; you just have to know where to harvest and what to collect. own and don’t always show up on cue— camera’s settings should you want to try your and certainly not in the summer months. hand at capturing an auroral display yourself. gift shop and check out the impressive A PIONEER HAND PICKED AND HEALTHY So it is with great joy that we welcome one display of clothing, glassware, paintings Biologist Eyjólfur Friðgeirsson knows nature pretty well. The hand-picked Iceland moss is ready for use in tea, of Iceland’s most recent additions—Aurora Soothing Sights and Sounds and woollen knitwear by some of Iceland’s He is passionate about the harvesting of nature, which bread or porridge. In the old days, seaweed was Reykjavík’s Northern Lights Center, where However, Aurora Reykjavík’s real pull and most creative designers. The theme? You he sees as a food source and a treasure for delicacies. consumed in times of famine. Today we know that there the Northern Lights are always on display. ace up its sleeve is its fantastic HD time- guessed it. -emv In 2005 he started his company Íslensk hollusta, aiming is hardly a more nutrient food. By adding seaweed to lapse film of recent auroral activity. Projected at the use of natural Icelandic products in their own your daily diet, you can be sure that you are consuming A Unique Experience onto a 7 metre-wide screen, you can sit Setting the record straight taste and freshness. ingredients from unspoiled Icelandic waters. The centre is the unique creation of back and enjoy this 13 minute film that While in Iceland, you might be told that Eyjólfur is a pioneer in his field in Iceland. He was the Homemade sauces, juices and jams made from four enterprising young Icelanders who features a dazzling display of auroral activity, the outside air temperature needs to first one to revive the idea of using seaweed as a dried traditional materials are a treat. Pamper your body with recognised the need for just such a place— accompanied by relaxing music. Therapeutic be around 0°C or below in order to see snack. The country is rich in natural resources when it a rich bath salt, or treat yourself with Icelandic Herbal a kind of one-stop-shop for all things and restful are two words that come to mind the Northern Lights. The oft quoted comes to nutriment. His task was to reawaken folk Tea and Arctic Thyme Tea from Íslensk hollusta. Northern Lights. Located on the far side of to describe this zen-like experience. knowledge about how to harness these gifts of the Try the Viking Salt, produced with an ancient salt Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, the centre serves but erroneous assumption is that the earth. The idea proved to be a success, and today his production method. both educational and inspirational purposes. Northern Lights only appear at these Hot coffee and choice gifts goods can be purchased in souvenir shops around Here you can read up on the auroras through Before leaving, be sure to grab a free cup temperatures. We would just like to set the “Wild Nature knows what is best; we pick it for Iceland. Spiced Salt (a seasoned salt made according stories and legends from around the world, of coffee in the Northern Lights Center record straight that while it is true that the you, and you just have to take it home,” to his special recipe) is an excellent contribution to Northern Lights do happen to be visible says Eyjólfur. your cuisine and a perfect gift. more often when the air is cold and the sky is clear, their appearance has nothing to do with actual temperature of the air.

AuroraVatnshellir Reykjavík Cave Grandagarður 2 • 101 Reykjavík +354 780 4500 [email protected] www.aurorareykjavik.is

38 www.icelandictimes.com www.islenskhollusta.is www.icelandictimes.com BEST OF ICELAND Book of tourism, culture and history

n the old days, people still had knowledge Iabout nature’s richness. They used what moss, angelica and birch leaves into cheese your daily diet, you can be sure that you Mother Earth provided them: picked leaves making. He was also the first to create a are consuming ingredients from unspoiled and herbs, or searched the shores for the bath salt from Icelandic geothermal salt, Icelandic waters. ocean’s supplies, such as seaweed. The shore using seaweed and Mount Hekla pumice. Homemade sauces, juices and jams is a garden; you just have to know where to The country is rich in natural resources made from traditional materials are a harvest and what to collect. when it comes to nutriment. treat. Pamper your body with a rich bath His goal was to reawaken the folk salt, or treat yourself with Icelandic Herbal A Pioneer knowledge about how to harness these gifts Tea and Arctic Thyme Tea from Íslensk Biologist Eyjólfur Friðgeirsson knows of the earth. The idea proved successful, and hollusta. Try the Viking Salt, produced nature pretty well. He is passionate about today his goods can be purchased in souvenir with an ancient salt production method. the harvesting of nature, which he sees as a shops around Iceland. Northern Lights Salt The light and compact Seven Spices Gift food source and a treasure for delicacies. In gift packages, a seasoned salt made according Packet containing tea, salt and seaweed is an 2005 he started his company Íslensk hollusta to his special recipe, are available on board excellent contribution to your cuisine. (Icelandic Wholesomeness), promoting the Icelandair’s aircraft in their Saga Shop. “Mother Earth knows what is best; we use of natural Icelandic products in their pick it for you, and you just have to take it own taste and freshness, such as cheese and Hand-Picked and Healthy home,” says Eyjólfur. - DT varieties of herbal tea. Nothing is added or The hand-picked Icelandic moss is ready changed in the production of the products. for use in tea or porridge. In the old days, Íslensk hollusta Skútahraun 7 • 220 Hafnarfjörður Eyjólfur is a pioneer in his field in Iceland. seaweed was consumed in times of famine. +354 864 4755 He was the first to revive the idea of using Today we know that there is hardly a more [email protected] seaweed as a dried snack and adding Iceland nutrient-rich food. By adding seaweed to www.islenskhollusta.is

40 To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

ryggjan Brugghús is Iceland’s first on tap. The brew master, Bergur Gunnarsson, at 17:00, and the minimum age is 20. microbrewery and bistro, situated is a chemist and brewer educated in Scotland It’s a fun way for travellers to spend the in the up-and-coming Reykjavík and Hungary. Bryggjan Brugghús brews afternoon! harbor area called Grandi. The brewery various styles of beers such as Lager, IPA, Pale Bproduces and serves a variety of beers, Ale, Belgian Duppel, Session IPA and other Scrumptious menu carefully selected wines and an exciting great beers. Beers from other top selected The lunch and dinner menus offer a good menu incorporating fresh, local Icelandic breweries such as Borg, Mikkeller, Brewdog variety of local seafood, including lobster, ingredients. Locals and tourists alike love to and To Öl are served. mussels, shrimp and catfish, as well as spend time in Grandi, visiting unique shops, offering meat and vegan options, soups, cafés and strolling along the harbour before The Beer Academy salads, steaks and desserts. Some favourite heading to Bryggjan Brugghús for a freshly- Bryggjan offers an entertaining hour-long dishes are the bistro’s Icelandic lobster brewed beer and delicious meal. seminar that beer lovers will love! The feast that includes a whole lobster and tails seminar offers a tasting platter of 3 beers, with chili, garlic, parsley, potatoes and Beer fresh to the tap with up to 1.5 litres of their signature lager. garlic bread, as well as a delicious confit The bar holds 12 beer pumps that pump But, make sure you come with an appetite. de canard. For vegan customers there beer straight out of the brewery and there are The academy offers 8 slow-cooked chicken are plenty of options like a vegan club always three to five beers that that are brewed wings tossed in Bryggjan’s homemade hot sandwich, baked carrots and oven-roasted sauce, along with blue mussels cooked in cauliflower. heep came to Iceland with the Viking the designs took the form of the ‘lopapeysa’ or beer, fennel, garlic and coriander. Along Be sure to explore Grandi during your settlers and quickly proved their value, not sweater, with its distinctive scalloped pattern, with the food and beer, guests are treated next trip to Reykjavík and live like a local. only for their meat but also their wool and skins. which has become so popular worldwide, but to a knowledgeable tutor explaining Bryggjan Brugghús is open everyday S Living conditions were very basic and especially numerous young Icelandic designers have also everything about the platters. The Beer for drinks, lunch and dinner, and on tough in the cold and dark winter months. turned their attention to wool as a medium of Academy takes place, in Sundays at 20:00, the brewery hosts live Sheep helped keep the settlers alive. choice for their fashion designs, resulting in English, every day jazz music. -JG These Icelandic sheep have two types of new products, styles and colours. Bryggjan Brugghús fleece—an outer, weather and water repellent Today, there is a wide range of sweaters, Grandagarði 8, 101 Reykjavík layer and a soft, warm fleece close to the skin. gloves, hats, scarves, socks, bags and many +354 456 4040 [email protected] Combined, they have provided warm clothing other items in sizes to suit everyone from a www.bryggjanbrugghus.is for farmers and seamen, adults, children and Viking warrior (or farmer) to a pretty fashion babies for centuries. Making sweaters became model to a newborn baby. a tradition in farmhouses, cottages and houses The store is a centre, not around the country. that has made Icelandic wool so only for selling the finished special for hundreds of years. products, but also for supplying From home to market The Handknitting Assn.’s shop the wool and all the accessories The Handknitting Association of Iceland was only stocks genuine Icelandic required to make woollen items. founded in 1977 to help knitters to get their wool and clothing made by If knitting is your hobby, there handiwork marketed. A group of women professional Icelandic knitters, is a world of warm designs just formed the association, establishing standards so you can be certain you are getting the true, waiting for you. and guidelines for the production that was— well-made product. Look for the logo to be sure. Icelandic wool wears very well and it is not and still is, an important supplement to many Their motto from the outset has been, ‘Buy uncommon for people to wear sweaters many family incomes. Shortly thereafter, they opened directly from the people who make them’. years and for them to still look fresh. a shop to sell their members’ woollen goods Walking into the shop, one cannot help but Visitors can have their purchases shipped at Skólavörðustígur 19, the main shopping be amazed at the skill and productivity of these to them and they can also order from the street that descends from Hallgrímskirkja, the ladies—and some men, too, from all walks of website. That includes the patterns, wool, cathedral overlooking the city. life, living in all parts of the country. Every needles and accessories, not just the clothing. item has that sense of individual uniqueness –ASF Find the real thing that only handmade items carry. In today’s globalised society, it is increasingly The Handknitting Association of Iceland Skólavörðustígur 19 • 101 Reykjavík difficult to be sure you are getting a genuine Traditional and modern styles +354 552 1890 article, rather than one made thousands of miles The world of knitting has changed dramatically [email protected] away, with wool that lacks the characteristics since the association began. A few decades ago, www.handknit.is

42 43 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

ashionistas take note! If you’re looking reflection of Icelandic nature and have a me to advise them on their wardrobe, and something uniquely Icelandic to strong Scandinavian influence.” this is something that they value very much. addF to your wardrobe, you need to Especially for those big events in their lives, visit Iceland’s number one specialist in Avant-garde fashion, Icelandic style be it an important job interview, a wedding, Spaks women’s designer clothing. The Icelandic Materials are sourced from many or other special occasions, I am by now kind fashion house, Spaksmannsspjarir, (or countries—top quality, hand-picked of a mother figure and people know they can Fashion Spaks for short), translates roughly to fabrics are Björg’s favourites fabrics to come to me for wardrobe and fashion advice.” “Clothing for Clever People” and is the work with. Her forward leaning collections oldest fashion design label in Iceland. And never go out of style as is the case with all Tips from the Pros Design as one of the very first fashion designers in good design and many pieces from earlier Famous people who have worn items the country, with 25 years of experience collections can be mixed and matched with from Spaks? “Oh yes, there are many,” Studio under her fashionable leather belt, CEO her latest designs. Multifunctional, versatile, says Björg, as she reels them off without a and head designer Björg Ingadóttir is very beyond short lived trends, sustainable and moment’s hesitation: “Pink, Helen Mirren, intentional in her design process. slow fashion are some of the keywords that Uma Thurman, Teri Hatcher (Desperate “My creations are influenced by the are associated with Spaks. Housewives), Charlotte Kemp Muhl, (Sean modern Icelandic women as well as Lennon’s girlfriend) Björk Guðmundsdóttir Icelandic landscapes” says Björg. “The Dressing the whole woman and many singers.” -EMV colours, the textures, the way the clothing “We want a woman to look and feel her best accentuates a woman’s body to bring in our clothing, and we pride ourselves on Spaksmannsspjarir out her best features, right down to the providing a service that doesn’t exist in the +354 551 2090 sourcing of sustainable materials—all the “big box” clothing chains. I have a very loyal [email protected] www.spaks.is elements that go into my creations are a customer base who know they can count on Iceland’s #1 Designer Label for Today’s Woman

-ASF

44 45 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com swimmngpools Two hot tubs, an amazing steambath and slide and a wavepool.Good facilities for Álftaneslaug and seven hot tubs. pools as well as a smaller one indoors. swimming pool is one of the larger pools slide, steam bath, and three hot tubs, then for the kids (at heart) an 85m high high 85m an heart) (at kids the for then pool was renovated. It has three pools pools three has It renovated. was pool The years. last the in Iceland in pools pools, including a children´s pool, water water pool, a children´s including pools, handicapped people. in Iceland. In 2008 a large part of the the of part a large 2008 In Iceland. in including one with a hydro massage. Kópavogur has both outdoor and indoor S S been one of the more popular swimming generation as the indoor pool is the the is pool indoor the as generation steambaths and sauna, and two fun slides. perfect size.perfect Nice open space indentifies used for swimcompetitions of the younger Grafarvogslaugs area,Grafarvogslaugs offering hot tubs, Grafarvogslaug Borgarholtsbraut 17, Kópavogur 200 Borgarholtsbraut alalaug undlaug Kópavogs Kópavogs undlaug 550-2350 •www.sundlaug.is 550-2350 570-0480 •www.sundlaug.is 570-0480 570-0470 •www.sundlaug.is 570-0470 411 5300 •www.sundlaug.is 411 5300 Fri 06:30-20, Sat, Sun 09-18 Sun Sat, 06:30-20, Fri Versalir 3, 201 Kópavogur 201 3, Versalir Breiðumýri, 225 Álftanes Open Mon-Thu 06:30-22, 06:30-22, Mon-Thu Open Dalhús 2, 112 Reykjavík 112 2, Reykjavík Dalhús Open Mon-Fri 06:30-22, 06:30-22, Mon-Fri Open Open Mon-Fri 06:30-22, 06:30-22, Mon-Fri Open Open Mon-Fri 06:30-21, 06:30-21, Mon-Fri Open Sat, Sun 09-18 Sun Sat, Sat, Sun 08-18 Sun Sat, Sat, Sun 08-18 Sun Sat, thermal pool in consist of outdoor is often often is

has has

of the facilities. the of outdoor pool that is 25 meter long and and long meter 25 is that pool outdoor another that is 30 cm deep and 37 – 38°C –38°C 37 and deep cm 30 is that another and warm 35°C is that pool a childrens swimmingpool rightswimmingpool in midst of a ár pool for the kids. There is also a gym in in agym also is There kids. the for pool waterfalls and two slides along with an wooded area. Large swimmingpool, the same building. tubs, a waterslide, fountain and indoor the temperature is 29°C. There is also also is There 29°C. is temperature the warm. The swimming pool has 4 hot tubs. indoor babypool. Easy to get in and out out and in get to Easy babypool. indoor kiddie pools, hot tubs, steambath, Hafnarfjörður has an outdoorpool, hot suðurb Seltjarnarneslaug on, and then there is a gym close by. close agym is there then and on, are Zumba and other fun going activites area with two hot tubs. Sometimes there short distanceshort from Reykjavík, surrounded Suðurströnd 8, 170 Seltjarnarnes 8, Suðurströnd by nature. Small comfortable swimming nature. by Klé Hringbraut 77, 220 Hafnarfjörður 77, 220 Hringbraut 565-3080 •www.sundlaug.is 565-3080 517 0608 517 530-2200 •www.sundlaug.is 530-2200 110 9, Reykjavík Fylkisvegur 566-6879 •www.sundlaug.is 566-6879 b Open Mon-Tue 06:30-22, 06:30-22, Mon-Tue Open æjarlaug b Open Mon-Fri 06:30-21, 06:30-21, Mon-Fri Open Open Mon-Fri 06:30-21, 06:30-21, Mon-Fri Open Kléberg, 116 Reykjavík 116 Reykjavík Kléberg, Sat 08-18, Sun 08-17 Sun 08-18, Sat ergslaug ergslaug Open Mon-Fri 15-22, 15-22, Mon-Fri Open Sat, Sun 09-19:30 Sun Sat, Sat, Sun 09-18 Sun Sat, Sat, Sun 11-15 Sun Sat, æjarlau

•www.sundlaug.is is a beautiful abeautiful is G is located in a a in located is

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This beautiful historic indoor pool is the the is pool indoor historic beautiful This outdoor thermal pool, also with two “hot contains a sauna and outdoor hot pots. hot outdoor and asauna contains oldest in the region. The also facility area. pots”, sauna, childrens’ pool and play play and pool childrens’ sauna, pots”, V S children. sized pool, kiddie pool/play area, hot hot area, pool/play kiddie pool, sized slides, that anyone should try. Great pool, mostly used for teaching school tubs, one with massage and a cold one (4-5°C) for the brave. Then an indoor indoor an Then brave. the for (4-5°C) 25 meter pool outside, children’s pool, pool, children’s outside, pool meter 25 steambath, and a cozy café. acozy and steambath, slide, sauna, a gym (600 m²), solarium, Lá Ásvallalaug m²) withm²) four jacuzzis, 50 meter pool, thermal pool in Iceland (about 6.000 arm undhöll H Lækjarhlíð 1a, 270 Mosfellsbæ 270 1a, Lækjarhlíð Open Mon-Fri 06:30-8 / 15-21 / 15-21 06:30-8 Mon-Fri Open 555-0088 •www.sundlaug.is 555-0088 566-6754 •www.sundlaug.is 566-6754 517-6080 •www.sundlaug.is 517-6080 Ásvellir 2, 221 Hafnarfjörður 221 2, Ásvellir 511-5353 •www.sundlaug.is 511-5353 gafellslaug gafellslaug Open Mon-Fri 06:30-21:30, 06:30-21:30, Mon-Fri Open Skólabraut, Skólabraut, Mosfellsbær Open Mon-Fri 06:30-21, 06:30-21, Mon-Fri Open Open Mon-Fri 06:30-21, 06:30-21, Mon-Fri Open Closed on weekends on Closed Sat 09-17, Sun 09-16 Sun 09-17, Sat árlaug Herjólfsgata 10, 220 220 10, Herjólfsgata Sat 08-18, Sun 08-17 Sun 08-18, Sat Sat, Sun 08-19 Sun Sat, Hafnarfjörður afnarfjarðar in Mosfellsbær is an is the biggest has awesome

and men. Steambath and sauna for both women women both for sauna and Steambath popular. very is that children for pool pool. Indoors there is an additional with three really fun slides, hot tubs, kiddie hot pool and a great swimming Breiðholtslaug activites foractivites the children. The slide is as a cafeteria for after. Steambaths and sauna available as well very popular for any age, as are the the are as age, any for popular very the most popular pools with various hot tubs, cold tub and the seawater tub. tub. seawater the and tub cold tubs, hot The pool has an outdoor pool and children’s pool, waterslide, four hot tubs, centre.city and friendly neighbourhood pool, L a new outdoor pool area area pool outdoor a new steam bath, sauna and gym. and sauna bath, steam Vestur b reopened after renovations that include located within walking distance of the Iceland. It opened in 1937 and is located located is and 1937 in opened It Iceland. in the center of Reykjavik It recently recently It Reykjavik of center the in Reykjavik is the oldest public bath in S Fri 06:30-20 Sat 08-16 Sun 10-18 Sun 08-16 Sat 06:30-20 Fri Sundlaugavegur 30, 105 Reykjavík Reykjavík 105 30, Sundlaugavegur augardalslaug augardalslaug undhöll R 557-5547 •www.sundlaug.is 557-5547 Austurberg 3, 111 Reykjavík 111 3, Reykjavík Austurberg Fri 06:30-20, Sat, Sun 09-18 Sun Sat, 06:30-20, Fri 411 •www.sundlaug.is 5100 411-5350 •www.sundlaug.is 411-5350 Barónsstígur 45a, Reykjavík Reykjavík 45a, Barónsstígur 411-5150 •www.sundlaug.is 411-5150 Fri 06:30-20, Sat, Sun 09-18 Sun Sat, 06:30-20, Fri Open Mon-Thu 06:30-22, 06:30-22, Mon-Thu Open Hofsvallagötu, Reykjavík Open Mon-Thu 06:30-22, 06:30-22, Mon-Thu Open Open Mon-Thu 06:30-22, 06:30-22, Mon-Thu Open Open Mon-Fri 06:30-22, 06:30-22, Mon-Fri Open Sat, Sun 08-22 Sun Sat, æjarlaug e yk is a cozy pool pool acozy is javí is one of of one is is a small ur kur

greatest lobster soup” has really become a cornerseat. culinary waters but a trip around the world. world. the around atrip but waters culinary a on you take to designed It’s characteristics. and his grill, today the Seabaron is widely and fun are the Fish Company’s main seafood journey and not only of the lcelandic lcelandic the of only not and journey seafood fish to “Moby Dick on a stick!” Make sure sure Make stick!” on a Dick “Moby to fish to visit, but look out for the ghost in the the in ghost the for out look but visit, to sea legend. Originally just operated by one man known for amazing food, all from fermented FISH Sun 17:30-23:30 Sun 17:30-22:30 Sun 17:30-23:30 Sun 553-1500 •www.saegreifinn.is 553-1500 552-5300 •www.fiskfelagid.is 552-5300 Open Mon-Thu 11:30-14:30/17:30- Mon-Thu Open Fri 13:30-14:30,17:30-23:30 13:30-14:30,17:30-23:30 Fri Vesturgata 2a, Reykjavík Reykjavík 2a, Vesturgata b Geirsgata 4a, Reykjavík Reykjavík 4a, Geirsgata COMPAN Open daily 11:30 -22 daily Open aron aron 22:30 known for “the world’s world’s “the for known Y Quality, fusion

cuisine combined with unique architecture fine appreciate who people for choice ground nut stew... and make sure to save save to sure make and stew... nut ground offering diverse menu of vegetarian tasty and elegance. and vegan dishes. The soups are amazing, room for desert! variety ofvariety dishes, such as spinach lasagna, where exquisite of selection Icelandic ingredients blends beautifully with the Reykjavík’s newest fine restaurants best of Mediterranean cuisine. An ideal both gluteinfree and vegan, but there is a a is there but vegan, and gluteinfree both k K Harpa, Austurbakki 2, Reykjavík 2, Austurbakki Harpa, OLA 519-9700 •www.kolabrautin.is 519-9700 affi garðurinn garðurinn affi Hafnarstræti 1-3, Reykjavík Reykjavík 1-3, Hafnarstræti Open daily 17:30-22:30 daily Open Open daily 11:30-11:30 daily Open 561-1313 •www.uno.is B RAUTIN is of one of of one of is is a small cafe cafe asmall is

joe & the juice juice & the joe energy shots or get a double shot of coffee coffee of shot adouble get or shots energy a variety of sandwiches. Check out the the out Check sandwiches. of a variety Airport, Laugavegur and otherAirport, places. go with. Sausage bar is a favourite, with with afavourite, is bar Sausage with. go to food selected carefully with beer of without extra charge! Operating from Kef Kef from Operating charge! extra without served in brioche bread, with innovative innovative with bread, brioche in served freshly pressed smoothies and juices, and popular - just make sure to stop by! stop to sure make -just popular 431-4058 • www.joeandthejuice.is 431-4058 juice bar with great espresso drinks, toppings. Slow cooked beef ribs are are ribs beef cooked Slow toppings. handmade Grillowa cheese sausages, b 531-9030 • www.bjorgardurinn.is 531-9030 jórgarðurinn Laugavegur 10, Reykjavík Reykjavík 10, Laugavegur Þórunnartún ,Þórunnartún Reykjavík Open daily 08-21 daily Open Open daily 16-24 daily Open is a coffeeshop/ offers variety

established tradition of Paris bistros, serving tradition ofestablished Paris bistros, serving each customer. other sensitivites are noted and the chefs are au vin. Also there are Foundue and Raclette Raclette and Foundue are there Also vin. au seafood to vegetarian with sauces ranging rom delicate to hearty. Gluten allergy and and allergy Gluten hearty. to delicate rom spiced dishes;perfectly chicken, lamb and Breakfast, brunch, lunchBreakfast, or dinner...! andFeasts, mouth watering deserts. lamb boeuf ragout, bourguignon and coq hearty home-style dishes of casseroles; home-style hearty happy to prepare any dish to perfection for for perfection to dish any prepare to happy nepalese k le b le 517-7795 •www.nepalesekitchen.is 517-7795 Open Mon-Fri 11:30-14:30/17-23 Mon-Fri Open 551-5979 •www.lebistro.is 551-5979 Laugavegur 60, Reykjavík Reykjavík 60, Laugavegur Laugavegur 12, Reykjavík 12, Laugavegur istro istro Open daily 09-23 daily Open Sat, Sun 17-23 Sun Sat, takes its cues from the long- the from cues its takes itchen serves serves

k drin & food To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

Your safety on

Icelandicgood driver recognizes his NO OFFROAD DRIVING roadsLIGHTS ON ALL HOURS SINGLE–LANE inability and inexperience. It is illegal to drive off-road in Iceland. The OF THE DAY BRIDGES The best and bravest drivers reason is nature's fragility. Sand deserts that Be sure to turn the driving lights on. There are many are those who stop or go back seems to be lifeless, are not if you look closer. You are required by law to turn on your single-lane bridges Abefore they drive into dangerous situation Be sure to stay on a recognized road or a headlights and rear lights all year, all on the Ring or conditions that they are unfamiliar trail. If the trail is not marked on a map – hours of the day. This makes your car Road. This sign BLIND HILLS with. In some cases it may be wiser to use don’t go there. more visible and increases your safety. shows that you Blind hills, where lanes are not public transport or serviced tours. are approaching a separate, can be very dangerous, BLIND CURVES Following are some points to bear ARE YOU CAUSING DANGER? WEATHER AND ROAD single-lane bridge. Slow down and bear in and should be approached with utmost There are many blind curves in Iceland in mind when driving in Iceland. Even Don’t stop or park the vehicle on the road CONDITIONS mind that the actual rule is that the car caution. Keep the vehicle as far right that test a driver’s skill and attention. though you think you are a good unless in a case of emergency. There is no Foreign travellers requiring information closer to the bridge has the right-of-way. as possible. driver, which you probably are, we photo or sight worth the danger of stopping on weather, road and driving conditions highly recommend that you visit www. on the road. Not even if there is little traffic. should visit the the Icelandic Road and LIVESTOCK GRAVEL ROADS CLOSED MEANS IT’S CLOSED drive.is or www.safetravel.is for further Coastal Administration English website at ON THE ROAD Rural roads, where a Closed roads are CLOSED for a reason, information. Among other things we ALCOHOL & DRUGS www.road.is or call 1777. When driving Sheep, horses and paved road suddenly usually because of impassable snow highly recommend that you take a look Under NO circumstances, is it permitted to in winter, roads can get very icy and your even cows can be changes to gravel, are on the road or other risks. If you pass a at the animated video with the famous drive while under the influence of alcohol or tyre grip gets vastly compromised. Please in your path on common accident "Closed" (“Lokað” in Icelandic) sign you Icelandic elf – Elfis – who is a specialist in narcotic substances. drive in accordance with the road surface Icelandic roads. sites. This sign will most likely run into trouble which road safety. However, following are the and your own ability and experience. Sometimes a sheep indicates that you could endanger, not only you, but also most important things to bear in mind: SPEED is on one side of are approaching such those who have to come for your rescue. The speed limit in populated areas is usually YOU STILL NEED TO the road and her lambs on the other side. situations. It is very important that drivers It can be costly in terms of time FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS 50 km/h. Speed limit signs are usually not REST AND SLEEP Under these conditions, which are common, reduce speed before the changeover to gravel. and money. It is mandatory by law to have a safety belt posted unless it is other than 50 km/h, for In the summer you will get up to 24 hour it is a good rule to expect the lambs or the When driving on gravel roads, which are on - both passengers and drivers. If one or example 30 km/h. The main rule in rural daylight. Please make sure you get enough sheep to run to the other side. often quite narrow, it is important to show more is not using safety belt, it may harm areas is that gravel roads have a speed limit sleep and rest as your body might be getting caution in turns and when a car coming This article is based on information from the Icelandic others in the car if an accident occurs. of 80 km/h, and paved roads 90 km/h. mixed signals as to whether it's tired. from the opposite direction approaches. Transport Authority (ICETRA), www.drive.is 48 49 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018 We Specialise In Your Adventure

Take an adventurous Iceland 4x4 Car Rental trip into Mother Nature's back yard on our specially We take pride in flexible and personal service equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee

celand 4x4 Car Rental specialises in four- like to breathe fresh, clean air for a change? highlands and being able to stop and enjoy wheel drive vehicles intended for safe and Let your ears expand in the silence? Let your whatever it is that catches your eye. comfortableI travels in Iceland. Their fleet eyes stretch to the horizons amid the rich ranges from medium sized 4WD hatchbacks colours and textures of nature and drink the Their mission to 4WD jeeps and light pickup trucks that purest of waters, straight from its source in It is the mission of Iceland 4x4 Car Rental are especially adapted for Icelandic road the mountains? to provide their customers with great cars, conditions all year round. In addition, they How about bathing in a naturally-heated exceptional service and rental rates, and a lasting offer specially equipped vehicles for travelling pool surrounded by real flowers–and be your impression of our amazing Icelandic nature. deep into Iceland’s Interior highlands (see their own master? Their friendly, knowledgeable and Special Offer Car). Iceland 4x4 Car Rental is a professional staff will help educate and inspire local brand and they take pride in flexible and Iceland 4x4 Self-drive their customers to have wonderful travels in personal service, as well as competitive prices. Taking a bus ride into the wilderness of Iceland is our amazing country. always fun but what they provide is the incredible feeling of being free and in total control of your Iceland 4x4 Car Rental Adventurous times Grænásvegur 10, 230 Reykjanesbær Break Out From the Crowds and the Polluted, own vacation. Renting a car with Iceland 4x4 Car +354 535 6060 Paved Cities. Take an adventurous trip into Rental gives you the real opportunity to explore [email protected] Mother Nature’s back yard. Wouldn’t you the deep interior of the untouched Icelandic www.iceland4x4carrental.com/ 50 www.icelandictimes.com Reykjanes To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

The last musician to play there was an interest in the geosciences will have a Mugison, a popular singer from Ísafjörður, wealth of opportunities to explore ancient and they have other local legends lined up lava fields, bubbling mud pools, steam vents, for Seaman’s Sunday, which is celebrated craters, volcanic fissures, not to mention the in style in Grindavík. It is a small venue, The Town of amazing variety of sea birds that populate n the fishing town of Grindavík, a the mood, as the menu offers a little bit so any concert there is an intimate affair, the nearby cliffs. dark brown, cabin-style house hosts of everything. one that musicians often enjoy as much as Ithe Fish House Bar & Grill. In front of There are barrels under the bar, and the guests. Home base Grindavík the restaurant there are the remains of a with the dark brown wood, this could Grindavík is located on the Reykjanes It goes without saying that Grindavík whale’s skull that washed up on shore easily be the setting to an American peninsula, close to both Keflavik Airport Over the hills and not far away offers visitors a variety of options for many years ago. The logo is a fish skeleton Western film. However, some of the and the Blue Lagoon so it is easy to accommodation—from modern camping and a colourful plaque is adorned with the tables are surrounded by aquariums and include a stop at Fish House Bar & Grill GrindavíkHiding in plain sight one capacity or another. The large fishing facilities, to cosy guesthouses and quiet poem “Eat fish and live long. Eat fish and the fish-skin art on the benches serves in your schedule, either when you land If you love exploring new places and harbour is second only to Reykjavík. Here hotels. For eating out, there is something love strong”. as a firm reminder that, indeed, you are or after you bathe in the Blue Lagoon. especially those little advertised spots that visitors can witness the fish being landed on to suit every budget—from food trucks Their most popular dish is fish and in Iceland, a country where fishing and Whether you’re in the mood for fish & you had no idea even existed, the fishing the docks and sample fresh fish dishes served and fast food joints to high-end fine dining chips. They have gained a reputation tourism are the primary sectors of the chips, or a dinner date with live music; town of Grindavík is for you. Located just up by the many fine restaurants that take full establishments. The local supermarket is on Trip Advisor for having incredibly economy. Fish House Bar & Grill has it all. -JG 20 minutes from Keflavik International advantage of their proximity to the ocean. well stocked with everything you’ll need fresh fish. This makes perfect sense since As is often the case in small towns, Airport and 40 minutes from downtown for doing a spot of home cooking. Relax in they are only 100 metres away from the this restaurant doubles as a bar, and as a Fish HouseVatnshellir Bar & GrillCave Reykjavík, the village lies just beyond the the town’s geothermal pool, send postcards Hafnargata 6 - 240 Grindavík Reykjanes UNESCO harbour, even offering guided walks music venue. They have live concerts on +354 426-9999 mountains that serve as a backdrop to the Global Geopark home from the local post office or visit the there for guests who want to meet the Thursdays in summer, which have been [email protected] Blue Lagoon. Who knew? Drive past the Besides the obvious advantage of having Icelandic Saltfish Museum and learn all www.fishhouse.is fishermen or look at the fishing boats. well attended by both locals and tourists. lagoon; between the mountains and in the Blue Lagoon right on it’s doorstep, about Grindavik’s illustrious past. This proximity to the harbour makes it just 5 minutes or less, you have arrived in Grindavík is also perfectly situated All in all, Grindavík makes for an very easy for them to fetch more fresh fish Grindavík! for those who come to the Reykjanes attractive and convenient home away if they need to—as was the case recently, Peninsula to witness the geothermal and from home while exploring the Reykjanes when their pan-fried arctic char became The Blue Lagoon’s Home Town volcanic activity that the area is known for. Peninsula. -EMV the most ordered dish of the day. Despite its small town feel, Grindavík boasts Designated a UNESCO Global Geopark Grindavík Customers often ask if they offer a relatively large population of just over in 2015, the peninsula is home to many Vikurbraut 62 anything else, aside from fish, and the 3000 inhabitants, many of whom can be important geological formations, many of 240 Grindavík [email protected] owner points out that it is also a steakhouse found working in the fishing industry in which can be found nowhere else in the www.visitgrindavik.is and everyone should remember that steak world. With 55 geosites to visit, those with is indeed on the menu. They also offer a variety of hamburgers, lamb chops and langoustine. One can choose the food by

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try the silica supplement from geoSilica. One bottle lasted me for one month and after about 2 weeks I was starting geoSilica to see a significant difference in skin, Local Supplement hair and nails. I decided to take another good session and bought bottles for two Promotes Health months and the results were outstanding!” n most countries, the opportunity to A geological hotspot, the area offers such The local company combines a healthy, youthful appearance. There Meanwhile, Anna Guðmundsdóttir experience life in a fishing town has all a wide array of other tours, sights and minerals with pure Icelandic water, are reports that silica could boost your shared: “I broke my hip badly 10 months butI disappeared. Not so in Iceland, where experiences that one holiday is not enough. which has many health benefits. immune system, help maintain bone ago and also broke both of my wrists 2 Grindavík is one of the busiest. Situated Guesthouse Borg is an ideal place to health, balance hormones and stimulate years ago. I’ve been taking your Silica a few kilometres from the world-famous stay, meet interesting people and enjoy eoSilica is an Iceland-based company metabolism. Silica can also improve joint Supplement now for eight months and Blue Lagoon, 20 minutes from Keflavík’s the facilities and fun the town offers. that utilises natural raw materials function, promote healthy digestion, and after 2-3 months, I found immediately a International airport and 40 minutes It caters for individuals, couples, families You’ll find a full kitchen where you can cook found in Iceland to produce high-quality help keep your heart healthy. large difference in me and now I hardly G from the capital, the town is packed with and groups of up to 16 people in a clean, your own meals, a laundry and a computer health products. The company, which feel that I have ever broken anything.” history going back as far as the first settlers. modestly-priced homestay accommodation. to go online. Breakfasts are provided on a started as a university spin-off project geoSilica’s products are available for New Products self-service basis. that went from R&D to product in just geoSilica has developed three new products. purchase on their webshop at www.geosilica. Owners Björk and Magnús make this a three years, focuses on creating products geoSilica Recover is a combination of is and in shops around Iceland. -JG comfortable home from which to launch incorporating Iceland’s geothermal water. minerals for oral intake made from 100% out to explore the area. -asf The company’s first product is a highly natural colloidal silica and magnesium geoSilica Iceland pure silica supplement in the form of citrate in pure Icelandic water for muscles Grænásbraut 506, Guesthouse Borg 235 Reykjanesbær extremely small silica particles in clean and nerves. geoSilica Renew combines Borgarhrauni 2 • 240 Grindavík +354 571 3477 ground water. geoSilica developed a silica, zinc and copper in pure Icelandic [email protected] +354 895 8686 www.geosilica.is www.guesthouseborg.com unique two-step production process. First, water for hair, skin & nails, and geoSilica [email protected] the silica concentration in the separated Repair consists of silica and manganese to geothermal water is increased without promote bone and ligament health. changing the chemical composition of the water. In the second step, the geothermal Well-received by the Icelandic market water is gradually replaced by clean geoSilica has received positive feedback ground water from the area while keeping on their products. Here are two feedback the silica concentration consistent. No samples of the many that geoSilica chemicals of any kind are used in the received about their products: production or the product. “A few months after I had my younger daughter in November 2014, I began Benefits to the body to suffer from hair loss,” said Ásdís Silica supplements have clear benefits Geirsdóttir. “Along with that, I have very for the body. GeoSilica could help bad skin and nails. I was then advised to improve skin, hair and nails to garner It’s in the evenings and on weekends

Images © Gabriel Rutenberg that things really take off, though. It’s a small place, but packed with character. A piano in the corner is often pressed into use, making it a fun and inspiring evening. Whether you are a local or just visiting, you’ll feel at home. Bryggjan is open from 8am-11pm on alk down to Grindavík’s harbour and finding it, it is quickly becoming the café weekdays and from 9am-midnight or so you may see the nets. Then you’ll of choice in the area. Little wonder, as the -if there is a lot of action, on weekends. Wknow you’re there. Bryggjan’s main work help and friendliness of the owners is only Bryggjan can also be found on Facebook is repairing fishing nets and lines—nets matched by the delicious food they offer. by the name of “Bryggjan Kaffihús”. that would completely cover the nearby My suggestion: don’t leave without having a -asf mountain and lines that would stretch way bowl of their soup. It’s really good. beyond Reykjavik, over 50km away! While I was there, one of the owners Bryggjan Miðgarði 2 • 240 Grindavík This is a fishing town and the café is a was spending time with visiting tourists, +354 426 7100 fishermen’s café—though, with the growing explaining the area and showing them on [email protected] number of visitors from all over the world a map the best places to visit. www.kaffibryggjan.is

56 57 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018 Park Inn by Radisson Keflavik Airport Treat yourself well while in Iceland

Start your day off right free wireless high-speed internet. Standard The Park Inn by Radisson Keflavik rooms are a generous 24m2 and come with Airport is a comfortable 4-star hotel in the bath amenities, coffee and tea provisions, town of Keflavík, located just minutes from fridge, shower, TV/radio, and free wireless Keflavik International Airport. Whether high-speed internet. you have just arrived or are scheduled for an early morning flight, you can be assured of a The Library Bistro & Bar good night’s sleep and to wake up refreshed Without a doubt, Park Inn Keflavik’s and ready for your day ahead. With a total newly refurbished restaurant, ‘The Library of 81 rooms spread out over three floors, the Bistro & Bar’ has to be one of the smartest hotel offers spacious rooms, comfortable restaurants in Iceland. Trendy décor by beds and a relaxing, modern décor. the Italian company Dialma Brown puts the restaurant squarely on the map as hip, Which room will you choose, go-to eating establishment. The bistro’s Standard, Superior or Junior Suite? extensive menu with reasonably priced Ideal for longer stays, the Junior Suite is options is a nice change from the more a beautifully appointed 51m2 space with expensive Reykjavík. Here, you can be unique touches by well-known Icelandic sure of getting flavourful and imaginative designers, top quality bed and bath, creation langoustine soup with mussels, lustrous hardwood floors, and a colour scallops, coconut milk and a touch of star scheme of sophisticated grey with splashes anise takes this traditional Icelandic starter of colour that make the Junior Suite an up a notch, to be sure. Hamburgers with a excellent choice for those looking for a twist on the usual, as well as a sophisticated touch of luxury. Amenities include luxury bar and drinks menu are all treats to be shower with upgraded bath products, tried. Lastly, the chefs at the Library are terry bathrobes and slippers, a dining decidedly in the running when it comes and sitting area, fridge, espresso machine, to dessert, delivering a sugar sensation to queen size bed, television, telephone, safe set your taste buds awhirl. Trust me on and free wireless high-speed internet. this one! -EMV Each of Park Inn Keflavik’s 30m2 Superior Park Inn byVatnshellir Radisson Cave rooms boast a sitting area and luxury shower Keflavik Airport complete with upgraded bath amenities, Hafnargata 57 • 230 Keflavik +354 421-5222 terry bathrobes and slippers, coffee/ tea [email protected] provisions, 26-inch TV, telephone, safe and www.parkinn.com/airport-hotel-keflavik 58 59 www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

Keflavik International irport is rowing AIsavia’s plans meet increasing tourism G needs ! eflavik International Airport, or KEF, is one of the fastest growing in Europe and has seen 28.6% annual Kexpansion since 2013. During the summer months, Isavia, which oversees Keflavik International Airport, reports that 25 airlines are flying to more than 80 destinations. Iceland is clearly having a moment; tourism is booming and travellers can’t get enough of the island’s natural wonders.

Increase in flights Flight numbers have grown very quickly. Donuts, as well as Ginger, which serves plenty of time to enjoy the shopping area. more, with prices almost 20% cheaper There has been a 260% increase since healthy food options. Before collecting their Travellers are welcome to sign back into than traditional downtown retail prices. 2009, a challenge for all staff. There are baggage, travellers can also visit the Duty the free wifi and enjoy the many shops, The shops are both Duty Free and Tax hard working and positive staff members Free shop, which is located in the same area where souvenirs and gifts to take home to Free for all passengers regardless of what working for Isavia and the other companies as baggage claim. Everything from perfume family and friends can be bought. passport they hold or which country providing services at the airport. It can be and candy to alcohol and skincare products they’re are flying to, or from. The shops very demanding to maintain a high level are available, all tax- and duty-free. Shopping at KEF are also open day and night. That’s a nice of passenger satisfaction at a time of very Keep in mind that KEF is one of the touch from the Vikings! rapid growth over several years. However, When arriving at KEF numerous eateries at KEF and, after passing When Departing from KEF few airports in the world where all -JG it can be seen from the Airport Council Apart from its expansion, there are several through immigration, travellers can get Travellers are advised to arrive 2.5 hours retail, food and beverage outlets are duty International’s Airport Service Quality conveniences to enjoy at KEF. For instance, something to eat before going on their way before departure. If travelling with Icelandair, free for all passengers. You can find all Isavia surveys, that the airport staff work hard to travellers can sign into free wifi to let know and exploring Iceland’s natural wonders. For WOW Air, Norwegian or Primera Air, the major Icelandic designers and high end Reykjavíkurflugvelli +354 424 4400 keep the very highest level of service, even friends and family that they have arrived instance, the airport is home to international simple self check-in counters and bag international brands like Hugo Boss, Max www.isavia.is under a lot of pressure. safely and to catch up on news. There are chains like Joe and the Juice and Dunkin drops can be used. There should also be Mara, Gucci, Chrome Hearts and many 60 61 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

Duty Free Iceland is tax- and duty-free in the media. Supercall and The Spirit and is conveniently open day and night. Business named the vodka both ‘Top trends Shopping is available to arriving and to look for in 2017’ and ‘One of the best departing passengers, regardless of origin or newcomers in vodka 2016’. The Icelandic destination, and it carries all the common Mountain Vodka is distilled seven times international brands and items, plus a so it feels extra smooth while still standing growing range of unique Icelandic products. strong at a 40% alcohol level. Keflavik Vor premium gin from Eimverk Unique Icelandic spirits distillery is made with organic barley There is always a great selection of Icelandic and is bursting with the flavours of the duty-free wines and spirits in store, featuring Icelandic countryside. Also from the local favourites like Brennivín, a clear, Eimverk Distillery is Flóki, a handcrafted Duty Free unsweetened schnapps that is considered single malt. Its special taste comes from The award winning Reyka and Katla Duty Free Iceland provides s tourism to Iceland continues to be Iceland’s signature distilled beverage. barley grown organically in volcanic soil vodkas are available as well as the tasty to grow, it has fuelled demand Icelandic Mountain Vodka is a year-old at the Arctic Circle. Reykjavik Distillery Birkir schnapps and Bjork liqueur, which a great shop window on for quality Icelandic products. product that started its adventure in the incorporates local Icelandic ingredients are smooth and uniquely Icelandic. For almost everything Icelandic Happily for travellers, Duty Duty Free shop in Keflavik. The gluten free into spirits perfectly. Their rhubarb and those interested in shots, Tópas and Opal from sweet treats to unique AFree Iceland provides a great shop brand, which is made with pure Icelandic juniper berry liqueurs capture the freshness Vodka shots are not to be missed. And window on almost everything Icelandic water, has grown over the past few months and purity of Icelandic nature and offer a don’t forget about the beer—Duty Free spirits to natural skincare from sweet treats to unique beers, wines and can now be found in eight different new way to enjoy a distinct and much- carries brands such as Viking, Boli and the products and spirits to natural skincare products. countries and has received fantastic reviews loved flavour in a cocktail or on its own. award-winning Egils Gull.

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premium organic beans from a range of resulted in a new concept that is marketed cocoa fields around the world and tailors here as BIOEFFECT® skin care (serum and its chocolate-making process to ensure that day cream). It nourishes and replenishes each variety of chocolate achieves its full skin cells, bringing a youthful glow to even potential. The only additions to the mix are the most stressed or sensitive skin, without raw cane sugar and, in the milk chocolate harmful chemical compounds. range, creamy Icelandic milk. Its design The scientists at Bioeffect won a Nobel conscious packaging makes this the ideal Prize for their work, and their company gift to bring home. offers a range of revolutionary biotech Another name to check out is Haflidi skin care products, including the recently Duty Free Iceland also carries a large Ragnarsson, one of the world’s top 100 introduced EFG Day Serum which selection of other beers, which have also chocolatiers and something of a purist in rejuvenates the skin and minimizes the earned many international awards. A wide terms of the mighty cocoa bean. He works appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. range of flavours is on offer, from numerous his magic to combine classic blends with A number of other companies use local No discrimination smaller breweries, as well as larger companies. more exotic flavours of pistachio, passion Icelandic ingredients as well. The shops are both duty free and tax free for fruit, star anise and even Earl Grey tea. Sóley Organic, for example, uses all passengers regardless of what passport Sweet Iceland Freyja and Stefan B Chocolatier are hand-picked wild Icelandic herbs in their you may hold or which country you are Confectionery is a big thing in Iceland, and among other popular brands that offer environmentally-friendly and preservative- flying to or from and are open day and night, when it comes to chocolate, the Icelandic sweets and liquorice that would guarantee free products. which is a nice touch from the Vikings! brand Noi Sirius is one to look for. The you a warm reception back home—if only Taramar uses Icelandic seaweed and Whether you’re starting your holiday, company, established in 1920, is the largest you can resist temptation during your flight! organic herbs in its pure, safe skincare stopping over, or concluding your trip, Duty confectionery manufacturer in Iceland. products. Free Iceland will give you lasting warm It produces a tasty line of chocolates, Quality Skincare Products Villimey specialises in biological salves memories of the Land of Fire and Ice. encompassing semi-sweet, bitter and milk Icelandic herbal oils and cosmetics sit next to and ointments made of Icelandic herbs in -JG chocolate in a variety of shapes and sizes, international brands, offering health-giving products such as anti-aging facial oils, lip Duty Free Iceland benefits from the country’s mountains, balms and muscle and joint creams. including the company’s well-known 235 Keflavik Airport chocolate gift boxes. pristine valleys and hot springs. A recent The Purity Herbs brand produces natural +354 425 0410 Omnom is another local chocolate maker scientific breakthrough in Iceland, based skin care products including joint relief oils [email protected] www.dutyfree.is that is quite special. The company sources on 10 years of biotechnology research, has and volcanic body scrubs. 64 65 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com west Iceland

There’s much more to West Iceland than the of adventure. Tours bring history to life as museums spectacular Snæfellsjökull, made famous by Jules and historical sites abound. Verne, gleaming white in the sunshine. The beauty For the outdoor enthusiasts, there is enough to and variety of Icelandic nature is everywhere. keep them busy all summer long. Horse riding tours Magnificent views overlooking mountains and are popular, as are hiking, fishing and golf. At the end glaciers, fertile regions, colourful birdlife, abundant of an active day, there are plenty of swimming pools rivers and lakes, fjords and bays, along with gushing and hot pots to relax in. Accommodation covers the geothermal activity. complete range from sleeping bag to hotel. But West Iceland is more than magnificent nature. The mystical Breiðafjörður bay, with its countless Land and history form an unbroken whole as the islands is home to all kinds of sea life and tours out setting for sagas like Sturlunga, Egil’s Saga, Eyrbyggja into the bay will visit islands covered in birds, with and Laxdaela, not to mention the rich folklore and tales some tours offering sea fishing. To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

in 1970. He worked at the University of næfellsnes is considered the jewel the West Indies from 1970, conducting of the west coast, in part, because research on Caribbean volcanoes. He the region has a taste of everything served as professor of volcanology at Icelandic. If you’re looking for the University of Rhode Island for 40 Smountains, they’re there. If you want to years. His research has been principally attempt a glacier walk, Snæfellsnesjökull in volcanology, both on land and on the awaits. If you’re interested in volcanoes, ocean floor. He has worked in Indonesia, Eldfjallasafn Volcano Museum in Italy, West Indies, USA, West Africa, Stykkishólmur is the place to visit. The Greece, South and Central America and museum showcases works of art, old and new, are given daily in the museum in English Passionate curator elsewhere, but Iceland remains firmly which depict volcanic eruptions, as well as of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and also Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 that produced and Icelandic about volcanoes and their The world-renowned volcanologisthis home where the Volcano Museum is artefacts, and volcanic rocks. The museum because it sits over a geological hot spot. an enormous ash cloud. effects, as well as information on geology for Haraldur Sigurðsson created the Volcano close to his heart. - JG focuses on volcanoes around the world. The island has 30 active volcanic systems, people with little or no previous knowledge Museum to share the wealth of knowledge of which 13 have erupted since the of volcanoes. For visitors who would like he has accrued. Haraldur was born in Riveting museum Volcano Museum Stykkishólmur Volcanic hot spot settlement of Iceland in 874 AD. The Diverse aspects of volcanoes are presented an in-depth tour of the geology behind Stykkishólmur in 1939, completed a Aðalgata 6 • 340 Stykkishólmur Iceland has a high concentration of most recent eruptions occurred in 2014 at the Volcano Museum, from the science, volcanoes, the museum offers geology BSc degree at Queens University in +354 433 8154 [email protected] active volcanoes due to its location on at Holuhraun near the Bárðarbunga geology and their environmental effects to excursions that visit a number of dramatic Belfast in 1965, and received his PhD www.eldfjallasafn.is the divergent tectonic plate boundary system and the eruption under how they appear in art and literature. Talks locations along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. from Durham University in England 68 69 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com Warm Country-Style Getaway Hótel Búðir is extremely cosy and comfortable, but for the house stylists, every single item is arranged meticulously with motherly care. The result is a country-style haven, filled with warmth and suited to make anyone feel at home. There are sitting areas with fire places on each floor, where travellers can mingle and exchange their stories after an eventful day — or simply kick back and relax. The rooms are comfy and spacious, equipped with private bathrooms and make for perfect love nests for couples celebrating their love in an unforgettable way. The rooms feature an awe-inspiring view of the gorgeous surroundings and deluxe rooms are situated at the corners Hótel Búðir: and hence have two-way views of the area, and a slightly larger area for relaxation. The popular loft rooms have slightly sloping ceilings which provides a feeling of intimacy and you will feel tucked in This Snæfellsnes Hotel Boasts One of the Most Romantic Settings on the Island like a bird in a nest. The entire hotel has Love Is in the Air Wi-Fi and all the rooms are equipped with traditional modern comforts. he Snæfellsnes Peninsula is considered staff, who are experienced in handling The house that hosts the hotel is jams, fine cheeses, and quality ham, fresh the jewel of the west coast of Iceland. small, intimate weddings as well as large exceptionally well built, with a strong fruits and cereals. InT part, it’s because the region has a taste of receptions, commit to doing everything foundation. The original hotel, built in everything. If you’re looking for mountains, possible to create the wedding of your 1947, unfortunately burned down in 1999. Krambúðin they’re there. If you want to attempt a dreams. The ceremony can take place in It was then rebuilt in 2001, and though the Krambúðin is a charming little shop that glacier walk, Snæfellsjökull is your place. the noted Búðarkirkja church, standing fire was tragic, the new structure has an stands right beside the hotel, and is the If whale watching is what you’re after, this only a few steps away from the hotel – or, if obvious new feeling to it, a freshness that only part of the original building to have region has it. There’s a reason why many preferred, in some of the spectacular nature isn’t always found in countryside hotels in survived the fire. The shop offers various locals refer to the region as ‘Iceland in scenes surrounding the hotel, such as the Iceland. Due to the popularity of the hotel, Icelandic handcrafts made by locals, as miniature’. The landscape is breathtaking sparkling sandy beach, or on the moss in there are already plans add an additional well as items from Icelandic nature, such with the long volcanic ridge spanning miles, the middle of a lava field. The possibilities can be seen from Reykjavík on a clear day. building in the next few years. as the samples of the characteristic sand, Búðir attracts visitors from around rocky lava fields and towering mountains. are endless! The volcano is considered active, though the called Gold-sand, found near the hotel. the world with its ideal location, The area is considered the most stunning last eruption occurred 1,900 years ago. The Memorable Restaurant The sand, which is a popular souvenir, got unrivalled customer service and romantic place on the island by many Icelanders. A Journey to the Centre of the Earth hotel stands on the beautiful Búðarós shore, The in-house restaurant features the its name from the rare olivine minerals surroundings. It’s no surprise why so many The natural surroundings of the hotel are and offers the possibility of seal spotting creations of a great chef who designs playful that are mixed with the light coloured weddings are held at the hotel. Love is in the Romantic Getaway magnificent, and there are various walking with the ancient, but functional, telescope and original dishes, using only the finest shell sand and cause the beach to shimmer air at Hótel Búðir! -ES/JG Situated at the tip of the peninsula, Hótel paths leading from the hotel to the nearby in the ground floor lounge. local ingredients from the region. The menu when hit by sunlight. The shop is run by Búðir is a romantic hotel isolated in a nature attractions. Looming large in the is small but offers something for everyone, the two Valkyries, Sigga and Agnes, who Hotel Búðir 356 Búðir – Snæfellsbær gorgeous stretch of the west, close to sand background is Snæfellsjökull, a glacier A Superb Northern Lights Site and the quality ingredients often take on a so tenderly care for the hotel. +354 435 6700 beaches, lava fields and an impressive that became world famous after author Another asset of the area is the striking surprising role in the capable hands of the [email protected] mountain ridge. The hotel specialises in Jules Verne described it in ‘A Journey to view it offers of the iconic aurora borealis. chefs. The hotel manager, Daði Jörgensson, hotelbudir.is accommodating weddings, as it is the the Centre of the Earth’ as the starting The absence of light-pollution and strong says that the restaurant is one of the hotel’s ideal setting to gather with friends and point of the terrific journey in the book. Northern Lights activity in the area main prides, and that, despite the small family to celebrate your special day. The Snæfellsjökull lies on top of a volcano and it’s create unique conditions for observing menu, he believes the restaurant would situated in the centre of a national park. The the gorgeous phenomena. You can order a compare well with top restaurants glacier’s peak reaches 1,446 metres and it wake-up call from the hotel staff to ensure in Iceland. Hotel guests love the that you won’t miss out, in case of an breakfast buffet, which offers great unexpected performance from the variety, including freshly baked thrilling spectacle. breads, homemade marmalades and

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njoy Iceland’s sublime naturally- Powerful hot spring water comes from adds to this unique West is best Visit Krauma Experience Iceland’s heated waters while bathing in The water for the baths is heated by experience. Be sure to keep your distance, Krauma is conveniently located in West Geology enthusiasts and spa lovers alike will geothermal baths in West Iceland. Deildartunguhver, which is considered though, to avoid being splashed if you get Iceland, where there are numerous enjoy a visit to Krauma. You can experience geothermal energy EKrauma, the newly opened bathing facility, Europe's most powerful hot spring. It too close. attractions. Starting from Reykjavík, you nature from its core while bathing in these in these soothing offers five relaxing natural baths, along provides 200 litres per second of hot can make stops at the popular fishing unique geothermal baths in beautiful with a cold tub, two soothing saunas and water at 100°C (212°F). To achieve the Important hot water source town of Akranes and climb to the top West Iceland. Make sure you pay a visit to hot baths a relaxation room, where you can lounge perfect bathing temperature, Krauma Deildartunguhver is crucial to the comfort of its lighthouse for spectacular views, Krauma during your visit to Iceland. -JG by the fireplace while listening to calming mixes the hot water with cold water from of the region. Most of the water used for before continuing to Borgarnes to visit music. This is the perfect way to experience Rauðsgil, which originates in the Ok central heating in the West Iceland towns the Settlement Center to get a taste of Krauma Deildatunguhver, Iceland’s renowned waters in a more glacier, Iceland’s smallest glacier. Visitors of Akranes and Borgarnes is taken from the infamous Sagas. In Reykholt, one of 310 Borgarbyggð intimate setting than the more crowded can see Deildartunguhver next to the Deildartunguhver. The hot water pipeline Iceland’s most notable historical sites, you www.krauma.is Blue Lagoon. baths, with its water bubbling up and to Akranes is 64 kilometres long, which can stop at the Icelandic Goat Center splashing against bright green moss and is the longest in Iceland. It’s still about before visiting Snorrastofa, dedicated to jagged rocks. Seeing where the heated 78-80°C when it reaches the town. Snorri Sturluson, one of the most famous and important figures in Icelandic literature. Snorri penned the Edda, Egil's Saga, and Heimskringla before his death in 1241. There is so much to see and do in West Iceland and Krauma is perfectly positioned.

Krauma Geothermal BathsExperience Iceland’s geothermal energy

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Where the Lambs Go Wild Look for the logo to know you have the genuine Icelandic article

he Icelandic lamb has roamed the little pollution, and farming is conducted characteristics long disappeared from their with numerous combinations and colour flavour which some have described as being Lamb’s restaurant partners promise to offer hills and mountains of Iceland ever in such a way that preserves the land relatives in neighbouring countries. patterns, such as badgerface, grey and other similar to venison. Lamb can differ in taste only quality Icelandic Lamb on their menu, sinceT Viking settlers first brought sheep for future use, incorporating aspects of In order to endure the cold and harsh bi-colour variations. Although many will depending on where in the world it comes celebrating the diversity and uniqueness of to the country in the 9th century. Today’s social responsibility. The wool is a natural arctic climate the sheep have developed admit to having a soft spot for various colour from and the conditions and environment Icelandic Lamb meat. robust breed is a direct descendant of these product and only eco-friendly energy several specialities. The fleece is divided into patterns, the white wool is the most sought- the animals are reared in. In Iceland, the first animals and genetically identical. sources are used in the manufacturing two layers, tog and thel. The tog consists after, and therefore the most common sheep lambs live in outstanding conditions which, Look for the Logo Nowadays it wanders all summer long in process. of long and coarse hair with water repellent colour in Iceland. of course, is very important. When you see our shield hanging in a carefully defined extensive wild pastures qualities. The inner layer, thel, is shorter, restaurant you know that they offer excellent in pristine mountainous landscapes The Wool softer and fluffier providing insulation and The Meat GMO Free lamb dishes, that does the Icelandic lamb under strict agriculture regulations and a The Icelandic wool has kept the nation warmth. Combining the two provides an Flavoured by the wild pastures and raised In October 2016, genetically modified great justice. You can also find the Icelandic quality control scheme which protects the warm for more than 1100 years with the exceptional thread for producing clothing without any hormones or antibiotics in a sheep feed was banned by the Minstry Lamb logo on wool and fleece products in integrity of the breed. sheep originally brought here from Norway that gives warmth in spite of getting wet. pure environment, Icelandic lamb meat is of Industry and Innovations, making all Iceland. Only Icelandic design products by the settlers. The Icelandic wool made The fleece differs depending on the age of wonderfully lean, flavourful and tender. The Icelandic lamb meat GMO Free. made out of Icelandic wool are tagged with Sustainability it possible for the settlers to survive in the animal with lamb’s wool being the softest distinctive taste is a result of the grass and the The close knitted relationship between the logo, making it easier to find authentic Iceland has always been a leader in the harsh northern climate. Due to the and finest but old rams bearing the roughest. aromatic and spicy herbs on which the lambs farmers, restaurant owners and retailers is a Icelandic wool products. Look for our sustainability, and remains one of the isolation and absence of contact with other The four basic colours of the Icelandic breed graze. The taste of Icelandic lamb is unique. key factor in maintaining the quality and logo while travelling in Iceland for a real purest environments in the world. There's breeds, the Icelandic sheep still carries are black, white, shades of brown and grey The meat is dark, with a bit of a gamey integrity of the Icelandic lamb. Icelandic Icelandic Lamb experience. Photo By Peter Fischer 74 75 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

ICELAND FROM ABOVE Land in creation YFIR ÍSLANDI Between Reykjavík

andHótel Laugarbakki Akureyri is a comfortable hotel and perfect base for Northern Lights hunting

ótel Laugarbakki is situated in a lovely can see the shimmering green and white where breakfast, lunch and dinner are slice of Iceland, midway between lights dance and flicker across the sky. It’s available. Restaurant BAKKI, which ReykjavíkH and Akureyri, where travellers such an unforgettable experience! emphasises local food purchased directly can spend time exploring Viking relics, from farmers in the area, offers an eclectic riding horses, swimming and, in the winter, Comfortable, quality accommodation menu with something for everyone. hunting the otherworldly Northern Lights. Hótel Laugarbakki is all about location At Hotel Laugarbakki, you can count on and Northern Lights. It’s a high-quality personal service, comfortable rooms, good Northern Lights viewing 3-star hotel that is family-owned and food and an ideal location to catch a glimpse In fact, the hotel is an ideal location for decked out in Scandinavian style. It’s of the majestic Northern Lights. -JG viewing the Northern Lights, which can clean and comfortable with amenities be seen from September to March. Guests like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, Hótel Laugarbakki Skeggjagötu 1, 531 Hvammstangi can take just a few steps into the fields kettle and toiletries. Guests are also +354/862-6168 surrounding the hotel, far from light provided a bathrobe to wear to the hot [email protected] www.hotellaugarbakki.is pollution and, if the conditions are right, tubs. There is a gym and a restaurant, Amazing variety and stunning beauty Bird’s eyeMYNDIR view of all OG the popular TEXTI placesEFTIR on BJÖRN 128 pages RÚRIKSSON CD-size – soft cover – Only 170 grams

Available in most bookstores, many hotels and souvenir shops

OO JARÐSÝN - SELFOSSI PuBLIshER 76 77 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

nown for their welcoming and full range of the 5 gaits of an Icelandic friendly demeanour, the guides at horse with tremendous views of a glacier, KStóri Kambur make visitors feel both waterfall, beach, and lush green meadows, secure and comfortable, whether they this is your best bet. are accomplished riders, ready to gallop Stóri Kambur also offers cosy studio at full speed on the beach surrounded apartment on the ground floor of the house by the magnificent nature of Snæfellsnes at Stóri Kambur. The accommodation peninsula, or simply first time riders, combines a living room, bedroom whether children or adults. and kitchenette in one living space in While Snæfellsnes peninsula’s stunning addition to a bathroom with a shower. landscape has captured the imagination of The accommodation is suitable for 2-4 people all over the world, even before Jules people. Beds are made up for two guests, Verne wrote his widely known “Journey but guest beds can easily be added. The to the Centre of the Earth” – one must accommodation is self-catering. The view Sjávarpakkhúsið know that it is an endless source of magic. is amazing and the sense of tranquillity is If you are looking to experience the otherworldly. Restaurant & Bar Groups of up to ten people are Stóri Kambur perfect and opening hours are 356 Snæfellsbær in Stykkisholmur from 1 June – 15 September. +354 852 7028 [email protected] www.storikambur.is Specialising in fresh and temptingly flavourful seafood dishes

espite its humble beginnings as a fish Dpacking plant, or perhaps because of it, Sjávarpakkhúsið is well known on Snæfellsness Peninsula as one of the top restaurants for seafood dishes. It’s a small, unpretentious place, right on Stykkisholmur’s picturesque harbour, where fishing boats loaded with treasures of the sea moor every evening. The unpretentious décor and a laid-back atmosphere allow the beautifully presented food to take centre stage, as well it should. It goes without saying that the use fresh local ingredients is a priority at Sjávarhusið as is their emphasis on finding ingenious ways to make use of those elements that on the menu add a splash of artistic and would have normally been thrown away culinary flair to each dish. There are also cod heads for instance, is something that hearty fish soups, fish burgers and vegan/ an older generation of Icelanders remember vegetarian options, as well a few well chosen fondly from their youth. Sjávarpakkhúsið’s tempting desserts to round out an exquisite peanut and herb coated cod heads are meal in a sublime setting. surprisingly delicious and is something that a new generation of Icelanders, as well as Sjávarpakkhúsið Restaurant & Bar Hafnargata 2 • 340 Stykkishólmur tourists are just now discovering. +354 438 1800 The use of locally grown organic greens, [email protected] www.sjavarpakkhusid.is herbs and flowers that feature prominently 78 79 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com westfjords Iceland To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

Bolungarvík. Photo by Friðþjófur Helgason 82 83 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

he arctic fox is an enchanting creature. of the fox and the hunters themselves, this At some point in the distant past, it last containing, for example, objects and Ttravelled across the frozen sea and, in spite of personal accounts from fox hunters. Other the inhospitable climate, found a home on material is presented through written text this small, isolated island. The arctic fox is or video and, of course, there are quite a Iceland’s only native terrestrial land mammal few stuffed animals. Visitors are guided and has been the subject of curiosity by through the exhibition, which is one of a scholars and lay people alike. For this reason, kind in Iceland and open all year round. The Arctic Fox Centre was established in the The Centre is a non-profit business, village of Súðavík in 2010, since the fox is involved in research and studies on commonly found in the area. the population of the fox. They also offer guidance on arctic fox tours in Exhibition of the first native collaboration with tourist offices as well as The Centre is located in the oldest house believing in and supporting ecotourism in in Súðavík, a 120 year-old farm that was Iceland. renovated by the local authorities and is A nice little café at the Centre sells home- situated between what locals call the ‘old baked pastries, light courses and wonderful village’, destroyed in a devastating avalanche coffee, which guests can enjoy out on the in 1995, and the ‘new village’, built in its patio overlooking the beautiful mountains stead at a safe distance from the mountain. and the sea. The café has open Internet The Centre serves as an educational access. On Friday nights, live music is and cultural hub and offers an extensive performed in the loft, where it’s nice to sit exhibition on the arctic fox as well as down for a drink in the cosy atmosphere. regularly exhibiting local arts and crafts. Its The Centre also has a small boutique selling main aim however, is to collect and preserve specially made souvenirs and craftwork. everything of importance regarding the - HP arctic fox and its long-lasting relationship Artic Fox Centre with man as, surprisingly, fox hunting is the Eyrardalur • 420 Súðavík oldest paid occupation in Iceland. +354 456 4922 [email protected] The exhibition is divided into three www.melrakki.is sections: the biology of the fox, the hunting 84 85 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com Hólmavík. Photo: Friðþjófur Helgason North Iceland To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

ExploreStar Travel operates tours thein the north ofNorth Iceland Special discount: Get 10% discount with promotional code: STARTIME

orth Iceland is full of natural or ‘dark castles’. It comprises interesting pearls and hidden gems and is a rock formations jutting out of the ground, treat to all those that make the resembling a fort from an ancient city. Njourney. Akureyri, which is often referred The black lava pillars were born from a to as the capital of the north, is the perfect collapsed lava tube from a large volcanic place to start your trip in north Iceland. eruption more than 2,000 years ago. Star Travel, a small family-run company Another popular sight is the Krafla lava based in Akureyri, offers numerous tours field, which is home to Víti (Hell), one from Akureyri and Reykjahlíð in Mývatn. of the best-known craters in Iceland. Víti is huge, about 300 metres in diameter, Roaring waterfalls exposing interesting formations that There is so much to see and do in the north, resulted from lava flows and water over and Star Travel has it covered, including the ages. The area is another reminder trips to two spectacular waterfalls. In a of how active this island has been, and country full of spectacular waterfalls, what continues to be, with spectacular eruptions an unforgettable experience. For travellers In thecco heart of Town kureyri sets Goðafoss apart is the sheer breadth of resulting in the reshaping of the land. based in Reykjavík who want to see a bit of A A the tumbling falls. White water surges over Meanwhile, Námaskarð is a big draw for the countryside, Star Travel has a 4x4 jeep kureyri, known as the capital of the North, We want them to come back to a warm the rim, thundering down, crashing into tourists because of its sheer otherworldly tour of the Golden Circle, where guests can Ais a charming and tightly knit community and welcoming place and to experience rocks and the river below. atmosphere. The yellow and brown colours see Gullfoss waterfall, the bubbling Geysir with a population that barely surpasses 18,000 it as their home away from home”, says of the clay along with the gray mud pools region and Þingvellir national park. residents at the last count. Helga Björk. Magnificent Mývatn look like a movie scene from another planet. Star Travel excursions are worth adding In spite of its small size, Mývatn is one of the fastest growing to your To Do list when you visit Iceland! the town centre boasts a Catering to every budget tourist destinations in the north. Gorgeous The beautiful south -JG surprisingly wide variety Acco’s moderately priced guesthouse has 13 landscapes, activities along Lake Mývatn, Star Travel has not forgotten about South of shops, cafés, fine- rooms in various sizes and formats, some and the soothing Mývatn Nature Baths, Iceland. The company operates whale dining restaurants, art with private and some with shared bath, and Star Travel which have the same type of milky blue watching tours off the coast of Reykjavík, Stórholti 12, 603 Akureyri galleries and musical an adjoining separate communal kitchen for water as the famous Blue Lagoon in the as well as Northern Lights tours in the +354 867 7072 Helga Björk happenings, all within a those who wish to do their own cooking. south, lure travellers. Star Travel runs tours winter. Catching a glimpse of the Northern [email protected] very small radius and within If you are travelling on a shoestring, Acco www.startravel.is/ Eiríksdóttir to Dimmuborgir, which means ‘dark cities’ Lights flickering and dancing in the sky is walking distance of one of offers a neat and clean hostel with bunk beds, Akureyri’s latest additions in accommodation, Convenience, comfort and style shared bathrooms and its own communal aptly named, Acco. Located right on the town square in the kitchen. city centre, Acco offers a range of options On the ground floor, the welcoming and A warm and welcoming place to stay including eight roomy, fully furnished friendly Café Berlin, with its bistro-style Owner Helga Björk Eiríksdóttir goes to apartments in varying styles. One- to menu offers delicious, light and fresh meals great lengths to make sure things are running four-bedroom apartments are available as for breakfast and lunch. Start your morning smoothly and guests are well cared for. “We well as a 2-bedroom superior apartment off right with a cup of Café Berlin’s excellent are a family-run operation and want to offer with its outstanding contemporary décor coffee and celebrate your successful day of something for everyone, so our accommodation and attention to detail, such as bathrobes, sightseeing when you return with a round of options are as different as they are many. Most blackout curtains, washer and dryer, and a drinks. Skál! -EMV of our apartments and rooms have just been fully equipped kitchen with everything you recently renovated in a modern Scandinavian need to stay in style. Acco Accommodation Skipagata 4 • 600 Akureyri style. Spacious and relaxing are two keywords “Our guests are out all day long exploring +354 547 2226 that describe our concept, so that guests can the stunning land and seascapes as well as [email protected] www.acco.is really enjoy their stay.” the countryside that surrounds Akureyri. 90 91 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com East Iceland

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Petra loved people as well as stones and her passion project became a museum that is open to the public. Her husband, Nenni, passed away in 1974 and on the day of his funeral she decided to open up their home so that those who wished n the tiny town of Stöðvarfjörður in At first, this was only her personal to see the mineral collection could do so. IEast Iceland, a young girl named Petra collection as, for the first two decades, The stones and minerals have been began collecting stones in the mountains Petra would only collect stones that were chosen for their beauty and their colours, surrounding her home—and continued within walking distance of her house. As without regard to their scientific value or to do so until she passed away at the age she arranged them in the garden, strangers monetary worth. However, there are many of 89. During her lifetime, her home would pull over in their cars to better see semi-precious stones in the collection, became a museum and is now a popular what was going on. Sometimes the children such as amethyst. tourist attraction: Petra’s Stone & Mineral would be sent out to ask the drivers if they Today, her children run the museum Collection. would like to come inside to see more stones together and continue to add to the In the story of Burnt Njal (Brennu- and have a cup of coffee. collection. Her youngest daughter, Njálssaga), it is said that a quarter of your Petra spent her entire life collecting rocks, Þórkatla, says that she, herself, would personality comes from your name, the and would sometimes bring her young prefer not to believe in elves—but maybe other three-quarters come from your children along to search for new additions her mother had a helping hand when she mother, father and your upbringing. ‘Petra’ to the collection in the surrounding went around searching for rocks, as she means stone, which is oddly fitting. mountains. She arranged her stones in was incredibly lucky. -EMV The collection is remarkable, as every a garden that would be right at home in stone is beautiful. While it is very interesting a fairy-tale. Petra believed in elves and Petra’s Stone Museum Fjarðarbraut • 755 Stöðvarfjörður he East Iceland Heritage Museum in their feeding grounds at higher elevations Eðvarður’s film, “In Reindeer Territory”, for geologists to see so many rocks from hidden people and her colourful garden +354 475 8834 Egilsstaðir showcases life as it was in in summer, to lower elevation grasslands is available for viewing at the exhibition. the same area, the stones have not been would be the perfect place to meet them. [email protected] Tthe bygone era of Iceland’s rural society, nearer the coast in winter. Visitors are also invited to watch a new arranged according to their scientific value As her children moved out of the house, www.steinapetra.is where self-sufficiency was essential to The Heritage Museum guides visitors documentary about Icelandic reindeer and but rather in a way that pleases the eye, a her stones moved in and survival. through the history of the reindeer a short animated film based on a section of tribute to the wonderful colours that can be the remarkable collection On display is a traditional ‘baðstofa’ or settlement in Iceland, their behaviour, the book, Independent People by Halldór found in nature. continued to grow. communal living/sleeping room, taken characteristics and habits, a look at hunting Laxness, a twentieth-century Icelandic from an authentic Icelandic turf house regulations and, in short, everything you writer and Nobel Prize winner. -sP that was inhabited until as late as 1964. need to know about reindeer in Iceland. Visitors are encouraged to step into the This is a unique opportunity to learn about ‘baðstofa’ and experience the nostalgia of these fascinating creatures, via a variety Admission: Adults (18+) 1,000 ISK Opening hours: 1 June to 31 August life as it was in days gone by. of displays and multi-media presentations Mon–Fri: 11:30-19:00. The museum prides itself, however, on that bring the exhibit to life. Sat–Sun: 10:30-18:00. its permanent reindeer exhibition. The exhibition commemorates two Winter: Thur–Fri: 11:00-16:00 Found only in East Iceland, the rather the reindeer enthusiasts, Helgi Valtýsson, shy and sometimes elusive wild reindeer writer, and Eðvarður Sigurgeirsson, have a mystical air about them and photographer and filmmaker. In an effort East Iceland Heritage Museum Laufskógum 1 • 700 Egilsstaðir contribute to the area’s sense of identity. to shed light on the plight of the Icelandic +354 471 1412 With their numbers on the increase, it is reindeer, the pair tracked the movements [email protected] www.minjasafn.is possible to see them as they descend from of various herds from 1939 to 1944.

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Wilderness Center of Iceland Center of recreation

he Wilderness Center is an authentic Tand peaceful hideaway, located right on the edge of Northern Europe´s most extensive wilderness. One can experience the spirit of the past through a variety of services, such as: unique accommodation, local food, exhibitions, horse riding and hiking, day tours, escorted tours and tailor-made tours. The Center's tranquil and pleasant location, as well as the distinct choice of accommodation and unique setting both indoors and out, will draw guests into adventures of the past and offer a unique atmosphere. Delicious food from local ingredients is cooked from scratch in the open home- style kitchen. Cakes and bread are also home-made. The Center offers a variety of activities and services. One can go hiking along waterfalls, cross the river on a cable-bridge, go horseback riding, rent mountain bikes, MUSEUM • HIKING • RIDING • MOUNTAIN BIKING • FISHING • go fishing, gaze at the stars in the stargazing ACCOMMODATION • LOCAL FOOD • GUIDED TOURS hut or visit the creative museum about the history of the Icelandic wilderness, where one can walk into the adventures of the Icelandic wilderness and be touched by the dramatic struggle between the forces of nature and the Icelanders' fight to survive. Many different day tours can be made from the Wilderness Center, either self- drive or escorted. For example, tours to Hengifoss, Laugarfell hot springs, Snæfell area, Hafrahvammagljúfur canyons and many more are possible. Multi-day, tailormade tours can also be arranged, all year around. Óbyggðasetur Íslands Norðurdalur in Fljótsdalur 701 Egilsstaðir +354 896 2339 [email protected] www.wilderness.is

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The wealth of South Iceland lies in the variety of Þingvellir; museums, churches, the Stöng settlement, geological, historical and nature sites along with the Saga centre and villages like Eyrarbakki. Activities the long list of activities that can be enjoyed in the abound. Tours take you to all the sites, including the area. This region has geological wonders such as glaciers. Horse riding tours are popular. Try the riverjet, the waterfalls of Gullfoss, Háifoss, Skógafoss, Systra boat trips or kayaking; scuba diving in clear waters, and Seljalandsfoss; Geysir; Þingvellir, where the fishing or caving. Independent travellers can try hiking tectonic plates crack the Earth; Europe’s largest glacier, and cycling, camping or caravanning. Winter activites Vatnajökull; the Kerið caldera; world-famous volcanoes are just as thrilling. Fortunately, there is plenty of like Hekla—‘the Gateway to Hell’, Lakagígar, Laki, the accommo­dation available throughout the region from notorious Eyjafjallajökull and the Katla Geopark; fantasy camping to high-class hotels and restaurants to suit sites like Þórsmörk and Jökulsárlón. Here are historical every taste. A fully-developed infrastructure helps you sites like the world’s longest-running parliament at get the most from your trips. To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

The Surround Sounds of Silence at here is an Icelandic expression that says A bit of history service should the Northern Lights appear T“when you have such a great view, who Hotel Dyrhólaey’s owners grew up here overhead in the wee hours of the morning. needs pictures on your walls?” The phrase amidst all this splendour, and the family The hotel boasts 110 fully equipped Hotel Dyrhólaey th echoed my feelings exactly as I arrived can trace its roots back to the 19 century standard rooms, spread out over three A picture is worth a thousand words at Hotel Dyrhólaey for the first time. A when their great, great grandparents began wings that branch off from the spacious breathtaking panorama stretched out before the business of dairy farming and sheep lobby and dining room that make up the me and far below, a dusting of newly fallen breeding. As Icelandic society gradually hotel’s core. A full bar and an á la carte snow covered the Reynisfjall ridge, which shifted from a largely agrarian society to a restaurant opens for guests in the evening, suddenly took on new proportions. Bright more modern one, the need for dedicated and overlooks the dazzling panoramic green fields of cultivated grass lay before me hotels became apparent at the time when view that welcomes you on your arrival. and the blue expanse of water embraced the tourism in Iceland was in its infancy. The Dyrhólaey promontory in the distance. I felt family decided to take the plunge and the Surrounded by nature as if I could stay here all day, drinking in the hotel was born. Hotel Dyrhólaey is conveniently located fresh air and the outrageously sublime view. near many south coast attractions such A passion for the Northern Lights as the iconic village of Vik, the famous If one of your passions in life is to view the Reynisfjara black pebble beach and Northern Lights in a spectacular location, sea stacks and of course the Dyrholaey unperturbed by city lights, Hotel Dyrhólaey promontory after which the hotel is named. is the place to be. The hotel offers a wake-up For horse lovers there is horse riding in the magnificent nature, and for the very adventurous, there are glacier walks and snowmobiling on Solheimajökull glacier —all within a 10 to 15 minute drive from the hotel. If you are after that special moment in time where mountains, sea and sky converge, enveloped by the sounds of silence, consider a stay at Hotel Dyrhólaey and let the magic begin. -EMV Hotel Dyrholaey Brekkur/Ás • 871 Vík +354 487 1333 [email protected] www.dyrholaey.is

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Small groups and families welcome Glacier Journey caters to all sizes of groups, from company incentive tours to small groups and personal, private tours for the whole family. Young explorers under the Dreaming age of eight are also welcome to visit the ice cave, accompanied by their parents, of course. It’s soooo exciting! Glacier Journey’s Adventure of a Lifetime See you soon on a Glacier Journey tour of Iceland for the ultimate trip of a lifetime! -EMV or many, a trip to Iceland is the friendly guides at Glacier Journey are with Fculmination of dream; a long-awaited you all the way– and learning how to drive Glacier Journey journey that sometimes takes years of saving a snowmobile is all part of the fun! At base Vikurbraut 4 • 780 Höfn to achieve. And once you are finally here, the camp you will receive warm overalls, a +354 478 1517 [email protected] daunting task of choosing what to do, where helmet, gloves—and a face mask that you www.glacierjourney.is to go and what to see begins. The good news can take home with you as a souvenir and is that Iceland is a fairly compact little country then you’re off to explore the mesmerising and many of the most sought after gems of beauty of Europe’s largest glacier by Icelandic nature, particularly on the south snowmobile. coast, are within easy reach of the capital. instructions on the finer points of using One of south Iceland’s most awe inspiring A magical-mystical world of ice the langoustine cracker and fork that come natural phenomena is the formidable The 15th of November to the end of March with the dish. Vatnajökull Glacier that harbours no less marks a very special time in the year when Dine in the The menu was created and developed than six volcanoes within its icy depths. The it’s cold enough to go ice cave exploring! by the French chef Jacques DuPont and vast glacier spans a large portion of the south Glacier Journey’s three hour ‘Combo his many dishes, such as the beautifully coast driving route and a visit to the glacier Tour’ offers you a tremendous opportunity LangoustineHumarhöfnin satisfies the hunger for wholeCapital langoustine in Höfn presented ‘Mix of Whole Langoustine and is undeniably one of the top “must-do’s” that to explore the glacier inside and out. Tails’ and the famous ‘Black Magic Sauce’ should be on everyone’s bucket list. Experienced guides will lead the way into celand is known for some of the finest food restaurant, which has been a big have been very successful. Paired with one one of the ice caves that form at the edge of Ifresh fish in the world and a large share success since it was opened over 7 years of Humarhöfnin’s specially selected wines, Let the adventure begin the glacier when temperatures drop down of the country’s catch is landed at Höfn í ago by Anna Þorsteinsdóttir, her brother you are in line for an absolute feast. Also on Glacier Journey is a local, family-run to below freezing and these icy-blue, fairy Hornafirði, on the south-east coast. Höfn Ari Þorsteinsson and their spouses, has the menu, the arctic char is a delight. The company that offers a variety of year-round tale caves are safe to enter. The tour then (which sounds like ‘Hup’ to our ears and definitely earned that accolade. crème brûlée, made from local eggs and snowmobile and jeep tours to the glacier continues ‘up top’ with a fun-filled snow means harbour) is also known as the imported Madagascar vanilla will have you and has received many glowing reviews mobile adventure across the glacier, with langoustine capital of Iceland, where A menu to entice any connoisseur swooning and you might want or need to over the years. Even if you have never had incredible views of the whole south coast several thousand visitors gather in the town A favourite with tourists from the order a double portion. any experience driving a snowmobile, the and beyond. for the annual Humarhátið (Langoustine) Mediterranean countries, Humarhöfnin The casual, bright and lively décor fits Festival, held in June. was the first restaurant in Iceland to serve Humarhöfnin’s harbour location and the You would expect the langoustine whole langoustine, though it has now friendly wait staff will be happy to point capital of Iceland to have a fine-dining become popular in the town. The concept out the very boat that brought in the day’s restaurant that can do justice to the lovely is still new in Iceland, so each diner who catch, moored at the docks just a short little crustacean. The Humarhöfnin sea- orders langoustine receives illustrated distance away. The building itself was originally the town co-op before it was totally renovated and transformed into this beautiful restaurant. There is an exhibit on the second floor which portrays the history of the house. If you are a langoustine aficionado, you can fly, drive or take a bus to Höfn where you will find your seafood haven awaiting you. -EMV Humarhöfnin Hafnarbraut 4 • 780 Höfn +354 478 1200

[email protected] www.humarhofnin.is

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unique cultural heritage has not been lost for future generations. The museum’s modest admission fee of 2000 ISK gives visitors access to the entire Digging Deeper museum complex that is spread out over three permanent exhibitions: the Heritage Museum, The Open Air Museum and the into Iceland Museum of Transport and Communication, The Skógar Folk Museum of South Iceland all of which provide visitors with a rare glimpse into the Iceland of a bygone era. he esthetics of Icelandic nature are cluster of buildings is sometimes overlooked Tlegendary. People are mesmerised by her by the crowds who flock to the falls, it really The Open Air Museum beauty, often coming away with a profound should be on the radar of everyone who It is without question that one of sense of having discovered new realms that seeks a more in depth understanding of Skógasafn’s most endearing elements is its had hitherto only been found in the pages Icelandic history and culture. open air museum with its beloved collection of books, or seen in the mystical landscapes of 19th and early 20th century turf buildings Heritage Museum. The centrepiece of the of film and television. It’s easy to get lost in Preserving Iceland’s past and wooden houses. The buildings were museum is the eight-oared fishing boat, the the profound sense of wonderment that is for future generations brought in from surrounding counties and Pétursey, built in 1855, which was in use in Icelandic nature. The elements, however, can The museum was founded on the initiative moved to Skógar, where they were restored nearby Vík until 1946. take their toll, as the wind- and rain-soaked of Thorður Tómasson, a forward thinking to their original condition. The small The Transport and Communications landscapes sometimes force visitors to take Icelander who began collecting as a chapel, while new on the outside, is filled Museum tells the story of the history and shelter. While travelling the south coast young teen in the 1930s at a time when with fine relics gathered from churches evolution of transport, communication and road towards Vík, there is one such place in modern technology was swiftly replacing around South Iceland while the turf houses technologies in Iceland in the 19th and 20th particular that stands out. a thousand years of a traditional way of were a way of life in Iceland for hundreds centuries, from the age of the work horse life. Realising the importance of preserving of years. to the digital communication of today. Where to imbibe Iceland’s Iceland’s unique cultural heritage, Thorður Housed in a large and modern exhibition unique cultural aspects went from farm to farm, writing down The Heritage Museum hall, the Transport Museum also contains A few hundred metres to the east of the stories and anecdotes of the older Household items, farming and fishing an excellent café that serves soups, the iconic Skógarfoss waterfall lies the generation and collecting thousands of implements, ornate wooden chests, decorative sandwiches and desserts, and a delightful Skogar Folk Museum. While the cultural artifacts along the way. It was items of brass, silver and gold, as well as souvenir shop that offers a variety of local unassuming Thorður’s foresight and enthusiasm that traditional clothing and artifacts dating handicrafts and other items not found has helped ensure that Iceland’s back to the Viking Age are just a fraction of elsewhere in Iceland. the thousands of items to be found in the The museum is located one minute from Skogar Waterfall, just off Ring Road 1, 30km west of Vík and 150km east of Reykjavík. -EMV

Skógasafn Skógum • 861 Hvolsvöllur +354 487 8845 [email protected] www.skogasafn.is

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Vestrahorn: A Beautiful Slice of Iceland Photo By Peter Fischer Photo By Eva Frischling

Litlahorn Horni 781, Hofn +354 478 2577 [email protected] This family company operates the Viking Café, guesthouse, old farm and a horse rental. www.hornhestar.is www.vikingcafe.is

ast Iceland is where you find the nature in the southeast, including welcomes guests through a variety of is top-notch, it’s understandable if visitors sand beaches close to Höfn. The groups are Vatnajökull glacier into the sea, where the actual “ice” of Iceland, including professional and amateur photographers, businesses, including the Viking Café, a become distracted by the view. The Viking small (2-5 people) and the 2.5 hour tour harshest east coast sea waves have tumbled Vatnajökull glacier, a giant white the Game of Thrones production, and a guesthouse, old farm and a horse rental. Café overlooks the beautiful and vast bay of offers stunning views while riding a good- and smoothed the materials for thousands spot on the map that is truly famous Indian Bollywood film. Apple also Vestrahorn on one side and Vatnajökull on natured stocky Icelandic horse, a unique of years before returning them to shore. Ebreathtaking in person. You can see the visited the region to film some footage for Coffeehouse and accommodation the other side. breed. Litlahorn also breeds horses and The stones and sand are used for stone glacier descend into black sands and scenery for its product launches. During Viking Café is a little oasis at the bottom sells them to customers around the world. carpets, bathstones, house sheathing and hot streams erupt from frozen banks of the winter, this region is especially popular of Vestrahorn near Hofn, The charming Horse Rental for asphalt and roads. ice. The landscape is remarkable with for the chance to see and photography guesthouse offers 7 comfortable rooms for A great way to survey the beautiful Stones and materials for sale East Iceland has something for everyone mountains jutting out of the earth close Northern Lights. Watching the green and travellers and the coffeehouse is operated surroundings is by horseback. Litlahorn Litlahorn provides unique materials for and the Litlahorn owners are here to make to the sea and sweeping regions like white lights flicker and dance in the sky is by a warm and accommodating manager, offers a horse rental service overseen by sale from its land. The company utilizes your dream holiday a reality. Seize the Stokksnes and Vestrahorn. Travellers a memorable experience. serving quality coffee, a choice of delicious one of the owners, a skilled horse breeder its Stokksnes beach mine, which consists opportunity to stay at Vestrahorn during come from around the world to the region Litlahorn, which is operated by a family cakes and pastries, as well as sandwiches with a passion for the family’s horses. of material that has been carried by the your trip to Iceland! -JG to photograph the pristine, stunning with deep roots in southeast Iceland, and waffles. While the food and service Guests can take a riding tour along black glacier river Hornafjarðarfljót from the

106 107 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com 108 109 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com VATNAJÖKULSÞJÓÐGARÐUR NATIONAL PARK We are proud to welcome you to Vatnajökull National Park! Vatnajökull National Park is Iceland’s newest protected area, established in 2008. 2 With a total area of roughly 13,200 km it is by far the largest national park ©Guðmundur Ögmundsson ©Guðmundur Ögmundsson Svartifoss Dettifoss in Iceland as well as in Western Europe.

Key features of the park are the ice cap of the Vatnajökull Glacier (8,200 km2) and several highly active volcanic systems within and outside the ice cap. Gljúfrastofa

The interplay of ice and fire is the single most important force in shaping Skarphéðinn G. Þórisson © the nature of the park. As a result, one can find in one place an unparalleled Hiking Geldingafell, Snæfell in the distance range of volcanic-, geothermal- and other landscape features. We offer information at our three Visitor Centres, Gljúfrastofa, Snæfellsstofa

and Skaftafellsstofa. Information Centres are situated at Kirkjubæjarklaustur Snæfellsstofa and Höfn. More information at our website www.vjp.is

GLJÚFRASTOFA Húsa- Ásbyrgi Ísafjörður vík Hljóðaklettar Dettifoss Gamlabúð

Egilsstaðir ©Regína Hreinsdóttir ©Guðmundur Ögmundsson Askja SNÆFELLSSTOFA Langisjór Morsárdalur

Snæfellsnes Hvannalindir Kverkfjöll Snæfell Nýidalur Skaftafellsstofa GAMLABÚÐ Höfn Jökulheimar

Heinaberg Skaftafell Eldgjá Laki Kirkju- SKAFTAFELLSSTOFA bæjar- klaustur SKAFTÁRSTOFA Skaftárstofa ©Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson Vík ©Einar Ragnar Sigurðsson Askja and Lake Öskjuvatn

For more information on Vatnajokull National Park, please visit our website www.vjp.is PORT hönnun To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

t the turn of the millennium photography was undergoing first slow and then increasing changes. Everything became easier and Afaster. Pictures could be seen on a small screen on the back of the camera and later they could be developed with editing programs in the digital laboratory. In addition, it was possible to save thousands of pictures in the library of the program that once needed volumes of document files and slides—a true revolution in photography. Around the same time—in 2001—the company, FREIRAUM- Fotografie, was established. They recognized the growing interest in photography as a leisure activity, as a hobby but also as an artistic opportunity for development. But In addition, Lightroom and above all, as a combination of Photoshop workshops are offered “travelling and photography”. In especially for image editing. addition to Cuba, Norway and Most of the workshops are led Greenland, Iceland became a place by Manfred Horender, referent of interest for travellers. and founder of FREIRAUM- FREIRAUM-FotografiePhoto Tours around the world The striking landscape of the island of its bird diversity, glaciers and waterfalls. Fotografie. During the workshops and fire and ice, its natural phenomena, such as Here places such as Borgarfjörður East photo tours it is important to learn the geysers and waterfalls and the way of life of or Melrakkasletta are visited, which are rules of classical photography. Estimating its people attracted more and more nature not currently much frequented by visitors. the light at the right moment, the structure lovers and photographers. In the beginning, Those who want to discover the Highlands of the image, graphic design elements and travellers mostly came in the summer have the opportunity to experience the the social interaction with people and their months to enjoy the midnight sun, but now Icelandic vastness and peace with a super cultures are focussed on. the winter season is gaining in popularity jeep. Here you can find plenty of wonderful FREIRAUM-Fotografie is not only one as well. The mystic Northern Lights are photo moments at colourful geothermal of the largest providers of photo travel, but definitely also a decisive factor. Iceland has fields, moss-covered volcanoes surrounded also, in terms of quality, it is leading in become one of the most popular travel all by pitch-black lava, and giant snow-white its sector. This can especially be seen at year-round destinations worldwide. glacier tongues. the high number of repeat customers on Iceland is also one of the leading In addition to the main destination of their tours. Many have already been on destinations for the photo tour operator, Iceland, FREIRAUM-Fotografie offers over ten different tours, while some have even FREIRAUM-Fotografie. The German 60 different trips to all continents. Exotic completed more than 20 tours with the company, from Glückstadt near Hamburg countries like Vietnam, Myanmar and operator. (see box), is now a regular visitor during all Costa Rica are in the programme as well seasons on the island. In the beginning, the as Venice, Tuscany, Ireland, Andalusia and FREIRAUM-Fotografie was founded in 2001 by tours were two weeks of travel around the Norway. the photographer and author Manfred Horender, country, but now more time is spent at single Besides the tours, the company also offers who still works as a referent for the company. In regions. “The country simply offers too photo workshops in Hamburg, Glückstadt 2010, Peter Fischer joined as a co-shareholder and took over the company in 2011. Since then, many impressive motifs,” says FREIRAUM and Zurich. Here beginners can familiarize the photo travel operator has taken an intense owner, Peter Fischer, who took over the themselves with various techniques and development and ranks today among the leading company in 2011 in Switzerland. For him, deal with different camera types. Practicing companies in its sector in Europe. Iceland almost became his second home. photography is just as important as its theory, The profiled photographer is one of the best and therefore pictures of participants are photography teachers on the island. discussed immediately. Furthermore, there FREIRAUM-Fotografie Germany The trips to Iceland lead to different are special courses such as portrait, macro, Glückstadt. Am Hafen 7, 25348 Glückstadt areas that are extensively visited: One trip architecture, or landscape photography Tel +49 4124 603 544 for instance leads to the far North and where participants learn to post-process [email protected] www.freiraum-fotogarfie.de East of the island, which fascinate with images on the computer. 112 113 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

and lake (Systravatn) above the village refer to this abbey. Magnificent hikes and day trips to places such as Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and the Laki Craters are all close by while the snowy, jagged peaks of Skaftafell and Vatnajökull Glaciers beckon in the distance.

Loving the new look! The hotel has been undergoing some recent renovations; a new colour scheme of soft greens and greys and modern geometric patterns grace the café/bar and echo the moss and lava of the surrounding countryside. Extra touches such l’Occitane bath products in every room, good Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and a copious breakfast buffet to greet you in the morning are some of little perks that will make your stay just that much more enjoyable. When the weather is fine, (which does happen in summer!), you can enjoy an espresso coffee, or maybe an excellent Icelandic IPA craft beer out on the patio. Hotel manager Sveinn Heiðar Jensson, who received his training in Switzerland, does a fine job with his staff who are friendly, welcoming and attentive to guests’ needs. Tempting your purse and palate Enjoy your visit to Icelandair’s Hotel with reasonably priced options Klaustur. -ÓB The 2017 summer menu offers a tempting range of starters, soups and main dishes Icelandair Hotel Klaustur Klausturvegur 6 • and even tasty vegan options such as the 880 Kirkjubæjarklaustur mushroom pattie with broccoli salad and +354 487 4900 [email protected] carrot purée. For the budget-conscious there www.icelandairhotels.com/en/hotels/klaustur are reasonably priced main dishes such as the grilled Klaustur Arctic char with dill hollandaise, baby potatoes, fennel and leeks. Flavourful and local are keywords here as on’t let Kirkjubæjarklaustur’s welcome and it’s a great place for a healthy some of the ingredients travel no more than tongue twister of a name (church- and relaxed dinner. Talented head chef Einar perhaps 5km at most and arrive at the hotel at farm-cloister) intimidate you- Björn Halldórsson is a keen proponent of the their peak of freshness. Deven Icelanders use its more informal Slow Food Movement and his cooking is a Speaking of freshness, many of the herbs nickname, Klaustur. Armed with this reflexion of this philosophy: his new summer and greens used in the kitchen are picked new-found knowledge, consider a visit to menu focuses squarely on making use of a fresh daily from the hillsides around the hotel. the tiny village that has been in existence variety of ingredients from small-scale food Slow food at its best! since the year 1186. Full of interesting producers located in the vicinity. history, geology and folk tales, Klaustur What to see in Klaustur is a popular stopping point on the main A menu for all seasons Just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel lies south road and indeed, one of the only The famed Arctic char is bred right here in a small but beautiful pine forest at the foot places where you and your car can refuel a free-flowing stream of oxygen-enriched of a double waterfall known as Systrafoss between Vík and Höfn. glacial waters that have been naturally (Waterfall of the Sisters). Here you can picnic, filtered through layers of lava in the nearby hike to the top of the falls or just do a bit of Walk-ins welcome, but Vatnajökull Glacier. The fish, which figures ‘forest bathing’ in this genuinely peaceful reservations are always good prominently on the restaurant’s menu, tastes location, amidst some of the tallest trees in Icelandair Hotel Klaustur’s restaurant and something like a cross between trout and Iceland. The village was the site of a convent bar, which opens from 6:00pm to 9:30pm, salmon, is favoured by many chefs at top of Benedictine nuns from 1186 to 1550 and is not just for hotel guests; walk-ins are restaurants around Iceland. both Kirkjubæjar Abbey and the waterfall 114 115 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

Going above and beyond around

theThrastalundur Golden Restaurant & Mini Market Circle

ocated on the banks of the gently flowing Out on the terrace, comfortable seating on the kids’ menu include lamb soup and LSog river just 10 minutes north of the overlooks an enclosed grassy area with an inventive “create your own plate” option town of Selfoss, Thrastalundur is a kind playground equipment for the little ones, that children love. of one stop shop– stylish restaurant, mini where patrons can dine “al fresco” while market, pizza parlour and a family-oriented enjoying the sublime views of the river and Break out the Brunch place that both parents and kids can really the mountains beyond. On chilly days or No less than four different kinds of brunch enjoy. nights, guests can enjoy their meal, cozying are offered from 11 am to 4 pm on weekends– up under blankets, while gas heaters radiate the Classic, the VIP Champagne Brunch, Just a 40 minute drive from Reykjavík their warmth from above. On weekend the Vegetarian, and a kid’s brunch. They all one of Heimaey’s 5,300 inhabitants was buried under thick layers of ash and What’s impressive about Thrastalundur is it's evenings there is live music in candlelit sound scrumptious with tempting options had ever expected that a volcanic lava from Mt. Vesuvius. Huge parts of that an unusually well thought-out concept. The surroundings that brings the ambience up such scrambled eggs, American pancakes eruptionN could make them homeless. historic site have since been excavated—so list is long–a spacious and stylish restaurant to stellar levels. and maple syrup, Berry boost and Lemon- But on 23rd January 1973, earthquakes people on the Westman Islands rolled up with seating for 100, a mini market that Lime skyr mousse, among others. started to shake the small island south of their sleeves and started doing the same. stocks not only the basic necessities of The restaurant Whether you’re staying at a nearby hotel, the Icelandic mainland. Only hours later ‘Pompeii of the North’ deserves its life (toilet paper, shampoo, milk etc.) but Thrastalundur is well known for its 15 an Airbnb, or are just on your way around a 2,000 metre-long crevice opened just name: 40 years after the disaster some 10 fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh bread different kinds of pizzas, to eat in or to the Golden Circle, a stop at Thrastalundur is outside the town and close to the church, houses have been raised from the ashes, delivered daily, soft serve ice take out, and baked on the premises highly recommended. -EMV pouring fountains of lava and ash over and an impressive museum tops off the cream, premium coffee, fresh in a gorgeous wood-fired brick oven. A Heimaey’s houses and streets. excavation site that had been open to Island’s Eldfjall volcano that, in 1973 rose sandwiches and even Icelandic classic Icelandic meat soup, served with Þrastalundur Restaurant In less than one hour all the inhabitants visitors since the very first dig. up to a height of 220 metres out of the chocolate souvenirs. homemade sourdough and herb butter, & Minimarket had been evacuated, without any chance blue, not existing before its eruption. fresh fish dishes and beautiful salads are Þrastaskógi •801 Selfoss of saving their belongings. Some people It was similar to the submarine volcano just some of the choices on the menu at +354 779 6500 A Museum as a Mirror [email protected] never returned to the island. Eldheimar’s design is unique, rather that erupted in 1963 and lasted four years Thrastalundur. Healthy choices www.thrastalundur.is ominous, and yet austere. It is an archi­ creating the island of Surtsey, south of Heroes Saving a Home tectural masterpiece made of volcanic stone Heimaey. Two hundred brave men stayed in the that perfectly mirrors the inexorability and Nature protection laws protect Surtsey danger zone to fight the devastation, and harshness of nature. Its beating heart right and only scientists are allowed to access finally succeeded in slowing down the in the centre of the building is Gerðisbraut the island for research reasons. The island lava flow by cooling it with seawater and No. 10, the house that had been situated is part of the UNESCO World Cultural thus saved the port. However, when 5 on the slope of the lava-spewing volcano. Heritage since 2008. months later, the eruption came to its end, Having been fully excavated, it displays The Eldheimar museum is quite open around 400 houses had been completely life on the day of the eruption and now in both design and guidance in the destroyed. serves as a memorial for a lost homeland. exhibition halls as well as in the café and This volcanic eruption made headlines In Eldheimar’s over 1,000m2 museum, shop. It leaves enough space for walking worldwide, bringing back memories of the visitors are presented multimedia shows around and contemplating the natural Italian town of Pompeii which, in 73 AD, and exhibitions about the Westman disaster and its impacts on the economic and cultural life of the Westman Islands, creating respect for the determination of its fearless inhabitants, who still brave the elements today. -dt Eldheimar Suðurvegur • 900 Vestmannaeyjum +354 488 2000 [email protected] www.eldheimar.is

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hile travelling in Iceland during autumn, the weather and the sun’s changingW light create a unique atmosphere in the countryside. Famous poet Rilke found appropriate words for this time of contemplation and retreat: “Lay your shadows upon the sundials, and o’er the isles allow your winds to vent”. et in one of the most idyllic locations Sin South Iceland, Hellishólar offers a Enjoying Northern Lights variety of accommodation for the weary As darkness returns in autumn, the Northern traveller who is looking for a good night’s Lights start illuminating the night skies and, sleep in peaceful surroundings. as Hotel Borealis is situated far away from The sprawling Hellishólar property is light pollution, the darkness makes them romantic Icelandic country wedding. Hotel located 17 minutes from Route 1, near shine even brighter. There is nothing like Borealis also serves well as a calm retreat for the village of Hvolsvöllur in the middle soaking in the hotel’s hot tub after an exciting writing a book or contemplating the magic of Fljótslíð, a picturesque farming district day as the Northern Lights dance above you! of the Icelandic changing light. When the sheltered by three glaciers: Mýrdalsjökull, autumn sun pours out her golden beams on Eyjafjallajökull and Tindfjallajökull. In Nature’s Heart the heather and red leaves, nearby Þingvellir Hotel Borealis, just a few kilometres from the National Park turns into an enchanted Cosy Cottages charming town of Selfoss, offers the serene island. Cuddle up in a traditional wool Why not bed down for the night in one of silence of an elegant countryside retreat sweater and take a stroll through the famous Hellishólar’s 25 popular, fully-furnished while activities and bustling life are on hand former site of Iceland’s parliament, discover cottages? Each cottage can sleep from 3 to 6 a short distance away. The welcomingly neat bathrooms, cosy bungalows for families and Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir on a day trip, people and has a small kitchen for making white houses have been tastefully furnished a small villa, Hotel Borealis is able to meet try golfing on the nearby course or fishing your own meals. If you prefer, you can also by blending last century’s Icelandic antiques the needs of individuals and groups. in Lake Úlfljótsvatn. Then, with daylight have your meals in the on-site restaurant with modern style and they prove to be so The hotel has a special room for slowly fading, return to Hotel Borealis for a that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. cosy you might never want to leave! conferences and events and ‘Hlaðan’, a marvellous dinner, served on antique tables Offering 20 comfortable rooms with renovated barn that is a perfect location for a in the spirit of good, old Icelandic hospitality. So Many Choices! The chef prides himself on only using local At Hellishólar there is also a guesthouse and a products such as highland lamb, arctic char brand new hotel called ‘Hotel Eyjafjallajökull’ from Lake Þingvallavatn and vegetables with 18 spacious and comfortable bedrooms, grown in the area’s greenhouses for his all with ensuite bathroom. for Northern Lights viewing. base from which to explore South Iceland delicious meals. -DT In summer, the long days bring optimum year round. See you there! -EMV A Glorious View of Nature opportunities to experience the many Hotel Borealis The views from Hellishólar are, in a word, activities that are possible at Hellishólar— Brúarholt II Grímsnes • 801 Selfoss Hellishólar ehf stunning! In winter, when the Northern trout fishing on the lake, salmon fishing 861 Hvolsvöllur +354 561 3661 Lights are visible, one has only to step outside from the river that runs through the +354 487 8360 [email protected] [email protected] www.hotelborealis.is the door and look up. The lack of light property and enjoying a round of golf on the www.hellisholar.is pollution makes Hellishólar an ideal location 18 hole golf course. Hellishólar is the perfect www.hoteleyjafjallajokull.is 118 119 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

A Taste of Iceland’s Wild & Sweet Laugarvatn’s Lindin Restaurant & Café Bistro

indin Restaurant & Bistro Café, is seasonal and features exotic dishes that Llocated on the banks of Lake can be made from reindeer, goose, duck, Laugarvatn, has a firm foundation of cormorant, guillemot, puffin, minke whale culinary excellence that attracts patrons or pan-fried arctic char. Always on the from around the world. Owner, Baldur cutting edge, you can be sure of finding new Öxdal Halldórsson, pastry and master and exciting additions to his dessert menus chef, trained at the Hotel and Restaurant such as his delectable chocolate mousse with School of Iceland between 1980–1984, raspberry sauce, with watermelon pieces received training as a pastry chef at the and white chocolate foam and his bilberry Culinary Institute of America, New York skyr mousse with crow berries and rhubarb. in 1986–1987, and attended the prestigious Richemont Professional School in Lucerne Passion for purity and freshness from 1988–1989, where he developed his Passionate about food, Baldur insists on Reykjavik takes you through enchanting interest in the art of chocolate and learnt the absolute purity and freshness of all his landscapes. Laugarvatn is half-way between the secrets behind a great dessert. ingredients. Located in the heart of Iceland’s Þingvellir and Geysir and Gullfoss, making After his training abroad was completed, ‘greenhouse belt’, he can take his pick of the it an excellent choice for a day trip to in Baldur began something of a culinary choicest fruits and vegetables grown in the one of the most scenic areas of Iceland. revolution in Reykjavik, working at many area year round. The restaurant even has You can also now stay at any time of year of the top hotels and restaurants, creating its own small kitchen garden, providing a in Laugarvatn at either the Golden Circle uests at Halldór’s Café are greeted by day and light salads, and those with a bit of greeting old friends or new acquaintances. spectacular and sophisticated desserts that fresh supply of rhubarb, chervil, red and Apartments next to Lindin, the Gallerí Gthe scent of steaming soup and freshly a sweet-tooth will not be disappoined, as The café is open all year round. Summer were hitherto unknown in the capital. blackcurrants. The lamb and venison come Guesthouse or the village hostel to enjoy the baked bread as they walk through the door. the menu includes home-baked cakes and opening hours are from 11:00am to 10:00 from N.E. Iceland and are known for their Northern Lights in winter and the midnight Across from Vík’s shoreline, with its black home-made ice cream from a local farm. or 11:00pm, and winter openings are from Mecca of Icelandic Wild Game delicious flavour, fed on mountain herbs. sun in summer and the spectacular views sand beaches, Halldór’s Café emphasises Originally, Halldór’s Café was the general 11:00am to 9:00pm. When travelling in the Baldur took over Lindin The Arctic char are caught fresh from either from Lindin’s terrace and garden across the use of only quality ingredients from store, built in 1831 to meet all of the needs area around the beautiful Vík, be sure to stop Restaurant in 2002 which Lake Þingvellir or Lake Apavatn daily. the lake to the Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull the locality in their cooking. Whether of Vík. Today, it continues to satisfy patrons at this charming café and get greeted with a has become known as the volcanoes. –EMV/ASF be it a freshly caught salmon you crave, with its menu, which has something for every welcoming smile and a seductive menu. -JB ‘Mecca of Icelandic In the heart of the Golden Circle steaks from grass-fed cattle or free range taste, using local produce, where possible. Halldórskaffi wild game’, with its Lindin is located in the village of Lindin Restaurant lamb served with the accompaniment of Halldór’s Café supports artists with a Lindarbraut 2 • 840 Laugarvatn Víkurbraut 28 • 870 Vík lamb, fish, seafood Laugarvatn, right beside the lovely natural +354 486 1262 locally grown greens—you can be sure that rotating display of local talent featured +354 847 8844 and game caught in sauna, steam baths and pool at the Fontana [email protected] Halldór’s Café will deliver. They also offer on its walls, and serves up steaming cups [email protected] www.laugarvatn.is www.halldorskaffi.is the wild. His menu Spa. The 45 minute scenic drive from a variety of lighter meals such as soup of the of coffee and cake, ideal for meeting and 120 121 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018

guests. Visitors are often thrilled to learn that jams are available to purchase in the lobby, and take a tasty souvenir of their visit home with them. In addition to a modern building on the property, Hjarðarból has a structure affectionately nicknamed The Old House, which is the first house ever built in the area. This delightful house was built in 1950 and represents the history of the area. The owners are renovating at least four rooms that will be ready by Christmas, focusing on tasteful décor and the comfort of first-time and returning guests. jarðarból Guesthouse is a family- summer that was a huge hit with guests. Consider Hjarðarból Guesthouse for owned business situated in a beautiful Taking a soak after a long day of exploring a home-away-from-home experience in partH of the Ölfus district, which has the region is an ideal way to relax and South Iceland. -JG the feel of being far from the bustle of recharge for the next day of excursions. Reykjavik, but it is just a short drive away. Hjarðarból Guesthouse The guesthouse offers 21 comfortable Delicious Jams Hjarðarból • 816 Ölfus ocated in the peaceful village of Hella rooms ranging from doubles to family Guests will also find a delicious breakfast +354 567 0045 in South Iceland, Stracta Hotel is one accommodation, and the owners debuted buffet with homemade jams prepared by [email protected] www.hjardarbol.is ofL Iceland’s newest hotels, catering for every a hot tub facility on the property this past the owner, which is a favourite among budget. Built in 2014, the hotel gets high marks for its ability to incorporate a pleasant, modern look seamlessly throughout its well thought out concept and design.

A Room for Every Budget above. Should the auroras happen to make lunch from the bistro to take with you on The hotel encompasses a wide variety of room their appearance while you are sleeping, a your journey? options—from high-end deluxe suites, each wake-up call can be arranged so you don’t with its own private hot tub and well-stocked miss this experience-of-a-lifetime event! Health, Wellness and Activities Experience Iceland via a wide range of mini-bar, right down to budget rooms activities that can be arranged at the front with shared facilities. There are also studio Healthy Food Choices Abound desk. Horse riding tours, local farm visits, apartments and spacious cottages, with Food options and choices are varied at super jeep tours of nearby Eyjafjallajökull simple self-catering facilities that are perfect Stracta Hotel. The bar and bistro located volcano or even an exciting helicopter tour for families with children. Whichever you on the ground floor is where you can order over the most famous South Iceland sites are choose, you can always count on comfortable healthy sandwiches, salads, cakes and deserts, all possibilities. Rental cars are offered at a beds, free access to the hotel’s hot tubs, coffee, teas and a variety of wines and spirits. special price for hotel guests. Fancy a massage saunas and wi-fi throughout the hotel. They also offer asian food. Guests will enjoy or healing treatment? Stracta Hotel is well the panoramic views of the surrounding connected! Local therapists make themselves countryside from the second floor dining Northern Lights Prime Time available to hotel guests and offer massages, Stracta Hotel’s prime location, situated room where a buffet style dinner is served meditation, Reiki and cranial-sacral massages. far from the light pollution of the bigger every evening. Hotel Stracta welcomes you! -EMV towns, allows guests a fabulous opportunity When the weather is fine you can take your to view the Northern Lights from October dinner out onto the balcony, or sit outside StractaVatnshellir Hotels Cave through April. Imagine yourself lounging on the patio below, where you can enjoy the Rangárflötum 4 • 850 Hella +354 531 8000 in a cosy hot tub, glass of wine in hand, as long summer nights. Planning a day out? [email protected] the Northern Lights swirl through the skies Why not purchase a freshly-made packed www.stractahotels.is

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Discover an

Ice-BlueJökulsárlón Boat Tours tours World Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon

here are few glacial lagoons existing Coffee with a View Located within a few hundred metres of the nearby fishing village of Höfn. Dinner is in the world today and certainly none Enjoy the spectacular view over the Route No. 1, the lagoon is actually much served in the large dining room that looks moreT awe-inspiring and accessible than lagoon in the small café where you can bigger and deeper than it appears. With HótelThe Icelandic Country SmyrlabjörgHotel Experience out over the vast landscapes that surround the renowned Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, get homemade soup with bread, fresh an area measuring over 25 square km (9.6 the hotel. situated at the head of Breiðamerkulljökull sandwiches, cakes with coffee or tea which square miles), you could easily fit the island magine bedding down for the night, friendly staff, coffee, tea and hot chocolate Hotel Smyrlabjörg is located 34km east outlet glacier on the peerless Vatnajökull can be either taken out on the terrace or of Heimaey (in the Westman Islands) into it Iunder a warm duvet, in the middle of the to be enjoyed in the common areas and of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and 45km Glacier. consumed inside. with room to spare. At over 300m (984 feet) Icelandic countryside. Here, underneath a large, hot breakfast buffet that is served from the town of Höfn in Hornafjorður. In deep, five Leaning Towers of Pisa, stacked the vast canopy of the Vatnajökull Glacier, every morning. winter there are local adventure companies Sail Among the Icebergs The Show of Fire and Ice one on top of the other, would fit inside the there’s a refreshing quality to the stillness out that offer ice cave exploring or snowmobile Jökulsárlón ehf has been operating boat tours The magnificent annual fireworks display lagoon with room to spare. With the ebb here in the “middle of nowhere.” Local and fresh tours on the glacier and there are many on the east side of the lagoon for the last 25 over the lagoon can be described without and flow of the tides, sea water enters into The restaurant at Hótel Smyrlabjörg focuses possibilities for doing a spot of hiking near years. Sail among the icebergs in a 40 minute a doubt as one of the most memorable the lagoon bringing with it krill, capelin, As Icelandic as it gets on fresh, local ingredients and everything is the hotel, both in summer and winter. -EMV amphibious boat tour, or take an exciting fireworks shows on earth. The event, held herring and salmon. Curious seals know Hotel Smyrlabjörg is a working farm where homemade as much as possible. The lamb one hour Zodiac boat tour that goes further annually in late August, starts at 11.30 pm, where the food is plentiful and can often six generations of the same family have lived comes straight from the hotel’s own grass Hotel Smyrlabjörg into the lagoon, getting you as close as is safe with proceeds going to Iceland’s volunteer be seen bobbing along with the currents, since 1850. As is typical for many buildings fed herd of sheep, while the potatoes, the to the icebergs and the glacier itself. search and rescue organization, ICESAR. swimming in and out between the icebergs Smyrlabjörgum • 781 Hornafirði in Iceland, it’s not the outside, but the inside beef and the eggs come from nearby farms. +354 478 1074 and appearing to enjoy the attention from that really counts—spacious rooms with Fresh fish and langoustines are purchased [email protected] onlookers on the shore. Across the road, www.smyrlabjorg.is comfortable beds, clean and fresh linens, directly from the fishing boats that dock in near the delta where fresh and salt water converge, you can walk down to the water’s edge to witness the rather surreal sight of baby ‘bergs’ beached on the shoreline. -EMV Jökulsárlón Reynivellir 3 781 Höfn í Hornafjörður +354 478 2222 [email protected] www.jokulsarlon.is

124 125 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com are feeling the impact. Even when the current warming cycle ends, around 2030, esearching it won’t perhaps be cool enough, depending R on the effects of global warming. “The warming is definitely felt in Iceland,” he says. “It makes things happen fast, and the birds are suffering.” Because of the declining puffin celand s population, the government should I ’ consider some changes, says Erpur. “The “This has occurred before,” says Erpur, hunting is unsustainable,” he says. “We explaining that the population dynamics need to rethink our management system Náttúrustofa Suðurlands studies Iceland’s puffin population, and reports dire findings are linked to a periodic warming and base it on scientific measurements and uffins cycle called the Atlantic Multidecadal on being sustainable, similar to the fishing P Oscillation (AMO). Indeed, waters industry here. Something needs to be done.” irdwatchers are delighted when surrounding Iceland warmed for about Puffins impact tourism as well, and they visit Iceland, as there are 35 years, and then cooled off for another that’s something the government need to more than 300 species of birds 35 years, and puffin populations have consider, says Erpur. “Many people come that can be seen around the correspondingly dropped, then recovered. from all over the world to see Iceland’s island. Iceland serves as a stopover for About 7.7 million However, it appears to be different now. puffins during the summer months,” he birds migrating between North America puffins called Iceland Ocean temperatures have now climbed as says. “It’s a big part of business when you Band Europe. Popular bird species are home during the much as two degrees since the think of whale and puffin tours. Puffins are Gyrfalcons, Great Northern Divers, summer months last cold period, but similar worth more money to the tourist industry Harlequins, and Barrows Goldeneyes. in 2002, but their to the last warm period alive rather than dead.” And that goes However, the birds that have become numbers have dwindled (1920-1964). Now the for restaurants in Iceland. “Seeing puffin synonymous with Iceland are the adorable over the last 13 years, at spring bloom is very late on the menu at some restaurants is both puffins, with their black and white bodies, an alarming rate. Now but it’s timing in the embarrassing and sad,” he says. “These bright orange feet and colourful red, blue only 3.2 million are last warm period birds are important and we’re losing them. and orange beaks. Puffins are remarkable estimated to remain. is unknown. There needs to be a shift in thinking swimmers and divers, able to stay under- Suðurlands The puffin to help preserve puffins.” An easy and water for over 2 minutes and surface with —(South Iceland Nature chicks responsible solution for the government many small fish in their beaks. While Research Centre). would be to ban the trade of game. -JG exceptional in water, puffins are known for their uneven landings on land, which is part of their charm. It’s possible to see conducting research on environmental and Erpur. “The sand eel population collapsed puffins during the summer in many areas wildlife issues. Erpur has been investigating in 2003-2005 and has not recovered yet, including the Westman Islands, Grimsey, the puffin population of the Westman and we believe that is a real problem.” The the Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords, Islands since 2007 and has some startling main hypothesis the agency is working on Hafnarhólmi in Borgarfjörður Eystri, and data regarding Iceland’s puffins. is that warmer winter ocean temperatures Papey. If winter surface sea temperatures remain are lowering young sand eels’ survival About 7.7 million puffins called Iceland at current levels or higher, Erpur says, then as they exhaust their wintering energy home during the summer months in much of the puffin population of south and reserves prior to the spring food appearance. 2002, but their numbers have dwindled west Iceland will disappear in the next 10 The spring bloom has also been greatly over the last 13 years at an alarming rate. to 20 years. “We go around Iceland twice delayed over the same time period. Lack of Now only 3.2 million are estimated to a summer to measure chick production,” fat fish has caused famine for some colonies remain, according to Erpur Snær Hansen, says Erpur. “We also study their diet and of Iceland’s puffins. the Director of Ecological Research at environment.” The impact is clear. Adult puffins must Náttúrustofa Suðurlands (South Iceland Iceland’s puffin population has been forage farther and come back with fewer Nature Research Centre). struggling largely due to lack of food. fish for their young. Researchers are seeing Náttúrustofa Suðurlands was founded “They predominantly eat two species of fish puffin chicks starve, nests abandoned, and in 1996 and has a team of scientists aound Iceland—capelin and sand eel,” says fewer adult birds breeding. 126 127 www.icelandictimes.comwww.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.comwww.icelandictimes.com celandic Times is an ambitious magazine, memorable. Hundreds of mountain trails published in five languages, for the and caves have been mapped out, dozens multitudeI of visitors Iceland receives all of jeeps have been modified, millions have year round. Icelandic Times emphasizes been spent on logistics, and thousands of everything that can be considered Icelandic sweaters have been knitted, just for you. – the people, the food, tourism, industry and We hope you enjoy reading about these in fact anything that might give visitors a people and that this magazine will be better picture of the country and its people. helpful in making your stay more enjoyable. As you may know, Iceland has a lot to offer and there are countless individuals and companies who have meticulously laboured for years to make your stay more Managing Editor and Publisher In Chinese, French, German...!

1–5 hours day tours for beginners to experienced riders. In stunning nature only 15 minutes from Reykjavik! www.ishestar.is Pre-booked pick up provided. 555 7000 To u r i s m , C u l t u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 37 • 2018 SOUVENIR SHOP

SHOP OF THE YEAR 2012

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