2_9_ScanMag_72_Jan_2015_Text_Q10_Scan Magazine 1 09/01/2015 22:48 Page 81
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Best of iceland
by anyone who wants to find out what it’s really like to live in Reykjavik. We basically want our guests to become locals during their stay.” As well as receiving the very latest insiders’ tips on what to do around town, every guest is given a complimentary pass to one of the events held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at the Mengi performance venue – guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience and a fascinating insight into the local contemporary culture. The focus is on experimental art: from installation and visual art to theatre and live music, and the stage has been graced by Icelandic and international artists alike. “The events are really intimate, as it’s quite a small place and the audience gets very close to the performers,” says Jón Þór. While you’re there, make sure to browse the shop for art books, design pieces and music by local artists and musicians.
trip would be wasted if you were not to explore the countryside at least a little. With Mengi Kjarnholt opening in May 2015, you no longer need to leave behind culture when you do delve into nature. A little off the beaten track with unbeatable views across to nearby Geysir and the surrounding mountains, this bed and breakfast in an old farmhouse – or arguably the closest thing you’ll get to a stately home in Iceland – has been renovated to accommodate guests in family-, double- and single-rooms. The décor has a rustic feel, with contemporary Icelandic art mixing with classic design.
Where contemporary art meets the natural world
“Mengi Kjarnholt is in such a peaceful place, and yet, there’s so much to do in the area – river rafting, glacier tours, geothermal pools, golf courses, horse riding and much more,” says Jón Þór. “Our aim is to offer a unique experience with a personal touch, whereby nature blends with the country’s cultural life. We want our guests to become one with nature, history and life in the countryside.”
Of course, there’s far more to Iceland than downtown Reykjavik, and with all those spectacular landscapes to admire, your
Whether you’re planning to spend most of your time in Iceland soaking up the cool
vibe in downtown Reykjavik or wondering at the natural pearls in peace and quiet, by booking your accommodation with Mengi, you’re guaranteed a tailor-made experience rich in authentic local culture. For more information, please visit: mengi-apartments.com mengi-kjarnholt.com
Photo: Auður Þórhallsdóttir
“Our aim is to offer a unique experience with a personal touch, whereby nature blends with the country’s cultural life,” says Jón Þór, manager at Mengi Apartments.
Issue 72 | January 2015 | 81