Reykjavik Christmas Guide 2014

HRISTMAS GUIDE 2014

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS THE YULELADS AND FAMILY DAYS OF ICELANDIC CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS

L SPECIA E D ITI O N CHRISTMAS CONCERTS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING WINTER TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 1

Spör ehf.

FIND YOUR HOLIDAY ADVENTURE WITH US!

INFORMATION AND BOOKING CENTRE Bankastræti 2 - Downtown Tel: +354 522 4979 itm@itm.is - www.itm.is OPEN: 09.00 - 19.00 BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE Ba

nk

as

træ

ti

Sk

La

ug

ól

av

eg

av

ur

ör ðu st íg ur

DECEMBER ISSUE

OUT NOW!

WHAT’S ON IN REYKJAVÍK IS YOUR GUIDE TO EVERYTHING THAT’S HAPPENING IN REYKJAVÍK, CONCERTS, EVENTS AND SO MUCH MORE. FIND THE NEWEST EDITION ALL OVER REYKJAVÍK!

LAUGAVEGUR 4, 101 REYKJAVÍK WWW.WHATSON.IS

REYKJAVÍK CHRISTMAS GUIDE 2014 HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

6-11

THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE 12-13 THE YULELADS CHRISTMAS ARTICLES

14-19 20-27

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA 28-29 ADVENT AREAS

30-37

HOLIDAY OPENINGS

40-49

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

50-57

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

58-63

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

64-71

TOP 10 DECEMBER ACTIVITIES 72

Editor: Hjörtur Atli Guðmunds. Geirdal,

Laugavegur 4, 101 Reykjavík.

hjortur@whatson.is, Tel.:847-4153.

Publisher: Sigurþór Marteinn,

Layout & design: Stefán Birgir Stefáns,

sm@whatson.is , Tel.: 899-2255.

sbs@sbs.is

Printing: Oddi, Ecolabelled Printing Company

O

RD

I C E CO L A

B

141

EL

Cover Photo: VisitReykjavík.is

N

Published by MD Reykjavík ehf.

776

PRINTED MATTER

Authors have taken all reasonable care in preparing this handbook, but make no guarantee about the accuracy or completeness of its content. © MD Reykjavík All right reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means – without the written permission of the authors and the publisher.

Other publications by MD Reykjavík; Reykjavík City Guide, Reykjavík City Map, Akureyri Guide, What‘s On in Reykjavík and the My Destination Reykjavík Magazine.

4 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

FROM REYKJAVIK

Schedule

NOV- JAN 13:00

Price: Adults: 8.500 ISK / 53€ Children (7-15) 4.250 ISK / 26.5€ Children (0-6) FREE

Christmas Discount

Schedule NOV- JAN 22:00

Price: Adults: 8.500 ISK / 53€ Children (7-15) 4.250 ISK / 26.5€ Children (0-6) FREE

Merry Christmas

Book online www.specialtours.is / info@specialtours.is Call us +354 560 8800, or visit our ticket sale at the old harbour

IT’S ALL ABOUT TRADITION Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and marks the official start of the Christmas season in Iceland. It is when things start getting magical, lights shining through the winter darkness, concerts and celebrations, and festive spirits. One of the longeststanding traditions of the season, and another sign that Christmas is imminent, is the lighting of the Christmas tree in Reykjavík and the surrounding towns Kópavogur and Hafnafjörður. These tall evergreen trees placed in public places are traditional gifts from the other Nordic countries Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Check them out this year and enjoy a joyful day accompanied by entertainment and festivities, a delightful affair especially for children.

ADVENT LIGHTS

CHRISTMAS TREE

Come the end of November, Advent lights – arguably the most popular of the Icelandic Christmas decorations –are staples in most Icelandic homes. There are two main types: the Advent Wreath, which has four candles, one lit on each Sunday of Advent, and the triangle-shaped, seven-candle electric candelabra, which is normally placed on windowsills to shine out into the winter darkness.

Most Icelanders use real trees, as opposed to artificial ones. Some are grown in Iceland, while others are imported. The tradition is to decorate them just a day or two before Christmas, on the 23rd, or even on Christmas Eve day. They remain until the 12th Day (January 6th), which most Icelanders consider the perfect length of time. After that, they start to lose their lustre, and who likes a dry, bare needle-less Christmas tree?

6 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

LAUFABRAUÐ Laufabrauð, literally ‘leaf bread’, are usually round, wafer-thin wheat breads traditionally cut with intricate decorative patterns and then deepfried. During Advent, families and friends often get together to make laufabrauð. Frequently they will throw their artistic skills into the mix, resulting in some very fine specimens that are considered too pretty to eat and tied up with red ribbons and hung as decorations. Others are usually served at Christmas and New Year’s with traditional Icelandic food, such as smoked lamb.

A GIFT IN THE SHOE One of the best Christmas traditions, particularly for Icelandic kiddies, is the shoe-in-the window tradition.

This gets underway 13 days before Christmas, when the Icelandic Yule Lads, who live in the mountains, start coming to town, one per night.

Before they go to sleep, kids take one of their best shoes and leave near an open window. Come morning – presto! – the shoe will contain a small gift from the Yule Lad that arrived on that night. However, this only works if the child has been good – if he or she has been bad, the shoe will contain only one lonely potato.

COOKIES The baking of cookies and making of confectioneries is the barometer of pre-Christmas domestic excellence in Iceland. Throughout the country, Icelandic homemakers work overtime to bake the greatest number of cookie sorts – and are not above boasting about it.

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 7

© KJARNAFÆÐI

Baking six sorts normally generates applause, 12 sorts is regarded with such awe that it is like announcing you just climbed Mount Everest in high heels. Meanwhile, by the time Christmas rolls around, most people feel slightly nauseous at the prospect of yet more cookies, and make ardent resolutions to hit the gym at least five times a week in the New Year.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD Food and cooking are a major part of Icelandic Christmas celebrations.

For most people the Christmas meal is the most special meal of the year, and Icelanders go all-out in the preparations. For many centuries, smoked lamb, or hangikjöt, was the

8 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

traditional gourmet Christmas meal.

This has changed in the last few decades, however, and there is now much more to choose from, even though most families stick to one single tradition for their Christmas meal. Popular fare at Christmas includes rjúpa, or ptarmigan, an exquisite wildfowl that feeds on ling, berries and herbs, and hamborgarhryggur, glazed rack of ham, traditionally a Danish meal.

Also catching on in the last few years have been reindeer, turkey and even Beef Wellington. Meanwhile, come January, fish is the order of the day, as people make good on their New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier and hit the gym.

CHRISTMAS BUFFET One of the unshakable traditions of Advent in Iceland is the Christmas buffet. Most restaurants offer them and almost everyone will partake of at least one during Advent. These are lavish affairs typically containing dozens of dishes, different types of herring, smoked and cured salmon, reindeer pâté, smoked puffin and much, much more … and that’s just the cold dishes. Hot dishes will normally include the ubiquitous smoked lamb, roast pork with rind, rack of ham, turkey, and more. And let’s not even mention the stacked dessert buffet.

LOVED ONES REMEMBERED The Yuletide season is a time when Icelanders remember their departed loved ones. To really appreciate this tradition, you’d have to understand the huge part that the family plays in Icelandic Christmas celebrations.

THE BOOK FLOOD Iceland sells more books per capita than any other nation in the world, and the vast majority are sold in the lead-up to Christmas. In Iceland this is known as the Christmas Book Flood. The tradition in Iceland is that everyone must receive at least one book for Christmas to take to bed on Christmas Eve along with some chocolates. And so, beginning in November, hundreds of books are released onto the market and the talk is all about books – in the media, in the workplace, among family and friends, and at Christmas parties.

And once Christmas is over and the books have been read, everyone’s a critic, giving their views and opinions of that latest tome and whether it is as good, or better, as the author’s last one.

PUTRID SKATE DAY

On December 24th, and often on New Year’s Eve day as well, many families will come together at the graves, of their loved ones, and place on them a candle or some sort of light to show that they are remembered and missed. The cemeteries look amazingly beautiful in the midwinter darkness, all lit up with candles, particularly if there is snow. Hólavallargarður churchyard from 1832 situated at Suðurgata, overlooking the Tjörnin lake in the western part of Reykjavík, is the most central one and definitely worth a stroll around on a snow-white winter afternoon.

10 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

Skata or putrid skate parties are without a doubt one of the more bizarre Icelandic traditions. Every year on December 23, Icelanders get together and eat skate (as in fish) that has been sitting in a closed container and allowed to ferment for a month or more. By that time it has a smell that will clear your sinuses from about a mile away.

The main headache is how to get the smell out of your house before the bells start ringing in Christmas.

As a result, many people choose to partake of this delicacy in a restaurant, or alternatively cook it outdoors or perhaps in the garage.

Predictably, not everyone is partial to this tradition, and not everybody can handle the smell. In fact, it can

be kind of a macho thing for some, and frequently requires one shot (or several) of ice-cold schnapps like Danish Aquavit or Icelandic Brennivín, a.k.a. Black Death, to get it down. Not everyone’s kettle of fish, but certainly a fun tradition, particularly when enjoyed with friends.

NEW YEAR’S BONFIRES On New Year’s Eve, bonfires, the Icelanders call them “brennur”, are lit throughout the country to symbolize the burning of the old year. There’s always a really great atmosphere at these “brennur”, kids with sparklers, happy faces, friends and neighbours mingling, and the heat of the fire mixed with the winter cold. And since the brennur are not always easy for foreign visitors to find, in recent years, tour operators have started organizing special tours to get them involved in the fun.

TWELFTH NIGHT According to folklore, strange and magical things took place on the Twelfth Night (January 6th). Cows started talking (although people were warned not to listen to them because their talk would drive them mad), seals shed their skins (Icelandic legend had it that seals were spellbound humans because their eyes are so expressive), and the elves moved house.

Today, this tradition lives on in that bonfires are burned throughout the nation (just like on New Year’s Eve, only smaller) and the “elf king and queen” will often make an appearance, dressed in fancy clothing and riding a horse.

Needless to say, this is mostly for the amusement of the younger generation.

THE ESSENTIAL CHRISTMAS DRINK Iceland’s traditional Christmas drink is a mixture of the locally produced Maltöl and orange soda. Each family member tends to have his or her own opinion on what constitutes the perfect mixture of the two: 50/50 or 60/40. Debates can go on for hours, days or even years. What do you think? Pick up a can/bottle of each and experiment!

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 11

THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY THE FESTIVE SEASON! Nestling in the heart of Hafnarfjörður, the Christmas Village offers a special opportunity to enjoy the festive season. The Village opens on the 29th of November and is open every weekend until Christmas.

The Christmas Village offers a wide selection of gifts, Christmas decorations and delicious foodstuffs. Live musical and theatrical performances are on the program, as well as the opportunity to meet Grýla the ogress who is the mother of Iceland’s very own Yule Lads,

HAFNAFJÖRÐUR

who are the Icelandic version of Santa Claus. They bring gifts to good children for the thirteen nights preceding Christmas Day. The Christmas Village opens on the 29th of November and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00-18:00 until Christmas. On the 22nd and 23rd the Christmas Village is open from 16:00 – 21:00, with a live Christmas concert beginning at 20:00.

Hafnarfjörður is a picturesque town set in a lava landscape, with its own relaxed atmosphere.

Only a 20 minute bus ride from downtown Reykjavík with bus number 1.

THE TOWN IN THE LAVA Strandgata 6, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland www.visithafnarfjordur.is Tel.: +354 585 5500 E-mail: jolathorp@hafnarfjordur.is

12 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

HAFNARFJÖRÐUR IS ONLY 20 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN REYKJAVÍK WITH BUS NO 1

HAFNAFJÖRÐUR Just a short distance from the capital, a picturesque town set in the lava landscape, with its own relaxed and mellow atmosphere For gift shopping, Hafnarfjörður has a variety of shops, conveniently located in the compact center of the town, and a selection of excellent restaurants and cafés.

Hafnarfjörður is a small cozy town, only a bus ride away from Reykjavík, where you can enjoy celebrating the Christmas season with a feeling of relaxation. Close to nature Hafnarfjörður offers nature walks through lava fields, magnificent geothermal springs, horse-riding, Viking banquets, Elf spotting and last but not least free admission to museums.

FREE ADMISSION

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 13

THE YULELADS AND FAMILY Yule Lads are Iceland’s version of Santa Claus, except there are 13 of them, each with their own definitive character. They live in a cave in the mountains with their mother, the formidable Grýla, and their wimpy father, Leppalúði.

GRÝLA An ogress who eats children that have been naughty. She lives in a cave and always has a pot with boiling water at the ready, should she hear of some exceptionally badly behaved children. Grýla has been used by parents throughout the centuries to frighten children into behaving. In 1746 Icelandic authorities, probably concerned

14 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

with the mental health of the up-and-coming generation, issued a public decree, forbidding parents from frightening their children with the hideous Grýla.

YULE CAT The ghastly child-eating ogress has a rather under-publicized yet sinister sidekick “jólakötturinn”, the Yule Cat, who lives with her and her wuss of a husband in their cave.

In the Iceland of yore, every person who did not get a new item of clothing for Christmas ended up in the belly of the Yule Cat. Today the Yule Cat is still alive and thriving, particularly in the minds of those who maintain that they absolutely must buy something new to wear for Christmas, or else they will meet a most horrible fate at the hands – or claws – of the Yule Cat.

THE YULE LADS The Icelandic Yule Lads are a group of 13 mischievous imps who start arriving in town, one each night, from December 12th until Christmas Eve. They also leave in the same order, one per night from the 25th until the 6th of January.

In the Iceland of yore they were an incredible nuisance and brought grief to the general populace, whereas today they’ve morphed into kinder, gentler Yule Lads who bring gifts for kiddies who have been good and deposit them in their shoes.

We are proud to introduce to you: The Yulelads!

STÚFUR Stubby / Dec. 14th This old guy was very short, as the name would suggest. He snuck into the farmhouses when no one was looking, snatched any available pan from the kitchen, picked at the burnt remains of food that had stuck to the sides, and ate them.

STEKKJASTAUR Sheep-Cote Clod / Dec. 12th This particular character liked to sneak into the sheep’s pens and suckle the ewes for their milk. The only problem was that he had stiff knees and leg, which made it difficult to get under the sheep to begin suckling.

GILJAGAUR Gully Gawk / Dec. 13th This was a crafty little fellow who snuck down from the mountains and into the cowshed when the stable hand was chatting up the milkmaid. When their backs were turned he snuck over, grabbed the bucket with the milk, and slurped all the froth off the top.

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 15

ÞVÖRUSLEIKIR Spoon Licker / Dec. 15th This Yule Lad made mischief by sneaking into the houses and licking the wooden spoons used to stir the contents of the pots. He was extremely tall and skinny and kept an eye out for when the cook left the kitchen, at which point he darted in, seized the wooden spoon and licked it to distraction.

POTTASLEIKIR Pot Licker / Dec. 16th Like Stúfur, this Yule Lad also liked to lick the remains from the inside of the pots, though in contrast to his brother he had no special preference for burnt remains. He knocked at the door, and when the kiddies rushed out to see who it was, he dashed in and gobbled up all their remains.

ASKASLEIKIR Bowl Licker / Dec. 17th In the old days, Icelanders ate their food from a lidded wooden bowl called askur, with everyone having their own separate one. This old fellow would creep in, sometimes hide under the bed, and then

16 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

snatch the askar whenever they were put aside, licking their insides clean.

HURÐASKELLIR Door Slammer / Dec. 18th For some reason this old Lad liked the sound of slamming doors, and also the sound of creaky hinges. Probably because he was a mischievous son of a gun that just liked to annoy people. As a result he slammed doors whenever he got the chance.

w Join the Hunt for the Christmas Creatures The Yule Lads are amongst some of the most curious Christmas Creatures of Icelandic folklore and are said to come down from the mountains every December to cause all sorts of havoc in the name of Advent.

Find out more about what´s all wrapped-up in Reykjavík this Christmas at www.christmas.visitreykjavik.is.

w

SKYRGÁMUR Skyr Gobbler / Dec 19th This Yule Lad sniffed out the skyr barrels, broke their lids and gorged himself on their contents. For the uninitiated, skyr is a dairy product halfway between a cheese and yoghurt.

BJÚGNAKRÆKIR Sausage Swiper /Dec 20th The name of this guy says it all. He snuck up into the rafters and nicked the sausages that hung there for smoking. It was all full of soot and smoke up there, but that didn’t bother him. If there were sausages to be had, he was in the house.

GLUGGAGÆGIR

KERTASNÍKIR

Window Peeper / Dec 21st

Candle Beggar / Dec 24th

As one might gather from the name, this Yule Lad liked to peep through the windows of the houses, spotting things he might like to steal, which of course was mostly food. He then snuck in at opportune moments and made off with the goods.

Back in the old days, people were traditionally given candles and playing cards for Christmas.

Candles were extremely precious, and were made from animal fat.

This naughty fellow crept behind the children who were enjoying their brand-new candles and snatched them.

GÁTTAÞEFUR Door Sniffer / Dec 22nd This old guy could smell baking laufabrauð, his favourite food, wafting out through the doorways of houses many miles away. At which point he hurried to the scene, broke into the house and stole some.

KETKRÓKUR Meat Hook / Dec 23rd This crafty Yule Lad travelled around with a hook that he used to grab bits of meat. Typically he would crawl up on the roof and send his hook down the chimney to snag a piece of smoked lamb boiling in a pot or leg of lamb hanging from the rafters.

18 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

WELL-BEHAVED CHILDREN Children are on their best behaviour in December when the Yule Lads are on the prowl and deposit gifts in the shoes of angelic boys and girls. Parents are also keen to remind their offspring that if they are not good, they will receive a potato in their shoe.

2014

Christmas Buffet

December At the Pearl 20th of November to 30th of

Monday to Wednesday only 7.500 ISK per person.

Christmas buffet lunch Fridays and Saturdays, 5.& 6. – 12.& 13. – 19. & 20. and Sunday 14th of December only 5.900 ISK per person

9.500 ISK.

Special offer Mondays Wednesdays 7.500 ISK.

New Years Eve

1st of January open from 7pm.

Restaurant Perlan · Telephone: 562 0200 · www.perlan.is

MERRY CHRISTMAS! GLEÐILEG JÓL!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! GLEÐILEGT NÝTT ÁR!

THE WONDERFUL FEEL OF LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS STRESS One of the wonderful perks of living in a small country is the closeness that develops between people. This is very apparent in the smaller towns but even in the capital of Reykjavík, with its 120.000 inhabitants, you can sometimes still feel the closeness. One of the best days to experience this is the day before Christmas.

LAUGAVEGUR The history of commerce at Laugavegur goes hand in hand with the history of Reykjavík. The road construction of Laugavegur was approved in the town council in 1885, and its original purpose was to facilitate travel to the hot springs used by maids and housewives to wash the laundry (the preface “lauga-“ means “spring-“ in English).

The street soon became the hub of shopping and commerce in Reykjavík and consequently in the country.

SHOPPING IN DECEMBER They turn the lights on in November.

Laugavegur and the adjoining shopping streets are decorated with lights and ornaments, and that is when the fun begins. Every weekend until Christmas, the atmosphere is cheerful and filled with anticipation.

And of course, the stress level rises as the big day approaches because when stores close at 11pm

22 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

on December 23rd, everything must be in the bag. In my hometown, the women have a habit of asking each other: Have you done everything yet? I never understood this question when I was a child, but nowhere does it spring to life more than at Laugavegur on the day before Christmas.

THE FEEL OF IT December 23rd is called Þorláksmessa, or St. Þorlak’s Day, in Iceland, and it is a very special day in downtown Reykjavík. You can roughly divide the crowd into two groups; those who have not yet finished their Christmas shopping and those who got everything done in time and just want to get into the mood. There is music in the streets and as the day progresses the crowd becomes denser, and the pubs start filling up. This is the busiest shopping day of the year, and I actually know people who are very organised in their Christmas shopping, but always put off one or two things, just so they can get the true feel of Laugavegur on Þorláksmessa. For those of you who plan on spending Christmas in this strange country of ours, walking down Laugavegur on this special day is something you should absolutely put on your list of things to do.

- Ágústa Rúnarsdóttir

REYKJAVÍK CHRISTMAS CITY Reykjavík Christmas City invites you to get all wrapped up in our wonderful winter celebrations throughout December.

Our remarkable Christmas season, crowned with regular spellbinding displays of the Northern Lights is truly a magical time to visit Iceland’s capital city. It’s not just those other worldly illuminations that make Reykjavík a fascinating Christmas destination though.

The fact that Iceland has not one, but thirteen Santa Clauses or “Yule Lads”, is a little gem of cultural knowledge that’s been celebrated as part of our Reykjavík Christmas City since the year 2010; it’s also resulted in quite a few kids around the world redirecting their mail from the North Pole to Iceland.

24 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

Apart from the emphasis on extraordinary illuminations and various traditional Christmas events, such as the annual lighting of the Oslo Christmas Tree, each year we collaborate with a number of different city departments to create a lively and entertaining Christmas season, spiced up with our unique combination of fun, food and Icelandic folklore.

In addition, a number of beautiful locations across the city are transformed every year into dedicated Advent areas, where the majority of culture–inspired events and activities take place. These locations include the Christmas Valley in Laugardalur, a Christmas Market in Ingolfstorg Square, the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður, an Advent Calendar at the Nordic House and our charming Christmas Harbour.

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 25

THE DAYS OF ICELANDIC CHRISTMAS December 23rd ÞORLÁKSMESSA -ST. THORLAKUR’S DAY The day has got it’s name from Iceland’s major Saint, the Bishop of Skálholt, St. Thorlakur Thorhallsson, who died on December 23rd in 1193.

In those days being the last day of the Catholic Christmas fast, and of course people weren’t expected to eat meat on this day but fish. The tradition continued after the country converted to Lutheranism and for centuries on this day a simple meal of skata or Skate has been the main custom.

At the Skate lunch two kinds of Skate are usually on the menu, one kind is only slightly putrefied, the other very putrefied, and both served in chunks with boiled potatoes.

The Christmas tree is usually decorated on this day and it’s also

26 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

a big shopping day for last minute gifts, with stores remaining open until midnight. Take a walk on the main streets of Rekjavik and mingle with the locals in shops, pubs & bars to get in tune for Christmas Eve.

December 24th CHRISTMAS EVE Christmas officially begins at 18:00 sharp when all the church bells throughout Iceland ‘ring in’ the Jól.

By that time everyone is washed and dressed in their best clothes (ideally new clothes, to escape the Yule Cat) and people affectionately wish each other a Merry Christmas. At this time the radio begins broadcasting Christmas mass from the Dómkirkjan church, which many people listen to as they put finishing touches on the Christmas meal. This is a very intimate and festive evening that

Icelanders normally spend only with their nearest and dearest. After dinner people relocate to the living room – or wherever the tree happens to be – to open presents. This takes up most of the evening, and afterwards everyone just sort of does what he or she wants, which for many people means crawling into bed with whatever book they received for Christmas.

which they head out to a bonfire, or brenna, to mingle and socialize.

December 25-26th CHRISTMAS DAY & SECOND

The New Year’s madness starts at 23:30 when the final credits roll, and at midnight all hell breaks loose.

The city of Reykjavík is like a war zone, but with a crazy and amazing pyrotechnics display! In Iceland fireworks are sold unrestricted to the public between Christmas and New Years, and this small nation of 320,000 people manages to fire off over 500 tons of fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

– which the Icelanders call ‘second in Christmas’ – are both public holidays and most people spend them lazing around. Reading is popular, as is snoozing, going out for walks, lying around watching TV … anything that requires minimal exertion, really. In the evenings many people attend some sort of Christmas party with the extended family.

December 31st NEW YEARS EVE New Year’s Eve is a major event on the Icelandic social calendar. The fun begins around 6 pm when most people have a big festive dinner, after

At 22:30 it is time for the eagerly awaited “Áramótaskaup” (New Year’s scoff)– an hour-long TV programme in which the country’s top comedians lampoon the year’s events, politicians, and more. Around 90% of the Icelandic nation watches the “Áramótaskaup” so the streets are virtually deserted while it is on.

When most of the madness is over and everyone has toasted with some bubbly, people either head out to parties or downtown to go clubbing, where they party until the wee hours of the morning.

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 27

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA’S CHRISTMAS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2014 The Hallgrimskirkja Friends of the Arts Society presents the Hallgrimskirkja’s Christmas Music Festival 2014 with a great program of different events full of festive spirit from November 30th to December 31st. The Festival starts on the first Advent Sunday with the performance of a Bach Cantata BWV 61 for mixed choir, soprano, tenor and basso solo and string orchestra during the festive service at 11 am in Hallgrimskirkja. The chamber choir Schola cantorum sings, conductor is Hörður Áskelsson, Music Director of Hallgrimskirkja. An organ concert follows at 5 pm with Björn Steinar Sólbergsson, organist of Hallgrimskirkja, performing Advent and Christmas music by J.S. Bach, Max Reger, Andrew Carter and César Franck.

The Festival consists of 9 concerts this year, with the acclaimed house choirs and organists taking center stage. The Motet Choir´s Christmas concerts on Dec. 6, 7 and 9 are a particular highlight. The choir is accompanied by soloists from the

28 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

choir and organist Lenka Mátéová under the direction of Hörður Áskelsson. Another highlight is the popular annual event, the Festive Sounds at New Years Eve (Dec 31st) with three trumpets, timpani and organ offering a program of well known pieces. The famous Klais organ will also celebrate its 22nd anniversary with an evening concert on Dec 12 with Christian Schmitt, a world renowned concert organist.

The concert is a cooperation with the German Embassy in Iceland and entrance is free.

Between Christmas and New Year Schola cantorum will sing a Christmas concert on Dec 28th at 5 pm, performing famous Christmas Music as well as the world premiére of Christmas Carols by Icelandic composer Hafliði Hallgrímsson.

The choir also sings two lunch time concerts with Advent and Christmas music on Dec 3rd and 17th at 12 noon.

For more information see www.listvinafelag.is

The Hallgrímskirkja Friends of the Arts Society 33. season

Christmas Music Festival at Hallgrímskirkja November 30th – December 31st 2014

IN DULCI JUBILO

Christmas Concert with The Hallgrimskirkja Motet Choir

Sat dec 6 at 5pm / Sun dec 7 at 5 pm / Tue dec 9 at 8 pm

Lenka Mateova organ Vocal solists from the choir Conductor: Hörður Áskelsson

Admission ISK 3.500

December 12th – Friday 22 Years Anniversary of the Klais Organ 8 pm Christmas Organ Concert with a world renowned organist The German organ star, Christian Schmitt, who received one of the most prestigious prices for musicians in Germany „Echo“ in 2013 will perform organ works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Messiaen and others. The concert is jointly hosted by the German Embassy in Reykjavík and The Hallgrímskirkja Friends of the Arts Society.

Free Entrance.

December 28th – Sunday 5 pm Schola Cantorum‘s Christmas Concert The Schola Cantorum Chamber Choir performs enchanting Christmas music with and without accompaniment, including new charming pieces by Hafliði Hallgrímsson, O, Holy Night by Adams and more. Soloists: Thelma Hrönn Sigurdórsdóttir, Fjölnir Ólafsson et al. Organist: Björn Steinar Sólbergsson.

Conductor: Hörður Áskelsson.

December 31st – Last day of the year 5 pm Festive sounds at the turn of the year Festive music for 3 trumpets, organ and timpanis.

Trumpet players Ásgeir H. Steingrímsson, Eiríkur Örn Pálsson and Einar St. Jónsson, organist Hörður Áskelsson and timpanist Eggert Pálsson perform splendid festive songs by Vivaldi, Purcell, Bach and Albinoni. The New Year‘s mood is set by the Festive Sounds of the long time musical partners, and this concert is hugely popular as it has been performed for a full house on the last night of the year since the inauguration of the Klais organ in 1992.

Admission ISK 3.500

Admission ISK 3.500 Ticket sale in Hallgrimskirkja tel. 510 1000 and midi.is listvinafelag.is

ADVENT AREAS Reykjavík is a true Christmas city with various events going on every day of December all over town. There are fun Christmas Parcels scattered throughout the city, containing events involving everything from culture to food, horse riding to sailing, singing to shopping and much, much more. The Advent Areas are to be found all over the capital, ensuring that the Holiday spirit is felt in the hearts of all those visiting Reykjavík during this magical time. Check them all out and partake in our holiday joy!

CHRISTMAS VALLEY Where: Laugardalur When: All December Admission: Fee in some places In December the whole family can have fun together in Laugardalur where Christmas lights and decorations set the mood for a festive advent. Prepare for a day out visiting the animals in Reykjavík Park and Zoo, ice-skate around a decorated Christmas tree on the skating rink, walk around the Botanic Garden, visit Ásmundarsafn, (The Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum) stop by Café Flora on the weekends for hot chocolate and roasted almonds and go for

a nice swim in Laugardalslaug.

In Laugardalur you may expect to run into the Yule Cat – one of many Icelandic Christmas Creatures. The cat resides in Reykjavík Park and Zoo but sometimes sneaks around in other parts of Laugardalur. Look out for a quiet meow and look out for paw tracks. Welcome to the Christmas Valley!

CHRISTMAS MARKET YULE TOWN Where: Ingólfstorg, 101 Reykjavík When: 11 December Thursday: 16 – 22 12 December Friday: 12- 22 13 December Saturday: 12 – 18 14 December Sunday: 13 – 18 19 December Thursday 12-22 20 December Friday: 12- 22 21 December Saturday: 13- 22 22 December Sunday: 12- 22 23 December Monday: 12- 23 The Yule Town in Reykjavík consists of small and beautiful Christmas houses that will be placed on Ingólfstorg in midDecember, right in the heart of Reykjavík. The Yule Town offers a wide selection of design gifts, handcrafts, Christmas

30 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

decorations, delicious food, drinks and all kinds of entertainment by musicians, singers, poets, writers and a variety of artists.

THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE Where: Hafnarfjörður, 20 minutes from downtown Reykjavík with bus nr. 1 When: Opens on the 29th of November and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00-18:00 until Christmas. On the 22nd and 23rd the Christmas Village is open from 16:00 – 21:00, with a live Christmas concert beginning at 20:00.

Admission: Free

plus a selection of excellent restaurants and cafés. Close to nature, Hafnarfjörður offers nature walks through lava fields, magnificent geothermal springs, horse-riding, Viking banquets, Elf spotting and last but not least free admission to museums.

The Christmas Village offers a wide selection of gifts, Christmas decorations and delicious foodstuffs. Live musical and theatrical performances are on the program, as well as the opportunity to meet Grýla, the ogress who is the mother of Iceland’s very own Yule Lads bringing gifts to good children for the thirteen nights until Christmas Eve. For gift shopping, Hafnarfjörður has a variety of shops, conveniently located in the compact centre of the town,

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 31

PAGAN CHRISTMAS GUIDED TOURS IN ENGLISH ABOUT PAGAN YULE Where: The Settlement Exhibition, Aðalstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík When: Tuesdays – Sundays in December at 11:00 Admission: +18: 1300 ISK Further information: Reykjavíkcitymuseum.is This time of year the Vikings celebrated the winter solstice.

Midwinter celebrations were lively and in honor of rising sun and end of darkening days. In Heimskringla, written in the 13th century by the scholar Snorri Sturluson, there is a short description on religious practices during the Viking Age explaining blót, which was a religious act in honor of the Aesir, the Norse gods.

This took place three times a year.

In his words: „A sacrifice was to be made for a good season at the beginning of winter, and one at midwinter for good crops, and the third one in summer, for victory“.

Therefore the midwinter celebrations were both a fertility festival and to give thanks to the gods and goddesses that kept order in the universe and made life possible.

Come and enjoy this guided tour about pagan yule at the Settlement Exhibition. It‘s like stepping far back in time!

ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM – CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Where: Árbær Open Air Museum, Kistuhyl, 110 Reykjavík When: Dec 7th, 14th and 21st from 13.00-17.00 Admission: +18: 1.300 ISK Further information: Reykjavíkcitymuseum.is Immerse yourself in the sights, smells and sounds of a traditional Icelandic Christmas.

This ever so popular Christmas program has become a fixture of the Reykjavík’s Christmas

32 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

calendar. Visitors, young and old, will enjoy experiencing the Christmas preparation and celebration of days gone by. This includes preparation of traditional Icelandic Christmas food and crafts, for example candle making.

Playful Yule Lads (traditional Icelandic Santa Clauses) peep through windows and play tricks on guests. Traditional Christmas sweets will be on offer in the General Store, hot chocolate at the Museum’s coffee shop and much more.

CHRISTMAS EXHIBITIONS Where: The National Museum of Iceland, Suðurgata 41 When: 1. December- 6. January Admission: 1200 ISK, free for children On the 3rd floor an exhibition on Christmas trees and decorations from different periods. And the exhibition “Knowing the Yuletide Lads” on the ground floor.

CHRISTMAS FAMILY ACTIVITY GAME Where: The National Museum of Iceland, Suðurgata 41 When: Daily in December between 11 and 17 Admission: 1200 ISK, free for children In December families are welcome to take part in the Christmas activity game at the National Museum of Iceland. The game, The Search for the Christmas Cat, is available in five languages. It is a great opportunity for families to learn together about Icelandic heritage in an entertaining way.

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 33

CHRISTMAS FOREST Where: Heiðmörk Forest, Elliðavatn, 25 min. drive from downtown Reykjavík.

When: December -8.-9., 15.-16., 22.-23.

Further information: www.heidmork.is Every day at the Christmas Forest will be merry, with a campfire, Santa Claus, hot chocolate and ginger bread. Visitors can borrow a saw and pick a Christmas tree in the forest to take home. Those who don’t feel like looking for a tree can get one from the ranger.

A great tradition – allowing people to select their own trees for the holidays!

34 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

CHRISTMAS MARKET IN HEIÐMÖRK Where: Elliðavatn, 25 min. drive from downtown Reykjavík.

When: Every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas from 11-16 Admission: Free Further information: www.heidmork.is The Christmas market in Heiðmörk is open for four weekends before Christmas. At the market there are craftsmen and designers presenting and selling their products. Some of them only participate in the market for one day so there is a lot of diversity in the market from day to day. The forestry association of Reykjavík creates a Christmas atmosphere, with a fireplace in the middle of the square and events like Christmas choirs, harmonica players and readings from writers. We will have several kinds of Christmas trees, firewood and refreshments for sale.

FISH COMPANY steals xMAS “SLEIGH RIDE”. HÓ HÓ HA HA…

Invite your taste buds to a Wondrous SLEIGH RIDE Around the WORLD. Let us take you through a magical WINTERLAND of culinary excellence and roam around the GLOBE searching for the perfect flavour.

7 course menu Iceland-CHERVIL

Canada-MAPLE

slowly cooked SALMON „BEARNAISE“ with salsify, egg yolks, butter, pickled pearl onion & tarragon

very slowly cooked „49 hours” BEEF RIBS & PORK CHEEKS, homemade mustard & caramelized kale purée, brussels sprouts & BACON MAPLE GLAZE

Denmark-CELERY ROOT crisp MONKFISH & MONKFISH CHEEKS, baked celery root, hazelnut oil & apples

Peru-BELL PEPPER fried GOLDEN PERCH & TURNIP, roasted BELL PEPPER dressing, bell pepper relish & smoked CHILI

Iceland-RYE BREAD bubbly RICE PUDDING foam, rye bread caramels, almonds & red currant juice

North Pole-SNOW FIGHT stiff WHITE CHOCOLATE SOUFFLÉ, yoghurt nitro, lemon paste, bunch of marsh mellows, crystalized chocolate & MILK SORBET

Japan-NORI seared TUNA & LOBSTERROLL, burnt cucumber vinaigrette, soy gel, cucumber juice & basic asian remoulade

9.400 krónur.(ONLY SERVED FOR THE WHOLE TABLE)

FISHCOMPANY - Vesturgötu 2a, Grófartorg - 101 Reykjavík - 552-5300 - info@FISHCOMPANY.is - WWW.FISHCOMPANY.is

THE ICELANDIC YULEAN ILLUSTRATED PRESENTATION Where: The National Museum of Iceland, Suðurgata 41 When: December 14 at 12 Admission: Free

NORDIC HOUSE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CALENDAR When December, :1-23 at 12.34pm Where: The Nordic House, Sturlugata 5, 101 Reykjavík Admission: Free

Every day at 11 o‘clock an Icelandic Yuletide lad visits the museum. The programme is thought for children and is very popular.

The Christmas calendar in the Nordic House takes place daily in the festival hall in December until Christmas.

The first window of the calendar will be opened on December 1, and the audience will then get to know about the performance of the day.

The participating artists this year are among our best, but we will not disclose the order in which they perform. Therefore it’s always going to be exciting to open a new window.

We will for instance see and hear music, dance, reading, performance, yoga, or a game that the audience participates in. The calendar itself is produced in only one exemplar, and will be found in the front hall of The Nordic House this December.

CHRISTMAS IN REYKJAVÍK, PAST AND PRESENT

Before every performance we offer the audience non-alcoholic mulled wine and gingerbread.

When: December, for groups only For further information and booking please call 411 6304

CHRISTMAS HARBOUR

Dr. Terry Gunnell, Head of Folkloristic at the University of Iceland will give an illustrated presentation in English reviewing the beliefs and traditions of Icelandic Christmas traditions in the past and present.

THE ICELANDIC YULETIDE LADS Where: The National Museum of Iceland, Suðurgata 41 When: December 12 - 24 at 11 Admission: Free

A historical walk around the city center where the focus will be on Christmas celebrations in Reykjavík through the ages. Did the first settlers celebrate Christmas ? Why are the 13 Santa Clauses in Iceland ? When did Icelanders start to send Christmas Cards and why can you see the seven-branched menorah in almost every window?

36 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

Where: Reykjavík’s old Harbour, Ægisgarður, Grandi and Suðurbugt, 101 Reykjavík When: December The Old Harbour welcomes guests from all around the world during the advent. Our aim is to share our Christmas spirit and give guests insight into the Icelandic festivities and traditions. We’ve set the

stage by decorating the area with great ambition. We offer range of activities in the run up to Christmas such as live music, markets and workshops. The restaurants in the area offer interesting menus with seasonal food and drink, unique to their styles and spirits. The local artists and craftsmen have been busy preparing their collection for the coming Christmas shopping.

Their small shops and galleries are ideal to browse for gifts and souvenirs. In the area you also have the option of taking on some adventures, by bike, boat or by visiting the educational cinemas in the harbour. Come and be touched by the magic of our festivities in the old harbour in the run-up to the holidays.

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 37

Dec 4 – Jan 6 Dec 11 – 14 & 18 – 23 Dec 20 - 21

Dec 5 – Jan 6 Dec 23

Further information about e Reykjavík: www.chris

The Hunt for the Christmas Creatures game Yule Town at Ingólfstorg square Jólakrás Street Food Christmas Market at Fógetagarður square The Children’s’ Christmas Workshop at City Hall The Three Tenors at Ingólfstorg Square

events during December in stmas.visitreykjavik.is

HOLIDAY OPENINGS Icelanders are pretty serious about their Christmas celebrations and people like to spend quality time with family and friends so consequently things tend to slow down a little. In an effort to make life a little easier for those of you who are spending the holidays in Iceland, we have put together a list of available services on those days when most places are closed.

RESTAURANTS DECEMBER 24TH - OPEN FOR LUNCH Aktu Taktu Babalú Bsí Bistró - Fljótt og gott Café Haiti Café Paris Iceland Fish n’ Chips Perlan Cafeteria

Stekkjarbakki 2 Skólavörðustígur 22 BSÍ Bus Terminal Geirsgata 7b Austurstræti 14 Tryggvagata 11 Öskjuhlíð

557 9922 555 8845 552 1288 588 8484 551 1020 511 1118 562 0200

DECEMBER 24TH - OPEN FOR DINNER Bambus Mar - Restaurant Restaurant Reykjavík Skólabrú Uppsalir*

Borgartún Geirsgata 9 Vesturgata 2 Pósthússtræti 17 Hótel Reykjavík Centrum

517 0123 519 5050 552 3030 511 1690 514 6000

DECEMBER 24TH - OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER Ali Baba - Ingólfstorg Brasserie Grand* Fjalakötturinn* Gamla/Old Island Café* Restaurant 1919 Restaurant Skrúður* Satt Sky Restaurant Slippbarinn Marina Hotel Sæmundur í sparifötunum Vox Lobby bar Vox Restaurant

Veltusund 3b Grand Hótel Hotel Reykjavík Centrum Laugavegur 72 Pósthússtræti 2 Hagatorg Hótel Reykjavík Natura Aðalstræti 4 Mýrargata 2 Kex Hostel Hotel Nordica Hotel Nordica

445 4445 514 8000 514 6060 551 6131 599 1050 525 9900 444 4050 595 8600 560 8080 561 6060 444 5050 444 5050

Please note that information about opening hours is subject to change.

40 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

DECEMBER 25TH - OPEN FOR DINNER Bambus Mar - Restaurant Restaurant Reykjavík Rossopomodoro Uppsalir

Borgartún Geirsgata 9 Vesturgata 2 Laugavegur 40a Hótel Reykjavík Centrum

517 0123 519 5050 552 3030 561 0500 514 6000

DECEMBER 25TH - OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER Ali Baba - Ingólfstorg Veltusund 3b Babalú Skólavörðustígur 22 Brasserie Grand* Grand Hótel Bsí Bistró - Fljótt og gott BSÍ Bus Terminal Café Paris Austurstræti 14 Fjalakötturinn* Hotel Reykjavík Centrum Gamla Smiðjan Lækjargata 8 Gamla/Old Island Café* Laugavegur 72 Hereford Steakhouse Laugavegur 53b Restaurant 1919 Pósthússtræti 2 Restaurant Skrúður* Hagatorg Satt Hótel Reykjavík Natura Sky Restaurant-Hotel Arnarhvoll Aðalstræti 4 Slippbarinn Marina Hotel Mýrargata 2 Sæmundur í sparifötunum Kex Hostel Vox Lobby bar Hotel Nordica Vox Restaurant Hotel Nordica

445 4445 555 8845 514 8000 552 1288 551 1020 514 6060 578 8555 551 6131 511 3350 599 1050 525 9900 444 4050 595 8600 560 8080 561 6060 444 5050 444 5050

* must reserve

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 41

DECEMBER 26TH - OPEN FOR DINNER Fish Company Fishmarket Fjörukráin Gallery Restaurant Gandhi Grillið Grillmarkaðurinn Kopar Restaurant Reykjavík Sjávargrillið Skólabrú Snaps Tapasbarinn Tapashúsið Torfan Uppsalir*

Vesturgata 2a Aðalstræti 12 Strandgata 55 Bergstaðastræti 37 Pósthússtræti 17 Hotel Saga Lækjargata 2a Geirsgata 3 Vesturgata 2 Skólavörðustig 14 Pósthússtræti 17 Þórsgata 1 Vesturgötu 3b Ægisgarður 2 Amtmannsstigur 1 Hótel Reykjavík Centrum

552 5300 578 8877 565 1213 5525700 511 1691 525 9960 571 7777 567 2700 552 3030 571 1100 511 1690 511 6677 551 2344 512 8181 561 3303 514 6000

DECEMBER 26TH - OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER Aktu Taktu Ali Baba - Ingólfstorg Babalú Brasserie Grand Bsí Bistró - Fljótt og gott Café Haiti Café Paris Caruso Fish and Chips Fjalakötturinn Gamla Smiðjan Gamla/Old Island Café* Grillhúsið Hamborgarabúllan Hamborgarafabrikkan Hereford Steakhouse Hornið Restaurant Iceland Fish n’ Chips Kaffi Sólon Lækjarbrekka Mar - Restaurant Potturinn og Pannan Restaurant & Bar Hotel 101 Restaurant 1919 Restaurant Skrúður* Rossopomodoro Satt Scandinavian Sky Restaurant Slippbarinn Marina Hotel Sæmundur í sparifötunum Vegamót Vox Lobby bar Vox Restaurant

Various Locations Veltusund 3b Skólavörðustígur 22 Grand Hótel BSÍ Bus Terminal Geirsgata 7b Austurstræti 14 Þingholtsstræti 1 Tryggvagata 8 Hotel Reykjavík Centrum Lækjargata 8 Laugavegur 72 Tryggvagata 20 Geirsgata 1 Katrínartún 5 Laugavegur 53b Hafnarstræti 15 Tryggvagata 11 Bankastræti 7a Bankastæti 2 Geirsgata 9 Pósthússtræti 17 Hverfisgata 10 Pósthússtræti 2 Hagatorg Laugavegur 40a Hótel Reykjavík Natura Laugavegur 22a Aðalstræti 4 Mýrargata 2 Kex Hostel Vegamótastíg 4 Hotel Nordica Hotel Nordica

42 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

565 8050 445 4445 555 8845 514 8000 552 1288 588 8484 551 1020 562 7335 511 1118 514 6060 578 8555 551 6131 527 5000 511 1888 575 7575 511 3350 551 3340 511 1118 562 3232 551 4430 519 5050 511 1690 580 0101 599 1050 525 9900 561 0500 444 4050 578 4888 595 8600 560 8080 561 6060 511 3040 444 5050 444 5050

DECEMBER 31ST - OPEN FOR LUNCH Aktu Taktu Babalú Café Haiti Café Loki Fish and Chips Gamla Smiðjan Hamborgarabúllan Iceland Fish n’ Chips Perlan Cafeteria Smurstöðin Uppsalir

Various Locations Skólavörðustígur 22 Geirsgata 7b Lokastíg 28 Tryggvagata 8 Lækjargata 8 Geirsgata 1 Tryggvagata 11 Öskjuhlíð Harpa Hótel Reykjavík Centrum

565 8050 555 8845 588 8484 466 2828 511 1118 578 8555 511 1888 511 1118 562 0200 519 9750 514 6000

DECEMBER 31ST - OPEN FOR DINNER Fish Company Mar - Restaurant Restaurant Reykjavík

Vesturgata 2a Geirsgata 9 Vesturgata 2

552 5300 519 5050 552 3030

DECEMBER 31ST - OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER Ali Baba - Ingólfstorg Bambus Brasserie Grand* Bsí Bistró - Fljótt og gott Café Paris Caruso Fjalakötturinn* Gamla/Old Island Café* Kaffi Sólon Lækjarbrekka Restaurant & Bar Hotel 101 Restaurant 1919 Restaurant Skrúður* Rossopomodoro Satt Sjávargrillið Sky Restaurant Slippbarinn Marina Hotel Sæmundur í sparifötunum Vox Lobby bar Vox Restaurant

Veltusund 3b Borgartún Grand Hótel BSÍ Bus Terminal Austurstræti 14 Þingholtsstræti 1 Hotel Reykjavík Centrum Laugavegur 72 Bankastræti 7a Bankastæti 2 Hverfisgata 10 Pósthússtræti 2 Hagatorg Laugavegur 40a Hótel Reykjavík Natura Skólavörðustig 14 Aðalstræti 4 Mýrargata 2 Kex Hostel Hotel Nordica Hotel Nordica

445 4445 517 0123 514 8000 552 1288 551 1020 562 7335 514 6060 551 6131 562 3232 551 4430 580 0101 599 1050 525 9900 561 0500 444 4050 571 1100 595 8600 560 8080 561 6060 444 5050 444 5050 * must reserve

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 43

JANUARY 1ST - OPEN FOR DINNER Fish Company* Fishmarket* Geysir bistro Grillmarkaðurinn Kopar Perlan Restaurant Restaurant Reykjavík Road House Rossopomodoro Scandinavian Sjávargrillið Steikhúsið Sushisamba Tapasbarinn Tapashúsið Torfan

Vesturgata 2a Aðalstræti 12 Aðalstræti 2 Lækjargata 2a Geirsgata 3 Öskjuhlíð Vesturgata 2 Snorrabraut 56 Laugavegur 40a Laugavegur 22a Skólavörðustig 14 Tryggvagata 4-6 Þingolstræti 5 Vesturgötu 3b Ægisgarður 2 Amtmannsstigur 1

552 5300 578 8877 517 4300 571 7777 567 2700 562 0200 552 3030 571 4200 561 0500 578 4888 571 1100 561 1111 568 6600 551 2344 512 8181 561 3303

JANUARY 1ST - OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER Aktu Taktu Ali Baba - Ingólfstorg American Style Babalú Brasserie Grand* Bsí Bistró - Fljótt og gott Café Paris Caruso Eldsmiðjan Pizza Fish and Chips Fjalakötturinn * Gamla Smiðjan Gamla/Old Island Café* Hamborgarabúllan Hamborgarafabrikkan Hereford Steakhouse Iceland Fish n’ Chips Kaffi Sólon Lækjarbrekka Mar - Restaurant Restaurant & Bar Hotel 101 Restaurant 1919 Restaurant Skrúður* Satt Sky Restaurant Slippbarinn Marina Hotel Sæmundur í sparifötunum Uppsalir Vox Lobby bar Vox Restaurant

Various Locations Veltusund 3b Tryggvagata 26 Skólavörðustígur 22 Grand Hótel BSÍ Bus Terminal Austurstræti 14 Þingholtsstræti 1 Suðurlandsbraut 12 Tryggvagata 8 Hotel Reykjavík Centrum Lækjargata 8 Laugavegur 72 Geirsgata 1 Katrínartún 5 Laugavegur 53b Tryggvagata 11 Bankastræti 7a Bankastæti 2 Geirsgata 9 Hverfisgata 10 Pósthússtræti 2 Hagatorg Hótel Reykjavík Natura Aðalstræti 4 Mýrargata 2 Kex Hostel Hótel Reykjavík Centrum Hotel Nordica Hotel Nordica

565 8050 445 4445 511 2700 555 8845 514 8000 552 1288 551 1020 562 7335 562 3838 511 1118 514 6060 578 8555 551 6131 511 1888 575 7575 511 3350 511 1118 562 3232 551 4430 519 5050 580 0101 599 1050 525 9900 444 4050 595 8600 560 8080 561 6060 514 6000 444 5050 444 5050 * must reserve

44 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

Christmas

at The English Pub

Live M Music usiic Every Night And Live Football All Christmas Christm istm mas

Open on Christmas day ffrom 15.00 – 01.00 and on 26 December from 11.00 – 04.30

New w Years Y Eve Party att T The he English Pub! No Entrance Fee! Open all day

AUSTURSTRÆTI 12 • 101 REYKJAVÍK • TEL. 578 0400 ENSKIBARINN@ENSKIBARINN.IS

MUSEUM OPENINGS DECEMBER 23RD Árbæjarsafn - Open Air Museum Kópavogur Art Museum - Gerðarsafn Reykjavík Art Museum - Ásmundarsafn Reykjavík Art Museum - Hafnarhúsið Reykjavík Art Museum - Kjarvalsstaðir Reykjavík Museum of Photography Saga Museum The Maritime Museum The National Gallery The National Museum The Settlement Exhibition The Phallological Museum Volcano House

Guided tour 13:00 11:00-17:00 13:00-17:00 10:00-17:00 10:00-17:00 12:00-19:00 10:00-18:00 10:00-17:00 11:00 - 17:00 11:00-17:00 10:00-17:00 11:00-18:00 10:00-21:00

DECEMBER 24TH Árbæjarsafn - Open Air Museum Reykjavík Art Museum - Hafnarhúsið Saga Museum The National Museum The Settlement Exhibition Volcano House

Guided tour 13:00 10:00-14:00 10:00-14:00 11:00-12:00 10:00-14:00 10:00-16:00

DECEMBER 25TH Saga Museum Volcano House

12:00-18:00 12:00-21:00

DECEMBER 26TH Reykjavík Art Museum - Ásmundarsafn Reykjavík Art Museum - Hafnarhúsið Reykjavík Art Museum - Kjarvalsstaðir Saga Museum The Maritime Museum The National Museum The Phallological Museum The Settlement Exhibition Volcano House

13:00-17:00 13:00-17:00 13:00-17:00 10:00-18:00 12:00-17:00 11:00 - 17:00 11:00-16:00 12:00-17:00 10:00-21:00

DECEMBER 31ST Árbæjarsafn - Open Air Museum Reykjavík Art Museum - Hafnarhúsið Reykjavík Museum of Photography Saga Museum The Maritime Museum The Phallological Museum The Settlement Exhibition Volcano House

Guided tour 13:00 10:00-14:00 10:00-14:00 10:00-18:00 10:00-14:00 11:00-16:00 10:00-14:00 10:00-16:00

JANUARY 1ST Reykjavík Art Museum - Hafnarhúsið Saga Museum The Settlement Exhibition Volcano House

46 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

13:00-17:00 12:00-18:00 12:00-17:00 12:00-21:00

www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

CHECK OUT THE NEW

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM C O M P R I S I N G 5 TO P M U S E U M S :

Árbær Open Air Musem

The Settlement Exhibition

Reykjavík Maritime Museum

Viðey Island

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

More information in the holiday event calendar.

THERMAL POOLS Nothing beats a soak in the hot tub in the winter darkness with steam wafting up from the geothermal heated water and the stars twinkling above.

Sure, it can take a bit of effort to run out into the cold, wearing only your swimsuit, but once you’re immersed in that silky warm water it is completely worth it. The capital area boasts 16 public pools that are open almost every day during the holidays. The largest of the pools, Laugardalslaug, is only closed for one day during the Christmas season.

Here are the opening hours of the ones in Reykjavík during the holidays.

ÁRBÆJARLAUG December 23th December 24th December 25th December 26th December 31st January 1st

06:30-18:00 08:00-12:30 Closed 12:00-18:00 08:00-12:30 Closed

BREIÐHOLTSLAUG December 23th 06:30-18:00 December 24th 08:00-12:30 December 25th-26th Closed December 31st 08:00-12:30 January 1st Closed

48 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

GRAFARVOGSLAUG December 23th 06:30-18:00 December 24th 08:00-12:30 December 25th-26th Closed December 31st 08:00-12:30 January 1st Closed

KLÉBERGSLAUG December 23th December 24th December 25th-26th December 31st January 1st

11:00-15:00 10:00-12:30 Closed 10:00-12:30 Closed

LAUGARDALSLAUG December 23th December 24th December 25th December 26th December 31st January 1st

06:30-18:00 08:00-12:30 Closed 12:00-18:00 08:00-12:30 12:00-18:00

SUNDHÖLLIN December 23th 06:30-18:00 December 24th 08:00-12:30 December 25th-26th Closed December 31st 08:00-12:30 January 1st Closed

VESTURBÆJARLAUG December 23th 06:30-18:00 December 24th 08:00-12:30 December 25th-26th Closed December 31st 08:00-12:30 January 1st Closed

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS IN DECEMBER IN REYKJAVÍK AND NEIGHBOURHOOD DECEMBER 1ST MONDAY CHRISTMAS PRELUDE WITH SVANUR BRASS BAND 20:00 @ Harpa Admission: 2900 kr

DECEMBER 3RD WEDNESDAY

CHRISTMAS JOY WITH VOCAL PROJECT – ICELAND’S POP CHOIR AND PÁLL ÓSKAR 20:00 @ Harpa Admission: 4500 kr

DECEMBER 5TH FRIDAY BORGARDÆTUR

O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL – SCHOLA CANTORUM ADVENT

22:00 @ Café Rosenberg Admission: 5300 kr

12:00 @ Hallgrímskirkja Admission: 2000 kr

STEFÁN HILMARS’ CHRISTMAS CONCERT

LÍÐUR AÐ HELGUM TÍÐUM

20:30 @ Salurinn Admission: 5900 kr

20:30 @ Hallgrímskirkja Admission: 4000 kr

DECEMBER 4TH THURSDAY

GISSUR & ÁRNI’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT 20:30 @ Museum House Admission: 2900 kr

ADVENT CONCERT 19:30 @ Harpa Admission: 2400-6900 kr

DECEMBER 6TH SATURDAY

BORGARDÆTUR

BORGARDÆTUR

21:00 @ Café Rosenberg Admission: 5300 kr

22:00 @ Café Rosenberg Admission: 5300 kr

50 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

IN DULCI JUBILO CHRISTMAS CONCERT WITH HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA MOTET CHOIR 17:00 @ Hallgrímskirkja Admission: 3500 kr CHRISTMAS PEARLS 6 20:00 @ Seljakirkja Admission: 2900 kr SIGGA BEINTEINS CHRISTMAS CONCERT 20:00 @ Harpa Admission: 5990-8990 kr STEFÁN HILMARS

IN DULCI JUBILO CHRISTMAS CONCERT WITH HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA MOTET CHOIR 20:00 @ Hallgrímskirkja Admission: 3500 kr

20:30 @ Salurinn Admission: 5900 kr

DECEMBER 7TH SUNDAY IN DULCI JUBILO CHRISTMAS CONCERT WITH HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA MOTET CHOIR 17:00 @ Hallgrímskirkja Admission: 3500 kr

DECEMBER 10TH WEDNESDAY CHRISTMAS CONCERT: THE PASTRY BOYS! 20:00 @ Harpa Admission: 4900 kr See event on December 9th.

KRISTJÁN JÓHANNSSON 20:00 @ Harpa Admission: 5700-11300 kr THE REYKJAVÍK CHAMBER ORCHESTRA‘S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT 17:00 @ Harpa Admission: 3500 kr PÁLL ÓSKAR & MONICA 17:30/20:30 @ Háteigskirkja Admission: 2900 kr

BORGARDÆTUR 22:00 @ Café Rosenberg Admission: 5300 kr

DECEMBER 11TH THURSDAY BORGARDÆTUR 21:00 @ Café Rosenberg Admission: 5300 kr STEFÁN HILMARS 20:30 @ Salurinn Admission: 5900 kr

BORGARDÆTUR’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT 20:00 @ Salurinn í Kópavogi Admission: 4900 kr

DECEMBER 9TH TUESDAY CHRISTMAS CONCERT: THE PASTRY BOYS! 20:00 @ Harpa Admission: 4900 kr

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 51

Try something different this Christmas

Create your adventure at What’s On, Laugavegi 4

TOURIST INFORMATION AND BOOKING CENTER

LAUGAVEGUR 4, REYKJAVÍK WWW.WHATSON.IS

DECEMBER 12TH FRIDAY

DECEMBER 14TH SUNDAY

CHRISTMAS ORGAN CONCERT WITH A WORLD RENOWNED ORGANIST

ICELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT

20:00 @ Hallgrímskirkja Free Entrance

14:00/16:00 @ Harpa Admission: 2000-2800 kr

BAGGALÚTUR 2014

REYKJAVÍK’S MEN CHOIR

17:00 @ Háskólabíó Admission: 6990 kr

17:00/20:000 @ Hallgrímskirkja Admission: 4900 kr

STEFÁN HILMARS

BAGGALÚTUR 2014

20:30 @ Salurinn Admission: 5900 kr

17:00/21:00 @ Háskólabíó Admission: 6990 kr

DECEMBER 13TH SATURDAY ICELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT 14:00/16:00 @ Harpa Admission: 2000-2800 kr REYKJAVÍK’S MEN CHOIR 17:00 @ Hallgrímskirkja Admission: 4900 kr

BROTHER GRASS AND GUESTS 22:00 @ Café Rósenberg Admission: 3200 kr

DECEMBER 15TH MONDAY KK & ELLEN 21:00 @ Fríkirkjan Admission: 5590 kr

DECEMBER 16TH TUESDAY

FÓSTBRÆÐUR MEN CHOIR 17:00 @ Harpa Admission: 3000 kr

BORGARDÆTUR

CHRISTMAS WITH BROTHER GRASS AND GUESTS 21:00 @ Café Rósenberg Admission: 3200 kr

21:00 @ Café Rosenberg Admission: 5300 kr X-MAS 20:00 @ Gamla Bíó Admission: 977 kr

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 53

DECEMBER 17TH WEDNESDAY BORGARDÆTUR 21:00 @ Café Rosenberg Admission: 5300 kr SIGRÍÐUR THORLACISUS AND SIGURÐUR GUÐMUNDSSON 18:00/21:00 @ Harpa Admission: 4990-7990 kr KATLA AND BARTÓNAR WOMEN’S CHOIR 20:00 @ Austurbær Admission: 1990 kr

DECEMBER 18TH THURSDAY BORGARDÆTUR 21:00 @ Café Rosenberg Admission: 5300 kr

DECEMBER 19TH FRIDAY MOZART BY CANDLELIGHT 21:00 @ Hafnafjarðarkirkja Admission: 2500 kr BAGGALÚTUR 2014 17:00 @ Háskólabíó Admission: 6990 kr

54 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

EITTHVAÐ FALLEGT 20:00/22:30 @ Fríkirkjan Admission: 3500 kr 3 RADDIR AND BEATUR 22:00 @ Café Rosenberg Admission: 3500 kr

DECEMBER 20TH SATURDAY MOZART BY CANDLELIGHT 21:00 @ Kópavogskirkja Admission: 2500 kr Camerarctica plays music by Mozart

by Candlelight.

KK & ELLEN 17:00 @ Bæjarbíó Admission: 5590 kr REGÍNA ÓSK 17:00 @ Árbæjarkirkja Admission: 2500 kr 3 RADDIR AND BEATUR

BAGGALÚTUR 2014 17:00 @ Háskólabíó Admission: 6990 kr REGÍNA ÓSK 17:00 @ Árbæjarkirkja Admission: 2500 kr

DECEMBER 22ND MONDAY MOZART BY CANDLELIGHT 21:00 @ Dómkirkjan Admission: 2500 kr

DECEMBER 23RD TUESDAY

21:00 @ Café Rosenberg Admission: 3500 kr

BUBBI MORTHENS ÞORLÁKSMESSU CONCERT

GLEÐI OG FRIÐARJÓL

16:00/21:00 @ Harpa Admission: 4990-6990 kr

17:00/21:00 @ Harpa Admission: 5990-8990 kr FRÁ LJÓSANNA HÁSAL 16:00/20:00 @ Grafarvogskirkja Admission: 5990 kr

DECEMBER 21ST SUNDAY MOZART BY CANDLELIGHT 21:00 @ Garðakirkja Admission: 2500 kr Camerarctica plays music by Mozart

by Candlelight.

KK & ELLEN 21:00 @ Grafarvogskirkja Admission: 5590 kr

ÁRSTÍÐIR IN FRÍKIRKJAN 16:00/21:00 @ Fríkirkjan Admission: 2900 kr Annual christmas concert with the band Árstíðir.

DECEMBER 28TH SUNDAY SCHOLA CANTORUM‘SCHRISTMAS CONCERT 17:00 @ Hallgrímskirkja Admission: 3500 kr

DECEMBER 30TH TUESDAY PEARLS OF ICELANDIC SONG NEW YEAR’S CONCERTS 17:00 @ Harpa Admission: 3990 kr

DECEMBER 31ST WEDNESDAY FESTIVE SOUNDS AT THE TURN OF THE YEAR 17:00 @ Hallgrímskirkja Admission: 3500 kr

56 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING There are endless possibilities when it comes to finding cool decorations, souvenirs, or that perfect Christmas present for your special someone.

The centre of Reykjavík has a host of specialty boutiques where you will most certainly find something unique. While the main shopping streets are Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, make sure you don’t forget the number of small

58 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

shops and boutiques that are hidden in the area around the old harbour.

The Christmas Market in the centre of Reykjavík town is always a delight, as is the Christmas Village in the town of Hafnarfjörður, located 20 minutes from the centre of Reykjavík by car (bus no. 1). As we realize and understand that the selection is vast – we’ve attempted to help you out by highlighting some of our favorites in varied categories in order to help you with your Christmas shopping.

ICELANDIC DESIGN Iceland has an abundance of wonderful designers, whose work reflect sustainability, myths, diverse natural phenomena, fond memories of nature, and much, much more.

Here are a few places that feature Icelandic designers and will almost certainly have something to wrap with a bow and put under the tree.

WOOLEN WARMTH The hottest fashion item and probably the most popular Christmas gift in Iceland this year is the good Old Icelandic “Lopi” sweater. Knitting has been a huge trend in Iceland over the last few years, and the traditional lopi sweater has received a major facelift. These days designers and regular Icelanders alike are turning out perfect sweaters of every conceivable size, shape and colour.

Here are a few shops that offer a good selection of this lovely and ohso traditional Icelandic staple:

THE GREAT OUTDOORS If there was ever a place in the world well suited for buying outdoor clothing, Iceland is it. Throughout the centuries the Icelandic people have had to brave the elements, and their very survival has depended on being adequately dressed.

For the longest time the Icelandic sheep was the main provider of that sort of protection, but as other materials came available, Icelandic

designers have leapt at the chance to create different forms of protective clothing. Today, of course, protection is matched with style, with truly excellent results.

On December 23rd shops stay open until 23:00 and families flock to the centre of Reykjavík.

Laugavegur is closed to traffic and bars and cafés are packed with people imbibing some Christmas cheer with their friends and loved ones. Most people have finished their Christmas preparations by then, though there are always a few still running from shop to shop, desperately trying to lay their hands on those perfect presents.

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 59

FASHION AND STYLE Fashion is an art form in Iceland and it is hard not to be drawn into the stores while window-shopping.

Icelandic designers have been making waves domestically and abroad for several years, and many have now set up their own boutiques in the Laugavegur / Skólavörðustígur area. What better souvenir or present to take home than a unique fashion item that will turn heads wherever you go? And just to make sure you don’t land in the belly of the Yule Cat, here are some great options when it comes to finding something new to wear.

FROSTY JEWELRY Iceland’s arts and crafts scene is proof positive that the colder the climate, the more creative the people.

Our jewelry designers each have their own distinctive flair – some choosing to turn out bold, raw, chunky pieces, while others prefer ornaments as delicate and fragile as flowers in a black Icelandic desert. Whatever your personal preference, you are sure to find something to delight or impress.

60 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

HEALTH AND BEAUTY A new organic awareness is currently sweeping the Icelandic nation, manifesting in a wave of new products made from herbs gathered in Iceland’s pristine nature. A vast selection of domestically produced cosmetics and beauty products now exists, available in gift-, health- and tourist shops. Whether as a special treat for yourself or as a gift, it’s hard to go wrong with a health or beauty product from pure Icelandic nature. Check out brands like BlueLagoon, Villimey, Sóley and SIF Cosmetics.

SHOPPING SCHEDULE LAUGAVEGUR & THE DOWNTOWN AREA

SMÁRALIND

December 13th

11-18

December 14th

13-18

December 15th-17th

10-18

December 18th-20th

10-22

December 21st

13-22

December 22th

10-22

December 23rd

10-23

December 24th

10-12

December 25th-26th

Closed

December 31st January 1st

10-12 Closed

Please note that information about opening hours is subject to change.

December 13th 11-22 December 14th 13-22 December 20th 11-22 December 21st 13-22 December 23rd 11-23 December 24th 10-13 December 25th-26th Closed December 31st 11-13 January 1st Closed

KOLAPORTIÐ FLEA MARKET Weekends 11:00-17:00

KRINGLAN December 13th 10-22 December 14th 13-22 December 20th 10-22 December 21st 13-22 December 23rd 10-23 December 24th 10-13 December 25th-26th Closed December 31st 10-13 January 1st Closed

TAX-FREE SHOPPING Don’t forget, when you buy merchandise that costs 4.000 ISK or more, you’ll get 15% off. Claim your refund at e.g: ITA service desk, Aðalstræti 2, Keflavik Intl. Airport.

62 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

Bankastræti 2, 101 Reykjavík Tel: (+354) 551 4430 info@laekjarbrekka.is www.laekjarbrekka.is

Let’s be friends!

/laekjarbrekka

happy holidays

Amtmannsstíg • 101 Reykjavík • 561 3303 • www.torfan.is

vurl.is/i

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES FIRST THINGS FIRST One of the first things you’ll realize upon experiencing your first winter in Iceland is that a) it’s more or less dark all the time and b) it’s not nearly as cold as one might have expected. Sure it’s cold, and sometimes really cold, but a lot of the time it’s very reasonable and the name proves quite deceptive.

Now, winter time in Iceland is a completely different beast than summer. The nature changes costumes and while still being incredibly impressive, it’s somehow on a different scale. Everything is

64 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

grander in a way and at times the atmosphere is quite ominous.

Travelling Iceland during winter requires taking much care, in particular because the weather has the tendency to change. Fast. On a perfectly regular Sunday morning, it’s not unusual to experience a hailstorm, followed by blinding sunlight, followed by sleet, followed by a freak blizzard, followed by a complete calm followed by torrential rain. All within an hour.

So let’s be careful while travelling yeah?

GOT IT – NOW WHAT? Having put safety first, we’re now free to explore the numerous options for activities, tours and excursions available in Iceland during the winter season!

There really is something for everyone when it comes to options from Reykjavík. Whether you’re looking for nature and scenery, or some thrilling action, it’s all within day’s reach from the capital city of Iceland.

A typical holiday might see you visit a glacier for a short walk, walk

behind a waterfall, see a spouting hot spring, riding a snowmobile on another glacier and gaze at Northern Lights somewhere way in the middle of nowhere in just two days. Then you might go horseback riding or whale watching before ending the day with a relaxing bath in the serene Blue Lagoon.

And that’d mean you’d done around 5% of what’s available during a winter break in Iceland!

The options are endless!

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 65

THE AMAZING NORTHERN LIGHTS The northern lights are truly a spectacular phenomenon, and although there is no way to ensure that you’ll see them on your trip, you can at least enlist the help of the locals who know best. Conditions need to be dark, preferably away from the city lights, and as for the weather, look for the three “C” of northernlights sighting: Cold, Crisp and Cloudless! The winter season happens to be prime for seeing the lights, but of course nothing can be guaranteed.

There are a number of northern lights tours available on www.whatson.is, where you can go by boat, bus or even a massive super jeep. Another thing to think about is making the most of the day by combining the northern lights hunt with another activity during the day. That ensures your time on the tour is always well spent and no one leaves without having an experience!

THE GOLDEN CIRCLE Probably the best known day tour in all of Iceland, the Golden Circle is a great classic, featuring some of the most impressive natural

66 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

beauties of the country. Geysir, the erupting hot spring is a sight to behold, one of the biggest geysers in the world, and yes, you guessed it, it’s the original geyser, leading to the name!

Close by is one if Iceland’s most powerful and immense waterfalls, Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, that’ll leave no one untouched.

The Golden Circle is then closed with the Thingvellir national park and old parliament site, where the tectonic plates of Europe and America meet, creating some stunning views. Thingvellir is also a world renowned diving site!

WELCOME

Happy

Holidays

Your Ticket to

Adventure Pe a rl

Tour

WOW NEW

Hot &

Express

Activity Tour

READY FOR SOME ACTION?

Ain’t no Cool m ntain ou high enough

HOT SPRING R & COOL GLACIE

SUPER JEEP FUN

Meet us at

We operate tours Bas e Camp all year around Special operation dates: December 24.

Express Pearl Tour & Meet us at BaseCamp

AWESOME

December 31.

Express Pearl Tour & Meet us at BaseCamp For more tour selection please visit www.mountaineers.is

Tel. (+354) 580 9900 ice@mountaineers.is www.mountaineers.is

SNOWMOBILING ON A GLACIER

GLACIER CLIMBING OR WALKING

This is a great opportunity for the adventure-seeking traveller who wants to explore a glacier first hand.

Snowmobiling has been one of Iceland’s most popular adventure activities for years and the reason is quite simple. Langjökull (the country’s second largest glacier) is only app. 2,5 hours drive from the capital city and tours run there every day, all year. Once there, you get a chance to experience the breathtaking Icelandic interior, views from the flanks of Langjökull from locations you can only access on specialized vehicles like snowmobiles.

Snowmobiling can furthermore be coupled with classic day tours such as the ever popular Golden Circle, allowing for some of Iceland’s most known natural pearls, as well as this thrilling activity.

For those looking for something physically strenuous, taking a walk on top of a glacier is sure to be a trip to remember. Iceland is unique in the sense that with just a couple of hours of drive you can be right on the verge of several immense glaciers.

Do keep in mind though, that going with an experienced guide is really the only smart way to experience the glaciers. On www.whatson.is you’ll find several very interesting glacier walks of different difficulties and lengths. A glacial climb is not for the feint hearted, but it’ll be an adventure to remember! The “lesser” version of climbing a glacier wall, is of course simply taking a walk, which is more accessible and more for the everyday man, while yet being a great experience to be remembered!

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 69

STEFÁN BOGI GOLD- AND SILVERSMITH

METAL DESIGN SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍG 2 www.metaldesignReykjavík.is METALDESIGNReykjavík ...

THE SOUTH SHORE Offering some of Iceland’s most beautiful scenery, the South Coast is a heavily recommended tour for all visitors. In this trip you’ll explore some striking waterfalls, touch upon volcanic black sand beaches, touch and see a glacier and go to the southernmost point of Iceland, before ending at a quaint little local village, Vík, with its incredible beach.

IN TOWN ACTIVITIES There are of course also countless things to do within the city limits.

Visiting one of the countless museums or the world class swimming pools are things everyone should be sure to check of their bucket list, and simply taking a day to stroll around the city is worth it.

HORSEBACK RIDING Not only is the Icelandic horse of different colour, it’s a horse of an entirely different genetic make-up.

Having been bred in almost perfect isolation for over 1000 years, this breed of horse is markedly different than the horses you’ll find anywhere else in the world. Small and extremely

well-tempered, the Icelandic horse is known for its unique gait the “tölt”, an unusual gait where the horse seems to crouch down and slide over rough landscape like lava fields. You’ll find a variety of tours on www.whatson.is for all levels of expertise as well as a perfect opportunity to test drive the “tölt”.

WHALE WATCHING Observing the giants of the ocean is a profound experience you really shouldn’t miss. Even though it’s the middle of the winter, you can still book a whale watching tour straight from Reykjavík with a pickup service right to your hotel. Just make sure you’re dressed warmly and enjoy the ride! Varied tours available on www.whatson.is.

This guy wants to see you this Christmas!

Your complete guide to Christmas in Iceland | 71

TOP 10 DECEMBER ACTIVITIES 01

Star gaze and soak in one of the 16 thermal pools in the Reykjavík capital area.

02

Revel in a Reykjavík winter: be dazzled by the multi-coloured Christmas lights, skate on Tjörnin lake or at the Skating Hall in Laugardalur.

03 04

Shop Icelandic design taxfree. Who can resist that?

Go crazy on New Year’s with tons of fireworks or ask a local for the nearest location of a typical Icelandic New Years bonfire.

05

Get spoiled in the almost surreal environment at the Blue Lagoon. They have a great selection of spa treatments.

72 | Reykjavik Christmas Guide

06

Stop at one of the many coffee houses for a warm drink or at any of Reykjavík’s great restaurants for the traditional Christmas Buffet.

07

Go horseback riding through picturesque valleys and rocky lava fields on the unique Icelandic horse.

08

Start a snowball fight and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the unforgettable northern lights.

09

Watch the whales while snacking on punch and traditional Icelandic biscuits.

10

Experience Viking times at one of the capital area’s many museums.

WE’LL TAKE YOU THERE! ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND BOOK NOW

on www.re.is

at your reception

Free WiFi

Northern Lights Tours!

RE-62

Northern Lights Tour SRE-63

Highlands Northern Lights Tour SRE-64

Warm Baths & Cool Lights!

SRE-95

The Horse Theater & Northern Lights

EXPERIENCE A GREAT EVENING WITH US! More tours available on our website www.re.is

AND IN OUR BROCHURES!

Only available in

DECEMBER SRE-99

Reykjavík Christmas Walk & Gullfoss, Geysir & Þingvellir

R O

BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík •

+ 354 580 5400 • main@re.is • www.re.is

WOR N OU T F OR C E N T U R I E S

– Visit our stores: 101 Reyk jav í k , A k u rey r i a nd G ey si r, Hau k ad a l . w w w.gey si r.com –