What’s On July 2013 in Reykjavik
Reykjavik’s leading guide to entertainment, eating out, museums and galleries. FRee apeRitiF When ordered from Lava’s lunch buffet or evening menu.
L ava R estauRant An essentiAl pArt of your Blue lAgoon visit Step Experience Viking-Age Reykjavík at the Settle ment Exhibition. The focus of the exhibition is an excavated longhouse site which dates from the 10th century ad. into the It includes relics of human habi tation from about 871, the oldest such site found in Iceland.
Multimedia techniques bring Viking Reykjavík’s past to life, providing visitors with insights into how people lived in the Viking Age, and what the Reykjavík environment looked like to Age the first settlers.
Minjasafn Reykjavíkur Aðalstræti 16 Reykjavík City Museum www.reykjavik871.is Reykjavik Art Museum
Open daily. One admission to three museums.
Huginn Þór Arason and Andrea Maack – Interval.
Magnús Pálsson – The Sound of a Bugle in a Shoebox: Performances 1980–2013.
Tales from the Vault: Sculptures Inspired by Literature
Erró – Graphic Art 1949 – 2009.
1. 9. 2012 – 25. 8. 2013 E Erró – Graphic Art 1949-2009
18. 5. – 1. 9. 2013 BCD Magnús Pálsson – The Sound of a Bugle in a Shoebox: Performances 1980–2013 Icelandic Art 1900–1950 – From Landscape to Abstract Art. 25. 5. – 1. 9. 2013 A Huginn Þór Arason and Andrea Maack – Interval 1. 6. – 22. 9. 2013 11. 5. – 30. 12. 2013 25. 5. – 1. 9. 2013 Elevator Icelandic Art 1900–1950 – From Tales from the Vault: Sculptures Theresa Himmer – All State Landscape to Abstract Art Inspired by Literature
Hafnarhús Kjarvalsstaðir Ásmundarsafn
Tryggvagata 17 Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Flókagata Sigtún Thursdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Open daily 10 – 5 p.m.
www.artmuseum.is [email protected] T +354 590 1200 Contents on the cover: july 2013 july in iceland Hello and welcome to the July edition of What’s On in Reykjavik! On the cover you EXPERIENCE 6-19 can see a very typical scene for July in Iceland: Youths camping in a grassy valley by Seljalandsfoss, an amazing waterfall in the south of Iceland that you can actually museum walk 20-21 walk behind in a natural cave.
The cover is descriptive of July in Iceland in many ways. It is taken at night(!) in event calendar 22-35 the midnight sun, something you will experience this month (whether you want WHAT’S ON WHAT’S to or not). July is one of the warmest months of the year so camping out reykjavik city map 36-37 and traveling the country in general is popular for both locals and tourists alike. Everybody puts on shorts and t-shirts (regardless of weather – it’s the principle insight 38-43 of the matter!) and roams the countryside. That is, unless they stay in town and party till the sun goes down. Which it doesn’t in July. Which explains a lot. art & culture 44-49 Between the Museum Day on the 7th of July, the amazing nature, the International Organ Summer in Hallgrímskirkja church nightlife 50-51 and the various upcoming concerts, there’s a lot to see in and around Reykjavik this month.
shopping & style 52-55 As you travel in Reykjavík and Iceland, don’t miss out on our INSTAGRAM COMPETITION – just tag your instagram pictures with #WhatsOnRvk and we’ll Food & Drink 56-61 select the best few every month to publish. See our favorites from last month on pages 8-9! And every month, the best picture will WIN A LUXURIOUS JACKET Practical info 62-66 from CINTAMANI – sent straight to your doorstep!
Volume 31 – Issue 7. Published by MD Reykjavik ehf. Skógarhlíð 22, 105 Reykjavik. Tel.: 899-2255. E-mail: [email protected]
Editor: Hjörtur Atli Guðmunds. Geirdal, [email protected], Tel.:847-4153. Layout: Stefán Birgir Stefáns, [email protected]
Co-Editor: Rögnvaldur Guðmundsson, [email protected] Cover photo: Kjartan Þorbjörnsson
Printing House: Ásprent-Stíll ehf. Akureyri
WHAT‘S ON IN REYKJAVIK is published monthly covering events and happenings in and around Reykjavik. Opinions expressed in WHAT‘S ON IN Reykjavik are those of the individual authors. While every effort has www.whatson.is been made to ensure the information presented is accurate, prices, times, dates and other information may be subject to change. 4 GLACIER WALKS AND OTHER EXCITING DAY TOURS
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‹URK ICELANDAIR PIONEER AWARD SVI EN FI N Spör ehf. R I E N G icelandrovers.is V mountainguides.is H 2 2013 2013 0 Call +354 587 9999 M 2006 1 1 2 Call +354 587 9999 U 1 umhverfis- og mountainguides.is 2013 auðlindaráðuneytið For designing and developing Call +354 587 9999 Glacier Walks. 1 SCAN QR CODE TO BOOK NOW MAKE SURE IT’S MOUNTAIN GUIDES MOUNTAINGUIDES.IS · [email protected] · Tel: +354 587 9999 The Reykjavik Coffee Experience Iceland may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of coffee, but Icelanders are actually big coffee drinkers. You will find plenty of small coffee shops or cafés on nearly every street corner in downtown Reykjavík. We know of at least five places where you will get great coffee.
Café París Café Paris is one of Reykjavik city’s most beloved restaurants and cafés, and has been for twenty years. It’s ideally situated by Austurvöllur square, where Icelanders go to celebrate the sun in the summertime. Inside Café Paris, you’ll be able to relax in a calm and casual atmosphere while enjoying a warm cup of coffee. They have a wide selection of coffee drinks but their Frappuccino “à la Café Paris” deserves the highest praise. You can’t go wrong with any of their cakes if you’re in the mood for a luxurious
experience refreshment as well.
tíu dropar One of Reykjavik‘s oldest cafés, located in a hidden basement on Laugavegur that is frequented by avid loungers, coffee addicts, happy families and hungry travelers. There’s nothing pretentious about it, it’s just a lovely old-fashioned house with homelike atmosphere and generous coffee refills. If you want to try something really Icelandic with your coffee you should order flatkökur, rye pancakes with sliced smoked lamb, or pönnukökur, traditional Icelandic pancakes with sugar, or with jam and whipped cream.
Kaffismiðja Íslands A small and intimate coffee shop in the city center where you’ll find first class coffee and refreshment. Their coffee is roasted in their own roasteries by their own roasting masters. When you walk in you’ll notice their beautiful La Marzocco espresso machine and two Mazzer grinders, and realize that coffee at Kaffismiðjan is serious business. If you like your coffee, which you probably will, you can purchase whole beans in 300 gram bags or have them custom grinded for your coffee maker.
kaffifélagið It may be the smallest coffee shop in the country but it’s definitely one of the most popular ones too. Kaffifélagið offers a wide selection of coffee drinks made from Italian espresso beans that are grown in Ottolina, Milan. If you want to awaken your senses and make your mouth to foam with delight and deliciousness, Kaffifélagið is where you should go. The place is usually filled with busy locals getting their take-away coffee. You can also stock up on coffee beans, DVD’s and Icelandic music while you’re there.
sólon If you’re looking for the perfect place to sit down, order a cup of coffee and watch people go on with their daily lives outside the window, Café Sólon is the place for you. The oversized artwork and sleek furniture definitely add to its appeal. Café Sólon is located in an old beautiful
. , or Hidden People called Huldufólk are elves I celandic building in the city center with big windows and a lot of history. Their aromatic coffee will send any coffee lover over the edge, and it will taste even better if it’s accompanied by their delicious vegetable pie. 6 … for outdoor enthusiasts Michelsen Arctic Explorer Designed for Icelandic weather, by Icelanders
Laugavegur 15 - 101 Reykjavík - Tel. 354 511 1900 - www.michelsenwatch.com #WhatsOnRvk So you’re in Iceland. Enjoying life, seeing the sights and taking in everything this THE MAIN magnificent country has to offer. Why not PRIzE share it with the world? We’d love to publish your best moments from Iceland, so go A luxurious ahead and tag them on Instagram, using jacket from #WhatsOnRvk. Each month we’ll select some the original of the best ones and publish them right here Icelandic in What’s On in Reykjavik. clothing brand, By the end of summer we’ll choose the best Cintamani. picture of them all, awarding the owner with a brand new Cintamani jacket, that we’ll send right to your doorstep! experience
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Head on to page 34 for information on local events taking place in July and see if you can’t find an event where you can experience that perfect Instagram moment. 9
experience experience Gljúfrasteinn - Laxness museum
Gljúfrasteinn was the home of writer Audio guides of the house are available in Halldór Laxness (the winner of The Nobel Icelandic, English, German, Swedish and Prize in Literature 1955) and his family for Danish, and an illustrated guide in French more than half a century. The house is Gljúfrasteinn-Laxness museum is located now a museum, where the author’s home in the valley of Mosfellsdalur on the way is preserved just as it was when he lived to Þingvellir National Park, only 20 minute and worked there. drive from Reykjavik. A number of events are hosted For more information, go to throughout the year. Every Sunday during www.gljufrasteinn.is. the summertime there are concerts in the living room at 4pm. The museum is open everyday from 9am – 17pm.
a very brief history of iceland
16-18 Million BC: The 1550 AD: Civil war and 20th century: The World Formation of Iceland. Lutheranism. The violent Wars and modernization. Volcanic eruptions form the conflict between Catholics The turn of the century saw landmass known as Iceland. and Lutherans ended with the first motor boat and car. the beheading of bishop Jón The world wars and American 871 AD: The Settlement of Arason. occupation resulted in the Iceland. Ingólfur Arnarson first serious urbanisation and killed a man in Norway and 1602: Monopoly (not the foreign cultural influence. fled to Iceland. fun kind). The king of Denmark decided Icelanders 19s5 AD: Nobel Prize. Halldór 930 AD: Parliament would only trade with par- Laxness was awarded the Established. Iceland is argu- ticular Danes, resulting in Nobel Prize in Literature. ably the oldest still extant abject poverty until the democracy in the world. monopoly was abolished in 1980 AD: First Female 1786. President. The world’s first 1000 AD: Conversion to democratically elected Christianity, Discovery of The 1750s: The female head of state, Vigdís America. Parliament decided Enlightenment and Finnbogadóttir, took office. everyone would be christian the Birth of Reykjavík. or at least pretend to be. Leif Industrialisation and mod- 2008 AD: Crash and “the Lucky” Ericson got lost ernisation started when Miraculous Recovery. and found America, didn’t like “Sheriff” Skúli Magnússon Iceland’s banking system it and went home. started wool manufacturing went spectacularly bankrupt. in Aðalstræti 10. Since then, things are pick- 1262 AD: Iceland Submits to ing up surprisingly well, but Norway. Civil war between 1944 AD: Independence. they’re still tough. powerful clans resulted in Iceland declared indepen- making peace by submitting dence while Denmark was 2009 AD: First openly gay to Norway. Later, Iceland too busy being invaded by prime minister. The world’s somehow wound up under Germany to protest. first openly lesbian head Danish rule. We are more than of government, Jóhanna a little confused about it. Sigurðardóttir, took office. 11 The reykjavik
Reykjavík is filled with things to do, places to go and stuff to see but some are just a little bit more important than others.
Hallgrímskirkja Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. The tower of the church is among the city’s highest buildings and offers a fantastic view of the city for the small price of 700ISK for adults, 100ISK for children. Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church- and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland. It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect who designed it, Guðjón Samúelsson is said to have designed it to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape. experience Perlan Standing at 25 metres high, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking buildings and although it was opened to the public in 1991 it still makes a stand out piece of architecture for its modern construction. Up on the fourth level there is a 360 degree viewing platform where you can get the best panoramic views of Reykjavík and when the sun sets it’s a spectacular spot for the northern lights. You can also dine at the Perlan restaurant that slowly rotates so you get to see the whole city without even having to turn your head. We strongly recommend a visit to The Saga Museum while you’re there.
Tjörnin People go to the pond to feed the birds and enjoy one of the most amazing views that Reykjavík has to offer. There isn’t a better place in the city to enjoy a beautiful sunset and you can watch or feed a huge variety of birdlife that calls the lake home while you’re at it. When the lake freezes over in winter, hot geothermal waters are pumped in to defrost an area for the birds while those who can handle the cold keep warm from the romantic atmosphere and take to the ice on skates.
Austurvöllur When the sun is shining and the air is hot, Austurvöllur is the place to be no matter who you are. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants on Vallarstræti and Pósthússtræti, this public square is a wildly popular spot for locals to dine outside, soak up some sunshine or recline in the grass with picnics. With its close proximity to the Parliament of Iceland building, Austurvöllur has contrastingly also been the gathering place for political protests. At the center of it all stands a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the renowned figure who led Iceland to independence. Kolaportið Whether you want to sample dried fish and fermented shark, purchase a bag of Icelandic candy or browse through thrifted clothing, Kolaportið should be the destination of your choice. Kolaportið is an indoor flea market that is open during the weekend between 11am-5pm. The atmosphere is very unique and the old industrial building is usually filled with people hunting for books or antiques, grocery shopping at the food court, selling their old www.whatson.is garments, buying music and DVD’s or digging through piles of stuff in search of hidden treasures. We recommend bringing cash, as the 12 majority of stalls don‘t accept cards. experience experience sight Experience Harpa The whole 28.000 square meters of Harpa stand at the edge of the Reykjavik Harbour with Iceland‘s biggest concert hall suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events, conference centre with meeting facilities and in-house catering and fine restaurants. Harpa also occasionally hosts promotions, plays, and public events. It‘s open to everyone, always, and you should definitely visit Harpa, whether it‘s for a show, to buy souvenirs, a concert or a lovely dinner in one of the fabulous restaurants. Harpa was designed by a Danish firm in co-operation with Ólafur Elíasson, an Icelandic artist, and opened to the public on May 4th 2011.
The Old Harbor The descriptive name comes from the fact that it‘s the first lasting harbor in Reykjavik. The most visited area is the eastern pier where you’ll find a community of shops, galleries, electric bike and scooter rentals and guided tours in Reykjavík. You will find numerous whale watching companies willing to take you out to sea on unforgettable excursions. The area is filled with excellent restaurants (sushi and other seafood, tapas, burgers, etc.) and coffee houses. The atmosphere at the old harbour is friendly, the air is fresh and salty and there’s plenty of interesting activities to check out.
The Sun Voyager A beautiful sculpture of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula by Sæbraut, close to the Reykjavík center. The sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and an ode to the sun. It serves as reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland. An ideal opportunity to see Sólfarið at its best is when the Reykjavik's Thermalsun is setting, Pools at whatever time that may be. It should be every photographer’s dream to capture the amazing view.
city* hall e With an impressive, modern design, the building sits right on the northernONLY shore of Lake Tjörnin. It’s not only offices for the mayor 550and city’s isk. excutive officials, but is also open to visitors, providing internetADULTS access, an information desk, exhibition halls and a cafe. Café Öndin boasts huge glass windows so you can sit back and admire the130 water, isk.bird life, nature and city surrounds. Go to the galleries to admireCHILDREN one of the steady streams of new and exciting exhibitions always coming through. The three dimensional map of Iceland is always a favourite with visitors to the country.
Laugardalslaug Every country has traditions when it comes to leisure. Iceland’s big www.whatson.is thing is swimming pools.. change to subject is Price 2013. January *Admission Laugardalslaug is the city’s largest pool A source with extensive facilities, located in Laugardalur Valley. Its facilities include a 50m outdoor pool, outdoor children’s pool and paddling pool, two waterslides, numerous hot tubs, steam bath, gym and mini golf course. There really is no better place to be on a sunny day, or a cold one for that matter. Right outside you will find a hot dog stand of health where you can buy traditional Icelandic hot dog. Head over to page 20 for the Reykjavik Museum Walk. 13
Saunas, For Seven Thermal Hot tubs health and locations and swimming steambaths well-being Open early pools jacuzzi and showers until late
Thermal pools aandd baths in Reykjavik aaree a source ooff health, rrelaxationelaxation and purenepureness.ss. All of the city´s swimming pools have several hot pots with temperatures ranging from 37˚ to 42˚C (98˚–111˚F). The pools are kept at an average temperature of 29˚ C (84˚ F).
Tel: +354 411 5000 • www.itr.is The Reykjavik Nightlife Experience Whether you visit Reykjavík in the summer with 24 hours of sunlight or in the freezing cold winter, you can always count on a vibrant nightlife. The city is filled with exciting bars and clubs. If it’s your first time in Reykjavík you may not find it easy to put together a solid schedule, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here’s an idea of a night that just can’t go wrong no matter who you are or where you came from.
Lebowski Bar 19:00-21:00 When the night has just begun and your stomach is growling it is ideal to visit Lebowski Bar, where you will not only find some of the city’s juciest burgers but also the most extensive white russian menu in the country. Lebowski Bar is basically a bowling themed diner and bar that was designed with the 1998 comedy film ‘The Big Lebowski’ in mind. It’s a bar that appeals to the masses, and people of all agest go there to enjoy a beer and burger in the joyful surroundings.
experience A visit there should set the mood just right for your night out.
Den Danske Kro 21:00-23:00 A traditional Danish bar that looks so authentic that it would fit just as well in the middle of Copenhagen as it does in downtown Reykjavik. Den Danske Kro has an excellent outdoor seating area where you can take your drink. The decor is in line with the concept, Danish themed pictures hang on the walls and the danish flag is proudly presented all over. Grab your Danish dictionary, head down to Den Danske Kro and try out some classic Danish phrases such as “Hej, jeg vil gerne have en stor øl, tak” and they’ll serve you a cold one.
vegamót 23:00-01:00 For a huge selection of cocktails, elegant surroundings and cosmopolitan atmosphere you must go to Vegamót, a place that possesses the wonderful quality of being all in one, bistro, café and bar. The decor is chic with a jazzy ambience. This is the perfect time to visit Vegamót, as it’s about the time when it evolves from being a restaurant into a wild nightclub where some of Iceland’s best dj’s turn up the volume to create a party that will go on well into the night. Dressy attire is preferred but not essential.
Ölstofan 01:00-03:00 It’s a bar for people who like to keep things simple. Ölstofan is frequented by local artists, writers and other intellectuals, and the clientele is mostly 30+. They have a great selection of beers from all over the world but you really must try Bríó, the house brew. Unlike most bars in Reykjavík, the music at Ölstofan is kept at a level where you can actually have a conversation over your drinks without yelling and there’s no dance floor. Ölstofan is a simple pub for people who like to go out but still take it somewhat easy.
b5 03:00-LATE For the grand finale we have saved one of Reykjavík’s best nightclubs, b5. The main area usually turns into a dance floor so that people that are walking in or out are forced to dance their way through the crowd. b5 is a fabulous club where the air is hot and the atmosphere is somewhat Manhattanesque. If you want a bit more privacy there’s www.whatson.is always the option of reserving a table in the b5 lounge but you’ll have to buy a bottle of alcohol to go with it. b5 is the perfect place to unleash 14 your inner beast to the sound of fresh tunes before hitting the bed. Going places? Experience Iceland in a whole new way
Tel. +354 562 6060 www.budget.is
Budget locations: Reykjavík, Ke avík, Akureyri, Egilsstaðir VOLCANO Experience HOUSE the Wonders of Volcanoes Volcano House Cinema Dramatic and Informative Striking documentaries on two of the most powerful eruptions in Iceland in recent times. Westman Islands in 1973 and Eyafjallajökull 2010 in amazing Emmy nominated footages.
Shows every hour on the hour from 08.00 to 22.00 in English, except in German at 18.00 and French at 21.00. Volcano House Café Healthy and Volcanic
International and Icelandic menu with focus on Volcanic Food.
Breakfast • Lunch Buffet • Light meals • Happy Hour Volcano Coffee and Cakes • Take Aways Volcano House also features : • Geological Exhibition. Free Entrance • Tourist information and Booking Service • Volcano House Boutique Open from 8.00 – 24.00
VOLCANO HOUSE Tryggvagata 11 • 101 Reykjavik • Tel. (354) 555 1900 www.volcanohouse.is • [email protected]
VolcanoHouse_145x214.indd 1 6/21/2013 2:10:37 PM
The ICELANDIC
Although beer and ale have been brewed in Iceland for a long time, the growth in recent years has been amazing. In just a few years, we‘ve seen many great breweries emerge, filled with ambition and ingenuity. There is one thing they all have in common though, the Icelandic water; renowned for its purity and quality. Here you can read up on some of our favorite beers, all of whom you‘ll find in Reykjaviks pubs and bars.
víking classic Víking Classic is a Vienna style beer with golden amber colour and taste of roasted malt. It has a good body and medium bitterness with balancing sweetness and a hint of caramel. This Classic type of beer has become one of the best sellers on draught in Iceland in one year. Víking Classic is available in draught, bottles and cans and is part of the Víking beer family which is the most popular beer brand in experience Iceland.
BríÓ The first beer produced by Borg Brugghús, Bríó is a pilsner, however unlike what most people might think, being a pilsner doesn‘t mean it‘s any less of a beer. The name comes from the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. This style of brewing first emerged in the middle of the 19th century and immediately became so popular that the majority of beer drunk today is in some way derived from the original pilsner. Brío uses German hops, giving a very distinctive taste and a sweet aroma. Along with the hops, it uses Pilsen malt and under-fermentation yeast. Brío, which has won many awards and prizes over the years, was originally brewed as the House Beer for Ölstofan (see pg. 12) and is available in liquor stores around the country as well as most bars in town.
Kaldi The Brewery on Árskógssandur was the first microbrewery that opened in Iceland, back in 2006. Their first product, Kaldi, definitely paved the way for the rest of them. The regular Kaldi is a pure pilsner, with all the ingredients, except the Icelandic water, coming from the Czech Republic. Even their Brewmaster is Czech! Kaldi is a very mild and comfortable pilsner, with 5% ABV. You can detect a hint of sweetness in it. Kaldi is the most sold bottled beer in Iceland today and has been tremendously well received. You can get Kaldi in the liquor stores in bottles, as well as on draught at MicroBar.
kaldi dark Most Icelanders are a bit afraid of dark beers, at least until they taste Kaldi Dark. A dark pilsner, it‘s not that much different from the regular Kaldi, as the main difference is the use of burnt malt, which provides the beautiful, distinctive dark color. Kaldi Dark is unpasteurized with no added sugar or preservatives. As mentioned – the Kaldi beers are brewed by Czech traditions, dated from 1842. Kaldi Dark is brewed using 3 different types of Czech hops. You can get Kaldi Dark in all liquor stores as well as in MicroBar www.whatson.is on draught. 18 experience experience Beer Experience
Einstök Toasted Porter With clear notes of toffee and dark chocolate, this Porter is roasty and rich, offering a medium body that is robust, yet smooth on the palate. Toasted and chocolate malts give it a sinister black color, but its easy-to-drink taste will have you believing that there’s no need to be afraid of the dark anymore.
Úlfur The first Icelandic IPA (India Pale Ale) on the market. Úlfur IPA is in the same caliber as the best produced on the West Coast of the Unites States and probably comes to many Icelanders as a surprise regarding flavor and aroma. The aroma is of fresh citrus fruits, especially grapefruit, which can also be found in the flavor and a strong bitterness makes you crave another sip. Only American hops are used in the beer and hops are added when boiled and after fermentation, a so called “dry hopping” technique. Icelanders took to the beer immediately and it helped clear the way for smaller breweries to try new things.
Lava This beer is unique in the Icelandic beer scene and quite possibly globally as well. Lava is a pitch black Ale, with its colour coming from dark-roasted mat, burnt in a similar way as coffee beans. The Brewmasters goal was to create a distinctive beer. Lava is described as being like a good wine – improving with age, reaching optimal quality after 3 years of storage in a cold place. Lava is a very smoked Imperial Stout, and considered by beer connoisseurs as one of the best Icelandic beers. It has received many international awards, including a gold medal at the “United States Open Beer Championship” – where it competed against over 1650 beers. Lava is available at the bigger liquor stores as well as exclusively on draught at MicroBar.
Víking sumaröl This is the first Icelandic summer beer, a Belgian style White Ale spiced up with coriander and orange peel. This beer is only available for limited time from first day www.whatson.is of summer until end of July. It can be found in Vinbudin (monopoly stores) and on draught in the special bars in down town Reykjavik.
Head on to page 38 for some Reykjavik favorites from Reykjavik Locals. 19 the reykjavik museum walk Reykjavik is rich with culture and history which can be experienced in the many museums that our city has to offer. To make life easier for you, here is a proposed Museum Walk that covers the best bits of downtown Reykjavik, while within a walking distance.
1 | Volcano house 5 | The National Museum of Iceland The museum gives The nation’s most visitors an idea of the precious treasures are real life in Iceland, kept and displayed at where volcanoes The National Museum and earthquakes are of Iceland that was a constant threat. established on the Volcanic eruptions and 24th of February in earthquakes occur daily and Icelandic nature is 1863. The aim of the museum is to increase and in a state of constant flux. Volcano House lets you relay knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage experience the world of Icelanders by coming from the beginning until now. At the museum WHAT’S ON WHAT’S as close as possible to experiencing an eruption you will find objects that provide insight into or earthquake for yourself. They also have an Icelandic cultural history and displays from in-house cinema where they offer two back-to-back different eras. documentaries on historical volcanic eruptions.
2 | The Reykjavík Museum of 6 | The National Gallery of Iceland Photography The principal art museum of Iceland, established The museum’s main in 1884. Its art collection objective is to present both consists mainly of 19th and historical and contemporary 20th century art works. In photography in an artistic, its possession are many of social and cultural context, the keystones of Icelandic as well as nurture public art history, as well as a growing collection of works and scholarly interest in from other countries. The National Gallery’s main role photography and its culture.The collection’s themes is to collect, preserve, research and exhibit Icelandic are diverse, you can find family photograpshs, art and offer education about it, as well as there is a photos from portrait studios, industrial- and considerable emphasis laid on showing Icelandic art in advertising photographs, press photography, context with international art. landscape photographs and more.
3 | Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús serves as the museum’s institute of contemporary art, where new developments in art are explored through diverse exhibitions of Icelandic and international artists. An exhibition of paintings by well known pop artist Erró is a permanent feature. You’ll really like the restaurant inside that has a beautiful view over the harbour. Don’t forget to stop by the Hafnarhús shop for postcards, art posters and books published by the museum.
4 | The Settlement Exhibition Archaeological remains were excavated in Aðalstræti in 2001, which turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavík.The relics are now preserved at their original location as the focal point of the Settlement Exhibition. The construction of Viking Age buildings is explained
www.whatson.is using multimedia technology and computer technology is used to give an impression of what life was like in the hall. 20 Map data ©2013 Google (354) 58 12345
Treat yourself to Iceland’s most popular pizza. Call us at 58 12345 and we deliver right to your room! Mon.- Fri. Bus leaves at 11 am, 1, 3 and 5 pm Extra trip Thu. at 7 pm Sun. Bus leaves at 1, 3 and 5 pm
smaralind.is Open: Weekdays 11-19 Thursdays 11-21 Saturdays 11-18 Sundays 13-18 Follow us on Ev e nt cal ndar Reykjavik Art Museum – Hafnarhús
Magnús Pálsson - The Sound of a Bugle in a Shoebox: Performances 1980- 2013 A durational retrospective of the performance work of Magnús Pálsson (b. 1929), one of Iceland’s most prolific and influential artists of the last six decades. His roots in and love of the theatre medium have informed his artistic output, but so has his Magnús Pálsson - The Sound of a Bugle in a Shoebox dedication to experimentation and wood cuttings, etchings, ducing an uncanny doubling of and his unfailing belief in the lithographs and silk-prints. sounds, at Hafnarhús All State non-segregation of art forms. It is in the latter that Erró produces a series of palimpses- Theatre, music, poetry, visual art has focused more on digital tic overlaps defined more by and choreography all lay within printing. Most of Erró’s graphic slips and discrepancies than by the same experimental space art is based on his older conjunctions. that is Pálsson’s approach to art. works, such as his paintings, collages and drawings. Erró He was an active participant Huginn Þór Arason in Iceland’s avant-garde, has collaborated extensively collaborating with alternative in workshops with a variety of and Andrea Maack: theatre groups as well with different graphic artists, as well Interval visual artists such as Dieter as with printers and publishers At the heart of the exhibition Roth. A founding member of of his works in France, Italy, Interval is a fragrance intend- the Living Art Museum, he is Sweden and elsewhere in ed to embody the essence of a widely regarded as one of the Europe. museum of the distant future. most influential teachers of Maack and Arason present this fragrance as a three-dimen- art in Iceland. He was Iceland’s Theresa Himmer: All representative at the Venice sional and architectural experi- Biennale in 1980 and has held State ence, a period-room installation over 40 one-man exhibitions in A site-responsive sound instal- which remains flexible in form in lation, All State was made spe- Iceland and abroad. order to acknowledge the elu- cifically for the elevator at Art sive, atmospheric, and temporal in General, New York, where it qualities of scent. Erró – Graphic Art, was shown in 2012. All State is 1949-2009 a 6-hour-long composition of The featured fragrance, a one- rhythmically playful arrange- off scent developed specifically ments. Using the machinery’s for the exhibition at Hafnarhús, repetitive movement and exist- is a perfumer’s interpretation of ing sounds as a starting point, the artists’ concept, rendered All State intensifies a space as an olfactory experience. The that already elicits a heightened scent in turn has guided Maack sensitivity; the work suspends and Arason in determining the Mon.- Fri. the viewer between objective nature of the installation. and manipulated space. Bus leaves at 11 am, Interval, Maack and Arason’s 1, 3 and 5 pm As All State is displaced and first collaboration, builds on For the first time the general transplanted into the context Maack’s background as a visu- Extra trip Thu. public is able to view Erró’s of Hafnarhús, the meaning of al artist working with scent and www.whatson.is at 7 pm graphic art spanning half a the work shifts and expands. on Arason’s interest in trans- century. The exhibition is the The elevator in Hafnarhús is forming the role of exhibition result of three years’ work newer and quicker. It runs more space. Here Maack and Arason Sun. researching and registering smoothly and hence is almost conceive of the gallery as a set- Bus leaves the artist’s entire collection of silent. The opening hours at ting within which the audience graphic pieces, undertaken by Hafnarhús are longer than at can actively experience the at 1, 3 and Danielle Kvaran, the exhibition 5 pm Art in General, so the composi- fragrance and the loose series curator. These works of art tion must repeat on loop to last of subjective interpretations reveal a variety of techniques, long enough. Instead of pro- contributing to its development including stamp-prints, lino and presentation. 23 smaralind.is Open: Weekdays 11-19 Thursdays 11-21 Saturdays 11-18 Sundays 13-18 Follow us on The exhibition is conceived as a journey through time: it begins with the ship in which medieval settlers crossed the ocean to their new home, it ends in a modern airport, the Icelanders’ gateway to the world.
The National Museum of Iceland offers guided tours in English that are included in the entry fee. The tours are at 11 o‘clock Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Icelandic Silverwork
Icelandic Art 1900-1950 Reykjavik The National Art Museum – Museum of Kjarvalsstaðir Iceland
Icelandic Art 1900- The Making of a 1950: From Landscape Nation - Heritage and
Ev e nt cal ndar to Abstract Art History in Iceland The exhibition gives an over- The National Museum of To commemorate the 150th view of Icelandic art from 1900- Iceland’s permanent exhibition, anniversary of the National 1950. It focuses on four subjects: Making of a Nation - Heritage Museum of Iceland a new Romantic and Radical 1900- and History in Iceland, is exhibition on various silver 1930, Landscape 1930-1950, The intended to provide insight items made in Iceland will be Human Scale 1930-1950 and into the history of the Icelandic opened on the 24th of February New radicalism and the begin- nation from the Settlement to in the museum‘s Arc Hall. ning of the abstract 1940–1950. the present day. Various silver objects from a The exhibition brings about 200 long period of Iceland‘s history paintings from 40 artists from The aim is to cast light on the will be shown at the exhibition this period. Icelanders’ past by placing the where the focus will be on the cultural heritage preserved methods used to create them. Reykjavik by the National Museum in a historical context, guided by the At the same time another Art Museum – question: What makes a nation? exhibition, Part–time Ásmundarsafn The exhibition includes about Silversmith, will be opened in 2,000 objects, dating from the Corner, where guests can Tales from the Vault the Settlement Age to the see the tools that silversmiths - Sculptures Inspired present, as well as about 1,000 of the past used to make silver by Literature photographs from the 20th objects. This exhibition of works from the century. museum’s collection explores the literary motifs that inspired Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893- 1982) in creating his sculpture. Based on myth, poetry, biblical stories, and Icelandic folklore, these works vaunt Sveinsson’s heroic stance as an artist representing his generation. Through Sveinsson’s varied artistic approaches and the lens of his own storyteller’s www.whatson.is imagination, these works become ambassadors of the 24 tales. Ev e nt cal ndar Sigfus Eymundsson photographer Sigfus Eymundsson was a photography pioneer in Iceland and his collection of photographs was the first one of its kind to be housed at the National Museum of Iceland. What do the photographs portray, why did Eymundson take those photographs and what is their significance to Iceland’s cultural heritage? We seek answers to those ques- tions and many more at the first retrospective exhibition of Eymundsons’ collection.
Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum Sigfus Eymundsson Photographer
De Profundis
Harpa
The title of the show, De island from a poetic point of Profundis points out that view. Experience contem- beneath the smooth surface porary Icelandic literature of the works we may glimpse from its source and listen a white-hot turbulence and to a relaxed chat in English, anguish which evoke that era hosted by the Reykjavik The exhibition brings together of Cold War. UNESCO City of Literature works from the collections of and the Centre for Icelandic the Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum Literature. The Icelandic and the National Gallery of Harpa Authors featured in July will Iceland, juxtaposing sculptures be Andri Snær Magnason, by Sigurjón Ólafsson with paint- The Art of Being
Vilborg Davíðsdóttir, Auður www.whatson.is ings by a number of his contem- Icelandic - Ava Ólafsdóttir and Yrsa poraries. During their formative Sigurðardóttir. years all the artists featured Literature and Lunch in Harpa had studied in foreign countries, For the whole month of July, where they were active in the Meet a local writer at restau- the exhibition The Art of avant-garde art scene. On their rant Munnharpan in Harpa, Being Icelandic, featuring return to Iceland they became Reykjavik Concert Hall, every Icelandic literature in transla- trailblazers in the revolution of Thursday in July at 12 pm. tion and Icelandic design, will form known as Modernism, a Here you can have a light be running at the Reykjavik period when Icelandic art flour- lunch and acquaint yourself City Hall by the City Lake. ished as never before. with life on this northerly 25 Reykjavik museum of photography
David W. Lewis – Old remnants with Bromoil photographic process Until July 16th.
At the turn of the 20th century pictorialism reigned supreme and the bromoil and trans- fer processes were the most highly acclaimed means of expression by the leading pic-
torial photographers in North Old remnants with Bromoil photographic process America and Europe. It was considered the most beauti- the world and has enthusiasti- into it. The project may thus be ful form of artistic expression. cally revived old photographic seen as an “ethnological” study Today, major galleries and seri- techniques as a leading work- of this “tribe,” with the aim of ous art collectors are quick to shop instructor. gaining an enhanced under- acquire vintage and tradition- standing of the origins of biker al bromoil and transfer prints. SPESSI - Horse with no culture. Spessi travelled partly Thus, the bromoil technique is Name by motorbike himself, and also one of the oldest photograph- by truck. ic methods and probably the The exhibition A Horse with No rarest. Name comprises portraits of While the media spotlight Ev e nt cal ndar bikers taken by photographer tends to fall on organised David W. Lewis, is one of the Spessi on a tour of the USA in biker groups, they are just last surviving masters of the 2011–2012. The objective of the one part of a much larger cul- pigment control processes of portraits is to make a record of ture of ordinary working-class Oil, Bromoil and Transfer. He the unique culture of the bik- Americans – often outsid- is leading in his field and has ing world, and provide insight ers – who see their dreams of shown his work widely around independence and freedom embodied in the motorbike. A Horse with No Name portrays those people, their environ- ment, their life and their com- munity. Spessi comments: “The show is, in a sense, a journal of my travels in their company, about the friends I made, and everything they‘ve shown me and taught me, by allowing me the opportunity to peek into that separate, and sometimes closed, world.”
Spessi is one of Iceland’s best- known photographers. What sets him apart is his fresh and original approach to his subjects, which range from advertising photography to portraits and art photography. His work has, for instance, been published to illustrate
www.whatson.is editorials in such major newspapers as the New York 26 Spessi - Horse With No Name Times and Politiken. Reykjavík See more and save more Welcome Card when visiting Reykjavík
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www.visitreykjavik.is then incorporate works in the custody of the National Museum of Iceland and the Árni Magnússon Institute of Icelandic Studies.
Medieval Manuscripts - Eddas and Sagas
Many of Iceland’s national treasures are on display in the Culture House’s featured exhibition Medieval Manuscripts – Eddas and Sagas. It includes the principal EIríkur Smith medieval manuscripts, such Ev e nt cal ndar as Codex Regius of the Poetic Hafnarborg Icelandic art, while internation- Edda and the compendium al trends set their mark on the Flateyjarbók, as well as law artwork. Eiríkur Smith codices and Christian works, not to forget the Sagas of This the fourth exhibition in an This exhibition, mounted by Icelanders. ongoing series at Hafnarborg the National Gallery in the aimed at introducing Eiríkur loft and staircase, is the first The old vellum manuscripts Smith’s wide-ranging career. step taken towards utilizing preserve the Northern classical This exhibition focuses on the exhibition spaces in the heritage: unique sagas, poems works made between 1968 Culture House for Icelandic and narratives which are often to 1982, giving insight into art through the ages. When our sole written sources of two different periods in the the exhibit is complete it will information on the society, artists career where he was cover art from medieval to religion and world view of the influenced first by pop art and contemporary times and will people of Northern Europe later realism. acebook for for acebook The Culture House
Millennium - phase one In this first phase of the exhi- bition Millennium, a variety of pieces from the collection of the National Gallery, from the 19th century to the pres- ent, are displayed. Selected landscape paintings by the pioneers of Icelandic visual arts, abstract paintings and sculptures from the mid-20th century, and contemporary Reykjavik information online. information Reykjavik estination Reykjavik on F Reykjavik F ind M y D estination art in all its diversity are pre- sented. Landscape and nation- al heritage are pronounced in 28 Millenium Ev e nt cal ndar from pagan times through the before pursuing his education tumult of Viking Expansion, and becoming one of Iceland’s the settlement of the Atlantic great political leaders, accom- Islands and the period of panied by his loyal wife who Christianisation. had waited so many years to marry him, and their little fos- The exhibition focuses on the ter-son. Their personal story period preceding the writing of is recounted in the context of the manuscripts, their origins the Icelanders’ campaign for and role, manuscript collecting, independence from Danish editions, and on their reception rule in the 19th century, and in Iceland and abroad. It the broader European political also portrays the process of movements of the time. book making itself: preparing the vellum and ink, writing, was engaged in scholarly and illuminating etc. are explained in political work. Jón and his Lightplay a special exhibit area. wife Ingibjörg were childless, Derek Mundell - watercolour but brought up Jón’s nephew reactions to the Icelandic Sigurður from the age of eight. light. The medium of trans- The Library Room parent watercolour is partic- This is a colourful portrayal of The Library Room, the old ularly suited to the clear light the life of a country lad from reading room of the National of Iceland. Mundell displays 26 the West Fjords who went on Library, features an exhibit watercolours, large and small. selected and arranged by to work in a shop in Reykjavik, the National and University Library. On display are many of the landmark books of Icelandic cultural history, dating from the introduction of printing in the sixteenth century to the present day. These include the oldest published versions of the Sagas of Icelanders, Sagas of the Kings of Norway and Eddic poems, Hallgrímur Pétursson’s Psalms of Christ’s Passion and Vidalín’s Homilies, popular educational works from the Enlightenment, law codices and land registers, cultural journals and folktale collections from the nineteenth century, the works of Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness and other writers, selected books of poetry and much more.
A number of changing themed exhibitions run throughout the year in the Library Room. It serves as a bright and elegant setting for concerts, meetings, lectures and other events held at the Culture House. www.whatson.is Child of Hope - Youth and Jón Sigurðsson The exhibition Child of Hope marks the bicentenary of the birth of Icelandic national hero Jón Sigurðsson (1811- 79). It explores his childhood and youth in Arnarfjörður and Reykjavik, and his later life in Copenhagen, where he Lightplay 29 All the events and all the action on 5 Big HD Screens. Live music every night.
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AUSTURSTRÆTI 12 • 101 REYKJAVÍK • [email protected] Ev e nt cal ndar Museum of Design and Applied Art CHANCE ENCOUNTERS – Towards Modernity in Icelandic Design The exhibition focuses on few aspects in the arrival of modernism in Icelandic domestic interiors from about 1930 and into the 1980s. It consists of well-known design objects, particularly furniture that has gained recognition for bringing fresh ideas into local design, as well as chance encounters with objects ranging from anonymous design to the works of more progressive furniture and textile designers.
National Gallery of Iceland Museum of Design and Applied Art the questions which Sara Riel early 20th Icelandic painting Sara Riel – Memento raises with her museological and drawing - the prime of Mori comparative study. Modern Icelandic art - are dis- played in room 2. Wonderful Modernistic landscape paint- TREASURES ings from various corners of During the whole summer - the island are exhibited in May 10 - August 25 - three room 3. In room 4, the trea- distinct exhibitions will be sures of Contemporary art dedicated to the collection - sculptures and installations of the NGI, which possesses by Katrín Sigurðardóttir in nearly 10.500 works, foreign the collection of the NGI - are and Icelandic, dating from exhibited while the artist is the the 16th century to the 21st. representative of Iceland at Under the common head- the 55th Venice Biennale. ing - TREASURES - 19th and
From July 5th
Sara Riel opens up the meta-
physical world of the natu- www.whatson.is ral museum in her exhibition Memento mori. What is the relationship between the nat- ural museum and art? Stuffed birds, cold eggs and an artifi- cial setting create the entou- rage of a world which once was alive but is now fossilized. What does the natural muse- um tell us about art? These are Treasures 31 covered farms and villages in a deep layer of ash and an almost impenetrable fog, threatening, once again, the livelihoods of hard-working communities. A massive flood sweeps down the mountain, putting bridges along the main road linking the southern towns and villages at risk.
Gerðarsafn
GERÐUR HELGADÓTTIR. SCULPTOR AND GLASS ARTIST Gerður Helgadóttir (1928-75) was a versatile and prolific artist. She studied in the Art and Crafts college of Iceland and continued her education in Florence and then Paris, where she lived most of her life. Her black iron works in the fifties made her a pioneer of three-dimensional abstract art in Iceland. Some years later CINEMA she created works out of fine art steel wires, composing deli- cate composition in space often ON FIRE with cosmic reference. When Ev e nt cal ndar Volcano House features two documentaries Gerður started welding bronze Volcano Circus Festival chronicling two of Iceland´s most famous the forms of her works became volcanic eruptions of the last 40 years irregular and organic and can The Nordic Volcano House be related to at informel. After HouseEyjafjallajökull 2010 Eruption a trip to Egypt in 1966 the influ- This powerful documentary made specially Cinema on Fire ence of ancient Egyptian art for Volcano House was filmed and directed Volcanbyo the CiEmmy-nominatedrcus Icelandic film can be detected in her works. Festivalmaker, Jóhann Sigfússon Although Gerður wished to devote heself to sculpture, July 4th – 14th The Westman Island´s 1973 Eruption she was also a distinguished began without warning on the night of stained-glass artist working Volcano Circus Festival and January 23rd, 1973 where 400 homes mostly in Iceland and Germany. Circus Village will take place perished under ash and lava Her best known windows are in the heart of Reykjavík those of Skálholt Cathedral city. A wide range of circus Showtimes: and Kópavogur Church. Her performancesEnglish: 10:00 from to 21:00 Europe Every hour on the hour best known work in Iceland and beyondGerman: will18:00 Frombe June 1ston – September the 1st is a mosaic wall mural on the program as well as workshops, Custom House in Hafnastræti, seminars, surprise happenings, Reykjavík from 1973. concerts and more. The From the small island Circus Village consists of six Vestmannaeyjar, watch the traditional circus tents that awesome power of red-hot all have been named after lava, seemingly irresistible famous Icelandic Volcanos. as it moves in slow motion, The biggest tent is of course swallowing and crushing called Eyjafjallajökull. Other everything in its path. Like a tents are Askja, Hekla, Katla sci-fi monster, you see it start and Grímsvötn. to engulf a thriving community and the impending disaster Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavik | (354) 555 1900 | volcanohouse.is In the heart of the village there as it edges to the harbour to will be a café serving light destroy the only safe haven meals and beverages. for the fishing fleet. Every boat is pressed into service to The main show of the event, ferry the inhabitants to safety Wear it like a Crown by Cirkus www.whatson.is as they watch more of their Cirkör, will be on stage at the lives disappear. Then, the 2010 City Theatre. 32 eruption in Eyjafjallajökull that Make sure it’s Elding!
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EL-01 / EL-02 / EL-03 Jan-Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov-Dec 9:00 9:00 9:00 9:00 9:00 9:00 9:00 10:00 10:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 17:00* 17:00 17:00 17:00 17:00* 20:30** 20:30 * From 15 May to 15 September ** From 15 June to 31 July We also recommend Puffin Watching Tours daily at 9:30 and 15:00 from 15 May to 15 August Sea Angling Tours daily at 11:00 from 1 May to 31 August
Environmental Award Icelandic Tourist Board www.elding.is Monday July 1ST Monday July 8TH Thursday, July 18TH Reykjavik Botanic Garden Videyjarstofa Museum Harpa Torshavnar Brassband plays at Yoga — Powerwalk Combines Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir: The Café Flóra. Yoga with a hike and meditation. Interests of an Anti-Viking; Sex, Death and Cultivating Roses. The Culture house The writer discusses her novels, . A lecture in English on the Wenesday July 10TH mass migration of 400 Harpa Icelanders to Utah in 1854-1914 Friday July 19TH Dionne Warwick Concert by Proffessor Fred E. Woods. Kjarvalsstaðir Admission free of charge. Thursday July 11TH Guided tour in English Thursday July 4TH Reykjavik safari saturday, july 20th Harpa Multi-lingual walking tour through Reykjavik, where local Andri Snær Magnason: From Hallgrímskirkja Church cultural life is introduced in Spanish, International Organ Summer: Sci Fi to Supermarket Poetry Polish, English, Thai and Lithuanian. The author will read from his Organ concert by Sophie- The starting point is at Grófarhús, books. Veronique Cauchefer-Choplin, Tryggvagata 15. organist of St. Sulpice in Paris, Reykjavik Art Museum France. Videyjarstofa Museum Evening Walk - The Stream of Time A walk to the work of Thursday concert One of Sunday July 21ST Sólveig Aðalsteinsdóttir. The art- Iceland’s most beloved singers, ist will be present. Margrét Eir, will entertain. National museum Two for one entrance fee. Videyjarstofa Museum Harpa Árbæjarsafn Open Air Thursday Concert The talent- Vilborg Davíðsdóttir: Strong ed musicians Ingunn Huld and Women in the Viking- and Museum Vilborg Kristjana Arngríms will entertain. English Age in Iceland Haymaking. will talk about her recent works. Friday July 5TH Hallgrímskirkja Church Friday July 12TH International Organ Summer: Kjarvalstaðir Reykjavik Botanic Sophie-Veronique Cauchefer- Choplin, Ev e nt cal ndar Guided tour in English Garden Saturday July 6TH Smásýn Opening of a photogra- phy exhibition by Páll Jökull Thursday July 25TH Hallgrímskirkja Church Pétursson at Café Flora. Shows Harpa International Organ Summer: large photographs of small things Yrsa Sigurðardóttir: Can Iceland Organ concert by Inger- Lise hidden in the plant kingdom. be the Scene of a Crime? Yrsa Ulsrud, concert organist will read from her books in English and master improviser from Kjarvalsstaðir and talk about her novels,. Uranienborg, Oslo. Guided tour in English. Friday July 26TH Sunday July 7TH saturday july 13th The Icelandic Museum Day Kjarvalsstaðir Kjarvalsstaðir Many museums all over the Guided tour in English country throw special events FRUM Festival 2013 - A contem- porary music festival. and eliminate or reduce their Saturday, July 27TH entrance fee. Hallgrímskirkja Church Hallgrímskirkja Church Hallgrímskirkja Church International Organ Summer: International Organ Summer: International Organ Summer: Organ concert by Christian Peter Van de Velde, cathedral Organ concert by Inger- Lise Schmitt, one of the foremost organist of Notre Dame in Ulsrud, concert organist young concert organist of Antwerpen, Belgium. and master improviser from Germany. Uranienborg, Oslo. Sunday July 28TH Sunday July 14TH Iðnó Theater Videyjarstofa Museum Árbæjarsafn Lambchop and Lay Low con- Children‘s day A special program cert. . Accordion festival and a church specifically designed to meet the service in the old church. needs of children, funny characters Videyjarstofa Museum Kjarvalsstaðir making an appearance throughout Indigenous people, treasure the day. hunt and kites Follow in the FRUM Festival 2013 footsteps of Videys indigenous Árbæjarsafn Open Air people as the “Settlers” teach Hallgrímskirkja Church you to raise a shelter, light fire, International Organ Summer: Museum barbeque hot-dogs and make Christian Schmitt. Costumed guided tour and an pop-corn over fire. old-timey concert. National museum tuesday, july 16th Hallgrímskirkja Church Free entrance. www.whatson.is Laugardalshöll International Organ Summer: Peter Van de Velde,. Árbær Open Air Museum Frank Ocean, international music sensation, throws a concert. 34 Vintage car display.
local insight Ins i ght Maximilian Bass Stefán Rafn (23), Íris Mjöll (20), (29), waitress political science barista Favorite Bar: Kaldi Bar. It student Favorite Bar: I’d have to say recently opened and they have Vegamót. Good music, lively different beer. I Just liked it, it’s Favorite Bar: Dolly, the crowd atmosphere and great location. nice to go somewhere new. that goes there is laid back and fun. I like socializing there. Favorite Restaurant: Favorite Restaurant: Sakebarinn. Sushisamba. They have a lot of I went there for the first time the Favorite Restaurant: I like small dishes so you can sample other day and I just loved it. The dining at Kex Hostel. The menu all kinds of delicious food. is varied and original. portions are so generous that I Favorite Coffee House: couldn’t finish mine. Favorite Coffee House: Stofan. Súfistinn on the second floor Favorite Coffee House: Politicians like to go there so I at Mál og Menning bookstore. Kaffibarinn. The atmosphere is go there as well to listen in on Great staff, cozy and I love the cozy, the staff is wonderful and their conversations. coffee. It’s a bit secluded and you can play Backgammon. not everyone knows about it. Favorite Relaxation: Laying in Favorite Relaxation: the grass at Austurvöllur with Favorite Place in Iceland: Vesturbæjarlaugin thermal pool. my friends in the summer with Downtown Reykjavík. There’s Especially the womens sauna. cold beer and good food. always something happening. I would say Manía on Favorite Store: I have to say Favorite Store: Lakkalakk, I like that store these Favorite Store: Laugavegur. They sell clothes, days. It’s a small clothing and Nexus on Hverfisgata, it’s the shoes, insence and essential oils accessories shop on Hverfisgata. mothership of nerds. that I like.
Guðrún (45), Bragi Björn (24), Andrés (42), store manager doorman chef Favorite Bar: I rarely go to bars Favorite Bar: Prikið. Great Favorite Bar: Kaffibarinn. Fun but I went to Slippbarinn last music and really drunk people. crowd! Saturday and it was really nice. Favorite Restaurant: BanThai. Favorite Restaurant: Frú Favorite Restaurant: Dill is I love asian food and theirs is Berglaug, the food is my favorite restaurants, I go the absolute best. awesome. there on special occasions. It’s wonderful, the food is amazing, Favorite Coffee House: Frú Favorite Coffee House: Frú the atmosphere is nice and it’s Berglaug. I like staring out their Berglaug as well. It’s cozy and within walking distance from my window. the waitresses are so pretty. home. Favorite Relaxation: I do Favorite Place in Iceland: Favorite Coffee House: Litli Yoga in a small studio in Mývatnssveit, the most Bóndabærinn. They serve Hafnarfjörður beautiful place in the country delicious pies and chocolate Herjólfsdalur Favorite Relaxation: Resting in cake. Favorite Place: valley in the Westman Islands. the nature by myself Favorite Place in Iceland: The Bónus. Cheap south of Snæfellsnes. Favorite Store: The Red Cross Favorite Store:
www.whatson.is thrift store on Laugarvegur. groceries! Favorite Store: Kokka, of course. Cheap and beautiful clothing Top-quality kitchen supplies and with personality. 38 small wares for your home.
tourist insight Tatiana (22) from Serbia & Holly (50) & Warren (53) Dina (27) from Croatia from Rhode Island Why did you Why did you choose Iceland decide to come to as your Iceland? destination? Holly: We’re here with Dina: Because it’s some students. We’re so different from both teachers.
Ins i ght my culture and so far away so it’s a Warren: Yeah, we’re all wonderful experience staying with Icelandic to see something that families is completely unique. What’s the best Were you surprised by the weather? experience you’ve had so far? : That’s a good question. I think it’s seeing Tatiana: No, it’s quite nice. Warren all the mountains. : We expected something like this. Dina Have you tried any traditional Tatiana: Actually it’s quite sunny, I thought it Icelandic food? would be snowing. Holly: Just fish so far, and lamb stew last year. It What are you most excited about was really good. We haven’t tried the shark though. doing? This is Solla Eiriksdottir, the winner of Best Gourmet What are you most excited about doing Tatiana: Seeing the countryside and those geysirs. before you leave? Raw Chef and Best Simple Raw Chef in the 2011 and Dina: The golden circle and other touristy stuff, Warren: We’re driving to the country tomorrow to 2012 “Best of Raw” Awards. Come and try out one of the usual. We’ll see. see some waterfalls Reykjavík · Engjateigur 19 How is Iceland different from your What do you like most about Icelandic her great dishes at her restaurant Gló. and Laugavegur 20b country? culture? Hafnarfjörður · Strandgata 34 Tatiana: In every way. Holly: I like the music, and the candy. www.glo.is Dina: First it’s the climate that is completely What’s your favorite Icelandic band? different. My country has great nature to offer but Holly: I would say it’s ‘Of Monsters and Men’, they’re it’s not the same. The weather here adds to the really big in the US right now. Last year I bought nature experience. their CD while I was here and I liked it. My kids think What surprised you the most about I’m very cool for liking them. Icelandic culture? Warren: What I like the most about the culture Dina: I didn’t expect that so many people would is that Icelandic people always seem to be out be so nice and humourous. We are used to people walking, hiking or biking. They’re very active and living in the North being a bit more closed. I was outdoorsy. suprised to find out how welcoming everyone is.
Caroline (49) & Candice (31) James from the US (25) & from England Eduardo from Argentina Why did you (25) decide to come to Iceland? Why did you decide to come to Caroline: Because of Iceland? the northern lights. James: We’re Did the weather documenting! surprise you at Eduardo: Yeah! We all? just came here this Candice: It’s actually morning warmer than I thought it would be. What’s the thing you are most excited What’s the best experience you’ve had about doing? so far? James: Driving around the country Caroline: The Blue Lagoon. Do you plan on tasting traditional Do you have any traveling tips for our Icelandic food? readers? James: Yeah, just fish and stuff. Not the fermented Caroline: Wrap up warm! shark. Candice: Learn the money before you come. Do you have any tips for our readers? www.whatson.is We struggled with the money and currency Eduardo: Dress well. converting. 40 This is Solla Eiriksdottir, the winner of Best Gourmet Raw Chef and Best Simple Raw Chef in the 2011 and 2012 “Best of Raw” Awards. Come and try out one of Reykjavík · Engjateigur 19 her great dishes at her restaurant Gló. and Laugavegur 20b Hafnarfjörður · Strandgata 34 www.glo.is Experience a unique view of Iceland in all its glory from the air
www.helo.is [email protected] +354 561 6100 Mörkin 3, 108 Reykjavík, Iceland
Departures from BIRK, Flight Services at Reykjavík Airport, next to Hotel Natura. Experience a unique view of Iceland in all its glory from the air
www.helo.is [email protected] +354 561 6100 Mörkin 3, 108 Reykjavík, Iceland
Departures from BIRK, Flight Services at Reykjavík Airport, next to Hotel Natura. Reykjavik City Hafnarborg Reykjavik Museum Library Free Entry Free Entry of Photography Hafnarborg has a collection of Looking for a place to hang out, free entry browse the internet, get access to Icelandic art and regular exhibitions Wi-Fi or meet the Reykjavik locals? presenting leading Icelandic and The only independent museum of Then Reykjavik City Library is the international artists. Collection photography in Iceland. The aim of perfect place to visit. Have a seat exhibitions are a regular part of the the museum is to shape a unique Free WiFi and dip into the latest magazine or program. Around exhibitions are vision and to be leading in its field. relax while checking out their great workshops and guided tours. The museum preserves various Hotspot on board selection of books. collections from professional and our coaches. Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður amateur photographers. Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 585-5790 | www.hafnarborg.is Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 411-6100 | www.borgarbokasafn.is Hours: Daily 12-17, Thu 12-21, 411-6390 | www.photomuseum.is Hours: Mon-Thu 10-19, Fri 11-19, Closed Tue REyKjAvÍK cITy REyKjAvÍK KEF AIRPoRT Hours: Mon-Fri 12-19, Sat & Sun Sat & Sun 13-17 13-17 Art & culture Art
Sigurjón Árbæjarsafn The Einar Fast, frequent & on schedule Ólafsson Museum Collection of artifacts docu- Jónsson Museum menting the deve l op ment of the A museum that Icelandic sculptor city of Reykjavik. Presently the A museum with indoor and every day of the week. Sigurjón Ólafsson’s wife founded as museum comprises 27 buildings, outdoor exhibitions dedicated to a tribute to his life and work in 1984, the work of Einar Jónsson, Iceland’s built between 1820 and 1907. two years after his death. She had first modern sculptor (1874-1954). The Flybus operates in connection with all arriving flights at Reykjavík KEF his studio in Laugarnes converted Árbær, Reykjavik The museum was built in the early to an exhibition space to house 411-6300 1900’s when Einar Jónsson offered International Airport and your seat is always guaranteed. his collection of works, including www.reykjavikmuseum.is all of his works as a gift to the For our very flexible schedule kindly consult our brochures or visit www.flybus.is sculptures, sketches, drawings and Hours: Daily 10-17. Icelandic nation. biographical material. Hallgrímstorg 3, Reykjavik Laugarnestangi 70 561-3797 | www.lej.is 553-2906 | www.lso.is Hours: Daily 14-17, Closed Mon. Hours: Daily 14-17, Closed Mon.
Transfer from BSÍ Bus Terminal Transfer from most hotels and to Keflavík Airport or vice versa. guesthouses in Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport or vice versa. Adults Adults Adults Adults
PRIcE1950 ISK PRIcE 3500 ISK PRIcE 2500 ISK PRIcE 4500 ISK onE wAy RETuRn onE wAy RETuRn 12–15 years 12–15 years The Settlement Museum of Design The Numismatic For our flexible 12–15 years 12–15 years PRIcE schedule scan Exhibition and Applied Art Museum free entry 975 ISK PRIcE 1750 ISK the QR code PRIcE 1250 ISK PRIcE 2250 ISK Experience Viking-Age Reykjavik The Museum‘s objective is to A selection from the numismatic 0–11 years 0–11 years 0–11 years 0–11 years collect, study and present Icelandic at the new Settlement Exhibition. collection is on display on the FREE oF chARgE FREE oF chARgE FREE oF chARgE FREE oF chARgE Multimedia techniques bring design and crafts from 1900 ground floor of the Central Bank’s Reykjavik’s past to life, providing to the present day. This young main building in Kalkofnsvegur 1, visitors with insights into how museum, the only one of its kind in Reykjavik. people lived in the Viking Age, and Iceland, holds regular exhibitions of Icelandic and international design what the environment looked like Kalkofnsvegur 1, Reykjavik during the year. Exhibitions from 569-9600 XPO • www.expo.is to the first settlers. E the Museum‘s own collection are www.sedlabanki.is Aðalstræti 2, Reykjavik regularly held. Hours: Mon-Fri 13,30-15,30 www.whatson.is 411-6370 | www.reykjavik871.is Garðatorg 1, Garðabær BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík Hours: Daily 10-17 +354 580 5400 512-1525 | www.honnunarsafn.is R [email protected] • www.flybus.is O 44 Hours: Daily 12-17, Closed Mon EXPO • www.expo.is For our very flexibleschedulekindly consult ourbrochuresorvisitwww.flybus.isFor ourvery International Airportandyourseatisalwaysguaranteed. The FlybusoperatesinconnectionwithallarrivingflightsatReykjavíkKEF dayoftheweek.every Fast, frequent&onschedule PRIcE to KeflavíkAirportorviceversa. Transfer fromBSÍBusTerminal 0–11 years Adults 12–15 years PRIcE FREE ochARgE 1950 onE w R 975 E y A K y ISK j A ISK BSÍ BusTerminal [email protected] vÍK +3545805400 0–11 years 12–15 years Adults FREE ochARgE PRIcE PRIcE c ITy • www.flybus.is 3500 1750 RETuRn • 101Reykjavík ISK ISK the QRcode schedule scan For ourflexible Hotspot onboard Free WiFi our coaches.
PRIcE FREE ochARgE PRIcE 12–15 years Adults 0–11 years Keflavík Airportorviceversa. guesthouses inReykjavíkto Transfer frommosthotelsand R onE w 2500 1250 E y K A j y A v ISK ISK ÍK K FREE ochARgE PRIcE PRIcE 12–15 years 0–11 years Adults EF 4500 2250 AIRPo RETuRn O R RT ISK ISK jökulsárlón glacial lagoon wE’ll TAKE 07:30 - 21:30 RE-113 Summer 1 June - 31 August you ThERE!
MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN GuidancE in: All ThE moST ExcITIng PlAcES In IcElAnd guaranteed departures. Included Bus fare & guided tour. Pick up is at hotels & guesthouses up to 30 minutes before departure.
pRicEs Adults (16+): 12 -15 years: 0 -11 years: Free of 17900 ISK 8950 ISK charge.
Book now ouR app is via your smartphone! FREE you can easily buy your tour with us now!
Available! in the Android Play Store & Apple App Store.
Book noW and on ouR Free WiFi Hotspot on More Tours available WEBsiTE at your reception by calling 580 5400 on www.re.is in our brochures WWW.RE.is board our coaches.
RElAx AT the Blue lagoon Reykjavik Excursions offer great flexibility in Blue Lagoon tours. Flexible All year From KEF Airport From Blue lagoon to Blue lagoon to KEF Airport MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 08:30, 09:45, 10:30, 11:15, 12:15, 14:15, There is no better way to start or end your 11:45, 12:45, 15:45, 16:30, 18:15, 21:00 Iceland adventure than by bathing in the 16:15, 16:45 & 17:30 & 22:00* famous Blue Lagoon. You can either board the bus at BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík or at Keflavík Airport. From Reykjavík From Blue lagoon to Blue lagoon to Reykjavík After having enjoyed everything that the 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 11:15, 12:15, 13:15, wonderful Blue Lagoon has to offer, you can 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 14:15, 15:15, 16:15, either return back to Reykjavík or be dropped 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 17:15, 18:15, 19:15, off at Keflavík Airport. 18:00, 19:00, 20:00* 21:15, 22:15 Safe luggage storage at the Blue Lagoon. & 21:00* & 01:15* Storage cost is 3 EUR (500 ISK) pr. bag. *1 July - 15 August.
BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík +354 580 5400 [email protected] • www.re.is OR Art & culture
National Gallery National Museum The Culture of Iceland of Iceland House The National Gallery of Iceland has Offers a state-of-the-art exhibitions A unique venue dedicated to come a long way from its origins. on the cultural history of Iceland. Icelandic history and cultural To begin with, the collection The permanent exhibition, Making heritage. In the building there are consisted of donated artwork, of a Nation - Heritage and History facilities for exhibitions, meetings, mainly by Danish artists. Today the of Iceland, gives a comprehensive gatherings, lectures, artistic museum stands at Frikirkjuvegur in picture of Iceland’s cultural history events, public ceremonies and central Reykjavik, displaying both through the ages to the present other occasions. On the ground Icelandic and International art. day. floor you will find a restaurant and a souvenir shop. Laufásvegur 12, Reykjavik Suðurgata 41, Reykjavik 515-9600 | www.listasafn.is 530-2200 Hverfisgata 15, Reykjavik Hours: Daily 10-17, Closed Mon www.nationalmuseum.is 545-1400 | www.thjodmenning.is Hours: Daily 10-17 Hours: Daily 11-17
ASÍ Art Museum Saga Museum Víkin Maritime free entry From the time of the earliest Museum settlers, history is brought to life It is impossible to truly get to know This museum was founded in in a unique and exciting way. The 1961 when industrialist and book Iceland without getting to know Saga Museum intimately recreates its fishing history. The museum’s publisher Ragnar Jónsson donated key moments in Icelandic history, his personal art collection to main exhibitions illustrate the moments that have determined development from rowing boats to the museum, which consisted the fate of our people and which of paintings by Iceland’s most modern trawlers and the history of give a compelling view into how trading vessels and routes and the renowned painters. His wish was to Icelanders have lived for more than establish an art museum that would construction of Reykjavik harbour. a millenium. bring art to the working class. Grandagarður 8, Reykjavik Perlan, Reykjavik Freyjugata 41, Reykjavik 517-9400 | 511-1517 | www.sagamuseum.is 511-5353 | www.listasafnasi.is www.maritimemuseum.is Hours: Daily 12-17 Hours: Daily 13-17, Closed Mon Hours: Daily 10-17.
Gerðarsafn free The Living Art Gerðuberg entry Museum free entry Cultural Center Dedicated to the memory of the The museum is an active exhibition An all-round cultural centre run sculptor and stained-glass artist space in central Reykjavik that by the City of Reykjavik, offering www.whatson.is Gerður Helgadóttir. Her works has organized many exciting a varied programme of cultural constitute the most important exhibitions throughout the events for people of all ages. Its part of the museum’s collection. A years. They put an emphasis on aim is to be a venue of ambitious progressive art museum collecting introducing young Icelandic artists, and high-quality cultural activities and exhibiting modern and as well as showcasing work done of all types and a place where good contemporary art. It is situated in by better known Icelandic and ideas and new creative ventures Kópavogur, a town immediately foreign artists. can find expression. south of Reykjavik. Skúlagata 28, Reykjavik Gerðuberg 3-5, Reykjavik Hamraborg 4, Kópavogur 551-4350 | www.nylo.is 575-7700 | www.gerduberg.is 570-0440 | www.gerdarsafn.is Hours: Daily 12-17, Closed Mon Hours: Mon-Fri 11-17, Sat & Sun 13-16 Hours: Daily 11-17, Closed Mon 47 Reykjavik Art reykjavik walk nordic house gallery Reykjavík Walk is a virtual Iceland maintains strong ties simulation of Reykjavík’s history to other Nordic countries, and The Gallery is an exhibition space from 1912 to 2013. More of a time the center of this cooperation is for showcasing and selling art by machine than a movie theater, the the Nordic House, designed by working artists in nine spaces. It Walk uses four video projectors acclaimed Finnish architect Alvar has been a venue for many exciting and 3D motion graphics to take Aalto in 1968. The Nordic House exhibitions and the gallery’s goal is you on a virtual tour through the is the venue to be if you want to to introduce Icelandic art, both to historical highlights, from the birth enjoy the best of Icelandic cultural locals and travellers. of Reykjavík to the modern day in as well as experiencing rich culture Skúlagata 30, Reykjavik just under 10 minutes. of the Nordic countries 564-2012 Vesturgata 2, Reykjavik Sturlugata 5, Reykjavik www.reykjavikartgallery.is reykjavikcenturymuseum.com 551-7030 | www.nordice.is Hours: Mon-Fri 10-18 Sat & Sun Hours: 17:30-21:00, book any time Hours: Daily 12-17, Closed Mon 12-18 for groups of 5+ Art & culture Art
Gljúfrasteinn - Gallery Fold collection Laxness museum Iceland’s leading auction house of ÁSGRÍMUR and foremost fine arts dealership. Halldór Laxness is arguably the Established in 1990, Gallerí Fold JÓNSSON most famous Icelandic writer of has been in the hands of its current all time, and the only Icelander to One of the pioneers of Icelandic proprietor since 1992. In 1994, they art and the first Icelander to take have won a Nobel Prize, which acquired their own premises, where he received for literature in 1955. up painting professionally. Having they‘ve enjoyed a period of growth died in 1958, he bequeathed all his Gljúfrasteinn was his home until his and prosperity. Their 600 m2 death, and today it is a museum works, as well as his studio home to building has five exhibition spaces the Icelandic nation. dedicated to his life and work. from 30 to 110 m2. Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsbær Rauðarárstíg 12-14, Reykjavik 515-9625 586-8066 | www.gljufrasteinn.is 551-0400 | www.myndlist.is Hours: Tue-Thu 11-14, Sun 13-16. Hours: Daily 9-17. Hours: Mon-Fri 10-18, Sat 11-14
Kjarvalsstaðir Ásmundarsafn Hafnarhús Mainly devoted to paintings and Opened in 1983, the collection The Reykjavik Art Museum took sculpture by well established is housed in a unique building possession of its portion of Icelandic and international artists. designed and constructed mostly Hafnarhús (Harbour House) in April Kjarvalsstaðir offers a permanent by the artist himself from 1942- 2000. Hafnarhús was built in 1932- exhibition of key works by one of 1950. The original building served 39 for the offices and warehouses Iceland’s most beloved landscape Sveinsson as studio and home; of Reykjavik Harbor and was at that painters, Jóhannes S. Kjarval behind it he built a crescent-shaped time one of the largest buildings (1885–1972), as well as changing structure as a work- and exhibition in the country. Chief designers of exhibitions that explore various space. Hafnarhús were architect Sigurður thematic and historical aspects of Guðmundsson and the harbor Sigtún, Reykjavik Icelandic art. master, Þórarinn Kristjánsson. 553-2155 | www.artmuseum.is www.whatson.is Flókagata 24, Reykjavik Hours: Daily 10-17. Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavik 517-1290 | www.artmuseum.is 590-1200 | www.artmuseum.is 48 Hours: Daily 10-17 Hours: Daily 10-17, Thu 10-20
Faktory Harlem Volta It may not be the kind of The place where things are Volta is a brand new concert factory you’re used to, but happening these days and there and events venue in central it’s a factory nonetheless. never seems to be a dull moment. Reykjavik that provides you A factory of fun, if you will. It’s where you’ll find the city’s with everything an excellent Faktory is one of the main most popular DJ’s, a creative bar should have. A cocktail bar, Come ride with us concert venues in the city, and and exciting atmostphere, festive lounge area, dancefloor, smoking room, a stage with a first class there is something happening surroundings, suave bartenders, Funktion One soundsystem and * every night vibrant decor, fresh crowd, ISK 500.- discount! a state of the art lighting system. Nightlife amazing wall art and dancing on Smidjustigur 6, Reykjavik For almost 30 years Íshestar has given people an Name the magic word, tables. Tryggvagata 22, Reykjavik 551-4499 www.voltareykjavik.is opportunity to experience the Icelandic horse on long "Blesi", and you will get ISK www.faktory.is Tryggvagata 22, Reykjavik [email protected] and short trips. Horses are our passion. 571-8180 500.- discount on the Lava Come ride with us in the beautiful surroundings of our tour. Only valid when paid Íshestar Riding Centre. You get free transport from all at our Riding Centre. major hotels and guesthouses in the capital area. *Not valid with other o ers.
For further information check out our website www.ishestar.is, call +354 555 7000 or be our friend on . Dolly B5 Den Danske Kro Facebook One of the newest and hottest B5 bar/bistro has become a There is live music playing every clubs in Reykjavik these days, very popular establishment night at Den Danske Kro and mostly attracting young people with the locals of the capital. sometimes there are live football who want to dance. Electronic With its very contemporary games, pub quizzes, beer bingo, music is their main thing during and stylish interior, b5 is laid darts and happy hours. Den the weekend, but on weekdays back during the day, while Danske Kro is a casual place in they like to play make-out music, as night falls, the lights dim the heart of Reykjavik where Icelandic classics from the 80’s and the atmosphere changes everyone is welcome. and 90’s and host curiously accordingly. Ingólfsstræti 3, Reykjavik themed-pub quizzes. Bankastræti 5, Reykjavik 552-0070 Hafnarstræti 4, Reykjavik 552-9600 www.danski.is 571-9222 www.b5.is
Kaffibarinn Microbar The English Pub Best known as Damon Albarn’s Beer enthusiasts, look no In the mood for a pint? English hangout place back in the days, further! In a small hole-in- Pub offers over 35 brands of this most famous bar in Iceland the-wall kind of place just off beer and Whiskey. Whatever is a popular destination for the Ingólfstorg square you will your preference – you will find artsy and univer sity crowd. find Micro Bar. Carrying an it here. This is also a great place During the week it‘s more of a impressive 140 different kinds if you would like to catch some café, but on the weekend the of beers from all over the world, football (soccer). Inside they volume rises and KB becomes this is definitely the go-to place have 3 big screens and 2 TV’s so one of the hottest bars in for beer fans. that you can catch all the action Reykjavik. as it happens. Austurstræti 6, Reykjavik
www.whatson.is Bergstaðastræti 1, Reykjavik 847-9084 Austurstræti 12, Reykjavik 551-1588 www.facebook.com/ 578-0400 www.facebook.com/enskibarinn 50 www.kaffibarinn.is MicroBarIceland Come ride with us ISK 500.- discount!* For almost 30 years Íshestar has given people an Name the magic word, opportunity to experience the Icelandic horse on long "Blesi", and you will get ISK and short trips. Horses are our passion. 500.- discount on the Lava Come ride with us in the beautiful surroundings of our tour. Only valid when paid Íshestar Riding Centre. You get free transport from all at our Riding Centre. major hotels and guesthouses in the capital area. *Not valid with other o ers.
For further information check out our website www.ishestar.is, call +354 555 7000 or be our friend on Facebook. Anna María Gallerí Smíðar kogga Design og Skart Near the harbour in the middle of old town Reykjavik you’ll For over twenty years, jewelry Gallery Smíðar og Skart find unique ceramic design by designer Anna Maria has created offers a wide selection of the well known ceramics artist her things of gold and silver, contemporary Icelandic art. Kogga at her self titled gallery. a design that is both pure and Oil paintings, acrylic paintings, Her work is both functional and timeless. Exceptional attention to watercolors as well as ceramics sculptural, influenced by the detail and craftsmanship create and glass art. Over 50 local the elegant simplicity that shines rough nature of Iceland. A piece artists have their work on through Anna Maria‘s products. by Kogga can be found in many display in the Gallery. Icelandic homes. Skólavörðustígur 3, Reykjavik Skólavörðustígur 16a, Reykjavik 551-0036 Vesturgata 5, Reykjavik 561-4090 www.annamariadesign.is 552-6036 | www.kogga.is
Listvinahúsið álafoss Metal Design shopping & style The oldest ceramic workshop in One of Iceland’s major woollen The jewellery forms which Metal Iceland established 1927. Three industry shops, the Álafoss design is known for are inspired generations of artistic potters. store. Situated in old factory by the Icelandic flora. But what Unique handmade ceramics, premises that for decades were stands out the most is the shape Viking masks and various the leading manufacturers and “The Coast” that is inspired ceramic potteries decorated exporters of Icelandic woollens, by the waves of the Icelandic with lava, made by Gudmundur Álafoss is a company that strives coast.”The coast silver jewellery Einarsson. Located right next to towards offering the newest line is for ladies and gentlemen. wares along with the traditional Hallgrímskirkja and the statue of Skólavörðustígur 2. Reykjavik Icelandic wool sweaters “Leif the Lucky”. 552-5445 Skólavörðustígur 43, Reykjavik Álafossvegur 23, Mosfellsbær www.MetalDesignReykjavik.is 551-2850 | www.listvinahusid.is 566-6303 | www.alafoss.is
Listaselið birna design Cintamani Six energetic women design and The Icelandic label BIRNA is Nowhere in the populated world create exclusive art, while also built on a strong and individual does the weather change as running and working in the gallery. identity; a style that doesn’t fast, or as often as here. Thus The gallery offers gift vouchers, change radically every season Icelandic designers have to meet issued by the store or by the but evolves and keeps moving. the requirements of consumers Centrum organization that can be Combining timeless design with who have to go out all year long redeemed within most shops on in harsh conditions. That‘s where a personal touch, BIRNA creates Laugarvegur and Skólavörðustígur the label Cintamani comes to in downtown Reykjavik. clothing for confident women the rescue. Their goal is to keep who want an individual look that us warm, dry and comfortable, Skólavörðustígur 17b, Reykjavik lasts. 551-5675 whatever the weather may bring. www.whatson.is www.listaselid.is Skólavörðustígur 2, Reykjavik Bankastræti 7, Reykjavik Hours: Mon-Fri 12-18, Sat 11-16 445-2020 533-3800 52 www.birna.net www.cintamani.is SOUVENIR SHOP
SHOP OF THE YEAR 2012
Ísafjördur The viking:info Laugavegur 1 · Reykjavík Akureyri Hafnarstræti 1 - 3 · Reykjavík Hafnarstræti 104 · Akureyri Adalstræti 27 · Ísafjördur Reykjavík e:info@the viking www.theviking.is
TAX FREE THE STEAK HOUSE
Gullkúnst Helgu Michelsen kraum With its wide open spaces and Inside their spacious shop in Natural light floods the wooden beautiful treasures displayed in downtown Reykjavik, Michelsen floors and the fresh white walls glass casting, Gullkúnst Helgu Watchmakers offer you to of this stunning design hub feels more like a gallery than a browse one of Iceland’s best and retail outlet, which already jewelry shop. Located on central selection of watches. Along attracts some of Iceland´s top Laugavegur, Reykjavik´s busiest with their own design they also talents. More than 70 designers have a wide selection of well- are contributing to a huge shopping street, this family known brands including Rolex, selection of products that include owned shop is not to be missed. Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Diesel, children’s puzzles, fish skin lamps Laugavegur 13, Reykjavik Movado, Swiss Military and more. and exquisite jewellery. 561-6660 Laugavegur 15, Reykjavik Aðalstræti 10, Reykjavik www.gullkunst.is 511-1900 | www.michelsen.is 517-7797 | www.kraum.is
Studio Stafn Hildur hafstein Geysir shopping & style At Studio Stafn you will be able A wonderful little workshop, Rustic, vintage interior, to look at art, purchase art and where Hildur Hafstein creates intertwined with the latest have your art framed! Great her hand-made Icelandic jewelry fashion in outdoor and woolen works and historical paintings line, KORA. Inspired by different clothing. Add some puffin, elements, such as Buddhism by Iceland’s most famous artists reindeers and other iconic and the flower power, a visit to could become all yours if you animals and you‘ve got one of Steikhúsið simply means „The Steak House” Hildur Hafstein will be a pleasant the coolest shops in town. This pay them a visit. If you’re not and that underlines our goal, to focus solely on steaks. experience. Although the store is is one place you‘ll have to visit, if looking to buy art, at least stop technically on Laugavegur, you only for the experience. by and take a look. walk in from Klapparstígur! The Steak house is in the middle of Reykjavík, opposite the old harbor Skólavörðustíg 16, Reykjavík Ingólfsstræti 6, Reykjavik which has recently formed into a lively neighborhood of restaurants, Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 519-6000 | www.geysir.com 552-4700 771-1177 cafes and artisan stores and work shops. www.studiostafn.is www.HildurHafstein.is When you wisit us, remember to try our “28 days” tendered meat. The heart of the place is a coal oven from Mibrasa, Spain. It is only fitting that we use coal for grilling and baking The Building housed a blacksmith and metal works in years gone by.
THE KITCHEN IS OPEN FROM 17:00 TILL LATE — VISIT WWW.STEAK.IS
The Handknitting epal Andersen and Association of Their main goal has been to Lauth increase Icelanders interest Iceland and respect for fine design by Based on quality and Renowned for its excellent introducing and providing top traditional craftsmanship it products and quality. Offering quality design products from is a contemporary collection the widest selection of traditional all over the world, particularly with strong roots in the vibrant hand knitted Icelandic sweaters, Scandinavia. Epal has always Reykjavik art and music scene. the range of products also been very supportive of Icelandic Andersen & Lauth create their includes special designs and a designers and done what they collections with passion and put variety of woolen products from can to help them promote their their heart and soul into every leading Icelandic manufactures. design around the world. piece of design. www.whatson.is Skólavörðustígur 19, Reykjavik Skeifan 6, & Harpa Reykjavik Laugavegur 7, Reykjavik 552-1890 | www.handknit.is Keflavík Airport 552-6067 54 568-7740 | www.epal.is www.andersenlauth.com Booking: +354 561 1111 & [email protected] THE STEAK HOUSE
Steikhúsið simply means „The Steak House” and that underlines our goal, to focus solely on steaks. The Steak house is in the middle of Reykjavík, opposite the old harbor which has recently formed into a lively neighborhood of restaurants, cafes and artisan stores and work shops. When you wisit us, remember to try our “28 days” tendered meat. The heart of the place is a coal oven from Mibrasa, Spain. It is only fitting that we use coal for grilling and baking The Building housed a blacksmith and metal works in years gone by.
THE KITCHEN IS OPEN FROM 17:00 TILL LATE — VISIT WWW.STEAK.IS
Booking: +354 561 1111 & [email protected] the lobster house vegamót Grillið Just last year they celebrated Lobster dishes are the main Is a centrally located and affordable restaurant that their 50th anniversary. From focus on the menu but there is boasts an extensive international the very beginning, Grillid has a lot more to choose from. The menu with an emphasis on Tex- been regarded as one of the starters are fresh and exciting, Mex, Italian, Indian and many best restaurants in Iceland. If for example the whale tataki light meal options. During the you want fine dining, perfectly with ginger jelly, soya and sesam weekend Vegamót transforms executed food, professional vinagrette, and the carpaccio into a bar with refreshing service and excellent wines with of horse with lobster, wild cocktails, a wide selection of a spectacular view over the mushrooms and foie gras. beers and popular DJ’s playing city, you have come to the right well into the night. place. Amtmannsstígur 1, Reykjavik 561-3303 Vegamótastígur 4, Reykjavik Radisson BLU Hotel, Reykjavik www.humarhusid.is 511-3040 | www.vegamot.is 525-9960 | www.grillid.is food & drink food
Austurlanda- Argentína HamborgaraBúllan hraðlestin They offer some of the the – Burger Joint An excellent Indian restaurant, finest cuisine there is to find Since 2004, the Joint has kept focusing on quality take-away, in the whole city. Grilling meat it simple, fun and delicious. with the option of eating in. This and fish of all kinds Argentinian Sitting right by the Old Harbour, means that while it‘s technically style using wooden coal is in a small, iconic house, the “fast food”, it’s definitely of what they do better than any atmosphere of the Burger Joint restaurant quality. The menu other restaurant and frankly, is hard to find elsewhere. You includes everything you could you won‘t believe your own can feel the joy of the staff, as expect from an Indian restaurant, tastebuds they serve you juicy burgers, with the Chicken Tandoori being exploding with great taste. especially recommended. Barónsstígur 11a, Reykjavik 551-9555 Geirsgata 1, Reykjavik Lækjargata 8, Reykjavik www.argentina.is 511-1888 578-3838 | www.hradlestin.is www.bullan.is
Snaps Caruso lifandi A new restaurant in Iceland Situated in a warm, charming markaður situated at Odinstorg. Snaps old building in the heart of A modern and health conscious is a classic french bistro using Reykjavik. Caruso is romantic restaurant and whole food local Icelandic ingredients. The to say the least, and serves top shop which offers a wide range location could not be better. quality Italian- and Icelandic of hot or cold food to eat in or Snaps is literally a few steps food. The surroundings are away from downtown Reykjavik, take-out. The selection consists beautiful and the atmosphere close to the National Theatre, of both vegetarian food and is enchanting. The restaurant is The National Gallery of Iceland healthy food. No white flour, on three floors, so it‘s ideal for and the two main shopping white sugar, MSG is used in the groups, individuals and couples. streets of Reykjavik” food. Þingholtsstræti 1, Reykjavik Óðinstorg, Reykjavik Borgartún 24, Reykjavik 562-7335 511-6677 | www.snapsbistro.is 585-8700 www.caruso.is 56 www.lifandimarkadur.is Every day from 18:00 Enjoy All your favorites Steaks, fish´n chips, burgers, sandwiches… or take and a looksalads at our
Hugsa sér! menu with a variety of Icelandic delicacies Grillhúsið Tryggvagötu - Phone + 354 527 5000 - www.grillhusid.is
RR-WO_145x107_0513.inddGH-RCG_145x107_0313.indd 1 1 22.5.201319.3.2013 15:2516:41
We just love it. Hugsa sér!
Aðalstræti 2 | 101 Reykjavík | Tel: +354 517 4300 | www.geysirbistro.is
GH-MDR_145x214_0313.inddGB-MDR_145x107_0313.indd 1 19.3.2013 17:0117:00 SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 14 - 101 REYKJAVÍK - TEL: +354 571 1100 food & drink
The Steak House Austur- Jómfrúin A new restaurant opposite Indíafjelagið An open-sandwich restaurant the old harbour that offers in the Danish tradition offering The spices used to season the traditional steak dishes along authentic Danish smørrebrød food at Austur-Indiafjelagid are with some exciting and fairly along with a selection of hot imported directly from India unorthodox choices. The pride dishes. The restaurant is located and blended on the spot by and joy of The Steakhouse is in the heart of the city centre their team of highly experienced the Mibrasa charcoal oven, a and seats 80 guests. It is a chefs. The Tandoori dishes on rare oven that is designed to popular lunch venue, especially the menu must be mentioned, cook the perfect steak by mixing with people from the business as the chefs have truly mastered modern technology with ancient sector. the art of Tandoori grilling. tradition. Lækjargata 4, Reykjavik Hverfisgata 56, Reykjavik Tryggvagata 4-6, Reykjavik 551-0100 | www.jomfruin.is 552-1630 | www.austurindia.is 561-1111 | www.steik.is
ÓSushi Nauthóll Perlan SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 14 - 101 REYKJAVÍK - TEL: +354 571 1100 The main attraction of Osushi is Located in the outskirts of For the finest in dining, nothing the greatly convenient conveyor Oskjuhlid and overlooking compares to Perlan Restaurant. belt that runs alongside the the beautiful thermal beach While your taste buds delight to seating section, enticing guests Nautholsvik, Nautholl Bistro superb cuisine, you will enjoy a with a diverse selection sushi is a wonderful restaurant. The spectacular panoramic view of and other delicacies. Each environment will make you feel Reykjavik and beyond as the like you’ve gone far away from dish has a specific color that restaurant gently completes a the hustle of the city, with a represents a certain price so you fantastic view over the woods full rotation every two hours. only pay for what you eat! and the shoreline. Perlan, Reykjavik Pósthússtræti 14, Reykjavik Nauthólsvegur 106, Reykjavik 562-0200 561-0562 599-6660 | www.nautholl.is www.perlan.is www.osushi.is
Gló Kaffitár Við Tjörnina Located inside Listhusid in A chain of cafés and espresso At one of the most beautiful Laugardalur valley in Reykjavik, bars with over 30 years of spots in the city, in the heart Glo is Iceland‘s hottest new experience in serving and of Reykjavik, you will find Við www.whatson.is organic restaurant. The menu roasting high-quality coffee. Tjörnina (By the Pond), an consists of vegetarian- and They operate cafés in 8 locations old and cherished seafood raw food courses, meat dishes, in Iceland, promising a highly restaurant. The restaurant soups and salads. The courses knowledgeable staff and a great was considered to be quite are somewhat modest as cup of coffee procured in a revolutionary when it first they are simple, filling and not responsible and fair way. opened over 25 years ago and flooded with too much spice or Bankastræti 8, Reykjavik has been a big part of Iceland‘s ingredients. 420-2700 culinary culture ever since. Engjateigur 19, Listhusid, www.kaffitar.is/en Templarasund 3, Reykjavik Reykjavik 551-8666 | www.vidtjornina.is 553-1111 | www.glo.is 59 Sjávarbarinn pisa Lækjarbrekka Sjávarbarinn’s main feature is an This wonderful, small and A renowned Icelandic restaurant all-you-can-eat buffet that has intimate Italian restaurant is located in a house in central received raving reviews and it housed in Lækjargata, in the Reykjavik that is one of the also offers an à la carte menu heart of downtown Reykjavik.. oldest houses in the city. It has at a very competitive price. Join The restaurant has gotten a rich and interesting history. the locals for lunch in a friendly excellent reviews from local Laekjarbrekka is a classy and critics in Iceland´s leading and cheerful atmosphere or elegant restaurant in every culinary magazine, Gestgjafinn enjoy dinner when the chef and comes highly recommended aspect, refined and well spruces things up. for their great food. respected throughout the years. Grandagarður 9, Reykjavik Lækjargata 6b, Reykjavik Bankastræti 2, Reykjavik 517-3131 578-7200 | www.pisa.is 551-4430 www.sjavarbarinn.is www.laekjarbrekka.is food & drink food
Bambus Grillhúsið Lebowski bar A new restaurant/lounge that A fun restaurant, with the look The 1998 comedy film The Big gives you the best of both worlds and feel of an American Diner. Lebowski by the Coen brothers - Authentic Asian food in a Reasonably priced, offering is not only a film, it has become beautiful and stylish environment delicious food and a very good a lifestyle. With the emergence for a reasonable price, and service, you‘ll definitely get great of the Lebowski Bar in Reykjavik, people are quickly catching on. value for your money here. They everyone can now be a part of The skilled chefs working there put a special emphasis on using The Dude‘s peculiar world. The are very experienced, having only high quality ingredients, Lebowski bar is everything you worked at some of the best making for a terrific meal. want it to be, a bowling themed restaurants and hotels in Asia. Tryggvagata 20, Reykjavik burger joint, restaurant and bar. Borgartún 16, Reykjavik 562-3453 Laugavegur 20a, Reykjavik 517-0123 | bambusrestaurant.is www.grillhusid.is 552-2300
Icelandic tapas fish company Kolabrautin house Quality, fusion and fun are Harpa is not only home to the Fish Company’s main the Icelandic Opera and the Over 60 very diverse dishes to characteristics. The interior is Orchestra, it is also the location choose from and, to make things stylish and the quirky tableware of one of Reykjavik‘s newest fine easier, special offer menus, for fits in wonderfully. The menu restaurants. The kitchen is in the example the “Discover Iceland” is a world of adventures from middle of the room, where the option where you can sample starters to deserts. It’s designed fiery furnace gives the dinner Icelandic delicacies through a to take you on a seafood journey guests a warm welcome. An four course meal that includes and not only a journey of the ideal choice for people who puffin, langoustine, and Icelandic Icelandic culinary waters but a appreciate fine cuisine combined skyr pizza. trip around the world. with unique architecture and
www.whatson.is elegant atmosphere. Ægisgarður 2, By the old Vesturgata 2a, Reykjavik Harbour, Reykjavik 552-5300 | www.fiskfelagid.is Harpa, Reykjavik 60 512-8181 | www.tapashusid.is 519-9700 | www.kolabrautin.is
PRACTICAL INFORMATION Tourist 510-0100 | [email protected] France Túngata 22, Reykjavik Important Information 575-9600 You have many options for [email protected] phone numbers finding information on everything you might need to know about Germany Laufásvegur 31 , 112 Reykjavik or Iceland. Reykjavik Emergency, Police, amb 530-1100 | [email protected] ulance, fire department, Around the city, especially medicine. downtown you‘ll find various Japan Laugavegur 182, (6th booking offices, all of whom are floor), Reykjavik 118 both able and willing to assist you 510-8600 | [email protected] Information – go ahead and ask around. Norway Fjólugata 17, Reykjavik If that doesn‘t work ask a local! 520-0700 Police They‘re friendly and basically all of [email protected] General number 444-1000 them speak English. Russia Gardastræti 33, Reykjavik Now if everything else fails there‘s Consular Section Emergency ward the... 551-5156 | [email protected] National University Hospi tal, 24 hrs service, Sweden Lágmúli 7, Reykjavik Reykjavik Official 543 2000. Tourist Information 520-1230 | [email protected] Centre United States of America Doctors on duty Aðalstræti 2, Reykjavik Laufásvegur 21, Reykjavik 1770 562- 9100 590-1550 National University Hospi [email protected] Hours: Mon-Fri 09-18, tal, 24 hrs service, Sat 09-16, Sun 09-14 United Kingdom Laufásvegur 31, 543 1000. Reykjavik Icelandic Travel 550-5100 | [email protected] Dental ward Market For information on dentists ITM Tourist Information Centre on duty call 575 0505. offers a free booking service and Transportation staff with first hand knowledge and advice on the best ways to Travel by Bus Health Centre for organise your time in and outside You‘ll know the Reykjavik public Tourists Reykjavik. At ITM you can book bus from it‘s friendly distinctive 510 6500 excursions, accommodation, yellow color – coupled with its, www.hv.is car rental, local shows, access in comparison, huge size. The internet and phones for bus schedule starts promptly international calls. at 06:30 and runs a little past Reykjavik (list provided on our Bankastræti 2, Reykjavik midnight. website). The Flybus makes 2 522-4979 Arriving at most stations roughly stops on its way both going to Hours: June - Aug, 08:00 - every 15-30 minutes (varies by and from the airport at Aktu- 21:00 daily & Sept - May, 09:00 stops), the public bus can be a Taktu in Gardabær and at Hótel - 19:00 daily. very pleasant transport method, Viking in Hafnarfjördur. allowing you to get in touch with For further information: Hafnarfjörður the locals. www.flybus.is | 562 1011. Tourist Information The fare is 350ISK and the Centre drivers sadly don‘t carry change. Taxi The town in the lava, only 15 If you don‘t have the exact Icelandic taxis are generally quite minutes from Reykjavik. amount on hand – we assume luxurious. You can expect to be they‘ll accept more, but never Strandgata 6, Hafnarfjörður driven around in Mercedes‘ and less. If you are under 6 years old, 585-5500 | [email protected] Audis, which is quite nice, though you‘ll ride for free! Hours: Mon to Fri 8:00-17:00 a bit more costly than the public and at weekends in June, July The main bus stations are bus. Your choice – we won‘t and August 10:00-15:00 located at: Hlemmur, Lækjartorg, judge. Mjódd and Ártún. You can easily identify the taxis
by internationally recognized www.whatson.is Embassies Airport transfer / yellow signs on the cars roof. Canada Túngata 14, Reykjavik Flybus That‘s the only thing that 575-6500 The Flybus airport shuttle distinguishes them from any [email protected] will take you from Keflavík other high-end car. They‘re not yellow. Not at all. China Vídimelur, 29, Reykjavik International Airport to Reykjavik 552-6751 | [email protected] city and vice versa. The Flybus The major taxi operators are: is connected with all flights : 561-0000 Denmark Hverfisgata 29, Reykjavik to and from Keflavík airport. BSR 575-0300 | [email protected] Seats are always guaranteed. Hreyfill-Bæjarleiðir: 588-5522 We also provide a free pick up Borgarleiðir: 422-2222 Finland Túngata 30, Reykjavik and drop off at major hotels in 63 Reykjavik Domestic Car Rentals Kringlan Mall A short distance from the city Airport Hertz Flugvallarvegi 5, Reykjavik The airport is the hub for all and Keflavik Airport centre sits Kringlan Mall with domestic flights in Iceland. 522-4400 | www.hertz.is 36,000 sq.m. of shops, cater ing From there can fly to all and services. Europcar Skeifan 9, Reykjavik the major hip towns around and Keflavik Airport Iceland, such as Akureyri, 568-6915 | www.europcar.is Smáralind Mall Ísafjörður, Egilsstaðir and Kópavogur more. It‘s a nice little airport, Budget By BSÍ Bus Terminal and bit controversial, as some Keflavik Airport A modern shopping Mall speci downtown Reykjavikers want 562-6060 | www.budget.is ally designed to provide guest with a comforta ble shopping it gone to allow more people Sixt Fiskislóð 18, Reykjavik and to enjoy wonderful downtown Keflavik Airport experience. Reykjavik, while some out-of- 540-2220 | www.sixt.is town folk want it put so they Route 1 Cuxhavengata 1, Skeifan area can fly directly into wonderful Hafnarfjörður Near Laugar dal ur Valley downtown Reykjavik. We don‘t 565-3615 | www.route1.is recreational area Skeifan is the judge neither way. home of discount & bargain stor There really is no address es, markets, electric equipment for the airport...it‘s just Shopping in and home appli ance stores. “Reykjavíkurflugvöllur”, though “the Domestic Airport” should Reykjavik work as well. super markets City Centre Grocery shops generally have BSÍ Bus Terminal The area around Austur stræti quite good opening hours, so and Hafnar stræti streets has you should be able to get basic The main hub for bus lots of shops carrying souven irs, necessities at almost all time. transportation in Iceland, woolens and handicrafts. You The low-cost markets are called conveniently located in central will also find info centres, cafés, Reykjavik. Bónus, Krónan and Kostur. You‘ll restaurants, pubs & bars. want to go there for making big From here you can catch a purchases. lot of different excursions and Laugavegur street tours, as well as the FlyBus to Netto and 10-11 are open 24 The main shopping street the airport. If you‘re arriving hours a day while Hagkaup and in Reykjavik. Here you‘ll find by the Flybus, this is where Nóatún carry more products, everything you‘ll need, from you‘ll be dropped off. If you‘re often of higher quality. Each shopping to food and drink. A leaving Reykjavik for a couple store has it‘s advantages and lovely street to stroll in good of days – they‘ll store your disadvantages – we‘ll leave the luggage while you‘re gone for weather. dire choice up to you. a small fee. Skólavörðustígur At BSÍ you‘ll also find a pretty Liquor stores Leading up from Laugavegur cool restaurant that serves For purchasing alchohol towards Hallgríms kirkja church it authentic Icelandic food. beverages, you‘ll have to visit the is lined with galleries, workshops state-owned Vínbúð. It‘s closed Vatnsmýrarvegur 10 & showrooms selling various on Sundays, but is generally 580-5400 kinds of art. www.bsi.is open between 11-18 or 20 in PRACTICAL INFORMATION PRACTICAL Restaurant for over 30 years some stores.
Viking feast Viking hotel Viking restaurants Viking live entertainment Viking Souveniers
y k j a For booking and e v R í further information: k Tel.: 565-1213 www.vikingvillage.is C www.whatson.is [email protected] Icelandic Cuisine e n r e Strandgata 55 Hafnarfjordur t 64 Bankastræti 2 - 101 Reykjavík - Tel. 551 4430 - [email protected] - www.laekjarbrekka.is Restaurant for over 30 years
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C Icelandic Cuisine e n t r e Bankastræti 2 - 101 Reykjavík - Tel. 551 4430 - [email protected] - www.laekjarbrekka.is Tax-Free Shopping Languages Grafarvogslaug Visitors can reclaim value- Icelandic is the national Dalshús 2, Reykjavik added tax (VAT) on purchases language. Most people in 411-5300 exceeding ISK 4,000 in each Iceland speak at least one Hours: Mon.-Thurs.6:30-22:00; shop. Look for the “Tax-Free foreign language. English is Fri.6:30-20:00; Sat.10:00- Shopping” logo and ask the most common, but many also 18:00; Sun.10:00-18:00. shop assistant for a refund. You speak one of the Scandinavian will be given a refund cheque language.
or coupon whereby you can Klébergslaug cash in at the airport on leaving News in English Kjalarnes, Reykjavik the country. Tax-Free agents You can listen to BBC on FM 566-6879 are also at all major cruise 94,3.. Hours: Weekdays 17:00-21:00; ships before departure. You no Tue.17:00-22:00; longer have to wait with your Weekends 11:00-15:00. Tax-Free refund cheque until Ele ctricity The voltage is 220, 50 HZ AC. you leave the country, just visit Laugardalslaug The Centre in Adalstræti 2 for Please note that the prongs your refund with Iceland Tax- on equipment you bring Sundlaugarvegur, Reykjavik. Free cheques. with you may be different 411-5100 from Icelandic standards. All Hours: Mon.-Fri.06:30-22:00; major hotels provide you with Weekends 08:00-22:00 adaptor prongs for charging Equivalents computers, cameras, Gsm pho Sundhöllin nes etc. 1 kilo (kg) Barónsstígur, Reykjavik 2.2 pounds Time 411-5350 Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 6:30-22:00; 1 Litre (L) Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Fri. 6:30-20:00; Sat. 8:00- Time (GMT) throughout the about 1.76 pints 16:00; Sun.10:00-18:00. year, and does not go on 1 Oz fluid or liquid (U.S.) daylight saving time. 29.5 ml. Vesturbæjarlaug Weathe r/Clothing Hofsvallagata, Reykjavik 1 kilometre (km) 411-5150 0.62 mile For weather information in English, tel. (+354) 902-0600, Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 6:30-22:00; Fri. 6:30-20:00;Sat. 9:00-17:00; 1 metre (m) e-mail: [email protected] , www. 1.1 yards vedur.is. Sun.11:00-19:00
1 centimetre (cm) Post Offices Salalaug 0,39 inch Icelandic Postal Service Versalir 3, Kópavogur main branch is located on 570-0480 Pósthússtræti 5, 101 Reykjavik. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6:30-22:00; Tel.: 580 1000. Open Mon-Fri. Weekends 8:00-20:00 Money 09:00 to 18:00. Kópavogslaug Currency exchange Lost & Found PRACTICAL INFORMATION PRACTICAL All major banks exchange Borgarholtsbraut 17, foreign currencies. Police Station at Borgar tún 7b, Kópavogur 570-0470 Tel. 444 1400. Open: Mon-Fri Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6:30-22:00 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00. Cards Weekends 8:00-20:00. Visa, EuroCard, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Geothermal Sundlaug Express are widely accepted. pools and spas Seltjarnarness Suðurströnd 8, Seltjarnarnes ATM´s/Cash machines Árbæjarlaug 561-1551 You can get cash advances Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6:30-21:00; from your credit and/or debit Fylkisvegur 9, Reykjavik Weekends 8:00-18:00. card at cash machines widely 411-5200 available in Reykjavik. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 6:30-22:00; For opening hours and locations Fri. 6:30-20:00; Sat.9:00-17:00; of other pools in the Reykjavik Other Sun.11:00-19:00. area and around Iceland visit swimminginiceland.com. Breidholtslaug Tipping Austurberg 3, Reykjavik Generally tips are not 557-5547 expected, however, if you For more information on
www.whatson.is Hours: Mon.- are pleased with the service anything Reykjavik, visit Thurs.06:30-22:00; Fri.06:30- provided, a tip definitely www.MyDestination.com/ 20:00; Sat.09:00-17:00 appreciated. Reykjavik 66 Sun.10:00-18:00 Reykjavik'skjavik s Thermal PoolsPoo *
ONLY e 550 isk. ADULTS 130 isk. CHILDREN
A source change to subject is Price 2013. January *Admission of health
Saunas, For Seven Thermal Hot tubs health and locations and swimming steambaths well-being Open early pools jacuzzi and showers until late
Thermal pools aandd baths in Reykjavik aaree a source of health, rrelaxationelaxation and purenepureness.ss. All of the city´s swimming pools have several hot pots with temperatures ranging from 37˚ to 42˚C (98˚–111˚F). The pools are kept at an average temperature of 29˚ C (84˚ F).
Tel: +354 411 5000 • www.itr.is insight into life in Reykjavik and introduce to its readers the highlights of the city. On their website you will find absolutely everything you could possibly want to know about Reykjavik and more. The greatest thing about My Destination Reykjavik and what separates them from other travel sites is that it is filled with tips and reviews from locals who really know what they are talking about.
My Destination is there for you whether you want to get to know the history of Iceland, learn about the culture, read informative content about the restaurants you plan on Reykjavik eating at, book your accommodation, rent a
WHAT’S ON WHAT’S car, find out What’s On in Reykjavik, browse My Destination is a global travel resource through photos or load up on other useful powered by a community of local experts information. Basically they have everything providing unrivalled local knowledge you need to get informed and make the best and deals. My Destination operates in 6 of your trip. continents, 46 countries with over 100 The local experts at My Destination destinations and the network is constantly Reykjavik are on the ground and have growing. The local experts at each personally experienced what our destination destination are passionate about providing has to offer. They make sure to produce the best value for money and work closely comprehensive information in the form of with the global partners whilst supporting travel articles, local tips, guides, reviews, local businesses. As a result, My Destination videos and panoramic virtual tours. The makes travel experiences inspired, more website was recently given a makeover enriched, and quite simply, better. with an entirely new look and lots of The My Destination Reykjavik franchise was improvements, along with new information founded in 2009 and has strived to provide and updates. It is safe to say that My information about many of Reykjavik’s Destination Reykjavik is the whole package. best restaurants, stores, clubs, excursions Let them enhance your experience and be and transportation companies along with your tour guide during your stay in Iceland. practical tips and fun facts about Reykjavik You will get more out of your Iceland and its surrounding areas. They give you an experience than you thought was possible. www.whatson.is
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Svarfadur Valley is Iceland’s most beautiful place, according to its people, the Svarfdaelings. A few years ago, all sheep in the valley were quarantined and destroyed because of scrapie, a fatal and infectious disease. That’s when they founded the Herding Society, a venerable club of shepherds, car mechanics, carpenters, school- teachers and plumbers. They are also poets and singers and festive men. And they continue to herd every year, despite the fact that there is not a single sheep left in the valley. The Svarfadur Valley Herding Society: Skál fyrir þér!
Léttöl Svarfadur Valley is Iceland’s most beautiful place, according to its people, the Svarfdaelings. A few years ago, all sheep in the valley were quarantined and destroyed because of scrapie, a fatal and ENJOY infectious disease. That’s when THE they founded the Herding Society, a venerable club of shepherds, car WARMTH mechanics, carpenters, school- teachers and plumbers. They are FROM
also poets and singers and festive www.alafoss.is men. And they continue to herd ICELAND! WOOL SWEATERS, ACCESSORIES, every year, despite the fact that WOOL BLANKETS, TRADITIONAL CRAFTS & MODERN ICELANDIC ART there is not a single sheep left in the valley. 1896 The Svarfadur Valley Herding Society:
Skál fyrir þér! LAUGAVEGUR 8, REYKJAVÍK ÁLAFOSSVEGUR 23, MOSFELLSBÆR Léttöl OPEN: MON. - FRI. 9.00 - 18.00 SAT. 9:00 - 16:00 ANTON&BERGUR ONE OF25WONDERS OF THEWORLD National Geographic www.bluelagoon.com