Issu e 43 • 2020 ICELANDIC TIMESICELANDIC ISSUE 43 - 2020 WWW.ICELANDICTIMES.COM

7th Arctic Circle Assembly The Power of Geothermal Energy Unique and Healthy Bathing Pools Experience Spectacular Iceland Art and Craftsmanship in Action #1 of things to Do in húsavík 2017

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ext year, 2020, looks to be an exciting year, like 2019. We are also opening up to Icelandic firms, now publish in five languages: English, Chinese, German, which is evident in the sea food and NFrench and the Icelandic Land & saga as well as our Nordic geothermal industries. Times magazine. The publication stands out among magazines On the political front, we interviewed in Iceland, serving its nationals as well as over 2 million tourists UK’s Ambassador to Iceland, as Great visiting the country annually. Britain prepares to leave the EU China celebrated the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic and Iceland prepares a Free Trade in October 2019 and Icelandic Times dedicated its autumn edition Agreement with the UK. In 2013, Iceland to the Chinese people and the strong relationship between the signed a Free Trade Agreement with Book of tourism, culture and history two countries. China, the first European country to do There is a saying in China that if you can’t walk on the Moon, go so. It keeps close relations with Europe to Iceland and over 100,000 Chinese tourists did just that in 2019. through the European Economic Area with Chancellor Angela Chinese airlines will start scheduled flights to Iceland via Helsinki Merkel and President Hans Walter Steinmeier visiting the country. and Icelandic Times will be available to passengers on board and We interviewed Germany’s Ambassador on the close relationship the Nordic Times to passengers flying solely into Helsinki. We are between the countries. In 2019, Iceland welcomed Vice President expanding our network in China, with our own platform on WeChat Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of social media and working with AliPay, the world’s most popular Energy Rick Perry from the United States. Also this year, Iceland mobile phone payment solution with 900 million users, putting welcomed India’s President Ram Nayth Kovind. QR codes and AliPay codes in the magazines, opening up Iceland to Chinese tourists. AliPay handles more than 70% of Chinese Einar Th. Thorsteinsson payments through mobile phones. The massive Chinese markets Contents

The 7th Arctic Circle Assembly...... 6 The World’s Most Exclusive Watchmaker...... 42 WEST ICELAND Innovation is key to Arctic progress...... 9 The All-Icelandic Wool Shop...... 43 Krauma Geothermal Baths...... 70 Iceland's key to success...... 10 We Specialise In Your Adventure...... 44 Langjokull...... 72 Kerry's Arctic Prize and rousing speech...... 11 An Authentic Seafood Experience...... 46 WESTFJORDS The Icelandic geothermal model is changing China...... 12 Isortoq...... 48 Villimey...... 76 On Power: Hot in Iceland...... 16 A Taste of Thai...... 50 Iceland First European nation to sign...... 18 Reykjavík Excursions...... 52 NORTH ICELAND Keflavik Duty Free...... 20 Nepalese cuisine comes to Reykjavík...... 53 Akureyri Heart of the North...... 78 Reykjavík City Museum...... 22 Feel Iceland...... 54 Clifftop Bathing...... 80 Kjarvalstaðir Museum...... 24 The Joyful Wonderland...... 55 Soak in the Amazing Scenery...... 82 Ásmundasalur Museum...... 26 Special Tours...... 56 Hafnarhúsid Museum...... 28 Radisson Blu Saga Hotel...... 58 EAST ICELAND A Unique Bathing Experience...... 86 The Icelandic Phallological Museum...... 29 Urta Islandica...... 59 Master of Colour...... 30 Lysi...... 60 SOUTH ICELAND Catch the Aurora Borealis All Year Round...... 32 Anna Maria Design...... 61 Vestrahorn. A Beautiful Slice of Iceland...... 88 Solón Bistro...... 33 Fur Store and workshop...... 62 On Top of the world – Glacier Jeeps...... 90 Yeah Man, The Dude Abides...... 34 Dine at Elegant Bambus Chinese Restaurant...... 64 Kirkjubæjarklaustur’s Best Kept Secret...... 92 64° Reykjavík Distillery: Quality Crafted Spirits...... 36 Sóley Organics...... 66 Stracta Hotel Hella...... 94 The Fine Art of Knifemaking...... 38 A Taste of Iceland’s Wild & Sweet...... 95 A Little Bit of Icelandic Paradise...... 96 Leather Designer...... 39 REYKJANES The House that Disappeared...... 98 The Quiet Elegance of Hotel Holt...... 40 The Town of Grindavík...... 68 Refreshing Vík...... 99

Credits Icelandic language How to make use of QR codes

PUBLISHER SALES & MARKETING WRITERS Icelandic is one of the European root Anna Margrét Bjarnadóttir Andrew Scott Fortune languages, like Latin. There is no ‘c’ or [email protected] E. Marie Valgarðsson Kolbrún Kristín Ólafsdóttir Ming Ming Shi ‘z’ in modern Icelandic, except in foreign [email protected] Delphine Briois Hallur Hallsson Ingi Karlsson words. However, it still contains some Jenna Gotlieb NORDIC TIMES [email protected] Svava Jónsdóttir letters not found in most other languages. Ester Sigurðardóttir Vignir Andri Guðmundsson [email protected] This basic list provides a general idea of MANAGING EDITOR & GRAPHIC DESIGN GENERAL MANAGER WEBSITE Jacqueline Sanz their sounds, using familiar words rather Einar Th. Thorsteinsson Hari Aravind [email protected] than phonetics. FRONT COVER PHOTO ENGLISH EDITOR Friðþjófur Helgason Andrew Scott Fortune Character Pronunciation Use your QR code reader application on your smartphone or á Like ‘ow’ in ‘cow’ iPad to scan the QR codes. QR code reader applications can æ Like the personal pronoun ‘I’ be downloaded free for all makes of smartphones ð Like ‘th’ in ‘with’ þ Like ‘th’ in ‘thing’ Icelandic Times Síðumúla 29 • 108 Reykjavík The opinions expressed in Icelandic Times do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or their agents. Though the contents of this +354 578 2600 issue have been meticulously prepared, no warranty is made about the accuracy and completeness thereof. [email protected] icelandictimes.com Copyright © 2019 Nordic Times All rights reserved Printed in Sweden by V-TAP

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ArcticThe Largest International Circle Gathering Assembly on the Arctic

President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson opened Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson presents former US Secretary of State the 2019 Arctic Circle Assembly. John Kerry with the Arctic Circle Prize.

ormer President Ólafur Ragnar tried to map out the framework for such Iceland had put focus on green solutions, but it will become irreversible unless the impact that she had made with her certainly also caught our attention. The Grímsson opened the 7th Arctic co-operation. There is indeed an urgency people and communities of the Arctic we do something about it. The fact that powerful speech in New York. “I don’t offer to buy our country is alien to us. It Circle Assembly in front of a for an open, democratic, accountable and the marine environment. the Arctic is heating at twice the rate of know if there was a single person in this does not go in line with our culture. Our Fpacked house at the Harpa Reykjavik dialogue where everyone can participate. She said that latest scientific researches the global average should be alarming room who was not touched by the fiery people have been able to roam freely in Concert Hall and Conference Centre Where the young activist has the same clearly indicate that climate warming is to all of us. Many of us will live to see eyes of Greta Thunberg in New York. I our country without limitations. We do in the second week of October. The right to ask questions and present views even greater than forecast; with melting an ice-free Arctic… Everywhere around know I was. She looked into the cameras not have a tradition of purchasing land. Assembly has become the largest as prime ministers and distinguished of arctic ice and rising sea levels. The the world, young people have been and said that we had stolen her dreams Instead it is possible for the inhabitants international gathering on the Arctic leaders of business and science,” President ocean absorbs CO₂ and heat. With a two demonstrating for months. ... We should and her childhood and betrayed them. to lease land for houses. Land is and places former President Grímsson Grímsson said. The Assembly will next degrees centigrade warming, the Arctic listen carefully to the many groups of “How dare you”, she asked. I don’t. Do common property. When we heard of among the leading international be held in Berlin in spring 2020, Tokyo would become unrecognisable. “Iceland, young people who skip school to gather you?”, asked PM Rinni. the proposition of buying Greenland we statesmen of this century. The Assembly in autumn and discussions are ongoing like the rest of the Arctic is sensitive to outside our parliaments week after week, stood as one nation and responded as is closely followed in capitals around for Paris in spring 2021. changes,” she said and mentioned that, month after month. They demand action Greenland: Not for sale but open one: our country is not for sale, but we are the world. Indeed, President Trump when she met with Icelandic fishermen, from the politicians and the politicians for business open for business.” sent his Energy Secretary, Rick Perry, No place for political wrestling climate change was their main concern. need to be aware that the solution to the Greenland’s Prime Minister, Kim Nielsen, to Reykjavík and John Kerry, former Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the Prime Minister They followed the political debate and crisis needs to be just. We need to be opened with the statement that his is the Three airports and a harbour Secretary of State, received the Arctic of Iceland, said that the Assembly had demanded answers from politicians. mindful of the fact that wealthy countries world’s biggest island; 2 million square PM Nielsen said that three airports Circle Assembly Prize. Both addressed become a vital forum on the state of the Acidification of the ocean and melting of have contributed most to climate change kilometres, 20 times the size of Iceland; were being built in Greenland and an the Assembly with powerful speeches, Arctic. “Iceland has consistently called glaciers were also concerns. This summer but tend to be most immune to its effects. 52 times the size of Denmark and the international harbour had been built in though exposing the divide that is now for a peaceful and co-operative regime in the Prime Minister, along with Mary One hundred companies are supposed Faroe Islands could be placed in one Nuuk, the capital. A century ago mail evident in American politics. the Arctic. Increased regional tensions in Robinson, former PM of Ireland, went to be the source of more than 70% of of Greenland’s many fjords. However, had been distributed with kayaks but now “We are deeply grateful to you and the region are a deplorable development to the Ok glacier that had completely greenhouse gas emissions since the late Canada is five times the size of his country. mail travels by the speed of light with others that, through your participation, and highlight the fact that there is no disappeared. Instead of the small glacier 1980s. Furthermore, as recently revealed, There were some 74 communities and the the internet. Climate change affected we have been able to maintain the specific Arctic forum to deal with hard of 1900, there was now a crater lake. 20 fossil fuel companies can be directly coastal line is 44 thousand kilometres. people’s lives and wildlife: it is becoming momentum of our growth. It is indeed a security or territorial disputes or the Though a beautiful sight, this crater lake linked one third of greenhouse emissions,” Greenland receives financial aid from increasingly more difficult to predict reflection of how the Arctic has evolved exploitation of natural resources. It is our cast a shadow over what had been before. Prime Minister Jakobsdóttir said. Denmark. “Our country is centrally animal and marine movement. Plastic from a largely unknown area of the world collective responsibility to ensure peace located between the two superpowers”, is to be found in fish, whales, mammals to the new geopolitical playing field, and stability in the North Atlantic and Arctic heating is twice the global The Arctic: A priority in Finland Kim Nielsen said and mentioned President and birds. “It is the responsibility of us all where all the major countries of the world the Arctic and prevent the area falling average Finland’s Prime Minister, Antti Rinni, Donald Trump’s comments on the US to take care of the environment wherever are now seeking positions and strengths. prey to misguided political wrestling”, “Scientists cannot pinpoint at what point said that the Arctic is a priority in buying Greenland from Denmark. we live. We must keep in mind that we The eight Arctic states, through the Jakobsdóttir said. She mentioned Iceland’s the melting of the ice of Greenland or Finland as it is for the European Union. “The media frenzy that rose this summer have borrowed this planet from our Arctic Council have, in the last 20 years, chairmanship of the Arctic Council. West Antarctica becomes irreversible He mentioned Greta Thunberg and following an offer to buy our country descendants,” PM Nielsen said.

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1 2 A voyage of a crown princess and two crown princes Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria told the Assembly of a voyage she and her two uncles, Frederik and Haakon, crown princes of Denmark and Norway took aboard the icebreaker, Odin, to Svalbard in the year 2008; little more than a century after her father, King Oscar, had sponsored Fridtjof Nansen on a ship named Fram. “The three of us are not 3 4 Innovation is key only colleagues but we are also family,” Victoria said. They had spent four days at Svalbard and scientists had demonstrated to Arctic progress the climate changes to them. They had seen the effects of forests fires in Siberia 2,000 kilometres away; the rise in temperature and pollution. “Yes, the Arctic is a global issue demanding global US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry’s to become the driver of progress. The US action,” she said. message has an incredible story to tell of innovation. A year later they had gone with the US Secretary Rick Perry started his speech America is the second biggest producer of coast guard ship, Ejnar Mikkelsen, to by congratulating the Icelanders on their wind and solar energy. We are reviving 5 6 study climate change in Greenland and 75th Anniversary of Independence. In fact, our coal and oil industry and following the effects on the people. “I believe that the US was the first nation to recognize decades of independence or, should I the three of us were all well aware of Iceland’s Independence. Before him, Vice- say, dependence on volatile regions for the dangerous effects of climate change. President Mike Pence and Secretary of oil and gas, the US is now the world’s “What is true for the US is true for every However, seeing for myself and talking State Mike Pompeo had made visits to number one producer of both these energy free country in the Arctic region. I firmly directly with those affected was a very Iceland, demonstrating the shift in US resources. We are now an exporter of oil believe that, given the right policies, the strong emotion. It opened my eyes to the policy in the High North. Rick Perry said and gas, exporting to 36 countries in five innovative innovation of free peoples can complexity and also to its global nature, that he had visited the geothermal firm continents. By next year we will become a unleash unpresented progress. That is why seeing how melting ice affects animals HS Orka, from which the US could learn net oil exporter,” Perry said. I can’t wait to see what the future holds and peoples all over the world,” Crown much. In Alaska, Perry said, there were for the US and for the Arctic region,” said Princess Victoria said. endless opportunities and unprecedented Secretary Perry. 7 8 Greenhouse emissions dramatically climate research was being carried out. down The US had taken steps to open Alaska’s The secretary said that from 2005 to 2018, The North belongs to the Free 1 Scientific discussions of the Arctic at the Assembly. North Slope in a responsible way. There while energy production rose, US net Towards the end of his speech, Secretary 2 US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. were plenty of opportunities in the Arctic. greenhouse emissions fell dramatically, Perry talked about countries seeking to 3 Katrín Jakobsdóttir, PM of Iceland. “By any measure, the Arctic is brimming with the reduction especially strong in “dominate the Arctic from the outside”. He 4 Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, with economic opportunities and energy the power sector. Energy greenhouse was talking about China, no doubt. “I look foreign minister of Iceland. potential. One third of natural gas emissions fell by an even greater amount. to the future. I see us successfully resisting 5 There is growing concern for the welfare of the Arctic. resources are located in the Arctic. We are “Today we are leading the world in reducing those countries seeking to dominate the 6 Kim Kielsen, PM of Greenland. convinced they can be responsibly explored those emissions, proving that we can Arctic from the outside. Nations that 7 Antti Rinni, PM of Finland. and developed for the Arctic peoples and both grow the economy and protect the neither share our democratic values nor 8 The 7th Arctic Circle Assembly ultimately, the world,” Secretary Perry said. environment. And once again, innovation our record of environmental stewardship. was held in 2019. 9 10 9 Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden. More than 1.5 million people are is behind these astounding achievements. I see us unleashing energy and progress 10 Dmitry Artykhov, Governor, residing in over 1,500 communities in the Innovation allows us to reduce and lower to liberate nations from dependence on Yamalo-Nenets. Arctic. They depend on locally generated emission gas. Rather than driving out those same countries which would use power, largely micro grids. The challenge these forms of fuels, innovation allows their powers from the outside, their energy is to develop local knowledge and train us lower these emissions while growing,” in particular, as a geo-political weapon. I individuals so they can better serve their Perry said. see US geo energy liberate, not subjugate, communities. Perry said that one key The US sees the Arctic nations the world,” Secretary Perry said and principle is behind all US efforts. “We becoming leaders in computing. In 2020 pledged that the US would share its energy believe that the key to energy progress, the Arctic Super Computing Summit will with people all across the world and that to economic progress, to environmental be held in Iceland, making way for the tomorrow belongs to the North and the progress is to allow the power of innovation next super-computing revolution. future belongs to the free.

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Kerry’s Arctic Prize and rousing speech Former Secretary of State John Kerry is honoured in Reykjavík Iceland’sForeign minister Guðlaugur key Þór Þórðarson’s to success

address to the Assembly ohn Kerry accepted the Arctic Circle decade in human history, and the decade Assembly Prize from former Icelandic before that was the third hottest. celand chairs the Arctic Council this a consequence of hydro- and geothermal educated people to return and find jobs JPresident Grímsson and then gave a year under the leadership of foreign energy and sustainable fishing, Iceland’s in their old hometowns. In fact, some rousing speech on the climate issue. He That black carbon pollutant minister Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson. standard of living rocketed. are returning from the big metropoles of said the award was much appreciated as it And you would think that when people IIn his address to the Arctic Circle the continents. Another entrepreneur in comes from someone on the frontline of see this happening there would be the Assembly, foreign minister Þórðarson The smart Bio revolution a fishing town near Reykjavík produces the climate struggle. The former Icelandic urgency to come together in order to do said that Iceland emphasises four areas: “Some Icelandic companies have collagen from fish. Just to explain and president has been tireless in pointing what we said we would do in Paris and Arctic marine environment; green successfully managed to completely demonstrate, collagen is supposed to out the importance of the Arctic and before that in Rio [de Janeiro], where I was, environmental solutions; sustainable eliminate biomass waste from living make you keep young looking. And as you the need to respond. Kerry himself had and before that in Kyoto, where I was, and communities and finally a stronger marine catches. Only a few years ago can clearly see, I take it every morning. I been in Svalbard while acting Secretary all the negotiations we’ve had. The ability Council. “The drastic and undisputed this idea would have been thought would say that these examples represent of State and the scientists had urged him of future generations to be able to live and warming changes of the Arctic climate revolutionary but today is only considered sustainability at its best in Iceland and to go to Antarctica to see for himself prosper in the Arctic the way that people have direct effects on the monsoons in smart. Innovators and researchers in lay the foundations for a thriving sector what is happening and the effects of have for thousands of years is in jeopardy Asia, the opening up of shipping routes a small town in north of Iceland make and society. Using every gramme of a climate change. He had flown out the day as we gather here. Now over the last three against black carbon. It’s not just the air in the Arctic to world trade and regions a product out of shrimp shells that cod or a shrimp, in a way, represents a Donald Trump was elected President and decades, both the increase in temperature that is under assault, it’s the water and the and states where shipping is an important prevents inflammation in the body. This ‘back to basics’ way of thinking, as well did not feel like returning but decided to and corresponding decrease in ice observed oceans that are under attack, too. industry,” the minister said. process started more than 20 years ago as being a very modern way of thinking. return to fight another day. in the Arctic are at an unpresented level at when a TV journalist filmed polluted It says that wastefulness is unacceptable. Twenty scientists had explained to least in the 1500 years we are capable of Why we are not winning Search and Rescue waste under a fishing factory that The sustainable use of natural resources him that Antarctica was ground zero of measuring,” Mr Kerry said. We have taken some strides. Every one He stated that search and rescue activities nobody made use of. Instead of scolding has transformed Iceland from one of the climate change. He had been shocked at Mr Kerry said that we are struggling of you is working on this. We are trying, in the Arctic and the North Atlantic the journalist for the negative piece of poorest countries in Europe into one of what he saw and heard. A New Zealand with black carbon emissions, a pollutant just not hard enough, frankly, and we Ocean were extremely challenging and news, the fishermen looked themselves the most affluent states in the World. scientist told him that Antarctica was the that is up to 2,000 more potent that are not getting the job done. We still that Iceland, along with other nations, is in the mirror. Today this product is And that in only one century,” foreign canary in the coalmine. Changes were carbon dioxide. Everybody knows that have a problem. Iceland understands this looking to establish a search and rescue sold overseas and has enabled highly minister Þórðarson said. more rapid in the Polar Regions and the dark surface that collects on the snow problem and has done something good cluster in Iceland. “The opening up of ahead was a threshold, beyond which and is visible to the naked eye, has covered about it. Too much money was chasing too The foreign minister, who chairs the the Arctic sea routes and the ensuing Arctic Council, answered questions there is no point of return. sea ice as well. It is dark, absorbs the few fish. We had the drift net ban at the growth in marine traffic demand that we on Iceland’s goals sunlight, retains the heat melts and forms UN but there are pirates on the high seas. increase cooperation within individual No insurance for Mother Earth a blanket over the ice. “And guess what”, They have small boats going from mother Arctic states in search and rescue “There is what is called the precautionary Mr Kerry said. “It doesn’t take a PhD to ships on the high seas and they go into capabilities. This is needed if we are to principle; we buy insurance for our homes, know that a combination of heat and ice fishing zones. We are not winning. Sorry be able to respond quickly and effectively we buy insurance for our cars, we buy fire produces melting. Pretty fundamental but to say this. But I am an optimist and I’ll to environmental and marine accidents,” insurance. We buy various insurances, we we have 130 climate deniers in the United share this with you. I‘ll tell you why we are the minister said. buy a life insurance. And given that the States Senate. And the President of the not winning. We are not winning when evidence is even more compelling, we United States tells people it is a Chinese overfishing is said to cause $83billion a The poor and brave should be buying insurance for Mother hoax. We have to face facts. Everybody year in lost revenues. There are over 500 He shared that, in only a century, Iceland Earth—but we are not. The Arctic is is entitled to his own opinion but you are Dead Zones where life simply cannot exist had come a long way. A century ago, brave warming faster today than any other region not entitled to your own facts. There is no because there is no oxygen. 51% of the Icelanders had made the decision to start on earth,” Mr. Kerry said. He continued: baseline of truth any more. There is no oxygen we breathe comes from the ocean. heating the households of Reykjavík “There are places where temperatures are referee for that truth. People can lie—and You want that equation to change? In 2050 using geothermal district heating. It was increasing at twice the global average they do—and, as Mark Twain once said, there will be definitely more plastic in the a tough decision to make as it was costly increase. It was above freezing in the “A lie can travel half way around the world ocean than there are fish. This is not a for a poor country that had just regained Arctic in February last year; we had the before the truth can even get its boots on”. future challenge. It is happening now,” Mr sovereignty after 650 years of foreign hottest July we’ve ever had in recorded But now, a lie can travel around the world Kerry said. rule. In the mid-seventies Iceland human history, we’ve had the hottest with the push of a button. And it does. If After his speech President Grímsson regained control of its fishing grounds single day in July in human measurable we want to know where the problem is, handed former Secretary of State John and after several years of learning, had history, and this July contributed to the we have to look in the mirror. Here we Kerry his award, warmly greeted by come up with the quota system for hottest year in human history, which is the are and we know what science tells us to the appreciative audience at the Harpa responsible and sustainable fishing. As hottest decade in human history and the do, yet we are still struggling with the Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference decade before that was the second hottest full framework implementation of action Centre.

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The prospects were grim but changes were coming. Churchill marvelled at the locals’ use of hot water which, he believed, was a sign for the future. He visited Reykjadal – Smokey Valley – to the East of the capital where they were drilling for hot water. It was only natural to tap into it. The locals use had been limited basically to swimming in warm water pools and the women washing their laundry in the warm water around the country. That had been about it. The start. Fu Chengyu and Haukur Harðarson sign the agreement attended by China‘s Premier As houses were heated with the hot water, Wen Jiabao, Iceland‘s PM Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir and present PM Katrín Jakobsdóttir Reykjavík became the cleanest capital of the World. Little did they know that their drilling would springboard Iceland to the The Icelandic top of the world of geothermal energy. It would take time but slowly and surely the tiny nation progressed, though the road geothermal model was quite bumpy at times. Industrialisation based on green is changing China energy There are two main methods of harnessing Arctic Green Energy’s joint venture with China’s Sinopec has become the geothermal energy. High temperature world’s largest and fastest growing geothermal district heating company Geothermal with over 150° Celsius has traditionally been harnessed to generate President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson visited Sinopcec Green Energy which is revolutionising China at a time of global warming electricity. The other method, the direct use of the geothermal water, is perhaps generated from geothermal sources is Medical studies have shown a higher by Hallur Hallsson, Icelandic Times even more important and has been used now responsible for over 35% of Iceland’s life expectancy materialising with the for everything from house heating, to primary energy generation, with the rest elimination of coal. Respiratory disease A Piece of History greenhouses, aquaculture and tourism. of the primary energy generated from cases dropped fast. On the economic In 1930 the people of Reykjavík – ‘Smokey In the late sixties – fifty years ago – hydroelectric. Iceland was, until recently, front, Iceland is now saving significant Bay’ – began to use hot water coming Iceland was in a deep economic crisis as the only country around the globe that amounts of foreign currency that would from the ground to heat their houses. The the herring had failed to migrate into generated 100% of its primary energy from have been required to replenish the coal tiny capital was given its name when the Icelandic waters from the Norwegian renewables. Now Costa Rica has become supplies needed previously every winter. first settlers saw the steam rising from Sea. Thousands of Icelanders migrated the 2nd country of this prestigious club. hot springs. Coal burning pollution had overseas, mostly to Sweden, but to Canada Arctic Green Energy’s partnership become a massive problem, so the locals and Australia as well. Iceland was in the Higher life expectancy with Sinopec were turning to the hot water to heat custody of the World Bank. However Since that time the geothermal district In 2006 Enex China – which became houses. Iceland was poor and isolated out ambitious industrialisation plans started heating systems of Iceland have Arctic Green Energy – was originally at the furthest point in the North Atlantic. Churchill visiting geothermal pools to transform the country as Iceland began reached over 95% of all heated areas established by Reykjavík municipality In the mid-thirties, Austurbæjarskóli, an in Iceland harnessing its powerful glacier waters and in the country. Geothermal is the only Power Company and partners. This elementary school in Reykjavík, became built its first aluminium smelter. renewable energy that does not require effort was a direct result of former the first building to be heated with In the late eighties construction began batteries of some sort and therefore the Chinese President Jiang Zemin visiting geothermal energy. on the high-enthalpy geothermal system only renewable suitable for heating and his Icelandic counterpart Ólafur Ragnar In August 1941 during World War at Hengill Mountain by the Thingvellir cooling cities, since there are no batteries Grímsson, who showed him the Icelandic II, Winston Churchill visited Iceland National Park. The plant combined that can handle such tasks. As Icelanders geothermal infrastructure. The mission of after meeting President Roosevelt to sign geothermal hot water for heating and soon discovered, geothermal has brought the new company was to export Iceland’s the Atlantic Treaty. During his visit to an electricity generating power plant for many benefits to the environment, public success and leadership in geothermal Iceland, Churchill put up the V-sign for Reykjavík. Nesjavellir geothermal power health and the economy. Older Icelanders energy. The company in China was still victory for the first time. At that point, the plant was in operation by 1990. Iceland had will still remember the smog that small when Sinopec – the world’s 3rd Nazis ruled Europe, bombing London and become the geothermal world leader and covered Reykjavík on still winter days largest company – acquired the Chinese English cities, while Japan ruled Asia and Winston Churchill living standards rocketed to the top five and the pollution that accompanied the partner in 2009 and Haukur Harðarson occupied China. with the abundance of energy. Electricity import and burning of coal to stay warm. acquired Enex China in 2011.

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the first geothermal company in China to apply large scale re-injection and owns some of the most valuable patents in the industry, including re-injection technology patents. SGE has close to 50 million square metres of heating capacity, serving more than 2,000,000 customers with 399 heat centres – all in just a few years. Sinopec Green Energy has proven that the most effective way of reducing air pollution and greenhouse emissions is to replace coal driven district heating systems with geothermal energy. Sinopec Green Energy is expanding to other branches of renewables in addition to geothermal. Geothermal will, however, as the only renewable available 24/7 and needing no battery storage, remain the backbone of such multiple renewable energy systems. Thus, Iceland’s expertise and leadership in geothermal and clean tech has been extremely beneficial to China. SGE leadership in China is not only in its market share (about 40%) but also in having shaped the industry. Its projects in Xiongan are now the official showcases for Haukur Harðarson and the President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson harnessing geothermal energy for district heating and geothermal exploration. Sinopec Green Energy was founded Shaanxi, Shanxi, Shandong and Tianjin The company was the first geothermal with the Chinese side holding 51% and the and is now working on Xiongan; China’s company globally to get carbon trading Icelandic side 49%. Milestone agreements first “smog free city” emerging as a global accreditation by the UN. It was the first for the rapid expansion of the partnership showcase of sustainability. to introduce large scale geothermal re- were signed in Reykjavík by the chairmen “President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson’s injection of used geothermal brine and is Icelandic Times met with Mr. Harðarson and the various electric appliances are of Sinopec Group and Arctic Green role in building the geothermal today owner of over 50 patents. The green at AGE offices in Reykjavík. “The Sinopec only responsible for under 20%. “It goes Energy. The signing was witnessed by relationship between Iceland and all of energy potential has really been a surprise Group and its subsidiaries are a brilliant without saying that it’s a huge challenge Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir Asia cannot be overstated,” says Haukur and the first officially recognised smog partner and our co-operation has been to reduce carbon energy heating in our and Katrín Jakobsdóttir who, in 2018, Harðarsson and continues. “As a head of free city in Xiongan New Area outside exemplary. The Icelandic know-how is homes. That however is the way forward became Prime Minister in Iceland, along state, he stood out among his peers as a Peking will be a benchmark for the future. brought to the mix with results that really and Iceland’s expertise has proven to be with Premier Wen Jiabao on the Chinese man of vison and passion, with a strong China is emulating Iceland’s miraculous have been astounding. We’ve proven the crucial,” Harðarson points out. side. President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson credible voice for environmental affairs, rise to good effect and is itself being concept. The geothermal solution, as one would visit Sinopec Green Energy in long before it became fashionable. He revolutionised by the Icelandic model. of the more important parts of the global Icelandic firms excluded China. Iceland’s leaders were keen to has carried this torch with him to his new green energy transition, is not only a viable Arctic Green Energy and partners have follow Sinopec Green Energy’s journey as role as the chairman of the Arctic Circle, The Icelander living in Saigon way to take down the pollution-spewing received project loans from the Asian they believed the country had something the global platform on Arctic Affairs. For The man behind Arctic Green Energy, chimneys but the most effective weapon Development Bank but, as Iceland is special to offer the world. us and our partners, the Arctic Circle Haukur Harðarson, and his family have in the global fight against air pollution and the only country within the OECD not Assembly has become our central and been living in Saigon, Vietnam since climate change.” being a member of the Bank, Icelandic Phenomenal success preferred platform when it comes to 1992 with intervals, this time since 2008. Mr. Harðarson points out that engineering companies can’t be involved in Sinopec Green Energy’s success in China signing milestone agreements or sharing Harðarson is educated as an architect. approximately half of all energy generation projects financed through the Bank. “This has been phenomenal; in fact, it has been with the renewable energy world our work One of his last projects in Iceland was the is for heating. Cities consume 70% of all is a strange situation and is keeping some revolutionising China just as geothermal in China and elsewhere on the Eurasian Stock Exchange building in Reykjavík. energy consumed and most of that is for of our partners, the brilliant Icelandic energy revolutionised Iceland. SGE has continent.” Arctic Green is based in Singapore and the purposes of heating. As an example, engineering companies, out of projects become the world’s largest geothermal is working on assignments in Vietnam, when the energy use of an average funded by the Bank. I strongly recommend company and has drilled over 520 wells China’s geothermal revolution Singapore, Kazakhstan and moving into home in the Northern hemisphere is to policy makers in Iceland that they resolve and started operations across 60 cities Sinopec Green Energy operations have Europe and Central Asia, working – as in studied, we find that over 80% is only this and thereby support the growth of this and counties in China; mostly in Hebei, reduced CO₂ emissions dramatically. It’s China – with local partners. for heating and hot water. The lights valuable export industry,” Harðarson says.

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ON POWER: celand sits on a hotbed of renewable geothermal energy that, in part, powers the island. Iceland is one of the top 10 countries in the Hot in Iceland world in terms of geothermal installed Geothermal energy is on display Icapacity, with approximately 20 percent of the country’s electricity coming from at an interactive exhibition geothermal energy. On a per capita basis, Iceland is the largest producer of at Hellisheði power plant geothermal energy. Travellers can learn about this fascinating energy source at the Hellisheiði power plant, which is just a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík. Visitors can opt to take an hour-long guided tour through the facility, learning about how Earth’s heat can be sustainably harnessed.

Important power source ON Power, which operates Hellisheiði, supplies half of Iceland with its electricity and half of the Reykjavík area with its heating. The process isn’t easy, but extremely worthwhile. Geothermal energy plants generate power by drilling holes about 2,000 metres deep into the Earth’s crust. They tap into groundwater that has met with bedrock that was heated by the Earth’s mantle. The water reaches a temperature of about 300°C, and the steam from the heated water powers turbines to generate heat and electricity.

Iceland’s unique location Geothermal energy is most productive at the meeting of the tectonic plates that make up the planet’s crust, which means that Iceland’s location is ideal as the island sits on the meeting place of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. infrastructure for electric vehicles and What Iceland lacks in terms of fossil fuels, charging stations. Carbon neutrality is is more than made up for in renewable a big focus, with ON Power executives geothermal energy. In Iceland today, believing that geothermal energy could about 90 percent of homes use geothermal be used for realistic and sustainable energy for heat, and Iceland is the only energy solutions. Just one example is their country in the world where 100 percent of CarbFix project where CO2 is converted its electricity comes from renewable energy. into minerals to prevent it from reaching the atmosphere. A focus on the environment Travellers are encouraged to visit the ON Power is not only focused on providing plant and learn about how Iceland, and Geothermal Exhibition heat and electricity to Iceland’s inhabitants. ON Power, are trying to take on the Tel: (+354) 591 2880 In fact, ON Power is committed to challenge of climate change through www.geothermalexhibition.com [email protected] eliminating vehicle emissions in Iceland renewable sources. Stop by Hellisheiði on www.onpower.is and the plant has been working on your next visit to Iceland. – JG

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FeelMake you look Iceland and feel your natural best

eel Iceland was founded by two Icelandic women who wanted to make people look and feel their Fnatural best in a sustainable way with pure food supplements from Iceland. The production is sustainably sourced from the ocean and glacial waters actually reducing Iceland first waste, since some of the ingredients were unused before. Furthermore, everything Feel Iceland creates is derived from the European purest marine sources and high quality ingredients available.

nation to sign Effective &natural products Iceland is one of the cleanest and Free Trade untouched places on the earth. Feel Iceland food supplements are made in Iceland with premium ingredients and, with China of course, Iceland’s unique glacial water. They are made under strict quality AMINO MARINE COLLAGEN is Global recognition fter six years of negotiations, negotiations during the official visit of Iceland’s foreign minister mentioned control and contain no additives and are hydrolysed collagen powder that can be Feel Iceland has received attention for Iceland became the first European Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao. A year later, several areas of cooperation, among them non-GMO. Feel Iceland’s products are mixed into a beverage or food of your their pure, unique products and have country to sign a Free Trade after two formal rounds of negotiations, drilling for oil in the Dragon Area in the intended to replenish the body’s natural choice. been nominated for international awards AAgreement with China, in April 2015. the FTA agreement was signed by High North of Iceland. He especially resources, so consumers will always feel and featured in fashion magazines. -JG The Agreement was signed by the then Mr. Hucheng and Mr. Skarphéðinsson mentioned the Sinopec Group regarding their natural best. Joint Rewind – Joint therapy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, during the official visit of Icelandic Prime the Dragon Area. However, it seems that Joint Rewind Joint Therapy is a formula Össur Skarphéðinsson and the Minister of Minister, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir to China. Sinopec has shelved plans to drill for oil Feel Iceland Collagen developed to help maintain proper joint Commerce in China, Gao Hucheng. north of Iceland at this point. Icelandic Marine Collagen is the function and support healthy cartilage Feel Iceland Grandagarður 16, 101 Reykjavík The formal negotiations started in April Historical Agreement The Group, along with the Icelandic focus ingredient in the Feel Iceland tissue. The formula provides an Tel. 354/783-1300 2007 and went on until the fourth round in The geopolitical importance of such a Arctic Green Energy company, owns supplements. Feel Iceland Marine effective combination of marine derived www.feeliceland.com April 2008. However, in early 2009, in the Free Trade Agreement with Iceland is the world’s biggest geothermal company. Collagen is a unique, enzymatically chondroitin sulphate and collagen found aftermath of Iceland’s banking collapse, historical, as it is China’s first FTA with The Chinese government is planning hydrolysed, low molecular weight in cartilage, ligaments and tendons. the Icelandic Government applied for a European country. In the aftermath, geothermal heating in 400 cities. China’s collagen made purely from Icelandic European Union membership. As a China signed an FTA with Switzerland commerce minister had mentioned the fish that is caught in the wild in the clean Age Rewind – Skin Therapy consequence, China called for suspension which, like Iceland, decided against Northern Polar Route, which might turn Atlantic Ocean surrounding Iceland. The founders have not forgot about your of the FTA negotiations on the grounds joining the European Union. The third out to be the most economical shipping skin. Feel Iceland produces capsules that EU membership would invalidate country to decline EU membership, route between Asia and Europe. Both Amino Marine Collagen for those that want to improve skin such a bilateral trade agreement. Norway, has not signed a Free Trade ministers hailed the success of Sinopec Amino Marine Collagen is ideal for appearance and maintain healthy, When, in April 2012, Iceland’s Agreement with China due to political Green Energy. people from who want to maintain youthful skin. The capsules contain application to the EU had come to halt, disputes, although both countries have a healthy and youthful looking skin and a unique blend of marine collagen, China and Iceland decided to resume the vested interest in concluding a deal. Author: Hallur Hallsson reduce joint pain from the inside out. hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

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

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

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Reykjavík Art Museum – Kjarvalstaðir: houses the works of one of Iceland’s most influential and recognised artists, Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885- 1972). The building is a Sóley Organics: fine example of Nordic modernism, it features floor to ceiling windows that look onto the beautiful WhatClean you put on your Beauty body is food for your skin Klambratún Park a walk away from Hallgrimskirkja óley Organics is a clean beauty company and body scrub. Sóley´s line also includes church. Sfounded in 2007 by Icelandic actress shampoo and conditioners, as well as gift Sóley Elíasdóttir. Sóley left the stage to focu sets. Their products are sold in health Flókagata 24, 105 Reykjavík s on her family’s tradition of harnessing the stores, pharmacies, travel and tourist stores Open daily 10-17 healing properties of Iceland’s native herbs. all over Iceland and are featured is some Her company’s products are made in Icelan spas and hotels around the island. They are d, using the nation’s clean, renewable energy. also distributed in about 11 countries, from Sweden to Taiwan. -JG Clean ingredients Sóley Organics products are created without chemical agents and are so harmless and Sóley Organics natural that you could eat them. The Bæjarhraun 10, 220 Hafnarfjörður +354 555 2222 products are made with fresh Icelandic [email protected] Reykjavík Art Museum mountain water, carefully selected oils and www.soleyorganics.com wild hand-picked Icelandic herbs, which are gathered by Sóley and her family and friends. Furthermore, the products have - Kjarvalsstaðir environmentally friendly packaging and free from any chemical agents that could harm man or nature. Sóley Organics products are certified natural and organic by third-party Jóhannes S. Kjarval would his own work. His certification bodies. Can't Draw a Harebell selection is intended to create a coherent exhibition rather Strong family history 25.05.2019 - Opened than a historical overview of Sóley's great-great-grandmother, Thorunn, 05.01.2020 - Closes Kjarval’s floral works. was a particularly strong inspiration to her The artworks are divided into in creating her company. Thorunn, or Grasa- The artist Eggert Pétursson (b. 1956) three main groups in the Thorunn (Herb-Thorunn) as she was better has assembled an exhibition of the three exhibition halls. The known, was a famous healer and midwife floral works of Jóhannes S. Kjarval. centre hall contains floral and there are many stories about the lives Upon undertaking this project for landscapes and images from she saved using her knowledge of herbs. Reykjavík Art Museum, Eggert wild Icelandic flora. This Thorunn passed her wisdom on to her son, decided to examine the floral factor in includes works where Kjarval Erlingur, who used it to save all twelve of his Kjarval’s work and approach it from first grapples with wildflowers, mainly gifts, both from himself and others. children from the Spanish Flu. Sóley's first an artistic viewpoint. According to heather. In his sketches, common Lastly, the south hall is where we find product, GRÆÐIR, an all-purpose healing Eggert, Kjarval’s flower works are plant species are often recognisable, his floral fantasies, where faces and balm, is based on one of Erlingur's recipes. In more extensive than his own. Kjarval and these kind of sketches can be creatures are interlaced with flowers in Icelandic, græðir (grai-theer) means ‘healer’. traverses all over. He does not limit viewed in the display cases. Landscape paintings and sketches. himself to botany but paints and and flowers are intertwined in Wide range of products sketches flowers around him, be they Kjarval’s works and, in his last years, Sóley´s product range is diverse and ornamental plants, potted plants or he painted landscapes of the mind, a addresses a number of concerns. For the wildflowers, and last but not least, he grey world, illuminated by flowers. face, Sóley offers an organic moisturizer, paints the flora of the mind. Eggert The north hall contains what may be anti-aging eye gel, cleansing foam, and resolved to categorise the works called festive flowers, i.e. cut flowers, volcanic mask, among others. Some of the by their elements and figurative potted plants and flower baskets, body products include organic hand cream, connection and display them as he artwork which Kjarval created as healing lip balm, shower gel, massage oil,

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Reykjavík Art Museum – Ásmundarsafn: The sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893– Reykjavík 1982) designed, worked and lived in this beautiful building. The white dome structure is surrounded by Sveinsson’s Art Museum sculptures. The inside of the building is inspired by vernacular Mediterranean WE ARE FLUENT IN architecture. Ásmundarsafn is - Ásmundarsafn by Iceland‘s National Stadium in Laugardalur. 5 LANGUAGES! Sigtún, 105 Reykjavík Open daily 10-17 Published in English, Chinese, French, German and Icelandic

Ásmundur Sveinsson Sigurður Guðmundsson, Brynhildur Under the Same Sky – Þorgeirsdóttir, Jóhann Eyfells, Helgi Art in Public Spaces Gíslason and Ólöf Nordal. Ásmundur Sveinsson was born in 19.01.2019 Opened 1893. He grew up in the countryside, 16.02.2020 Closes in Dalir, and started his art studies with sculptor Ríkarður Jónsson at The sculpture garden at Sigtún is the age of 22. He later studied art in dedicated to the works by Ásmundur Denmark, then Sweden and finally in Sveinsson (1893-1982). It is also the Paris, France. Ásmundur is one of the point where the exhibition, ‘Under the pioneers of Icelandic sculpture. Upon Same Sky’ extends its view to some of the his return to Iceland, he built two numerous outdoor pieces that the recent houses where he lived and had his studio. sculptors have created and installed Reykjavík Art Museum now runs a in Reykjavík and around and outside museum dedicated to his work in one Iceland. The works in the exhibition of them, Ásmundarsafn in Laugardalur. are more meditative in comparison to Ásmundur sought inspiration in Icelandic the outdoor sculptures: smaller in scale, myths and folktales, and in the forms made of different materials, and three- of nature. Later, he became preoccupied dimensional studies to the enlarged works with various technological novelties that Ásmundur realised in the end. of the 20th century. Ásmundur was a Art in public spaces is one of the prolific artist. His work can be seen in museum’s programme highlights public places around the country, and in 2019. During the year, works this is in accordance with Ásmundur’s by five artists will be featured at beliefs that the art is not meant for the separate times in the exhibition chosen few, but a part of the everyman’s ‘Under the Same Sky’ together with daily life. Ásmundur Sveinsson died in Ásmundur Sveinsson. These artists are 1982, at the age of 89.

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Reykjavík Art Museum - Hafnarhús: the old harbour warehouse is located in the oldest part of Reykjavík where the town’s boats docked. The building was erected in the 1930s and at the time it was one of Iceland‘s largest buildings. Hafnarhúsið is in downtown Reykjavík.

Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík Open daily 10-17 Thursdays 10-22

Reykjavík Art Museum he Icelandic Phallological Museum in Reykjavík is, without a doubt,T one of a kind. It holds a collection - Hafnarhús of phallic specimens that belong to Erró only made two trips out of China, both various types of mammals. Here in the Mao’s World Tour times to attend the Communist Party museum you can see examples of more Convention in Moscow. The 'Chinese than 220 penises and penile parts that 01.05.2019 Opened Paintings' series is fiction, where the belong to all the land and sea mammals 05.01.2020 Closes staging and the presence of Mao in found in Iceland. It even has on display various locations is a sarcastic reference to the penis of an old Icelandic gentleman Erró was one of the first Western artists the wave of Maoism which seized groups who died in 2011 at the ripe old age of 95. to adopt the legend and images of Mao of Western artists, intellectuals and Furthermore, the museum has between Zedong. Between 1972 and 1980, Erró politicians following the student riots in 40–50 specimens from foreign mammals painted the 'Chinese Paintings' series – Paris in May 1968. The series objectifies including a giraffe and an elephant. over 130 paintings which tell the story both the utopian dream of the future “The purpose of the museum is of a great leader who travels around the and the fear of the Chinese Cultural showing these specimens,” says the world. Each painting, like most other Revolution spreading around the world. curator, Hjörtur Sigurðsson, “but it’s also Hjörtur says that what gets the most and the Hidden People.” Regarding the paintings by Erró from 1964 onwards, a scientific museum. Many professionals, attention are the big things, like the Hidden People: some claim they can see is based on a collage where Erró matches The Chinese Paintings made Erró such as biologists and doctors visit the penis of a sperm whale that is 1.7 metres the hidden man’s penis; especially the two images of different origins against famous internationally. The exhibition museum to study. The purpose is also to long and weighs somewhere between women. - SJ each other: Chinese propaganda posters in Hafnarhús contains paintings, educate and amuse people and, of course, 70–80 kilos. Strangely, the human penis The Icelandic Phallological Museum and Western tourist pictures from famous collages and engravings from the to lift the taboo that has shrouded this gets a lot of attention too! Laugavegur 116 • 105 Reykjavík places. Erró pictures Chairman Mao Reykjavík Art Museum’s collection. subject for so long. It’s just a part of the For the foreigners, the folklore section +354 561 6663 and his comrades on a triumphant tour [email protected] anatomy; people should be able to discuss is popular. “They find it very funny that www.phallus.is around the world, but in reality Mao these things.” we can display penises from elves, trolls

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Master of Colour

Harry Bilson creates joyful, colourful paintings inspired by nature. celand is an idyllic place to create for some recognized immediately and at the age of artists, with its striking landscape and quirky six, he won an international Exhibition of Iculture that lends to endless inspiration. Natural Children’s Art competition in Prague. At the wonders include active volcanoes, gurgling age of 19 he became a full-time professional, geysers, and vast glaciers, while there seems to who was self-taught, self-propelled and always be a colourful cast of characters among completely self-supported. He has painted Iceland’s 360,000 inhabitants. Harry Bilson, an ever since, honing his craft and finding artist who was born in Reykjavík in 1948 to an inspiration around the world. Icelandic mother and British father, and grew up in London, currently calls Iceland home. International Artist Harry is a master of colour whether he’s He has lived and worked in several countries capturing the dark subtleties of Icelandic life including Australia, China, USA, Canada, or the gentle power of the ‘Bower Bird Lady’. Ireland and he now happily resides in Iceland. Nature is a theme never far from his paintings Harry has shown his work in numerous solo and prints as ‘Last Leaf Leaving’ painting and group exhibitions around the world, features a family in a barren Icelandic forest including the US, South America, Japan, with a gorgeous blue owl soaring above. The Australia and Europe. He continues to travel contrast of colors and brushwork is beautiful. and exhibit worldwide. Those interested in purchasing Harry’s Lifelong painter should email him at harrybilson@googlemail. Harry began painting at an early age as he com or shop locally at Galleri Fold in was a terribly creative child. His talent was Reykjavík.

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FavouriteThe restaurant offers impressive food, quality drinks and a comfortable atmosphere Sólon is truly a one-stop restaurant all here is perhaps nothing more the Northern Lights yourself, this utterly in the city centre week and an exciting nightclub on weekends. magical than witnessing the realistic experience is definitely the next Be sure to stop by this local favourite during beauty of a Northern Lights best option to witness the beauty of this your next trip to Reykjavík! -JG display. However, those unpredictable, truly amazing phenomenon. ólon Bistro is an elegant eatery offering T a great variety of food, including ever dancing lights don’t always show up on cue – and fade away during the Northern Lights Photo Simulator small courses, salads, hamburgers, Ssandwiches, Icelandic lamb and steaks, as summer months. So, it is with great joy Capturing the Northern Lights with your that we welcome Aurora Reykjavík – own camera can be challenging, but, at well as fresh fish daily. Located in the heart of The Northern Lights Center, where the Aurora Reykjavík, you get taught by the the city centre, at the top of Bankastræti just Northern Lights are always on display. experts: bring your camera and try the below Skólavörðustígur, Sólon occupies a right settings at the Northern Lights very beautiful building with a lovely interior A Unique Experience Photo Simulator. design, giving the restaurant a modern and The center is the unique creation of vibrant look and feel. For more than 20 four enterprising young Icelanders – all Northern Lights Selfie Booth years, locals and tourists alike have enjoyed photographers and Northern Lights A photo of yourself under the Northern everything from lunch and dinner to drinks enthusiasts – who recognised the need for Lights is probably the best souvenir you to an exciting nightclub atmosphere on just such a place: a kind of one-stop shop can bring back from Iceland. No matter Friday and Saturday nights. Sólon has been for all things Northern Lights. the season nor weather, Aurora Reykjavík a hot spot in bustling Reykjavík for decades. Located at Grandi, the old harbour, has you covered. the most upcoming area in Reykjavík, In the exhibition you will find an Come for the Icelandic food the center serves both educational and entertaining selfie booth – have fun Sólon combines modern cuisine with inspirational purposes. looking all fabulous under the Northern elements of traditional Icelandic food, Lights! satisfying the palates of visitors and locals. Soothing Sights and Sounds In the summer months, the restaurant Aurora Reykjavík’s pull and ace up its Tour booking, camera rental and the offers breakfast—a rarity in central sleeve is its fantastic HD time-lapse film best advice for your own hunt Reykjavík. Guests can enjoy classics like Stay for the drinks in the mood for some Icelandic Schnapps, of the Aurora Borealis. Looking for the best tours, the most French toast and American pancakes as Sólon, which has a daily happy hour from Sólon offers Iceland’s “Black Death”— Projected onto a 7-meter-wide screen, beautiful spots to photograph the lights, well as Icelandic skyr and Eggs Benedict. 15:00-18:00, has an impressive wine menu, Brennivín, as well as local favourites Tópas you can sit back in bean bags and enjoy the weather forecast and some insider Meanwhile, the lunch menu offers equally where you will find wines from most of and Ópal. When Friday night arrives, Sólon this 30 minute-long film that features tips? The friendly and helpful staff will appetising choices like burgers, Danish the world's renowned vineyards. Wines comes alive, transforming in a hip nightclub dazzling displays of auroral activity gladly share all their knowledge with you. meatballs, Wienerschnitzel and the fish are featured from Italy, Chile, Spain, New for the next two nights, attracting locals captured all over Iceland. Opening hours of the day. An inexpensive lunch offer is Zealand, and Australia. For beer enthusiasts, and tourists who want to dance, mingle Hot coffee and choice gifts Every day available Monday-Friday from 11:00-14:30. you will find on tap beer from local brewery and enjoy drinks in a hip, yet comfortable World’s first 360° Virtual Reality Before leaving, grab a free cup of coffee 09:00 – 21:00 Dinner is decadent with options like duck Kaldi, as well as Egils Gull, Brío, Tuborg, atmosphere. legs, beef ribeye steaks, lamb fillets, horse Guinness, and Boli, with a selection of Videos in the boutique and check out the Aurora Reykjavík Aurora Reykjavík’s latest addition are impressive display of clothing, jewellery, steaks, Icelandic meat soup, and traditional bottled beers as well. As for cocktails, the Sólon Bistro & Bar Grandagarður 2 • 101 Reykjavík salted cod. For the adventurous, a pan-fried bartender has you covered with tasty classics Bankastræti 7a, 101 Reykjavík virtual reality goggles featuring the photography, and woollen knitwear by +354 780 4500 Tel. 354/562-3232 [email protected] minke whale steak is on offer, prepared in a like a Mojito, Aperol Spritz, Margarita, and www.solon.is world’s first 360° movie of aurora displays some of Iceland's most creative designers. www.aurorareykjavik.is entirely shot in Iceland. If you can’t catch The theme? You guessed it. green pepper sauce. Moscow Mule, among others. If you are

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Yeah Man,

AtThe Downtown Reykjavík’s Dude Lebowski Bar Abides

hether you’re a longtime fan or Lebowski’s secret sauce For more fun and frolic the film’s plot may be all over the place, a complete newbie to the whole It’s the music at Lebowski Bar that has the Last but not least, music quiz nights, its brilliance lies in its portrayal of the ‘Dude’ subculture, Reykjavík’s sweeping power to transport you back in shown on five full HD screens, are held two main characters- the Dude, Jeff WLebowski bar delivers in spades. Named time and serves as the primary vehicle to every Thursday from 9 to 10pm and Lebowski, an unambitious slacker who after the 1998 film The Big Lebowski, get you that blast from the past and good the monthly ‘dress up’ theme nights are contrasts sharply with his aggressive, it’s like stepping back in time and into times vibe. Every night from 9pm onwards, always a hit. Special events include a warmonger of a bowling buddy, Walter the movie itself. The walls are plastered DJs crank out carefully chosen ‘50s through thrice yearly film night featuring....of Sobchak. Set in 1990s Los Angeles, it is with memorabilia connected to the film ‘80s classic rock that sets the mood and course, The Big Lebowski and reduced- this push/pull dichotomy between the and an eye catching three-dimensional definitely pulls the room together. price drinks. Additionally, all the big two main characters that gives ‘The Big bowling lane runs the length of the east international sports events, such as the FA Lebowski’ its enduring legacy. wall. A retro American diner, replete 24 versions of the White Russian Cup, the Super Bowl are covered. In keeping with the main character’s with ‘50s style bar stools and sleek cocktail laid back, down home personality, counter tops doubles as a dance floor Lebowski Bar’s popular happy hour, (daily The Comeback Kid Lebowski Bar is a ‘come as you are’ place from 11pm onwards when things really from 4 to 7pm), offers reasonably priced Although The Big Lebowski was not to unwind and relax from the rigours of life. get hopping! drinks ranging from Icelandic craft beers to initially well received by critics or the The Dude would approve. -EMV Mouthwatering burgers and fries are draft beers, from mainstay cocktails to an public when it first came out, times and served daily from 11am to 10pm and do entire menu devoted solely to the legendary attitudes have changed. Now, twenty- * Refers to one of Lebowski Bar’s signature check out the ‘Burger of the Month’ for White Russian that the film made famous. one years later, the film has developed milkshakes, named ‘You Sexy Thing’. some innovative takes on the classic burger. The bartenders get creative with drinks something of a cult following and a new, A milkshake to go with that? Of course, such as El Duderino, Jack Treehorn, Green younger audience is finding resonance. Lebowski Bar you sexy thing!* Upstairs you will find Toe, and The Other Jeffrey Lebowski – all The annual ‘Lebowski Fest’, which 20a Laugavegur, 101 Reykjavík additional space where private parties can named after characters or scenes in the started in 2002 in Louisville, Kentucky, +354 552 2300 www.lebowskibar.is be held, as well as a large terrace that’s a film. Be on the lookout for the ‘White has spread to major cities such as New [email protected] great place to sit when the sun is shining. Russian of the Month’ specials. York, San Francisco, and London. While

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

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uality Icelandic design and leather After working at an architect’s office, she handcraft is much sought after. “My started her own business. “I’ve worked firstQ leather design was a handbag painted on some amazing projects, ranging from with colourful artwork and patterns,” large buildings to single family homes. My says Guðrún Stefánsdóttir, a successful favourite projects are those where I design independent architect who found a second everything from A-Z for private homes. career in creative leather designs. Those projects would typically involve the Guðrún designs leather handbags and house and interior design, the landscaping now she’s added necklaces and earrings to around the house and the furniture inside.” her Ark Art accessory collection. “I wanted Her services are available upon request. to use the leather cut-offs for something The Ark Art collection is available at useful, when I came up with the idea to the National Art Gallery, Snorrastofa in use them to make jewellery—earrings and Reykholt, at Rammagerðin at the Keflavík necklaces.” International Airport, and directly from Guðrún’s Ark Art leather jewellery is Guðrún. More information can be found recognisable by her use of thin leather on Facebook: Arkart-leatherdesign. -NHH rings or squares and use of colours. It is a Arkart sophisticated yet simple design, skilfully Síðumúli 1 • 105 Reykjavík using geometric shapes and colours. +354 551 5533 [email protected] Guðrún graduated from the Royal School www.facebook.com/pages/Arkart-leather-design/ n the town of Mosfellsbær, produce a custom knife made of Architecture in Denmark in 1986. just a 15 minutes’ drive from to your specifications. More Reykjavík,I master craftsman information can be found at Páll Kristjánsson (or Palli) their websites listed below and his co-creator Soffía where you can browse their Sigurðardóttir are hard at work collections and even special in their rustic atelier, where they order online. create an array of handsome knives for collectors, chefs, and The Woman’s Touch Walk-ins Welcome all those who appreciate the workmanship For her part, Soffía, who has worked Palli and Soffía’s workshop can be found at that goes into a finely crafted tool. under Palli’s tutelage for several years, has Álafossvegur 29, 270 Mosfellsbær. Opening created a line of beautiful professional hours are 9am–6pm, Monday through Icelandic Artisans at Work kitchen knives and her own collection of Friday, from 9am–4pm on Saturdays or, Damascus steel, well known for its steak knives and forks which are gaining in if you are in the neighbourhood outside durability and razor sharp blades, as well popularity. Blades for these knives come of those hours, you are always welcome to as stainless steel from Denmark, Germany in various shapes and materials (Japanese, pop in for a chat. and Sweden are choice materials favoured Damascus steel or high carbon steel) and Though a visit to their workshop would by Palli and Soffía. Many of the blades are the finely balanced handles make them a be well worth your time, you can also Viking Age replicas decorated with finely joy to use in the kitchen. Chefs, cooking find their products available in Brynja etched designs that are then expertly paired schools and cooking enthusiasts tend hardware store on Laugavegur 29 in the with a handle carved by Palli. Traditional to love to show off these one-of-a-kind centre of Reykjavík. -EMV Icelandic materials are all used to create handmade kitchen tools that have become beautifully carved handles—birch, rowan, something of a sought after souvenir from horse’s hooves, reindeer antler, goat and Iceland. sheep horn and even fossilised wood. Palli’s Álafossvegur 29 • 270 Mosfellsbæ knives can be found distributed throughout Custom-made +354 899 6903 [email protected] the world in 85 countries and as collector’s Should you have your own design ideas or [email protected] items. They sometimes enjoy fierce bidding materials that you would like to use, Palli www.knifemaker.is www.kitchenknives.is between collectors on the Internet. and Soffía are happy to work with you to

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The Quiet Elegance of

HotelA Hotel of Distinction Holt

t’s like stepping back into another invited to book a guided tour (known impressive collection of craft beers, wines era and another time. Touches as The Art Walk) of the ground floor art and spirits stand ready to liven things up. of old world charm, elements of collection. Tempting snacks, amuse-bouches and fish classical interior design and nearly of the day are also available at the bar. 500 works of art by renowned Icelandic The Geode Effect artists are what set this mid-century, As with many Icelandic buildings, Hotel Where the visual arts meet Iboutique hotel apart from the rest. Holt’s façade belies its rich interior; the culinary arts marble floors and gilded antiques grace I would be amiss if I didn’t mention Hotel Steeped in history the hotel lobby. The events hall contains Holt’s restaurant which has been one of It's an elegant hotel, located in what can brilliant works including three impressive Reykjavík’s finest dining establishments be perhaps called the most quintessential bronze sculptures by Jón Benediktsson since it opened in 1965. The restaurant, neighbourhood of Þingholt, with its quiet which were commissioned for the hotel in known for its classical cuisine incorporates streets and quaint 19th century timber commemoration of the return of the Saga Icelandic culinary creativity into its and corrugated iron clad houses. Since manuscripts to Iceland from Denmark distinguished menu. It comes as no its opening in 1965, the 4-star hotel has in 1971. The adjoining “Kjarval stofa” (or surprise that the restaurant has earned top attracted many of Reykjavík’s artistic, Kjarval’s living room) is a wonderfully marks in international rankings and has social and political vanguard, and quirky room where an early Kjarval black had the honour of hosting dinners and continues this tradition by supporting and white sketch from his studio that events for visiting ambassadors, dignitaries local artists and events as a part of its covers the walls from floor to ceiling. and royalty down through the years. ongoing mission. Among the 17 paintings that adorn the The lay of the land walls, The Picnic (1939) by Jón Stefánsson A permanent art collection Some forty-two rooms spanning four has become something of an icon and is The hotel houses the largest privately floors are furnished with the clean lines of one of the first paintings that greets your owned art collection in Iceland and contemporary Icelandic decor and include eye as you enter the room. features numerous works by several all modern amenities, ensuite bathrooms of Iceland’s most cherished late 19th and it goes without saying–comfortable­ The Old Library century and early 20th century artists— beds throughout. Standard rooms are Relax in the old library with its beautifully Johannes Kjarval, Jón Stefánsson, and cozy and comfortable and then there are 4 preserved collection of leather bound Ásmundur Sveinsson along with works spacious suites and 8 junior suites, all with volumes including Icelandic poetry, the by notable women artists of the same king size beds. Sagas and even a Bible from 1728. period— Kristín Jónsdóttir, Gerður Fourth floor rooms are all equipped Hotel Holt is located in Bergstaðastræti Helgadóttir and Júlíana Sveinnsdóttir. with balconies where you can enjoy 37, five minutes’ walk from the main streets The walls of the upper floors are lined fabulous views of the city beyond. of Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur with old maps and 134 lithographs and within easy walking distance to by the artist M. August Mayer who The Holt Bar Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Old accompanied French naturalist Joseph The plush armchairs are upholstered in Harbour area. -EMV Paul Gaimard on his voyage to Iceland rich, tawny leather; the portraits on the between 1835 and 1836. Nearly 500 walls are pure Kjarval–delightful and works of art are scattered throughout playful. Taking centre stage, an imposing Hotel Holt Bergstaðastræti 37, 101 Reykjavík the hotel and are numbered and stone fireplace, lit every evening, makes Tel +354 552 5700 catalogued for easy reference. Hotel this possibly the coziest... and the classiest www.holt.is [email protected] guests, as well as restaurant patrons are bar in Reykjavík. Behind the counter, an

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TheThey sell World’s to the stars but Most are known Exclusive only to the few Watchmaker

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

The choice of connoisseurs You can be defined by your choices. There are watches for the mass market and there are those watches that are individualised, personalised collectors’ items, works heep came to Iceland with the Viking the designs took the form of the ‘lopapeysa’ or of art that are cherished for settlers and quickly proved their value, not sweater, with its distinctive scalloped pattern, generations. These only for their meat but also their wool and skins. which has become so popular worldwide, but are investments S Living conditions were very basic and especially numerous young Icelandic designers have also - e s p e c i a l l y tough in the cold and dark winter months. turned their attention to wool as a medium of those limited Relying on reliability Wear the volcano editions. Yet, Pilots and the Icelandic Iceland used to be known as “Europe’s Sheep helped keep the settlers alive. choice for their fashion designs, resulting in they have a key coastguard have to be Best Kept Secret” but it was thrust into the These Icelandic sheep have two types of new products, styles and colours. place in the able to trust their limelight in 2010 with the Eyjafjallajökull fleece—an outer, weather and water repellent Today, there is a wide range of sweaters, lives of the wearers. watches. Lives could volcanic eruption. The fine ash that brought layer and a soft, warm fleece close to the skin. gloves, hats, scarves, socks, bags and many Kings, princesses, depend on them. The Europe’s air traffic to a halt now coats the Combined, they have provided warm clothing other items in sizes to suit everyone from a international leaders from East and West, coastguard are issued with the “Sif” face of the most sought-after watch, the for farmers and seamen, adults, children and Viking warrior (or farmer) to a pretty fashion film stars, rock idols – all have made their watch, designed especially for them. Goð. Ornate Viking engravings on the case babies for centuries. Making sweaters became model to a newborn baby. way to the small shop on Laugavegur, The only watch in the range without a make this watch stand out – especially as a tradition in farmhouses, cottages and houses The store is a centre, not Reykjavík’s main shopping street, to select transparent back, it has a 4mm Sapphire some of the engraving can be personalised around the country. that has made Icelandic wool so only for selling the finished special for hundreds of years. products, but also for supplying their own watch, have it assembled and non-reflective glass and can be used to a to make it totally unique. –ASF personalised just for them, a testament to depth of at least 1,000 metres. It is also From home to market The Handknitting Assn.’s the wool and all the accessories their discernment of true quality. available to the general public, along JS Watch co. The Handknitting Association of Iceland was shop only stocks genuine required to make woollen items. While I was visiting the shop, with it’s with pilots’ watches, likewise known Laugavegur 62 • 101 Reykjavík founded in 1977 to help knitters to get their Icelandic wool and clothing made If knitting is your hobby, there +354 551 4100 handiwork marketed. A group of women by professional Icelandic knitters, is a world of warm designs just wall filled with photos of well-known for their dependability and absolute [email protected] personalities who are now wearing their reliability. www.jswatch.com formed the association, establishing standards so you can be certain you are getting the true, waiting for you. watches, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was and guidelines for the production that was— well-made product. Look for the logo to be sure. Icelandic wool wears very well and it is not only the rich and famous who could afford and still is, an important supplement to many Their motto from the outset has been, ‘Buy uncommon for people to wear sweaters many such time pieces. My answer came as I was family incomes. Shortly thereafter, they opened directly from the people who make them’. years and for them to still look fresh. standing there. A beautiful young woman a shop to sell their members’ woollen goods Walking into the shop, one cannot help but Visitors can have their purchases shipped came to pick up a watch she had ordered and at Skólavörðustígur 19, the main shopping be amazed at the skill and productivity of these to them and they can also order from the two tourists selected watches for themselves. street that descends from Hallgrímskirkja, the ladies—and some men, too, from all walks of website. That includes the patterns, wool, They would return later in the day to collect cathedral overlooking the city. life, living in all parts of the country. Every needles and accessories, not just the clothing. their watches after their selections had been item has that sense of individual uniqueness –ASF assembled specifically for them in the tiny that only handmade items carry. Find the real thing The Handknitting Association of Iceland studio at the back of the shop. In today’s globalised society, it is increasingly Skólavörðustígur 19 • 101 Reykjavík Others, wanting something even more difficult to be sure you are getting a genuine Traditional and modern styles +354 552 1890 personal, have their watches engraved on article, rather than one made thousands of miles The world of knitting has changed dramatically [email protected] www.handknit.is the inner rotor with special messages. away, with wool that lacks the characteristics since the association began. A few decades ago,

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Take an adventurous trip into Mother Nature's back yard on our specially equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee

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

44 www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u lt u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 43 • 2019 Reykjavík´s Thermal Pools

AnThe Sea Authentic Baron serves Seafood Experience outstanding fish meals

he Sea Baron is a harbourside restaurant that serves up some of the freshest fish in Reykjavík, Tin a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant features a simple menu of their signature dishes—lobster soup and grilled fish on spears. Guests can enjoy shrimp (king prawn), scallops, salmon, blue ling, tusk, redfish, seatrout, halibut, whale steaks, whale samples, vegetable skewers and potato skewers, among other dishes. This local eatery is a favorite among tourists and locals alike!

A Rich History The Sea Baron was founded by a former fisherman and Coast Guard chef, Kjartan Halldórsson, whose nickname was the Sea Baron. Kjartan honed his skills for years, creating an array of dishes, including A source his lobster soup. His recipe gained fame around the world, earning it the title of ‘the world’s greatest lobster soup’. He loved to experiment with food and took old recipes to make meals that have established his reputation around the world. While Kjartan passed away a few of health years ago, his legacy continues under the current owners, married couple Elísabet and Daði, who shared with Kjartan a An Ecclectic Array of Food passion for quality food, fresh ingredients In addition to fresh fish on skewers and top-notch service. and lobster soup, the Sea Baron offers some local delicacies for the brave to An Authentic Seafaring Experience sample, such as whale steaks, shark, and The The Sea Baron is popular with local brennivín, which are served everyday. Thermal Hot tubs Saunas, place fishermen who sailed for many years from Shark samples are tiny mouth-sized pieces swimming Reykjavik as it is filled with memorabilia (not a full meal) and a shot of brennivín and steambaths to meet donated by old sea captains and their is available upon request. For those after pools jacuzzi families that fill it with a character all something unique during the Christmas locals its own. The decor includes handmade season, Skata (fermented skate) is served model sailing boats, pictures of ships of the first Saturday of December and then the past and stuffed birds, which fill the everyday between Dec 17-Dec 23. Admission second floor’s walls. While enjoying your Seafood lovers cannot go wrong at the Adults 1000 isk. Children 160 isk. food at the polished tables, cushioned Sea Baron, whether it´s for fresh cod or fish barrels and seafaring decor, the Sea salmon on skewers, a bowl of scrumptious Sægreifinn Baron is an authentic experience leaving lobster soup, or more specialty cuisine Geirsgata 8, 101 Reykjavík Thermal pools and baths in Reykjavik are a source of health, relaxation and pureness. +354 553 1500 you with treasured memories of your trip like fermented fish. Stop by the Sea Baron Tel: +354 411 5000 [email protected] All of the city´s swimming pools have several hot tubs with temperatures ranging from to Iceland and a satisfied appetite. on your next trip to Reykjavík! -JG www.spacity.is 37˚ to 42˚C (98˚–111˚F). The pools are kept at an average temperature of 29˚ C (84˚ F) 46 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com 47 To u r i s m , C u lt u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 43 • 2019 Isortoq: Stefán the reindeer farmer The biography of Stefán Hrafn Magnússon in South-Greenland

sortoq: Stefán the reindeer farmer is reindeer husbandry in Sweden, where he considering the clear cloud-free nights the biography of the Icelander, Stefán also worked as a reindeer herder. Then he in South Greenland, the probability of Hrafn Magnússon, by the Icelandic moved to Alaska where he taught reindeer experiencing the Northern Lights is very Ijournalist and writer Svava Jónsdóttir. herding and horsemanship and worked as high. Since the nearest town is 100km Stefán has lived a truly adventurous a reindeer herding advisor. His life was away, there is absolutely no city light life. He spent all the summers during like that of a cowboy in the movies. contamination. his childhood and teenage years at his Stefán then moved to Greenland In the book, Stefán tells about his life grandparents’ farm in West Iceland. His and, for the past 30 years or so, he has before and after he moved to Greenland, dream was to become a farmer and his been a reindeer herder on a huge piece his adventurous life, the challenges, the interests were, among others, the stories of land in South-Greenland. His farm accidents, the animals, the nature, the of explorers. He wanted to experience is called Isortuusua (meaning ‘Great global warming that affects his business what they had experienced. In his mind, muddy water’– referring to the glacial and, of course, he talks about Iceland. the Arctic was an adventure; the Arctic silt carried down from the bottom of the Stefán’s story is unique. It’s the story is where the Northern Lights, the Aurora glacier in Greenland). of a man who followed Borealis, reign on winter nights. The Greenland ice sheet his dreams and who is At 15 years of age, Stefán went to can be seen from his still living his dreams Greenland for the first time – alone – and, farm and is within 5 km today. It’s a unique life over the next years, he went there several walking distance. A few for a modern man in the times and got to know the country that, years ago, an Icelandic West – a story that Stefán at the time, was decades behind compared angling company built and the author would like to the living standards in Iceland. a luxurious camp on his people across the world - After Stefán graduated as an land in cooperation with to hear. Who knows agromomist, he moved to Norway at 19 Stefán, where people - perhaps publishers in years old to work as a reindeer herder from all over the world other countries would be for the Samii people in an environment come to hunt, fish or interested in publishing where you could imagine that time had hike. From mid-August the story of this stood still for centuries. He worked at a one can admire the extraordinary Icelandic cattle ranch in Canada and he studied Northern Lights and, adventurer.

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AKrua Thai Taste serves an enticing cuisine of in the heart Thai of the capital city eykjavík’s culinary charm is quite oyster sauce, served with rice and either impressive for a small city, with chicken, pork, beef or lamb. There are also Ra growing number of choices to suit soups and salads on the menu. There is truly all tastes. While there are traditional something for everyone. Icelandic restaurants serving fresh fish and tender lamb dishes, there are also Vegetarian-friendly dining fantastic restaurants specialising in food Non-meat eaters will feel more than that you may not expect to see in Iceland. welcome as Krua Thai has a large vegetarian For instance, Krua Thai features classic section that is big on flavour. For instance, and inventive Thai food in Reykjavík. guests can enjoy vegetable noodle and rice place for a meal after some time exploring dishes, as well as fried vegetables with tofu museums, shops, and cafes in the trendiest Impressive Menu in oyster sauce, and a spicy vya salad served and liveliest part of Reykjavík. If you want Quality ingredients, friendly service and with rice. to spend the evening in at your hotel or a comfortable environment make Krua guesthouse, you can order food to take away, Thai a favourite among locals and travellers. Central location and with delivery. Delivery is available daily The menus feature many of the staples you Krua Thai at Skólavörðustíg 21a, is until 21:00. -JG expect to see such as savoury spring rolls, conveniently located in the heart of city tasty rice and noodle dishes, and glorious centre, and is a delightful location for a Krua Thai Skólavörðustíg 21a, Reykjavík 101 plates of Pad Thai. Main courses include meal. It has a cosy atmosphere and friendly +354 551-0833 delicious options like Pad Grapow, which staff who are eager to ensure you have an www.kruathai.is is a fried dish with chilli and basil leaf in ideal dining experience. It’s the perfect

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Reykjavik Excursions: Nepalese cuisine Enjoy Unforgettable comesExperience the warm, to rich Reykjavík flavours of Nepal

Winter Tours especially in the soft winter light. Visitors at Himalayan Spice will get a slice of Icelandic history at Þingvellir, often referred to as the site of imalayan Spice is a Nepalese Himalayan Spice’s menu offers a diverse the world’s oldest parliament. However, restaurant in downtown array of dishes that will satisfy your palette. geology buffs will be awed to see the Reykjavik that serves a mix of While perusing the menu, you may be craggy mid-Atlantic fault line that Hfoods based on Nepal’s cultural diversity hard-pressed to decide what to order as the passes through Þingvellir. You can and geography. The bright and inviting options are plentiful, for meat-eaters as well Tours to catch the Northern Lights, literally plant one foot on Europe restaurant opened in 2018 and has as vegetarians. Guests can choose from the and the other on North America. quickly become a favourite of many locals extensive Tandoori section, choosing from Golden Circle and more The Reykjavik Excursions’ tour and tourists alike! As the only Nepalese lamb, chicken, salmon, or a mix of meats also includes a visit to the popular restaurant in Reykjavík, Himalayan Spice that were tenderly charred in the restaurant’s inter is a wonderful time to visit can have the unique Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation adds greatly to the diversity and flavour of Tandoori oven. Other delicious options WIceland, and one of the biggest experience of walking centre, where visitors can learn about the food scene in the capital city. include chicken tikka masala, a host of curry attractions during the winter season are behind a waterfall, seeing through it like delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes that are dishes, chicken chow mein, and Himalayan the spectacular Northern Lights which a curtain. The jaw-dropping and much- grown with the aid of the geothermal heat. An authentic experience noodle soups. One of the most popular want guests to savour the richness of the often look like they are putting on a show photographed Skógafoss waterfall, with its It’s a fascinating and tasty stop, as guests The way the meals are prepared and served entrees on the menu are the momos—bite- spices and the uniqueness of the flavours. just for your pleasure. The green lights impressive 60-metre drop is another stop are regularly given samples. at Himalayan Spice is completely traditional sized dumplings made with either lamb, The owners are also committed to keeping flicker and dance in the sky, changing along the tour, along with the Reynisfjara and the staff take great pride in keeping the chicken, or vegetables. The dumplings are prices on the lower end to ensure that guests colour and intensity, delighting all those black sand beach. The 10-hour tour, A Memorable Experience food and the atmosphere of the restaurant either fried or steamed and are served with can have a delicious, yet affordable, meal in who get a glimpse of the mysterious which is available all year, also provides Whether you are seeking a glimpse of authentic to Nepalese culture. Nepalese food Himalayan chutney. the heart of Reykjavík. -JG phenomenon. Reykjavik Excursions stunning views of glaciers, the black sand the majestic Northern Lights or would comprises a variety of cuisines due to the offers an array of exciting winter tours, coastline and impressive rock formations. rather enjoy a visit to the famous Blue more than 26 different ethnic groups who A unique dining experience Himalayan including a guided Northern Lights hunt If you would like to have an extended Lagoon, which includes transportation inhabit the country. The key for Himalayan Himalayan Spice and its style are a Spice Iceland from mid-September to mid-April, where south coast tour, Reykjavík Excursions and entrance, be sure to check out Spice is to use a wide variety of organic spices completely new and different concept in the Laugavegi 60A, 101 Reykjavík a guide will drive you to the best areas to offers a tour that includes some of the tours offered by Reykjavik Excursions. and fresh ingredients that make their meals city of Reykjavik. The staff want to do more [email protected] himalayanspiceiceland.com catch a glimpse of the beautiful auroras. above sites as well as a stop at the gorgeous The company also operates the Flybus, healthy and delicious. than serve their customers quality food, they Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. which brings you to and from your Spectacular South Shore Adventure flights at Keflavik International Airport. An exciting, flavourful menu Reykjavik Excursions’ South Shore The classic Golden Circle Their dedicated team, from customer Adventure is the ideal tour for nature lovers If you ask a local which tour you should service representatives to tour guides, is interested in Iceland’s unique beauty. An take if you want a taste of Iceland, they committed to making your trip seamless experienced guide will take you along the will most likely say the Golden Circle tour. and unforgettable. -JG south coast of Iceland, one of Iceland’s Encompassing the three most commonly most scenic and popular regions, as far visited sights in the South, the Golden as the charming village of Vík, which is Circle gives you a view of Iceland’s Reykjavik Excursions BSI Bus Terminal • 110 Reykjavik surrounded by steep, beautiful bird cliffs. bubbling geothermal activity at Geysir +354 580 5400 Along the way, there are stops at the and the roaring, powerful waterfall at [email protected] www.re.is breath-taking Seljalandsfoss, where you Gullfoss. The sights are postcard perfect,

52 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com 53 TheThe Little Christmas Joyful Shop that is festive Wonderland all year round

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

Information on road condition - Call 1777 @vegagerdin www.road.is

www.icelandictimes.com 55 To u r i s m , C u lt u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 43 • 2019 Special Tours: Wildlife Adventures

Enjoy whale watching, puffin watching or Northern Lights tours by sea

pecial Tours have over 20 years experience. Sailing from the old harbour Whales of Iceland of experience in providing a great in Reykjavík to watch the aurora borealis For something special on land, Special variety of wildlife adventures at dancing in the sky is something you’ll never Tours’ sister company, the Whales of Iceland sea from Reykjavík. The company offers forget! Special Tours are known amongst Exhibition, displays 23 life- size whale Sa wide selection of whale watching tours passengers and partners for its ambitious models, multiple interactive information that are operated year-round as well as and hardworking team, aiming for great displays and videos, including soothing puffin and sea glingan tours in the summer adventures on each tour and for every client. whale sounds and underwater ambient and the original Northern Lights by Boat They go the extra mile! lighting. Whales of Iceland is a dreamy tours in winter. Special Tours focus on adventure for the whole family. Please note providing comfort and exceptional service Special Tours App that when traveling with Special Tours, you while ensuring they protect and respect In 2020, Special Tours will be publishing receive a discount on admission. Please look the environment. Having a highly skilled a free multilingual app in five languages— out for your Whales of Iceland add on when and friendly crew as well as an experienced English, Mandarin, Spanish, French booking your tour. -JG guide on every tour is sure to make for and German. The app will have all the memorable experiences. information you need for your Northern Lights by Boat, Whale Watching or Puffin Northern Lights by boat Watching tour with Special Tours. The Special Tours were the first company to app will include detailed information Special Tours Ægisgarður 13, 101 Reykjavík offer the popular Northern Lights by about everything you may expect to see on Tel. +354 560 8800 Boat tours in Iceland. Hunting for the your tour such as whales, Northern Lights [email protected] www.specialtours.is Northern Lights from the sea is an amazing or birdlife.

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Radisson Blu Saga Hotel Enjoy an ideal stay at this contemporary 4-star hotel Urta Islandica adisson Blu Saga Hotel is a modern a little taste of Iceland four-star hotel, close to the National celand is one of the world’s purest organic sugar and wild harvested herbs and Museum, National Library and countries. Its unique nature is not only berries like crowberry, rhubarb, birch, and RUniversity of Iceland. The hotel is perfectly beautiful but also tasty. Urta Islandica rowanberry. If you are looking for a tasty located in a quiet and easily accessible Ihas managed to capture the nature at its best jam, it will be difficult to pick just one. Try neighbourhood, only a few minutes from and found a way to harvest and preserve it their Traditional Caramelized Rhubarb jam, the picturesque Reykjavík pond and the in beautiful artisan herbal salts, teas, syrups along with the divine Wild Blueberry and bustling city centre, with its great variety of & jams. The herbs and berries grow wild Red Currant jams, especially as a topping restaurants, cafés, and shops. around Iceland and are handpicked every on their unique Black Lava Crackers which Radisson Blu Saga has been known year. Urta Islandica has used old wisdom are made from Icelandic barley and herbs. as one of the key hotels in Reykjavík for of folktales and innovated to create many There are so many ways to incorporate decades, offering quality accommodation, of its products. these delightful gourmet products into food business-friendly meeting rooms, wireless Behind Urta Islandica is a family who and drinks. For a simple treat, consider the Internet access, and room service. Two on- want to utilise and share their knowledge of delicious syrups for homemade almond site restaurants provide you with a good the pure Icelandic nature. The Urta family creations, mixed with Birch syrup and range of food choices. A casual restaurant company is based in Hafnarfjörður and Arctic blend salt. These can be made into where you can enjoy a range of local and Keflavík’s Unesco Global GeoPark where all sorts of cocktails, both alcoholic and international dishes, Mimir Restaurant creation and packing takes place. non-alcoholic. For instance, an easy non- is a vibrant eatery located on the first Urta Islandica uses pure organic alcoholic cocktail is made with Arctic floor of the hotel, that cooperates with Icelandic sea salt to create various flavours to Thyme syrup, with soda water and lime. local Icelandic farmers who source the complement food, but the salt is marinated All products are handmade and hand best seasonal ingredients directly from or blended with Icelandic herbs and berries. packed. They can be purchased online, the Icelandic nature. Alternatively, you For instance, their famous Black Lava salt is at Urta Islandica’s shops and in shops could dine at Grillid, an elegant top- the perfect finish to all dishes. The Red Lava around Iceland. Urta Islandica also offers floor restaurant, which has long been salt goes very well on everything that needs customised labels for all kinds of occasions; one of Reykjavík’s finest and famous for just a little taste of Iceland, especially roast company meetings or weddings. It’s the its beautiful panoramic views over the chicken or French fries and you will love perfect food souvenir or a gift from Iceland. capital city. the Kelp and Garlic salt on baked potatoes The hotel is ideal for conferences and or bread with butter. The Blueberry and Urta Islandica meetings and Radisson Blu offers state-of- Liquorice salts have been used to pep up Austurgata 47, 220 Hafnarfjörður the-art facilities, making the hotel suitable cocktails and desserts. +354 470 1300 [email protected] for all types of events. Other facilities include Urta Islandica’s herbal tea line is www.urta.is/en a fitness centre open 24/7, a hair and beauty impressive with teas including Birch, Arctic salon, a barber shop and complimentary Thyme and their famous 100% Bilberry parking around the hotel. -JG tea, but they are packed into teabags for daily use. If you enjoy sweets, you will love Urta‘s range of syrups all made with

Radisson BLU Saga Hotel Hagatorg 107 - Reykjavík 525-9900, 525-9930 [email protected] www.radissonblu.com/sagahotel-reykjavik

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TheAnna influence María of the Icelandic Design nature

nna María Sveinbjörnsdóttir is an Icelandic jeweller and designer who Aruns her own jewellery store, Anna María Design, on one of the main shopping streets in the city, Skólavörðustígur 3, in the heart of Reykjavík. Anna María studied both in LYSI Iceland and Denmark and has run her own company for more than three decades. Anna María's design is pure, timeless Bringing the healthy living and modern at the same time. She stresses exceptional attention to detail and of Iceland to the world craftmanship and has eye for the smallest detail. The jewellery is both for women and he story of LYSI is one of vision and launching their series of novel men and encompass silver, gold, white gold, innovation. In 1938, two Icelandic health products to fit all diet Icelandic stones as well as precious stones brothers formed LYSI as a small cod and nutritional needs in early like diamonds. In the store, you can find Tliver oil producer. The demand for lýsi – cod 2020. one of the biggest selections of jewellery with liver oil – was already high in Iceland, due Icelandic stones in the country like Agate, to the need for vitamins A and D. LYSI Impressive technology Mose-agate, Jasper, Basalt and Lava. began by offering the oil to Icelanders at & facilities When it comes to emphasis and style, Anna home. During World War II, LYSI began LYSI continues to invest in its María mentions free and organic forms based exporting to the US and UK. As research operation to ensure the highest on the Icelandic nature. Iceland is surrounded into the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids quality products, opening by the Atlantic Ocean and its waves inspire increased, the demand for LYSI’s products advanced production plants in the jeweller and much of her jewellery where continued to rise. The company placed 2005 and 2012, as well as an expert in-house within production. LYSI has also invested you can see the forms of the waves on rings, research and product development at its laboratory. With the latest technology, the in plastic recycling, and the company is necklaces, bracelets or ear-rings. forefront and has since grown considerably. LYSI production process meets consumer committed to these operations. Filigree represents a delicate form of Today, LYSI offers a suite of fish oil and demands for high purity products. The jewellery metalwork usually made in silver wellbeing products to world markets, from processes have been specifically designed Trusted brand at home & abroad and is well known regarding the traditional fish taken straight from the Icelandic seas. to minimize the oxidation of the oil and to LYSI has been a recognised part of the Icelandic women's costume. In some of remove taste and smell in the final product Icelandic market for decades, making it a Anna María's designs you can find this Wide range of products by natural means. Quality is a vital factor in well-established and trusted brand. In fact, extraordinary delicate work, which reminds LYSI has recently introduced ‘Lýsi Life’, a LYSI’s business. it’s a tradition for every Icelander to take one of the Icelandic heritage. line of products that combine an omega-3 cod liver oil from childhood. The brand base with other functional supplements; Strong values & social responsibility extends abroad as well, as its health benefits a focus on the brain, heart, skin, joints, LYSI is committed to sustainability, with have become known worldwide. As global eyes, bones and pregnancy, along with core values that reflect social responsibility. demand continues for LYSI products, the the fundamental liquid cod liver oil. The The company’s ethos is in the spirit of company has extended its e-commerce products include active ingredients such sustainability and respect for nature, operations to reach customers in all as antioxidants, marine collagen, calcium, exploiting the whole raw material in its geographic markets. -JG folate and hyaluronic acid. Packed with entirety and throwing nothing away. omega-3 fatty acids, LYSI’s cod liver oil Thus, LYSI makes by-products from the The products can be purchased online is key to development and unlocks the remainders of the primary production, at www.lysi-life.is potential of the brain, the central nervous creating value out of every part. LYSI system, and the immune system. Vitamin uses energy from renewable resources LYSI hf. Anna María Design Skólavörðustígur 3 • 101 Reykjavik D is essential to build strong, dense bones, – geothermal and hydropower – while Fiskislóð 5-9, 101 Reykjavík + 354 525 8100 +354 551 0036 while contributing greatly to an optimal guaranteeing effective waste management www.lysi.com [email protected] www.annamariadesign.is immune system. LYSI will continue and maximizing the raw materials used

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ÁRBÆJARLAUG is a beautiful swimming BREIÐHOLTSLAUG is a cosy pool with GRAFARVOGSLAUG is often used KLÉBERGSLAUG is located in a short pool right in midst of a wooded area. three really fun slides, hot tubs, kiddie for swim competitions for the younger distance from Reykjavík, surrounded by Large swimming pool, kiddie pools, hot hot pool and a great swimming pool. generation as the indoor pool is the nature. Small comfortable swimming area tubs, steam bath, waterfalls and two Indoors there is an additional pool for perfect size. Nice open space indentifies with two hot tubs. Sometimes there are slides along with an indoor baby pool. children that is very popular. Steambath Grafarvogslaugs area, offering hot tubs, Zumba and other fun activites going on, Easy to get in and out of the facilities. and sauna for both men and women. steam baths and sauna, and two fun slides. and then there is a gym close by.

Fylkisvegur 9, 110 Reykjavík Austurberg 3, 111 Reykjavík Dalhús 2, 112 Reykjavík Kléberg, 116 Reykjavík +354 530-2200 • www.sundlaug.is +354 557-5547 • www.sundlaug.is +354 411 5300 • www.sundlaug.is +354 566-6879 • www.sundlaug.is Open Mon-Tue 06:30-22, Open Mon-Thu 06:30-22, Open Mon-Thu 06:30-22, Open Mon-Fri 15-22, Sat, Sun 09-18 Fri 06:30-20, Sat, Sun 09-18 Fri 06:30-20, Sat, Sun 09-18 Sat, Sun 11-15

LAUGARDALSLAUG is one of the most VESTURBÆJARLAUG is a small and SUNDHÖLL REYKJAVÍKUR is the oldest NAUTHÓLSVÍK GEOTHERMAL BEACH popular pools with various activites for friendly neighbourhood pool, located public bath in Iceland. It opened in 1937 is a paradise for people who love splashing the children. The slide is very popular within walking distance of the city and is located in the centre of Reykjavík, around in the ocean or sunbathing in the for any age, as are the hot tubs, cold tub centre. The pool has an outdoor pool It recently reopened after renovations golden sand. The beach is equipped with and the seawater tub. Steam baths and and children’s pool, waterslide, four hot that include a new outdoor pool area. changing facilities and showers, steam- sauna are available. A cafeteria for after tubs, steam bath, sauna and gym. baths and hot tubs. swim refreshment. Barónsstígur 45a, Reykjavík Sundlaugavegur 30, 105 Reykjavík Hofsvallagötu, Reykjavík +354 411-5350 • www.sundlaug.is Nauthólsvík 108 Reykjavík +354 411 5100 • www.sundlaug.is +354 411-5150 • www.sundlaug.is Open Mon-Thu 06:30-22, +354 511 6630 Open Mon-Fri 06:30-22, Open Mon-Thu 06:30-22, Fri 06:30-20 Sat 08-16 Sun 10-18 www.nautholsvik.is/en Sat, Sun 08-22 Fri 06:30-20, Sat, Sun 09-18 Open Mon - Fri, Sat-Sun 10-19

Fureldur is a family store run fur brand Inside and you can also seeworkshop the furrier TEITUR TRAVEL, founded in 1963, VERA DESIGN is the collaboration is one of Iceland's biggest bus of goldsmith Guðbjartur Þorleifsson that specializes in the design of at work, altering and repairing old fur Feldur verkstæði companies. A family company known who has 60 years of experience high quality fur products. The garments giving them a new life and Snorrabraut 56 - 105 Reykjavik for their customer care and runs a and stylist and designer Íris Björk +354 588 0488 carbon emission offset program with Jónsdóttir who has 15 years of design Fshop and workshop is located in the style. ‘‘We believe in the quality and [email protected] www.feldur.is over 16.000 trees planted. behind her. heart of Reykjavík where you will find durability of fur as a material that can Dalvegi 22, 201 Kópavogur [email protected] a wide selection of our fur products. last a lifetime’’. +354 515 2700 veradesignjewellery.com www.icelandictimes.com [email protected] www.teitur.is/en/

FEEL ICELAND is a creation by FJÖRUKRÁIN is a Viking restaurant HAPPY TOURS is a small family REYKJAVIK RAINCOATS are two Icelandic women who wanted where emphasis lies on making company running an old and lovely handmade raincoats, using only the to make people look and feel their the experience a genuine Viking fishing boat from Hafnarfjörður best materials to withstand the worst natural best in a sustainable way experience with viking food served since 2009. Their goal is to give of weather Iceland can throw at you. with beauty & wellness products by Vikings and Valkyries, all dressed guests an intimate and informational Designed in timeless fashion to suit from Iceland. up for the occacion. experience. the active crowd. Grandagardur 16, 101 Reykjavik Strandgata 55, 220 Hafnarfjörður Hlésgata, 101 Reykjavík Laugavegur 62, 101 Reykjavík +354 783 1300 +354 565 1213 +354 85 33 111 Tel: +354 571 1177 feeliceland.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.fjorukrain.is/ happytours.is/ www.reykjavikraincoats.com

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Dine at Elegant Bambus BÆNDUR Í BÆNUM is a developed BLIK BISTRO & GRILL is located in KRUA THAI IN KÓPAVOGUR is a THE REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF concept of a farmers market. Here you Mosfellsbæ with a panoramic view. The favourite for many. With their reputation PHOTOGRAPHY's goal is to research, can visit the grocery store or order tranquility and the majestic view boost to always deliver fresh, tasty food, both promote & exhibit the different angles Chinese Restaurant online for fresh, organic vegetables the enjoyment of the cuisine by master at the restaurant & to your door, it is no of photography such as photographic from the owners’ farms in South Iceland. chef, Joost Van Bemmel. wonder they are such a popular choice. art, art history, conservation & Located in the heart of the financial district, Bambus offers technological development. Grensásvegi 10, 101 Reykjavík Æðarhöfði 36, 270 Mosfellsbae Bæjarlind 14, 201 Kópavogur Grófarhús, Tryggvagata 15, authentic Chinese cuisine +354 586 8001 postur@ www. +354 566 8480 +354 552 2525 101 Reykjavik +354 411 6390 baenduribaenum.is/ [email protected] www.kruathai.is/en/ [email protected] baenduribaenum.is [email protected] borgarsogusafn.is/en/reykjavik- celand is a dream destination for wasabi. Other delectable choices include museum-of-photography/ travellers, as you spend your days stir fried pork with Chinese mushrooms surveying the gorgeous landscapes and black bean sauce, and Guang dong of vast glaciers, bubbling geysers and style stir fried noodles with sliced beef Itowering mountains. After a full day of and vegetables in soy sauce. There´s truly sightseeing, you will want to relax over something for everyone. dinner and enjoy the company of your fellow travellers. Bambus Restaurant Set Your Sights on Shopping is Iceland’s largest Chinese restaurant, Before leaving Iceland, you will of course catering to both Asian and Western guests. want to spend a little time shopping for SÆGREIFINN is a seafood restaurant in SHANGHAI IN HAFNARFJÖRÐUR SHANGHAI ON LAUGAVEGUR in TIME TOURS travel agency and tour the Old Harbour in Reyjavík. The lobster is the newest Shanghai in a chain of 3 Reykjavík is the first restaurant in the operator arrange tours for individuals Bambus serves Asian fusion cuisine and is gifts for friends and family back home. Borg soup & the grilled fish on skewers are restaurants. When it opened its door in Shanghai chain. As one of the first or groups in small coaches, which located near Reykjavík’s business district. Galleria is an independent high end store their signature dishes. Sægreifinn also 2018, it was well received by the locals Chinese restaurants in Reykjavík, it has makes them different from other bus has a variety of vegetarian dishes. & is a welcome addition to the food its share of loyal clients, who keep on companies. The service is much more focused on fashion and everyday luxury scene in Hafnarfjörður. returning for more. personal & more focused. lifestyle, offering the finest quality of both Geirsgata 8 , 101 Reykjavík Reykjavíkurvegi 74, 220 Borgartún 34, 105 Reykjavík An inventive menu with classic +354 553 1500 Hafnarfjörður Laugavegur 60, 101 Reykjavík +354 578 7111 / 820 0245 flavours men's and women's fashion, accessories, www.saegreifinn.is/en/ +354 517 9688 / 537 5888 +354 517 9688 / 537 5888 [email protected] As the number of Asian travellers to Iceland outdoor clothing, skincare and health [email protected] [email protected] sjanghae.is/laugavegi/ timetours.is/ shanghai.is/hafnarfjordur/ [email protected] increases, Bambus Chinese Restaurant has products. You will find local brands like become a must when visiting the capital 66o North, Feldur, and Tulipop, as well as city. The restaurant owners have built up international wares from designers you know quite a reputation in the financial district and love like Ugg, Ecco, and Holzweiler. in Reykjavík for excellent Chinese cuisine, When you´re travelling to Reykjavík be and are committed to maintaining the sure to stop by Bambus Asian Cuisine for highest standards. The dishes feature fresh an elegant, authentic meal, and fulfill your ingredients with a contemporary flair. The luxury shopping needs at Borg Galleria. -JG food is in the hands of top chefs who bring ELDER OG ÍS. This small mom and ICELANDIC FISH & CHIPS serves a FELDUR WORKSHOP is an Icelandic THE NATIONAL GALLERY of Iceland pop shop in Reykjavík offers delicate healthier version of Fish & chips than furrier who specializes in high quality, is exhibiting a retrospective work of the their vast experience from Europe and Asia artist Hulda Hákon, a career that spans Bambus Asian Cuisine & Lounge Artisan Crepes with fresh and organic most using only Icelandic ingredients Icelandic fur products and Icelandic to Bambus´ kitchen. You will find Icelandic- based ingredients from sweet to & in the process manages to create a design. Products made to last a over 40 years. Hulda set herself apart Borgartún 16 • 105 Reykjavík savoury Crepes, ice-creams to coffees more crispy & delicious fish & chips. lifetime. from the mainstream artists in the early inspired dishes like steamed Icelandic +354 517 0123 & teas. Gluten & lactose free friendly! 80's with her reliefs. langoustines with garlic and butter to [email protected] Tryggvagata 11 Snorrabraut 56, Fríkirkjuvegi 7, 101 Reykjavík www.bambusrestaurant.is 101 Reykjavík 105 Reykjavík [email protected] Skólavörðustígur 2, 101 Reykjavík +354 588 0488O Icelandic salmon sashimi, served with +354 571 2480 +354 511 1118 www.listasafn.is/english/ [email protected] www.feldur.is exhibitions/hulda-hakon-1-2 [email protected] [email protected] facebook.com/eldurogis/ www.fishandchips.is +354 515 9600

URTA ISLANDICA makes the finest ART GALLERY 101 is a cooperative ÞRIR FRAKKAR RESTAURANT GUÐLAUGUR A. MAGNÚSSON salts, herbs, jam, syrups & honey gallery of 14 local artists, committed The chef, Stefán Úlfarsson, has A family jewellery store in downtown from the nature of Iceland. They to supporting the growth of the continuously placed emphasis on fish Reykjavík who has, since 1924, designed offer a wide array of salts like lava creative vitality of our community. We courses and the restaurant has become and hand made jewellery and silverware. & blueberry salt, gift-boxes, syrups specialize in fine art and fine gifts to well known for its delicious fish fare. Stop by the store or order online. and tea. accommodate every buget. Other specialities on the menu include whale meat and sea bird entrees. Skólavörðustígur 10, 101, Reykjavík Austurgata 47, 220 Hafnarfjörður Laugavegur 44, 101 Reykjavík +354 562 5222 Tel. 354/470-1300 +354 544 4101 Baldursgata 14, 101 Reykjavík Jewelry store since 1924 www.urta.is/en artgallery101.is +354-552-3939 www.gam.is - gam.is [email protected]

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SUPERJEEP.IS is a team of highly TULIPOP is Icelandic characters HIMALAYAN SPICE is a Nepalese THE ICELANDIC BAR was literally experienced jeep drivers with founded in 2010. The world of restaurant in downtown Reykjavík. born under the 2009 demonstrations the aim to thrill & educate & take Tulipop appeals to all those young Nepalese cuisine is a mix of foods when people were seeking shelter customers to places way beyond the at heart. A world where traditional based on ethnicity, soil and climate from tear gas. Quickly the bar was up beaten path. gender lines are swept away & flaws connected to Nepal's cultural and running with excellent, traditional are accepted. diversity and geography. Icelandic food on the menu. Fossháls 15, 110 Reykjavík +354 660 1499 / 569 8000 Skólavörðustígur 43, 101 Reykjavík Laugavegur 60A, 101 Reykjavík Ingólfsstræti 1a, 101 Reykjavík [email protected] +354 519 6999 +354 517 7795 +354 517 6767 www.superjeep.is/ [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.tulipop.com www.himalayanspiceiceland.com/ www.islenskibarinn.is

ANCESTORS’ KNOWLEDGE BAMBUS CHINESE RESTAURANT HOTEL HOLT in downtown Reykjavik JS WATCH CO is the first and only At AURORA REYKJAVIK, the have built up quite a reputation in is a hotel with a history, a flair for watchmaker in Iceland. All watches Northern Lights centre in Reykjavík, the financial district in Reykjavík for beauty coupled with a high end are handmade with Swiss accuracy you can learn about the Aurora excellent Chinese cuisine. Innovative, restaurant, original artwork on the and only with European parts making Borealis, known as the Northern HEALTHY FOOD fresh and with a contemporary and walls and a world class cocktail bar. each and every timepiece unique. Lights. They also have a fantastic stylish plating. Aurora cinema + 360o goggles. Bergstaðastræti 37 Laugavegur 62, 101 Reykjavík Borgartún 16, 105 Reykjavík 101 Reykjavík +354 551 4100 Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík DIRECT FROM THE EARTH +0354 517 0123 +354 552 5700 [email protected] +354 780 4500 [email protected] [email protected] www.jswatch.com/ [email protected] www.bambusrestaurant.is www.holt.is aurorareykjavik.is/ In the old days, people still had knowledge about nature’s richness. They used what Wild Nature provided them: picked leaves and herbs, or searched the shores for the ocean’s supplies such as seaweed. The shore is a garden; you just have to know where to harvest and what to collect. A PIONEER HAND PICKED AND HEALTHY Biologist Eyjólfur Friðgeirsson knows nature pretty well. The hand-picked Iceland moss is ready for use in tea, He is passionate about the harvesting of nature, which bread or porridge. In the old days, seaweed was he sees as a food source and a treasure for delicacies. consumed in times of famine. Today we know that there Anyone who loves a burger knows ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION, THE REYKJAVÍK MARITIME In 2005 he started his company Íslensk hollusta, aiming is hardly a more nutrient food. By adding seaweed to the dude, THE BIG LEBOWSKI. This is a living museum in Reykjavik a museum in the middle of Reykjavik, MUSEUM. Located in an old fish restaurant is in downtown Reykjavík where you can walk around & enter displays the settlement of Reykjavik, of freezing plant, opened its doors in at the use of natural Icelandic products in their own your daily diet, you can be sure that you are consuming and they serve the juiciest burgers houses from times gone by. Enjoy its first inhabitants, their lives, important June 2005. Located in the old harbour, taste and freshness. ingredients from unspoiled Icelandic waters. with a secret sauce —and make sure costumed guides, grazing animals houses as scholars believe it to be. the surroundings set the tone for this to try their hot wings! & experience traditional crafts. lovely maritime museum. Eyjólfur is a pioneer in his field in Iceland. He was the Homemade sauces, juices and jams made from Aðalstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík Grandagarður 8, 101 Reykjavík Laugavegur 20a, 101 Reykjavík Kistuhylur 4, 110 Reykjavík +354 411 6370 +354 411 6300 first one to revive the idea of using seaweed as a dried traditional materials are a treat. Pamper your body with +354 552 2300 +354 411 6304 [email protected] [email protected] snack. The country is rich in natural resources when it a rich bath salt, or treat yourself with Icelandic Herbal [email protected] [email protected] borgarsogusafn.is/en/the- borgarsogusafn.is/en/reykjavik- lebowskibar.is/ borgarsogusafn.is/en/node/843 settlement-exhibition/open maritime-museum/about comes to nutriment. His task was to reawaken folk Tea and Arctic Thyme Tea from Íslensk hollusta. knowledge about how to harness these gifts of the Try the Viking Salt, produced with an ancient salt earth. The idea proved to be a success, and today his production method. goods can be purchased in souvenir shops around “Wild Nature knows what is best; we pick it for Iceland. Spiced Salt (a seasoned salt made according you, and you just have to take it home,” to his special recipe) is an excellent contribution to says Eyjólfur. your cuisine and a perfect gift.

FJALLAKOFINN is your one-stop TIMBERLAND BOOTS are made for SÓLON BISTRO BAR is located SÓLHESTAR is a company specializing outdoor store for your adventure the rugged landscape of Iceland, as smack downtown in Reykjavik. A in taking customers on horseback in Iceland's beautiful landscape. can be seen with the number of people place renowned for their food and through the amazing Icelandic landscape Whatever you might need like tents, wearing them. They have proved to atmosphere where both locals and from two locations now. One outside walking boots & protective clothing, withstand the harsh weather & sharp visitors meet and enjoy world class Reykjavik and another close to Selfoss. they have it all. stones here for years. food in luxurious surroundings. Solhestar horse rental Reykjavik Kringlan 7, 103 Reykjavík Kringlan, 103 Reykjavík Bankastræti 7a, 101 Reykjavík Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavik +354 510 9510 Tel: +354 533 2290 +354 562-3232 Open all year around 8:00 - 17:00 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 00354-8923066 fjallakofinn.is/ solon.is/ [email protected] www.solhestar.is 66 www.islenskhollusta.is www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u lt u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 43 • 2019

with an interest in the geosciences will have a wealth of opportunities to explore ancient lava fields, bubbling mud pools, BRYGGJAN KAFFIHÚS is a cosy little THE GRINDAVÍK CAMPSITE on FISHHOUSE BAR & GRILL in the BORG GUESTHOUSE is a family-run steam vents, craters, volcanic fissures, not Café located on the Pier next to the Reykjanes peninsula is one of the more romantic fishing village of Grindavík is guesthouse in the middle of Grindavík. to mention the amazing variety of sea birds Grindavík Harbour on the Reykjanes organised campsites in Iceland. They an excellent seafood restaurant minutes All rooms have wall-to-wall carpet, free The Town of peninsula, minutes south from famous have BBQ's, electricity, playgrounds, south of the Blue Lagoon. They pride WiFi, tea & coffee, a desk and closet. that populate the nearby cliffs. Blue Lagoon. a play castle, kitchen, laundry room themselves on the use of delicious local and WiFi. produce. Gistiheimilið Borg Bryggjan Grindavík Camping in Grindavík Fishhouse bar and grill Borgarhraun 2, 241 Grindavík Home base Grindavík Miðgarður 2, 240 Grindavík Austurvegur 26, 240 Grindavík Hafnargötu 6, 240 Grindavík +354 426 8686 It goes without saying that Grindavík +354 426 7100 +354 660 7323 +354 426 9999 [email protected] Over the hills and not far away [email protected] [email protected] www. [email protected] offers visitors a variety of options for www.bryggjan.com grindavik.is/tjaldsvaedi www.fishhouse.is accommodation—from modern camping GrindavíkHiding in plain sight harbour is second only to Reykjavík. Here facilities, to cosy guesthouses and quiet If you love exploring new places and visitors can witness the fish being landed hotels. For eating out, there is something especially those little advertised spots that on the docks and sample fresh fish dishes to suit every budget—from food trucks you had no idea even existed, the fishing served up by the many fine restaurants that and fast food joints to high-end fine dining town of Grindavík is for you. Located just take full advantage of their proximity to the establishments. The local supermarket is 20 minutes from Keflavik International ocean. well stocked with everything you’ll need Airport and 40 minutes from downtown for doing a spot of home cooking. Relax in Reykjavík, the village lies just beyond the the town’s geothermal pool, send postcards GRINDAVÍK SWIMMING POOL is HARBOUR VIEW LUXURY CABINS PAPA'S RESTAURANT is a restaurant SALTHÚSIÐ RESTAURANT in Reykjanes UNESCO located in the middle of town, next to in Grindavík offer small masterpieces specialising in fish 'n chips, pizzas and Reykjanes is the only seafood mountains that serve as a backdrop to the Global Geopark home from the local post office or visit the the lovely campsite. They have a 25m of luxury cabins with a wonderful view hamburgers. A family-friendly place restaurant in Iceland that specialises Blue Lagoon. Who knew? Drive past the Besides the obvious advantage of having Icelandic Saltfish Museum and learn all lap pool, a kid pool. waterslide, hot tubs, of the harbour from all cabins. You where you can watch the game at the in Bacalao, the salted cod. Once the sauna, tanning beds and a gym. will lack nothing in these wonderful bar section with complimentary WiFi. staple food for the poor, now a sought lagoon; between the mountains and in the Blue Lagoon right on it’s doorstep, about Grindavík’s illustrious past. cottages. Hafnargata 7a, Grindarvík after delicacy all over Iberia and Iceland. just 5 minutes or less, you have arrived in Grindavík is also perfectly situated All in all, Grindavík makes for an Austurvegi 1, 240 Grindavík Austuvegur 26 b, 240 Grindavík +354 426 9955 +354 426 7555 Grindavík! for those who come to the Reykjanes attractive and convenient home away +3457733993 [email protected] Stamphólsvegi 2, 240 Grindavík [email protected] [email protected] https://papas.is/ [email protected] Peninsula to witness the geothermal and from home while exploring the Reykjanes www.grindavik.is/sundlaug www.harbourview.is salthusid-english.weebly.com/ The Blue Lagoon’s Home Town volcanic activity that the area is known for. Peninsula. -EMV Despite its small town feel, Grindavík boasts Designated a UNESCO Global Geopark a relatively large population of just over in 2015, the peninsula is home to many Grindavík 3000 inhabitants, many of whom can be important geological formations, many Vikurbraut 62 - 240 Grindavík [email protected] found working in the fishing industry in of which can be found nowhere else in www.visitgrindavik.is one capacity or another. The large fishing the world. With 55 geosites to visit, those

GEO HOTEL in Grindavik is a short BRUIN RESTAURANT is a family run drive from the airport and the Blue seafood place with delicious fish dishes Lagoon, making it ideal as your first and fish soup as specialities with a hotel in Iceland. The hotel also has stunning view over the harbour. Their complimentary tranfer to and from the menu also includes pizza, burgers and Blue Lagoon. a kids menu. Víkurbraut 58, 240 Grindavik Hafnargötu 26, 240 Grindavik +354 421 4000 +354 426 7080 [email protected] [email protected] www.geohotel.is/ www.restaurantbruin.com

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

KRAUMA Geothermal Baths

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Deep into the Mystical Glacier Langjökull couple of hours from Reykjavík is the and carefully preparing for construction. Where everything is ‘cool’ Iceland’s Mightiest Lava Cave mystical Langjökull – ‘Long Glacier’ – Perhaps against all odds, what started as a Everything is ‘cool’ about the journey After the journey into the glaciers, there AIceland’s second largest glacier. It covers an dream, rapidly became a reality as passion, into Langjökull Glacier as visitors travel is Iceland’s mightiest and one of world’s area of about 950km² and rises to between energy, enthusiasm and drive, combined in giant trucks from the days of the largest Lava Caves, Víðgelmir – ‘Wide 1200-1300m above sea level. It rests on a with science, engineering, finance and Cold War, when they served as NATO Elf’ – just shy of 1600 metres long with massif of Hyaloclastite Mountains formed political support, made it possible to missile launch pads aimed at the Soviet amazing features, including wonderful under ice and water. The south-western shape the largest man-made glacier cave, army. It’s ‘cool’, whether you make the clava stalactites and stalagmites of part of the ice cap is called Geitlandsjökull giving people the amazing opportunity to journey from nearby Húsafell – ‘Ridge amazing colours and formations, diversity – ‘Glacier land of goats’ – which rises to an explore and see the inside of the massive of Houses’, the National Park, Þingvellir and grandeur lurking in the depths of elevation of 1400 metres. To the south of glacier. – ‘Parliamentary Fields’ – or the capital, the Earth. In fact, Gelmir was the Elf Geitlandsjökull and separated from the To make the journey inside one of Reykjavík – ‘Smokey Bay’. of Nargothrond, a character in Tolkien’s main ice cap, is the smaller 1350m high Iceland’s frozen giants is truly a once- There are daily tours out of Reykjavík Silmarillion. Gelmir rode forth against Þórisjökull. According to legend, it was in-a-lifetime experience. To venture towards the glacier through the beautiful Morgoth but was captured and slain. named after Þórir, the troll who lived in down the world’s largest man-made ice Borgarfjörður, with its extravagant The Lava Field was formed during a a green valley in the pass between the two tunnel is surreal. Then there is driving waterfalls created out of the lava, and destructive volcanic eruption in the 10th glaciers. Until recently, what lay beneath the a snowmobile across the surface of the Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Century which originated from under surface of the Langjökull glacier had been glacier, which is amazing – and basically Deildartunguhver – (translation Langjökull Glacier. The Lava Cave tour a mystery, known only to a small group of where the adventure began, as the locals impossible) – which provides 180 litres/ into Víðgelmir is family friendly, thanks scientists and glaciologists. really started exploring Langjökull 50 sec of 100° hot water! to lighting and the new 300m walkway. years ago when Neil Armstrong was The magnificent ‘Blue Ice’ walking on the Moon; “One small step World’s first monument to an ex-glacier Spectacular landscape, rich history In 2010, daring pioneers had a vision for man, one giant leap for mankind”. We live in the days of global warming Þingvellir is intrinsically part of to take people not just around and onto To venture onto the glacier on a and just recently, it was discovered that Langjökull as the glacier’s underground People simply love taking tours from birthplace of the world’s first National the glacier, but also inside the heart of snowmobile on a beautiful summer or the Ok glacier just west of Langjökull is streams feed the picturesque Þingvallavatn Þingvellir over the rugged Highland Road Parliament and birthplace of Christianity the remote and extraordinary ice cap. winter day – which you can do twice a day, Iceland’s first ‘ex-glacier’. This summer a – ‘Lake Þingvellir’ – Iceland’s largest of Kaldidalur – ‘Cold Valley’ – to the top in Iceland in the year 1,000 AD. Their mission was to see the magnificent all year around,– with such a spectacular monument was erected, the world’s first natural lake. At Þingvellir, nature is of Langjökull at Klaki Base Camp by the Into the Glacier 'Blue Ice' which is buried deep beneath view, is really out of this world; almost like monument to a glacier that has fallen tearing Iceland apart in a spectacular ice cave. There are not many places in the Viðarhöfði 1 • 110 Reykjavík the surface. With this bold vision in being on the moon and looking down on victim to climate change. Over the next way, on the borders of the European and world where you experience such breath- +354 578 2550 [email protected] mind, entrepreneurs and scientists the Earth. Follow that with going inside 200 years, glaciologists expect all of American Tectonic Plates, strikingly taking contrasts of majestic landscapes of www.intotheglacier.is began studying, planning, modelling the Glacier. Can it get better than that? Iceland’s 400 glaciers to disappear. seen in the landscape. Ice, lava and rich history. Þingvellir is the

72 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com 73 SEATOURS operates two ships. One is LÁKI TOURS in Grundarfjörður is LÁKI TOURS. Orcas are often seen THE VOLCANO MUSEUM, Eldfjallasafn, the big ferry between Snæfellsnes and just south of a huge Herring zone that early in the season, into early July. Sperm is the collection of Dr. Haraldur Westfjords with a stop in Flatey. The attracts Orcas in big numbers when whales are most common between April Sigurðsson's 40 years of studying and Published in English, Chinese, French, German and Icelandic other is a fast catamaran which tours the season is right which makes whale to June. Late summer Pilot whales make researching volcanoes and volcanic the different islands in Breiðafjörður. watching from Grundarfjörður an themselves knows, sometimes in big rocks all around the world, both on land excellent choice for Orca lover. pods of hundeds together. and the ocean floor. Smiðjustíg 3, 340 Stykkishólmur Nesvegur 5, 350 Grundarfjörður Norðurtangi 9, 355 Ólafsvík +354 433 2254 / 856 0256 The Volcano Museum +354 546 6808 +354 546 6808 Aðalgata 6, 340 Stykkishólmur www.seatours.is [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] +354 433 8154 http://lakitours.com/our-tours/ lakitours.com/our-tours/whale- www.eldfjallasafn.is whale-watching-grundarfjordur/ watching-olafsvik/

THE NORWEGIAN HOUSE was built LIBRARY OF WATER is an installation STYKKISHÓLMUR CAMPSITE is THE ICELANDIC EIDER CENTER is a in 1832 and was the first, full-size 2 art piece by Roni Horn consisting of situated in the middle of town. An small museum on the ground floor of storeys wood-frame house in Iceland. huge glass tubes with water collected all-year-around campground with the Norwegian house. The Museum The wood was imported from Norway, from different glaciers around Iceland. everything you need like showers, is dedicated to the education about hence the name of this building that The art piece is found in the old library washing machines, toilets and eiderdown farming then and now. now is a regional museum. in Stykkishólmur. electricity. Bókhlöðustígur 19, 340 Aðalgata 25, 340 Stykkishólmur Frúarstígur 6, 340 Stykkishólmur Hafnargötu 5, 340 Stykkishólmur Stykkishólmur +354 438 1075 +354 899 8369 +354 433 8114 +354 865 4516 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.stykkisholmur.is/mannlif/ eider.is/ www.norskahusid.is/english/ www.libraryofwater.is/ tjaldsvaedi-stykkisholms

LEIR 7 is a clay workshop and a gallery STYKKISHÓLMUR SWIMMING POOL HÓTEL Á is a beautiful countryhotel KRAUMA SPA gets its water from in Stykkishólmur on Snæfellsnes. They is located in the middle of town. It has a in west Iceland, next to Hvítá glacial Europe’s most powerful hot spring only use Icelandic clay which has taken water-slide, hot pots, a children's pool river. The hotel has free WiFi, bathrobes called Deildartunguhver. The ages to form. and a cold pot too. and the hotel also has a wonderful geothermal water is mixed with cold restaurant highlighting local produce. water from the glacier Ok to create the Aðalgata 20, 340 Stykkishólmur Borgarbraut 4, 340 Stykkishólmur perfect spa temperatures. +354 894 0425 +354 433 8150 Kirkjuból 2, 320 Reykholti [email protected] [email protected] +354 4351430 Deildartunguhver, 320 Reykholt www.leir7.is/ www.west.is/en/inspiration/services/ [email protected] +354 555 6066 stykkisholmur-swimming-pool hotela.is/ [email protected] krauma.is/en/

ENGLENDINGAVÍK RESTAURANT SJÁVARBORG GUESTHOUSE is next HOTEL GLÝMUR is located in the HOTEL GLÝMUR RESTAURANT is situated in the old part of Borgarnes. door the Englendingavík Restaurant, gorgeous fjord just north of Reykjavik. offers traditional Icelandic food and With nothern shelter and a stunning another excellent vintage house but A hotel with everything you need for a international cuisine. The dining hall view over the bay, you are sure you this one hosting a newly renovated wonderful country stay with a stunning has an excellent view over Hvalfjörður, have an exquisite dining experience guesthouse with a view to take your view over Hvalfjörður, the whale fjord. making the dining experience in this vintage house. breath away. astounding for all seasons. Hvalfirði, 301 Akranes Skúlagata 17, 310 Borgarnes Skúlagata 17, 310 Borgarnes +354 430 3100 Hvalfirði, 301 Akranes +354 5551400 +354 5551400 [email protected] +354 430 3100 [email protected] [email protected] hotelglymur.is/ [email protected] englendingavik.is/restaurant/ englendingavik.is/rooms/ www.hotelglymur.is/copy-of-matur To u r i s m , C u lt u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 43 • 2019

THE SWIMMING POOL IN HÓLMAVÍK HRAFNSEYRI is an old town in the LÁKI TOURS IN HÓLMAVÍK is ICELAND BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL is fairly new in the middle of town, Westfjords where Jón Sigurðsson situated in the wild Westfjords where is a Westfjord tour specialist. Travel in next to the campsite. Here you'll find was born, the spearhead for the Humpbacks can be found in an a superjeep and hike remote places in aswimming pool, hot tubs, sauna, a gym independence of Iceland. The museum abundance during summer. Whale the western fjords of Iceland. This is and a sports hall. & the church is open for visitors. watching in the Westfjords is a must for personal service of the highest order. nature lovers. It's big & wonderful. Jakobinutún 3, 510 Hólmavík Hrafnseyri, 471 Þingeyri Urðarvegur 27 +354 451 3560 +354 456 8260 Hafnarbraut 14, 510 Hólmavík 400 Ísafjörður [email protected] [email protected] +354 546 6808 +354 861 2845 www.strandabyggd.is/ www.hrafnseyri.is [email protected] [email protected] thjonusta/ithrottamidstod/ www.lakitours.com www.ibctravel.is

Top quality organic TJÖRUHÚSIÐ is a seafood restaurant VILLIMEY SKIN PRODUCTS are Villimey in Ísafjörður, Westfjords that does not made from the freshest herbs in the have a menu. All meals are dependent Westfjords. None of the products products made from unique on the catch of the day and available contains preservatives which has fresh produce. been recognized with an International selected Icelandic herbs Organic Certification. Neðstakaupstað, 400 Ísafjörður [email protected] Strandgata 44, 460 Tálknafjörður illimey is an Icelandic organic herbal facebook.com/Tjoruhusid/ +354 892 8273 company based in the Westfjords, +354 456 4419 [email protected] V www.villimey.is/en/ www.icelandictimes.com one of the most remote parts of Europe, where both nature and ocean are extremely pure. Its products are hand- picked and then hand-made from start to finish using top quality production processes. All the products are 100 percent organic, for hygiene and quality practices. Some Villimey ships all over the world. The containing specially selected Icelandic Icelandic doctors, including plastic company's products will probably be sold herbs. These are the healthiest herbs that surgeons and other hospital staff such as in Taiwan and Russia in the near future. are gathered in peak condition. Because of at Burn Units, recommend the products. the climate, the herbs grow slowly, which Villimey's products range from makes them more effective. ointments for baby rash to sore joints and Villimey has received an International itchy feet as well as products that beautify Villimey Skin Products Organic Certification. Independent skin and heal wounds. Strandgata 44, 460 Tálknafjörður Icelandic research shows, for example, that No product is put on the market unless +354 892 8273 [email protected] Villimey’s production of herbal salves and it has been tested and used for from four www.villimey.is/en/ ointments meets the strictest requirements to five years.

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AkureyriHeart of the North

he dozen inhabitants in Cultural Centre of the North facilities are the big skating rink, football pearls of the North in under 2 hours. 1786, clinging to the side When it comes to culture, Akureyri has it fields and recreational areas ideal for If you are planning your visit, then it’s of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s all: museums, art galleries, international running, hiking and downhill biking. recommended you check out the Arctic longest fjord, probably never exhibitions, conference facilities, music The geothermally–heated swimming Coast Way with all its wonders. www. imagined their brave struggle venues, music of all genres, theatre and pools, with their hot pots, jacuzzi and arcticcoastway.is. would ultimately result in a town of almost cinemas showing the latest films. awesome water slides are open—and very T20,000 people with all the services of a It has well over 20 restaurants, covering popular—all year round. Easy Access major city. both Icelandic and international cuisine, The Arctic Open Golf championship Flights from Reykjavík airport take just Akureyri is not as big as any of the with top chefs who create their own is played on the most northerly 18-hole 35 min. Scheduled buses drive twice a world’s cities but it provides all the innovative cuisine. There is an abundance course in the world, just outside the city day between Reykjavík and Akureyri. features and services expected of a big of cafés, each with their individual speciality. under both snow–covered mountains The trip from Reykjavík to Akureyri city in a very compact form, so that For groups and individuals, Akureyri and the midnight sun. You can hire clubs takes about 6 hours, although in the everything is available within a short offers such a wide range of activities, if you need them and relax in the club summer time you can choose a longer distance. events and opportunities, it maximises the house afterwards. route over the highlands if you wish to Take, for instance, winter activities time available. There are a multitude of turn your trip into a journey rich with like skiing. The family-friendly slopes tours covering every interest from flying See the Sights sights and natural beauty. are under 10 minutes from the airport to caving, from fishing to the Hidden Akureyri is also a service base for many of The city bus service is free in town. and the hotels. Likewise, the horse riding People, walking to whale watching. the most important tourist destinations Every type of accommodation is on hand, tours, boat trips, bird watching—to in North Iceland. From here, you can from 4-star hotels to camp sites. name a few—are all so close, you can Sports of all kinds visit Mývatn, Dettifoss—the most almost touch them. You name it, it’s close- Sport activities are very popular in the powerful waterfall in Europe, the islands Akureyrarstofa Strandgata 12 • 600 Akureyri by. The weather, with its combination North and many sports are represented in of Hrísey, and Grímsey, straddling the +354 450 1050 of crisp, dry snow and Northern Lights, this dynamic community. We have already Arctic Circle; see craters and boiling [email protected] www.visitakureyri.is makes a holiday here memorable. mentioned the ski slopes, but other popular mud pools and, in fact, reach all the

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ClifftopHúsavík’s Unique GeoSea Hot Bathing Baths t the awesome GeoSea baths, set on top the mid-20th century revealed water that from the bore holes, between the pools, over of Húsavíkurhöfði – ‘Húsavík Cliff’ turned out to be hot seawater, too rich in their edges and into the sea ensures that the –A bathing guests view a majestic range of minerals to be suitable for heating houses. water stays within the limits stipulated by mountains to the west, old oak fishing boats Instead of letting the hot water go to health regulations. silently sailing Skjálfandi Bay, the Puffin waste, an old cheese barrel was installed at The GeoSea sea baths enable guests to and Flatey Islands, the Arctic Circle on the Húsavíkurhöfði. There, Húsavík residents enjoy nature in a unique manner. Thanks Horizon and the serene town of Húsavík, could enjoy the health benefits of bathing to the underground heat, the seawater in with its majestic wooden Church. Húsavík, in hot seawater. Many suffering from skin the baths is warm and comfortable and the the whale watching capital of Europe, with conditions such as psoriasis have found mineral-rich water caresses the skin. While its population of 2,500, is one of Iceland’s relief by bathing in the water, which is at an warm sea works its miracles, guests enjoy the main tourist attractions. Simply magical and optimal temperature of 38°-39°C. spectacular view and health benefits. unmatched anywhere else. The bore holes provide purity Health benefits of GeaSea The water in the GeoSea baths comes from The geothermal heat north of Húsavík has two bore holes, one located by the cheese GeoSea Vitaslóð 1, 640 Húsavík Iceland been well known to residents, who have barrel and the other by Húsavík harbour. +354 464 1210 used it for bathing and washing for centuries. There is no need to use any cleaning agents [email protected] geosea.is Drilling for hot water at Húsavíkurhöfði in or equipment, as the steady flow of water

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ývatn is one of the most popular Bathe Among Striking Nature A unique experience, great for your skin beneficial for skin problems such as eczema eruption more than 2,000 years ago. Also The Mývatn region is perfect for tourist destinations in the A perfect start to exploring the region is The milky-blue water, which measures a and psoriasis, and the Nature Baths also nearby are the Krafla lava fields, which are independent travellers who prefer to roam Mnortheast, luring travellers with stopping by the Mývatn Nature Baths. The deliciously warm 38°C, comes from the have a natural steam bath that derives steam home to Víti, one of the best-known craters in their own time, and the Mývatn Nature gorgeous hiking trails, rich birdlife, activities bathing experience is heavenly, as you soothe National Power Company’s borehole in directly from the earth. in Iceland. Víti is huge, about 300 metres Baths are simply a must when in the area. along Lake Mývatn, and the soothing Mývatn your skin and relax every square inch of your Bjarnarflag. The water reaches a boiling in diameter, exposing interesting formations Experience the beauty of North Iceland and Nature Baths. The region has been shaped body. The views of the landscape are striking, temperature of 130°C when it arrives in Numerous sightseeing opportunities that resulted from lava flows and hydrologic be sure to pre-book and stop by for one of the over time by punishing volcanic eruptions with the volcanic crater of Hverfjall and the the basin next to the lagoon, but it cools There is so much to see and do in the Mývatn forces. Meanwhile, Námaskarð is a big draw best bathing sites on the island. and it’s the ideal place to soak in the rugged edge of Lake Mývatn in the background as significantly before being filtered into region. After your time at the Nature Baths, for tourists because of its sheer otherworldly landscape, with its vast lava fields, gigantic well as nearby roaring waterfalls, volcanic the beautiful man-made hot spring. The jump into your rental car and discover atmosphere. The yellow and brown colours of Mývatn Nature Baths is open all year round. craters, and towering mountains. craters, and black lava rock pillars. bottom of the lagoon is covered by sand Dimmuborgir, which comprises interesting the clay, along with the grey mud pools, make Mývatn Nature Baths and contains a large quantity of minerals. rock formations jutting out of the ground, it look like a movie scene from another planet. Jarðböðin við Mývatn, 660 Mývatn Because of its chemical composition, resembling a fort guarding an ancient city. A path loops around the region; be sure to stay +354 464 4411 vegetation and bacteria are not a problem. The black lava pillars were born from a on it for safety reasons, as the mud pools can [email protected] www.myvatnnaturebaths.is There is some sulphur in the water, which is collapsed lava tube created by a large volcanic reach temperatures of 100°C.

Soak in the

AmazingRelax in the Mývatn Nature Baths’ Scenery geothermal waters

82 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com 83 THE HÚSAVÍK WHALE MUSEUM SALTVÍK offers all kinds of riding FISH & CHIPS in Húsavik harbourf is NAUSTIÐ SEAFOOD RESTAURANT VIÐ VOGINN is a cosy little restaurant in BRUNNHÓLL is a guesthouse outside DJÚPIVOGUR CAMPING ground DJÚPIVOGUR SWIMMING POOL, is a non-profit organization, founded tours, both short day-tours from their fast-food restaurant with the freshest is situated in the middle of town in Djúpivogur in East Iceland. Every weekday Höfn. They put emphasis on personal is situated downtown with a lovely situated next to the campsite, has a in 1997. The museum is also running farm along with longer rides that last fish and excellent views over the Húsavik. It's a business run by a family they have home-cooked style lunches service & sustainable farming. They also view over the harbour. Everything you gym, sauna and a newly built indoor an educational program for children. from 5 – 9 days in the Highlands of harbour. This is a fantastic place to who love seafood. Their lobster soup together with fish & chips, hamburgers make their own ice cream. For the ice need is a short walk from the campsite swimming pool with hot tubs, a small It is expected that every pupil visits Iceland. enjoy your fish & chips. and fish skewers are world famous. and sandwiches. Sit outside and enjoy the cream & restaurant they only use local like a grocery store, museums, café, pool for children, and an outdoor pool. the Children’s Whale School at least view over the fjord. produce when possible. swimming pool and a bar. Vörðu 4, 765 Djúpivogur four times during their schooling. Saltvík ehf, 641 Húsavík Hafnarstétt 19, 640 Húsavík Ásgarðsvegur 1, 640 Húsavik Vogalandi 4, 765 Djúpivogur +354 470 8730 Hafnarstétt 1, 640 Húsavík Hestamiðstöðin Saltvik +354 464 2099 +354 464 1520 Vogalandi 2, 765 Djúpivogur Mýrar, 781 Hornafjörður +354 478 8887 [email protected] +354 414 2800 +354 847 9515 www.facebook.com/pg/ [email protected] +354 478 8860 +354 478 1029, [email protected] www.east.is/en/what-to-see-and- [email protected] [email protected] Fishchips-152014694866754/ www.facebook.com/pg/naustid/ [email protected] [email protected] www.east.is/en/other/index/accommodation/ do/recreation/swimming-pools/ www.hvalasafn.is/en/ saltvik.is/horse-riding/ about/?ref=page_internal www.facebook.com/VidVoginn/ brunnholl.is/ camping/djupivogur-camping-ground djupivogur-swimming-pool

NORTH SAILING is a whale HÚSAVIK CAMPSITE is located GEOSEA, a geothermal sea bath, is GAMLI BAUKUR Seafood HAVARI HOSTEL is an all year round HOTEL FRAMTÍÐ is a flagship hotel KLIF HOSTEL is a family-run hostel LANGABÚÐ is one of the oldest and watching company established almost downtown. It's only a few minutes found north of Húsavik in one of the Restaurant by the harbour in Húsavik, hostel in East Iceland catering to in East Iceland. With rooms, cottages, in the middle of Djúpivogur. From the best preserved commercial buildings in 1995. One of North Sailing's walk to everything and you are close most stunning locations in Iceland. North Iceland, has a great reputation singles to big groups. Havari offers apartments, a bar, and a restaurant for hostel, you have a fantastic view of in Iceland. It is now a heritage museum objectives is the preservation of to all big attractions like Lake Mývatn, From the warm pool, you have a view for innovative seafood, its positive accommodation in family rooms, double 250 people, they can cater to all visitors Berufjörður. All rooms have free bed- of local culture and a café with their Icelandic oak fishing boats and Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and Goðafoss. over the whole bay outside Húsavik. atmosphere and a location famous bedrooms and dormitories. to Djúpivogur. The restaurant emphasises linen & free Wi-Fi & a wardrobe. marvellous own baked cakes. research on the different whales. Héðinsbraut, 640 Húsavik for its fabulous view. the use of local fish and produce. Vitaslóð 1, 640 Húsavík Karlsstaðir, 765 Djúpivogur 765 Djúpivogur Löngubúð, 765 Djúpivodur +354 840 0025 +354 464 1210 +354 478-8802 +354 478 8220 Hafnarstétt 11, 640 Húsavík [email protected] Hafnarstett 9, 640 Húsavík +354 663 5520 Vogalandi 4, 765 Djúpivogur +354 464 7272 [email protected] +354 464 2442 [email protected] [email protected] www.visithusavik.com/ www.geosea.is [email protected] [email protected] www.east.is/en/other/index/ [email protected] [email protected] www.havari.is/havar-hostel www.hotelframtid.com/ www.sagatrail.is/en/museums/ accommodations/campsites/ accommodation/guesthouses/klif langabud/ www.northsailing.is husavik-campsite/ www.gamlibaukur.is +354 478 8887

VISIT MÝVATN is your official tourist HOTEL LAXÁ is a modern hotel by MÝVATN TOURS is a family-run tour DIMMUBORGIR GUESTHOUSE offers ÁLFHEIMAR is a country guesthouse STUDIO GUESTHOUSE is located in VÖK BATHS in East Iceland is series WILDBOYS is a small Hiking tour guide to the area around Lake Mývatn Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. All operator that has been around since very comfortable cottages on the banks in East Iceland with 32 double rooms & the centre of Seyðisfjörður. A family of geothermally heated pools in the operation in East Iceland. They organise in North Iceland. Follow us to find out rooms are fully equipped with free 1980. They specialise in tours to the of the wonderful Lake Mývatn. It is an free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Each one has a guesthouse with facilities for disabled Urriðavatn lake ("Trout lake"). They also tours every month, all year round where about all events and everything you WiFi, hairdryer, complimentary Highlands and destinations where all-year-around guesthouse in North private bathroom. Breakfast is included and fully equipped kitchenette and have a restaurant, a café and 2 beers safety and your well-being are their need to know about the area. toiletries and tea and coffee. specialised vehicles are required. Iceland. so you can start the day with a full bathroom. Everything is a walk away. specially brewed for the facility. number one priorities. stomach. Austurvegur 18-20 660 Mývatn Olnbogaás, 660 Mývatn Arnarnes, 660 Mývatn Geiteyjarströnd 1, 660 Mývatn Vök við Urriðavatn, 701 Egilstaðir Hamrahlíð 6 +354 464 1900 +354 464 4210 V/Merkisveg , 720 Borgarfjörður eystri 710 Seyðiðfjörður https://vok-baths.is/ 700 Egilsstaðir +354 591 2000 +354 464 1920 +354 861 3677 +354 787 4242 / 777-5007 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.hotellaxa.is/en/home www.dimmuborgir.is [email protected] [email protected] +354 470 9500 Wildboys.is www.visitmyvatn.is/en www.myvatntours.is/en https://www.alfheimar.com/ www.bosal.is

BÁRAN BAR/RESTAURANT in VIKING CAFÉ is the perfect stop NORD MARINA GUESTHOUSE is Þórshöfn, northeast Iceland offers local after you have been exploring the located a walking distance from the cuisine like fish, lamb, vegetables or for rugged and beautiful landscape of East beautiful town Seyðisfjörður. A quaint those who dare, whale or Puffin. During Iceland. They always serve delicious little guesthouse by the sea where you summer they also serve breakfast. sandwiches, succulent pastries, cakes can sit and watch the boats pass you by. and waffles. Eyrarvegur 3, 680 Þórshöfn Strandavegur 21, 710 Seyðisfjörður +354 468 1250 Horni, 781 Höfn +354 777 5007 [email protected] +354 478 2577 – 892 0944 [email protected] www.icelandictimes.com baranrestaurant.is/en/ [email protected] http://www.visitseydisfjordur.com/ vikingcafe.is/coffehouse-and- project/nord-marina-guesthouse-2/ accommodation/ To u r i s m , C u lt u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 43 • 2019

Vök Baths offers guests the only floating geothermal pools in all of Iceland

ök Baths is an exciting new geothermal natural, renewable geothermal energy. The comfortable with nature-inspired designs. Using the hot water from Lake Urriðavatn, and restaurant facilities, employees make a bathing facility where guests can enjoy baths are gloriously warm, soothing your skin There are private showers and lockers to Austri, the local brewery, produces a 4.5% determined effort to avoid all use and disposal two heated floating pools among and muscles while you’re enjoying the pristine store your belongings while bathing. You Blond Kellerbier and a 4.5% Session IPA of plastic, where possible, and packaging is Vthe beautiful scenery of Lake Urriðavatn. nature of the region. The pools, whose water can rent swimsuits and towels at the baths especially for Vök Baths from this special hot organic and recyclable. Additionally, all the Situated just 5 kilometres from Egilsstaðir, is so clean and pure it has been certified as if you did not bring your own. water. If you would like to enjoy a drink or wood furniture and features at Vök are made Vök Baths is an ideal place to relax while drinkable, are especially welcome to the area, two while bathing, there is a pool bar so you from ethically sourced trees raised in East sightseeing in East Iceland. The brand new as East Iceland is home to few hot springs, Enjoy an onsite café, restaurant and bar can relax with your drink while soaking in Iceland. baths, completed in the summer of 2019, take compared to other parts of Iceland. Housed inside the facility, the café-restaurant crystal clear waters surrounded by the unique Be sure to stop by Vök Baths during your their shape from the ice-free patches on the offers a delicious array of soups, salads, cakes Icelandic nature. next trip to East Iceland and partake of a lake ice, created by the bubbling hot springs Bathing facilities and changing rooms and fresh-baked bread. All ingredients special bathing experience. in the lake. In addition to the floating pools there are are sourced locally, and chefs work closely Strong commitment to the environment two on-shore hot pools, and an outdoor with neighbouring farms for local, seasonal The creators of Vök Baths have a deep respect pool bar. A steam bath and cold tunnel produce. The Infusion bar also serves an for the environment and are committed to Vök Baths Harnessing the power Vök við Urriðavatn, 701 Egilstaðir of geothermal energy equipped with a cool mist shower inside impressive selection of complimentary teas upholding excellent standards of sustainability +354 470 9500 There are many advantages to the Land of is just about completed. The indoor made from local herbs, brewed with the in every aspect of their business. When it https://vok-baths.is/ [email protected] Fire and Ice, and one is the abundance of shower facilities and changing rooms are natural hot spring water. comes to maintaining the pools, the bar A Unique Bathing Experience in the Idyllic East

86 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com 87 VESTRAHORN A Beautiful Slice of Iceland Photo By Eva Frischling Eva By Photo

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

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

88 89 To u r i s m , C u lt u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 43 • 2019 On Top of the world

- AGlacier timid soul’s approach to the mightyJeeps Vatnajökull

he weather report was looking and the wind in our faces. Further along Tgood—a full day of sunshine ahead we stop and dismount, to take in the of me and temperatures above 10°C. I was magnificent panoramic views over the on my way to a face to face encounter with glacier, the Atlantic Ocean and the town the world’s 3rd largest glacier, the mighty of Höfn far below in the distance. I felt like Vatnajökull. This trip would mark a I was on top of the world and it was truly a couple of firsts for me—my first time ever cause for celebration! to set foot on a glacier, and my first time Kristján jokes that we cannot go onwards to travel by snowmobile. Needless to say I unless I drive. By now I am feeling a little was really excited! more sure of myself and agree to give I first met Kristján and Bjarney, of it a try. This time we are off to inspect a Glacier Jeeps, at our pre-arranged meeting massive sheer rock face that rises straight place: the crossroads of Route No.1 and up from the glacier at an elevation of 1200 F985. This is the official meeting place for metres. Finally, our one hour snowmobile all Glacier Jeep summer tours. Glacier Jeeps adventure comes to an end and it is time to has years of experience conducting jeep, return to Jöklasel for a well deserved bite snowmobile and hiking tours on the glacier to eat and a hot drink. The view out the since 1994. (Bjarney has been helping run restaurant windows is as one would expect: the family business since she was 14 years magnificent. old.) I parked my car and joined them Glacier Jeeps also offers a hiking tour in their sturdy 4WD which wound its of the glacier that comes with all the way slowly ever upwards, following the equipment such as safety helmets, climbing undulating gravel road, which twisted irons and ice axe, instruction and a guide, and turned around hairpin bends, past included in the price. waterfalls and deep canyons. My guides In case you just don’t think a strenuous fill me in on the details of the landscape, hike or a thrilling snowmobile adventure pointing out how the glacier has crawled is for you, then Glacier Jeeps offers across the terrain, devastating everything in an alternative to see the glacier in a its path along with other interesting facts. comfortable, specially equipped 4WD and Thirty minutes and 830 metres above sea is available year round, weather permitting. level later, we arrive at Jöklasel, Iceland’s Each tour is only 3 to 4 hours in total, highest restaurant and owned by Glacier giving you plenty of time to do other things Jeeps. Jöklasel will serve as our base camp with your day, even though once you are where we suit up with boots, warm overalls up there you may not want to come down. and helmets for the snowmobile excursion. Although it’s best to book one day in Now it’s time to test drive the advance, you can also just show up at the snowmobiles. I am a little hesitant at first crossroads (F985) at either 9.30 am or 2.00 and Kristján shows me the ropes. It looks pm and join the tour from there. easy enough but I decide that I prefer to let Vatnajökull Glacier Jeep tours: a must for him drive over the glacier with me sitting your bucket list! -EMV safely behind him on this ‘skidoo for two’, at least until I get a better feel for it. ‘Off Glacier Jeeps Vagnsstaðir, 781 Suðursveit we go over the wild white yonder, climbing +354 478 1000 high into the sun’ to paraphrase an old [email protected] www.glacierjeeps.is song, with cloudless blue skies above us

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Kirkjubæjarklaustur’s Best Kept Secret The All New Hotel Klaustur

or years it was known as Icelandair interest is the breathtaking Fjaðrárgljúfur A relaxing colour scheme of soft greens and a small but beautiful pine forest at the foot Local Specialties some of the ingredients travel no more than Hotel Klaustur, but as of January Canyon located just 15 minutes’ drive from grays and modern geometric patterns grace of a double waterfall known as Systrafoss Klaustur Restaurant and bar, located on the perhaps 5 km at most and arrive at the hotel 2019, the newly rebranded Hotel the hotel. the ground floor café/bar, echoing the moss (Waterfall of the Sisters). Here you can picnic, ground floor of the hotel, is well known for at their peak of freshness. Klaustur has struck out on its own, and lava of the surrounding countryside. hike to the top of the falls or just do a bit of its Arctic char specialities which is raised When the weather is fine you can enjoy Fbringing change and excitement to the A modern look for a new brand ‘forest bathing’ in this genuinely peaceful in the village in a free-flowing stream of your morning coffee out on the terrace or little town of Kirkubæjarklaustur, South Many of the rooms have undergone recent Our insiders suggested itinerary location, amidst some of the tallest trees in oxygen-enriched glacial waters that have in the evening, try one of our Icelandic craft Iceland. refurbishments and with a total of 57 modern After a good night’s sleep, it’s time to explore. Iceland. been naturally filtered through layers of lava beers or one of our fruity mocktails from the rooms to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for Pack in a day of activities and sightseeing at The village was the site of a convent of in the nearby Vatnajökull. The fish, which new summer menu as the midnight sun dips Off the beaten path choice. The superior rooms, including a suite unparalleled locations such as the beautiful Benedictine nuns from 1186 to 1550 and figures prominently on the restaurant’s menu, beyond the mountains. You may be tempted to whizz right on by dedicated to the contemporary Icelandic Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, Skaftafell National both Kirkjubæjar Abbey and the waterfall is favoured by many chefs at top restaurants Hotel manager Sveinn Heiðar Jensson and this quiet village of only 500 souls, but this artist, Erró, all come with free access to the Park and Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and lake (Systravatn) above the village refer to around Iceland. Also worth mentioning is his team look forward to welcoming you this quintessential Icelandic community is the local sports centre. Located just metres from all less than 2 hours drive from the hotel. In this abbey. Magnificent hikes and day trips to the Icelandic langoustine and baked Icelandic summer at Hotel Klaustur. See you soon! perfect place for those who are wanting to the hotel, the sports centre boasts an outdoor the evening, Klaustur Restaurant awaits your places such as Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and the skyr, both local specialties that are brilliantly get a feel for the real Iceland. Lying just off pool, hot tub and gym. Extra touches such as return with a hearty dinner before you retire Laki Craters are all close by. served at Klaustur Restaurant. Road #1, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, or simply l’Occitane bath products in every room, wifi for the night. The next day, take your time returning Every summer, Klaustur Restaurant’s Hotel Klaustur Klaustur as the locals call it, is ideally situated throughout, as well as a copious breakfast Spend day 2 closer to home with a visit to Reykjavík and be sure to visit the black talented chefs create an inspiring seasonal Klausturvegur 6 • 880 Kirkjubæjarklaustur +354 487 4900 as a base from which to explore the panoply of buffet to greet you in the morning are some to the village of Klaustur -full of interesting sand beach at Reynisfjara, the Dyrhólaey menu whose primary ingredients come from [email protected] www.hotelklaustur.is Icelandic natural phenomena that surround of the well thought out details that will make history, geology and hair raising folk tales. promontory, as well as Skogafoss and small-scale farmers and producers in the area. www.klausturrestaurant.is. the village in every direction. Of special your stay memorable. Just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel lies Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Flavourful and local are keywords here as

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

ocated in the peaceful village of Hella indin Restaurant & Bistro Café, is seasonal and features exotic dishes that in South Iceland, Stracta Hotel is one Llocated on the banks of Lake can be made from reindeer, goose, duck, ofL Iceland’s newest hotels, catering for every Laugarvatn, has a firm foundation of cormorant, guillemot, puffin, minke whale budget. Built in 2014, the hotel gets high culinary excellence that attracts patrons or pan-fried arctic char. Always on the marks for its ability to incorporate a pleasant, from around the world. Owner, Baldur cutting edge, you can be sure of finding new modern look seamlessly throughout its well Öxdal Halldórsson, pastry and master and exciting additions to his dessert menus thought out concept and design. chef, trained at the Hotel and Restaurant such as his delectable chocolate mousse with School of Iceland between 1980–1984, raspberry sauce, with watermelon pieces A Room for Every Budget auroras happen to make their appearance Health, Wellness and Activities received training as a pastry chef at the and white chocolate foam and his bilberry The hotel encompasses a wide variety of while you are sleeping, a wake-up call Experience Iceland via a wide range of Culinary Institute of America, New York skyr mousse with crow berries and rhubarb. room options—from high-end deluxe can be arranged so you don’t miss this activities that can be arranged at the front in 1986–1987, and attended the prestigious suites, each with its own private hot tub experience-of-a-lifetime event! desk. Horse riding tours, local farm visits, Richemont Professional School in Lucerne Passion for purity and freshness and well-stocked mini-bar, right down to super jeep tours of nearby Eyjafjallajökull from 1988–1989, where he developed his Passionate about food, Baldur insists on Reykjavík takes you through enchanting budget rooms with shared facilities. There Healthy Food Choices Abound volcano or even an exciting helicopter interest in the art of chocolate and learnt the absolute purity and freshness of all his landscapes. Laugarvatn is half-way between are also studio apartments and spacious Food options and choices are varied at tour over the most famous South Iceland the secrets behind a great dessert. ingredients. Located in the heart of Iceland’s Þingvellir and Geysir and Gullfoss, making cottages, with simple self-catering Stracta Hotel. The bar and bistro located sites are all possibilities. Rental cars are After his training abroad was completed, ‘greenhouse belt’, he can take his pick of the it an excellent choice for a day trip to in facilities that are perfect for families with on the ground floor is where you can order offered at a special price for hotel guests. Baldur began something of a culinary choicest fruits and vegetables grown in the one of the most scenic areas of Iceland. children. Whichever you choose, you can healthy sandwiches, salads, cakes and Fancy a massage or healing treatment? revolution in Reykjavík, working at many area year round. The restaurant even has You can also now stay at any time of year always count on comfortable beds, free deserts, coffee, teas and a variety of wines Stracta Hotel is well connected! Local of the top hotels and restaurants, creating its own small kitchen garden, providing a in Laugarvatn at either the Golden Circle access to the hotel’s hot tubs, saunas and and spirits. They also offer asian food. therapists make themselves available spectacular and sophisticated desserts that fresh supply of rhubarb, chervil, red and Apartments next to Lindin, the Gallerí wi-fi throughout the hotel. Guests will enjoy the panoramic views to hotel guests and offer massages, were hitherto unknown in the capital. blackcurrants. The lamb and venison come Guesthouse or the village hostel to enjoy the of the surrounding countryside from the meditation, Reiki and cranial-sacral from N.E. Iceland and are known for their Northern Lights in winter and the midnight Northern Lights Prime Time second floor dining room where a buffet massages. Mecca of Icelandic Wild Game delicious flavour, fed on mountain herbs. sun in summer and the spectacular views Stracta Hotel’s prime location, situated style dinner is served every evening. Hotel Stracta welcomes you! -EMV Baldur took over Lindin The Arctic char are caught fresh from either from Lindin’s terrace and garden across far from the light pollution of the When the weather is fine you can take Restaurant in 2002 which Lake Þingvellir or Lake Apavatn daily. the lake to the Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull bigger towns, allows guests a fabulous your dinner out onto the balcony, or sit has become known as the volcanoes. –EMV/ASF opportunity to view the Northern Lights outside on the patio below, where you ‘Mecca of Icelandic In the heart of the Golden Circle Stracta Hotels wild game’, with its Lindin is located in the village of Lindin Restaurant from October through April. Imagine can enjoy the long summer nights. Rangárflötum 4 • 850 Hella Lindarbraut 2 • 840 Laugarvatn yourself lounging in a cosy hot tub, glass Planning a day out? Why not purchase +354 531 8000 lamb, fish, seafood Laugarvatn, right beside the lovely natural +354 486 1262 [email protected] and game caught in sauna, steam baths and pool at the Fontana [email protected] of wine in hand, as the Northern Lights a freshly-made packed lunch from the www.stractahotels.is www.laugarvatn.is swirl through the skies above. Should the bistro to take with you on your journey? the wild. His menu Spa. The 45 minute scenic drive from

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ÁRNESSÝSLA HERITAGE MUSEUM ATLANTSFLUG is a family-owned fly ATLANTSFLUG is a family-owned ASKA HOSTEL is located in the village has one of the oldest buildings in tour company. With three locations along fly tour company with a new location on the Westman Islands, with only a Iceland. "Húsið" was built in 1765 for the south side, they have easy access conveniently placed by the border to few minutes walk to most services and a Danish merchant. During that time, to all glaciers, water systems and the Skaftafell national park. That means entertainment. The rooms available are the house was the centre of European highlands on the south side. every second of your helicopter tour is for 2 to 4 people and large families. art & culture in Iceland. high-end sightseeing. Flugvallarvegur 5, 785 Öræfi Flugvallarvegur 5, 785 Öræfi Bárustíg 11, Eyrargötu 50, 820 Eyrarbakki +354 555 1615 +354 555 1615 900 Westman Islands +354 483 1504 [email protected] [email protected] +354 662 7266 [email protected] www.flightseeing.is/helicoptertours/ www.flightseeing.is/ ww.askahostel.is/aska/ www.byggdasafn.is/english/ helicoptertours/ [email protected]

STRACTA HOTEL in South Iceland is HALLDÓRSKAFFI is a restaurant in HESTHEIMAR COTTAGES are 6 HOTEL GULLFOSS location is as wild located right in the middle of the majestic Vik, South Iceland. It is located in the charming cottages right in the heart of as you can get in Iceland without losing plains with stunning mountain views in historic house Bryde's Store, Brydebúð. South Iceland. With the Hekla volcano the comfort of modern life. Next door all directions, including the south, where In a cosy, old-fashioned style, you are on one side and Eyjafjallajökull on to the famous Gullfoss but far enough the horizon meets the ocean. served wonderful refreshments. the other, this big horse ranch has away to get the tranquility of rural everything you need. Iceland. Rangárflatir 4, 850 Hella Víkurbraut 2, 870 Vík +354 531 8010 +354 487 1202 851 Hella Brattholti, 801 Selfoss [email protected] [email protected] +354 487 6666 +354 486 8979 et in one of the most idyllic locations www.stractahotels.is/ www.facebook.com/pg/Halldorskaffi www.hestheimar.is [email protected] in South Iceland, Hellishólar offers a [email protected] www.hotelgullfoss.is varietyS of accommodation for the weary traveller who is looking for a good night’s sleep in peaceful surroundings. The sprawling Hellishólar property is located 17 minutes from Route 1, near the village of Hvolsvöllur in the middle of Fljótslíð, a picturesque farming district sheltered by three glaciers: Mýrdalsjökull, SMYRLABJÖRG is a working farm ELDHEIMAR VOLCANO MUSEUM VIKING CAFÉ GUESTHOUSE is an VIKING CAFÉ HORSE RENTAL offers Eyjafjallajökull and Tindfjallajökull. but they also have a hotel there, Hotel is all about the huge 1973 volcanic oasis at the foot of Litla Horn outside wonderful horseback tours on black Smyrlabjörg. A spacious hotel close to eruption in the Westman Islands, one of Höfn on the east corner of Iceland. sand beaches and in the other stunning all the great attractions of South Iceland, the biggest in modern times in Iceland. The hotel always has coffee brewing, nature just outside Höfn, in the east Cosy Cottages like Vatnajökull & Jökulsárlón. It's also the eruption that created the served with delicious cakes, pastries, corner of Iceland. Why not bed down for the night in one of new island of Surtsey sandwiches, and waffles. Smyrlabjörgum, 781 Hornafirði Hellishólar’s 25 popular, fully-furnished Horni, 781 Höfn Horni, 781 Höfn +354 478 1074 Gerðisbraut 10, 900 Vestmannaeyjar +354 478 2577 – 892 0944 +354 478 2577 – 892 0944 cottages? Each cottage can sleep from 3 [email protected] +354 488 2700 [email protected] [email protected] www.smyrlabjorg.is [email protected] vikingcafe.is/coffehouse-and- vikingcafe.is/horse-rental/ to 6 people and has a small kitchen for www.eldheimar.is accommodation/ making your own meals. If you prefer, you can also have your meals in the on- site restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

So Many Choices! At Hellishólar there is also a guesthouse Lights are visible, one has only to step property and enjoying a round of golf on and a brand new hotel called ‘Hotel outside the door and look up. The lack of the 18 hole golf course. Hellishólar is the RIBSAFARI is a local company run by ICELANDIC LAVA SHOW is the only HÚSID GUESTHOUSE, built in Eyjafjallajökull’ with 18 spacious and light pollution makes Hellishólar an ideal perfect base from which to explore South locals who love their islands. To speed place in the world where you can safely 1929 as a school in the idyllic area of comfortable bedrooms, all with ensuite location for Northern Lights viewing. Iceland year round. See you there! -EMV around the island in a powerful RIB boat experience molten lava and feel the Fljótshlíð, South Iceland. From the is a thrill you must experience filled heat when it flows past you. Fun and house, guests have front row seats over bathroom. In summer, the long days bring optimum Hellishólar ehf with fun and the adventure. educational for the whole family. Eyjafjallajökull and the Þríhyrningur opportunities to experience the many 861 Hvolsvöllur mountain, a majestic mountain with Basaskersbryggja 6, A Glorious View of Nature activities that are possible at Hellishólar— +354 487 8360 Víkurbraut 5, 870 Vík three mountain peaks. [email protected] 900 Westman Islands +354 823 7777 Húsinu, 861 Hvolsvöllur www.hellisholar.is +354 661 1810 [email protected] The views from Hellishólar are, in a word, trout fishing on the lake, salmon fishing www.hoteleyjafjallajokull.is +354 892 3817 [email protected] www.icelandiclavashow.com [email protected] stunning! In winter, when the Northern from the river that runs through the Ribsafari.is guesthousehusid.is/

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uests at Halldór’s Café are greeted salads, and those with a bit of a sweet- greeting old friends or new acquaintances. by the scent of steaming soup and tooth will not be disappoined, as the The café is open all year round. Summer Gfreshly baked bread as they walk through menu includes home-baked cakes and opening hours are from 11:00am to 10:00 the door. Across from Vík’s shoreline, home-made ice cream from a local farm. or 11:00pm, and winter openings are from with its black sand beaches, Halldór’s Originally, Halldór’s Café was the 11:00am to 9:00pm. When travelling in Café emphasises the use of only quality general store, built in 1831 to meet all of the area around the beautiful Vík, be sure to ingredients from the locality in their the needs of Vík. Today, it continues to stop at this charming café and get greeted one of Heimaey’s 5,300 73 AD, was buried under thick layers of cooking. Whether be it a freshly caught satisfy patrons with its menu, which has with a welcoming smile and a seductive inhabitants had ever expected that ash and lava from Mt. Vesuvius. Huge salmon you crave, steaks from grass-fed something for every taste, using local menu. -JB aN volcanic eruption could make them parts of that historic site have since been cattle or free range lamb served with the produce, where possible. rd Halldórskaffi homeless. But on 23 January 1973, excavated—so people on the Westman accompaniment of locally grown greens— Halldór’s Café supports artists with a Víkurbraut 28 • 870 Vík earthquakes started to shake the small Islands rolled up their sleeves and you can be sure that Halldór’s Café will rotating display of local talent featured +354 847 8844 [email protected] island south of the Icelandic mainland. started doing the same. deliver. They also offer a variety of lighter on its walls, and serves up steaming cups www.halldorskaffi.is Only hours later a 2,000 metre-long ‘Pompeii of the North’ deserves its meals such as soup of the day and light of coffee and cake, ideal for meeting and crevice opened just outside the town and name: 40 years after the disaster some close to the church, pouring fountains 10 houses have been raised from the of lava and ash over Heimaey’s houses ashes, and an impressive museum tops Island’s Eldfjall volcano that, in 1973 and streets. off the excavation site that had been rose up to a height of 220 metres out of In less than one hour all the open to visitors since the very first dig. the blue, not existing before its eruption. inhabitants had been evacuated, without It was similar to the submarine any chance of saving their belongings. A Museum as a Mirror volcano that erupted in 1963 and lasted Some people never returned to the Eldheimar’s design is unique, rather four years creating the island of Surtsey, island. ominous, and yet austere. It is an south of Heimaey. HJARÐARBÓL GUESTHOUSE is THE HELLISHEIÐI PLANT is 20 minutes archi­tectural masterpiece made of Nature protection laws protect located 46km outside of Reykjavík, away from Reykjavík that has a modern close to all the hot springs in Hveragerði. exhibition of how to harness geothermal Heroes Saving a Home volcanic stone that perfectly mirrors the Surtsey and only scientists are allowed A family run guesthouse where barns energy with multimedia shows in English, Two hundred brave men stayed in the inexorability and harshness of nature. to access the island for research reasons. & haytowers have been converted to a French, German, Spanish, Chinese guesthouse. & Japanese. danger zone to fight the devastation, Its beating heart right in the centre The island is part of the UNESCO Hellisheiðarvirkjun, 801 Selfoss and finally succeeded in slowing down of the building is Gerðisbraut No. 10, World Cultural Heritage since 2008. Hjarðarból, 861 Ölfus +354 567 0045 +354 591 2880 the lava flow by cooling it with seawater the house that had been situated on The Eldheimar museum is quite open [email protected] [email protected] www.geothermalexhibition.com/ and thus saved the port. However, when the slope of the lava-spewing volcano. in both design and guidance in the hjardarbol.is/ 5 months later, the eruption came to Having been fully excavated, it displays exhibition halls as well as in the café and its end, around 400 houses had been life on the day of the eruption and now shop. It leaves enough space for walking completely destroyed. serves as a memorial for a lost homeland. around and contemplating the natural This volcanic eruption made headlines In Eldheimar’s over 1,000m2 museum, disaster and its impacts on the economic worldwide, bringing back memories of visitors are presented multimedia shows and cultural life of the Westman Islands, the Italian town of Pompeii which, in and exhibitions about the Westman creating respect for the determination of its fearless inhabitants, who still brave the elements today. -DT ICELAND 4X4 CAR RENTAL GT TRAVEL - Guðmundur Tyrfingsson specialises in four wheel drive vehicles is a coach company. They have buses in all sizes intended for safe, legal and & coaches in all sizes, including the Eldheimar comfortable travels around Iceland and newest ones in Iceland. They also Suðurvegur • 900 Vestmannaeyjum off the beaten path. arrange private, Northern lights & group +354 488 2000 tours. Vesturbraut 10, 230 Keflavík [email protected] www.eldheimar.is +354 535 6060 Fossnes C, 800 Selfoss [email protected] +354 482 1210 & +354 568 1410 www.iceland4x4carrental.com/ [email protected] www.gttravel.is 98 www.icelandictimes.com To u r i s m , C u lt u r e a n d B u s i n e s s Issue 43 • 2019

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