What's On - May 2019

May 2019

in Reykjavík

Reykjavík’s leading guide to information, events, museums and galleries since 1982

Contemporary Art Modern Art Sculpture One ticket Three museums

Hafnarhús Tryggvagata 17 +354 411 6400

Kjarvalsstaðir Flókagata 24 +354 411 6420

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CONTENT LIST What’s On Reykjavík City Map

FROM THE EDITOR 6-49 50-51

Events 54-76 Art & Culture

77-81

Shopping & Style

82-85

Pubs & Nightlife

86-89

Wining & Dining

90-95

Practical Info

96-97

Spring arrives later to Iceland than to most countries, but by the time you’re picking up this magazine, it’s here. May is a wonderful time to spend in Iceland, as nature is coming out of its hibernation mode, trees are budding, grass starts growing green, and all the birds who left Iceland for warmer climates last autumn are returning.

The golden plover is the most well-loved herald of spring, but the Arctic tern deserves some appreciation as well, as it’s the bird that travels the farthest with the shifts of the season. They travel all the way to the Antarctic for a second summer on the other hemisphere!

Probably the best-known bird in Iceland this summer, like every other summer, is the puffin. Its colourful beak and comical walk are just part of its endearing package, as the puffins also mate for life and return to the same nest every year.

You don’t have to go far outside the city to witness Iceland’s amazing birdlife, just a quick cruise out to the islands off the coast of Reykjavík offers plenty of birding opportunities. Any serious bird enthusiast would be missing out, however, if they skip the magnificent bird cliffs of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, the Westfjords, the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago or the area around lake Mývatn.

Happy birding!

What’s On Information Centre, Laugavegur 5.

Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir What’s On Editor

Design & production: sbs, sbs@whatson.is

Published by: MD Reykjavík ehf.

Laugavegur 5, 101 Reykjavik. Tel.: 551-3600

Content writers: The What’s On Team Ad sales: Reynir Elís Þorvaldsson, reynir@whatson.is

Publisher: Kjartan Þorbjörnsson

Map of Reykjavík: Friðrik Bjarnason

Editor: Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir, greta@whatson.is

Printing: Oddi, Ecolabelled Printing Company.

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WHAT‘S ON IN REYKJAVÍK is published monthly, covering events and happenings in and around Reykjavík. Opinions expressed in WHAT‘S ON IN ReykjavÍk are those of the individual authors. While every effort has been made to ensure the information presented is accurate, prices, times, dates and other information may be subject to change.

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THE WHAT’S ON CHECKLIST May is a great month to visit Iceland. It’s spring, crocuses and tulips are blooming, and milder weather is on the way. Plus, there are plenty of cool events going on. Here are some ideas on how to spend this May in Iceland.

The puffins are back! Take a cruise from the Reykjavík harbour or get out of the city to see them.

Enjoy a sunny day in one of Reykjavík’s geothermal pools.

Find more articles like this at www.whatson.is

Get a hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu hot dog stand. Remember to ask for one with everything!

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Visit the botanical garden in Laugardalur and enjoy the flowers, just starting to bloom!

Go on a whale safari from Reykjavík harbour. Watch out for minke whales, humpback whales, and dolphins!

Head out of town and experience Iceland’s powerful waterfalls from up close.

If the weather is bad, book a tour and explore Iceland’s lava caves!

While you’re checking things off the list, we encourage you to take photos, and tag them with #whatsonrvk, of course!

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WHAT’S ON

SKYR Legend has it that the Vikings introduced Skyr to Iceland when they settled in the country some 1.100 years ago. Travel back in time to any farm and Skyr would be on the table – essential nourishment for young and old. Generations past may not have been able to measure the nutritional content in the way we can now, but the life-expectancy of the average Icelander was proof enough that something good was going on.

Icelanders have ever since loved the smooth texture of this incredibly healthy dairy product and today

ICELAND’S SECRET TO HEALTHY LIVING it plays a big role in the modern lifestyle diet. Skyr is high in protein and a virtually fat-free dairy delight.

Thick and creamy in consistency, it is also rich in calcium and other nutrients.

Skyr can be found at almost every home and workplace. Enjoyed at breakfast, lunchtime, pretty much anytime, it has also become a healthy “fast-food” for active people on the go. Delicious in smoothies or energy-boosting drinks, it even features on the dessert menus of many top restaurants, which are bringing a contemporary twist to this established favourite.

MS SKYR – PLAIN Skyr was originally only available as plain and was made at every farm in Iceland. Nowadays, there is a huge variety of flavours available but many still prefer the plain one, especially served with sugar and/or cream.

For more information on skyr, visit www.iseyskyr.com

KEA SKYR WITH VANILLA Kea skyr comes from the northern part of Iceland and this is one of the most popular flavours available. The taste is full and creamy with zero fat. It’s mild and creamy flavour also makes it popular as a base for desserts.

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ÍSEY SKYR WITH BLUBERRIES Ísey skyr is a remarkable dairy product unique to Ice­land. High in protein and naturally fat free, Ísey skyr is delicious, rich in flavour with a thick and creamy tex­ture. Ísey is a beautiful Icelandic female name, meaning ice (ís) and island (ey), in honour of the women who passed on Iceland‘s secret to healthy living from generation to generation. ÍSEY SKYR WITH DARK CHOCOLATE AND VANILLA Skyr producers have been experimenting with new flavours in Ísey skyr while still keeping it as nutritious as possible. One of the more recent additions is Ísey skyr with dark chocolate and vanilla flavour.

ICELANDIC PROVISIONS SKYR If you find yourself in the US, craving skyr, don’t panic! This is the only skyr available in the US that’s made with traditional Icelandic skyr cultures, passed down through generations of Icelanders. Rich in protein but low in sugar, with flavors that have a Nordic twist, such as Strawberry with Lingonberry. Icelandic provisions skyr is only available in the US and is a sister brand of Ísey Skyr. #icelandicprovisions

ICELAND’S SECRET TO HEALTHY LIVING

HIGH PROTEIN – FAT FREE

#iseyskyr

WHAT’S ON

THE ICELANDIC

BEER EXPERIENCE KALDI

Kaldi is a very mild and comfortable pilsner, dry, fresh, slightly bitter, with notes of roasted barley and hops, and has 5% ABV. You might detect a hint of sweetness as well. The brewery on Árskógssandur, makers of Kaldi beer, was the first microbrewery that opened in Iceland, back in 2006. The regular Kaldi is a pure pilsner, with all the ingredients, except the Icelandic water, coming from the Czech Republic. Even their brewmaster is Czech! Following its success, the brewery opened Kaldi bar in the centre of Reykjavík, where all the varieties of Kaldi beer are available. Kaldi bar is, of course, the best place to get Kaldi, but it’s available in other bars as well, and in bottles at the liquor stores.

EGILS GULL

Egils Gull has followed Icelanders even since the beer ban was lifted on the 1st of March in 1989, aptly named the “Beer Day” and rightly celebrated. A standard light lager, Gull has proved a fantastic companion on Icelanders’ beer adventures, even winding up as the World’s Best Standard Lager at the World Beer Awards in 2011. Brewed in the style of a pale Munich lager, expect a crisp taste with a fresh lemony tang.

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BRÍÓ

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Bríó uses German hops, giving the beer a very distinctive taste and a sweet aroma.

Along with the hops, it uses Pilsen malt and underfermented yeast. Bríó is the first beer produced by Borg Brugghús, a brewery that now produces several popular beers all year round along with seasonal beers for summer, Christmas and Easter. Bríó is a pilsner, a style of beer named after the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. This style of brewing first emerged in the middle of the 19th century and became so popular that the majority of beer drunk today is a relative of the original pilsner. Bríó was originally brewed as the house beer for Ölstofan but due to its popularity, it’s now available in liquor stores as well as most bars in town.

ÚLFUR

The aroma is of fresh citrus fruits, especially grapefruit, which can also be found in the flavour, along with a strong bitterness that makes you crave another sip. Úlfur was the first Icelandic IPA (India Pale Ale) on the market. It’s in the same calibre as the best produced on the West Coast of the Unites States and surprised many Icelanders with its distinct flavour and aroma. Only American hops are used in the beer and they are added when boiled and after fermentation; a so called “dry hopping” technique. Icelanders took to the beer immediately and it helped clear the way for smaller breweries to try new things.

WHAT’S ON

Although beer and ale have been brewed in Iceland for a long time, beer production was limited during the 20th century, as beer was illegal in Iceland until 1989! Icelanders have more than made up for lost time and the growth in beer production in recent years has been amazing. In just a few years, we‘ve seen many great breweries emerge, filled with ambition and ingenuity, and beer is now the most popular alcoholic beverage in Iceland.

ÚLFUR The aroma is of fresh citrus fruits, especially grapefruit, which can also be found in the flavour, along with a strong bitterness that makes you crave another sip. Úlfur was the first Icelandic IPA (India Pale Ale) on the market. It’s in the same calibre as the best produced on the West Coast of the Unites States and surprised many Icelanders with its distinct flavour and aroma. Only American hops are used in the beer and they are added when boiled and after fermentation; a so called “dry hopping” technique. Icelanders took to the beer immediately and it helped clear the way for smaller breweries to try new things.

EINSTÖK WHITE ALE A clean and crisp start with a smooth mouth feel thanks to the oats. Citrus and spice round out a refreshing finish. Einstök beer is brewed up north, just 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle. You wouldn’t know it when you taste this summery, citrusy white ale. It has the complex flavours of a classic witbier, all brewed with pure Icelandic water for a cool smoothness that is deliciously refreshing. Don’t forget to ask for a slice of orange!

KALDI DARK A dark pilsner, it‘s similar to the regular Kaldi, but the main difference is the use of burnt malt, which provides the beautiful, distinctive dark colour and deepens the flavour.

Most Icelanders are used to drinking light lagers and are even a bit wary of dark beers, at least until they taste Kaldi Dark. As mentioned – the Kaldi beers are brewed by Czech traditions, dated from 1842. Kaldi Dark is brewed using 3 different types of Czech hops.

Kaldi Dark is unpasteurized with no added sugar or preservatives. You can get Kaldi Dark in all liquor stores as well as some bars, but the best place to get it is of course the Kaldi bar in the centre of Reykjavík.

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PILS ORGANIC Víking Pils Organic has a distinctive floral hoppiness, medium bitterness and a nice balance. Pils Organic took the Bavarian production tradition head on and emerged unquestionably victorious. A member of the same Viking inspired line of beers as the Víking Stout, Pils Organic is decorated with a pattern based on the snake’s heads that used to adorn the ships of the Vikings. Contrary to popular belief, these weren’t meant to intimidate opponents in battles on sea, but rather to frighten sea monsters.

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Welcome to Perlan

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Glaciers & Ice Cave

Iceland’s Only Planetarium

Forces of Nature

Water in Icelandic Nature Special Exhibit

+(354) 566 9000

www.perlan.is

I C E L A N D I C VO LC A N O E S

For more information on Icelandic volcanoes, check out www.volcanohouse.is

AN ICELANDIC VOLCANO IS THE REASON FOR DEMOCRACY AS WE KNOW IT The 1783-4 eruption of Laki was history’s biggest volcanic eruption. When it erupted, the ash darkened the sky over all of Europe for years.

The ash’s toxicity caused widespread crop failures and the resulting famine all over Europe was almost certainly one of the causes of the French Revolution in 1789, ultimately resulting in the first modern democracy as we know it.

NOT JUST ONE, BUT TWO OF THE BIGGEST ERUPTIONS IN THE RECORDED HISTORY OF THE WORLD, OCCURRED IN ICELAND! Not only was Laki the biggest eruption in recorded history, measured by volume of lava, but Iceland was also the site of the second biggest emission in recorded history, the 2014 eruption of Bárðarbunga.

In just 6 months, Bárðarbunga produced enough lava to cover the island of Manhattan – 85 km2. It still isn‘t close to matching Laki.

That eruption produced 370 km2 of lava in only 50 days!

WHAT’S ON

5 FACTS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT

All photos provided by the Volcano House

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WHAT’S ON Find more articles like this at www.whatson.is

1/3 OF ALL THE EARTH’S FRESH LAVA ORIGINATED IN ICELAND! When you’re discussing volcanoes, all concepts that have something to do with time get a bit skewed. For instance, fresh lava means lava emissions on earth since the year 1500. The reason for this impressive amount of liquid rock spewing to the surface is because not only does Iceland sit on a crack between two tectonic plates, it’s also on top of a geological hotspot.

Even so, for such a small island, that’s a pretty impressive amount of lava.

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ICELAND HAS A VOLCANIC ERUPTION EVERY 4-5 YEARS! This isn’t surprising considering the island has somewhere around 150-200 volcanoes, split into different volcanic systems. About 30 different systems are still considered “active” in Iceland, and 13 of them have erupted since the Viking Settlement in 874. Not all the eruptions

WANT TO GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE VOLCANOES OF ICELAND? For more information on volcanoes and geothermal activity in Iceland, go visit the Volcano House by the old harbour. Its attractions include a mineral exhibition and an hour-long documentary on volcanoes, which is shown every hour, on the hour. As an added bonus, there’s also a What’s On desk over there, in case you need any information.

are on the same scale as the Eyjafjallajökull eruption though; some are small enough to be considered tourist attractions and some happen underneath glaciers and never even see the light of day.

ICELAND HAS AN ISLAND SCIENTISTS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OBSERVE AND DOCUMENT FROM THE MOMENT OF ITS CREATION: SURTSEY Surtsey was formed by a volcanic eruption at the bottom of the ocean and emerged from the water on January 14, 1963. It was immediately granted protection by law and no one was allowed to set foot on the island. To this day only scientists are allowed to go there, and even they have to get special permission. This means that we have been able to monitor how life settles on a brand-new land from the beginning, and the information gained has been invaluable to scientists.

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Eldhestar, Vellir, 816 Ölfus, Iceland Email: info@eldhestar.is Tel: +354 480 4800

THE LAXNESS MUSEUM Gljúfrasteinn was the home of writer Halldór Laxness (the winner of The Nobel Prize in Literature 1955) and his family for more than half a century. The house is now a museum, where the author’s home is preserved just as it was when he lived and worked there.

WHAT’S ON

GLJÚFRASTEINN

A number of events are hosted throughout the year. Every Sunday during the summertime there are concerts in the living room at 16:00.

The museum is open on Tuesdays to Fridays from 10:00–16:00.

Audio guides of the house are available in Icelandic, English, German, Swedish and Danish, and an illustrated guide in French.

Gljúfrasteinn-Laxness museum is located in the valley of Mosfellsdalur on the way to Þingvellir National Park, only a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík.

For more information, go to www.gljufrasteinn.is.

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Tryggvagata 11 - Volcano house Open 11:30-21:00 www.fishandchips.is

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What to Do in Iceland if You Only Have One Day If you only have one day in Iceland, the first advice I will give you is to change your flight and stay for at least a week more. If that’s not an option, my next suggestion would be to use the time you have to the fullest, since Iceland is a unique destination.

IF ICELANDIC GEOLOGY INTERESTS YOU No country does volcanoes like Iceland, there’s a reason it’s called the land of Ice and Fire. The Reykjavík Erupts! volcano hike takes you to a geothermally active area where the effects of the extreme heat underground are clearly visible on the surface. The colours of the earth are akin to a rainbow and there are bubbling cauldrons of mud everywhere. Lava Tube Caving tour, on the other hand, allows you to visit a cave that was formed during a volcanic eruption. The rock formations alone make this tour worth the trip.

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IF YOU JUST WANT TO SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS It’s no coincidence that The Golden Circle is the most popular day tour from Reykjavík. There are three stops on the way that just happen to be three of the most captivating destinations in Iceland, and as an added bonus, the tour doesn’t take up more than half of your day. The stops are Þingvellir, the national park where the Icelandic Parliament congregated since Viking times, Gullfoss, the awe-inspiring waterfall which lends its name to the Golden Circle, and Geysir, an erupting hot spring, guaranteed to wow visitors.

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WHAT’S ON Find more articles like this at www.whatson.is

IF YOU WANT TO SEE A GLACIER Since you’re visiting ICE-land, you might want to check out some icy tours and it doesn’t get any icier than hiking on a glacier. Glacier hikes are relatively easy and professional gear is provided so the tour should be accessible for most people. You get to walk on a glacier, with guides who know everything there is to know about glaciers and Iceland in general, what more could you ask for?

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IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR A LITTLE LUXURY What’s better than having a spa day? Krauma is a natural geothermal spa in West Iceland, next to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. The water of the natural hot spring is mixed with cool glacial water for perfect temperatures. It has five hot tubs and one cold bath, a relaxation room and two steam baths. If you’re in South Iceland, then head to the Secret Lagoon. It’s situated in a geothermal area with plenty of hot water streaming naturally from the ground and steam rising into the air around you.

The beautiful location really lets you feel at one with the Icelandic nature.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN ADRENALINE RUSH Looking for a thrill? Then go on a buggy ride. A buggy is a fast, sturdy and stable ATV, perfect for everybody who loves the outdoors. When

going on a buggy tour, you better be ready to get dirty, with water splashing up on the side of the tires and dust being blown around your head. Driving a buggy through rough Icelandic terrain, with mud pools, dusty roads and sometimes snow, offers an exciting adventure!

IF YOU READ MOBY DICK AND LIKED IT Marine life abounds in the ocean around Iceland.

Of all the creatures that live in these waters, the most spectacular ones have to be the whales. If you’re interested in seeing these immense creatures for yourself, take a whale watching cruise.

Even the smallest Icelandic whale you could spot is still the size of a full-grown man, and the largest can reach up to 30 metres in length! If you have a few hours to spare before or after the cruise (or if you get seasick and a cruise is out of the question), check out the Whales of Iceland exhibition for some extra information on these gentle giants.

Whether you are going on tours or staying within city limits, you can be sure of one thing: you won’t have seen enough of what Iceland has to offer. The next time you’re in Iceland (and we’re pretty sure you’ll be back) stop by the What’s On office, or send us an email, info@whatson.is, and ask the staff to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.

WHAT’S ON

Only 35 min. from Reykjavík

A journey into RAUFARHÓLSHELLIR

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For more information and bookings: +354 519 1616

www.thelavatunnel.is

+354 760 1000 info@thelavatunnel.is

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WHAT’S ON

Five Things You Didn’t Know About the Icelandic Horse

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The Icelandic horse is beloved the world over for its qualities, skills, and intelligence. When driving through the Icelandic countryside, you just might get a glimpse of these beautiful creatures. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a foal. If you’re keen to learn more, here are some facts about the Icelandic horse that might surprise you.

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1. IT’S NOT A PONY! The Icelandic horse is smaller than many other breeds so some people assume that they’re a pony-breed. They’re not, though, based on their sturdy build and strong personalities, Icelanders never call their horses ponies. They come in many coat colours, including chestnut, bay, black, grey, white, palomino, pinto, and roan, making them very photogenic!

2. WALK THIS WAY The Icelandic horse can perform five gaits (ways of walking). The common gaits are called walk, trot, and canter, but many Icelandic horses can also do a flying pace and tölt. Tölt is a sped-up version of walking, but much more impressive as the horses lift their front legs up high, and only one foot touches the ground at any time.

It’s a comfortable gait on the uneven ground of Iceland’s wilderness. Not all Icelandic horses can do the tölt, and those who have the ability usually need to be trained to do it properly.

3. YOU WON’T FIND ANY OTHER KIND OF HORSES HERE Importing horses to Iceland has been forbidden since as far back as 982AD, to prevent the degeneration of the stock. This is the kind of thing you can do when you live on an island. The isolation makes the breed vulnerable for communicable horse disease so exported horses can never return to the island. Luckily, the Icelandic horse is prized for its intelligence and good nature so it’s bred all over the world.

4. HISTORY & CULTURE Historically, a quality Icelandic horse was a highly-desired prize, both for practical purposes and as a status symbol. They have a place in Norse mythology, most notably in the form of Sleipnir, Óðinn’s eight-legged horse.

They follow us from our very earliest history, for instance in the Book of Settlement, where the chieftain Sela-Þórir set up his settlement at the

WHAT’S ON

5. YOU CAN RIDE ONE! There are many tours you can choose from to ride an Icelandic horse in its natural habitat when you visit Iceland, even if you’ve never sat on a horse before. Not only are the Icelandic horses renowned for their pleasant temperament, they’re also much shorter than other horses – if you fall off, it won’t be far. If you’re a more experienced rider, we recommend taking a whole day tour, or even some longer trips if you’ve got the time. The Icelandic highlands are stunning and really, exploring them on horseback just like the original settlers did, is the only way to go.

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place where his mare Skálm decided to rest. In the Icelandic sagas, e.g. in Hrafnkel’s Saga, Njál’s Saga, and Grettir’s Saga, horses play important roles, for instance in horse fights, as status symbols, and not least as plot devices. For instance, the epic hero Gunnar á Hlíðarenda is about to leave for his exile when his horse trips. As Gunnar gets up, he looks at his beautiful country, and decides to stay rather than be outlawed, which ultimately leads to his death.

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WHAT’S ON

10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Atlantic Puffin Find more articles like this at www.whatson.is

THEY MATE FOR LIFE Puffins uphold the bird version of conservative family values, they mate for life, raise their single puffling over the course of the summer and return every year to their same nest.

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THEY’RE EASY PREY FOR PREDATORS ON LAND, WHICH IS WHY THEY USUALLY NEST ON ISLANDS Predators like foxes, weasels, cats and dogs don’t reach them on the islands around Iceland or out at sea during the wintertime. Actually, the puffins’ most threatening natural predator is homo sapiens. Puffin is still hunted for food and eaten, fresh or smoked.

THEY’RE GREAT SWIMMERS, BUT CLUMSY FLYERS Puffins are graceful on the water, swimming and diving for fish in smooth, natural motions. In the air, however, they look like they’re ready to fall out of the sky at any moment, flying with jerking motions and crash-landing into the water.

©Special tours

THEY SPEND MOST OF THEIR LIFE AT SEA Puffins are pelagic birds, which means that they spend more than half of the year far out at sea.

They are well suited to life on the sea and mostly eat fish. They only return to their holes to breed from April to August.

WHAT’S ON

©Special tours

THEY DON’T MAKE NESTS, THEY DIG HOLES Puffins are seabirds and tend to live where trees don’t. They dig holes instead, up to a metre deep. They sometimes even use old rabbit holes if there are any rabbits in the area.

THEIR BEAKS ARE IMPRESSIVE The multicoloured beaks that the puffins sport for the mating seasons have, in some parts of the world, earned them the nickname of sea parrot or even sea clown. In Iceland they have a more dignified moniker, they’re called provosts because their pompous manner reminds people of senior church officials.

THEIR BEAKS ARE SO IMPRESSIVE THEY GLOW UNDER UV LIGHT Yes, studies show that puffins have fluorescent beaks! Birds like puffins can not only see the red, blue, and green light humans can see, but also wavelengths at the UV end of the spectrum.

Their fluorescent beaks may help them attract the opposite sex.

©Elding

THEY’RE STILL NOT AS IMPRESSIVE AS THE TUFTED PUFFIN The puffin, or more accurately the Atlantic puffin, has a cousin known as the tufted puffin. Its beak hasn’t got the same range of colours, but the bird more than makes up for it with yellow tufts of feathers, streaming back from its head like luscious blond locks.

THEY’RE NOT OUR NATIONAL BIRD That honour belongs to the infinitely more graceful, if less likable, gyrfalcon. For a while the falcon was even represented in the national crest. The national order of Iceland, awarded by the president, is the Order of the Falcon.

THEY’RE SMALLER THAN YOU THINK Puffins are only about 30cm from the tip of their bill to the end of their tail and stand at about 20cm on land. This makes them the same size as, or even smaller than most of their stuffed lookalikes sold in Reykjavík souvenir stores.

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©Amazing tours

Tufted Puffin ©Matthew Zalewski

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WHAT’S ON For more information on Icelandic volcanoes, check out www.volcanohouse.is

Living in a Hikers’ Paradise

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Dust off your backpack and hiking boots, it’s time to discover Iceland on foot. Why, you ask? Because Iceland has some of the best hiking trails in the world! As you probably know, Iceland is a volcanic island filled with mountains and natural wonders, many of which are easily accessible. In fact, Iceland is so crammed with natural wonders that you’re never far away from a great hike.

Hiking through Iceland’s beautiful wilderness is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not sure what you’re doing. If you’re unfamiliar with Icelandic nature, consider taking a guided tour. Available guided tours include everything from a stroll through downtown Reykjavík to a multi-day hike in the Icelandic highlands, contact the What’s On information office for more information.

Before you set off into Iceland’s untamed nature, it’s vital that you prepare for your trip accordingly.

Plan your route so you know exactly where you’re going and let someone else know as well.

Check the weather forecast before you head out.

Make sure you have the right equipment!

Wear good boots and dress appropriately.

What do you want to do?

I WANT TO CLIMB A MOUNTAIN! Mt. Esjan, the mountain visible from the city centre, is one of the most popular hiking spots for locals in Reykjavík. Just step on a bus and get off at the visitor centre at the foot of the mountain! There are several ways up the mountain, and the most popular one takes you straight up the hill, alongside a babbling brook, and offers a view of the city and the surrounding area. The trail leads all the way to the top, but about an hour’s hike will take you to Steinn, a big rock marking the spot where most people stop and head back. You can continue all the

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way to the top, but the trail gets increasingly difficult from that point on and can be dangerous for inexperienced hikers.

You can also go to Mt. Úlfarsfell, a small mountain located south of Mosfellsbær, one of Reykjavík’s neighbouring towns. The hike up Úlfarsfell is perfect for people that only have limited time but still want to spend time outdoors. There are different trails leading up to the top for hikers of different levels. The view from the top over Mt. Esjan, Bláfjöll, Reykjanes, Reykjavík, Faxaflói bay, and Snæfellsjökull glacier is pretty amazing!

I WANT TO SEE SOMETHING SPECIAL AT THE END OF THE HIKE Why not hike up to Glymur, Iceland’s second tallest waterfall? It used to be considered the tallest waterfall in Iceland, but not so long ago a new one far into the mountains was discovered that’s even taller! Getting there is very difficult, however, so most people stick to Glymur, with an easy hike a short distance from the city.

There are a few ways to get to the waterfall, but the easiest one (and the one that requires no fording of rivers) takes about 45 minutes either way. You’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of water thundering down an almost 200m drop!

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ONLY

7 KM

FROM CITY CENTER

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Things to Do on a Sunny Day GO HIKING Take a bus or a car out of the city and go hiking!

Be sure to wear some good boots whenever you hike in Iceland and warm layered clothing. The weather in Iceland is fickle and not to be trusted!

If you don’t feel like going out of the city or if you don’t have the time, there’s actually plenty of great hiking trails right in the city. Try the paths around Öskjuhlíð, Grótta, Elliðaá, or Rauðavatn.

All these places are accessible by bus.

GO SWIMMING Icelanders have access to plenty of environmentally friendly hot water and they put it to use in the best way possible; heating up their swimming pools. These public swimming pools are a luxurious experience and the Icelanders use them frequently. On any given day, you’ll find kids splashing about in the waterslides, teenagers discussing pressing matters of life and love in a quiet spot and adults getting some exercise in the pool.

The most important part of the swimming pool is the hot tub, where people from all walks of life get together and discuss the issues of society, the latest political scandals and the weather.

DO EVERYTHING YOU WOULD NORMALLY DO ON A SUNNY DAY, BUT AT NIGHT! Sunny summer days in Iceland have one thing that most other countries don’t; at the end of the day, the sun doesn’t go down! Staying up for a whole night in the Icelandic summer, whether drinking is involved or not, is a great experience.

Try wearing sunglasses at night, swimming at night or just taking a walk at night, it always adds something a little extra.

SPEND A DAY LAZING ABOUT AT AUSTURVÖLLUR SQUARE On sunny days, everyone who is anyone heads to Austurvöllur. The square in front of the Parliament building quickly fills up with avid picnickers enjoying a beer or ice cream, or simply relaxing in the sun. The cafés that surround the square fill up even faster and the hunt for a table can get brutal during mealtimes!

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EAT ICE CREAM Ice cream in Iceland is – seriously – the best. Soft serve ice cream is the name of the game and mixing your favourite toppings requires serious thought. Ice cream in a cone with a chocolate shell is a classic, but menus often also include milkshakes that are thick with creamy goodness and blizzards mixed with everything from fresh fruit and berries to liquorice bits and chopped up chocolate bars.

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Reykjavík CrossFit Championship

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May 3–5

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CrossFit is coming to town as the Reykjavík CrossFit Championship will be held for the first time this May. CrossFit has long been embraced by Icelandic athletes, who will now have the chance to qualify for the yearly CrossFit Games on home turf. The competition features both individuals and teams going head to head in various workout challenges.

This new championship has been described as CrossFit coming home!

CrossFit is a full-body workout designed to challenge the fittest on earth, as well as a workout system for the average Joe. Icelandic CrossFit athletes have been crowned “Fittest on Earth” four times in total. The “Dóttir” movement was inspired by the achievements of Icelandic female CrossFit athletes. Dóttir translates as daughter and is an ode to the Icelandic patronymic naming tradition, where names end with the suffix -dóttir. Annie Mist Þórisdóttir and Katrín Tanja Davíðsdóttir lead the way with two CrossFit Games titles each. Meanwhile, Sara Sigmundsdóttir is on the hunt for her first title after coming in third place at the 2015 and 2016 CrossFit Games. Of the male competitors, Björgvin Karl Guðmundsson managed to finish

on the podium in 2015, snatching a bronze medal at the Games. BK, as he is known in CrossFit circles, will take part in the Reykjavík CrossFit Championship.

This new competition will be part of the 16 CrossFit Games qualifying Sanctionals Events which take place all over the world.

Athletes can qualify through the Reykjavík CrossFit Championship for the 2019 Reebok CrossFit Games, held each year in early August in Madison, Wisconsin. The Reykjavík Championship takes place indoors in the Laugardalshöll national arena.

Head to www.tix.is for tickets.

24 locations in Iceland

Harpa Concert Hall sinfonia.is harpa.is (+354) 528 50 50

Main sponsor:

@icelandsymphony / #sinfo

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Notable Events in the History of Iceland 16-18 MILLION BC: The Formation of Iceland.

Volcanic eruptions form the landmass known as Iceland.

871 AD: The Settlement of Iceland. Ingólfur Arnarson killed a man in Norway and fled to Iceland.

930 AD: Alþingi (the Icelandic Parliament) established. Alþingi is the oldest parliamentary institution in the world that is still extant.

1000 AD: Conversion to Christianity, discovery of America. Parliament decided everyone would be Christian or at least pretend to be. Leif “the Lucky” Eiriksson got lost and found America, didn’t like it and went home.

1262 AD: Iceland submits to Norway. Civil war between powerful clans was finally resolved by forfeiting independence and submitting to Norwegian rule. This eventually led to Iceland winding up under Danish rule.

1550 AD: Reformation. A violent conflict between Catholics and Lutherans ended with the beheading of Catholic bishop Jón Arason.

1944 AD: Independence. Iceland declared independence while Denmark was too busy being invaded by Germany to protest.

20TH CENTURY: The World Wars and modernisation. The turn of the century saw the first motorboat and car. The World Wars and American occupation resulted in the first serious urbanisation and foreign cultural influence.

1955 AD: Nobel Prize. Halldór Laxness was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

1980 AD: First female president. The world’s first democratically elected female head of state, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, took office.

2008 AD: Crash and miraculous recovery.

Iceland’s banking system went spectacularly bankrupt. Since then, things have picked up surprisingly well.

Vigdís Finnbogadóttir

2009 AD: First openly gay prime minister. The world’s first openly lesbian head of government, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, took office.

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1602: Monopoly (not the fun kind). The king of Denmark decided Icelanders could only trade with particular Danes, resulting in economic stagnation until the monopoly was abolished in 1786.

THE 1750S: The Enlightenment and the birth of Reykjavík. Industrialisation and modernisation started when “Sheriff” Skúli Magnússon started wool manufacturing at Aðalstræti 10.

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GET OUT OF TOWN

THERE’S MORE TO ICELAND THAN REYKJAVÍK Reykjavík is a great city and we wholeheartedly recommend spending some time there, just not all your time. Iceland is at its very best during these short summer months and you simply need to leave the city for a while and take it all in.

HOW TO TRAVEL There are a few ways to get out of town, depending on your preferences. If you’re unfamiliar with the country and want to learn more, taking a guided tour might suit your needs. Reykjavík tourism companies offer tours almost all over the country, some short enough to fit into your afternoon, others longer, so just figure out where you want to go and book your trip.

If you prefer a little more freedom to explore on your own, renting a car is a comfortable option, allowing you to travel at your own pace. Just be careful, conditions in Iceland might be different from what you’re used to, even in summer. Be

sure to check out Icelandic driving regulations and check the weather forecast before you set off.

If driving on your own feels a little too risky, you can always take the bus. The city bus company, Strætó, will take you to some of the larger towns around the country. Other bus companies will take you to great hiking spots or all the way around Iceland.

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WHAT’S ON WHERE TO GO Almost wherever you go, you’ll find natural wonders, lovely little towns and all the untamed Icelandic nature you can imagine. Certain regions do have their specific charm, however, so depending on your needs and preferences, here are some destination suggestions.

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One of the most popular destinations in Iceland is the south coast. This stretch of land between the coast and the mountains is an exercise in contrasts. Verdant farming communities meet jet-black sand beaches, towering glaciers cover imposing volcanoes, and still and clear lakes reside next to thundering waterfalls and erupting geysers.

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If you don’t have the time to stray too far from the city, exploring the Reykjanes peninsula might be just up your alley. Just a short drive away from the city, this area has still lakes, lava fields, and colourful geothermal areas as well as charming little fishing villages.

The Snæfellsnes peninsula is often described as a microcosm of Iceland. Black beaches, hot springs, charming fishing villages, and the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier overlooking it all, are sights that are not to be missed!

If you have the time (at least 4-5 days), you can even drive all the way around the country. Route 1, or the Ring Road, follows most of the coastline of Iceland and connects the major towns.

WHAT TO DO If you have a car, you might just want to find a town to stay in and explore the surrounding region. During the summer season, many towns host festivals which are well worth checking out.

If you’re simply keen to explore the nature and landscapes of Iceland, driving around the country, stopping for hikes and picnics is a great way to spend your days. Look for the sign with a square with looped corners indicating interesting spots ahead.

If you want to be prepared for your trip, contact the What’s On office on Laugavegur and get some advice!

Looking for more?

The What’s On Iceland tourist information and booking centres are located in downtown Reykjavík.

Visit us at the start of your journey or contact us throughout it. www.whatson.is

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Books to Read Before You Come to Iceland

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One of the best ways to prepare for a visit to another country is to curl up with a good book and be transported into the mind of a local author. Whether the book is classic or contemporary, it will give you more of a sense of the national psyche than a travel brochure ever can. If you’re visiting Iceland, there are plenty of great Icelandic books to choose from, whether you want to head into battle with the Vikings of the sagas, raise sheep with proud farmers, or solve murders on the streets of Reykjavík.

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THE SAGAS OF THE ICELANDERS

BY AUTHORS UNKNOWN You can get a collection with all the sagas, but we recommend starting with the most popular ones, such as the epic Njál’s Sagai, the adventurous Egil’s Saga, or the romantic Laxdæla Saga.

Reading these centuries-old texts is challenging but rewarding at the same time.

THE FISH CAN SING

BY HALLDÓR LAXNESS Independent People is Halldór’s best-known novel and it is nothing short of a masterpiece, but it’s also a bleak and depressing portrait of a poor farmer’s life complete with domestic violence, class injustice, child labour, and light paedophilia. What we’re saying is that this is no fun summer read. If you think you’re up for it, by all means, go ahead, but for a more palatable

taste of Laxness, we recommend picking up The Fish Can Sing, a charming coming-of-age story set in Reykjavík at the turn of the century.

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THE GREENHOUSE

BY AUÐUR AVA ÓLAFSDÓTTIR Auður’s tender depiction of a young man dealing with the loss of his mother and the arrival of an unplanned offspring was a bestseller in large swathes of Europe. The young gardener’s nurturing masculinity is at the heart of this gem of a novel and Auður’s quiet prose is bound to earn a place in any reader’s heart. Auður recently got the Nordic Council Literature Award for Hotel Silence.

BLOODHOOF BY GERÐUR KRISTNÝ It’s always difficult to translate poetry but Gerður Kristný’s Bloodhoof, itself an adaptation of an older text, is worth seeking out.

Telling the story of the Norse god Freyr’s pursuit of giantess Gerður from the previously unexplored point of view of Gerður herself, Bloodhoof casts the story in a different light.

In the original text, Gerður Kristný utilises elements of the era’s strict lyrical rules but is not bound by them and the translation is focused on capturing the spirit of the text, rather than a direct translation.

I REMEMBER YOU

BY YRSA SIGURÐARDÓTTIR Yrsa is the queen of Icelandic crime fiction.

Despite writing about horrific crimes in a country with statistically less than one murder per year, Yrsa is knwown for writing believable and three-dimensional characters as well as a thrilling plot with twists and turns aplenty. Her books about Þóra Guðmundsdóttir, a crime-solving lawyer, are immensely popular, but she’s also written a few more thrilling stories stretching into the realm of ghost stories and the supernatural. I Remember You combines an eerie ghost story with crime fiction and was made into a movie in 2017.

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LOVESTAR BY ANDRI SNÆR Among Andri Snær’s oeuvre are a book of discount poetry sold in grocery stores, a children’s novel or two, and a non-fiction book on the state of Iceland’s industry and its future direction. LoveStar is a dystopian novel, originally published in 2002, set in a future where a giant corporation controls the lives of people with their personal data that they’ve gathered, love is controlled by algorithms matching people with their mates and people can making a living as influencers, secretly advertising products through their lifestyle. Frightening, isn’t it? An unconventional love story set among Iceland’s stunning landscapes. For younger readers, Andri Snær’s Time Casket was recently published in English.

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Travel Safely in Iceland With a subarctic climate and a very small population, Iceland might be a bit different from other popular vacation destinations you visit. Desolate landscapes, mountains, waterfalls, geothermal areas, and the ocean are natural wonders that are not only beautiful but can also catch you off-guard if you travel unprepared. Let the following eight safety guidelines help you when you’re planning your trip to Iceland.

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1. KNOW ICELAND’S EMERGENCY NUMBERS The emergency number is 112. You can dial it free of charge to reach emergency services like ambulances, rescue teams, and the police.

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2. KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER FORECAST Icelandic weather is changeable, and extreme weather can occur. High wind speeds in combination with snow are not uncommon in wintertime and can limit visibility. Always check the weather forecast on www.vedur.is before you head out.

3. CHECK THE ROAD CONDITIONS BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT While checking the weather forecast, make sure to also check the road conditions on www.road.is. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration updates their website regularly, showing when roads are closed, slippery, have patches of ice, or are easily passable.

4. BE EXTRA CAREFUL WHEN VISITING GEOTHERMAL AREAS The water in geothermal areas can reach a temperature of up to 100°C. Falling in or slipping can cause serious burns. Luckily, there are clear paths, so make sure to stay on them.

5. DON’T GO TOO CLOSE TO THE OCEAN Sneaker waves – waves that stretch out way farther onto shore then regular waves – are common in South Iceland at Reynisfjara and Kirkufjara beaches.

These waves are more powerful than people expect, and accidents can and have proven fatal. Keep a safe distance from the water.

6. STAY ON THE PATH Whether it’s at a waterfall, geothermal area, or during a mountain hike, it’s important to stay on the path. If you see a closed path, do not step over the line. It’s closed for a reason.

7. LET SOMEONE KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING If you’re planning to go hiking, camping, or hitchhiking, let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. You can also leave your travel plan on www.safetravel.is.

8. FOLLOW THE UPDATES ON SAFETRAVEL.IS Next to submitting your travel itinerary to SafeTravel’s website, you should use it during your stay to check on safety warnings and updates.

SafeTravel offers an indispensable source of information for travellers in Iceland. SafeTravel is also located at the tourist information centre on Bankastræti 2.

Fish • Lamb • Whale • Icelandic cuisine with a twist Icelandic music and nightlife Mix with the locals . .and all the Icelandic beers in one awsome place!

INGÓLFSSTRÆTI 1A

1 0 1 R E Y K J AV Í K

www.islenskibarinn.is postur@islenskibarinn.is sími: 517 6767

Two Icelandic themed villages

HLI

Ð Á LF TA NE SI

Restaurant & Lodging

The Viking Village is a unique place and it is the only Viking theme Hotel and restaurant in Iceland. We have step by step been developing our facilities over the last 28 years and will hopefully continue to do so in the future.

We offer Hotel accommodation and Viking houses. Good for families and groups.

The Fisherman´s Village, our newest 25 rooms accommodation is Hlið in Álftanes only few minutes drive from the Viking Village. Like a country home by the seaside.

Such an idyllic place to visit. The restaurant is open for groups in the evenings.

Close to the president´s residence.

e iv e dr ntr es ce ut y in cit m he 15 o t t

Viking feasts - Souvenirs - Live entertainment most nights “You haven’t been in Iceland if you haven’t been to us“ Don’t miss it!

Booking: www.vikingvillage.is | +354 565 1213

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BEST WHALE WATCHING SPOTS AROUND ICELAND

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Do you want to have a whale of a time? Then go on a whale safari while you’re in Iceland!

The waters around Iceland are the natural habitat of these gentle giants, so this is the perfect place to spot them. Baleen whales are a migratory species, and most travel long distances to tropical waters in winter and back to polar regions in summer. The best season for whale watching in Iceland is therefore between April and October. Going on a whale watching tour and actively searching for whales is an exciting and unique experience!

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WHALE WATCHING IN THE CAPITAL AREA You don’t have to travel far to go on a whale safari, as Reykjavík offers good options for whale watching. Different whale watching companies have regular departures from the Old Harbour area. White-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are seen year-round in Faxaflói bay, a large bay next to Reykjavík, stretching from Reykjanes to Snæfellsnes. In summertime, there are regular sightings of humpback whales and minke whales. You can choose to go on a bigger boat with a refreshment bar, or on a small RIB. The bigger boats have snug inside areas that offer shelter from bad weather, but the small boats have the advantage that you can get very close to oceanic wildlife. At the ticket offices you can ask for complimentary motion sickness pills, but don’t worry, tours are cancelled if the waves are too high.

WHALE WATCHING OUTSIDE THE CAPITAL AREA You can also see whales outside of the Capital Area. In wintertime, the fishing town Grundarfjörður is where it’s all at. The bay is filled with herring feeding on phytoplankton.

Now, seeing breaching herring is probably not the reason why you travelled to Iceland.

However, this herring aggregation attracts all kinds of cetaceans, like dolphins, porpoises, and most importantly, killer whales! Can you think of anything more spectacular than seeing a pack of killer whales swim by? There are also excellent whale watching opportunities in North Iceland. The town Húsavík is also known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, because of the many whales in its bay, Skjálfandi bay.

Humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, pilot whales, and sperm whales are often sighted. Because of the deep waters in the bay,

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there is also a higher chance to see rare species like the basking shark, the northern bottlenose whale, and the beluga!

WHALES OF ICELAND EXHIBITION Whales of Iceland is an exhibition in the Grandi area of Reykjavík. It showcases 23 man-made life-size models of whale species that occur in Icelandic waters, like a 25m long blue whale and a full-size sperm whale. It offers a great opportunity to see the actual sizes of these whales (they are even bigger than you think!), and to learn interesting facts about each whale at the same time, by reading information stands and watching videos. Educational and fun!

Minke whale: a small baleen whale measuring 7m to 8m in length, weighing between 5 to 10 tonnes. It’s black- and grey-coloured, has a dorsal fin, and will live for 30 to 50 years. It’s not likely to breach, so look for its back and dorsal fin during a tour. Also called “stinky minkes” because they smell of rotten fish.

Humpback whale: a large baleen whale measuring 12m to 16m in length and weighing about 36 tonnes. It has long pectoral fins, a stubby dorsal fin, and a knobbly head.

They are known for breaching, their high spouts of water, and for showing off their flukes as they go for deeper dives!

White-beaked dolphin: the most common dolphin in Icelandic waters. It is 2.5m to 3m in length and weighs up to 350kg. They are often spotted in big groups, sometimes hundreds together! They love playing, jumping out of the water, and splashing about.

Harbour porpoise: the smallest cetacean around Iceland. They are only 1.5m to 2m in length and weigh 55kg to 70kg. They are usually quite shy, but sometimes jump out of the water and play with the whale watching boats.

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COMBO TOURS – WHALES AND PUFFINS In summer, puffin colonies are found all around Iceland. The first small flocks arrive in April and the last ones leave in September, but the best months to see puffins are between May and August. Most whale watching companies offer whale and puffin combination tours. For puffin spotting, it’s best to be on a small boat and to bring binoculars. Puffins are tiny, and the closer you can get to them, the better the experience will be! These puffin tours are possible from Reykjavík. Just off the coast of the city, puffins breed each year on three small islands. Next to puffins and whales, common sights during these tours include arctic terns and the great skua.

COMMON SIGHTS

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Nexus

A GEEK’S GUIDE TO ICELAND

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You love Game of Thrones, Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon GO, and Settlers of Catan.

You only read fantasy and science fiction, and you know what Hogwarts House you belong to.

And be honest, every now and then, you try to use the Force to open doors? Say no more, we feel you. In this article, we will sum up the best geeky things to do in Iceland.

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GO TO NEXUS The starting point for geeky stuff in Iceland is game store Nexus. Nexus is Iceland’s safe haven for nerds and geeks. It has a great selection of board games, books, comics, and cosplay costumes. If you have any questions about the cosplay scene in Iceland, what new board games to buy, or the latest Game of Thrones merch, just pop in and ask their friendly staff. Nexus is located in shopping centre Glæsibær, 15 minutes from downtown by car.

JOIN A BOARD GAMES EVENING OR TWO Are you a good sport? Is your enthusiasm sparked when you hear Pandemic, Sushi Go!, The Resistance, Scythe, King Domino, and Terraforming Mars? Then attend a board games evening in Reykjavík. On Monday evenings, there’s Boardgamonday at Stofan Café, and every other week on Thursday night, there is a game evening

at game store Spilavinir. People traveling through, tourists, and everybody else is very welcome to attend. Every week different games are played, and you can also bring your own.

PRACTICE ARCHERY Feel like Katniss Everdeen or Robin Hood and shoot some arrows! Perhaps you will not shoot an apple out of a pig’s mouth yet, but archery is a fun sport for both beginners and more advanced archers. In Reykjavík, Bogfimisetrið (the Archery Centre) is the place to be, located at Dugguvogur 2. Supervisors on site will help with the foundations of archery, and they answer any questions about technique you might have. No doubt you’ll hit the target in no time.

SOLVE PUZZLES AT REYKJAVÍK ESCAPE Just imagine this, you’re on vacation with a couple of friends and after a long day of driving, your car breaks down. You find an empty cabin close by and decide to spend the night there.

Once you are all inside, the doors lock shut. You find a letter telling that in order to escape, you have one hour, and you have to work together using different puzzle-solving skills. Does this scenario appeal to you? Then head to Reykjavik Escape for an exhilarating hour locked into one of their challenging escape rooms.

WHAT’S ON Kirkjufell

CHECK OUT GAME OF THRONES FILMING LOCATIONS As a fan, you probably know that many scenes of Game of Thrones are shot in Iceland. In Þjórsárdalur valley, for instance, you can visit the Viking lodge which was used as the site of one of the greatest battles of the series so far.

Þingvellir, part of the Golden Circle, is where the first Parliament of Iceland met in 930 AD. It’s also the shooting location of Eyrie, the principal stronghold of House Arryn, near the eastern coast of Westeros. In season 4, this is the location where Brienne and the Hound fight each other. It’s also used for Arya’s and Sandor

Vík is the southernmost village of mainland Iceland. Its world-famous black beach is a popular tourist attraction, and in Game of Thrones, it’s used to represent northern Westeros. It’s also used as the beach by Eastwatch, the easternmost castle along the Wall where the Night’s Watch is guarding. Mýrdalsjökull glacier, close to Vík, is the location of the Fist of the First Men, a natural defensive position located north of the Wall in the hands of the Wildlings.

Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, is seen in the background of season 2 and 3, in which it is used to show the territory of the Wildlings north of the Wall. One of its glacial tongues, Svínafellsjökull, has also been used as a shooting location. It’s a bit of a drive from Reykjavík, but this must-see sight is easy to get to, as it’s part of Skaftafell National Park and close to Iceland’s ring road.

Are you geeked out yet over our suggestions?

We sure are. Have fun!

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In West Iceland, close to fishing village Grundarfjörður, you find the majestic Mt. Kirkjufell, or Church Mountain. It has been a tourist attraction for decades, and it’s one of the most photographed mountains of Iceland. It plays a role in season 6 episode 5, in which you see that the Night King was created close to this mountain to protect the Children of the Forest.

You can also see it in season 7 episode 6, in which it’s called the Arrowhead Mountain. In this episode, Jon Snow and his friends head north of the Wall to fight the White Walkers.

Clegane’s trip through Westeros. But most of all, it’s known as the area where the White Walkers roam. Of course, there is no chance you will encounter them in real life… or is there?

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R E Y K J AV Í K SIGHTS TO SEE Reykjavík sightseeing has something for everyone! The city is filled with things to do, places to go, and stuff to see, but some things are just a little bit more important than others.

Check out the map in the centre of the magazine to find the exact location of these Reykjavík sights.

Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights

1 | HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city.

It’s the largest church and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland. The church tower offers a fantastic view of the city. It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, designed it to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape. Construction started in 1945 and was finished in 1984.

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2 | PERLAN Standing at 25m, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking buildings. Built on top of the city’s hot water tanks, Perlan is known for its unique architecture. Inside Perlan, you can visit Wonders of Iceland, an exhibition spread over multiple levels. A visit to a real ice cave, planetarium shows, exhibitions on Iceland’s history, glaciers, volcanoes, and water, and a spectacular 360° viewing platform are all included in a ticket. On the top floor, a restaurant and coffeehouse for guests in need of refreshment. Surrounding Perlan is the Öskjuhlíð area, one of the many green spaces in Reykjavík, perfect for a walk on a sunny day.

3 | TJÖRNIN Tjörnin (The Pond) is the heart of the city centre and offers some of the most amazing views in Reykjavík. There is no better place in the city to enjoy a beautiful sunset and you can watch or feed a huge variety of birdlife that calls the lake home, while you’re at it. When the lake freezes over in winter, geothermal water is pumped in to defrost an area for the birds and feeding them is a popular family pastime all year round. Those who can handle the cold take to the lake on ice skates.

4 | AUSTURVÖLLUR When the sun is shining, Austurvöllur is the place to be. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants, this public square is a popular spot for locals to dine outside, soak up some sunshine or recline on the grass with picnics. In fact, whatever the season, Austurvöllur is the place to be. It’s used for celebrations on holidays and in December, the city’s biggest Christmas tree is located there. Due to its proximity to The House of Parliament, Austurvöllur is also a popular gathering spot for political protesters. At the centre of it all stands a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the renowned figure who is credited with leading Iceland to independence.

WHAT’S ON

5 | KOLAPORTIÐ Whether you want to sample dried fish and fermented shark, purchase a bag of Icelandic candy or browse through thrifted clothing, Kolaportið, an indoor flea market, open on the weekends between 11:00-17:00, is your best bet. The atmosphere is unique, and the old industrial building is usually filled with people hunting for books or antiques, grocery shopping at the food court, selling their old garments, buying music and DVDs, or digging through piles of stuff in search of hidden treasures. We recommend bringing cash, or visiting the ATM at one of the entrances, as the majority of stalls don’t accept cards.

6 | HARPA The whole 28,000m2 of Harpa stand at the edge of Reykjavík Harbour. It houses Iceland’s biggest concert hall, suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events, a conference centre with meeting facilities and in-house catering, as well as a couple of fine restaurants. Harpa also hosts promotions, plays, and public events. It’s open to everyone, and you should definitely visit Harpa, whether it’s to take in a show, buy souvenirs, go to a concert or have a lovely dinner in one of the fabulous restaurants. Harpa was designed by a Danish firm in cooperation with Ólafur Elíasson, an Icelandic artist, and opened to the public in 2011.

7 | THE OLD HARBOUR It’s the first lasting harbour in Reykjavík, although it’s no longer the city’s busiest one. The most-visited area is the eastern pier where you’ll find a community of shops, galleries, electric bike and scooter rentals, and guided tour operators. You will also find numerous whale watching companies willing to take you out to sea on unforgettable excursions. The area is filled with excellent restaurants (pizza, seafood, burgers, etc.) and cafés. The atmosphere at the old harbour is friendly, the air is fresh and salty and there are plenty of interesting activities to check out.

8 | THE SUN VOYAGER A beautiful sculpture of a Viking ship located

9 | HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT Founded in 950 AD, Iceland’s Parliament, Alþingi, is the oldest extant parliament in the world! For centuries, the Parliament gathered in the open air (on the aptly named Þingvellir, Parliament Fields) but in recent years, they’ve met in Reykjavík.

The House of Parliament is a modest classical building of hewn Icelandic dolerite, and it gives Austurvöllur square a dignified look. The Parliament garden behind the building is small but lovely in the summertime.

10 | LAUGARDALSLAUG Every country has traditions when it comes to leisure. Icelanders’ favourite pastime is going swimming. Laugardalslaug is the city’s largest pool with extensive facilities, located in Laugardalur valley. Its facilities include a 50m outdoor pool, an outdoor children’s pool and a paddling pool, two waterslides, numerous hot tubs, a steam bath, gym, and a mini golf course. There really is no better place to be on a sunny day, or a cold one for that matter. Right outside you will find a hot dog stand where you can buy traditional Icelandic hot dogs.

Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights

by the ocean on a small peninsula by Sæbraut, close to downtown Reykjavík. The sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and is an ode to the sun. It serves as reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland.

The Sun Voyager looks its best when the sun is setting, at whatever time that may be. The unforgettable view of the sculpture with a backdrop of the ocean and Mt. Esja is every photographer’s dream.

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Check out the article The Reykjavik Sight Experience on pages 48-49 for more information about the places numbered here.

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REYKJAVÍK CITY MAP i

What’s On Tourist Information and Booking Centre Locations Main areas

Sights

Tour Pick Ups

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WHAT’S ON

Museums in Downtown Reykjavík

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Reykjavík’s history reaches more than a thousand years back and the city has a rich cultural heritage. History buffs, art afficionados and budding natural scientists should all find something to pique their interest in the museums of the city centre.

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VOLCANO HOUSE Get to know Iceland’s fascinating geology by exploring their mineral exhibition and watching their documentaries on some of Iceland’s most interesting volcanic eruptions in recent history.

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REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY The museum presents both historical and contemporary photography in an artistic, social, and cultural context. Showcased are family photographs, photos from portrait studios, industrial and advertising photographs, press photography, landscape photographs, and more.

Find more articles like this at www.whatson.is

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THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION In 2001, archaeological remains of a hall from the age of settlement were excavated and The Settlement Exhibition is built around these findings, the oldest relics of human habitation found in Reykjavík.

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REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM The Hafnarhús location of the Reykjavík Art Museum serves as the museum’s institute of contemporary art. Pop artist Erró’s works are as fascinating as the museum’s temporary exhibitions.

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND The museum, established in 1863, houses some of the nation’s most beloved treasures. The permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation is an engaging way to get to know Iceland’s history. Visit the Culture House’s exhibition Points of View as well for an introduction to the country’s cultural heritage.

THE MARITIME MUSEUM The fishing industry is the cornerstone of Iceland’s economy and The Maritime Museum is the best place to learn more about it. At the museum, you also have a chance to board Óðinn, a former Coast Guard vessel.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND The National Gallery’s art collection consists mainly of 19th and 20th century art. In its possession are many of the keystones of Icelandic art history, as well as a growing collection of works from other countries.

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WONDERS OF THE VOLCANO In the city centre, by the old harbour

SHOWTIMES 9 AM – 9 PM on the hour, every day.

“ “ “

Great intro to Iceland!

Really interesting documentary and lovely staff!

The hands on display of different rocks/volcanic products is great fun.

Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavík, Iceland | +354 555 1900 info@volcanohouse.is | www.volcanohouse.is

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WHAT’S ON

N E W I N TOW N EIRIKSSON BRASSERIE Eiriksson Brasserie opened recently in a former bank building at Laugavegur 77. The bank has been transformed completely into a classy and modern brasserie serving European cuisine with an emphasis on Italian cooking. On the menu, you will find caviar, T-bone steaks, Creekstone black angus, and many pizzas and pasta dishes.

You can pair your dinner with exclusive wines from their special money-vault-turned-winecellar containing over 4,000 bottles of wines.

The owners of Eiriksson Brasserie previously managed Hotel Holt, Gallery Restaurant, and Viðeyjarstofa on Viðey island.

THE HEART OF REYKJAVÍK The Heart of Reykjavík, or Hjarta Reykjavíkur in Icelandic, is a new cultural gift shop located on Hjartatorg square (Heart Square) between Laugavegur and Hverfisgata. It’s also the name of a product line designed by shop owner

Jóhann Ludwig Torfason, consisting of posters, postcards, jigsaw puzzles, mugs, glassware, clocks, and a book of the same name filled with colourful drawings of 40 selected houses in downtown Reykjavík. If you’re looking for original souvenirs related to Reykjavík, then make a beeline for this shop!

WASTELAND Do you want a hip wardrobe for the summer?

Then check out Wasteland, a fashionable second-hand clothing store based on an American concept and with one location in Copenhagen.

The Icelandic franchise sell brands like 66°North, Kappa, Carhart, The North Face, and Ralph Lauren, among others. Every item on sale is handpicked and carefully selected so it will not be difficult to find a trendy outfit. On May 4, they officially open their doors at Ingólfsstræti 5 with a big party. Be sure to check it out!

Eiriksson Brasserie

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COLLECTIONS Time to suit up! Collections is a fashion store located at Geirsgata 4 in Hafnartorg, a newly-developed area in downtown Reykjavík. It’s among the first stores to open in the area, with many more retail spaces and offices on the way in the coming months. They sell exclusive clothing lines for men and women, with Hugo Boss, Polo, Sand, Armani, and Ralph Lauren among the brands they have in their collection.

Collections

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EVENTS NOTABLE EVENTS IN REYKJAVÍK

International Day of the Icelandic Horse

FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec

T H E IN TERN ATI O NA L DAY OF THE IC ELANDI C HO RS E

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MAY 1 The sturdy Icelandic horse is loved all around for its friendly character, many gaits, and intelligence. On May 1, it’s the International Day of the Icelandic Horse. Owners of Icelandic horses all over the world are encouraged to organise open houses at their stables and share photos and videos of Icelandic horses with the hashtag #horsesoficeland. The goal is to present Icelandic horses and riding culture to the public.

LA BO U R DAY MAY 1 Labour Day is a public holiday in Iceland.

On this day, many people march down Laugavegur to protest. People show up with flags and homemade signs, protesting various things ranging from big corporations destroying the environment to a call for better working conditions. If you want to join this march for equality and justice, head to Hlemmur square at 13:00. At 13:30 everybody will march down Laugavegur towards Lækjartorg. The procession will be accompanied by various brass bands and people singing rally songs.

RA FLOST MAY 23-25 RAFLOST is an electronic and media arts festival in Reykjavík. The festival connects music, visual arts, dance, (computer) science, and media arts to explore different aspects of art technology. It aims to introduce the public to the history, present, and future of electronic arts. International artists and students have been part of the festival since it was first organised, bringing developments from abroad into the local community. It’s held in collaboration with the Iceland University of the Arts and event venue Mengi.

Labour day

Experience the amazing LangjĂśkull glacier from the inside A rare, once in a lifetime opportunity

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EVENTS

T H E R EY K JAVÍK C R OSS FIT CHAMPIO NS HI P

RE YKJAV ÍK ME TA LF E ST MAY 16-18 Reykjavík Metalfest is a metal festival taking place in Gaukurinn bar in downtown Reykjavík, known for its laidback and inclusive vibe. The line-up consists of Icelandic metal acts along with a great selection of international metal bands. Bands performing this year include Almyrkvi, Psyclosarin, Auðn, Beneath, Hamferð, Svart Crown, Potentiam, Orbit, Svartidauði, and Napalm Death. Metalheads, don’t miss this intimate yet extreme metal festival right in the middle of the city! Weekend passes cost 13,000 ISK.

T H IBAUD ET & B EET HOVE N MAY 23 Jean-Yves Thibaudet (1961) is celebrated as one of the best pianists in the world.

On May 23, Thibaudet will play two works at the Eldborg auditorium of Harpa Concert Hall: James MacMillan’s Piano Concerto no. 3, The Mysteries of Light and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony no. 3, Eroica. The programme of the evening begins with Ciel d’hiver, a work by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho inspired by the Nordic winter sky. The concert starts at 19:30 and tickets cost between 2,500 and 7,800 ISK.

Thibaudet & Beethoven

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MAY 3-5 The Reykjavík CrossFit Championship welcomes athletes from all over the world to participate and compete against Iceland’s fittest CrossFitters. 30 males, 30 females, and 10 teams have qualified to compete in Laugardalshöll sports hall in Reykjavík from May 3-5. First place winners will be invited to the 2019 Reebok CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin. Next to the championship contests, there are special workouts of the day (WODs) which include running up Esja as quickly as possible, in any weather. Come and watch Icelandic and international top athletes compete!

NOTABLE EVENTS IN REYKJAVÍK

Reykjavik Crossfit Championship

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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS

VOLCANO HOUSE Wonders of the Volcano The Volcano House includes a hands-on mineral exhibition featuring different mineral samples, such as lava from the 2014 eruption of Bárðabunga and ash from the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull.

A documentary in English is screened every hour, on the hour, from 9:00 to 21:00. It focuses on some of the most famous eruptions of Iceland and covers the causes and effects of Icelandic volcanic activity in general. The show is also available in different languages by arrangement.

The Volcano House is fun and educational for people of all ages, and kids are especially welcome (free for 0-10 years old).

FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec

The Volcano House is a great stop on your museum day.

After standing and reading for hours, it’s nice to sit down and watch a movie.

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The Volcano House is a great late-night activity (the last show is at 21:00), a good replacement if your tour is cancelled, or if the weather is bad (it’s always nice and warm inside). Drop by anytime!

For more information, see www.volcanohouse.is.

Wonders of the Volcano

Check out our event calendar at whatson.is/ec for more information and events.

EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec 62

R E Y K JAV I K A R T MUSEUM Á S M U N DA R S A F N Ásmundur Sveinsson: Under the Same Sky – Art in Public Spaces The sculpture garden at Sigtún is dedicated to the works by Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982).

It is also the point where the exhibition Under the Same Sky extends its view to some of the numerous outdoor pieces that the late sculptor has created and installed in places around and outside Iceland. The works in the exhibition are more meditative in comparison to the outdoor sculptures: smaller in scale, made of different materials, and three-dimensional studies to the enlarged works that Ásmundur realised in the end.

Maó’s World Tour

Brynhildur Þorgeirsdóttir: Natural Elements Brynhildur Þorgeirsdóttir (b.

1955) studied at The Icelandic College of Art and Crafts, at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Holland and the California College of Arts and Crafts, as well as specialising in glass at Orrefors in Sweden and Pilchuck Glass School in USA. Brynhildur’s work can be found in all major museums in Iceland, as well as many museums on both sides of the Atlantic.

R E Y K JAV I K ART MUSEUM HAFNARHÚS Art in Public Spaces

Erró: Maó’s World Tour The series Chinese Paintings is fiction, where the staging and the presence of Mao in various locations is a sarcastic reference to the wave of Maoism which seized groups of Western artists, intellectuals and politicians following the student riots in Paris in May 1968. The series objectifies both the utopian dream of the future and the fear of the Chinese Cultural Revolution spreading around the world.

The Chinese Paintings made Erró famous internationally. The exhibition in Hafnarhús contains paintings, collages and engravings from the Reykjavík Art Museum’s collection.

Now Nordic Developed in collaboration with a team of curators drawn from each of the participating five Nordic countries, Now Nordic will present collectible pieces from emerging

and established designers working at the intersection of art, design, and craft.

Encompassing both digital and physical exhibitions, the project aims to introduce international audiences to the variety, scope and ambition of Nordic design today – and to explore whether the characteristics that have historically defined it are still evident in our increasingly globalised creative culture.

THE STEAK HOUSE

Steikhúsið simply means “The Steak House” and that underlines our goal, to focus solely on steaks.

Steikhúsið is in the middle of Reykjavík, opposite the old harbor, which has recently formed into a lively neighborhood of restaurants, cafes, artisan stores and work shops.

When you visit us, remember to try our “28-day” tendered meat.

The heart of the place is a coal oven from Mibrasa, Spain. It is only fitting that we use coal for grilling and baking, since the building housed a blacksmith and metal works in years gone by.

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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS Kjarval

R E Y K JAV I K ART MUSEUM K JA RVA L S S TAÐ I R

Eyborg Guðmundsdóttir: Circle, Square and Line Eyborg Guðmundsdóttir (19241977) was a unique artist on the Icelandic art scene. Her work is

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON CO L L EC T I O N KORRIRÓ OG DILLIDÓ PICTURES OF FOLKLORE AND FAIRY TALES BY ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON Step into magic! The visual world of Icelandic folklore and fairy tales created by Ásgrímur Jónsson in his art is a truly enchanted realm.

Elves, trolls and ghosts were given

a clear form in Ásgrímur’s art.

He first exhibited such pieces in Iceland in 1905. Ásgrímur’s works on folklore themes were well received; in the press, reviewers expressed delight that the folktale heritage was being addressed, for the first time, by an Icelandic artist. Ásgrímur’s depictions of the appearance of elves and trolls met with widespread approval; hence the artist appears to have succeeded in capturing the way that Icelanders in general imagined such beings.

The exhibition Korriró og Dillidó offers an ideal opportunity for the entire family to experience the unique supernatural world of elves in their finery, and terrifying trolls, as depicted with passionate sincerity by Ásgrímur Jónsson.

The emphasis is on the visitor’s own imagination – offering the opportunity to enjoy this aspect of the cultural heritage, which can throw light upon the fears, dreams and desires of former generations – and their relationship with awe-inspiring Icelandic nature.

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Jóhannes S. Kjarval: ...author of great aspirations Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval (1885-1972) was one of the pioneers of Icelandic art in the 20th century and is one of the country‘s most beloved artists. His connection to, and interpretation of Iceland’s natural environment is thought to have taught Icelanders to appreciate it anew, and to have encouraged pride in the country’s uniqueness and the world of adventure to be discovered within it. Kjarval’s subject matter can be categorized into three main groups: landscapes, portraits, and fantasies or works of imagination.

These often overlap, however, so that all three kinds may be found in the same canvas.

based on geometric abstract art, where the focus is on visual effects of regular forms, a style known as Op-Art. Eyborg’s work was always based on the primary quality of art, primary forms – circle, square, line – on their internal interaction and stimulus to the optic nerve. During her career she kept exploring the possibilities of abstract art and geometry, and thus was more responsible for the development of the geometric abstraction painting than any other Icelandic artist.

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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec 66

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM CONNECTIONS The thirtieth anniversary of the opening of the Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum in October 2018, is marked by an exhibition in which fourteen artists , all of whom had some connection with Sigurjón and his art, engage in dialogue with Sigurjón’s works, in his former studio. The work of all is characterised by a passion for craft. All set out to create spatial works, whether stone sculptures or three-dimensional works in metal, wood, paper or textiles.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND AMY’S DONATION The word benefactor is rarely heard in discussion of the collections of art museums. Yet in the history of their work benefactors have frequently played a part, and their contributions are an integral factor in the story of how the National Gallery of Iceland collection has been acquired. Amalie Engilberts was one of the National Gallery’s many benefactors. The daughter of artist Jón Engilberts and his wife Tove, she was born in Denmark in 1934 and died in Iceland in December 2007. Amalie, known as Amy, was a popular fortune-teller in Iceland, and for many years she explored the occult. She has been described as a well-read cosmopolitan.

Treasures of a Nation In the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland, there are over 11,000 works of various kinds, from various countries and from various periods. In the exhibition a fair selection of works from the collection displays the evolution of art in Iceland from the early 19th century to our times. The exhibition features a variety of media and styles distinguishing this short but eventful history. During the first decades, from 1884 to 1911,

Treasures of a Nation

Connections

the collection was exclusively based on the generous donations of foreign artists, mostly Danish and other Scandinavians, but in the early 20th century, Icelandic art became more prominent.

Today, only one of every 10 works in the collection of the National Gallery is foreign, despite the fact that foreign artists are still slightly more numerous than Icelandic artists. The generosity of various individuals, artists and other parties can be thanked for

the pace with which the collection grew during the last century.

Many of the pioneers of modern Icelandic art bequeathed their works to the nation. In the late 20th century the museum’s purchasing fund increased and with it the collection expanded. There is a long and remarkable trajectory from the fragile drawings of Helgi Sigurðsson (1815-1888) to the frail poet Jónas Hallgrímsson (18071845) to the exquisite sculptures of Margrét H. Blöndal (1970-).

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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS

EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM This is a museum in the heart of Reykjavík that houses the work of Iceland’s first sculptor Einar Jónsson. The museum contains close to 300 artworks spanning a 60-year career: carvings from the artist’s youth, sculpture, paintings and drawings.

A beautiful tree-clad garden adorned with 26 bronze casts of the artist’s works is located behind the museum. The task of the museum is to collect, preserve and display the work of Einar as well as to conduct research on his life and art.

Paolo Gianfrancesco

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MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART

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URBAN SHAPE Paolo Gianfrancesco Cities are perhaps humankind’s greatest creation. They evolve out of the constant interplay of people and their environment.

They consist of both visible elements, such as buildings and the urban landscape, and those that cannot be seen, such as history, human interactions, and the flow of information.

Although maps do not provide the true picture of a city, they do give an indication of its character. Exhibiting maps of European capitals and the largest cities in the United Sates, side by side, offers a perspective that cannot be found on Google Maps, in books, or even through travel.

Architect Paolo Gianfrancesco invites us to this celebration of the city. Using data from the open-source project Open Street Map, coding allows him to include certain kinds of information, while excluding others.

His objective is to capture the essence of the city landscape

Einar Jónsson Museum

through the flow of information.

food, music, and more.

Over the course of the exhibition six cities will be highlighted by dinners infused with storytelling. A fascinating selection of Reykjavík local inhabitants with foreign roots will be invited to share their stories, and those of their city of origin, through

During the exhibition period there will be a series of talks on the art of travelling, where specially invited globetrotters will be sharing stories of their lifestyles and epic journeys.

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Admission Adults 1000 isk. Children 160 isk.

Thermal pools and baths in Reykjavik are a source of health, relaxation and pureness.

All of the city´s swimming pools have several hot tubs with temperatures ranging from 37˚ to 42˚C (98˚–111˚F). The pools are kept at an average temperature of 29˚ C (84˚ F)

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EVENTS

R E Y K JAV I K M U S E U M O F P H OTO G R A P H Y

MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS

Family Photos

...now | Páll Stefánsson Until May 12th.

Sonja Margrét Ólafsdóttir - Roots Our identity and sense of self is deeply rooted in our

Settlemen Exhibition

development from an early age. Just like plants, our roots provide stability, nourishment and make sure we don’t lose our way.

THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION The Settlement Exhibition An open excavation where Viking ruins meet multimedia technology. Just below ground in downtown Reykjavík, this open excavation uncovers the city’s Viking Age history. Discovered during

building work in 2001, these archaeological remains turned out to be the earliest evidence of human settlement in the city, with some dating to before AD 871±2.

Careful excavation revealed a 10th-century hall or longhouse, which is now preserved in its original location as the focal point of the exhibition. Interactive technology immerses you in the world of the Reykjavík farm at the time of the first settlers, including information on how Viking Age buildings were constructed and what life was like in the hall. The Settlement Exhibition is part of Reykjavík City Museum.

FInd more information and events on www.whatson.is/ec

“I’m not looking back: this show is about the present, the moments I am capturing here and now. Refugees on the move, a fast-flowing river that moves inexorably on. A woman half-hidden behind a tussock or hillock. A hillock that becomes a mountain. A fine-looking man who has nothing. Not even a future.” Páll Stefánsson was born just south of the Arctic Circle, in the Öxarfjörður district of north Iceland, in 1958. He studied photography in Sweden in the last century, 1979-82, and is now a Sony Global Imaging Ambassador. Páll has published 37 books, which include images of the neighboring mountains, as well of a Coptic girl in Alexandria and of long shadows on the yellow sands in Önundarfjörður in Iceland’s West Fjords.

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EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS

Making of a Nation

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T H E N AT I O N A L MUSEUM OF ICELAND

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From creative printing to artist publishing In this exhibition we are introduced to examples of Icelandic artists’ books from the collection of the National and University Library of Iceland.

Examples of printmaking dating all the way back to the latter part of the 19th century to modern day book art. One of the pioneers of artists’ books, Dieter Roth (1930- 1998), made his first book in Iceland around 1957. Since that time, artists’ books have been part of the expression of Icelandic visual artists. During the Reykjavik Arts Festival there will be a special exhibition of Eygló Harðardóttir’s, Sculpture (2016), and the prototype will be exhibited in the Reading Chamber in

the Culture House. The exhibition commemorates the 200th anniversary of the National and University Library, but within the Library there is an increased emphasis on book art.

The Making of a Nation Heritage and History in Iceland The National Museum of Iceland’s permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation – Heritage and History in Iceland, is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the settlement to the present day. The aim is to cast light on the Icelanders’ past by placing the cultural heritage preserved by the National Museum in a historical context, guided by the question: what makes a nation?

The exhibition includes about 2,000 objects, dating from the

Settlement Age to the present, as well as about 1,000 photographs from the 20th century.

The exhibition is conceived as a journey through time: it begins with the ship in which medieval settlers crossed the ocean to their new home, it ends in a modern airport, the Icelanders’ gateway to the world..

Discovering Iceland’s Monasteries The exhibition is based on research done by Steinunn Kristjánsdóttir, professor of archaeology at the University of Iceland and the National Museum of Iceland. The research aimed at finding clues on monastic activities in Iceland from the foundation of the earliest one in 1030 to the dissolution of the last in 1554.

EVENTS MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS

THE ICELANDIC PUNK MUSEUM The Icelandic Punk Museum is located at Bankastræti 0, an underground location that served as public toilets from 1930 to 2006. The museum honours the music and the spirit that has shaped musicians and bands to this day; people who dared to be different. Objects, photographs, videos, posters, etc. from roughly 1978 to 1992 are on display with texts in Icelandic and English, and the main music from the period is available to guests.

Punk Museum

C U LT U R E H O U S E Points of view This exhibition gives visitors the chance to delve into the collections of six different cultural institutions. A unique journey through Iceland’s visual legacy, offering an innovative guide to a nation’s cultural history.

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Points of View

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Welcome to Jómfrúin, the home of Danish smørrebrød in Reykjavik. It all began in 1888 with Oscars Davidsen’s highly praised smørrebrød restaurant in Copenhagen. An unbroken tradition of quality and Danish culinary culture for the past 100 years. Enjoy!

Open every day 11:00 - 22:00 | Lækjargata 4 | 101 Reykjavík | jomfruin.is

STEAKHOUSE STEAKHOUSE With taste taste of of iceland iceland

Experience fantastic Experience fantasticmeal mealin inaa stylish environment stylish environment at atFrakkastíg Frakkastíg8b 8b in in the the center center of ofReykjavík Reykjavík

BOOKINGS BOOKINGS

Phone: +354 Phone: +354 557 557 7665 7665 ••rvkmeat@rvkmeat.is rvkmeat@rvkmeat.is www.rvkmeat.is www.rvkmeat.is

ART & CULTURE Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is 76

ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM

THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION

REYKJAVIK MARITIME MUSEUM

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM Reykjavík’s only open air museum, where you can stroll through the past and experience the way we lived Fun, fascinating and full of surprises, this living museum takes you on a journey through time. Guided tours at 13:00 all year round.

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM An open excavation where Viking ruins meet digital technology Just below ground in downtown Reykjavík, this open excavation uncovers the city’s Viking Age history. Guided tours on weekdays in February at 11:00.

Kistuhylur, Reykjavík 411-6304 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 13-17

Aðalstræti 16, Reykjavík | 411-6370 | www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 9-18

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM A harbour museum exploring Iceland’s dramatic relationship with the sea.

The survival of a nation depended on generations of brave fishermen heading into the unknown. Exhibitions and artefacts bring our ocean history to life, from battling the waves, to the ‘Cod Wars’ and beyond. Guided tours of Óðinn Coast Guard Vessel: 13:00, 14:00 & 15:00.

Grandagarður 8, Reykjavík | 411-6340 www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

REYKJAVIK CITY LIBRARY

EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM

HAFNARBORG

FREE ENTRY Looking for a place to hang out, browse the internet, get access to Wi-Fi or meet the Reykjavik locals? Then Reykjavik City Library is the perfect place to visit. Have a seat and dip into the latest magazine or relax while checking out their great selection of books.

A museum with indoor and outdoor exhibitions dedicated to the work of Einar Jónsson, Iceland’s first modern sculptor (1874-1954). The museum was built in the early 1900’s when Einar Jónsson offered all of his works as a gift to the Icelandic nation.

FREE ENTRY Hafnarborg has a collection of Icelandic art and regular exhibitions presenting leading Icelandic and international artists. Collection exhibitions are a regular part of the program. Around exhibitions are workshops and guided tours.

Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavík 411-6100 | borgarbokasafn.is Hours: Mon-Thu 10-19, Fri 11-18, Sat & Sun 13-17

Hallgrímstorg 3, Reykjavík 551-3797 | www.lej.is Hours: Tue-Sun 10-17

Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður 585-5790 | www.hafnarborg.is Hours: Wed-Mon 12-17

VIÐEY ISLAND

WHALES OF ICELAND

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM An island, where art, history and nature lie just beyond the city shore The combination of stunning views, historical ruins and contemporary art pieces make Viðey island something special. Just a short boat-ride takes you to another world. Ferry Schedule: Weekends only.

An exhibition in Reykjavík consisting of 23 life-size whale models - fun to touch and explore.

Learn more about whales with indepth multimedia and interactive information displays, videos and audio guide in several languages mixed with soothing whale sounds and underwater ambient lighting.

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Viðey Reykjavik 411-6356. www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

Fiskislóð 23-25 , Reykjavík 571-0077 | www.whalesoficeland.is Hours: Daily 10-17

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM Reflecting the contemporary, while archiving the past – this is Reykjavík’s home of photography. Reykjavík’s main photography museum offers an ongoing programme of contemporary and historical exhibitions, and an onscreen archive of thousands of images from the past.

Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavík | 411-6390 reykjavikcitymuseum.is | Hours: MonThu 10-18, Fri 11-18, Sat & Sun 13-17

All the most exciting places in Iceland!

BSÍ Bus Terminal - City Centre •101 Reykjavík

GOLDEN CIRCLE DIRECT A fusion of sights & history!

6.399 ISK

Book on re.is

Airport Transfers The Flybus operates in connection with all arriving & departing flights at Keflavík International Airport.

Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík City and/or vice versa

All flights

45 min

Free WiFi

2.999 ISK

For our flexible Flybus schedule, please visit www.flybus.is

All the most exciting places in Iceland!

BSÍ Bus Terminal - City Centre •101 Reykjavík

SOUTH SHORE ADVENTURE A full day of awe-inspiring sights!

10.499 ISK

Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon

19.999 ISK

Book on re.is

Book on re.is

Wonders of Snæfellsnes National Park

16.999 ISK

Book on re.is

Horse Riding & Golden Circle

19.799 ISK

Book on re.is

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM

Iceland's leading art museum, established in 1884. Its collection consists mainly of 19th, 20th and 21st century art. The National Gallery possesses a coherent array of Icelandic works and a fine collection of international art. Together they constitute around 11.000 items.

Offers a state-of-the-art exhibitions on the cultural history of Iceland.

The permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History of Iceland, gives a comprehensive picture of Iceland’s cultural history through the ages to the present day.

A museum that Icelandic sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson’s wife founded as a tribute to his life and work in 1984.

She had his studio in Laugarnes converted to an exhibition space to house his collection of works, including sculptures, sketches, drawings and biographical material.

Fríkirkjuvegur 7, Reykjavík 515-9600 | www.listasafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun: 11-17

Suðurgata 41, Reykjavík 530-2200 | www.nationalmuseum.is Hours: Tue-Sun: 10-17

Laugarnestangi 70 553-2906 | www.lso.is Hours: Tue-Sun 13-17

THE ICELANDIC PHALLOLOGICAL MUSEUM

One of the pioneers of Icelandic art and the first Icelander to take up painting professionally. Having died in 1958, he bequeathed all his works, as well as his studio home to the Icelandic nation.

Probably the most unique museum you’ll visit on your trip, the Icelandic Phallological Museum is a one of a kind. Here you’ll find a collection of more than two hundred penises and penile part belonging to almost all land and sea mammals that can be found in Iceland.

The Northern Lights Center, Aurora Reykjavik, allows you to experience the Northern Lights in a completely different way, both if you saw them, but as well if they escaped you while in Iceland. The centre features information, education and of course stunning visuals of the elusive lights that’ll get your heart racing.

Laugavegur 116, Reykjavík 561 6663 | www.phallus.is Hours: Daily 10-18

Grandagarður 2, Reykjavík 780-4500 | www.aurorareykjavik.is Hours: Daily 9-21

PERLAN

VOLCANO HOUSE

This peculiar building, built on top of six water tanks on a hill overlooking the city, houses two exhibitions, The Wonders of Iceland and Water in Icelandic Nature. In addition, Perlan has a recently-opened planetarium, a great restaurant, and an observation deck with a 360¨view of the city and its surrounding nature.

Shows documentaries that give a good idea of real life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. There’s also a mineral exhibition, giving a brief overview of Iceland’s geological history and volcanic system, and a boutique, with Icelandic designs, artwork, lava rocks, pumice, bottles of ash and Lava Jewellery.

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART

Varmahlíð 1, Reykjavík 566-9000 | www.perlan.is Hours: 9-19

Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavík 555-1900 | www.volcanohouse.is Hours: Daily 9-22

AURORA REYKJAVIK

Its objective is to collect, study and present Icelandic design and crafts from 1900 to the present day. This young museum, the only one of its kind in Iceland, holds regular exhibitions of Icelandic and international design during the year. Exhibitions from the museum‘s own collection are regularly held.

Garðatorg 1, Garðabær 512-1525 | www.honnunarsafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 12-17

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION

Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík 515-9625 www.listasafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 13-17

ART & CULTURE

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

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ART & CULTURE

KJARVALSSTAÐIR

ÁSMUNDARSAFN

HAFNARHÚS

Mainly devoted to paintings and sculpture by well established Icelandic and international artists. Kjarvalsstaðir offers a permanent exhibition of key works by one of Iceland’s most beloved landscape painters, Jóhannes S. Kjarval, as well as changing exhibitions that explore various thematic and historical aspects of Icelandic art.

Opened in 1983, the collection is housed in a unique building designed and constructed mostly by the artist himself from 1942-1950. The original building served Sveinsson as studio and home; behind it he built a crescent-shaped structure as a workand exhibition space.

The old harbour warehouse, Hafnarhús, offers a progressive exhibition program with local and international contemporary artists. The work of current notables, art canons and newcomers are presented in six galleries. Hafnarhús is also home to the works of Erró (b. 1932), a significant player in the international pop art scene.

Flókagata 24, Reykjavík 411-6420 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17

GLJÚFRASTEINN LAXNESS MUSEUM Halldór Laxness is arguably the most famous Icelandic writer of all time, and the only Icelander to have won a Nobel Prize, which he received for literature in 1955. Gljúfrasteinn was his home until his death, and today it is a museum dedicated to his life and work.

Sigtún, Reykjavík 411-6430 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 13-17

THE NUMISMATIC MUSEUM

THE LIVING ART MUSEUM

FREE ENTRY A selection from the numismatic collection is on display on the ground floor of the Central Bank’s main building in Kalkofnsvegur 1, Reykjavík.

An active exhibition space that has organized many exciting exhibitions throughout the years.

They put an emphasis on introducing young Icelandic artists, as well as showcasing work by better-known Icelandic and foreign modern and contemporary artists.

Kalkofnsvegur 1, Reykjavík 569-9600 www.sedlabanki.is Hours: Mon-Fri 13:30-15:30

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsbær 586-8066 | www.gljufrasteinn.is Hours: Tue-Fri 10-16

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Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavík 411-6400 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17, Thu 10-22

The Marshall House Grandagarður 20, Reykjavík 551-4350 | www.nylo.is Hours: Tue-Sun 12-18, Thu 12-21

GERÐARSAFN

THE CULTURE HOUSE

THE NORDIC HOUSE

A progressive modern art museum in Kópavogur, dedicated to sculptor Gerður Helgadóttir; the only museum in Iceland dedicated to a woman. Its collection consists of more than 1400 works by Gerður, as well as the works of the most celebrated Icelandic artists of the 20th and 21st century.

Artifacts and works of art from the varied collections of six institutions provide a reflection of Iceland’s visual art history and cultural heritage in the exhibition Points of View, a journey through the Icelandic visual world of past and present.

Iceland maintains strong ties to other Nordic countries, and the center of this cooperation is the Nordic House, designed by acclaimed Finnish architect Alvar Aalto in 1968. The Nordic House is the venue if you want to enjoy the best of Icelandic culture as well as experiencing rich culture of the Nordic countries.

Hamraborg 4, Kópavogur 441-7600 | www.gerdarsafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 11-17

Hverfisgata 15, Reykjavík 530-2210 | www.culturehouse.is Hours: Daily 10-17

Sturlugata 5, Reykjavík 551-7030 | www.nordice.is Hours: Sun-Tue 10-16, Wed-Sat 9-21

Lunch from 1.690 kr Happy-Hour 600 kr Brewery Tours

BRYGGJAN BRUGGHÚS. GRANDAGARÐI 8. 101 REYKJAVÍK. WWW.BRYGGJANBRUGGHUS.IS

SHOPPING & STYLE

ANNA MARÍA DESIGN

HRÍM

LITTLE CHRISTMAS SHOP

For over twenty years, jewelry designer Anna Maria has created her things of gold and silver, a design that is both pure and timeless.

Exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship create the elegant simplicity that shines through Anna Maria’s products.

Icelanders are known for being a stylish people, whether you judge from their clothes, their homes, or just their lifestyles. At the heart of their stylishness is Scandinavian design, whether it‘s Icelandic or from our neighbouring countries. The Hrím stores offer you the chance to decorate your home (or even yourself) with the classic style of the Scandinavians!

On Laugavegur, in the heart of Reykjavík, you’ll find the very unique Little Christmas Shop—which is dedicated to the spirit of Christmas, all year round. There you’ll find Icelandic decorations and everything needed for that festive spirit. Should not be missed as it is definitely one of the most special and fun stores to visit.

Laugavegur 25, Reykjavík 553-3003 | www.hrim.is

Laugavegur 8, Reykjavík 552-2412

LISTVINAHÚSIÐ

FARMERS MARKET

METAL DESIGN

The oldest ceramic workshop in Iceland established 1927. Three generations of artistic potters.

Unique handmade ceramics, Viking masks and various ceramic potteries decorated with lava, made by Gudmundur Einarsson. Located right next to Hallgrímskirkja and the statue of “Leif the Lucky”.

An Icelandic design company and clothing brand, founded in 2005 by a young artist couple, designer Bergthora Gudnadottir and musician Jóel Pálsson.

With strong ties to the vibrant Icelandic music and design scene, the Farmers Market design concept and inspiration draws from Icelandic roots, combining classic Nordic design elements with chic modernity.

The jewellery forms which Metal design is known for are inspired by the Icelandic flora. But what stands out the most is the shape “The Coast” that is inspired by the waves of the Icelandic coast.”The coast silver jewellery line is for ladies and gentlemen.

Skólavörðustígur 3, Reykjavík 551-0036 www.annamariadesign.is

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

Skólavörðustígur 43, Reykjavík 551-2850 | www.listvinahusid.is

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Laugavegur 37, Reykjavík 552-1965 | www.farmersmarket.is

Skólavörðustígur 2. Reykjavik 552-5445 www.MetalDesignReykjavik.is

JÖKLA

SMÁRALIND

CINTAMANI

If you‘er interested in getting some Icelandic design to take back home , be sure to stop by Jökla on your way down the Laugavegur shopping street. You can get Icelandic design for you, your children, or your home and the best thing is that you‘re buying straight from the designers

With over 90 shops and businesses spread over three floors, Smáralind is Iceland’s largest shopping centre.

Located only a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík, there’s a great selection of famous brands at the mall, as well as local labels. With plenty of food options available, from restaurants to bakeries, coffee shops to ice cream parlours, you will not go hungry while shopping.

Nowhere in the populated world does the weather change as fast, or as often as here. Thus Icelandic designers have to meet the requirements of consumers who have to go out all year long in harsh conditions. That‘s where the label Cintamani comes to the rescue. Their goal is to keep us warm, dry and comfortable, whatever the weather may bring.

Laugavegur 90, Reykjavík 696 6604

Hagasmári 1, Kópavogur 528-8000 | www.smaralind.is

Bankastræti 7, Reykjavík 533-3800 | www.cintamani.is

HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY FROM 4-7PM

LIVE MUSIC FROM 10PM

IF YOU ARE VISITING REYKJAVÍK FOR THE FIRST TIME YOU MUST TRY OUR FAMOUS ICELANDIC BEER PLATTER!

SPORT EVENTS LIVE ON 6 HD SCREENS #TheEnglishPub Austurstræti 12 | 101 Reykjavík | Tel: 578-0400 www.enskibarinn.is | info@enskibarinn.is

SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 14 - 101 REYKJAVÍK - TEL: +354 571 1100

12 TÓNAR

Inside their spacious shop in downtown Reykjavik, Michelsen Watchmakers offer you to browse one of Iceland’s best selection of watches. Along with their own design they also have a wide selection of well-known brands including Rolex, Tag Heuer, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Diesel, Movado, Swiss Military and more.

The Icelandic music scene is extraordinarily vibrant, considering the size of the nation. Is there a better souvenir to take home than music from your new favourite Icelandic musician? This shop is a friendly place where you can sit down, listen to a selection of music, enjoy a free espresso, read magazines, or browse their juicy collection of rock literature.

Laugavegur 15, Reykjavík 511-1900 | www.michelsen.is

Skólavörðustíg 15, Reykjavík 511 5656 | www.12tonar.is

GEYSIR HOME

KIOSK

GEYSIR

The Geysir stores have been selling beautifully designed clothes for years but the recently opened Geysir Home focuses on quality design items for the home, everything from candles and linens to ceramics and posters by Icelandic artists. Don’t miss the downstairs art & design gallery, Kjallarinn.

Taking some Icelandic design home is the best possible souvenir of a great trip.

Luckily, Icelandic designers are known for their inimitable style! Try stopping by Kiosk, a co-op shop owned by 8 different designers. Not only are the clothes to die for, but the designers also take shifts behind the counter so you get to meet the people behind the design as well!

Rustic, vintage interior, intertwined with the latest fashion in outdoor and woolen clothing. Add some puffin, reindeers and other iconic animals and you‘ve got one of the coolest shops in town. This is one place you‘ll have to visit, if only for the experience.

Skólavörðustígur 12, Reykjavík 519 6033 | geysir.com

Laugavegur 65, Reykjavík 445 3269 | kioskreykjavik.com

Skólavörðustíg 7, Reykjavík Skólavörðustíg 16, Reykjavík 519-6000 | www.geysir.com

THE HANDKNITTING ASSOCIATION OF ICELAND

EPAL

KRINGLAN

Epal’s goal is increase Icelanders interest and respect for fine design by introducing and providing top quality design products from all over the world, particularly Scandinavia. Epal has always been very supportive of Icelandic designers and done what they can to help them promote their design around the world.

Kringlan Shopping Centre is conveniently located close to downtown Reykjavik. Standing at 50.000 sq.m. and equipped with 150 shops and services, including a multiplex cinema, a seven-outlet food court and three themed restaurants, it has something to suit every need.

Laugavegur 70, Skeifan 6, Kringlan & Harpa Reykjavik, Keflavík Airport 568-7740 | www.epal.is

Kringlan 4-12, Reykjavík 517-9000 www.kringlan.is

Stylish blankets, hats and scarves from the purest country in the world.

Skólavörðustígur 8, Reykjavík 832-0567 | www.mjukiceland.com

Renowned for its excellent products and quality. Offering the widest selection of traditional hand knitted Icelandic sweaters, the range of products also includes special designs and a variety of woolen products from leading Icelandic manufacturers.

Borgartún 31, Reykjavík Skólavörðustígur 19, Reykjavík 552-1890 | www.handknit.is

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

MICHELSEN

MJÚK - SOFT (ICELANDIC. THE SOFTEST, THE WARMEST ICELANDIC DESIGN- ALL YOURS...

SHOPPING & STYLE

MJÚK ICELAND

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Tasty Local Cuisine by the old harbour NÝLENDUGATA 14, 101 REYKJAVIK

3 COURSE FESTIVE MENU F R O M N OV E M B E R 15 T H

6.950 kr.

FESTIVE PLATTER salmon gravlax, marinated herring, wild goose breast, smoked lamb carpaccio DUCK LEG CONFIT

——— 2018 ———

I C E L A N D I C R E S TA U R A N T & B A R Table Reservations: +354 517-1800 - www.forrettabarinn.is

DESSERT À LA CARTE

AMERICAN BAR

One of the coolest bars in Reykjavik these days is Kaldi Bar. In close cooperation with north-Icelandic micro-brewery of the same name, Kaldi offers you a selection of craftbrewed beers on tap. Great happy hour and great fun, Kaldi is a place not-to-be-missed!

American Bar is named appropriately since it’s an American Bar in Reykjavík, of the kind you’re probably familiar with from other countries: there are dudes, chicks and random university students partying to the latest MTV tunes. They specialize in American culture and entertainment.

Klapparstígur 27, Reykjavík 581-2020 www..irishman.is

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavík 581-2200

Austurstræti 8, Reykjavík 571 9999

KOFINN

B5

DEN DANSKE KRO

This café/bar is in the perfect spot on the main street. This snug basement used to be a butcher’s shop but has been transformed into a comfy place to relax, have a drink and swap tales with friends. As an added bonus, Kofinn doesn’t just have happy hour, they have coffee hour as well!

b5 bar/bistro has become a very popular establishment with the locals of the capital. With its very contemporary and stylish interior, b5 is laid back during the day, while as night falls, the lights dim and the atmosphere changes accordingly.

This homey pub with a Danish theme is popular among locals. Happy hour every day from 4-7pm and live music with talented Icelandic musicians every night. Beer bingo every month and other fun events! Located in the heart of the city centre.

Laugavegur 2, Reykjavík www.ktf.is

Bankastræti 5, Reykjavík 552-9600 www.b5.is

Ingólfsstræti 3, Reykjavík 552-0070 www.danski.is

KAFFIBARINN

BAR ANANAS

THE ENGLISH PUB

Best known as Damon Albarn’s hangout place back in the days, this most famous bar in Iceland is a popular destination for the artsy crowd. During the week it‘s more of a café, but on the weekend the volume rises and KB becomes one of the hottest bars in Reykjavik.

Ten seconds from Laugavegur, you'll find a Beach-Bar/Tiki Bar in downtown Reykjavík. The tropical atmosphere is best enjoyed with a fruity cocktail in hand. At weekends city's best DJs will make guests feel sunny while they enjoy some of the best cocktails in town.

A popular pub in city centre. The English Pub offers happy hour every day from 4-7pm, live music every night, wheel of fortune and all major sport events are shown on 6 HD screens. Special events: Open Mic Tuesday, Guinness Thursday and Whisky Sunday.

Bergstaðastræti 1, Reykjavík 551-1588 www.kaffibarinn.is

Klapparstígur 38, Reykjavík

Austurstræti 12, Reykjavík 578-0400 facebook.com/enskibarinn

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

KALDI BAR

A new addition to the thriving pub & bar culture in Reykjavík. Happy hour every day from 12PM to 7PM! Guests can enjoy a game of darts, listen to live music Thursday to Sunday evenings, spin the wheel of fortune and you can even book a private karaoke room! Sláinte.

PUBS & NIGHTLIFE

THE IRISHMAN PUB

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PUBS & NIGHTLIFE

HÚRRA

LEBOWSKI BAR

MICROBAR

Dark and raw, this large bar/club opens up its back room to make a concert venue, with live music or DJs most nights. One of the coolest and hipster friendly places in town and your best bet of catching the next big thing from Iceland.

If you are visiting Iceland for the first time then you must stop by the Lebowski Bar. Open every day from 11AM, happy hour from 4-7PM, food served until 10PM, Quiz every Thursday (free entry), live sport events on 5 HD screens and Reykjavik nightlife every Friday & Saturday.

Beer enthusiasts look no further!

In a cellar underneath Restaurant Reykjavík, just off Ingólfstorg square, you will find Micro Bar. This ambitious bar serves only beer from microbreweries! Carrying an impressive 140 different kinds of beers from all over the world, this is definitely the go-to place for beer fans.

Tryggvagata 22, Reykjavík www.hurra.is

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

Vesturgata 2, Reykjavík

DRUNK RABBIT

PORT 9

VEÐUR

Every city needs to have a friendly neighbourhood Irish pub and in Reykjavík, that bar is the Drunk Rabbit. It doesn’t matter if you’re going in for a snack, to enjoy the live music they have every night, people-watching in the lively bar, or just enjoying a beer or five in good company, the Drunk rabbit has got everything you need.

Port 9 wine bar is a hidden gem just off the main shopping street. Serving selected wines and a unique blend of appetizers made with the freshest seasonal ingredients, Port 9 is one of the best spots in the city to stop by for a glass of quality wine in a relaxed atmosphere.

This cozy little bar is named after the Icelandic word for weather, Icelanders’ conversation topic of choice in most situations. Offering a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, Veður is a great spot for hanging out with friends, and the large windows make it ideal for people-watching over a drink.

Austurstræti 3, Reykjavík 553 1041

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Laugavegur 20a, Reykjavík 552-2300 www.lebowski.is

Veghúsastígur 9, Reykjavík 897 8212 www.port9.is

Klapparstígur 33, Reykjavík www.vedurbarinn.is

LOFT HOSTEL

KIKI - QUEER BAR

PABLO DISCOBAR

This hostel café/bar is bright and spacious; the perfect place to start the night. The hall hosts events most nights and on summer afternoons, the balcony is the best place in town for a beer in the sun. Last but not least, Loft has the best foosball table of all the bars in the city centre.

Kiki is the only queer bar in town these days but it is also the best one! If you’re worried you won’t find the place, don’t be. The rainbow coloured street entrance, stream of people in a dancing mood, and the far off sound of dance-heavy beats should lead you where you want to go!

Cocktails, dancing, and a tropical atmosphere, what more can you ask for? Climb up a flight or two of stairs from the central Ingólfstorg square and you’ll find Pablo Discobar, one of the best places in town to get a cocktail and dance the night away.

Bankastræti 7, Reykjavík 553 8140

Laugavegur 22 www.kiki.is

Veltusund 1, Reykjavík 552 7333 www.discobar.is

Day tours for beginners to experienced riders.

In stunning nature only 15 minutes from Reykjavik!

www.ishestar.is 555 7000

WINING & DINING

FORRÉTTABARINN

TE OG KAFFI

JÓMFRÚIN

Tasty tapas with an Icelandic twist. With a new spin on traditional Icelandic cuisine and an extensive selection of local beer, Forréttabarinn – “The Starters Bar” – is worth seeking out when you need a bite to eat or a place to start your night out in Reykjavík. Whatever you choose from the refreshingly creative menu, you’re in for a treat!

Passion, expertise and craftsmanship are the main characteristics of Te & Kaffi, a family owned chain of coffee houses and speciality coffee roasters. Highly skilled and amicable baristas, exciting and tasty drinks in beautifully designed coffee houses makes Te & Kaffi a must visit.

An open-sandwich restaurant in the Danish tradition offering authentic Danish smørrebrød along with a selection of hot dishes. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city centre and seats 80 guests.

It is a popular lunch venue, especially with people from the business sector.

Laugavegur 27, Reykjavík 527-2880 www.teogkaffi.is

Lækjargata 4, Reykjavík 551-0100 www.jomfruin.is

KRYDD RESTAURANT

FJÖRUBORÐIÐ

EARLY IN THE MORNING

KRYDD is an à la carte restaurant that offers a dinner and lunch menu, along with appetizers and a state of the art cocktailbar. On sundays, it offers a brunch buffet between 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

What’s the only thing that’s better than a feast of Icelandic langoustine? A feast of Icelandic langoustine in a charming restaurant by the seaside in a tiny, picturesque fishing village. Their langoustine soup alone is well worth the 45-minute drive from the city.

BREAKFAST Early in the Morning is the perfect start to your day, whether you're going hiking on a volcano or just strolling around Reykjavík. This breakfast/brunch spot is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, so stop by for a tasty breakfast in a relaxing atmosphere!

Nýlendugata 14, Reykjavík 517 1800 | www.forrettabarinn.is

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

Hafnarborg, Strandgötu 34, Hafnarfjörður www.kryddveitingahus.is Open: M-T 11-23, F-S, 11-01, S 11-23

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Eyrarbraut 3A, Stokkseyri 483-1550 www.fjorubordid.is

Veghúsastígur 7-9, Reykjavík 695 1021 Open daily 07:00-10:00

HLEMMUR MATHÖLL

REYKJAVÍK MEAT STEAKHOUSE

ICELANDIC FISH & CHIPS

Hlemmur Mathöll is a European style food hall featuring global delicacies alongside tasty Icelandic dishes. A former bus station, Hlemmur is now the new home for gourmands and fast food lovers alike in Reykjavík.

Hlemmur brims with life on both weekends and weekdays alike, so head on down to see what the fuzz is about.

As the name suggests, Reykjavík Meat is the city’s newest new steakhouse. The food is cooked over coals giving it a delicious flavour, and crowning their menu is the award-winning sashi marbled beef.

They also offer seafood, lamb and vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as delicious cocktails!

This is not your run of the mill fish and chip shop! Not only does the restaurant use the freshest fish and ingredients, they serve their fish with delicious skyr-based sauces.

This fast-food upgrade is much more nutritious than you‘d think!

After eating, we recommend visiting the Volcano House, it‘s in the same building!

Laugavegur, Reykjavík 787 6200 | www.hlemmurmatholl.is

Frakkastígur 8, Reykjavík 557 7665 | www.rvkmeat.is

Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavík 511 1118 | www.fishandchips.is

Culture Hill

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CULTURE HILL Welcome to Culture Hill, the easy way to experience culture and nature all in one stop. The hill includes six unique cultural attractions, all conveniently located within walking distance from the Hamraborg bus stop. Enjoy the spectacular views and architecture at Kópavogskirkja church. Dive into nature at the Natural History Museum, fill your senses with contemporary art at the Art Museum and find a comfy spot to relax at the public library. Indulge in a refreshing soak, steam or slide at Kópavogur Swimming Pool. Afterwards, grab a delicious bite from the finest ingredients at Pure Deli. And if you’re lucky, attend a concert at the specially designed Salurinn Concert Hall. #reykjavikloves

visitreykjavik.is/culturehill

W E L C O M E

O N

B O A R D !

Elevate your encounter with Iceland!

Amazing helicopter tours around Iceland for individuals or groups.

You can choose from a 20 minutes city sightseeing tour up to a whole day journey and everything in between.

Our service team is on duty 24/7 and will happily assist you at any time.

Check out our tours and prices on our website.

www.rh.is ¡ (+345) 589 1000 ¡ info@rh.is

NAUTHÓLL

GRANDI MATHÖLL

A restaurant opposite the old harbour that offers traditional steak dishes along with some exciting and fairly unorthodox choices. The pride and joy of The Steakhouse is the Mibrasa charcoal oven, a rare oven that is designed to cook the perfect steak by mixing modern technology with ancient tradition.

Looking out over the Nauthólsvík beach, this charming Scandinavianinspired bistro is the perfect oasis from the stress of the everyday.

Whether you’re there for a light lunch, a glass of wine on a sunny afternoon, a cup of hot coffee on a cold one, or a lovely dinner with a loved one, Nauthóll is the place to go.

Grandi Mathöll is a must visit for foodies. Situated in the hip Grandi area, the European style food hall has everything from fresh salmon ceviche to Vietnamese spring rolls and Korean tacos. Right next door is one of Iceland’s busiest harbours, and visitors can see a feed of live ship arrivals.

Tryggvagata 4-6, Reykjavík 561-1111 | www.steik.is

Nauthólsvegi 106, 101 Reykjavík 599 6660 | www.nautholl.is

Grandagarður 16, Reykjavík 577 6200 | www.grandimatholl.is

JOE & THE JUICE

THE ICELANDIC BAR

BLIK BISTRO&GRILL

Joe & The Juice is an on-trend coffee shop / juice bar. The concept answers today’s busy people’s needs for a quick pick-me-up in the form of great espresso drinks, freshly pressed juices, and variety of sandwiches prepared on the spot.

The Icelandic Bar is very aptly named: it is an Icelandic bar. But more than that, it is a bar that aims to preserve the essence of being Icelandic by combining the historical and cultural heritage of this ancient land with the very hip and cutting edge culture of modern times.

BLIK Bistro & Grill is a restaurant where the breathtaking surroundings wow you from the very first sight. The restaurant is located in Mosfellsbær and is therefore the perfect stop on the way to the Golden Circle. Only 10 minutes drive from Reykjavik. Tasty appetizers, dishes from the grill, three course meal or delicious drinks.

Laugavegur 10, Reykjavík; Smáralind, Kringlan, World Class Laugum, Keflavík Airport www.joeandthejuice.is

Ingólfsstræti 1a, Reykjavík 517-6767 www.islenskibarinn.is

Æðarhöfði 36, Mosfellsbær 566 8480 | www.blikbistro.is

KAFFITÁR

ESSENSIA

The fish and chips stand down by the old harbour combines the best of British and Icelandic culture, with fresh, quality Icelandic fish served in the traditional British way. You can even get mushy peas and malt vinegar with it! Festing on piping hot fish and chips on a sunny day while looking over the old harbour is an unbeatable Reykjavík experience.

A chain of cafés and espresso bars with over 30 years of experience in serving and roasting high-quality coffee. They operate cafés in 7 locations in Iceland, promising a highly knowledgeable staff and a great cup of coffee procured in a responsible and fair way.

If you’re looking for top-notch Italian food, look no further than Essensia.

Using only the best ingredients and preparing them in a way that showcases their quality, the good people of Essensia make sure our whole dining experience is one to remember. Don’t forget about their delicious Italian wines!

Between the Reykjavík Maritime Museum and Reykjavík Marina Hotel 840-4100 | fishandchipsvagninn.is

Hverfisgata 4-6, Reykjavík 517-0030 | www.essensia.is

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

FISH AND CHIPS VAGNINN

Bankastræti 8, Reykjavík 420-2700 www.kaffitar.is/en

WINING & DINING

THE STEAK HOUSE

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WINING & DINING

LA PRIMAVERA

LÆKJARBREKKA

THE LOBSTER HOUSE

One of Iceland’s most treasured restaurants has made a comeback.

The Italian delicacies of La Primavera are here to stay. Situated in the Marshall building, a former fishing warehouse, the building is also home to an art gallery, an art studio and the Living Art Museum.

This elegant Icelandic bistro in the heart of the city centre serves delicious food from Icelandic ingredients in a historic environment.

A light lunch or a delicious dinner is perfectly accompanied by people watching in this lovely old building, part of the oldest street façade in Reykjavík.

If you want to enjoy gourmet French cuisine with a nordic twist, then The Lobsterhouse is the right place for you. Our langoustine, “the Icelandic lobster“, is widely know for it’s great taste and one of our most favourable dishes. Dining at The Lobsterhouse is an experience full of warmth and history.

Bankastræti 2, Reykjavík 551-4430 www.laekjarbrekka.is

Amtmannsstígur 1, Reykjavík 561-3303 | www.thelobsterhouse.is

KOPAR

GRILLHÚSIÐ

BREWDOG

Kopar is a restaurant by the old harbour in Reykjavik which has an emphasis on adventure and experience in a brasserie setting.

Their menu is composed of various locally sourced ingredients from sea and land, and aims to give you a taste of Iceland in a single evening.

A fun restaurant, with the look and feel of an American Diner.

Reasonably priced, offering delicious food and a very good service, you‘ll definitely get great value for your money here. They put a special emphasis on using only high quality ingredients, making for a terrific meal.

Hop lovers, rejoice! UK’s Craft Beer Phenomenon just opened a bar and restaurant in downtown Reykjavik, located at the corner of Hverfisgata and Frakkastigur. Featuring 20 taps including BrewDog’s headliners, seasonals and one off brews as well as great local Icelandic craft beers.

Highly impressive food menu and a very cosy atmosphere.

Grandagarður 20, Reykjavík 519-7766 | laprimavera.is

Find more recommendations on www.whatson.is

Geirsgata 3, Reykjavík 567-2700 www.koparrestaurant.is

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Tryggvagata 20, Reykjavík 527-5000 www.grillhusid.is

Frakkastígur 8, Reykjavík www.brewdog.com

BRYGGJAN BRUGGHÚS

FISH COMPANY

BRAUÐ & CO

Bryggjan Brugghús is lively restaurant/ brewery, featuring fresh Icelandic brews and an ambitious menu. Whether you are looking for seafood or some quality pub grub, Bryggjan has something for you. If you are a beer enthusiast, you can also hop on a brewery tour.

Quality, fusion and fun are the Fish Company’s main characteristics.

The interior is stylish and the quirky tableware fits in wonderfully. The menu is a world of adventures from starters to deserts. It’s designed to take you on a seafood journey and not only a journey of the Icelandic culinary waters but a trip around the world.

Head out to Brauð & Co. to get your hands on the scrumptious sourdough bread and tasty cinnamon buns. The early bird gets the worm, so don't be late! Keep in mind that the queue can get quite long, but it's well worth it.

Grandagarður 8, Reykjavík 456 4040 | www.bryggjanbrugghus.is

Vesturgata 2a, Reykjavík 552-5300 | www.fiskfelagid.is

Opens early, closes at 18:00.

Frakkastígur 16, Reykjavík Hlemmur Mathöll, Reykjavík Fákafen 11, Reykjavík www.braudogco.is

WHERE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON DISPLAY

MULTIMEDIA EXHIBITION

GIFT SHOP AND GALLERY

TOUR BOOKING Grandagarður 2 | 101 Reykjavík Tel: +354 780 4500

Ma

rina

MOVIE THEATER

open daily 09:00 - 21:00

Ho

tel

Ge

irs

ga

ta

www.aurorareykjavik.is

VOLCANO & EARTHQUAKE EXHIBITION The Gateway to Iceland’s Most Active Volcanic Area

The Lava Centre

The creation of Iceland

Earthquake simulator

A world class exhibition on volcanoes and earthquakes surrounded by active volcanoes.

Learn how and why Iceland hosts so many volcanic eruptions.

Feel what it’s like when the ground starts to shake and rumble.

MORE INFO AND TICKETS AT

Open every day

Follow us on

www.lavacentre.is

9:00 - 19:00

social media

Iceland Volcano & Earthquake Centre Austurvegur 14, Hvolsvöllur · South Iceland

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

IF YOU NEED MORE INFO, CONTACT INFO@WHATSON.IS

HOW TO ...

GET TO THE AIRPORT Iceland’s international airport is located in Keflavík, about 50km from Reykjavík. If you rent a car or take a cab, it will take about 45 minutes to get to Reykjavík. A cheaper but just as reliable option is taking a bus to and from the airport. They connect to flights and will drop you off or pick you up at bus stops close to your accommodation in Reykjavík.

PARK IN THE CITY CENTRE There are different parking zones which charge different rates. Look for a parking sign (a big P on a blue and white sign) indicating zones 1-4.

Look for the nearest black terminal to pay, with cash or card. Street parking is limited so consider parking in one of the many parking garages in the city centre.

TAKE THE BUS Strætó is the Icelandic bus company, and their yellow buses are easy to spot around the city. You can only buy a ticket on the bus if you have the exact amount in cash. Tickets can also be bought in 10-11 supermarkets, What’s On and by using the free Strætó app, which also has the latest bus schedules.

GO SWIMMING There are 18 swimming pools in the capital area and if you have the time, you should try them all.

Swimming is great, but don’t miss relaxing in the hot tubs – this is where the community gathers and socialises. If you haven’t packed a bathing suit, you can rent one at the pool.

If you need any more information or want to book a tour while you’re in Reykjavík, visit What’s On at Laugavegur 5 or contact us at info@whatson.is.

Find more information on www.whatson.is

GET MONEY Iceland has its own currency, the Icelandic króna (ISK). It’s best to get króna at any bank (open monday to friday, 9-4), including the one at the Keflavík International Airport (open 24/7). You can either exchange money or go to an ATM to get cash. You don’t need piles of cash, though, as credit card and debit card payments are widely accepted in Iceland.

MAKE CALLS Getting an Icelandic SIM card is easy, you can get them at the airport, phone companies, and of course the What’s On tourist information centre at Laugavegur 5.

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Meet some of Iceland’s finest designers Epal Harpa / Epal Skeifan 6 / Epal Design Kringlan / 568 7733

www.epal.is

WHALE WATCHING AND OTHER WILDLIFE ADVENTURES FROM REYKJAVIK

WE GO THE EXTRA MILE +354-560-8800

specialtours.is

GOLD-CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL UMHVERFISFLOKKUN

CERTIFIED TRAVEL SERVICE VIÐURKENND FERÐAÞJÓNUSTA

info@specialtours.is

MEN: Skólavörðustígur 16. WOMEN: Skólavörðustígur 7 & Kringlan.

HOME: Skólavörðustígur 12. GEYSIR: Hafnarstræti, Akureyri and Haukadalur. Geysir.com