magazine magazine Issue Issue one 2016 one 2016 earth of the of the edge Surfing on the Surfing -take me with you -take free copy your -take me with you -take free copy your like an Icelander 5 tips on Plus: eat to how How do How Icelanders the survive months? darkest

WOW magazine – STheur fFingoo do Inssue the edge of the Eeararth Power to the people Issue onethree 2016 2015 WHATEVER THE WEATHER...

ZO•ON is born in Iceland, and we have a passion for outdoor living. We love the feeling of being in sync with nature, of being part of something bigger than ourselves. This is reflected in how we design and2 WOW create Power to the people outdoor wear. and create outdoor wear. WWW.ZO-ON.COM WHATEVER THE WEATHER...

ZO•ON is born in Iceland, and we have a passion for outdoor living. We love the feeling of being in sync with nature, of being part of something bigger than ourselves. This is reflected in how we design and create outdoor wear. Issue one 3 and create outdoor wear. WWW.ZO-ON.COM HOTEL GEYSIR

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www.geysircenter.com / www.geysirglima.com / tel: +354 480 6800 / [email protected] www.facebook.com/hotelgeysir / www.twitter.com/hotelgeysir Issue one 5 We look forward to seeing you Please book in advance at bluelagoon.is

6 WOW Power to the people We look forward to seeing you Please book in advance at bluelagoon.is

Issue one 7 In this issue Power to the people – Issue one 2016

10 A letter from the CEO

12 WOW Cyclothon The biggest ultra-cycling race in Iceland (and probably the world) is held in June each year. We took a look at the winners of the women’s B category of 2015. A letter from the editor 16 Five tips on the authentic Icelandic gastric experience Here’s to Traditional Icelandic food has a bad rap but that’s not really what the everyday brighter days Icelanders are eating.

he darkest days are behind 18 tHe brightest festival in us, even though it’s still the world Last summer we attended the youngest pretty dark compared to the festival in Iceland, Secret Solstice, and summertime. Each day is ca. here’s how it went down.

Tthree minutes longer than the previous 22 party in the midnight sun one and before you know it, it will be Secret Solstice will return in Reykjavik in 24 June and they’ve just announced some bright all day long. Right now Iceland- awesome headliners! 66 Take a hike 92 a French road trip – Part II er’s are busy lightening up their winter Stroll around Hafnarfjörður, the town in Flying to Paris can be just the beginning days with festivals, art shows and other the lava, just a short drive from Reykja- of a great adventure in France. Summer synergy in vik’s city center. cultural events, and of course by eating South Iceland 24 94 wHat’s brewing in Boston? loads of those famous rotten delicacies 68 The white palace Beer lovers should definitely stop at you’ve all heard about. And let’s not Iceland might not be famous for its Reykjavik has a famous “White House” this New England hub and check out surfing opportunities or big waves but it’s not the presidential residence, it’s Boston’s top brewery tours and some of forget nature’s treasures in the winter a hospital. its essential beers. but if you’re armed with a thirst for season, like star filled skies, Northern adventures and ready to brave the 70 wow design 96 frankfurt for fun Lights and those endless sunrises and cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Further North is a home accessories WOW air has just added Frankfurt am stunning sunsets. brand designed by Auður Gná Ingvars- this is definitely the place to be. Main to its network and it turns out If you’re not on your way to Iceland for dóttir. Frankfurt is full of surprises. a vacation or a WOW Stopover we hope 72 tHe winds of change 30 Head of state 98 you want more? IceWind is a small Icelandic startup that you are at least considering it for your Who wants to be the next president of Check out the other destinations of WOW has been developing wind turbines which Iceland and what does the job entail? air. Where do you want to go? next WOW air flight. We are insanely might just save people a significant proud of our country and all it has to 34 Iceland’s famed culinary amount of money and help them become 100 This and that more sustainable. …mainly this. offer. As you know, changing airplanes delights The next time an Icelander tries to tempt in Keflavik does not count as a visit to 78 montreal – 104 What’s going on? you with pickled ram’s testicles, claiming tHe wonders below Iceland. it was the food that all Icelanders sur- …quite a lot, actually. Did you know that there are 32 kilo­ vived on, you’ll know better. meters of tunnels above and below 110 wow horoscope Have a great trip. 36 tHe best of the West ground in Montreal? Montreal’s under- What’s in your future? WOW air’s famed ground city, RÉSO, is ideal for shopping, There’s more to Iceland than the adven- astrologist has the answer. sightseeing and escaping both the cold tures to be had on the south coast. Go and the heat. 112 bored on board? Guðrún Vaka Helgadóttir, editor in chief west for a change of scenery. West Ice- Solve these sudokus. [email protected] land is actually one of the most exciting 80 7 Toronto must-see’s regions in the world to visit. From boardwalks to beaches and book- 114 The Traveling Inquisition 40 tHe U.S. Customs shops to bistros, Canada’s largest city Sigga Heimis is an Icelandic industrial declaration Form is also the trendiest when it comes to designer who lives both in Iceland and urban cultural activities. Sweden and knows how to travel. WOW magazine staff What is this? Why do I need to fill this out? And what happens if I answer yes to 82 48-hours in Bristol

Editor in chief: Guðrún Vaka Helgadóttir any of the questions? WOW magazine – s WOW magazine – The F OO d WOW magazine – s WOW magazine – The F OO d On the cover

magazinemagazine ur F ur F ing ing IssueIssue If you had only two days to spend in O O i i n n Sometimes people travel one 2016 ssue ssue T T Design and layout: Ivan Burkni / [email protected] he edge OF he edge OF T T

he he ear T Surfing on tHe e ar T h h edge of the to Iceland to do the things Bristol, what would you do? earth Proofreading: Paul Michael Herman 60 akureyri – The heart of they love in new or extreme circumstances. On the cover Contributing writers: north IcelanD Marvin Lee Dupree, Svava Jónsdóttir, 84 14 tips for budget travelers is Anna Ehrgott making her Gerður Harðardóttir, Einar Skúlason, Fjóla Helgadóttir, Akureyri, Iceland’s capital of the north, In BerliN way across Hofn Bay on Guðrún Baldvina Sævarsdóttir, Cindy-Lou Dale, Judy a gorgeous summer day,

is a lively town with much to offer and Power to the P Power to the P Power to the P Power to the P eo eo eo eo P P P P Colbert, Michael Kew, berlinur.de and Krista Connor. Berlin is known for being budget-friendly le Issue one 2016 le Issue three 2015 le Issue one 2016 le Issue three 2015 preparing to take on the How dO IcelandersPlus: 5 tIps on surviveHow to teatHe like a great base for exploring the natural darkestan icelander mOnThs? your free copy-take me with you and here’s why. Icelandic surf. © WOW air ERFISM wonders of North Iceland. The photo was shot by Chris Burkard who has HV ER M K made 19 trips to Iceland to take photos, usually Katrínartún 12 U I 86 A night out in the around wintertime. 105 Reykjavík 62 Iceland from above cIty of Angels Iceland Enrico Pescantini shot some great 141 776 It’s time to party among the stars and Prentun: Oddi umhverfisvottuð prentsmiðja photos of Lake Mývatn in Northeast LA’s entertainment options are endless. wowair.com Iceland last summer. Tel: 00 354 590 3020 PRENTGRIPUR 88 10 San Fran must do’s E-mail: [email protected] 64 tHe Vatnajokull Region Now that affordable flights to San Oddi environmentally certified printing company Filled with contrasts, the Vatnajökull Re- All rights reserved. Reprinting, direct quoting or recapitulation Francisco are on the horizon you might gion is a great destination all year round. prohibited except with a written permit from publisher. be wondering what to do once you get there. P.S. Would you like your very own copy of WOW magazine? Take this one with you or contact us Attention advertisers! 90 5 ways to stay cozy in a through [email protected] and we’ll Will your company be in our next issue? washington, D.C. winter send you a printed copy. Contact our advertising representative and he’ll make it happen. There’s a bounty of cold-weather You can also check out WOW He’s just that good! magazine online at sanctuaries in D.C. wowair.com.

8 WOW Power to the people Keeping Iceland warm since 1926 Shop at 66north.com

Issue one 9 A letter from the CEO

Make a toast with Iceland’s no. 1 beer Pour a glass of the number one beer in the country, raise your glass to a friend and say “scowl fyrewr thyer!” You should fit right in. Skál fyrir þér!

Dear friends

It is simply amazing to see “little” WOW continue to grow and prosper even beyond our wildest dreams. 2016 is off to a fantastic start with the launch of our Los Angeles and San Francisco routes operating brand new Airbus 330-300 as well as providing a further increase of flights to Boston, Washington, Montreal and Toronto. We are also very proud to offer the newest, environmentally friendliest and most fuel efficient fleet in Iceland. This summer we will have a total of 11 aircraft in our all Airbus fleet including brand new Airbus 321’s and 330’s.

Life at WOW air is not only work! We also pride ourselves in very active community engagement and are among other things the proud founding member of WOW Cyclothon, a relay cycling race of 1332 km around Iceland (see wowcyclothon.com). The race is very much in the same spirit as the incredible adventures hinted at on this issue’s cover which is simply WOW!

With all the innovations, our team is expanding fast and this year there will be over 600 people at WOW air. It is a great privilege to be part of the WOW team and to continue to serve you, our dear guests, on our mission to enable everybody to travel. All the best and look forward to seeing you on board one of our happy, purple planes in the near future.

Sincerely, Skúli Mogensen Founder and CEO of WOW air

Enjoy responsibly

10 WOW Power to the people Make a toast with Iceland’s no. 1 beer Pour a glass of the number one beer in the country, raise your glass to a friend and say “scowl fyrewr thyer!” You should fit right in. Skál fyrir þér!

Enjoy responsibly

Issue one 11 WOW Cyclothon

All women – all class! WOW Cyclothon is a relay bike race around Iceland held close to the summer solstice in June of each year. Last year’s race broke all previous records for a number of participants and made WOW Cyclothon one of the biggest ultra-cycling races in the world.

Photos: Kristinn Magnússon

yclists competed in four cate­­­­ “We were lucky to They all train with HFR and gori­es, from solo riders to four have Jórunn Jóns­ take part in competitive people teams and up to 10 dóttir, the most street racing and say that people teams both of which powerful team before the race they knew could be all male, all female and lead­­er ever. She the strengths of their team mixed. The female competition­­ saw to it that every­ as well as its weaknesses. was especially fierce this year thing was in order “We also had María Sæm­ as the race has never seen such before we started unds­dóttir as our driver and a high percentage of female participants, proving the race.” this was her second victory Conce and for all that cycling and competing is for in the race,” they say adding everyone. Team HFR / Renault had a great race and that being a driver for a WOW Cyclothon team can was the first all women’s B category team to reach be even harder than being a cyclist as the drivers the finish line. hold a lot of re­sponsibility.

Knowing your strength Planning is key Team HFR / Renault was exceptionally well The members of HFR / Renault agree that training, sponsored with two brand new Renault vehicles especially for the race, was unnecessary but there that took them around Iceland. The team was were other things that needed their attention formed after someone asked the question, before hitting the Ring Road. “We were lucky to “Shouldn’t the HFR women have a team in WOW have Jórunn Jónsdóttir, the most powerful team Cyclothon?”­ and so three HFR all women’s teams leader ever. She saw to it that everything was emerg­ed. “This just goes to show how many quality in order before we started the race.” They also female cyclists there are in the club, the HFR met be­­fore the race to make their race strategy. women­ winning both the A and B categories for all “Margrét, our Excel genius, put together a plan for women teams,” the members of HFR / Renault say. changeovers,­­­­­­ sleeping and vehicle arrangements; Six cyclists from the HFR / Renault team had we had two cars so we had to have two drivers. This participated in WOW Cyclothon before, all with document was only a guideline of course, as there winning A category female teams over the years. will always be surprises in a race like this where

12 WOW Power to the people Issue one 13 “Being outside, you have to change your cycling and having plans and adapt, choosing fun in the Icelandic the strongest cyclist for nature, day or night, a particular situation. We competing, enjoying wanted to go the whole life and spending distance together as one over 40 hours in team so we didn’t split up this great company, into two groups like many what could be more B teams do in this race,” amazing than that?” they say.

A great adventure The HFR / Renault team never publicly announced its plan to win the women’s B category but they all agree that it was their goal. “We were confident and not winning was never an option. We also had a time goal, we wanted to finish as close to 40 hours as possible. But of course, we also wanted to have fun and come home without injuries,” they say. Speaking of injuries, did the HFR / Renault team have any problems during the race? “Problems? You mean adventures! It was pretty smooth sailing actually and we came home with a lot of great memories. Our favorite one is when Guðbjörg sudd­ enly decided to start her modelling career and was heath when we finally put a wide enough gap the finish line smiling from ear to ear, bliss­­fully going to pose on top of a road sign. Rather clumsily between us and we managed to keep them well happy after 42 hours and 45 minutes on the road.” she fell off and then rolled down a hill causing behind us the rest of the race.” Will we see HFR / Renault again next year? “We several of us to pee ourselves laughing. We had to “The teams we were working with never had a are all about the competition and have already set change our pants and everything!” They all agree hard agreement about working together through­­ our goal on improving our time.” that the atmosphere onboard their vehicles was out the race so all of us had to keep on our toes Members of the yellow HFR / Renault team agree great. “We were in great spirits the entire time and and be ready for attacks. At the Öxi mountain that the whole trip was a blast. “Being outside, were ready to enjoy the race.” road, the gaps between teams became wider but cycling and having fun in the Icelandic nature, day Guðbjörg put herself into mad gear and swooshed or night, competing, enjoying life and spending over Teamwork and competition down Öxi to catch up. We caught up with Team Sana 40 hours in this great company, what could be more HFR / Renault worked with mixed and all male and Síminn in Berufjörður and with them drove up amazing than that?” v teams from Advania, Sana, Síminn and later also the pace to catch up with Team Advania and then with Team Landsbankinn. “We were personally Landsbankinn­­ but by then Sana and Síminn got left Ride through the midnight sun in the most exceptional in hard competition with Team Kría, another all behind. Despite this great teamwork all teams had ultra-cycling race in the world, 1358 km around wo­­men’s B category team. They beat us during the to be wary and by Kleifarvatn, close to the finish line, Iceland, June 15-17, 2016. first changeover in Hvalfjörður so we had to put Team Landsbankinn and Advania made an attack Registration has started at wowcyclothon.com. Follow all our efforts into catching up with them. The race we weren’t quite ready for wanting to beat us to the the race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more information and photos. was on between us until after the Holtavörðuheiði finish line. We got left behind but still we reached

14 WOW Power to the people WELCOME ON BOARD!

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The fleet is made up of the most modern and meticulously maintained helicopters on the market. The pilots are trained to the highest standards, experienced, friendly, multi-lingual individuals with great knowledge of Iceland’s spectacular nature. They will make your journey unforgettable. Safety and comfort of our customers is always our main priority.

• We operate from Reykjavik (city) Airport. • We offer free transport services within Reykjavik city area in connection with our flights. • We can, on the other hand, arrange for a pick up and/or drop off from and to just about anywhere in the country. • You can either pick one of our tours or simply design your own. • We are flexible.

Our service team is on duty 24/7 and will happily assist you at any time. Check out our tours and prices on our website.

E-mail to [email protected] or call (+354) 589 1000 Issue one 15 www.reykjavikhelicopters.com Eat like the locals Five tips on the authentic Icelandic gastric experience by Guðrún Baldvina Sævarsdóttir photos: iStockphotos.com

Let’s be honest. Icelandic tradi­­ ti­­ onal­­ park by the sea or circle the downtown Icelandic hot dogs source of protein and obviously a very food has a bad rap and yes, what area and eat it while chatting with your come with the healthy snack. The singed sheep head is you’ve heard is mostly true. High­­lights pals. following basic a little trickier because it’s really a singed include fermented shark and pickled condiments: and boiled head sawed in half like some ram’s testicles but we only eat that kind of Dried fish and singed sheep head Ketchup, mustard, terrifying prop from a horror movie. If you stuff during Þorri Festival in February. So Okay, so we lied. We do eat horrible raw onion, fried get over first impressions you’ll taste what do Icelanders really eat the other 11 sounding dishes all year round but some onion and remou­ something very special and be transported months of the year? Here are some tips of them are actually very good. You’ll find lade (a cold sauce to an ancient meat experience. Discover on getting a real taste for Iceland. dried fish (harðfiskur) in every grocery made with mayon­ your inner Viking but stay clear of the store and gas station around the country naise and various tongue and eyeballs first time around. but be warned, this delicatessen of a condiments and They remain vivid reminders that you’re Hot dogs snack is seriously pricey. Combine it with herbs). eating a face. Be brave and you will rule Icelandic hot dogs come with the following Icelandic butter and lots of it. It’s a great your Instagram network. v basic condiments: Ketchup, mustard, raw onion, fried onion and remoulade (a cold sauce made with mayonnaise and various condiments and herbs). Pick your own combo or ask for everything. It’s customary to give your hot dog vendor directions on where each condiment goes: “Ketchup underneath, mustard on top,” which is probably why some places now have self- service stations for the condiments.

Chocolate and liquorice sweets They come in all shapes and sizes but they are probably the most popular food product to leave the country in care packages. If you try it, make sure you have a “dealer” who will send you more supplies after you leave because you can easily get hooked.

Skyr and súrmjólk for breakfast You’ll find a ridiculous variety of these dairy products in all shops but go for the natural unsweetened ones and follow these directions: A big tablespoon of brown sugar in your bowl of súrmjólk and white sugar on your Skyr until it’s sweet enough. Don’t question us. Just do it.

Ice cream It’s not just a dessert—it’s entertainment. It may sound ironic that Icelanders love ice cream since it’s almost never warm enough to justify putting frozen food inside your body but this isn’t just about the ice cream. Everyone has their favorite ice cream parlor and they are everywhere. For this to be an authentic Icelandic experience you need to have a car and preferably stand in line for about 20 minutes until you get your ice cream which you then take out to your car and either Copyright: DragonImages

16 WOW Power to the people WE’LL TAKE YOU THERE! ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND

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A SIGHT NOT TO BE MISSED!

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BSÍ Bus Terminal 101 Reykjavík +354 580 5400 GOLD-CLASS CERTIFIED [email protected] www.re.is ENVIRONMENTAL TRAVEL SERVICE UMHVERFISFLOKKUN VIÐURKENND OR • FERÐAÞJÓNUSTA Issue one 17 www.flybus.is 18 WOW Power to the people The brightest festival in the world Secret Solstice One of Iceland’s youngest festivals, Secret Solstice is a music festival in Reykjavík, held on the weekend closest to the summer solstice. In 2015, it took place on June 19th - 21st after the most despicable winter I can remember so I was more than happy to sign up for the all-in summer experience in Laugardalur Valley.

By Guðrún Baldvina Sævarsdóttir Photos: Courtesy of Secret Solstice – Photographers: Siggeir Hafsteinsson, Ross Silcocks and Damien Gilbert

Laugardalur is a green valley right Yes, attending an útiháðíð is fun but in the middle of Reykjavík that is often a lot of valuable time is spent in a used as a recreational area complete with car getting to said obscure location, so competitive sporting venues (football, if you don’t want to be bothered with the hand­ball, basketball, tennis, track, whole hassle of camping in the country, swimm­­ing, ice skating etc.), botanical an urban outdoor festival is definitely your gardens, a zoo and a campsite. For for­­ best bet. eigners, this is the perfect setup. You can travel to Iceland, camp in Reykjavík and The perfect space for a concert spend the weekend listening to for­­eign The first Secret Solstice was held in 2014 and Icelandic music, partying as much as and attracted some 8,000 visitors. The you want. Afterwards, you can travel around 2015 lineup featured over 150 artists and the country to experience the natural was attended by nearly 10,000 visitors. It wonders the island is famous for. looks like the two-year-old festival is here to stay and this is just the beginning. The convenient “outdoor festival” The biggest names of 2015 were Wu For regular Icelanders, this is the most Tang Clan, Kelis, The Wailers, Charles convenient “útihátíð” of the summer Bradley and a secret headliner which and it’s worth spending a few lines on turned out to be Bustah Rhymes. The what an útihátíð is and what they mean genres included hip hop and rap on the for the average Icelander. “Útihátíð” or two big outdoors stages, dance music on outdoor festival is essentially just that, the indoor stage and DJs in the smaller an outdoor festival but in Iceland an tents and bars as well as your traditional útihátíð is usually held in some obscure pop and electronic music. location in the countryside and where One of the best things about Secret everybody and their grandmothers Solstice is the location and the layout of and little nephews are most welcome, the space. The venue is comprised of one almost like a glorious reunion where you large green space with a skating rink on feel related to everybody. This usually one side and a football field on the other. involves preparations like picking your The skating rink (minus the ice of course) most fashionable yet dispensable woolen serves as a brilliantly dark indoor stage sweater and some cleverly equipped with a huge dance floor for the ener­ raingear because it’s not really an útihátíð getic and bleachers for the weary. The unless it rains, and of course, you’ll want organizers managed to create an amazing handy pockets for your beers and hot atmosphere from a space that is usually dogs. It’s also not really an útihátíð unless occupied by rowdy children. you have a sing-along and French kiss The large green area in the middle, somebody. hosts the largest stage but also includes

Issue one 19 and had us dancing and laughing. What Secret Solstice is a festival that promises more could you want? and delivers great Wu Tang Clan was undeniably music, a unique the biggest act this year and much summer experience anticipated. When they stepped out in the middle of the onto the stage on Sunday evening in North Atlantic and wonderful weather, kids, teenagers super friendly and and adults alike rejoiced, for some, it relaxed atmosphere was their childhood revisited and their and so far the festival seems to be favored dreams coming true. Given the hype, by the weather gods. the Clan might be forgiven for what felt like a disappointment but most agreed that theirs was one of the poorest performances of the weekend. They never managed to take off. The crowd waited in anticipation for that authentic 90s feeling but it never really arrived. This flop, however, was nothing compared to the anti-climax of the secret headliner: Bustah Rhymes. He was 40 minutes late, pretty much the only real delay during the whole weekend and proceeded to shout out a lot of attitude mixed with horrible machine gun, sound-effects in-between. The mind wanders when waiting for a mysterious big name artist and you’d best deliver when it’s you, but he absolutely a large tent with a bar and live music The same goes for Charles Bradley and didn’t. That said, if anybody has to suck, Bustah Rhymes as a secret (DJs and smaller acts), and smaller tents Kelis, who really stood out for me. Kelis headliner is a great choice. Nobody had invested in him and it was where vendors sell food, beverages and was accompanied by a DJ and the two of easy to walk away seeing as there was plenty of talent on offer at clothing. You can even get your hair cut if them kept up a great party atmosphere arm’s length. you’re feeling unstylish. There’s also the mixing golden oldies with some of her best VIP lounge, a raised hot tub so you can numbers covering an impressive number The thing no one ever mentions drink and watch your favorite headliner of songs by just giving us the highlights. While we’re on the subject of things that should be flushed I was while bathing in hot water in your undies, Flight Facilities and MØ both delivered very impressed by the number of porta-potties and the areas and an amusement park drop tower. The brilliant performances and left lasting around them. Being a girl at a big event is always problematic, open grass area has plenty of picnic tables impressions and Gus Gus and Hercules especially if you dare to take a sip of something liquid during your with inventive seating and tables so the & Love Affair were as great as always, 9-hour stay at a venue, which usually results in pleading with five lazy loungers and socialites have plenty of pumping up the guests, leaving them other girls to let you cut ahead in the line. This time was different places to do their thing. wanting more. These are all artists that are though and even though I realized I really had to pee as soon as The football field was covered with known to deliver and they clearly had their Kelis sang her last note, along with everybody else in front of the big plastic tiles to protect the grass and loyal fans in the crowd. stage, I only had to wait in line for about 12 seconds. included a smaller outdoor stage, two bar Icelandic rappers and hip hop artists In the end, the most remarkable thing about Secret Solstice is tents with live music, an inflatable human really showed up and acts such as Úlfur the timing and location. Summer solstice is a magical time and the foosball table and more vendors selling Úlfur, Emmsjé Gauti and Gísli Pálmi folklore surrounding it with witchcraft and wonders makes sense food and party favors. showed why they’re all the rage in Iceland when you’ve sat through a bright summer’s night. The sun does these days. The biggest surprise for me set but only for a couple of hours and since it only dips below the Party for all was Dj Flugvél og Geimskip (Dj Airplane horizon, it really is daylight around the clock. It’s a magical time and Each act performed for about 30 minutes and Space Ship). My companions had characteristic of the Icelandic summer. It’s not great for sleeping but so the experience resembled a tasting heard her stuff before but it was brand it’s perfect for everything else, especially outdoor music festivals. platter of music, which is what every good new to me and very exotic. She had me Secret Solstice promises a great experience and something very music festival should aspire to be. In my stuck in a trance trying to figure out if she different which was definitely a promise delivered in 2015 for both opinion, a music festival should aspire was mentally ill or a genius or possibly locals and their guests. to do two things: 1) Offer a variety of both. She comes HIGHLY recommended, good music in the genres promised and as she owned that tent from the first note See you at Secret Solstice 2016! 2) Create an atmosphere and mood that your Spotify player can’t offer. Both points rely on good preparation on behalf of the organizers but the latter depends heavily on the weather and while the weather conditions around summer solstice should be amicable, Iceland’s weather can be capricious. Secret Solstice is a festival that promises and delivers great music, a unique summer experience in the middle of the North Atlantic and super friendly and relaxed atmosphere and so far the festival seems to be favored by the weather gods.

So how did it go? As far as the music was concerned there were many ups and some downs. It should be noted that I’m musically allergic to Reggae which makes the fact that I loved the Wailers a much more powerful endorsement to their abilities. Their act was an undeniably good mood setter and created a wonderful and amicable atmosphere for the rest of the night.

20 WOW Power to the people AQUARACER CALIBRE 5 Cristiano Ronaldo is born to break all the records. His motivation is to win at every occasion to challenge the human statistics. Like TAG Heuer, Ronaldo surpasses the limits of his field and never cracks under pressure.

Issue one 21 Laugavegi 15 & Kringlunni - 511 1900 - www.michelsen.is Party in the midnight sun Secret Solstice returns for the third time in Reykjavik, Iceland It’s 2016 already and Secret Solstice will rock, pop and electro beat the city of Reykjavik around the summer solstice, from June 17-19, when the sun never really sets. Showcasing a varied mixture of local and international artists, the biggest headliners for 2016 are without a doubt newly announced Radiohead in addition to Icelandic Of Monsters and Men, Deftones from the USA and Jamie Jones from the UK. Other heavy hitters include Róisín Murphy (IE), Action Bronson (US), Apollonia (FR), Agent Fresco (IS), AmabAdamA (IS), Droog (US), Goldie (UK), Kerri Chandler (US), Skream (UK) and Visionquest (US).

Themed after the Old Norse religion earth where you can fulfill your dream of and mythology Secret Solstice has dancing to music inside a glacier. In 2016 all sorts of cool names for the stages and there will be two glacier parties and only spaces within the festival area, such as 100 tickets are available for each one. Gimli, Valhalla and Hel, the giant indoor Secret Solstice is conveniently located party venue that opens after the main smack down in the middle of Reykjavik, stages close and is actually a skating rink a stone’s throw from the downtown area – and while Hel isn’t frozen over it looks with multiple hotels, restaurants and bars awesome! so finding accommodation close by won’t On its own Secret Solstice is one of the be a problem. If you’re on a budget, right most unique festivals in the world but next to the venue there’s a campsite and a the side venues - from geothermal secret geothermal swimming pool right next door. lagoons to volcanic caves and ice tunn­­ This summer, let’s go together to this els inside a glacier - are something else unique event bursting with great music entirely. That’s right! In 2016 Secret Sol­­ in a great place. For more information on stice is bringing back the glacier party and Secret Solstice, tickets and line-up, visit as far as we know it’s the only festival on secretsolstice.is. v

Getting to Iceland is the easy part—book your own WOW air flight to Reykjavik from USA, Canada or Europe at wowair.com or better yet, get our friends at Gaman Travel to make you a package deal at www.gamantravel.is

22 WOW Power to the people Issue one 23 Anna Ehrgott makes her way across Hofn Bay on a gorgeous summer day. 24 WOW Power to the people Dusk to dawn to dusk Summer, synergy in South Iceland July 2015: winter is miles behind. Summer gravity steers the drift of our American caravan, which includes two rock climbers; Chris Sharma and Paul Robinson, and two surfers; Chaddd Konig and Anna Ehrgott. by Michael Kew Photos: Chris Burkard/Massif

Issue one 25 Chadd Konig and Anna Ehrgott take in the sunset after a solid session at Sandvik – one of Iceland’s gorgeous black sand bays.

hrgott and Konig are two pro­­­ Surfing at 3 am home of Iceland’s premier south coast “Everything fessi­­onal surfers from southern In the matrix, we creep in the long shadows point break, where we tickled waves, wee seemed more California,­­­­­ which, surf-wise, is of delirium, dipping our neoprened hands, and baby-soft, at 3 am. epic backed by quite different from southern­­ flexing our chalked fingertips. The preferred tool for catching and riding the volcanic Ice­­land. Knowing this, but armed Usually with more snow than shine, small surf, Ehrgott’s longboard was a boon. peaks, which with a thirst for ad­­­venture, the two couldn’t lensman Chris Burkard has visited Iceland “Mornings came too early,” she said, “but E refuged the say “yes” fast enough when photo­grapher a whopping 19 times, usually pointing his those small-wave days were illuminated retreated snow Chris Burkard asked for their partici­­pa­tion rented Land Rover north from Keflavík by the golden sun, hovering on the horizon. in the ‘warm’ in this trip along with two pro­­fessional rock International, in winter, in volcanic freeze, Everything seemed more epic backed by months.” climbers (also from southern California). in doomsday whiteouts. the volcanic peaks, which refuged the For both sports, Iceland is flawed, “There’s no such thing as bad weather,” retreated snow in the ‘warm’ months.” especially midsummer. The North Atlantic he once told me. “Just soft people and poor is never sure of itself. Clouds balloon and clothing.” The edge of the earth spit, wind scrubs the waves, rain greases This time, after a restorative, post-flight Iceland broods at 65°N latitude, between the roads, but, photograp­­­ hic­ ally,­­­ Iceland surf near the air­­­port on the Reykjanes Greenland and Norway, north of Shetland, is perfect: rainbowed waterfalls,­­ steaming­­­­­ Peninsula, Burkard’s cerebral compass south of Jan Mayen. It’s an active quadrant. lava fields and icebergs melting into black- swung us south-by-southeast: on the Ring Sunny? Sometimes. sand beaches. Road to Thorlakshofn, a valued port town, “It didn’t feel like the daylight ever came

26 WOW Power to the people There’s something magical about being able to surf alongside icebergs. Here’s Chadd Konig, soaking up the magic.

or went,” Ehrgott said. “The depths of our “It felt like the edge of the earth,” Sharma wetsuit to carve and jive on his alaia or “The landscape is minds expanded and took the place of said. canary-yellow 6’8” single-fin surfboards in deafening. Often, external­ experience.” Vik actually is the edge of the earth until, low dawn hues of citrus. In the 10°C sea, he my mind was so Gravity sucked us in. if you head straight south, narrowly miss­­ also bodysurfed. utterly clear— And driving—lots of that. ing West Africa and the South Sandwich Nobody bodysurfs in Iceland! no thoughts Past Thorlakshofn was the enchanted Islands, you reach Antarctica’s Queen “The landscape is deafening. Often, my whatsoever, village of Vík í Mýrdal (“Bay of the Marshy Maud Land. We didn’t do that. mind was so utterly clear—no thoughts because the Valley,” population 300), Iceland’s south­­ whatsoever, because the landscapes were landscapes were ernmost­­­ and rainiest outpost, home to Another planet so consuming. They just take you. It’s rare so consuming. hard-hitting beach breaks and the island’s Weekday 11 pm light revealed another that a place grips you so strongly that you They just take most active swell window. Not a bad place punchy beach break near a 9th-century can’t even make thoughts in your mind. you. It’s rare that to hang for a while. Nearby, a river fed ice relic of sheep paddocks and cement cube “Summer there is incredible because a place grips you to a gravel river mouth sandbar, offspring homes on a desolate fringe. From afar it you can just keep going and going and so strongly that of eons of volcanic spew onto the youngest look­ed good—the cold north wind massag­ going,” Konig said. “It never gets dark, you can’t even land on Earth (Iceland is constantly evolv­­ ing southern wind swell into something which affords infinite potential for seeing make thoughts ing). Only thing missing was a wave­­train of pretty. the country. You enter this state of ‘twilight in your mind.” surfable size— that is, unless you were one Konig felt homely in Iceland, twisting zone’—delirium and excitement. It doesn’t of Iceland’s elves, gnomes, or fairies. his thin vegan frame into a thick Matuse feel like Earth. You’re on another planet.”

Issue one 27 South Iceland: Cold water, hot surf

A 1996 Surfer magazine trip to Iceland raised more than a few proverbial eyebrows in the surfing world, especially considering nobody had ever really thought this island nation smack-dab in the middle of the North Atlantic could produce some incredibly good waves.

Robert “Wingnut” Weaver, of Endless Summer II fame, was one of the trip’s participants. “The surf was really fun,” Weaver said. “Good point breaks and reefs—even a bitchin’ sand river-mouth deal. Of course, it was cold, but one of the points stretched for more than three miles with the right swell—amazing! I would go back to Iceland in a heartbeat.” Inspired by what they found, Weaver is sold on the concept of surf-trekking into the world’s icy peripheries. Who needs white sand and palm tree hammocks? Chadd Konig part way through a lay back on an uncontested roller at Thorlakshofn. “It will be at the cold places that the new discoveries will be made,” he said. Wetsuits are better than ever. So good, in fact, that they have allowed waves to be ridden everywhere, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. “Besides great wetsuits,” said former Surfer editor Steve Hawk, “with the growing number of surfers, there’s bound to be a lot more people looking at more interesting places based on their own personal travel needs. Some guys don’t mind camping out where it’s cold; but I know a lot of people who think the idea of going to Iceland to surf just sounds like the stupidest thing in the world.”

The basics Home to some of the island’s most famous natural attractions, South Iceland is a volcanic wonderland of beaches, coves, and headlands, with a nearly infinite level of surfing potential.

When to go? The south coast has surf year-round (it gets huge in winter), but the time to score manageable waves during relatively benign weather is in the early fall (September through October) and late Hiking out to Hofn Bay is one of the most beautiful ways to start a surf session. spring (April through May). Summer, seen in these photos, offers the year’s smallest waves; fall offers the best weather combined with ideal surf size (bigger than head-high); spring has lots of waves but, like winter, can be quite erratic and stormy.

The mood You’d be hard-pressed to find a more uniquely hard-core surfing destination, one that receives swell from all angles most of the year, and one that offers waves for surfers of all abilities. Huge barrels, slow mushburgers, clean waves, junky waves— Iceland has them all, and more. Surprisingly the key word really is variety; South Iceland is loaded with reefs, slabs, points, and even a bowling beach break or two. Although Iceland is probably a place you never considered going to surf, with today’s wetsuit technology, there’s no excuse.

Getting there Once you’re in Iceland, it’s mandatory to rent a car—the smaller the better due to the high price of gas. Roads on the south coast are very well-maintained, so it’s easy to get around. A bit of hiking is often required to reach the beach, especially if you want to find your own southern Icelandic secret surf spot.

What to bring? There are no surf shops anywhere in Iceland, so bring everything. Depending on your trip’s timing and the size/type of waves you’re willing to surf, bring the appropriate boards— you can charge as hard as you want to in Iceland. You’ll need a hooded 6mm fullsuit (or thicker), thick booties, gloves, and extra-coldwater wax. Warm clothing is also required: down jackets, beanies, long underwear, hiking boots, rain gear… v because even a warm day in Iceland ain’t that warm. Clean conditions and gorgeous colors set the scene for Chadd Konig during another epic session in Iceland.

28 WOW Power to the people ICEWEAR offers an extensive collection of clothing for the outdoor enthusiast, ranging from high-tech down jackets to unique wool products made in Iceland. We strive to offer colors and cuts in line with the latest trends, quality materials and competitive prices.

icelandic design since 1972 Issue one 29 WWW.ICEWEAR.IS Head of state Who wants to be the president of Iceland? It has barely escaped the notice of most Westerners that 2016 is the year that America will elect a new president, and in the process usher in a post-Obama era. Considering how interested the rest of the globe is in the elections in America, such a statement might not seem so ludicrous. Here in Iceland, the president might be a lesser luminary in the constellation of political constellations of the world; nonetheless, the soft power of this small island nation that also happens to be a member of the Arctic Circle, cannot be ignored.

by Marvin Lee Dupree Photos: Kristinn Magnússon

This year, Icelanders will vote in thus curtailing evident political biases Iceland has long a new president after having had since you represent the country as a been known for the same one for two decades. Iceland unified whole. Of course this idealistic its progressive is be­­coming an increasingly significant notion might reek of naivety since stance toward component in the geopolitical chess game, political cabals have attempted to steer achieving gender just like it was in the Cold War era, so now, the outcome for their own self-seeking equality in the it’s probably a good time to gauge the purposes but in general, this office has past decades scope of the political office: President of always sailed clear of overwhelming and one of the Iceland. political conflagration until recent years. milestones in this struggle was the A comfy desk job The early figureheads election of Vigdís Being president of Iceland is probably not Political machinations may not have been Finnbogadóttir, the most stressful job in the world; the a dominant factor in the early history the first salary is decent, you get to travel around of this prestigious office but there have democratically the world and you get to travel around always been some ruminations of it. Being elected female Iceland, it doesn’t require much strenuous of solid provincial bourgeois stock, the first president in the labor, plus it enables you the opportunity president of Iceland, Sveinn Björnsson, world. to hobnob with heads of state from other was a well-respected figure whose primary countries and Icelanders from all walks function was to give speeches. Besides this of life. Frankly, you might think I am belittling the office, but nothing could be further from the truth. The epitome of the office cannot be defined more clearly than in the famous novel and film Englar Alheimsins (Angels of the Universe). In the novel, written by Einar Már Guðmundsson, the protagonist, Páll, descends into madness and has to be moved into a psychiatric ward. One of his fellow “inmates” is the character Óli Beatle (so named since, according to himself, he wrote all of the Beatles songs) who visits the president at his home at Bessastaðir and asks if he can be the next president of the country. To which this fictional president replies, “Yes, I think you would be a lovely president” and is full of warmth and understanding. In its essence, being president of our small island nation entails the idea that you are a figurehead, who is meant to represent all Icelanders, not just some. It

is an honor bestowed upon one individual; Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, current president of Iceland, (far left) in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photo: iStockphoto.com / Birute Vijeikiene

30 WOW Power to the people Bessastaðir, the official residence of the President of Iceland. he shaped the office into what it is today. paper Morgunblaðið ran a front-page endorsement for their own brennivín; and needless to say, this idea And while his position was purported to candidate, the late bishop Bjarni Jónsson, who in the own words caught on and is now a tradition. As a be impartial his election was far from of the paper was best suited to unite this small and divided nation. politically non-affiliated candidate, Eldjárn contentious with misgivings on the part However, the second president of this young republic was chosen helped shape the expectations that the of both the Independent Party and the with a mandate of close to 47% of the electoral vote. This candidate nation had for its presidents: likable, not socialists. Björnsson is revered as an was Ásgeir Ásgeirsson, the former leader of the Progressive Party. blatantly politically affiliated and a cultural important figure in the young nation’s This victory was a bitter pill for the Independent Party to swallow, ambassador. history despite the ever-present long especially because one of its crown princes, Gunnar Thoroddsen shadow Björnsson’s progeny cast on his gave his allegiance to Ásgeirsson, his father in law. Many say that Vigdís reputation. Björnsson was president from Thoroddsen was never forgiven and that his “betrayal” cost him his Iceland has long been known for its the founding of the republic in 1944 until ascendancy within the party—ruining his chances to become the progressive stance toward achieving gender his passing away in 1952. third president of the republic when he did eventually run. equality in the past decades and one of Apparently, soap operas were an art form in Iceland way before the milestones in this struggle was the The first elections and the next any television channels became readily available. Instead of election of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the first two presidents Thoroddsen becoming president, Kristján Eldjárn was elected. democratically elected female president In 1952, elections were held for the first Alas, Thoroddsen would reciprocate for the knife in his back in in the world. While the Argentinian Isabel time as Björnsson had died in office, and later years, but that is another story. Eldjárn is remembered with Perón is technically the first one, she was he had always been voted in automatically. great fondness and he also happens to have had a hand in shaping not voted in democratically since she only During the campaign of the second the modern incarnation of the Þorri festivals or the midwinter fest succeeded her notorious husband Juan. president candidates, political fault because when he was curator of the Icelandic National Museum, Vigdís is also the president that almost lines became ever more apparent. On Eldjárn suggested to Halldór Gröndal, the owner of Naustið every single individual in Iceland agrees the 29th of June 1952, the conservative Restaurant that he serve the Þorri food in wooden troughs with was an excellent president and who was

Issue one 31 president from 1980 until 1996, almost even less palatable to supporters of the uncontested if you don’t count the government of that time and supporters seemingly hopeless candidacies of the of the former government voiced their eccentrics who ran against her. In an dislike by the apparent vast percentage interview she gave to the newspaper Vísir, of absentee votes, voter turnout was a Finnbogadóttir espoused the sentiment paltry 63% during his re-election in 2004. that “The president should in a certain Some voices even floated the idea of a manner reflect the person the nation constitutional amendment to diminish the considers itself—a picture the majority powers of the office. of the nation can accept.” Evidently, she succeded in this since Iceland prides it­ Ice – Ice baby self on its cosmopolitanism, concern and Yet perhaps the most pivotal moment in respect for nature as well as the strong Grímsson’s presidency was his refusal belief in gender equality, all dispositions to sign into law the proposed Icesave she embodied. agreement the Social Democratic and Left Green ruling coalition parties tried The chameleon to finalize after the financial crash. Although the Icelandic presidency has Grímsson’s refusal to sign led to the first and foremost been a ceremonial Icesave referendum where the badass position, the presidential elections of Vikings of Iceland raised their middle 1996 seem to cause febrile convulsions digits to Dutch and British bank custom­­ among a certain portion of the population ers duped into high-interest returns on due to the eventual victory of the current their money by Icelandic bankers (many of president of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar them now in prison). Grímsson. Mr. Grímsson unequivocally is Although Grímsson was highly lauded considered the most controversial and for this decision, his re-election in 2012 political figure to ever reside in the office; will often be marred by the political a fact that both detractors and fans can attacks that seem to have arisen from his reach a political consensus on. sup­porters. In 2012, Þóra Arnórsdóttir a A cursory explanation goes as follows: well-known media personality ran against Before entering the office, Grímsson was Grímsson and received unwarrant­ed a career politician, and a highly con­ attacks for among other things being troversial one at that. As a politician, he pregnant. Arnórsdóttir polled a respecta­­ once belonged to the Progressive Party ble one-third of the electoral vote, thus before jumping ship to the People’s causing a scare in Grímsson’s camp. The Alliance, a now defunct party whose smear campaign launched against her, mem­bers mainly merged into the Social Madame Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the first democratically elected female head of state and along with Grímsson’s recent populism Democrat and Left Green Parties. For one of the most popular presidents in Icelandic history. Photo: Courtesy of the Office of the President of Iceland and stance towards the refugee crisis those of us that belong to the Millennial have reeked of nativism and both issues Generation, we have scant memories of may be permanent blights on an other­­ Ólafur Ragnar as a politician. Most, myself wise intriguing presidency that was keen included, have one poignant memory of on soft power, renewable energy and other him in the New Year’s Eve’s Ridicule of important matters. 1989 in the guise of Batman or—Skatt­ mann (the Tax-Man). A return to form? Grímsson was quite unlike his prede­ Let’s get political cess­­ors and it is unlikely that the current After his electoral win in 1996, most candi­­dates for the office will invoke poli­­tical opponents ceded defeat and the same irascible passion from the most misgivings or gripes were aired in popu­lace. Current names that are being private. Admittedly, Mr. Grímsson did floated around include former minister of receive opposition as an incumbent from education and current leader of the Left the campaign of Ástþór Magnússon who Green Party, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, and the campaigned on the platform of Peace environmental activist and writer Andri 2000, in which the idea was to utilize the Snær Magnason who was interviewed by office for peace and goodwill. Not only did WOW magazine last year. Other names Magnússon run in 2004 but he also gave include animal activist and entrepreneur it a shot in subsequent years but failed to Linda Pétursdóttir, who won the Miss even manage to get on the ballot in 2012. World contest in 1988, and Stéfan Jón Apparently he’s announced that he will try Hafstein, a well-known Social Democrat again this year. member, writer and current county Basically, Grímsson’s stay in office director for the Icelandic International can be split into three eras: the almost Development Agency in Uganda. So far 5 near decade of no political interference people, besides Ástþór Magnússon, have from 1996 to 2004 when the media law actually thrown their hats in the ring. Two debate arose, to the grandest era of them are known writers, Elísabet Jökulsdóttir all: the Icesave era from October 2008. and Þorgrímur Þráinsson, one is a 76 year To be brief, Grímsson vetoed the media old artist Árni Björn Guðjónsson, and law crafted by the government of former another is Hildur Þórðardóttir, healer, Prime Minister Davíð Oddson, and in doing writer and ethnologist. Sturla Jónsson, a so utilized his power, according to the truck driver and a self-claimed spokes­ 26th article of Iceland’s constitution, to man for the vested interests of indebt call for a referendum on the law. Needless Potential candidate Andri Snær Magnason, writer and environmental activist is amongst home­­owners also says he’s running for the to say, Grímsson’s presidency became the Icelanders who have been encouraged to run for president. coveted office.v

32 WOW Power to the people A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure

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Issue one 33 #FindAReasonToGo #GrayLineIceland #GrayLineIceland /GrayLineIceland grayline.is Great balls of fire … and ice Iceland’s famed culinary delights One of the more iconic characters of the Simpsons show is Groundskeeper Willie who is frequently mocked for his provincial ways, that is to say for being a Scotsman, and in one of the more hilarious moments of the series Willie shouts: “Get your haggis right here! Chopped heart and lungs boiled in a wee sheep’s stomach! Tastes as good as it sounds!”

by Marvin Lee Dupree photo: iStockphotos.com / Ben Harding

f you visit Iceland, you will proba­­ testicles, you can always challenge singed sheep heads and dried fish bly have heard of the astonishing his or her claim that this was food since scarcity was normal and people “haute cuisine” known under the that all Icelanders survived on due had to plan for the entire year. deceitfully innocent sounding to destitution, cold and isolation. In moniker: Þorramatur or Þorri fact, most of the famous culinary A pagan month I(Thorri) food. Essentially this variety books for commoners make no or If you remember the fable of the of tra­­ditional Icelandic food makes little mention of these “delicacies” ant and grasshopper, you might even haggis seem palatable. Getting at least outside of northern Iceland; remember the moral of the story, foreigners to taste Þorri food, some go figure. which was to prepare for unseen of which looks like rotten meat in While it does not appear to be as events and make sure you have food an even fouler looking gelatinous ubiquitous as some people claim, during the winter. This last part was after­­thought ill suitable for human still there are numerous accounts of crucial in Iceland since food often con­­sumption, actually is a national the testicles being used for dog food started to run dangerously low in pastime for many Icelanders. and the skin to create small items, some households during the month for example, a tobacco pouch. But, of “Þorri” —mid-January to mid- Delicacies for the islanders no doubt, there were times when February on today’s­­ calendar. This But the next time an Icelander tries many Icelanders did survive by eating also explains the mean­­ing of a famous to tempt you with pickled ram’s whey pickled blood or liver sausages, Icelandic proverb which essentially

------TREND O R TRADITION ------

34 WOW Power to the people translates to: “Surviving the Þorri.” English personification of winter or Þorri always officially starts on a Old Man Winter and there are anec­­ Friday, and the first day of Þorri is dotes of men dressing up as Þorri called “Husband’s Day” or “Bónda­­ and a women dressing up as Góa, dagur” in Icelandic. The last day which is the month that comes after of Þorri is four weeks later, on a Þorri. As with many other things, Saturday and it’s called Þorraþræll despite Iceland’s Christianization, (Þorri’s slave). the pagan nature of Icelanders could Many people argue that the religi­­ never truly be stomped out and there ous aspect of the month is con­­ are mentions of regional societies nect­­ed to the god Þór, thus a part of having midwinter festivals or Þorra­­ Iceland’s pagan past and that the blót, with the first “official” one being name Þorri is derived from the name held in Akureyri, the so-called north­­ Þór, especially since there was also a ern capital of Iceland. sacrificial element to the pagan ritual Interestingly enough the term of the Þorri festivals as “Þorramatur” (Þorri Getting foreigners to farmers tried to secure food) first appears in taste Þorri food, some of themselves good for­­tune print in 1958 when which looks like rotten during the hard month of the pro­­prietor of the meat in an even fouler Þorri from the gods. restaurant Naustið looking gelatinous after­ offer­­ed this food to the thought ill suitable for Dear Mister Þorri public in troughs and human con­­sumption, However, the it became fashionable actually is a national etymological roots of to feast on fermented pastime for many the word ‘þorri’ still shark, singed sheep Icelanders. seem to be de­­bated; heads, pickled ram nonetheless, scholars seem to testicles and other assorted pickled attribute it to the Iceland adjective “treats,” while more standard and “þurr” meaning: dry. On top of all of palatable fare for some includes dried that the concept of “Þorrablót” (Þorri fish, rye bread and smoked lamb. festival) seems mired in confusion If this all sounds quite exciting to but many attribute it to a mysterious you, make sure you ask for Þorra­­ figure that was worshipped in the matur that has been treated in whey, past and is called “Þorri.” not vinegar otherwise it is not the This Þorri is com­parable to the genuine traditional product. v

------TREND O R TRADITION ------

Issue one 35 Go west! The best of the West Iceland has seen a spectacular influx of tourists in the last few years, so much so, that it looks like accommodations in Iceland are nearly sold out for this summer. While most tourists head towards the south part of Iceland, touring the Golden Circle to see Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir or stopping by the Blue Lagoon to bathe in its warm geothermal silica-rich waters, West Iceland has sailed relatively unnoticed under-the-radar as a possible travel destination. It’s safe to say all that is about to change now that West Iceland has been placed on the Lonely Planet’s list of the 10 most exciting regions in the world to visit in 2016.

Text: Gerður Harðardóttir Photos: iStockphoto.com and courtesy of West.is

Borgarnes. Photo: iStockphoto.com / I_Longworth 36 WOW Power to the people Issue one 37 est Iceland is the home sculptor Páll Guðmundsson, renowned You will find a wide range chronicles the sagas of the Norse kings. of Iceland’s highest for his sculptures of faces which he cuts of accommodations Reykholt’s modern church is also worth a water­fall Glymur (198 m) into rocks he finds around the area and available throughout West visit. The acoustics are truly amazing. and also to a man-made his one of a kind stone idiophone which Iceland, from camping A direct translation of the name ice tunnel that takes you he’s played joined by the well-known sites and hostels,­ modest Reykholt would be “Smoke Hill” and Winto the core of Europe’s second largest Icelandic pop-rock band Sigur Rós. farm accom­mo­dations usually when Icelanders name an area glacier Langjökull and, according to On the way to and from Húsafell, you and cottage rentals, to smoke-something it means there is hot Jules Verne, the entrance to the center will pass Hraunfossar, a stunning series luxury hotels. In our water to be found there. Around 5 km of the earth at Snæfellsjökull Glacier, the of waterfalls and rapids that stream next issue, we’ll tell you from Reykholt, you’ll find Deilda­­tungu­­ undisputed crowning glory of the rugged over approximately 900 meters of steep more about West Iceland, hver Geyser, Europe’s largest and most Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This diverse lava ledges, sitting on the banks of namely the magnificent powerful hot spring. Look out for the part of Iceland sustains amazing bird Hvítá River. This place is particularly Snæfellsnes Peninsula “take-and-pay” stand where you can pick and wildlife, embodies a rich cultural pretty when the autumn colors are out and what to see there. up a bag of fresh tomatoes, grown on site heritage that includes endless stories in full force, complementing the river’s in one of the areas many greenhouses. of elves, trolls and ghosts, has sweeping turquoise waters. A vantage point by the beaches ideal for horseback riding and car park, close to the river bank, offers stretches out with flowing fields of lava a fantastic view over the waterfalls and Langjökull Glacier Langjökull Glacier is the second largest glacier in Europe, with Vatna­ that go for miles on end. Its proximity Hvítá River. jökull Glacier in the south of Iceland being the largest. Its recently­ opened ice tunnel (intotheglacier.is) gives a new meaning to the world of glacier exploring. Inside the tunnel you get a unique chance to learn about Langjökull Glacier, glacial exploration, research and the dangers of global warming as you walk along the tunnel, occasionally crossing bridges over huge ice crevasses in the glacier. If you have a flair for the unusual, the tunnel’s Ice Chapel can be the ideal location for your destination wedding ceremony.

Perfect for a day trip or more Although a day trip from Reykjavík is an easy option, we highly recommend that you allow yourself more time to explore this truly amazing region. You will find a wide range of accommodations available throughout West Iceland, from camping sites and hostels, modest farm accommodations and cottage rentals, to luxury hotels. In our next issue, we’ll tell you more about West Iceland, namely the magnificent Snæfellsnes Peninsula and what to see there. Hraunfossar. (Jón Hilmarsson Photography) If you are keen to experience West Iceland to the max, there is no way better than to visit the website visitthelocals.is. The website to Keflavik Airport and Iceland’s capital Víðgelmir Cave offers a fantastic opportunity to meet people living in the region and Reykjavík and an excellent road system For those intrigued by caving and not to be personally introduced to the very best in the culture, nature and make the West Iceland a convenient prone to claustrophobia, a visit to activities that West Iceland has to offer. travel destination. With a fantastic lineup Víð­gelmir Cave in Hallmundarhraun Driving in Iceland can create challenges due to tricky weather and of compelling scenery, a plethora of Lava field, not far from Hraunfossar road conditions. Before you set off, if you’re planning on a self-drive natural wonders and major opportunities Waterfalls, should be on the to-do list tour, for tips on driving here we suggest visiting: www.visiticeland.com/ for a variety of fun and exciting activities, when visiting the region. At 148,000 plan-your-trip/getting-around/driving-in-iceland. v it’s safe to say you are in for lots of un­for­ cubic meters and 1,585 meters long, gettable travel experiences. the Víðgelmir lava tube is not only one of the longest and most spacious caves For more info and general inquiries visit west.is Borgarnes in Iceland but also one of the largest The small town of Borgarnes and the lava caves in the world. Víðgelmir, with surrounding region is the setting for its abundance of beautiful stalactites, some of the most dramatic Icelandic stalagmites and ice formations is sag­as of the Viking age, such as Laxdæla heralded as one of the world’s most and Egils Saga. The Settlement Center exceptional caves. In 1993 human re­ (Landnámsetrið - www.landnam.is) in mains, artifacts and jewelry from the Borgar­nes brings to life in two per­ Viking age were discovered in the cave manent­­ exhibitions, the story of the and are today preserved at the National settle­­ment of Iceland which took place Museum in Reykjavík. Víðgelmir should between 870 to 930 and the saga of Egill only be visited accompanied by an Skallagrímsson, a warrior/poet thought experienced guide. Contact Hörður at to be a descendant of a werewolf (which thecave.is.

might explain some of his, let’s say, Geothermal springs near Reykholt. Photo: iStockphoto.com / IHervas rather unusual antics and belligerent Reykholt temperament). The Settlement Center For a window on Icelandic history, visit also has a superb restaurant—one of the Reykholt, one of the most important best in the area. historical places in Iceland. In the middle ages, Reykholt was the home Húsafell of Snorri Sturluson, a famous poet, Húsafell is a popular tourist destination states­man, scholar and historian who is with its large campsite, swimming pool, thought to have documented Egils Saga. golf course and its recently opened Snorrastofa, Reykholt’s cultural research Hótel Húsafell (hotelhusafell.com). center, attracts scholars from all over Húsafell­ is ideally located as a takeoff the world who come to study records of point for short visits to some of the the Old Norse language and mythology most interesting tourist attractions in of medieval Iceland, including a 1599

the region. Húsafell is also the home of edition of Snorri’s Heimskringla which Go into the Glacier. Photo: Skarphéðinn Þráinsson

38 WOW Power to the people Geothermal springs near Reykholt. Photo: iStockphoto.com / IHervas

Go into the Glacier. Photo: Skarphéðinn Þráinsson

Issue one 39 The U.S. Customs Declaration Form

This Space For Official Use Only

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Welcomes You to the United States U.S. Customs and Border Protection is responsible for protecting the United States against the illegal importation of prohibited items. CBP officers have the authority to question you and to examine you and your personal property. If you are one of the travelers selected for an examination, you will be treated in a courteous, professional, and dignified manner. CBP Supervisors and Passenger Service Representatives are available to answer your questions. Comment cards are available to compliment or provide feedback. Important Information U.S. Residents—declare all articles that you have acquired abroad and Customs Declaration FORM APPROVED 19 CFR 122.27, 148.12, 148.13, 148.110, 148.111, 1498; 31 CFR 5316 OMB NO.1651-0009 are bringing into the United States. Declare the value of all articles that will Each arriving traveler or responsible family member must provide the Visitors (Non-Residents)— remain in the United States. following information (only ONE written declaration per family is required). The term "family" is defined as "members of a family residing in the same Declare all articles on this declaration form and show the value in U.S. What is this and why do I dollars. For gifts, please indicate the retail value. household who are related by blood, marriage, domestic relationship, or adoption." Duty—CBP officers will determine duty. U.S. residents are normally entitled to a duty-free exemption of $800 on items accompanying need to fill this out? 1 Family Name MAGNUSSON them. Visitors (non-residents) are normally entitled to an exemption of $100. Duty will be assessed at the current rate on the first $1,000 First (Given) HAKON Middle VALUR above the exemption. Before you arrive in the U.S., you will need to fill out the US Customs Decla- 2 Birth date Month 0 2 Day 1 7 Year 8 0 Agricultural and Wildlife Products—To prevent the entry of dangerous agricultural pests and prohibited wildlife, the following are restricted: ration Form. If you‘re traveling with your family only the head of the family 3 Number of Family members traveling with you 2 Fruits, vegetables, plants, plant products, soil, meat, meat products, needs to fill out the form. When you arrive on US soil you will hand this form 4 (a) U.S. Street Address (hotel name/destination) birds, snails, and other live animals or animal products. Failure to to the U.S. Customs agent. BOSTON HARBOR HOTEL 70 ROWES WHARF declare such items to a Customs and Border Protection Officer/ Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialist/Fish and (b) City BOSTON (c) State MA Wildlife Inspector can result in penalties and the items may be If you’re traveling with fruits we recommend disposing of them before or during your flight 5 Passport issued by (country) ICELAND subject to seizure. Controlled substances, obscene articles, and toxic substances are to the U.S. but what happens if you answer yes to any of the questions? It’s not as terrible 6 Passport number A0182382 generally prohibited entry. as you might think and being truthful will save you a lot of trouble and a 7 Country of Residence ICELAND fine of up to $300. See page 42 for more information on answering YES. The transportation of currency or monetary instruments, regardless of 8 Countries visited on this FRANCE ~ SPAIN the amount, is legal. However, if you bring in to or take out of the United trip prior to U.S. arrival States more than $10,000 (U.S. or foreign equivalent, or a combination 9 Airline/Flight No. or Vessel Name WW-125 of both), you are required by law to file a report on FinCEN 105 (formerly Customs Form 4790) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 10 The primary purpose of this trip is business: Yes No x Monetary instruments include coin, currency, travelers checks and Français 11 I am (We are) bringing bearer instruments such as personal or cashiers checks and stocks and Pour remplir ce formulaire, utilisez bonds. If you have someone else carry the currency or monetary (a) fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, food, insects: Yes No x Le formulaire de déclaration en uniquement des majuscules. Si vous instrument for you, you must also file a report on FinCEN 105. Failure to (b) meats, animals, animal/wildlife products: Yes No x file the required report or failure to report the total amount that you are douane américaine faites une erreur, notre personnel vous carrying may lead to the seizure of all the currency or monetary (c) disease agents, cell cultures, snails: Yes No donnera un nouveau formulaire. x instruments, and may subject you to civil penalties and/or criminal (d) soil or have been on a farm/ranch/pasture: Yes No Qu’est-ce que c’est et Chaque voyageur entrant ou chef x prosecution. SIGN ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THIS FORM AFTER 12 I have (We have) been in close proximity of livestock: Yes No YOU HAVE READ THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOVE AND de famille entrant doit fournir les x MADE A TRUTHFUL DECLARATION. pourquoi dois-je en (such as touching or handling) informations suivantes (UNE SEULE 13 I am (We are) carrying currency or monetary instruments Description of Articles CBP remplir un ? déclaration par famille) (List may continue on another CBP Form 6059B) over $10,000 U.S. or foreign equivalent: Yes No x Value Use Only (see definition of monetary instruments on reverse) FR: Avant votre arrivée aux États-Unis, vous 1. Nom, Prénom, Initiale du deuxième 14 I have (We have) commercial merchandise: Yes No x devrez remplir le formulaire de déclaration prénom. en douane américaine. Si vous voyagez avec (articles for sale, samples used for soliciting orders, 2. Date de naissance Jour/Mois/Année. votre famille, seul le chef de famille doit or goods that are not considered personal effects) le remplir. Lorsque vous arrivez sur le sol 3. Nombre de personnes voyageant 15 RESIDENTS—the total value of all goods, including commercial merchandise I/we have purchased or acquired abroad, (including américain, vous donnez ce formulaire aux avec vous. gifts for someone else but not items mailed to $ autorités douanières américaines. the U.S.) and am/are bringing to the U.S. is: 0 4. (a) Adresse Aux États-Unis —the total value of all articles that VISITORS $ 0 (Destination ou nom de l‘hôtel) will remain in the U.S., including commercial Si vous voyagez avec des fruits, nous vous merchandise is: (b) Ville Total recommandons de les jeter avant ou pendant Read the instructions on the back of this form. Space is provided to list (c) Etat An agency may not conduct or all the items you must declare. PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT: votre vol vers les États-Unis mais que se sponsor an information collection and a person is not required to respond to this 5. Lieu de délivrace du passeport information unless it displays a current valid OMB control number. The control passe-t-il si vous répondez « oui » à l’une de I HAVE READ THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS FORM number for this collection is 1651-0009. The estimated average time to complete AND HAVE MADE A TRUTHFUL DECLARATION. ces questions ? Ce n’est pas aussi terrible que (nom du pays) this application is 4 minutes. Your response is mandatory. If you have any comments regarding the burden estimate you can write to U.S. Customs and ça en a l’air et dire la vérité vous évitera pas mal 6. Numéro de passeport X Hákon Valur Magnússon 01/26/2016 Border Protection Office of Regulations and Rulings, 90 K Street, NE, 10th Floor, d’ennuis et une amende pouvant aller jusqu’à Signature Date (month/day/year) Washington, DC 20229. 7. Pays de résidence 300 $. Consultez la page 42 pour obtenir plus CBP Form 6059B (04/14) CBP Form 6059B (04/14) d’informations si vous répondez « OUI ».

40 WOW Power to the people 8. Pays visités pendant ce voyage avant Deutsch 11. Ich (wir) führen folgende Waren ein: l‘arrivée aux aux Etats-Unis Die US-amerikanische Zollerklärung (a) Früchte, Pflanzen, Lebensmittel, 9. Ligne aérienne / numéro du vol / Insekten: JA/NEIN Nom de vaisseau Was ist das und warum muss (b) Fleisch, Tiere, Tier- oder Wildprodukte: 10. Vous vouages our raison d‘affaires: ich dieses Formular ausfüllen? JA/NEIN OUI/NON (c) Krakheitserreger, Zellkulturen, GER: Vor der Ankunft in den USA müssen Sie das Schnecken: JA/NEIN 11. Je suis / nous sommes porteurs de Formular der US-Zollerklärung ausfüllen. Wenn (d) Erde, oder waren Sie auf einem (a) fruits, plantes, produits Sie mit Ihrer Familie unterwegs sind, braucht nur Bauernhof/einer Ranch/Weide: JA/NEIN alimentaires, insectes: OUI/NON das Familienoberhaupt dieses Formular ausfüllen. (b) viandes, animoux, produits 12. Ich war (wir waren) in unmittelbarer Nähe Wenn Sie US-Boden betreten, übergeben Sie dieses provenant d‘animaux ou d‘animoux von Vieh/Nutztieren (z.B. Anfassen oder Formular dem US-Zoll. sauvages: OUI/NON Umgang damit): JA/NEIN (c) agents pouvant causer des 13. Ich führe (wir führen) mehr als $US 10,000 Wenn Sie auf Ihrer Reise Obst mit sich führen, maladies, cultures cellulaires, in Bargeld oder Zahlungsmitteln oder den empfehlen wir Ihnen, dies vor oder während dem Flug escargots: OUI/NON Gegenwert in anderen ausländischen in die USA zu entsorgen. Aber was geschieht, wenn (d) terre. J‘ai / Nous avons visité Währungen mit (Siehe die Definition von Sie eine dieser Fragen mit Ja beantworten? Das ist une exploitation agricole en dehors Gegenstände zum persönlichen Gebrauch nicht so schrecklich, wie Sie vielleicht denken, und des Etats-Unis: OUI/NON gelten): JA/NEIN Ehrlichkeit spart Ihnen eine Menge Ärger und eine 12. J‘ai / nous avons touché ou traité du mögliche Geldstrafe von bis zu 300$. Siehe Seite 42 14. Ich führe (wir führen) kommerzielle Waren bétail: OUI/NON für weitere Informationen zur Antwort JA. mit. (Verkaufsware, Muster zur Werbung von 13. Je suis / nous sommes porteurs Aufträgen oder Artikel, die nicht als d‘espèces ou d‘instruments Gegenstände zum persönlichen Gebrauch monétaires d‘une valeur équivalente Bitte verwenden Sie beim Ausfüllen dieses gelten): JA/NEIN en monnaie des États Unis ou de tout Formulars nur Großbuchstaben. Falls Sie einen 15. US-Bürger - der Gesamtwert aller Waren, autre pays (Voir définition Fehler machen wird Ihnen unsere Crew ein neues einschließlich Handelswaren die ich/wir d‘instruments monétaire au verso) á Formular geben. erworben habe(n) oder im Ausland erworben plus de 10 000$ US: OUI/NON Jeder ankommende Reisende bzw. jedes habe(n) (einschließlich Geschenke für verantwortliche Familienmitglied muss die 14. Je suis / nous sommes en possession andere, nicht aber Sendungen in die USA) folgenden Angaben machen (es ist pro Familie nur und in die USA einführe(n) lautet: de marchandises commerciales EINE schriftliche Erklärung erforderlich) (articles des tinés à la vente, Betrag in US-$ Besucher - der Gesamtwert aller Artikel échantillon de démonstration ou 1. Familienname, Vorname, Zweiter Vorname tout autre article autresque des einschließlich Handelswaren, die in den USA effets personnels): OUI/NON 2. Geburtsdatum / Tag/Monat/Jahr verbleiben ist: $ 3. Anzahl der mit Ihnen reisenden 15. Résidents - la valeur totale des biens, Auf der Linie unterschreiben, um zu erklären, dass Familienmitglieder y compris la marchandise Sie eine wahrheitsgemäße Erklärung abgeben. commerciale, que j’ai/nous avons 4. (a) Adresse/genaue Anschrift in den USA achetés ou acquis à l’étranger (Name des Hotels/Reiseziel) (y compris les cadeaux pour une (b) Stadt autre personne, mais pas les articles (c) Staat envoyés aux États-Unis) et que je/ 5. Pass ausgestellt von (Land) nous rapportons aux États-Unis est de : montant en USD 6. Passnummer Visiteurs - La valeur totale de tous les 7. Ständiger Wohnsitz (Land) articles qui resteront aux États-Unis, y compris la marchandise 8. Auf dieser Reise besuchte Länder vor Ihrer commerciale est de : USD Ankunft in den USA 9. Fluggesellschaft/Flugnummer oder Signez sur la ligne pour déclarer que votre Name des Schiffes déclaration est véridique. 10. Der Hauptanlass dieser Reise ist geschäftlich: JA/NEIN

Issue one 41 The U.S. Customs Declaration Form

Die US-amerikanische What happens if you say “YES”? Zollerklärung

Sometimes we just want to avoid trouble and think that saying NO to everything will Was passiert, wenn Sie JA make things easier. That’s not the case and in fact, it can even cause more problems, sagen? delays and even fines. Be truthful on your Customs Declaration form and all will be good. Worst case scenario they’ll confiscate your banana but we promise you can Einige Leute nehmen an, dass sie keinerlei buy a new one once you’re out of the airport. Ärger bekommen, wenn sie überall NEIN sagen. Das ist nicht so. Tatsächlich kann dies sogar mehr Probleme, Verzögerungen Yes to 11 (a), (b) or (c) Your customs officer will refer you to an agricultural specialist who will ask you additional und sogar Geldbußen verursachen. Seien Sie questions and might ask to inspect your food items. In many cases, you’ll be allowed to bei Ihrer Zollerklärung ehrlich, und alles wird take your food with you. This often depends on where you got the food and how it’s been gut. Im schlimmsten Fall konfisziert man Ihre processed. Fruits, vegetables and raw meats are usually confiscated. You can research Banane, aber wir versprechen Ihnen, dass Sie ahead of time at canibringit.com which is a U.S. Government run site. sich eine neue kaufen können, sobald Sie den Flughafen verlassen haben. Yes to 11 (d) and/or no. 12: An agricultural specialist will ask to inspect the soil or clothes, shoes or luggage that has Ja zu 11 (a), (b) oder (c) been in contact with livestock or farm soil to determine if they contain any dangerous Ihr Zollbeamter wird Sie an einen Spezialisten für organisms. If they find potentially dangerous substances they will disinfect your items landwirtschaftliche Produkte weiterverweisen, before allowing you to bring them in. For bringing soil into the US, you need a permit. der Ihnen zusätzliche Fragen stellen wird und evtl. darum bittet, Ihre Lebensmittel inspizieren zu dürfen. In vielen Fällen wird man Ihnen Yes to no. 13 or 14: If you are carrying currency worth over $10,000 you will simply be given a special form to erlauben, Ihr Essen mitzunehmen. Oft hängt fill out for the Treasury Department. es davon ab, wo Sie die Lebensmittel erworben For items intended for sale, you should have already filed a “formal entry” before haben und wie sie verarbeitet wurden. Obst, embarking on your journey. You could do so “on the spot” but these matters are subject to Gemüse und rohes Fleisch werden in der Regel many rules and regulations and can be complicated. beschlagnahmt. Sie können vor Abflug auf der Website der US-Regierung canibringit.com nachlesen, was erlaubt ist. Le formulaire de déclaration en des recherches avant de partir sur le site canibright. Ja bei 11 (d) und/oder Nr. 12: com qui est un site du gouvernement américain. douane américaine Ein Spezialist für landwirtschaftliche Produkte wird Sie darum bitten, die Erde oder die Que se passe-t-il si vous Oui aux questions 11 (d) et/ou 12 : Kleidung, Schuhe oder das Gepäck inspizieren Un spécialiste agricole inspectera la terre ou les répondez « OUI » ? zu dürfen, welche(s) in Kontakt mit Tieren vêtements, les chaussures ou les bagages qui ont été oder landwirtschaftlichem Boden war, um zu en contact avec du bétail ou le sol d’une ferme pour Certaines personnes semblent penser que bestimmen, ob diese gefährliche Organismen déterminer la présence d’organismes dangereux. répondre « non » à toutes les réponses leur enthalten. Wenn er potenziell gefährliche Stoffe S’il trouve des substances potentiellement évitera des ennuis. Ce n’est pas le cas et en fait, findet, werden Ihre Gegenstände desinfiziert, dangereuses, il désinfectera vos objets avant de cela peut même vous causer plus de problèmes, bevor Sie die Erlaubnis erhalten, diese vous laisser les garder. Pour importer de la terre aux des retards et des amendes. Dites la vérité sur einzuführen. Für das Einführen von Erde in die États-Unis, il vous faut un permis. votre formulaire de déclaration en douane et tout USA benötigen Sie eine Genehmigung. ira bien. Dans le pire des cas, ils confisqueront Oui aux questions 13 ou 14 : votre banane mais promis, vous pourrez en Ja bei Nr. 13 oder 14: Si vous transportez des devises d’une valeur acheter une nouvelle à votre arrivée à l’aéroport. Wenn Sie Bargeld im Wert von mehr als supérieure à 10 000 $, vous devrez simplement $10.000 mit sich führen, erhalten Sie einfach remplir un formulaire spécial pour le ministère des Oui aux questions 11 (a), (b) ou (c) ein besonderes Formular, das Sie für das US finances. Votre agent douanier vous dirigera vers un Finanzministerium ausfüllen müssen. spécialiste agricole qui vous posera des questions Für Gegenstände, die für den Verkauf vorgesehen Pour les objets destinés à être vendus, vous devriez supplémentaires et qui pourra inspecter vos sind, sollten Sie bereits vor Ihrer Abreise eine déjà avoir rempli un « formulaire d’entrée officielle fruits. Dans de nombreux cas, vous sera autorisé à „formelle Einfuhrgenehmigung“ einholen. Sie tun » avant de prendre votre vol. Vous pouvez faire cela garder votre nourriture. Cela dépend souvent de la könnten dies auch „vor Ort“ erledigen, aber diese sur place mais ce genre de chose est soumis à de provenance la nourriture et de la façon dont elle a été Vorgänge unterliegen vielen Regeln und können nombreuses règles et règlementations et peut être transformée. Les fruits, les légumes et la viande crue sehr kompliziert sein. v sont généralement confisqués. Vous pouvez faire compliqué.

42 WOW Power to the people Spectacular Whale Exhibition NM69061 / SÍA / ENNEMM

We are here Walk Amongst the Giants Come and see full-scale models of the 23 whale species that have been found off Iceland’s coastal waters. Walk amongst life-size models, check

out the interactive media and explore these majestic creatures in our REYKJAVÍK HARBOUR family-friendly exhibition. FISKISLÓÐ GRANDAGARÐUR HARPA

“Wonderful one of a kind museum!” MÝRARGATA Loved this museum with its life-sized models of 23 different species of whales! Interesting and informative exhibits, well worth a visit! The staff was friendly and ÁNANAUST helpful, and we loved the gift shop, too.

WELCOME TO OUR CAFÉ | GET A SOUVENIR IN OUR GIFT SHOP | BOOK A WHALE WATCHING TOUR

Fiskislóð 23-25 | Reykjavík | Tel. +354 571 0077 | Open every day 10 am – 5 pm | www.whalesoficeland.is Issue one 43 Promotion

The Lebowski Bar Laugavegur 20a 101 Reykjavik Tel: +354 552 2300 email: [email protected] Lebowski Bar www.lebowskibar.is The Reykjavik venue that rocks! From the entrepreneurs that brought you Café Oliver and Vegamot,­ comes Lebowski Bar. You can take a quick guess where the name and inspiration comes from and even if you didn’t like the infamous 1998 movie we are certain­ you will love this bar.

ust walking into this retro American bar swaying. If that’s not enough there’s a DJ on every to a new level, offering an astounding 18 varieties puts a smile on your face and the mood night of the week so you won’t feel the pressure of of White Russian, along with an extensive bar list. is very 1960’s. You can hang out at the select­ing all the music by yourself. The menus are old fashioned porch and imagine you are the biggest in Iceland … no literally! Their phy­­sical Bowling at the bar in a real action movie. They don’t make dimensions are huge! Doesn’t everyone say that The real icing on the Le­bowski cake, however, is bars like that anymore … oh wait they size really does matter? the bar’s gen­u­­ine bowling lane – it’s a classic. How Jdo, this one! Four big screens adorn the walls, so Try their amazing burgers, there’s cheese, bacon, many bars have a bowling lane? In Iceland, not it’s also a great place to hang out when there are a béarn­aise sauce option and succulent beef ten­ many, unless you count the bars at actual bowling big events and sporting high­lights to be seen. And der­loin. If that’s not enough, choose from one of the alleys that certainly don’t have the cool vibe of Le­ there’s also an “outside” area deco­­rated in a zappy 12 kinds of milkshakes to go with it. bowski Bar. DJs and a bass player add to the music Miami­-sunshine yellow that will cheer even the mix at weekends and there’s room to dance. Check dullest of days. “Careful man, there’s a beverage here!” it out dudes, you’re guaranteed a good time. Jeffrey ‘the Dude’ Lebowski, the protagonist of Dine and jive the Coen brother’s­­ comedy, is renowned for his Lebowski Bar really captures the diner style with penchant for ‘White Russ­ians’ – vodka based cock­­ “Try their amazing burgers, there’s cosy booths and a fabulous jukebox containing tails featuring coffee liqueurs and cream or milk. cheese, bacon, a béarn­aise sauce option over 1,600 songs guaranteed to get those hips The Lebowski Bar has taken this now-iconic drink and succulent beef ten­der­loin.”

Lebowski Bar is my favorite place to hang out at. I love grabbing a good beer, a burger & topping it with a delicious milkshake. Lebowski Bar plays oldies music which mak­­es the vibe like none other in Reykjavik.

They also have happy hour from 4-7pm and who doesn’t love that! Bottom line, Lebowski Bar is a great main­stream bar where you can meet fellow travel­ers and have a drink with locals. Practice the word ‘SKÁL’ (Cheers) ~ Inga,@TinyIceland (www.tinyiceland.com)

FIND IT ON FACEBOOK and Twitter Twitter: @LebowskiBar - Instagram: #LebowskiBar - Open 11:00 – 01:00 Sun-Thurs and 11:00 – 04:00 Fri/Sat

44 WOW Power to the people Promotion

Bar Ananas & SmakkBarinn Klapparstigur 38 101 Reykjavik E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +354 774 4404 A taste of summer Whatever the season, you can count on it being summer at Bar Ananas and just to make things even more interesting, they’re now offering a brand new tapas experience in a cozy establishment downstairs called SmakkBarinn.

eel the beach in the snow! Or at least have a little flashback while drinking cocktails with pineapple. Yup, it’s a beach bar in Iceland! A tropical theme designed to conquer over the cold winter. How COOL… WARM! is that? So when you don’t feel like doing that northern Flights tour or going with all the other tourists into the Blue Lagoon, you can always check out the happy hour at Bar Ananas. Drink some cocktails and have the sur­­ roundings constantly reminding you of warm weather and the beach. Unique in Iceland because nobody thought it would work – well, they’ve all been proven wrong. Bar Ananas is a popular spot on the Reykjavik night­­life scene with cool DJ’s all the time. Below is a restaurant called SmakkBarinn which serves Icelandic tapas. You can even order from them and eat it at the beach. No reason to give up a good tan! SmakkBarinn A cozy place in the heart of Reykjavík, SmakkBarinn and Bar Ananas are just a short walk from Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street. SmakkBarinn offers tapas in jars and it’s all Icelandic with many cool combinations of food to try out. For the sake of variety, their menu changes all the time. Eating at SmakkBarinn is one thrill after another; you can taste everything on the menu without having to sell your car. All their tapas dishes are presented in jars perfect both for dining out and also just for getting a snack with some friends and still come out happy you didn’t spend a fortune on a whole meal. The next best part is the beer… Oh yeah! You can taste that too in jars. Whatever you decide to do in Iceland, you might want to try out some Icelandic tapas and party the night away at Iceland’s all season beach bar.

SmakkBarinn offers tapas in jars and it’s all Icelandic with many cool combinations of food to try out. For the sake of variety, their menu changes all the time. Eating at SmakkBarinn is one thrill after another; you can taste everything on the menu without having to sell your car. You’ll find both Bar Ananas and SmakkBarinn on Facebook

Issue one 45 Promotion

The English Pub Austurstræti 12 101 Reykjavik Tel: +354 578 0400 Mobile: +354 697 9003 www.enskibarinn.is

Save water, drink beer! For years, Iceland has enjoyed a diverse selection of restaurants and often sophisticated bars. However, one tiny grumble occasionally surfaced from the country’s Anglophiles – simply that there was no proper “pub”.

nd so the English Pub was born. numerous Ice­­landers and worldly travelers make at­­mos­­­­phere and for anyone feeling lucky, there is From modest beginnings it has built the pil­­­grim­­age to the pub’s humble door. Located the Wheel of Fortune. Regulars like nothing more a hearty reputation, seeking out, at the very heart of down­­town Reykjavik, the walls than to spin the wheel and chance a “Sorry” or with the advice and guidance of its of the English Pub are adorned with hundreds of pre­­­fer­­ably win what used to be call­­ed a Yard of Ale. dedi­­­ cat­­­ ed­­ customers,­ the finest ale photographs – like an album of the city’s history These days, it’s ine­vitably known as a meter of beer, available to mankind. Today it offers just waiting to be explored over a quiet beer. but the winners don’t seem to min Aits enthusiastic cli­­­entele the chance to sample 50 beers from around the world, as well as a stagg­­­er­­ A sporting chance ing 15 Icelandic brands. Live sporting coverage is amply catered for, with a choice of three big screens and TVs. In­­side the pub Whisky galore there is room for up to 150 people, and an out­­­door “Located at the very heart of down­­town Not content to rest on its laurels, the English Pub terrace can accommodate plenty more on those Reykjavik, the walls of the English Pub has ventured north of its virtual border and also balmy Ice­­landic evenings! Whether it is foot­­ball are adorned with hundreds of photo­­­ offers the finest selection of whiskies anywhere (Premier and Champions League), rugby or golf, graphs – like an album of the city’s hist­­ory in the country. The choice of some 60 malts there are always special offers when live events are just waiting to be explored over a quiet include many of Scotland’s finest, ensuring that being broadcast. Live music every night adds to the beer.”

46 WOW Power to the people Promotion

Vegamót Vegamótastíg 4 101 Reykjavík Tel: +354 511 3040 email: [email protected] www.vegamot.is

Very nice Vegamót The all-in-one restaurant This elegant but casual two floor restaurant is located in the heart of Reykja­vík on Vega­­mótastígur, close to Lauga­­­­vegur.

he restaurant has been popular for places in Iceland during those short summer “The restaurant has been popular for many years, perhaps because of its months. This place is famous for their ‘fresh fish of many years, perhaps because of its wonder­ful quality of being an all-in-one, the day’, served all day from lunch hours. It has very wonder­ful quality of being an all-in-one, rest­aurant, café and bar. You‘ll never reasonable­­ prices for quality, portions and presenta­ rest­aurant, café and bar. You‘ll never want to leave! tion and guests can choose from a wide variety of want to leave!” Here the decor is rich on the Medi­­­terr­­ decadent dess­erts – if they make it that far. Tanean side and yet elegant with a jazzy ambiance. Try their excellent selection of good beers. Every In the summertime tables are moved outside to day there is a special offer on bottled beers worth the shelt­er­ed terrace, probably one of the hottest a taste.

Issue one 47 Promotion

Hressingarskálinn Austurstræti 20 101 Reykjavik Tel: +354 561 2240 facebook.com/hressingarskalinn

Coffee house, restaurant & night club Hressingarskálinn is a warm place with plenty of seating and a great loca­­tion in down­ town Reykjavik. It’s one of the few places that open at 9 AM to serve breakfast for hungry travelers or locals. Hressingarskálinn is a big part of Reykja­vík’s history; the house was built in 1802 and the restaurant was established in 1932. The house has hosted Hressingarskálinn­ since 1932.

itting down for a coffee has a magnetic the world. It’s a great place to meet strangers for not, there’s lamb or the fish stew – You won’t be effect on Iceland’s most talented art­­­ some interesting story sharing. Live bands play disappointed. Hressingar­­­ skálinn­­­ is stylish and ists and writers. Smokers can have a on Fridays and Sat­urdays, guaranteeing a crowd old at the same time, a history well preserved. seat on a heated patio with service all before all the popular DJ’s hit the floor with party Check out Hress­­­ingar­skálinn for great prices and day. Over the summer, this place really tunes from 01:00-04:30 AM. The menu consists awesome fun! comes alive. The yard is completely of great selections and offers everything from sheltered from the wind, allowing you to enjoy food breakfast to a fantastic dinner. Hressingarskálinn “The menu consists of great sel­­ect­­ions S and offers every­thing from breakfast to a and beverages in the bright sunlight. Thursday to offers Icelandic food for curious visitors. You can Sunday is usually packed with people from all over always try the traditional Icelandic meat soup. If fantastic dinner.”

48 WOW Power to the people Promotion

Sakebarinn Laugavegur 2 101 Reykjavík Tel: +354 777 3311 www.facebook.com/Sakebarinn

The one and only choice for Sushi & Sticks …so you can check it off your bucket list

Located in a loft on Laugavegur, the main shopping street, in one of Iceland’s oldest­ build- ings (1886) is a great new restaurant with a great view and an amazing atmosphere­ called Sakebarinn. In its beautiful location, surrounded by windows that look down on Austurstræti, (an extension of Laugavegur leading to the Old Town) and up Skólavörðustígur (known for its cafés, local boutiques and art shops with native works), Sakebarinn lies in the very heart of downtown Reykjavík. In the winter you can see the Northern Lights from the balcony and in the summer, the amazing summer sunsets over the harbor.

he owners of Sakebarinn have a keen everyone. There’s love on every plate – You will feel floor in the same house. A year and a wild ride later, interest for the arts and crafts and a it with each taste. this sushi family has in­­corporated a bunch of new wealth of creative assets to play with. It’s no accident that the place is named Sakebar­­ ­­ and talented people with some great new recipes Although Sake­­barinn has a strong inn. It does feature the country’s largest sel­­ection and skills they didn’t know they had and didn’t even foundation in pure Japanese cuisine the of sake and a shot before a meal can truly enhance know existed. The walls are hand painted by them, current style of the restaurant proves the feel of real Japanese dining. It comes in a the wine selected by them, the menu is designed Tthat the owners are not afraid to break some of the sur­­prising range of flavors too, everything from by them and the place is loved by them. They also rules. To them sushi is meant to be an art form. really girly fruit sake to the fire spewing alcohol love to present food so their clients become part of Along with its handcrafted sushi, Sakebarinn con­­tent of some of the more butch types; potato their love for sushi. also offers a sel­­ection of sticks and other meat sake, warm and cold sake and Japanese plum The look on your face is what they are aiming for, cours­­es, featuring whale and horse and anything wine. And then of course are the bottles that didn’t the look of enjoyment. that’s fresh and interesting that day. Why live on make it on to the menu because no one could read an island in the middle of the Atlantic if you’re not the labels and therefore no one knows what they going take advantage of the natural fauna? Along are. Mystery sake! Sakebarinn is a place born to “Along with the local seafood, Sakebarinn with the local seafood, Sakebarinn also carries show­­case the talents the staff have collected over also carries some more exotic things like some more exotic things like octopus, just to the years work­­ing at their first Sushi restaurant­­ octopus, just to keep it interesting, and a keep it interesting, and with a little some­­thing for call­­ed Sushibarinn, which is located on the first little some­­thing for everyone.”

Sakebarinn Opening hours: Mon-Sun 5:00 PM – 00:00

Issue one 49 Promotion

Tíu dropar Le Chateaux des Dix Gouttes Laugavegur 27 101 Reykjavík Tel: +354 551 9380 Tíu dropar / Le Chateaux des Dix Gouttes Tíu dropar (Ten Drops) is a café located in the cellar of Lauga­vegur­ 27. This is one of the oldest cafés in Iceland and for the last 30 years to this very day they serve freshly baked pancakes and waffles á la the grandmothers of Iceland, with lots of whipped cream and Icelandic jam.

en Drops is also known for its home­­ other light dishes for as little as 500 ISK a plate, Intimate climate made cakes, baked from scratch and don’t worry, the coffee, co­coa and pancakes are The little wine room and café seat only 40 guests accord­­ ing­ to old recip­­­ es,­­­ and of course, still there! Lovely French music sets the mood and and the mood is set in the early evening. It’s safe to their hot cocoa, known by many of their the ambiance is perfect for a deep conversation. say this is just the kind of place that was missing guests as ‘The Only Real Hot Cocoa on Guests want­­­ing to break out in song can have their from the brimm­­­ing Icelandic bar and café scene Earth’. If you’re not in the mood for old turn after 22:00 on the weekends, as long as they - a perfect sett­ing for a small group of friends to Tfashioned Icelandic good­ies you can choose from can find some­­one to play the antique piano given to reminisce over the good old days or for a first date. an assortment of light dishes, tea, wines and beer. the café’s owner, David Bensow, by a regular. Be sure to taste David’s “wine of the week” or let his We recommend the French meat soup, a popular­­ fair beer prices amaze you. dish and another old favorite. Choose your wine Guests can have their say on the wine list of Le Where did the café go? Cha­te­aux des Dix Gouttes and David will make “Don’t be surprised if you can’t find the Don’t be surprised if you can’t find the café after special orders to fulfill their wish­es. In fact, he café after 18:00. Some­­thing happens 18:00. Some­­thing happens around that time that wel­­comes any sug­gestions making the wine list around that time that transforms­­ this trans­­­­forms this little cellar into a French wine one of the more, well-endowed in Reykjavík. He’s little cellar into a French wine room room known as Le Chateaux des Dix Gouttes or the especially interested in serving good Port to his known as Le Chateaux Des dix Gouttes Castle of the Ten Drops. This is a lovely place to sit clientele. or the Castle of the Ten Drops.” and enjoy good win­­es along with cheese, ham or

Check out the ten drops twitt­er feed and find both café and wine room on Facebook.

50 WOW Power to the people Promotion

Kol Restaurant Skólavörðustígur 40 101 Reykjavík Tel: +354 517 7474 www. kolrestaurant.is

Cocktails and feel good food at Kol Restaurant Be prepared for a memorable night out at Kol Restaurant.

ituated at Skólavörðustígur 40 in serve craft cocktails from the best ingredients Noma, 28/50 and Texture. Don’t miss out on this Reykjavík,­­­­­­ Kol Restaurant’s design available and offer an ambitious cocktail list to brand new gem on the Reykjavik restaurant scene. con­­­­­cept is a mixture of warm modern begin and complete the dining experience. This is a great place to begin a fun evening. Icelandic feel with international touc­­ The selection is feel good comfort food with a h­­es and the furniture of designer Tom twist on classic cuisine. The menu offers a variety Dixon playing the central role. The of finger food, salads, fish, steaks and dess­­ “Kol Restaurant centers­­ on the bar where restaur­­­­­­­­ ant­­ is on two floors with an open kitchen erts. The head chefs, Einar Hjaltason and Kári the coun­try’s best cock­­tail bar­­tend­­ers S serve craft cocktails from the best in­­ and a mighty bar. Both floors are divided into spac­­ Þorsteinsson,­­­­­ have over 20 years of experience­­­ es with cozy leather couches and a variety of diff­­­er­­ at Reykjavik’s best restaurants as well as work gredi­ents available and offer an ambi­­ ent table settings. Kol Restaurant centers on the ex­­­perience in several known restaurants in London, tious cocktail list to begin and com­­plete bar where the country’s best cocktail bar­­tenders for example Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons, Dabbous, the dining exper­­ience.”

Kol Restaurant Open: Monday-Friday 11:30-23:00 / Saturday-Sunday 17:30-23:00

Issue one 51 Promotion

Den Danske Kro Ingólfsstræti 3 101 Reykjavík Tel: +354 552 0070 www.dendanske.is When in Iceland, go Danish!

You know that Iceland used to be a Danish colony, right? Even though independ­­ ence­ from the Danish Crown was necessary, Icelanders still celebrate everything­ Danish, so don’t expect to meet a big Danish crowd at The Danish Pub, they are all Icelanders just acting­ like they’re Danish. Really!

his bar has made a name for itself within the pub – an off-the­-wall design in its most and Saturdays. Put your musical knowledge to the in the Reykjavik social scene and is literal sense! test at the Wednesday night pop-quiz; the prizes known locally as Den Danske Kro (we Get carefree or “ligeglad” (lee-glaath), shoot some will surprise you. all just want a reason to speak Danish darts, try the custom­ary Gammel Dansk bitt­ers in public). This popular downtown or catch some live football. Watch the world go by Best local pub in Reykjavík venue serves a remarkable selection on the outside terrace and have a taste of the tra­­ Wherever you‘re from you’ll want to have a great Tof beers in­cluding the famous Danish white beers, ditional smørrebrød­ (fantastic open sandwiches).­­­ time while vis­iting Reykjavík. The people of Reykja­ the darker more malt brews and of course the You can pre-order these delicious snacks for larger vík do anyway, so they flock to The Danish Pub for a tra­­ditional and almost obligatory Tuborg and Carls­­ groups. beer “en øl” dur­­ing the Happy Hour every day from berg. If you come during the Christmas sea­­son you 16-19. The place is crowded and you’re guaran­­teed can taste some of the renowned Christ­­­mas brews, Does this sound too tranquil? to meet some fun, “lee glaath” people. very popular in demand. Just ask for Julebryg The Danish Pub is nothing if not a place to party. (“you-le-bree”). The at­­mos­­phere is easy going and you can choose from a variety of shots and even cocktails if you’re “Get carefree or “ligeglad” (lee-glaath), Do as the Danes do not in the mood for a beer (Does that ever happen?). shoot some darts, try the custom­ary The owners of the Danish Pub strive to create the Gammel Dansk bitt­ers or catch some live true Danish atmos­phere known among the Danes Reminder: If you thought you were in for a quiet football. Watch the world go by on the (and Danish-prone Ice­­landers) as “hyggeligt”. If night guess again, The Danish Pub features live outside terrace and have a taste of the you truly are Danish this can be your “home away music every night with special appearances and traditional smørre­brød (fantastic open from home”. And in this spirit, check out the “house” unad­­vertised happenings on Wednesdays, Fridays sandwiches).”

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 14:00 – 01:00 and Fri-Sat 14:00 – 05:00

52 WOW Power to the people Promotion

Kaldi Bar Laugavegur 20b 101 Reykjavik Tel: +354 581 2200 www.facebook.com/KaldiBarCafe

A breath of fresh air Cool as Kaldi Kaldi Bar is one of Iceland’s most unique bars. An oasis in central Reykjavík.

t might not be spacious but it makes up for it with great relaxing “Kaldi Bar is one of Iceland’s most unique atmos­­­phere in a rustic setting. Besides the congenial atmosphere, bars. An oasis in central Reykjavík. It there’s a great outside seating area in a cozy backyard. Known for might not be spacious but it makes up for its wide collection of local micro brews both on draft and in bottl­es, it with great relaxing atmos­­­phere in Kaldi Bar is very popular among locals who check in at happy hour a rustic setting.” to get their fill of the unfiltered Kaldi brew. IDrop by and get to know everybody, they might even give you some good tips on how to become a local.

Opening Hours Sunday-Thursday: 12:00 noon - 01:00 am Friday & Saturday: 12:00 noon - very late / Price list Beer on draft 0.5 – 1,100 IKR Glass of vine – 1,200 IKR / Happy hour 16:00-19:00 / Beer on draft 0.5 – 650 IKR / Glass of vine – 650 IKR

Issue one 53 Promotion

Kopar Restaurant Geirsgata 3 101 Reykjavik Tel: +354 567 2700 www.koparrestaurant.is / [email protected]

Kopar Restaurant by the old harbor Kopar Restaurant is situated by Reykjavik‘s romantic harbor, in one of the old green fisherman‘s huts.

he fishing industry still thrives in Reykja­­­ you dine at Kopar. Kopar is a seafood restaurant Delight yourself with great service and atmosphere, vik, so the old harbor is full of life. In the featuring locally caught seafood and crustaceans. delicious food and the best view in town. When morning, fishermen go out to sea and They are especially proud of their crab soup, made visiting Reykjavik, enjoying a night out at Kopar is return later with their catch of the day. with Icelandic rock crab from Hvalfjordur. Kopar a must. As you stand on the pier you can feel offers a variety of Icelandic produce, including wild the history of Reykjavik and watch the game, although the main emphasis is seafood, the harbor life: fishing boats, fishermen, the catch, and fruit of the ocean. “Kopar‘s head chef, Ylfa, is a member of T the gold medal winning national culinary young kids with their rods trying their luck off the Kopar‘s head chef, Ylfa, is a member of the gold pier. Meanwhile passersby are walking about and medal winning national culinary team. She pre­­­ team. She prepares the seafood in a enjoying life. This fresh and energetic atmosphere pares the seafood in a unique and delicate manner, unique and delicate manner, intent on of the old harbor is all part of the experience when in­­tent on giving you an unforgetable experience. giving you an unforgetable experience.”

Kopar Restaurant Opening hours - Mondays to Thursday from 11:30-22:30 - Fridays from 11:30-23:30 - Saturdays from 12:00-23:30 - Sundays from 18:00-22:30

54 WOW Power to the people Kopar Restaurant Opening hours - Mondays to Thursday from 11:30-22:30 - Fridays from 11:30-23:30 - Saturdays from 12:00-23:30 - Sundays from 18:00-22:30 Promotion

American Bar Austurstræti 8-10 101 Reykjavik Tel: +354 571 9999 Mobile: +354 697 9003 Find us on Facebook/AmericanBarIceland

American Bar American Bar captures the American spirit; land of the free, home of the brave with a unique selection of beer and a simple yet delicious menu. American Bar is a must-visit when in Reykjavik.

Beer selection second to none dance floor on weekends and dance into the crazy is simple, yet delicious. The hamburgers, ribs and With more than 50 different kinds of beer you are Reykjavik night. If you are feeling lucky you can chicken wings are well-known to the locals for sure to find the beer that suits your taste. There’s always spin the Wheel of Fortune. being unique and tasty. beer made in the Hawaiian Islands as well as beer Must see that game in the English PL or the Lunch or dinner, live music or dancing, beer or made from the famous Icelandic water. Champions League? You will be well taken care of cocktails; the American Bar has it all and is truly at the American Bar. HD-screens and TVs in every worth the visit! Location and experience corner make sure that you won’t miss one second Located at the heart of Reykjavik, American Bar of your favorite sport. Life is short—Drink early! is easy to find. Once inside you’ll feel at home right away, especially if you’re an American; with Inside and out—all day long decorations like football helmets (find your favorite With more than 100 seats inside and a great team) and the American flag. outdoor area on the sunny side (for those Located at the heart of Reykjavik, wonderful sunny Icelandic summer days) you will American Bar is easy to find. Once inside Live music, live sport and the always find a seat at a good table. The outside you’ll feel at home right away, especially Wheel of Fortune area is truly remarkable, overlooking Dómkirkjan if you’re an American; with decorations Live music every night brings the right atmosphere Cathedral and Alþingi (Parliament House). When like football helmets (find your favorite and if you want to shake it up a bit you can hit the you think of central Reykjavik this is it! The menu team) and the American flag.

American Bar Open: Mondays to Thursday from 11:00 am - 1:00 am - Fri - Sat: 11:00 am - 4:30 am - Sun: 11:00 am - 1:00 am

56 WOW Power to the people LOFTIÐ // Austurstræti 9 // Second floor facebook.com/loftidbar Issue one 57 Promotion

Reykjavik Fish Tryggvagata 8 101 Reykjavik Tel: +354 578 5656 Email: [email protected] www.reykjavikfish.is

Reykjavik Fish In the heart of Reykjavík, right next to the old harbor, you can find Reykjavík Fish, a new restaurant offering ultra-fresh seafood. Ultra-fresh means that the fish you order today was swimming last night.

he menu at Reykjavik Fish is structured recipe is the same as used in the old days except Perfect location and Icelandic seafood to provide hearty portions of quality sea with fresh fish of course. at its finest. Reykjavik Fish has plenty food at very reasonable prices. The crown Perfect location and Icelandic seafood at its of seats and wel­comes everyone, solo jewel of the menu is the spelt battered finest. Reykjavik Fish has plenty of seats and travelers and big groups alike. When you fish and chips; crispy and healthy at the wel­comes everyone, solo travelers and big groups come to Reykjavík and would like to try Tsame time, a perfect meal with a nice Icelandic beer. alike. When you come to Reykjavík and would like a nice fish and chips just look for the big If you’re up for something a little more traditional to try a nice fish and chips just look for the big red red door. Icelandic try the “Plokkari” (plucked fish). Their door.

Reykjavik Fish Open from 11 AM to 10:30 PM

58 WOW Power to the people Issue one 59 Akureyri Take it easy in North Iceland

If you ask an Icelander which is the most beautiful town in Iceland, a very likely answer is Akureyri. The town is nestled between steep mountains in Iceland’s longest fjord. It is a popular holiday spot during summer and Icelanders flock there for skiing during winter. The ski resort at Mt. Hlíðarfjall is considered one of the very finest in Iceland and is gaining more and more popularity with skiers from abroad.

Photos: visitakureyri.is

kureyri is a small town with only In town, you will find more than 20 rest­­­ Akureyri has 18,500 inhabitants. To get lost in aurants, offering both Icelandic and inter­­ Akur­­­eyri is nearly impossible and national selections, with top chefs who many local you really don’t need a car to get create their own innovative cuisine with an gems such as Aaround town. More and more people rely em­phasis on local produce. Cafés, each with the old town, on bicycles as a means of transportation, their individual specialty, are in abundance, the botanical appropriate in a town where recycling and while local micro-breweries and farms garden, art trails, green energy is the motto for the future. If in the vicinity offering food tasting are a museums and you prefer, it’s also good to know that the fascinating addition to the food scene. outdoor areas. bus service within Akureyri is free for all. Akureyri is also Naturally, every common form of transport A great base for further travels an ideal base for is available for rent in town: car, bike, boat, For groups and individuals, Akureyri offers visiting some of horse and even airplanes. Every type of a wide range of activities and events. accommodation is also on hand, from Companies in town arrange a multitude of Iceland’s greatest campsites to 4-star hotels. tours for individuals and groups of all sizes, natural wonders. covering everything from flying to caving, from fishing to visiting Hidden People, from hiking to whale watching and horseback rid­ing to bird watching. Akureyri itself has many local gems such as the old town, the botanical gard­en, art trails, museums and outdoor areas. Akureyri is also an ideal base for visit­­ing some of Iceland‘s greatest natural wonders, such as Lake Mývatn, the vol­­canic areas of Krafla and Námaskarð, and the great Take it easy waterfalls Goðafoss and Dettifoss, the most Akureyri has a relaxed atmosphere and in powerful waterfall in Europe. various places, you can see some lovely signs Last but not least, set your focus on telling you to take it easy. A great example of the two islands which are a part of the this are the heart shaped red traffic lights. If munici­­pality of Akureyri: Hrísey Island is in you‘re in your car, feeling a bit stressful, take the middle of the fjord, a peaceful place, a close look and think of nice things while some say with a powerful healing energy waiting for the light to turn green. and then further out in the Atlantic Ocean Akureyri offers a broad selection of muse­­ you will find Grímsey Island with the Arctic ums, art galleries, international exhi­­­­­bitions, Circle running straight through it and the conference facilities, music venues,­­ theater colorful puffins swarming its cliffs. The and cinemas showing the lat­­est films. The puffins fly away after the first week of Hof Cultural House hosts diverse events August and stay out on the open sea during and has a great concert hall for 500 seated winter but come back to their nests after guests (check out www.mak.is to find events mid-April. v and tickets). You’ll also find one of Iceland’s most popular live music venues there; Græni Don’t miss out on northern Iceland. For more information hatturinn (www.graenihatturinn.is). check out www.visitakureyri.is

60 WOW Power to the people Issue one 61 Iceland from above

This is Lake Mývatn in Northeast Iceland shot by Enrico Pescantini who has been examining possibilities of- fered by using drones for aerial photography. “Once I had planned my trip to Iceland in August, I realized that it was the ideal place for aerial photography reportage, thanks to astonishing landscapes and amazing scenery.”

------DARK O R LIGHT? ------

62 WOW Power to the people ------DARK O R LIGHT? ------

Issue one 63 The Vatnajokull Region Winter paradise

In the Vatnajökull Region you will find the real reason why Iceland got its name. handicraft store, the petting zoo at The area is dominated by Vatnajok­ull Glacier which is the largest glacier in the world Holmur and much more. outside the Arctic regions. There you also find some of Iceland’s most popular tour- There are various possibilities in ist attractions such as the spectacular Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Skaftafell which accommo­­dations to suit different is the jewel in Vatnajokull National Park and Hvannadalshnjukur, the highest peak in needs and you’ll be sure to find a Iceland and a popular hike. warm welcome by knowledgeable hosts. There are several restaurants The Vatnajokull Region is filled of Vatnajokull Glacier. Photography­­­­­­ southern crawling glaciers is an in the area and most of them offer with contrast, with its black enthusiasts find the Vatnajokull­­ adventure that no one should miss. local food, caught or grown by locals. beaches and white glaciers. Serenity, Region particularly delightful­­­­­ as The colors and refracted light in the Be sure to ask for the local beer energy and the forces of nature com­­ it provides countless magni­­ficent ice reveal a world of true wonders, Vatnajokull, which is made from bine to make a visit to the Vatnajokull­­­ views of the glacier and mountains­­­ providing a thrill for any photography icebergs­­­ from the Jokulsarlon Glacial Region a never-to-be-forgotten both in daylight but also as dusk enthusiast. Local guides who know Lagoon and Arctic thyme. A lobster experience. settles, especially when the Aurora every crevice of the glacier take you meal is also recommended. Wildlife is rich in the Vatnajökull Borealis light up the sky. There is on tours of caves formed during the Region with thousands of migrating one town in the area, Hofn a lively winter months. Travelers should only Accessible year round birds passing through and herds of fish­ing celebrated for being Iceland’s go on such trips under their guidance. The Vatnajokull Region is well ac­­ reindeer, a common sight. If you’re lobster capital of Iceland. Delightful Much of the activity in the realm cessible the whole year round due lucky you might spot a seal at Jok­ restaurants­­ offer this precious pro­­ of Vatnajokull revolves around the to good weather conditions and uls­­arlon Lagoon or an Arctic fox duct as well as various other local glacier and the nature around it. In frequent transportation. Eagle Air running through the land. You will specialties.­ addition to the ice cave tours you can has a daily flight from Reykjavík to also find dozens of companies that choose between glacier walks and the Hofn Airport during the summ­­ offer all sorts of activities year round, Activity, accommodation and ice climbing, a thrilling snowmobile ertime and five days a week in other diverse accommodation and great restaurants ride on Vatnajokull or a comfortable seasons. Buses between Reykjavík restaurants with local food. Have you ever imagined looking tour of Europe’s largest glacier in and Hofn are scheduled daily. There The Vatnajokull Region is in the inside a glacier? Wintertime in the a super jeep. The area also offers are also three car rental companies v southeast of Iceland and covers over Vatnajokull Region glacier offers the ATV tours and geothermal baths at in Hofn. 200 km of the Ring Road from Loma­­ opportunity of a unique experience Hoffell, northern light tours, reindeer­­­­ gnupur in the west to Hvalnes in the that is never to be forgotten! A trip excursions, a visit to the Thor­­bergs­­ For more information check out

Photo: Þorvarður Árnason Photo: east, the accessible south­­ern side into the ice caves of Vatnajokull’s setur cultural museum and the local www.visitvatnajokull.is.

64 WOW Power to the people For more information check out www.visitvatnajokull.is. Issue one 65 The ultimate guide If you want more info and exact guidance for the Hafnarfjörður Walk, you can download the Wapp Walking app from Appstore and Play­­store. There you’ll find the Hafnar­­fjörður Walk with the GPS track, info and a map for a rea­­sona­ Take a hike ble price and you can use it offline while you enjoy this pleasant little The town in the lava town in the lava. The Hafnarfjordur jokes Hafnarfjörður is a town on the outskirts ofR eykjavik and the most charming one, in my opinion. The No one really knows how it got town was built on an 8000-year-old lava field and the houses in the oldest part of town, often brightly started but in Iceland it’s customary painted, are of irregular shapes and sizes to fit between small hills of outcropping lava. We recommend to tell jokes about the people from that you spend a day in Hafnarfjörður with a walk around this unuasual landscape, stopping in for a Hafnarfjorður. For example: cup of coffee at Norðurbakkinn or Súfistinn Café and going for a refreshing swim in the town’s fancy outdoor swimming pool, Suðurbæjarlaug. In the evening, you could venture into the Viking Restaurant, They take a ladder when they go where a rough-and-tumble Viking waiter can help top off your day. shopping because the prices have Text and photos by Einar Skúlason been rising.

The front row at the cinema is always taken first in Hafnarfjörður because everyone wants to be first to ur walk starts in Strand­ see the film. gata, Hafnarfjordur’s­­ main shopp­ing street. Everyone goes quietly past the We go past Súfistinn pharmacy in Hafnarfjörður so they Café and the library don’t wake up the sleeping pills. toward the oldest houses in town. The Each day in Hafnarfjörður is 20 hrs house of Sívertsen is the oldest, built in instead of 24 because they only have O1805 by Bjarni Sívertsen, the first Icelander ten fingers and ten toes. who got permission from the Danish king to become a merchant in Iceland. Then we go How do you know which of the past the sea and the old indoor swimming pirates is from Hafnarfjörður? He will pool Sundhöllin and up Klettsvegur Road to be the one with two eye patches. Víðistaðatún Park. It is a mystery why lava did not cover this area. According to the The jokes go on and on. theory it was actually a hill 8000 years ago and has since changed partly because it was easier to get sand and dirt from there than from around the lava when building houses and such. In the pond, you’ll see a lot of a tiny fish called three-spined stickleback. If you only see a few you can blame the birds and the children in the area.

More than meets the eye Now follow the narrow Garðsvegur and Hellisgata streets and into the small but beautiful Hellisgerði Park. Many stories have been told about hidden people, elves and dwarfs living in the rocks of Hellisgerði Park and there are even special tours guided by people that can see more than most. If you relax, have a seat and stare at the rocks, who knows what you might see moving about. On you go toward Hverfisgata, along Linnetsstígur and past the Free Church and then down Gunnarssund and back to the shopping street of Strandgata. There’s a cluster of some nice boutiques there and there is always a chance that you’ll find something irresistible or, at least you will help out in their uneven competition with the big shopping centers. In the square, they have a small Christmas village in December and bundled up in your warm winter coat, it’s nice to meander around to see what they’re offering.

66 WOW Power to the people Vodafone 4G Choose Vodafone Iceland

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Buy your prepaid SIM card at BSI bus terminal, Vodafone stores, N1 gas stations all around Iceland, and at our network of resellers.

Issue one 67 68 WOW Power to the people Osushi is a unique restaurant­ in Iceland. The method­­ of dining involves snatching small plates from a The white palace conveyor belt. Pricing is distinguished by the color The main building of the National University Hospital of and pattern of the plate – most range between Iceland, aka Landspítalinn, is a grand building near the 230 - 440 ISK. center of Reykjavik that looks a little like a white palace.

Indeed, it has great artistic and cultural value. The late state architect Guðjón Samúelsson designed the main building Everything off the con­vey­­or belt is tasty and if you which was inaugurated in 1930. don’t really fancy sushi, you can instead choose for ex­­ample teriyaki chicken, noodle salad, tempura by Svava Jónsdóttir Photos: Kristinn Magnússon and desserts.

The vibe in Osushi is friendly and relaxed. The The Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson (b.1887-d.1950) was restaurant is located almost next door to Althingi the first Icelander to complete studies in architecture. He served (the parliament) which is in the heart of the city. as the state architect for some time and designed a number of well- known buildings in Iceland—mostly in Reykjavik—and thereby, had a great influence on the architecture in Iceland at the time. To mention osushi.is a few buildings, besides the main building of the National University Hospital of Iceland designed by Samúelsson: the National Theater, the University of Iceland, Hótel Borg, Hallgrímskirkja Church that towers over Reykjavík, the Catholic church Landakotskirkja and the Church of Akureyri in North Iceland. When looking at these buildings, you can’t really help but go, “WOW!” Samúelsson was influenced by various trends in architecture, such 520 kr. as neoclassic, functional and national romanticism. He also sought inspiration in Icelandic nature. The main building of the National University Hospital of Iceland was built in Samúelsson was in­ the years 1926-1930—in part, thanks to fluenced by various Icelandic women who had collected money trends in architecture, for this project. It was Queen Alexandrine of smiðjust. such as neoclassic, Denmark who laid the cornerstone for the functional and national building in 1926; maybe you did not know Hverfisgata romanticism. He also it but Iceland was a part of the Kingdom sought inspiration in of Denmark from 1814 to 1918. After Icelandic nature. that, Iceland was in a personal union with Denmark until 1944 when Iceland declared independence. The main building of the hospital is considered by many as one of the best-designed buildings by Samúelsson. It’s a grand building that looks like a white palace and has both artistic and cultural value. Icelanders are now about 329,000 and have long since outgrown the old hospital, it is estimated that in 2065—yes, in 49 years—they will Vitast. be 437,000. The University Hospital of Iceland is now housed in several buildings around Reykjavik, a few of them on the same site which are Baldursgata connected to the old main building.

Babies will be born, people will get sick and eventually die and, of bragagata course, it’s always best to have a modern hospital. So if the truth be known, for some years now, a design for a modern hospital has been in Pósthússtræti 13 / Borgartúni 29 / Reykjavíkurvegur 60 HF. the works, but still, it’s only at the design stage. Some want it built near Tel: 561 0562 / www.osushi.isNjarðargata the main building, others not. But that’s another story. v

Issue one 69

sæmundargata

oddagata WOW design Further North Home accessories brand Further North is exclusively designed by Auður Gná Ingvarsdóttir, an interior architect from the Elisava Escola Univer- sitária de Disseny I Enginyeria in Barcelona where she studied and lived for a decade. An enduring dream of successfully fusing together­ interior and product design was happily realized two years ago when Further North’s contemporary capsule collection was born. by Gerður Harðardóttir Photos: Íris Ann Sigurðardóttir

Auður’s source of inspiration and process, making the whole process values stem from her passion for environmentally friendly and nearly having highly skilled Icelandic artisans pollution free. work diligently with local materials of the highest quality, producing unique Rich colors products for the home. The colors of the sheepskins had to Each and every item in the Further appeal to Auður personally, and it was North collection is handmade in limit­ also important that the chosen colors ed numbers using locally sourced had a distinctive richness about them. materials such as sheepskin, cowhide, Instead of working with the traditional wood and rhyolite. The emphasis is on neutral colors of the Icelandic sheep, perfect craftsmanship and materials the goal was to look at the latest trends that offer a glimpse into the past while in fashion for color inspiration. It was simultaneously being current and also important that the whole tanning contemporary in their design. production were as eco-friendly as possible, which meant that certain Natural materials colors were off limits from the start. A set of colorful and decorative pillows The complexity of the tanning process and cushions were the first products and the fact that the sheepskin is to be launched by Further North with 100% natural has also meant that it each pillow and cushion made from is practically impossible to control unique Icelandic sheepskin. The the outcome of the colors, a fact that sheepskins are tanned at Atlantic makes the products, even more, unique. Leather, a tanning factory situated in a Another popular product from rural town in Further North is sets of rounded, Each and every North Iceland, sculptural mirrors hung from a wall item in the Further hence the by a broad leather strap. The mirrors North collection is name, Further work fantastically as a decorative handmade in limited­ North. Each element for the home as well as serving numbers using locally and every their utilitarian purpose. Next up for sourced materials skin that Further North is a new line of textile such as sheepskin, cowhide, wood and makes its products which will be intro­­duced at rhyolite. way into the the upcoming annual De­­signMarch, in Further North Reykjavík from March 10-13. collection is personally handpicked Further North is currently available by the tanning factory’s product- and in Aurum at Bankastræti 4, Hrím at factory manager who carefully watches Laugavegur 25 and Kringlan Shopping over them as they pass through the Center, Mýrin at Kringlan Shopping complicated tanning process. Atlantic Center, Snúran at Síðumúli 21 and Leather is known internationally for in Copenhagen in Casa Shop at its quality craftsmanship, and was Store Renegade 2 and Shop Dora at recently nomin­­ated for a prize as one Værnedamsvej 6. v of the best tanning factories in Europe. Warm geothermal water and renewable energy from a hydroelectric power station form a vital part of the tanning www.further-north.com

70 WOW Power to the people NO NEED TO WAIT FOR YOUR BAG if you do like the locals and pick up your duty free goods in the arrival store before your luggage www.dutyfree.is

Issue one 71 WOW entrepreneurs

72 WOW Power to the people The winds of change Becoming sustainable or, at least, more sustainable is something many of us strive for and the entrepreneurs at IceWind might just have the solution. What started as a simple but elegant and unusual anemometer for a final course project at the University of Iceland in 2008 is now becoming an energy solution for the future, at least, when it comes to cabins and telecommunication towers.

Photos: Courtesy of IceWind

ou’ve probably all seen the green energy solutions and that’s traditional horizontal-axis the space we’re stepping into,” adds wind turbines used in many Thor E. Bachmann, chief business places of the world. They development officer at IceWind. look like propellers placed Yon high towers and can generate up From measuring wind, to to 2 megawatts of electricity each. harnessing it IceWind’s elegant Savonius wind The idea behind IceWind’s wind turbines are on a much smaller scale turbines began in 2007-2008 when and always will be as they are focused Saethor was studying mechanical on being an affordable solution for engineering at the University of Ice­ individuals, mainly cabin and farm land. “I was visiting my friend Gunnar owners that don’t have access to Eiriksson, who’s a machinist, at his geothermal water for heating, but garage. He was fixing a massive diesel also for telecommunications towers. turbine on his table and I noticed a They’re not trying to compete with the spiral with triangular blades. I had general electricity market, at least been assigned to create an anemo­ ­ not in Iceland, as the electricity prices meter for a school project and as there here are probably the lowest in the were no restrictions on the design I world, but when it comes to heating wondered if something like this spiral cabins and summer cottages they could measure the wind. We started could save their customers in Iceland building the anemometer, it was ca. 30 up to 300,000 ISK (2,100 EUR - 2,300 cm tall and it worked really well. USD) a year in energy costs. “In 2009 or 2010 my parents were looking for a way to lower the energy A green energy solution bill at their cabin in Húsafell in West “Normal homes use a lot of energy Iceland. At the time, they were paying so we are mainly looking at cabins 250,000-300,000 ISK just for heating. and summer cottages. You could, of That’s when I started thinking about course, save some money by putting my little anemometer again and the wind turbine on top of your home Gunnar and I built a much bigger one, but here in Iceland, because of the tested it and put it on top of the cabin. low electricity cost, a wind turbine It generated some of the power needed would probably take a long time to to heat the cabin for ca. 4-5 years and pay off whereas for a cabin with no we just recently took it down to inspect geothermal heating it would only its condition,” says Saethor but he also take 3-4 years. This is also the reason informed us that the wind turbines why we’re looking to foreign markets have changed so much since that first where energy prices are much higher,” prototype that it’s really not the same says Saethor Asgeirsson founder and product anymore. CEO of IceWind. Since that first wind turbine for “There are around 9,500 summer Saethor parents, he and Gunnar have cottages in Iceland without geo­ been making a new prototype each thermal heating. The turbines have a year that is being used or tested in five-year guarantee but they should various locations. last for at least 30 years so it’s a “They go up and down for testing. very safe investment. Our foreign Presently we have a wind turbine at mark­et is mainly telecommunication Stórhöfði in the Westman Islands towers. There are around a million that’s strictly being examin­ed for of those in the world and they are endurance in vola­tile weather con­ driven by diesel generators 24 hours ditions; there’s one at the Topp­stöðin a day, all year round. We want to be in Reykjavik that gener­ates electricity; a part of shutting down these diesel the Technical School of Reykjavik gener­ators, switching them out for has one as a teaching item and our a green energy solution that works. telecommunication tower turbine is There’s been a shortage of hardy now being tested near Þrengslavegur

Issue one 73 Road (between Reykjavik and which is ca. 2 meters high and 2.5 same rotating speed at 23 meters per all our energy into this and deliver. Thorlakshofn),” says Saethor and meters in diameter can produce up second wind speed as in 50 meters We really felt the responsibility and Thor adds that each wind turbine is to 1,000 watts of electricity. That per second. The turbine slows itself it changed the way we thought about not necessarily generating electricity is roughly the amount needed to down and can keep its top rotating the project,” Saethor tells us. but rather being tested for endurance run one microwave indefinitely. speed even if the wind speed goes as well as finding out the durability “We use batteries to collect the above 30 meters per second,” Thor A smaller environmental of various components. “If something unused energy. If you were to use tells us. This amazing fact is due to footprint breaks we take that turbine down a microwave constantly it means a pressure that builds up behind the IceWind’s turbines are still not and reevaluate its components.” there would be no energy left over blades as the turbine rotates, which available on the market but to collect,” says Saethor. When the pulls the blades back harder and people have been placing orders Energy in the air turbine is generating more energy harder as the wind speed gets higher. and Saethor and Thor expect to IceWind was founded in 2012 by than needed to run things, the “This is absolutely unique to our deliver the first ones this April. “A Saethor and his friend Gunnar excess energy is collected into those wind turbines, and they rotate 90% lot of people have contacted us; who’s been with him from the start. batteries and depending on how slower than normal wind turbines,” most of them cabin owners and Saethor’s father, Asgeir, also helped many batteries you have you could adds Thor. “We use ceramic bearings all are looking for ways to lower with the founding. Saethor says collect enough energy to run a whole which are produced for great rotating their heating cost,” says Saethor. he’s always been focused on energy. cabin on just wind power for a period speeds but because our turbine “People are trying to become more “I would say that I am an energy of time. “If you have only one or two rotates slowly there will never be a sustainable; they’re putting solar engineer, even though I studied batteries the energy collected will be need to use oil or grease. There is no cells on their roofs and little wind mechanical engineering. All my depleted sooner. It’s kind of like the maintenance needed,” says Saethor. catchers in their yards but the prob­

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

focus was on energy. In Iceland it difference between getting a glass Could this be the next big thing? lem with these little wind catchers­ was geothermal and hydro power of water and getting a 10-liter jug,” “We’re hoping that it is. We’ll start here is that they usually don’t look good and I also studied in Sweden where Saethor explains. “The more batteries in Iceland and then take it inter­­­natio­­ and they’re noisy. We’re offering a I learned more about renewable you have the better you will utilize the nal,” says Thor and Saethor adds that wind turbine that’s virtually silent energy and nuclear energy. It’s pretty wind generated electricity,” he adds. the USA and Canada will probably­­ be and at first glance it looks more like a simple really—energy is my thing.” their next stop as most of the attention sculpture than a turbine,” he adds. Thor is a business administrator A unique design they’ve gotten, comes from there. “Whether we are talking about and he joined IceWind in May 2015. He The genius behind IceWind’s design cabins or telecommunication towers admits that he wasn’t exactly thinking is that the wind turbines do not When did you realize that you had our goal is always to minimize both green before he came aboard. “I have need a steady wind and they can something extraordinary in your cost and pollution with this hardy learned a lot since then,” he says. utilize turbulent gusts that change hands? green solution. We might not be able Saethor and Thor are working full directions. “Our wind turbines always “Before founding the company in to eliminate the use of fossil fuel time with the company and IceWind turn the same; they don’t change 2012, it was just me and Gunnar when it comes to the telecom towers is also in good collaboration with direction or try to face the wind. playing around in his garage. We got but we could, at least, help them the University of Iceland where Traditional wind turbines don’t start a big grant in 2012 which made us use less of it, thus saving money they get interns who help out and generating electricity until the wind realize that we weren’t the only ones and leaving a smaller environmental analyze various projects. “Our plan speed is up to 3.5 meters per second that thought that our wind turbine footprint,” Thor says. is to get IceWind to an international but our turbines start at 2 meters per was a good idea. The ball really IceWind recently got a whole year’s market where our wind turbines second and continue up to almost started rolling after we founded the funding from an interested party in would be produced locally for each indefinite wind speeds whereas the company and made this big decision the USA who prefers anonymity. Their area. Our turbines are bulky so it traditional turbines need to shut to start doing something with our first year of business is secure and would not be cost efficient to ship down at 25 meters per second to design. It was a little weird to start they have already sold their first wind them from Iceland and besides it’s protect themselves. We want to believing in something that up to turbine in Iceland. All of us at WOW air not environmentally friendly. Our continue generating electricity even this time had only been a pet project. wish them the best of luck and hope production facilities in Iceland will during the craziest of weathers,” We were like ‘Woah, this is getting to see their elegant wind turbines all be used for further research and Saethor says. big!’ By then we had gotten grants over the place in the years to come. v development,” says Thor. “Because of its design and the laws and money from various funding IceWind’s biggest wind turbine, of physics, our turbine will have the organizations so we really had to put For more information visit icewind.is

74 WOW Power to the people Your activity tour operator in Iceland since 1983

Explore a stunning Crystal Ice Cave in Europe’s largest glacier! Or join us on another of our many day trips all around Iceland and go home with a story worth telling!

Book your adventure now! www.adventures.is

#arcticadventures © Einar Ólafur Matthíasson | einarolafur.com

For more information visit icewind.is www.adventures.is | [email protected] | +354 562-7000 | Downtown Reykjavík Sales Office at Laugavegur 11 Issue one 75 Rafting • Ice Climbing • Snorkeling • Diving • Glacier Hike • Canoeing • Hiking • Kayaking • Cycling • Surfing • Boat Ride • Hot Spring • Swimming • Climbing Super-Jeep • Caving • Horse Riding • Sightseeing • Snowmobile • Whale Watching • ATV • Incentive • Skiing • Mountain Hut • Camping • Combo Trips

wowair_mag2016-tbl-feb-mrz.indd 1 25.01.16 15:59 Reykjavik

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Copenhagen Vilnius Amsterdam Dublin Berlin London Warsaw Bristol Amsterdam Düsseldorf Montreal Paris Frankfurt Milan Salzburg Toronto Lyon Boston Barcelona Nice Rome San Francisco Washington, D.C. Alicante Los Angeles

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CONNECTING THE CONTINENTS WOW IS IN THE AIR!

76 WOW Power to the people Reykjavik

Stockholm

Copenhagen Vilnius Amsterdam Dublin Berlin London Warsaw Bristol Amsterdam Düsseldorf Paris Frankfurt Milan Salzburg Lyon Barcelona Nice Rome Alicante

Tenerife Gran Canaria

Issue one 77 Montreal

The wonders below Travelers do two things in abundance, shop and sightsee. The Montreal Underground City lets you do both, simultaneously. Also called “RÉSO,” as a homonym of the French word “réseau” for network, La Ville Souterraine, or the indoor/interior city, is the largest subterranean complex in the world.

Photos: Courtesy of Art Souterrain / Samuel Boisvert, Tourisme Montréal / Stéphan Poulin and World Trade Centre Montréal

The 32 kilometers (20 miles) of tunnels— Subterranean shopping The 32 kilometers When you go below the city streets, above and below ground—connect Métro Sandra Phillips is the queen of (20 miles) of whether to amble and explore or with a sta­­tions (68 stations total, on four lines), ho­­­tels, Montre­­al shopping with her book, tunnels—above and destination in mind, look for street- banks, restaurants, stores, museums, movie theat­ Smart Shopping Montre­­al and below ground— level signs for one of the 120 entrances ers, condos and more. Once you’re under­­ground, her Web site, www.SmartShopp­­ ­­ connect Métro to RÉSO and the wonders below. you can stay there from dawn to dusk to dawn ing­Montreal.com. She says, “A sta­­tions (68 stations You’re sure to find a treasure either again. muse­­um shop is a good place to total, on four lines), way. Note, there is some resistance buy souvenirs. Both the Musee ho­­­tels, banks, by locals toward using the name A shelter from the seasons d’art Contemporain (Métro: Place restaurants, stores, Underground City because it is not a Billed as a tourist attraction, it’s used by 500,000 des Arts) and Musee des Beaux- museums, movie city, but whether you ask in French, people a day. La Ville Souterraine started in Arts (Métro: Peel) have creative gift theat­ers, condos English, or Frenglish, someone will 1962, the spider web of tunnels was conceived shops, and both are accessi­­­ble via and more. Once tell you where the nearest entrance is. by Vincent Ponte, an urban planner, and famed Metro and the Under­­ground City. If you’re under­ You can pick up a map at your hotel or you’re searching for fashion,” says almost everywhere within the system. architects I.M. Pei and Henry N. Cobb. They were ground, you can Phillips, “Simons (Métro: Peel), is a And be sure to take some figurative designing Place Ville-Marie (PVM), Montreal’s first stay there from contemporary skyscraper. Ponte’s goals were to Quebec-owned department store breadcrumbs with you or, at least, your dawn to dusk to build an underground city that would ease street- highlighting au courant styles at hotel’s address so you can find your dawn again. level traffic congestion. It would also provide a reasonable prices.” way home. v climate-controlled way for people to navigate the area without being exposed to Montreal’s blustery winters (and the sometimes equally intense summ­­ers). Most of it is open daily from 5:30 am to 1 am.

Underground art The complex received a huge boost with the start of the Montreal Métro system in 1966 and the Expo ‘67 World’s Fair which put the Underground City on the map, literally and figuratively. Today, the Underground connects museums, is a home for public art (each of the 68 stations in the Métro system has its own unique design, providing a form of permanent performance art), and an annual art event, Art Souterrain in late February and early March where dozens of artists display their work in little pop-up type galleries. Nuit Blanche, the light festival, kicks off the celebration of the arts. As the creator of the Culture Tripper blog (www. culturetripper.com), Lesley Peterson writes about the arts when you travel. She also suggests trav­ el­­ing to “the Place des Arts, a cultural complex housing a contemporary art museum and six concert halls. In the midst of Place des Arts is the Espace Culturel Georges-Émile Lapalme, an agora (market) that doubles as an art gallery with numerous installations, both temporary and permanent.” Peterson remembers visiting Montreal during the Expo days and going to the top of the PVM for the spectacular view of the city lights. It’s been closed Get up before you go down. WOW air starts flying to Montreal in for a while but is due to reopen this spring (2016). May with four flights a week all year round. The project includes an observatory, a heated outdoor terrace, an exhibition gallery and the Les Find cheap flights to Montreal from around Europe at wowair.com. You can also have a Enfants Terribles restaurant. stopover in Iceland on your way there or back.

78 WOW Power to the people Issue one 79 Photo: iStockphoto.com / aetb Photo: iStockphoto.com / KalSyer

WOW Canada! 7 Toronto must-see’s From boardwalks to beaches and bookshops to bistros, Canada’s largest city is also trendiest when it comes down to urban cultural activities. Here are 7 Toronto must-see’s. by Cindy-Lou Dale

Photographic inspiration People from all Science! The Distillery District The Scotiabank CONTACT Photo­­­ cultural and ethnic The Ontario Science Centre’s aim is Architecture fans should head to the Distillery District graphy Festival is the world’s bigg­­­est backgrounds come to enrich people’s lives and engage for a stroll back in time through an inter­­na­­tionally­ celebration of the art of photo­­­graphy, together­­ to celebrate them in science—important at a acclaimed pedestrian-only neigh­­­bor­­­­hood. The hip attracting snap-happy camera buffs Pride in Toronto— local, national and global scales new area is the site of North America’s largest and for the whole month of May. With even the Toronto in subjects ranging from space to best preserved collection of Victorian­ industrial more than 1,500 artists showing their Police Service takes magnetism—all in an interactive architecture and home to many of Tor­onto’s hottest work at over 250 venues, this is where part in the Pride environment. designer boutiques, unique cafes, artisan shops, inspiration happens. Parade. gorgeous art galleries and award-winning restaurants.

Out and proud Come out and play this June at Toronto’s Pride Week—among the biggest organiz­­­ ed LGBT events anywhere in the world, with attendance estimated at around one million. People from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds come together­­ to celebrate Pride in Toronto—even the Toronto Police Service takes part in the Pride Parade. Water guns are a staple, if you aren’t getting wet, you’re not having

fun! Photo: iStockphoto.com / tirc83 Photo: iStockphoto.com / bukharova

80 WOW Power to the people Reading British author Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, was a frequent visitor to Toronto. Discover his Canadian connection at the Toronto Reference Library, which has one of the world’s finest collections of Doyle‑related items on display.

Good wine Toronto is home to Canada’s only female master sommelier—one of just 180 in the world! Jennifer Huether works for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which includes restaurants such as e11even, home to 4,000 bottles displayed in a stunning glass cellar.

Casa Loma An unabashed romantic, Sir Henry Pellatt engaged noted architect E.J. Lennox to help him realize a lifelong dream in creating a medieval castle on the brow of a hill overlooking Toronto. Begun in 1911, it took 300 men nearly three years to complete Casa Loma at a cost $3.5 million. It’s open daily to visitors. After doing the cultural thing, take in Toronto’s nightlife. For the best parties, Fly is the place to be as they host some of the world’s best DJs. For atmosphere, head to Pegasus Bar and the cool Voglie Risto-Bar. Then there’s Slack Alice, Photo: iStockphoto.com / Andres Garcia Martin a popular bistro; and for the best mojito in the city drop in at The Drake Hotel on Queen St West. Then see the night out at the Huxton Nightclub, on Bathurst. Alternatively, take a moonlight cruise There are of course many more great reasons to visit Toronto and here’s one: WOW air now offers cheap flights to with Epic Cruises and dance till dawn on the Toronto and will start flying there in May 2016. largest open deck dance floor in Toronto.v Find a cheap flight toT oronto from Europe at wowair.com. You can even make a www.seetorontonow.com WOW Stopover in Iceland on the way there or back.

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Issue one 81 48-hours in Bristol England’s greenest and most chilled out city

When John Cabot set sail to discover Canada back in 1497, Bristol was already a wealthy trading port, and has been for more than a thousand years.

Text and photos: Cindy-Lou Dale

Post WW2 Bristol became an industrial Day 1: The historic docks are an energetic colorful center: home of the Concorde, Rolls Royce parade of inspirational art galleries, eclectic and where the wings of the A380 Airbus are manu­­ cafes and character restaurants, many housed factur­ed. More recently the buzzing multicult­ural in converted warehouses—a reminder of the university city of 500,000 has morphed into a large city’s rich maritime heritage. Brunel’s great iron commercial center, one of the most popular cities steamship, the ss Great Britain—the world’s first for business relocation. Bristol is a major focus for ocean-going liner—is a permanent exhibition at media industries, silicon design, aerospace engi­ the floating harbor across from the Oporto Quay neer­ing and environmental technology. (www.ssgreatbritain.org). The hop-on-hop-off With only 48-hours in which to take in the city’s harbor ferry is a fabulous way of taking in the top attractions, I needed to streamline my wish list sights and sounds of Harbourside. Cross over to which resulted in the following: the Old City from Harbourside via the pedestrian

Pero Bridge, so named after Pero Jones, the Afri­ can servant of a plantation owner (between the 1600s and 1800s Bristol was involved in the slave shipping industry—a discrediting fact evidenced in the city’s architecture), then head to the Ferry Station, a unique floating cafe bar. It’s a great place to take in the unorthodox vibe of the city and watch the ferry boats glide by. Sit out on the sundeck or in the comfortable interiors and enjoy a great organic lunch (www.ferrystation.co.uk). Alternatively, every Wednesday the popular weekly farmers market offers fantastic lunch-on-the-go options with cheese from Portugal, Pieminister pies, Italian sausages, Moroccan juice bars, soups from Turkey and Caribbean salads. On Sunday’s the market is held at the Tobacco Factory. A five-minute cab ride to the city fringe will take you to the Bristol Blue Glass Factory (no entry fee) where you can watch Bristol’s famed glassblowers. (www.bristolblueglass.com) Some of the UK’s best shopping is to be had in Bristol. From the glamorous and exciting Cabot Circus to Broadmead and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, they offer all the high street labels. Park Street and the Clifton Arcade, a Victorian shopping mall on Boyces Avenue, showcase more local, independent names. St Nicholas Market is an archi­­­­tectural gem with an intriguing choice of stalls and small shops selling vinyl records, second-hand books, previously loved clothes and exotic deli food.

Day 2: Away from the water’s edge, winding streets lead to elegant parks, squares and historic buildings like the Bristol Cathedral; the Old Vic Theatre—the oldest working theater in the country whose stage graduates include Jeremy Irons, Miranda Richardson and Patrick Stewart; as well as the baroque St Mary Redcliffe Church, under which the infamous pirate “Blackbeard” had a hideaway cave. Futuristic architecture

82 WOW Power to the people rubs shoulders with the old city’s grand, dignified buildings found on the medieval quarter’s cobbled streets and if you look carefully you’ll spot the work of local, world-renowned graffiti artist, Banksy. The steep Christmas Steps—once the muddy passageway down to the Frome Bridge—serves as an architectural reminder of the past four centuries: lampposts recall Victorian gaslights; tiny shops with askew bow-fronted windows reminiscent of Georgian times; at the top, piously looking down the steps and across the city is the 15th-century chapel of Foster’s Almshouse. At the bottom of Christmas Steps, a couple of hundred meters along Colston Avenue, is Flavourz, a buffet restaurant, offering superb food at rock bottom prices. I took in a 3-course lunch for £6.95 (www.flavourz.co.uk). A stone’s throw from the city center is the elegant, leafy village of Clifton, with its beautifully preserved Georgian architecture. Here Whiteladies Road is filled with unusual antique shops, quirky cafes, modern art galleries and chic boutiques. From the terrace of the Avon Gorge Hotel, where I stopped for high tea, I took in the dramatic view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the gorge that it spans—Bristol’s iconic landmark designed by the celebrated Victorian engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. I decided to stay on for dinner at the Bridge Cafe (£25 for a superb 3-course meal) to further take pleasure in an illuminated nighttime view of the bridge. From my vista, it was easy to see where JK Visit UK’s greenest city. Starting in May, WOW air will fly to Bristol three times Rowling drew her Harry Potter inspiration. a week all year round from USA and Canada via Iceland. For additional details, sights and places to visit, take a look at the Bristol Tourist Office website Find cheap flights to Bristol from USA and Canada at wowair.com. You can even make a WOW www.visitbristol.com. v Stopover in Iceland on the way there or back.

Issue one 83 Berlin

14 tips for budget travelers in Berlin Berlin is known for being a budget-friendly city. Buying and renting apartments is still relatively cheap compared to other European cities and tickets to sporting and cultural events are easily manageable. Some things are even free, like visiting museums. Our friends at Berlinur.de have made a list of 14 tips for those who want to visit Berlin on a budget.

by Berlinur.de photos: Berlinur.de and iStockphotos.com

Bus no. 100 goes a 1 The beer Practical You’ll probably enjoy the price of very similar route as 10 If you’re in Berlin you should stock up on beer in Berlin. Now, a word to the wise: the Hop on / Hop off razor blades and Nespresso capsules. Buying a large beer is not necessarily bus in Berlin. The biggest difference the most economic choice. If the Glasses is that bus no. 100 11 service is good you should definitely In Berlin, and all of Germany, you can get a is part of the public choose smaller portions and enjoy the transport system so a free eye test at Fielmann’s plus they offer really Ger­mans’ beloved foam. Keep in mind one-time ticket only cheap eyewear. that beer in Berlin gets more expensive costs 2.70 € and a day the closer you get to popular tourist pass is 6.90 € . Bus 100 Photo: iStockphotos.com / claudiodivizia 12 attractions. Price: 1.80 € - 5.50 € Bus no. 100 goes a very similar route as the Hop on / Hop off bus in Berlin. The biggest 2 Sporting events difference is that bus no. 100 is part of the public In England, you might have to transport system so a one-time ticket only costs postpone your mortgage payment for a 2.70 € and a day pass is 6.90 € compared to at ticket to a major league game but that’s least 17€ you would pay for a day pass on the Hop not the case in Berlin. You could watch on / Hop off bus. Hertha play for as little as 14 €. Groceries 13 3 Bread rolls Buying groceries is pretty cheap in Berlin They might as well give these compared to other European cities. The cheapest away, they’re so cheap. Maybe they’re stores are Penny, Lidl, Netto and Aldi. A little produced with great quantities of pricier but still cheap are Kaisers and Rewe. baking powder in a neighboring country but the price is still unbelievable: 0.19 € ­ 14 Ice cream a piece! You can also buy high quality Of course, there’s ice cream of all types, bread rolls that cost a little more but quality and prices in Berlin. However, Germans 7 The Fernsehturm they’re still pretty cheap at around Compared to other great monuments with a view, going consider 1 € to be a reasonable price for one 0.60 €. up to the Fernsehturm (TV Tower) on Alexanderplatz is pretty scoop of ice cream which is a pretty low price. cheap or ca. 13 €. That’s far less than the 30 you pay at the 4 Döner kebab London Eye. And there you have it—traveling to Berlin on a A döner—as kebabs are called in budget is no problem at all. v Berlin—can sometimes be as cheap as 8 Lunch 1 €. But if you are looking for a better You should go out for lunch in Berlin as a lot of the fine quality, a good quality döner can cost dining establishments offer great deals during the day, even Written by Katrín Árnadóttir and Margrét Rós around 3 € and it’s a pretty good size. with a starter and a dessert. We recommend asking for the Harðardóttir at www.berlinur.de, the Icelandic “Tagesgericht” or course of the day. hostesses of Berlin. Berlinur offers a variety of Hamburgers guided tours around Berlin in both Icelandic 5 and English all year round and has just added Speaking of meals for 1 € … Clothes a new “best of” tour which blends together all McDonalds is cheaper in Germany 9 If you need to do some shopping for the whole family, the key elements of their established tours. than other European cities. A single Berlin is definitely the place to do it. They have all the popular For more information and booking visit www. cheeseburger can go for as low as 1 € chain stores here plus you can ask for Tax-Free. It also helps to berlinur.de or email them at [email protected]. and a Big Mac meal costs ca. 6.50 €. drop in when there’s a sale which happens quite often.

6 Museums Some of the museums in Berlin have no admission fees. To name a few, there’s the DDR Museum Budget travelers rejoice, Berlin is affordable for all and WOW air offers cheap flights to Germany from USA and Canada all year round. at Kulturbrauerei, Topografie des Terrors War Museum and the Daimler If you’re traveling on a budget you can start by finding cheap flights to Berlin from USA, Canada and Iceland at Contemporary Art Museum. wowair.com. You can also make a WOW Stopover in Iceland on your way there or back.

84 WOW Power to the people Photo: iStockphotos.com / bluejayphoto

Issue one 85 New destination A night out in the City of Angels

WOW air now offers cheap flights to Los Angeles from Europe via Iceland. Time to party with the stars.

by Cindy-Lou Dale

LA’s entertainment options are endless, but and the Trocadero. Back in the than three decades. The Comedy Store The Hollywood plann­­ing a night out in Los Angeles doesn’t psychedelic 60s, it was the setting is impossible to miss with its all-black Bowl, one of the require hundreds of dollars in bottle service. for counter-culture protests, in most famous am­ exterior, adorned with the nam­­­es of nota­­ Experi­­ence some of the most exciting enter­­tain­­ the 70s and 80s rock and roll phitheater’s in the ble performers around the entrance—their ment and nightlife in LA for less than $20. decadence boomed at venues world, has hosted Original Room features 16 headline acts like The Viper Room and The Roxy everyone from Bob appearing back-to-back-to-back. Sunset Strip Theater, whose sticky boards have Dylan and Barbra The Hollywood Palladium is regarded Mention the legendary Sunset Strip, a stretch been trodden by the likes of John Streisand­ to Prince, by many as one of entertainment’s larger along Sunset Boulevard between Crescent Heights Lennon, Alice Cooper and Bruce Lady Gaga and than life landmarks and has welcomed and Doheny—one of LA’s most iconic neigh­­bor­­ Spring­­steen. Today, Sunset Strip is Monty Python. titans of the entertainment industry since hoods—to anybody over 60 and they’ll recall the a new kind of play­­ground, poking at the 40s. twelve-block stretch between Beverly Hills and the fun side of life. The Hollywood Bowl, one of the most Holly­­wood as the playground of the stars, the place Try the Laugh Factory comedy famous amphitheater’s in the world, has where the Gables and Grables, the Harlows and club, where some of the biggest hosted everyone from Bob Dylan and Hayworths came in their long black limousines and names in the business have been Barbra Streisand to Prince, Lady Gaga and super-convertibles to gamble at Giro’s, Mocambo shaking up the stage for more Monty Python.

Photo: iStockphotos.com / Meinzahn

86 WOW Power to the people Tuesday: Barney’s Beanery (8447 Santa Monica Fridays: The Ice House in nearby Pasadena is Blvd) is a West Hollywood ‘greasy spoon’ icon. huge. Huge like in who’s appeared on its stage— Opened in 1920, Barney’s Beanery has served Bob Newhart, Robin Williams, David Letterman, Jim generations of pop culture icons, including Jim Carrey, Jay Leno, Howie Mandel, Jerry Seinfeld, Morrison, Janis Joplin, Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Steve Martin, Ellen DeGeneres. Pre-book tickets to A night out in the Brando, Clark Gable and Charles Bukowski. A their Friday Funnies show. plaque honoring Morrison and the tabletop that Joplin carved her initials on are among the Saturday: When it comes to indie bands on the City of Angels memorabilia. Test your knowledge during trivia verge, the Satellite (1717 Silver Lake Blvd) is the night on Tuesdays at 9 pm. mainstay for local and established indie bands who often present free shows. Everyone from the Foo Wednesday: The Airliner (2419 N Broadway) is Fighters to Beck to Silversun Pickups to Foster the a bare-bones bar with multiple stages presenting People to Local Natives have spent long hard hours experimental electronica and hip-hop shows. On on their stage. But if you’re not feeling the band Wednesday nights, it’s the weekly electronic music on stage, play a round of pool in their backroom. showcase that has launched careers for artists like Dancing every Saturday night with “Dance Yourself Nosaj Thing and Flying Lotus. Clean.”

Thursday: Although Sadie Kitchen & Lounge in Sunday: Head to Universal CityWalk for a night Hollywood is a popular dinner spot, the fun keeps out at Howl at the Moon, a duelling piano bar. going late into the night. Their cocktail menu, On Sundays, you get three drinks for the price of Photo: Wikipedia.com / Nickcedergren curated by Giovanni Martinez, boasts a variety of one. v seasonal,­­ hand-crafted cocktails. Thursday’s happy Fun for every day of the week hour starts at 6 pm and carries on through till 11 pm. If you’re looking for music, drinks and a little food, pick and mix your night out according to what takes your fancy.

Monday: You don’t have to be the next Mariah Carey to a have a blast on Monday’s karaoke night Are you ready to party? We surely are! Set the right tone for your week of fun and fly to Los Angeles with WOW air. While at Bigfoot West (10939 Venice Blvd). The log you’re at it have a WOW stopover in Iceland on your way there or back and try out the Reykjavik nightlife. cabin vibe adds a quirky ambience to this premier whisky bar hung with hipsters who rave about Starting in June 2016 WOW air will fly up to four times a week fromI celand to Los Angeles all year the inventive cocktails served in a modern-rustic, round. Find available connections to California from London, Bristol, Copenhagen, Stockholm, cabin-like interior. Berlin, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Paris at wowair.com.

ICELANDIC GOURMET MENU Freshly caught seafood and free range lamb – with a modern twist

DINNER – 6 COURSE MENU STARTS WITH A “REFRESHING“ SHOT OF THE NATIONAL SNAPS BRENNIVÍN FOLLOWED BY A BITE-SIZED TASTE OF PUFFIN ICELANDIC OCEAN PERCH Slow cooked ocean perch, beetroot purée, spicy butter, serrano ham, beetroot

ICELANDIC MINKE WHALE Shallot vinaigrette, crispy Jerusalem artichokes

ICELANDIC SEA TROUT Yuzu mayo, tru e mayo, crispy quinoa, apple

ICELANDIC PLAICE Samphire, green asparagus, blood orange, lime beurre blanc

RACK OF FREE RANGE ICELANDIC LAMB Lamb fillet, leeks, pickled onions, browned celeriac, baked carrots, spinach and dill cream

Dessert by pastry chef Axel Þ. CHOCOLATE ROSE Issue one 87 Chocolate mousse, raspberry gel, Sacher layer Austurstræti 16 101 Reykjavík Tel: 551 0011 apotek.is New destination 10 San Fran must do’s You can now book cheap flights to San Francisco from around Europe via Iceland with WOW air but what should you do once you get there?

By Cindy-Lou Dale Photos: iStockphotos.com

an Francisco is a manageable size so Every great city gives good views of the city, perched as it is atop it’s possible to do 10 great things in just One of the top 2 needs its proud historic Telegraph Hill. It’s free to get inside the a day, and see most of the city. Here’s a attractions of civic phallus—the city-owned monument, but if you want to take Montréal is the one-day itinerary that will take a first- Empire State Building, the elevator to the top to dig the views, it’s $7 for Montreal Biodome, timer methodically through some of the the Washington Monu­­ adults, and a little less for pensioners and kids. housed in the most interesting places San Francisco has to offer. ment, the Eiffel Tower. Take the Muni bus 39 from Washington Square S form­­er Olympic In San Francisco, it’s Park to get there. bicycle racing Get up early and go to Fisherman’s­­ Wharf Coit Tower, which stadium. 1 to check out the sea lions that lounge like some say resembles Now it’s time to take the stairs, all 400 of giant dogs, around Pier 39 (Cnr Beach St and the a fire hose nozzle. It 3 them down Telegraph Hill. Along the way, Embarcadero). This, by the way, is the only thing you’ll get to see some beautiful houses, gardens you should do there and only do it around dawn, and, most of the year, brightly colored wild before the tourists arrive. parrots.

Afterward, head down Stockton St. into North Walk all the way to the bottom of the hill, then head Beach, the formerly Bohemian part of the city. east toward the Bay, to the Embarcadero, where Get yourself a serious breakfast at Mama’s (1701 you can hop on a historic trolley car (you’re looking Stockton St), which makes the best breakfast in for the F line) and you can ride it all the way to town; it gets crowded on weekends, so get there the Castro. Seventeen trolley cars are in service, early or expect to wait about half an hour. After painted in the colors of the originals from the breakfast, you won’t feel like eating again for some 1920s and ‘30s. Hop off at First Street for lunch at time. Photo: iStockphoto.com / coleong Sam’s Grill (374 Bush St), a classic fish place; they

88 WOW Power to the people I’ve always thought NYC Central Park was 6 the coolest park in the USA, but it’s got nothing on Golden Gate Park and its million trees. Be sure to visit the Conservatory of Flowers (closed Mondays), which is the oldest Victorian greenhouse this side of the Thames, and the carousel on Kezar Drive, both on the eastern edge of the park. If you’re feeling spry, walk to the western edge of the park to check out the herd of bison at the Bison Paddock, then hop a trolley or bus back east.

Next stop, the Exploratorium (Pier 15), San 7 Francisco’s legendary science museum in the Presidio. Make sure you experience the tactile dome, a pitch-black maze that you have to navigate by touch (it’s worth the $20 premium on top of the $15 admission fee); blow the world’s biggest soap bubble.

From the Presidio, you can walk to the 8 Golden Gate Bridge, which isn’t really golden at all—it’s more of a rust. The bridge is an engineering marvel and one of the most beautiful walks in the country.

The one good thing to come out of the 9 Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989 was the revitalization of San Francisco’s waterfront. Case in point, the renovated Ferry Building—a magnificent structure on the Embarcadero, at the foot of Market Street. Okay, the real reason to come here is the food (that, and the ferry to Marin County): There’s a fabulous farmers market on Tuesdays and Saturdays until 2 pm and no shortage of great places to eat.

Photo: iStockphoto.com / coleong If it’s baseball season, you owe it to yourself 10 to take in a baseball game at the have an authentic sourdough loaf on each table replacing its head shops with high-end boutiques, AT&T Park (24 Willie Mays Plaza). Not to mention that you’ve and they don’t serve farmed fish or endangered chic restaurants and hip cafés. My favorite spot never had better food at a ballpark: the garlic species. in the Haight is Amoeba Music (1855 Haight St), fries and Sheboygans (bratwursts with kraut), oh which is in a former bowling alley and boasts one my! If you find yourself downtown at lunchtime Get back on the trolley and take it to the of the biggest collections of CDs (new and used) and there’s a day game, wait a few innings then 4 Castro Street Station, the end of the line. in the world. pay half-price for a ticket from one of the many San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood was initially scalpers standing around. settled by gay servicemen discharged here from From Amoeba, head west a block along Haight the Armed Forces (for being gay) during World War Street to its end. Cross the street and you’re just For a late night cup of the best blended French- II. Historically, the neighborhood has always been inside Golden Gate Park, at famous Hippie Hill, press coffee you’ve ever had, go to in flux: At the turn of last century, it was known which you’ll either love or loathe, depending on Philz Coffee (201 Berry St) nearby. v as Little Scandinavia; then it became an Irish your feelings about drum circles and wheat-free neighborhood until the Gay Pride Movement of the pot brownies. 1960s made it safe for all the ex-servicemen to come out. Nowadays it’s overrun with fashionable and rich straight people.

Grab a delicious cookie or brownie at Hot Cookie (407 Castro St) and view the snapshots of store patrons showing off their Hot Cookie underwear. Next-door is the famous Castro Theater (429 Castro St), a pristine, 1920s movie palace that shows excellent art and repertoire films and has a real live Wurlitzer player some nights.

From the Castro, you can walk to the Haight—it’s a Photo: iStockphoto.com / pikappa Photo: iStockphoto.com / rramirez125 little less than a mile—or take Muni bus 33.

The birthplace of America’s counter-culture, 5 the Haight was Ground Zero during the What are you waiting for? WOW air is going to fly you all the way to San Francisco from Europe via Iceland. Book cheap flights summer of 1967, a.k.a. The Summer of Love, to California with WOW air and you can also have a WOW stopover in Iceland on your way there or back. baby! Hippies used to live here, but at some point the Jefferson Airplane moved out and affluent Starting in June 2016 WOW air will fly up to five times a week from Iceland to San Francisco yuppies moved in, buying up all the colorful all year round. Find available connections to California from London, Bristol, Copenhagen, Victorian homes throughout Haight-Ashbury and Stockholm, Berlin, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Paris at wowair.com.

Issue one 89 Washington, D.C. Five ways to stay cozy in a Washington, D.C. winter Washington, D.C. hosts a bounty of cold-weather sanctuaries safe from its bustling, frosty streets. Whether you’re meandering through a museum, lured into a fireplace-warmed restaurant, attending a theater performance, refueling at a third wave coffee shop or zipping around an ice rink, D.C. offers a fun variety of winter wonderland nooks for visitors of all ages.

Text by Krista Connor Photos: Courtesy of respective venues

The Brixton Go ice skating! Popular displays 901 U St. NW; brixtondc.com, include dinosaur 202-560-5045 National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden skeletons, natur­al Constitution Ave., NW and 7th St.; nga.gov, gems and minerals, Stumbling around in ski boots 202-216-9397 artifacts from early is not needed at this lodge- themed­­ restaurant complete One of D.C.’s seasonal highlights, this rink is history, an insect with a fire­­place to gather located on the grounds of the National Gallery zoo, and a live coral ‘round. Taxidermy, antler of Art, surrounded by stunning architecture reef. chandeliers and an Old-World- and sculptures. Continuing through March 13, feel permeate through­­out the you can experience ice skating in the Sculpture second floor of the English- Garden while surrounded by large-scale pieces by themed establishment—and contemporary artists, including Louise Bourgeois, when you’re there don’t forget Sol LeWitt and Tony Smith. See website for hours. to grab a hearty mug of mulled Tickets range from $7.50-$8.50 with an additional wine. fee for skate and locker rentals. The Natural History Museum. Warm up at the nation’s best museums

Cuddle up at restaurants with The National Museum of Natural History fireplaces 10th St. and Constitution Ave., NW; mnh.si.edu, 202-633-1000 Iron Gate 1734 N St. NW; irongaterestaurantdc. Part of the Smithsonian Institution and home com, 202-524-5202 to a collection of 125 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts, this free muse­­ This is a historic, romantic carriage um located on the National Mall is the most- house turned-restaurant, beckoning visited natural history museum in the world. It’s a weary travelers with its original red favorite with kids but intrigues people of all ages. booths and a roaring fireplace, also Popular displays include dinosaur skeletons, origin­­ al,­ to the building. Cuisine is inspir­­ natural gems and minerals, artifacts from early ed by foods of Greece and southern­ Italy, history, an insect zoo, and a live coral reef. fea­­tur­­ing mid-Atlantic produce. Iron Gate.

90 WOW Power to the people 27x9_jan_2016.pdf 1 25/01/16 10:08

National Museum of American Unwind with third wave coffee History 14th St. and Constitution Ave., NW; Compass Coffee americanhistory.si.edu, 202-633-1000 1535 Seventh St., NW; compasscoffee.com Showcasing national treasures like Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled After two U.S. marines befriended Banner” manuscript to the ruby slipp­ each other over a cup of coffee, they ers of iconic film Wizard of Oz, this free decided to bring a roastery and coffee FROM REYKJAVIK Smithsonian museum also offers daily shop to the Shaw neighborhood. On events and hands-on activities. Tuesdays through Saturdays, stop by to watch seasonally-sourced beans being Embrace culture at the theater roasted at the back of the spacious cafe. Pastries, sandwiches and biscotti The Glass Menagerie: are served along with top-quality Now-Feb. 21 blends and single-origin brews sourced Ford’s Theater, 511 10th St., NW; from Guatemala, Indonesia, Kona and fordstheatre.org, 202-347-4833 more.

Ford’s Theater—the historic location of President Abraham Lincoln’s ass­ assination—celebrates his legacy and explores the concept of the WHALE WATCHING American experience. Through Feb. 21, Tennessee Williams’ The Glass SEP OCT NOV DES JAN FEB MAR APR Menagerie, direct­ed by Mark Ramont, 09:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 explores the visceral bonds of family. 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 In the play, sout­hern matriarch Amanda frets con­­stantly over her two Price: Adults: 9.600 ISK live-in adult children—the painfully Children (7-15) 50% OFF / Children (0-6) FREE Buy your shy Laura and Laura’s restless poet C brother, Tom. discounted ticket M

Experience a divine culture: The Wydown Coffee Bar. on this flight! Y Feb. 16-21

John F. Kennedy Center for the The Wydown Coffee Bar CM Perform­­ ­­ing Arts, 2700 F St., NW; 1924 14th St., NW; thewydown. kennedy-center.org, 800-444-1324 com, 202-507-8411 MY

CY Shen Yun Performing Arts’ Experience This Zagat-rated trendy coffee a Divine Culture takes you on a visceral hub garnered its following from itsCMY experience to a time when the world artisanal java and homey baked was full of magic and splendor, as if goods. The narrow, industrial K everything on earth existed in harmony shop features pale wood accents with heaven—a land of heroes and and state-of-the-art brewing sages, dragons and phoenixes, emper­ equipment that create a soft, cozy ors and immortals. Tickets range from yet contemporary atmosphere. v $60-$250.

NORTHERN LIGHTS BY BOAT

Washington DC/elephant display Natural History Museum. SEP OCT NOV DES JAN FEB MAR APR** 22:00 21:00* 21:00 21:00 21:00 21:00 21:00* 22:00 PRICE: Adults 9.600 ISK / Children (7-15) 50% OFF / Children (0-6) FREE 22:00 (01 Sep - 15 Oct & 15 March - 15 April) Experience the winter warmth of Washington, D.C. WOW air will take you *21:00 (16 October - 14 March) there from Europe all year round. **Until 15 April

Find cheap flights to Washington, D.C. from all around Europe with WOW air at wowair.com. Join our club at wowair.com/wowairclub and get all the best deals directly to your inbox. Book online www.specialtours.is / [email protected] Issue one 91 Call us +354 560 8800, or visit our ticket sale at the old harbour Destination Paris

92 WOW Power to the people A French road trip – Part II We’ll never stop loving Paris. Explore the city of art and romance and unwind among accordion players while walking the cobblestoned roads.

by Guðrún Baldvina Sævarsdóttir Photos: iStockphotos.com

Flying to Paris can be just the An hour and 20 beginning if you fancy seeing a minutes north of Mont little more of the dreamlike country Saint Michel you’ll that is France. Why not rent a car and find the city of Caen head out to see some of the other and close by are the breathtaking and unbelievable sights beaches of Normandy and villages ravaged France has to offer? Here are some by the Second World highly recommended destinations just War. a few hours away from the city of love.

Mont Saint-Michel The fairytale destination of Mont Saint-Michel is just under four hours away on the northwest corner of France but offers a variety of good hotels and campsites if you want to spend the Photo: istockphotos.com / Fischerfotowelt night. This ancient monastery situated on a tiny island just off the coast rises from the landscape, and approaching visitors can’t help but think they’ve stumbled into a Disney-movie in HD. Up close, these old and formidable walls reveal the island’s history in layers; the monastery, the prison, the fortress. The 44 inhabitants of the island receive over 3 million visitors a year and you’ll find plenty of souvenirs and rather expensive croissants on every corner but the thriving tourism doesn’t manage to overshadow the stunning effects of this place. Just don’t wander out onto Photo: Wikipedia / Myrabella the surrounding sands during low tides without a guide or you might get sucked The Bayeux-tapestry into a sandpit! Since you’re in the area, a mere half an hour west of Caen you’ll After a visit to Giverny, you can carry find the commune of Bayeux, home to the world famous and on along the A13 until you reach Caen. exquisite Bayeux-tapestry. This 70-meter long cloth depicting Half circle the city on the N814 and the events leading up to the Norman conquest is almost a then get onto the A84/E3/E401/N175. whole millennia old yet has been incredibly well preserved and Take the exit toward Mont Saint- is nothing short of fascinating. Michel from N175 and continue on D43 following the signs for Mon Saint- Try the local produce Michel. While driving on the country roads keep an eye out for hand­­ made signs pointing to a farm where you can buy produce­­ Caen and the beaches of straight from the farmer; fruits, vegetables, meats and best Normandy of all: the nut and olive oils! Always try to shop local produce An hour and 20 minutes north of Mont from the region as it is the region’s specialty, made with a Saint Michel you’ll find the city of passion most other nations can only dream about. French Caen and close by are the beaches of cuisine is renowned for a reason and a big part of that reason Normandy and villages ravaged by the is the quality of the products. Be aware that the French take Second World War. The visible relics their lunch breaks very seriously and almost everything of D-Day and its aftermath are both shuts down between 12 and 2 PM (sometimes even 3 PM if breathtaking and heartbreaking so they’re very relaxed). They’ll be enjoying their lunch at a nice make sure you mix in plenty of good restaurant with a good glass of wine before heading back to food and wine (try the famous cider or work a couple of hours later. Take a leaf out of their book; eat, local butter for example!) and maybe drink and relax! v even a lazy day on the beach.

We see Paris, we see France, we see you pack your traveling pants. WOW air offers cheap flights to France from USA, Canada and Iceland all year round. You can also make a WOW Stopover in Iceland on your way there or back.

Are you ready for a European road trip?

Photo: istockphotos.com / ventdusud istockphotos.com Photo: Pack your GPS and book your flight to Paris at wowair.com.

Issue one 93 Bottoms up What’s brewing in Boston? For beer lovers stopping at this New England hub this winter, be sure to check out Boston’s top brewery tours and essential beers, along with new up-and-com- ing breweries and brewpubs.

Text by Krista Connor Photos: The Boston Beer Company and iStockphotos.com / Marcio Silva

Everything Samuel Adams beers—the biggest addition to the Samuel Adams lineup in years. These brews, availa­­ Tour of Original Samuel Adams Brewery ble at liquor stores, include a white ale, an 30 Germania St, Boston; samueladams.com, IPA and a coffee stout. 617-368-5080 All-new brewery and brewpub While this craft macrobrewery—the second largest in the United States—is arguably Dorchester Brewing Company more commercial than craft, hopheads who 1246 Massachusetts Ave., Boston; stop by its headquarters for a tour will learn dorchesterbrewing.com about the history of the Sam Adams brand, experience the brewing process, taste the Founded in 2014, Dorchester Brewing special malts and smell the Hallertau hops Com­­pany was created by a team of Boston used to brew the beers. Guests can also professionals with a penchant for craft sample award-winning beers. Tours depart beer. Owners soon realized that there was every 45 minutes and last about an hour. a gap in the Boston industry for local, small Tours cannot be reserved in advance and to medium-sized craft beer brands and are first-come, first-served, although tickets regional brewers to produce their product are free with a suggested $2 donation that in a reliable manner. So, a 25,000 sq. ft. benefits local charities. (For those from brewery with a tasting room has been built outside the United States or Canada, you for the community, slated for opening spring must have your passport or a copy of it. 2016. Located in Dorchester—a Boston International licenses will not be accepted.) neighborhood—the brewery provides craft brewers with an opportunity to produce, New Sam Adams brews package, store, sell, market and sample their beers in the tasting room in a collaborative, Brewed with real grapefruit for an added passionate environment. For guests seeking punch of citrusy goodness that amplifies an ideal local, authentic experience, 20 the hops’ tropical notes, Sam Adams’ Rebel revolving taps of these area and regional Grapefruit IPA (6.3 percent ABV) draft beer beers will be available from the friendly offers refreshingly bold and bright, thirst- collaborators and independent brewers. quenching satisfaction. Look for this year- round brew early this year at local bars and Winter Hill Brewing liquor stores. 328 Broadway, Somerville, Mass.; Meanwhile, winter seasonal Black & Brew winterhillbrewing.com Coffee Stout (5.8 percent ABV), a pitch black brew crowned with a tan head, combines Minutes from downtown Boston, Somerville’s deep roasted coffee with a rich, full-bodied Winter Hill neighborhood has a new artisan stout. One and a half pounds of Sumatran coffee shop and a small craft brewpub Winter coffee beans per barrel are used to create Hill Brewing, which opened in late January. the brew, with notes of chocolate, caramel From the 40-foot bar made of antique and dark fruit. Grab a glass at a nearby pub barn wood to the outdoor patio, everything is or a six-pack at area liquor stores. freshly built and handcrafted, exemplifying Lastly, in February, the brewery will some of the defining traits of craft beer distri­­bute a series of nitrogen-carbonated culture: local, communal, creative. v

Is your liver ready for the beers of Boston? WOW air will take you there from Europe all year round and you can even make a WOW Stopover in Iceland on your way there or back.

Find cheap flights to Boston from all around Europe with WOW air at wowair.com. Join our club at wowair.com/wowairclub and get all the best deals sent directly to your inbox.

94 WOW Power to the people Issue one 95 New destination Frankfurt for fun WOW air now offers cheap flights to Frankfurt am Main, Germany‘s fifth-largest city and Europe‘s largest financial center. Full of pleasant surprises, Frankfurt is the only city in Germany that has big skyscrapers, who knew?

Photos: Thinkstockphotos.com

Frankfurt’s architecture and Close to Frankfurt Shopping food market at Kleinmarkthalle where you can find unique skyline display the city’s old is Trier, possibly If you’re planning on shopping regional delicacies like the famous “green sauce”. re­­stored build­­ings, blending beauti­­­fully the oldest city in dur­­­ing your vacation in Frankfurt with a significant number of sky­­scrapers. Germany. Trier lies in you should head to Zeil, Frankfurt’s Get out of town This is an unusual sight in a European a valley between low central shopping street. The pedes­ Close to Frankfurt is Trier, possibly the oldest city and Frankfurt is actually home to 14 vine-covered hills trian-only street, bordered by two city in Germany. Trier lies in a valley between low out of Germany’s 15 skyscrapers. of red sandstone large public squares is home to the vine-covered hills of red sandstone on the banks on the banks of the main shopping chains of the world. of the Mosel River. From Trier, you can drive around Museums and history Mosel River. From For smaller shops and a quieter the famous Moselle wine region. Moselle is one Frankfurt has more than 30 museums of Trier, you can drive shopping experience head to of Germany’s 13 wine regions and the best known great variety. We especially recom­­mend around the famous Berger Strasse, Frankfurt’s longest internationally, producing quality wines mostly Liegieghaus, the Museum of modern Moselle wine region. shopp­­ing street. Food lovers should from Riesling grapes. Wine enthusiasts should not Art and Städel, one of the most famous look for Fressgass (also known as miss the chance to taste Moselle wines in their art museums in Germany. Frank­­­­furt is Kalbächer Gasse) a pedestrian natural environment. A visit to Trier and the Moselle also the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang street in the city center but also wine region is perfect for a day trip (or more) out of Goethe so a visit to Goethe-Haus is in Kais­­erstrasse and the bustling Frankfurt. v order. The historic heart of Frankfurt, known as Römerberg, is the center of the city‘s old town. Here you’ll find beautifully restored medieval buildings and the city Wining and dining, Frankfurt has it all. At the end of May, WOW air will start flying to Frankfurt (FRA) all year round. Frankfurt’s hall, aka Römer, standing by the historic central location within Germany and Europe makes it a major transport hub and Frankfurt Airport (FRA), one of the world‘s busiest international airports, has connections to virtually all corners of the world. Paulsplatz square. Close by is the fa­­ mous Cathedral of St. Bart­holomew Find flights from USA, Canada and Iceland to Frankfurt am Main at wowair.com. You can even make a WOW where you can climb up to the tower for Stopover in Iceland on your way there or back. Join our club at wowair.com/wowairclub and get all the best a great view of the city. deals sent directly to your inbox.

96 WOW Power to the people All you need in one place • Skólavör›ustígur 19 tel.: (+354) 552 1890

SWEATERS AND SOUVENIERS, NO KNITTING MATERIAL: • Radisson Blu, Hótel SAGA tel.: (+354) 562 4788

• Laugavegur 53b tel.: (+354) 562 1890 www.handknit.is

Issue one 97 WOW destinations

You want more? WOW! We’ve been announcing a lot of new destinations recently but that doesn’t mean that our established routes have been forgotten. WOW air has well over 20 destinations and there are still more to come. You can also check out our destinations at wowair.com.

Alicante London Warm up by the Mediterranean Sea and taste London has been on our schedule from the the best of Spain. beginning and for good reason. This sprawling metropolis is a popular destination all over WOW air offers cheap flights to Alicante the world. It’s sort of like a rite of passage for from Iceland four times a week during the travelers; you have to visit at least once. And if summer months and 1-3 times a week from you’ve already been there you can go the other March to May and September to January. way from Gatwick airport and visit the beautiful Brighton.

Amsterdam WOW air offers cheap flights* to London A city of art, architecture, cool people and canals, from USA, Canada and Iceland several times a and don’t forget windmills, weird wooden shoes week, all year round. and tulips. Amsterdam is a fairytale and a great Dublin place to visit. Ireland’s capital has become a modern European city without losing the grip on its Irish roots and Lyon WOW air offers cheap flights* to Amsterdam just a stone’s throw away is the spectacular Irish Experience the gastronomic capital of France with from USA, Canada and Iceland all year round. nature. all its history and vibrant cultural scene.

WOW air offers several flights* a week to Dublin WOW air flies to Lyon from Iceland twice a Barcelona from USA, Canada and Iceland all year round. week during the summer months. Barcelona truly is the perfect destination; tasty tapas, seaside promenades and mind-blowing architecture. Düsseldorf Milan This great city on the Rhine is famous for its art Get ready for high fashion and high culture and Getting there is the easy part. WOW air and culture, luxury fashion and lifestyle. don’t forget to feast your eyes on da Vinci’s Last offers 2-4 flights a week to Barcelona from Supper. Iceland from the middle of May until October. WOW air flies to Düsseldorf, Germany from Iceland twice a week during the summer months. WOW air flies to Milan, Italy from Iceland 2-3 times a week from June to September. Copenhagen The former capital of Iceland is still a favorite Gran Canaria among Icelanders and now’s your chance to find The city of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria is a new Nice out why. destination because we love getting our guests into Join us in the capital of the French Riviera and let the sun during the winter. the Mediterranean climate warm you up. WOW air offers several flights* a week to Copenhagen from USA, Canada and Iceland all WOW air offers weekly flights to Gran Canaria WOW air flies to Nice from Iceland two times a year round. from Iceland from February to May 2016. week from June to September.

98 WOW Power to the people Rome All roads lead to Rome but we’re going to fly to this most famous world capital.

WOW air offers cheap flights to Rome from Iceland once a week from the end of June to September.

Stockholm The capital of Sweden is a city of contrasts, an urban paradise full of fun and history but with a relaxed and modern atmosphere.

WOW air will start flying to Stockholm in May, offering several flights* a week from USA, Canada and Iceland.

Warsaw Salzburg The capital of Poland Looking for that perfect winter destination? has some historic European ski resorts are known for being budget charisma and is a friendly and the Austrian Alps’ best ski resorts are great destination if just a short drive from Salzburg Airport. you’re on a budget.

Pack your skis; WOW air flies to Salzburg from WOW air offers Iceland once a week from December to March. flights to Warsaw from Iceland three times a week during Tenerife Vilnius the summer months Relaxing on a tropical island sounds like a Are you hungry for something different? Visit the and weekly from dream and Tenerife is a dream come tru capital of Lithuania and see the UNESCO World September to January Heritage listed Old Town. and in April and May. WOW air will start flying to Stockholm in May, offering several flights* a week from USA, WOW air offers flights between Vilnius and * Note that the availability of connecting flights between USA and Europe may vary depending on the flight frequency to each city. WOW air connects London, Canada and Iceland. Iceland once a week during the summer. Bristol, Dublin, Berlin, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris and Stockholm to Boston, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and San Francisco in the US and Toronto and Montréal in Canada.

Issue one 99 This and that … mostly this by Fjóla Helgadóttir

Street, I am your Forty thousand tickets were sold Bieber’s Purpose World Tour for both shows, making about 12 namesake! percent of the entire Icelandic comes to Iceland population, ticket holders to Reykjavik’s city council really outdid itself last Bieber’s concert. How about them Looks like Justin Bieber really locations in Iceland. And it looks December when they changed the name of a statistics? enjoyed Iceland when he visited like Icelanders really enjoy Bieber street to Svarthöfði, the Icelandic name of Darth Want to see both Bieber and us last fall. Bieber has chosen as well, as tickets to his show sold Vader. The street, formerly known as Bratthöfði, Iceland? There might still be a Iceland to open up the European out immediately after ticket sales does not have any residential houses, although we few tickets left at tix.is—they’re leg of his Purpose World Tour in were opened. The demands after won’t be surprised if Icelandic Star Wars fans will probably the last Bieber tickets September 2016, exactly one year tickets far exceeded the supply try Jedi mind tricking the city council into changing available in the whole of Europe as after he shot the music video for so a second concert was added that. The name change suggestion came through all his shows have now sold out. his song “I’ll show you” at various which is now almost sold out. betrireykjavik.is, a website where residents of Reykjavik can make suggestions for improving the city. This is not the first time a street is named after a fictional character. Many streets in Reykjavik are Are you ready for Secret named after characters from the Icelandic sagas. Guðrúnargata (Guðrún’s Street) is named after Solstice 2016? Guðrún Ósvífursdóttir, who in her story Laxdæla Saga, was the love interest of both Kjartan and Bolli, two men who fought to death for her love. It’s only fitting that her street lies between the two, Bollagata (Bollis’s Street) and Kjartansgata (Kjartan’s Street).

The lineup for this year’s Secret Solstice Festival is massive! Artists performing this year include Radiohead, Of Monsters and Men, Deftones, Jamie Jones and a whopping 130 other. The festival will be held in Reykjavik on June 17–19, 2016. Want to know more? Turn to pages 18-22 for a recap of 2015’s festival and more information on Secret Solstice 2016. Thermal pool parties and partying in the midnight sun? Count us in! Naked guy in a Jagger, box anyone? A student of the Icelandic Arts Scorsese and Kaleo! Academy performed an interesting When living legends like Martin Scorsese and act as his final assignment at school. Mick Jagger contact you for a song you wrote, The student, Almar Atlason, decided it’s safe to say you’ve got it made! The duo are to live in a box for a week. The executive producers to a new TV series called interesting part of his act? He did it Vinyl which premiers on HBO in February. while completely naked and the whole Icelandic rock band Kaleo has their song “No thing was broadcast live on YouTube. Good” featured in the series as well as the The Icelandic press had a field day series trailer. Vinyl is set in the 1970’s music and kept us pretty much updated the business where sex, drugs and rock’n’roll are whole time. Like during his bowel the norms. The series stars Bobby Cannavale, movements or when he had other Ray Romano and Olivia Wilde to name a few. human needs. Let’s leave it at that. Just Google it.

100 WOW Power to the people This and that … mostly this

Skyr available in the UK Those who have visited Iceland undoubtedly have tasted skyr, yogurt’s bodybuilding brother, in all its creamy glory. Now, Icelandic dairy company Iceland meets Bollywood MS is starting their launch of skyr in the UK. It seems like there has been some First Bieber, now Bollywood! Indian actors and super­­ and Sólheimasandur.­­ The music video is a part of the confusion in the UK lately about skyr but stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol visited Iceland last movie Dilwale. Shah Rukh Khan is one of the highest paid you can all breathe easy now, the real summer­­ to shoot a music video for their song “Gerua.” actors in Bollywood and is often referred to as “The King Icelandic skyr is coming, available at the Among shooting locations were the beautiful Skógafoss of Bollywood.” Waitrose supermarket!

“Great first meal in Reykjavik” “Amazing food, excellent staff” “Best restaurant in Iceland”

Scandinavian cuisine Enjoy a four course Icelandic set menu in one of Reykjaviks oldest buildings Hönnun: Marknet ehf. Hönnun:

Lækjarbrekka restaurant - Bankastraeti 2, 101 Reykjavik - Tel: (+354) 551 4430 - www.laekjarbrekka.is - [email protected]

Issue one 101 This and that … mostly this

30 years of Eurovision

2016 marks the 30th anniversary of Iceland’s first try at winning the Eurovision Song Contest. Back in 1986, Icelanders were pretty sure they’d win the famed song contest with their song “Gleðibankinn” (Bank of Joy). Unfortunately, for the national ego, we wound up in 16th place. Not bad for a first timer, eh? In honor of our ridiculous optimism, and the 30 years we’ve kept on trying, some of Eurovision’s most memorable performers will celebrate our persistence at the preliminary show in Laugardalshöll where Icelanders will choose their candidate for Eurovision 2016. Names include Loreen from Sweden, Icelandic music nominated who will sing her winning song from 2012 “Euphoria,” and Sandra Kim from Belgium who, in 1986, at 13 years old, was the youngest person to ever to win Eurovision. for awards Eurovision will gain extra hip points by adding some of the cool cats in the Icelandic music scene. Guys like Unnsteinn Manuel and Logi Pedro of Retro Stefson, newcomer Icelandic music is the gift that for a Grammy Award for his score Sturla Atlas and the awesome Högni Egilsson of Hjaltalín are scheduled to perform. The keeps on giving and we wouldn’t in The Theory of Everything. He whole shebang will take place on the 20th of February at Laugardalshöll in Reykjavik. mind giving it awards if we had won the Golden Globe for that the chance! Luckily we’re not the score and was nominated for an only ones who feel that way as Oscar. He’s now been nominated Björk has been nominated for a for a BAFTA Award and an Oscar Grammy for her album Vulnicura Award for his score in Sicario, N E W A W A R D in the category Best Alternative starring Josh Brolin. Also up for a B E S T T H A I F O O D 2 0 1 5 Music Album. This is Björk’s 14th Grammy Award are our beloved Of

------nomination no less, so hopefully Monsters and Men for their deluxe she will finally win this year! Jóhann box set of “Beneath the Skin.” Let’s “ Jóhannsson is also nominated hope they all win!

All hail the Norse god Þór!

R E S T A U R A N T BanThaiw w w . b a n t h a i . i s

If you’re visiting Iceland in mid-January through February, chances are you’ll witness what we Icelanders call “Þorrablót.” Þorri is the name of the personification of winter in Norse mythology and is the

old name of the fourth month of winter, from mid-January to mid-

------February. Since pre-Christian times Icelanders have celebrated the

month of Þorri with its mid-winter feast Þorrablót, honoring Þór the

L a u g a v e g u r 1 3 0 v i ð H l e m m Norse god of thunder. At these feasts, Icelanders stick to their age-old

“ T E L : 5 5 2 2 4 4 4 , 6 9 2 - 0 5 6 4 ------menu of sour ram testicles, singed and boiled sheep heads and fresh or pickled sviðasulta, a delicious meat jelly made from a lamb’s head. m a n y f o u s p e l r g h A L S O B E S T 2 0 0 9, 2 0 1 0, 2 0 1 1, 2 0 1 2, 2 0 1 3, A N D 2 0 1 4 2 0 1 3, 2 0 1 2, 2 0 1 1, 2 0 1 0, T 2 0 9, A L S O B E Drinks served with this combination of food need a serious a volume of alcohol which is provided by the Icelandic Brennivín, typically served cold in a shot glass. Eat, drink and be merry at Þorrablót, only a few more months of winter left, hurray!

102 WOW Power to the people This and that … mostly this

Hasta la vista, baby! Daily tours The Icelandic phonebook will soon be history! 2016 will mark the last year the phonebook all year round will be printed, ending its 111 year publication. Icelanders, and everyone else will still be able to find addresses and phone numbers as before, on the web page ja.is, the online phonebook. Some might say this is the end of an era while others say that this is a good choice for the environment. We say it looks like everyone’s about to get more calls from their grandfather who can’t remember the number for the post office. Use your old phonebook grandpa, their number hasn’t changed since last year! Photo: iStockphotos.com / VukasS

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Sigurður Sigurjónsson and Theodór Júlíusson, the actors who play brothers in the multi- award-winning Icelandic film Rams, recently won an award as best actors in a foreign film at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Rams has swept up awards at every film festival, the Un Certain Regard Award at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and the Golden Eye, the main prize as Best International Feature Film at the International Film Festival in Zurich last October. Go Rams!

TV Series based on true events

Syco Entertainment, Simon Cowell’s Production Company, has bought the rights to the book Höll Minninganna by Icelandic author and executive vice president at Time Warner, Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson. Cowell intends to make a TV series based on the book, which tells the story of an Icelandic man who disappears from his family one night shortly after World War II. The man moves to New York City and becomes a butler at a wealthy man’s household. The book The Coldest City starring is inspired by true events! Jóhannes Haukur Elska Magazine in Iceland Icelandic actor Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson is set to star in the movie The Elska Magazine is a bi-mon­ Coldest City alongside Charlize Theron thly male photography, culture and James McAvoy. The movie is not set in and travel print publication. Iceland despite its title but Berlin and tells Each issue is shot in a differ­ the story of undercover spies in the cold ent city, showcasing only war and the wake of the collapse of the local men and accompanying Berlin Wall. Jóhannes Haukur is not the only their pictorial spreads with Tel. (+354) 580 9900 Icelander involved in the film as Elísabet a personal story written by [email protected] Ronaldsdóttir is set to edit it. Jóhannes each. Issue three of Elska Haukur also stars in at least two episodes in Magazine was shot in Reykjavík depicting Ice­ www.mountaineers.is season six of Game of Thrones so it looks landic nature as well as the Icelandic men in their like he’s going places! home surroundings. Your Ticket to Adventure

Issue one 103 Hey What’s going on over here? look! Quite a lot actually, and if you know where to go you can live each night in Iceland like there’s a full blown festival going on.

WHAT: Himbrimi Concert WHEN: February 12 WHERE: Tjarnarbíó Cinema, Reykjavik

Himbrimi celebrates the release of their debut album, Himbrimi, with a concert at Tjarnarbíó in Reykjavik. Accompanying them on stage is a string orchestra and backup vocals. The album was funded on Karolina Fund and was released last November both on CD and vinyl. The band was nominated last year for numerous awards in Iceland, including best WHAT: Kvika – dance theater new band and Margrét as best singer. WHEN: March 3, 5, 12, 13 and 15 Songs you can expect to hear: “Give me WHERE: Þjóðleikhúsið – National Theater of more,” “Highway,” and “Tearing,” all of which have entered the charts at the Iceland, Reykjavik biggest radio stations in Iceland. Band members are Margrét Rúnars­­ Kvika by choreographer Katrín Gunnarsdóttir is a dóttir; vocals and piano, Birkir Rafn group performance. The piece focuses on the physical Gíslason; guitar, Hálfdán Árnason; presence and the energy taking place between bass, Egill Örn Rafnsson; drums and performer and audience. Dance has its own language Skúli Arason; synthesizers. and this is a great way to experience Iceland‘s culture without any language barriers. Tickets are available at midi.is Tickets are available at midi.is.

WHAT: Skonrokk WHEN: March 18 and 19 WHERE: Austurbær, Reykjavik and Hof, Akureyri

Glam metal lovers unite! An 80’s rock WHAT: Reykjavik Bar Summit WHAT: Jimmy Carr – Funny Business concert extravaganza will take place WHEN: February 29 – March 3 WHEN: March 4 and March 6 both in Reykjavik and in the capital WHERE: Downtown Reykjavik WHERE: Harpa Concert Hall, of North Iceland, Akureyri at the Hof Reykjavik and Hof, Akureyri Concert Hall. Icelandic rock legends The Reykjavik Bar Summit is an annual event where perform classics from all your favorite bartenders from around the world compete in preparing Jimmy Carr is back in Iceland with his brand new bands of this hairspray infested drinks, creativity and more. The bar community decade. The songs of Kiss, Queen, AC/ comedy show “Funny Business.” Two shows are celebrates a mutual love of cocktails with parties and scheduled, one in Akureyri and one in Reykjavik. DC, Metallica and so many more will scheduled events around Reykjavik. come alive on stage during this not to Guests are advised to leave their sense of decency be missed concert. at home. For more information go to: www.reykjavikbarsummit.com Book your tickets at midi.is Tickets are available at tix.is Tickets are available at tix.is

104 WOW Power to the people by Fjóla Helgadóttir Photos: From respective events

WHAT: The Volcano House Exhibition WHEN: From 10 am – 9 pm every day of the week WHERE: Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavik

The Volcano House is a good place to visit to learn about the geology of Iceland both via their exhibition and hourly screenings of two documentaries that tell the stories of the most famous eruptions in Iceland. The Emmy-nominated documentary Eyjafjallajökull from 2011 focuses on the eruption in Eyjafjallajökull which interfered with air traffic in all of Europe in 2010. The second documentary tells the story of the eruption in Westman Island in 1973. The exhibition in the Volcano House is a geological one where WHAT: Yoga Moves you can hold lava from the 2014 eruption in Bárðarbunga WHEN: February 11 and ash from the eruption in Eyjafjallajökull. The WHERE: Gamla Bíó, Reykjavik exhibition includes samples of numerous minerals such as lava, pumice and semiprecious stones and Yoga Moves celebrates their two-year anniversary by throwing a powerful yoga, dance and medi­­ breathtaking photographs of past eruptions. tation party. Yoga Moves was created by Tómas Oddur Eiríksson of the Dansverkstæði in Reykjavik. Show times of documentaries in English are every hour People get together in a melt of dance, yoga and meditation accompanied with live music, a on the hour. vari­­ety of deep-house/ disco/ tech. Comfortable clothes are recommended and yoga mats will be available. For more information go to: www.volcanohouse.is Book your ticket at midi.is taste the best of iceland ...... in one amazing meal icelandic gourmet feast

Starts with a shot of the infamous Icelandic spirit Brennívín Followed by seven delicious tapas

Smoked puffin with blueberry “brennivín” sauce Icelandic sea-trout with peppers-salsa Lobster tails baked in garlic Pan-fried line caught blue ling with lobster-sauce Grilled Icelandic lamb Samfaina Minke Whale with cranberry & malt-sauce

late night dining White chocolate "Skyr" mousse with passion Our kitchen is open fruit coulis until 23:30 on weekdays and 01:00 on weekends 7.590 kr. RESTAURANT- BAR Vesturgötu 3B | 101 Reykjavík | Tel. 551 2344 | www.tapas.is

Issue one 105 What’s going on over here?

WHAT: Völuspá Symphony WHEN: February 14 WHERE: Hof, Akureyri Based on the poems of Völuspá, Prophecy of the Völva, this symphonic work, composed by Þorvaldur Bjarni Þorvaldsson, is a collaboration of a symphony orchestra, a choir and a female lead singer as the prophetess or Völva. Völuspá tells the history of the world, from the beginning of time until the end of the world at Ragnarök. Völuspá is one of the most important primary sources of Norse mythology.

Tickets are available at tix.is

WHAT: Eivor – concert WHEN: February 27 and 28 WHERE: Gamla Bíó, Reykjavík and Græni Hatturinn, Akureyri

The amazing singer from the Faroe Islands and adopted daughter of Iceland, Eivor, celebrates the release of her tenth album, Slör, with two concerts, one in Reykjavik and one in Akureyri. Songs on the album are sung in Faroese and the album has been very well received.

Limited tickets available at tix.is

WHAT: Stand-up comedy - How to become Icelandic in 60 minutes WHEN: Various dates all year round WHAT: Chris Cornell WHERE: Harpa Concert WHEN: March 23 Hall, Reykjavik WHERE: Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik

In one hour, Bjarni Haukur Chris Cornell starts his “Higher Truth” European tour right here in Þórsson promises to teach Iceland in March in follow up of his recent successful US tour. The his audience how to become concert is unplugged where Cornell plays songs from his career back Icelandic. From tix.is: “The to Soundgarden and Audioslave, including songs from his new album, show is much more than a Higher Truth. One of the pioneers of the “grunge” era in the 90’s, Cornell stand-up comedy routine, it is has received numerous Grammy awards and nominations, including a hilarious blend of incisive and visual observation of the Icelandic human condition, a Golden Globe nomination for his song “The Keeper” from the film their attitudes, struggles and everyday life. You will laugh and learn, and at the end Machine Gun Preacher (2011). of the show leave the theater feeling 100% Icelandic.” Tickets are available at tix.is Tickets are available at tix.is

106 WOW Power to the people Hey look!

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WHAT: Iceland Symphony Orchestra – Open rehearsals WHEN: Thursday mornings, February - June WHERE: Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik WO W! The Iceland Symphony Orchestra has an open rehearsal each Thursday morning from February to June. Bear in mind that the We’re so social rehearsal is a working rehearsal and as such the program might not Active on social media? So are we and we love sharing be played in its entirety. great photos, travel tips, good deals and other fun things on our many social media outlets as well as to our Tickets are available at tix.is WOW Club members.

Face to face Find WOW air on Facebook – facebook.com/wowiceland – hit that “like” button and add us to your favorites. Then help us share the WOW. We promise not to fill up your newsfeed with boring stuff or click-tag games. Perhaps just a cute kitten video once a year.

Instant karma We’re on Instagram too but we only use it to share good photos and we never Instagram our coffee; that’s a promise … unless it’s really, really good coffee. Follow @wowair on Instagram for great travel inspiration or just to see beautiful places. Let us see the best of your travel photos by adding #wowair to you photos.

Tweet it We love tweeting @wow_air. It’s so much more of a challenge to have to put out the message in 140 characters or less, right? WOW air also has a special twitter page for queries and comments @wowairsupport where our social media team is ready to give feedback during local business hours.

WHAT: Tectonics Music Festival Oh snap! Add wow-air to your list of snappy friends and watch videos and WHEN: April 16-17 photos from our destinations created—for your eyes only. WHERE: Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik Join the club Tectonics is presented by Iceland Symphony Orchestra at WOW air has a special club for cool people and you’re invited. Club Harpa Concert Hall, curated by Ilan Volkov. The fifth edition of members receive regular club emails and will always be the first Tectonics Reykjavík Festival will take place in Reykjavik as well to know when we put out our awesome deals on flights. Sign up at as in other parts of the world including Adelaide Festival with wowair.com/wowairclub and join our posse. v Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Glasgow with BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and with Only Connect Festival. Numerous artists are scheduled this year including Robyn Schulkowsky, Alvin Curran, Stephen O’Malley, Jon Rose and Joel Stern, as well as performances by experimental duos Part Wild Horses Mane On Both Sides and Usurper. The Iceland Symphony Orchestra premieres works by Áki Ásgeirsson, Magnús Pálsson, Kristín Þóra Haraldsdóttir, Hlynur Aðils Vilmarsson and Úlfur Hansson.

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Issue one 107 What’s going on over here?

The movie lover’s paradise It’s good to find something indoorsy to do in Iceland in February and March, and Bíó Paradís is here for just that, and more. Bíó Paradís is a nonprofit organization run by Iceland’s professional filmmaking guilds. Located in the heart of downtown Reykjavík, at Hverfisgata 54, it is also Iceland’s first and only art-house cinema, screening the latest art house releases from all around the world, as well as cult films and Icelandic films. The theater provides a warm, cozy environment for film PROBABLY THE lovers of all kinds—both in its three-screen theater and its well-stocked bar. WORLD’S SMALLEST WATCH MANUFACTURER

Cemetery of Splendour by Apichatpong Weerasethakul tells the story of Jenjira, a volunteer at a small clinic that cares for soldiers suffering from a mysterious sleeping illness. The film creates an enchanted world where the present coexists with the past, dreams are real, and magic emerges from the mundane.

Hey The Assassin by Hou Hsiao-Hsien is a What: Stockfish Film Festival grandiose martial-arts epic about the look! When: February 18-28 mysterious Yinniang who works as an Where: Bíó Paradís assassin in ninth century China, sent to kill a powerful lord who was once her betrothed. Stockfish Film Festival takes place Febru­ ary 18-28 at Bíó Paradís. It aims to create Two Icelandic films will also be shown at a platform in Reykjavík to encourage Stockfish this year; The Show ofShows by collaboration between domestic and Benedikt Erlingsson (director of Of Horses international film communities. It appeals and Men) where Sigur Rós members team to both people in the film industry and up with Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson to score a those who are interested in the well-being documentary on the history of vaudeville, of international filmmaking. The festival will circuses and carnivals and End of Summer screen some of the most up-and-coming by Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson, art house films in the world and invite an experimental film, that takes you on a international filmmakers to discuss the hypnotic and slow-burning journey through state of filmmaking, the film industry and the austere landscapes of the island of South community. Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Among films this year isSon of Saul by Lásló Nemes. Saul is a Hungarian Jewish prisoner in the Nazi concentration camps. As a rebellion rises Saul decides to carry out the impossible task of giving a boy, whom he has taken as a son, a proper burial.

Our Master Watchmaker What: German Film Days never loses his concentration When: March 10-20 Where: Bíó Paradís With his legendary concentration and 45 years of

Coming up in March at Bíó Paradís are The experience our Master Watchmaker and renowned German Film Days. German cinemaphiles craftsman, Gilbert O. Gudjonsson, inspects every single The Look of Silence by Joshua Oppenheimer and others can enjoy current German timepiece before it leaves our workshop. What: Black Sunday is a follow-up to The Act of Killing, one of the Cinema, films that are programmed with When: Every Sunday at 8 pm most powerful documentaries of the 21st high quality in mind. The German Film Where: Bíó Paradís century. This time, the director focuses on the Days are organized in cooperation with All the watches are designed and assembled by hand in victim’s perspective. the Goethe-Institut Dänemark and the Every Sunday is Black Sunday at Bíó Paradís where a German Embassy in Reykjavík. Iceland. Only highest quality movements and materials are special team of experts program old cult classic films that Victoria by Sebastian Shipper is a thrilling used to produce the watches and every single detail has been are shown in Bíó Paradís. The films are curated by Hugleikur heist-movie about Victoria who is entangled in a web of crime and hunted by the police. The given the time needed for perfection. Dagsson the famous cartoonist/comedian, Sjón, renowned Check out the Bíó Paradís Screening Schedule at: author and Sigurjón Kjartansson, one of Iceland’s best- film is shot in one single take which earned www.bioparadis.is known screenwriter / comedian / musicians. Black Sunday’s it the Berlinale Silver Bear for Outstanding Facebook: facebook.com/bioparadis Instagram and Twitter: @bioparadis weekly screenings are, of course, on Sundays at 8 pm. Artistic Contribution.

108 WOW Power to the people www.jswatch.com PROBABLY THE WORLD’S SMALLEST WATCH MANUFACTURER

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

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

www.jswatch.com Issue one 109 Libra Aries 23 September - 23 October 21 March - 19 April A coworker steals your packed lunch You have been sticking to your new year’s and you lose your mind. The stars are resolution but it’s really not working out for all about proper office etiquette and you and pretty soon it will make you wildly stealing someone’s lunch ranks pretty unpopular among both your friends and co- high on the list of What NOT to Do, but workers. Who makes the resolution to quit slashing his tires … was that really using soap anyway? necessary?

Scorpio Taurus 24 October - 21 November 20 April - 20 May Stay away from spicy food offered by Those weird presents you gave to your family questionable food vendors. We’re not for Christmas are coming back to haunt you. kidding! Oh, and don’t eat yellow Pretty soon it will be your birthday and they’ll snow either! want to get back at you. Don’t say the stars didn’t warn you.

Sagittarius 22 November - 21 December Gemini You’re very earthbound these days 21 May - 21 June (unless you’re on an airplane right now) It’s flu season and because you’re Gemini it but this resolution of yours, to get more will hit you double. Luckily you’ll get those connected to Mother Earth by walking two-for-one offers at the pharmacy. barefoot all the time will prove to be Get well soon. problematic. Those delicate feet weren’t made to brave the winter cold.

Cancer 22 June - 22 July Capricorn Despite your intentions to face your biggest 22 December - 19 January fear this year, that green stuff growing inside Because it’s January and you’re a your refrigerator is still there and now has its Capricorn you’ve been making lists and own Facebook page and Instagram account. plans for the year. The stars are laughing Get your act together or it will soon take over but please carry on; it’s such great your lease and kick you out of the apartment. source of entertainment for us.

Leo Aquarius 23 July - 22 August 20 January - 18 February Well, look at you all happy and smug. Think You’ll get lucky this year but please you’re king of the world don’t you? We’re onto refrain from putting an “unexpected” you and we know you sent those valentine lottery win on your financial plan for the hearts and flowers to yourself. The stars see year 2016. It’s not that kind of luck. an actual love interest in your near future, no need to be desperate.

Pisces 19 February - 20 March Virgo The future is stressing you out and your 23 August - 22 September tendency to paint everything in the You’ve taken up meditation and realize that blackest of colors is really holding you you do actually have an inner voice. The stars back. But don’t you worry. It’s gonna want to warn you about taking it too seriously. be alright. It’s going tell you all kinds of weird things like not to worry about the future, live in the now

and crazy stuff like that. You don’t need that Disclaimer: This horoscope is total and utter nonsence. Any accuracies, real or kind of negativity in your life. imagined by readers, are purely incidental.

110 WOW Power to the people Issue one 111 Really, really bored? Here are a few WOW Sudoku sudokus to make time fly. But how do I do it? The object is to insert the numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition: Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 exactly once. What could be simpler?

112 WOW Power to the people Issue one 113 The Traveling Inquisition The Icelandic wizard at IKEA Sigríður Heimisdóttir, also known as Sigga Heimis, is an Icelandic industrial designer who studied in Milano. She once worked for Fritz Hansen as a design manager, she runs her own company/studio in Iceland and for the past two years, she has worked as a range manager at the headquarters of IKEA in Sweden. She lives both in Iceland and Sweden and travels every week between the two countries. When asked to choose one favorite place in Iceland she chooses three: Yes three; as you may know, Iceland is a country full of magical places. It’s like a box of chocolates with plenty of choices. Bon appétit.

by Svava Jónsdóttir Photos: From private collection

“I studied industrial design in Milan, Italy. I actually “I divide my time be­­tween Iceland adore Italy and I lived there for five years. Italians have and Sweden as I such an important place in the history of design and work as a range it felt natural to study there. I really appreciated that manager at the and apart from Italian design, I thoroughly enjoyed the head­­quart­­ers of Italian culture and the people I got to know there. In IKEA in a little the future, I plan to get a permanent place in Italy so I town in the south can spend more time there with my family.” of Sweden named Sigga says her life today is pretty hectic. “I divide Älmhult.” my time be­­tween Iceland and Sweden as I work as a range manager at the head­­quart­­ers of IKEA in a little town in the south of Sweden named Älmhult. My work is to supervise the development of cooking, eating and decoration which includes a huge number of articles from IKEA. It is a big job but incredibly interesting as I can have an impact on how things will develop in the world within people’s homes. And IKEA is a company that I really enjoy working for as I share many of the companies values and ambitions.”

Three kids, a boyfriend and a dog Even though Sigga divides her time between Iceland and Sweden, her home is in Iceland where she lives with her three children. Anna Lovisa is twelve, Baltasar is ten and Heimir is nine. “I also have a boyfriend, Daddi, and a dog, Tinna, so you see there is a lot to come home to. Therefore, I fly a few times a week for this to all work out. It might seem tiring but for me it’s normal and I really don’t mind, however I do choose to fly as easy and convenient as possible.” Sigga also travels a lot for pleasure. “Milan, Lyon and Barcelona are only a few of the destinations that I have been to and I can warmly recommend all of them.”

Three magical places Yes, Sigga loves to travel, whether it’s for business or pleasure. “I have a true passion for working with young design talents and I have been involved with design schools all over the world. I will do more of that for IKEA in the coming years, and I truly look forward to it. I have worked with schools all over; from Moscow to Tokyo to Mexico City. Observing what students in the field are doing is hugely rewarding. It gives a great picture of what to expect in the future and how this field will evolve. The changes coming are dramatic.” Then there’s Iceland, the country where the fire plays with the ice and the darkness plays with the light. “I try to travel as much as I can in my own country. I used to work as a guide years ago as there was a big need for people that could speak Italian. I really loved getting on the bus, riding around my beautiful country and introducing it to our guests.” What is Sigga’s favorite place in Iceland? “Choosing one favorite place is hard to do. Iceland has so many sides and variations. It’s like choosing a favorite color. For me, to pick out one is impossible. However, I want to mention the Westman Islands, a place that is high on the list of my many favorites. Another one is Þórsmörk; wandering in that place is like walking through a painting. It is incredibly beauti­ful. Then I want to mention the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. There are some amazing, magical places there that you don’t want to miss. All these places are quite accessible and easy for tourists to get to. v

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www.cintamani.is | Bankastræti 7 | Austurhraun 3 | Smáralind | Kringlan 116 WOW Power to the people – Visit our stores: Skólavörðustígur 7 & 16, 101 Reykjavík, Akureyri and Geysir, Haukadal. geysir.com –