What's On in Reykjavik - December 2017

DECEMBER 2017 IN REYKJAVÍK

REYKJAVIK’S LEADING GUIDE TO INFORMATION, EVENTS, MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES SINCE 1982.

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WHAT'S ON

ON THE COVER DECEMBER IN REYKJAVIK 6-23

CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND 24-49 REYKJAVÍK CITY MAP 50-51 RVK MUSEUM WALK

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EVENTS 54-73 ART & CULTURE

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PUBS & NIGHTLIFE

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SHOPPING & STYLE

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FOOD & DRINK

90-95

PRACTICAL INFO

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It’s the biggest festival in Iceland and even though the actual celebrations take place December 24th (at precisely 6 pm, more on that on p. 24), the Christmas festivities really begin as early as the fourth Sunday before Christmas, the first day of the Advent. Expect jolly Christmas music, hustle and bustle in Reykjavík’s shopping streets and Christmas markets, and a constant smell of tasty delights ready to tickle your taste buds.

As early as December 1st, you have to dig me out of a pile of candy canes, twinkly lights and laufabrauð if you need me but I acknowledge that not everyone is as excited about a whole month of Christmas as I am. If you’re one of those people, don’t fret. There’s an easy solution. Just get out of town! Spend your days out in the countryside gazing at waterfalls in icy cages, soaking in warm pools on starry nights and, if you’re lucky, staring at the northern lights.

What's On - Volume 35 – Issue 12

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Publisher: Sigurþór Marteinn, sm@whatson.is Editor: Gréta Sigríður Einarsdóttir, greta@whatson.is Content Writers: The What’s On Team Ad Sales: Reynir Elís Þorvaldsson, reynir@whatson.is

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Are you feeling the Christmas spirit yet?

Don’t worry, you will. A day or two spent in Reykjavík in December is enough to have even the grinchiest of Scrooges sipping mulled wine and whistling Christmas carols as they wrap up the last of the Christmas presents.

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WHAT’S ON

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2017

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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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DECEMBER CHECKLIST There are loads of things to do for entertainment in Reykjavik this month!

Here are a few “must-do’s” you can try out.

You can find checklists from past months at whatson.is

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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Try laufabrauð! Or Hangikjöt! Or any other traditional christmas treat you run into.

It’s the darkest month of the year, the perfect opportunity to see some Northern Lights!

Go skating! Ingólfstorg square is transformed into a festive ice rink this December!

Visit a Christmas Market! The one in Hafnarfjörður is nice, you can even catch a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

Go swimming! There’s nothing like soaking in a steaming hot tub on a cold winter evening.

Check out some Christmas concerts!

Get some fireworks! New Year’s Eve is coming up!

THE HOME OF ICELANDIC SEAFOOD AND LAMB APOTEK Kitchen+Bar is a casual-smart restaurant located in one of Reykjavíks most historical buildings. We specialize in fresh seafood and local ingredients prepared with a modern twist.

APOTEK KITCHEN+BAR

Austurstræti 16

101 Reykjavík

apotek@apotekrestaurant.is

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WHAT’S ON

SKYR

ICELAND‘S SECRET TO HEALTHY LIVING 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 lifeexpectancy 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 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.

KEA SKYR WITH VANILLA

For more information on skyr, visit skyr.is

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.

MS SKYR.IS WITH DARK CHOCOLATE AND VANILLA Skyr producers have been experimenting with new flavours in skyr while still keeping it as nutritious as possible. One of the more recent additions is the dark chocolate and vanilla flavour.

ICELAND’S SECRET TO HEALTHY LIVING

HIGH PROTEIN – FAT FREE

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WHAT’S ON

THE ICELANDIC

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.

VÍKING CLASSIC Víking Classic is a Vienna style beer with golden amber colour and taste of roasted malt.

It has a good body and medium bitterness with balancing sweetness and a hint of caramel.

The name might seem a bit presumptuous as this classic has only been in production for a few years, but it’s in fact named after the Danish “Classic” style of beer. Víking Classic is available in draught, bottles and cans and is part of the Víking beer family which is the most popular beer brand in Iceland.

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

Along with the hops, it uses Pilsen malt and under-fermented 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. Brío 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.

VÍKING STOUT

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Viking stout is pitch black, reminiscent of cocoa and coffee with a smoothly roasted aftertaste.

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This is one of the first stouts made in Iceland. Only brewed from the finest ingredients, Víking stout is unfiltered and has a distinctly smoky aftertaste. It’s recently had its look revamped along with the other Víking craft beers. The labels now carry graphic designs that interpret events and traditions from the Viking age. The pitch black stout’s label fittingly evokes images of the ravens of Flóki, the Viking traveller who named Iceland.

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 brew-master 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.

Icelandic Christmas Beers On December 15th every year, Iceland gets into the holiday spirit with seasonal beers.

These festive drinks are a bit darker and stronger than your everyday lagers. We’ve compiled a list of some unmissable Icelandic brewed Christmas beers for you to try out during your stay!

WHAT’S ON

BEER EXPERIENCE

ICELANDIC WINTER ALE Einstök’s Winter ale is a bold drink, but it seems like their effort to bottle the taste of winter has paid off here in a festive seasonal ale. Spicy, citrusy, and with more than a distinct aroma of pine needles, this winter ale almost demands to be drunk besides a roaring fire while blizzard rages outside but in a pinch, some candlelight and a healthy dose of Christmas spirit will do.

FAGNAÐARERINDIÐ Bryggjan brewery is a relatively new brewer on the scene and this is the second time they sell a special Christmas beer. The name Fagnaðarerindið is biblical in origin, meaning the gospel, as in the one you spread when you go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere. This Belgian Dubbel is probably best served on tap at the Bryggjan restaurant and bar, preferably alongside some delicious dishes from their menu.

JÓLA KALDI

GILJAGAUR For the more seasoned beer drinkers comes Borg’s finest, Giljagaur. Named after the mischievous Yule Lad, Giljagaur was known for hiding in cowsheds and stealing the foam off the milk. His memory is celebrated with a strong 10% barleywine that promises an especially festive character with a perfect blend of British and American hops. Be sure to save some for the trip home, the longer you keep Giljagaur, the better it’ll taste.

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Kaldi is becoming an established brewery and their Christmas beer has been on the market for some years now, or since 2008 to be exact. It’s a classic Christmas beer, or as close to it as you get as there really is no real consensus on what constitutes a Christmas beer. But Jóla Kaldi is a bit darker than the most common lager beers and a bit higher ABV, along with a malty, spicy and orangey flavour, marking it as a seasonal favourite.

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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 – 85km2. It still isn‘t close to matching Laki. That eruption produced 370 km2 of lava in only 50 days!

All photos provided by the Volcano House

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

AN ICELANDIC VOLCANO IS THE REASON FOR DEMOCRACY AS WE KNOW IT

WHAT’S ON

5 FACTS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT ICELANDIC VOLCANOES

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

1/3 OF ALL THE EARTH’S FRESH LAVA ORIGINATED IN ICELAND!

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

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 are on the same scale as

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.

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 December 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 brandnew land from the beginning, and the information gained has been invaluable to scientists.

THE FINEST BEER & WHISKY SELECTION IN DOWNTOWN REYKJAVÍK

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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.

A number of events are hosted throughout the year. Every Sunday during the summertime there are concerts in the living room at 4pm.

The museum is open tuesdays to fridays from 10am – 16pm.

WHAT’S ON

GLJÚFRASTEINN

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 20 minute drive from Reykjavik.

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 Nobody 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

© Blue Lagoon

© Megan Whittaker, Elding

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?

IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR A LITTLE LUXURY Even if you’re only in Iceland for a short time, that doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time on a bus. If a day of luxurious pampering is more appealing, look no further than the Blue Lagoon. The turquoise blue waters of this most famous tourist destination in Iceland make for a divinely soothing and relaxing experience. It doesn’t hurt that you can book all sorts of massages and treatments and get drinks straight to the lagoon. The Lava restaurant at the Blue Lagoon is also first class.

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IF YOU PREFER CITY STREETS TO HIKING TRAILS

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You don’t have to leave the city to experience Iceland.

Not only does Reykjavík offer a variety of great museums, restaurants, cafés, and shops, it also has spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the city, right from the city centre. If you’re staying in the city and want to get the most out of your time, invest in the City Card. It gives you access to all the city’s museums for free, as well as access to the thermal pools of Reykjavík, the Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo in Laugardalur, and allows you to use the Icelandic Bus (Strætó) within the Capital Region.

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.v

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, and ask the staff to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.

CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND

CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND

THE FEAST OF LIGHT AND PEACE Christmas in Iceland is the biggest celebration of the year. Perhaps this might have something to do with the dark days of winter and the fact that Christmas coincides with the winter solstice.

Whatever the reason, Christmas in Iceland is much more than just a day of celebration, there are thirteen of them, and that’s not even counting Christmas Eve!

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OVER THE TOP CELEBRATIONS

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Icelanders are a very Christmas-oriented nation. It’s no wonder really, the winter months are dark, cold and damp, so celebrating with pretty lights and lots of staying inside and eating is a no-brainer. In the good old days, when people lived in dark and cramped turfhouses half-buried in the ground, lived off the land and just tried their best not to freeze to death or get

lost in a blizzard during the winter months, the winter solstice was a cause for celebration. It made perfect sense to turn on the best candles they had, have the best meal possible and put on their best clothes during the darkest days of winter, because it meant that there were brighter days ahead.

The same mentality still applies, we celebrate with all our hearts the fact that we’ve reached the darkest point of winter and that from now on, each day will be just a little bit longer than the last, until, finally, summer comes again.

PREPARATION For most Icelanders, the time spent preparing for Christmas is no less important or magical than the actual event. During the last four weeks before

One tradition can certainly be said to be all Icelandic, eating fermented skate on December 23rd. Visitors to Iceland are often bewildered on this day by the foul odour surrounding the beautiful Christmas decorations in Reykjavik. This day is very important to many Icelanders and must not be underestimated as it is a vital part of the holidays.

FAMILY PARTIES

...AT PRECISELY 6 PM Why 6 pm you might ask? I’m pretty sure the answer most Icelandic people will give you is that it’s when the church clocks start chiming and the mass begins on the radio. Maybe that´s the time people believe Jesus was born, or “because my mom says so”, but it’s actually a bit more complicated than that.

Following a tradition inherited from the Jewish faith, the Christian liturgical day actually starts at sunset, not at midnight. Since the invention of the clock they settled the exact time at 6pm. That means technically, 6pm on Christmas Eve marks the beginning of Christmas day.

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Getting together with family is what this is all about.

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the Second Day of Christmas are usually packed with family events. That doesn’t mean Icelanders don’t use the holidays to go out as well. The bars are open longer than usual on the second day of Christmas, and the weekend between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is usually packed with concerts and parties. Last but not least is of course New Year’s Eve itself, when Icelanders go all out. Expect fireworks, glitter, parties and even more fireworks.

CELEBRATED ON DEC 24...

Christmas day in Iceland is a cosy affair, mostly spent wearing pyjamas all day and reading. Books are very important at Christmas in Iceland and probably the most common Christmas present in the country.

Most people read until the family party (mentioned above) starts. That’s because in Iceland, Christmas starts at Christmas Eve. At precisely 6 pm, families all around the country either sit down to a Christmas feast, followed by opening presents and vowing never to eat again, or sit down in church followed by the aforementioned activities.

CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND

Christmas, the Advent, people spend their time attending Christmas concerts, going Christmas shopping (a lengthy process that involves a lot of meeting relatives and acquaintances on the street), baking cookies and laufabrauð, and making sure their homes are decorated with brighter lights than their neighbours’.

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In most countries, one measly Santa Claus is considered quite enough. Icelanders, however, apparently favour quantity over quality and have an unruly group of thirteen Yule lads of troll ancestry roaming the mountains. If the Yule lads ever meet Santa, we’re guessing it’s only because he’s asking them nicely to please keep it down, he and Mrs. Claus are early risers - and incidentally, do they happen to know anything about the mysterious disappearance of all of Mrs. Claus’s sausages?

NAUGHTY OR NICE?

AND WHAT ABOUT THE PRESENTS? The Yule Lads arrive from the mountains one by one, just in time for Christmas. The first one arrives the night before December 12th and the last on the night before December 24th. At some point in history, they picked up the habit of giving small children gifts as soon as they arrived in town.

THE NAMES SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES The Yule lads are pranksters, but they don’t go in for just any old trick. They’ve specialised, which is reflected in their names.

The names are very descriptive and refer to their individual mischievous nature, which is further detailed in a popular 1932 poem by poet Jóhannes úr Kötlum.

For instance, Þvörusleikir translates as Spoonlicker; Hurðaskellir means Door-slammer; Gáttaþefur is DoorwaySniffer in English, and we also have, and this is no joke, Gluggagægir, which translates to Windowpeeper. If it makes you feel better, he’s only trying to locate laufabrauð he can steal.

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The first record of our Yule Lads dates to the 17th century, although the tales have changed a lot since then. The thirteen troll sons of Grýla and Leppalúði, Grýla’s third husband, were originally scary figures.

According to the stories, they live with their parents somewhere in the mountains outside of town, along with the Christmas cat. Sounds cosy, right? Well, it isn’t. The Christmas cat eats children who don’t get new clothes before Christmas while Grýla prefers to snack on naughty kids. The Yule lads have a less infanticidal reputation, limiting themselves to pranks and petty thievery. They’ve mellowed a lot through the years, and hardly steal anything really valuable these days.

The last 13 days before Christmas, children leave a single shoe on the windowsill in their room before going to bed and wake up to a little trinket from one of the lads, if they’ve been good, that is. Otherwise, they just get a potato. So the next time you wake up to a bearded and rough looking gentleman going through your shoes, just go back to sleep, he’s probably bringing you a present.

CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND

THE ICELANDIC YULE LADS

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Varma is available in various tourist shops around Iceland

www.arnartr.com

Varma is dedicated to maintaining Icelandic tradition in developing, designing and manufacturing quality garments and accessories from the best Icelandic wool and sheepskin shearling.

DO IT RIGHT!

The 23rd of December is the last day before Christmas in Iceland and the stress of getting everything done in time, the presents, the cards, the food, and the decorations, is beginning to get to people. It’s not all bad though because mixed in with the stress and the anxiety is a Christmassy sense of joy and a healthy dose of commiserating with friends and relatives. You’re all in the same boat!

gifts in October. But even those people come downtown on Þorláksmessa. Some people like to leave one last present unbought and others just take an shamelessly purposeless walk down Laugavegur. It’s the place to be, especially during the evening. So buy that last present, or just go get a beer or a cup of cocoa, but don’t miss out on the Þorláksmessa experience.

SKIP THE MALLS AND HEAD TO LAUGAVEGUR

I’ve saved the best for last. You thought this was going to be all nice walks down Laugavegur admiring the Christmas lights and drinking Christmas beer, didn’t you? Well, think again. An integral part of the Þorláksmessa experience is (I swear this is true) eating the most foul-smelling seafood Iceland has to offer, fermented skate. Fish with a cartilaginous skeleton, such as skate and shark, can be fermented in this way because of the high amount of naturally occurring chemicals that preserve the fish but cause it to stink in the process. Sounds appetising, right? If you’re interested, many restaurants in Reykjavík offer a skate buffet on Þorláksmessa (usually serving edible fish along with it, in case the skate turns out to be too offensive to your taste buds). Also, I’ve heard the taste is slightly better than the smell.

While Kringlan and Smáralind, the biggest shopping malls in Reykjavík, have plenty of great stores for most of your shopping needs, you just can’t beat the Christmassy atmosphere of this open-air shopping street in the city centre, lined with the colourful little houses Reykjavík is famous for. Plus, the hot chocolate tastes so much better when you come in from the cold.

COMMISERATE WITH YOUR FELLOW SHOPPERS

GO DOWNTOWN, EVEN IF YOU REALLY DON’T NEED TO GO SHOPPING! I may be exaggerating a tiny bit. There are people, or so I’ve heard, who have actually finished everything before Þorláksmessa, baked all the cookies, put up all the decorations, and probably finished wrapping all the

TRY SOME FERMENTED SKATE

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If you’re not fluent in Icelandic, it might be interesting for you to know that on Þorláksmessa you only really need to know one sentence to keep up a conversation.

Just say “Jæja, ertu búin að öllu?” (transl. So, have you done everything yet?). I guarantee the person you’re talking to will get a worried look on their face and start rattling off a list of everything they haven’t, in fact, done yet. All you have to do to keep up your half of the conversation is nod sympathetically every now and then and maybe throw in a cheery “Gleðileg jól” (Merry Christmas) before leaving.

CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND

ÞORLÁKSMESSA

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VISIT REYKJAVIK’S

LARGEST SHOPPING CENTRE FREE SHUTTLE BUS FROM CITY HALL Monday – Saturday To Kringlan Every hour 10 am – 5 pm Sundays: 1, 2, 3, 4 pm From Kringlan On the half hour 11:30 am – 4:30 pm Sundays: 2:30, 3:30, 4:30 pm

kringlan.is

#kringlaniceland

Food is a significant part of Christmas celebrations all over the world and Iceland is no exception. Every country has its own tradition and while trends and fashions can influence what families eat each year, there are some foodstuffs that just have to be a part of the experience or Christmas is ruined!

CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND

THE FESTIVAL OF OVEREATING MANDARIN ORANGES

GINGERBREAD COOKIES (PIPARKÖKUR) As if Christmas can be celebrated without pepper cakes? We, uh, mean Gingerbread Cookies! Pepper cakes is just a literal translation of their Icelandic name, despite the fact that they usually contain little to no pepper. Store-bought or home-made, they’re always fun to decorate with colourful frosting. Other popular Christmas cookies include buttery vanilla wreaths, a light and crunchy cocoa cookies called loftkökur (aircakes) and “mom cookies”, ginger cookies sandwiched together with buttercream. There used to be a time when the excellence of a homemaker was judged by the number of different types of cookies she made for Christmas. Anything less than five was a sign of inadequacy. Thankfully, we’re past that now. We think.

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There’s something so addicting about these juicy and sweet mini-oranges. Although mandarins are sold all year round, the fresh harvest coming into stores in November and December have the best-tasting fruit.

No wonder we associate Christmas with the sweet aroma of mandarins. While mandarins are the current Christmas fruit, they’ve only recently replaced apples as the holiday fruit of choice. They’re available all year today but older Icelanders still remember a time when apples were only imported around Christmas!

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CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND

LEAF BREAD (LEAF BREAD) Some traditions make more sense than others.

Eating delicious cookies around Christmas time?

Perfectly normal. Going to a Christmas buffet with your officemates? Fun and delicious.

Spending a whole day with several other people carving delicate patterns in thin and fragile flour cakes which are then deep-fried in boiling fat, and served with butter come Christmas Eve? Labour-intensive to the point of insanity. Laufabrauð or leaf bread, is very thin, pretty and subtly delicious. Today, you can get them from the store but many people still like to get together with family or friends and make them the old-fashioned way.

SMOKED LAMB (HANGIKJÖT)

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The traditional Icelandic Christmas dish at the start of the last century was “hangikjöt”. Directly translated to

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hanging meat, hangikjöt is simply smoked lamb and today, most people serve it on Christmas day. The salty delicacy is usually boiled and served with potatoes, white sauce similar to béchamel, and red cabbage from a jar.

Canned peas are also popular (for some reason).

MALT & APPELSÍN There’s a special drink almost every Icelandic household serves at Christmas. It’s non-alcoholic mixture of two soft drinks, Malt and Appelsín, produced by Iceland’s oldest soda factory, Ölgerðin. Appelsín is an Icelandic orange soda and Malt is, as the name suggests, a malt-based, non-alcoholic beer, dark brown and very sweet. There is some dispute over the correct way to mix it, Malt first or Appelsín first, dare we even suggest adding a splash of cola to the mix? The producer suggests an alphabetical mixing order, but if you want to err on the side of caution, it’s available premixed in cans in every respectable supermarket.

Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH THE LOCALS: PRICELESS Enjoy your stay in Iceland, where you are as welcome as your MastercardÂŽ

CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND

WHAT ARE YOU DOING

NEW YEAR'S EVE?

Christmas is great; some people even say it’s the best. But when Christmas Eve has come and gone, and you’ve been to all the family parties, eaten all the cookies and opened all the presents, what’s there to look forward to? New Year’s Eve, that’s what.

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Luckily, there is no need to despair on December 27th. New Year’s is still to come! If you are a kid (or a grown up with a moderate to severe interest in lighting fires), this evening can be just as fun as Christmas, but on a completely different level.

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A FAMILY AFFAIR – AT FIRST New Year’s Eve in Iceland is a very special event, and it‘s the party-night of the year. This might

not be completely clear in the early part of the evening, because many Icelanders start the night with a family dinner (turkey has become popular), followed by watching the annual comedy revue on television. Things only start to get going once they get their hands on some fireworks and start doing their best to blow up the neighbour‘s house just around midnight.

COME ON, BABY, LIGHT MY FIRE There is a reason for our burning desire to set things on fire, as there is an old superstition that says you have to burn away the old year to wake up on New Year’s day with a clean slate. Just in case the fireworks aren’t enough, we also have a New Year’s Eve bonfire. Since the bonfire promises to burn away the sins of the year gone by, you can imagine how popular it is. Most towns have one, of varying sizes, and Reykjavík even has 10 in separate neighbourhoods. The bonfires are usually lit at around 8.30 pm. That’s after dinner, but before the annual comedy revue on.

ÁRAMÓTASKAUPIÐ – THE ANNUAL COMEDY REVUE It’s a 50-minute comedy special satirising the year’s most prominent events, and it’s been on since 1966, which incidentally is the year the RÚV started broadcasting. Just how big of a deal is it?

Well, in 2002, 95% of the population was watching.

THE PARTY PART It might surprise you, but it‘s not until after midnight that the actual party gets started. After the fireworks have been lit and hot chocolate has been had with older family members, that’s when people put on their glitter hats, get their confetti bombs ready and head out, drink in one hand, and a lit sparkler in the other. House parties are popular, and downtown Reykjavík quickly starts filling up with eager partygoers.

ELVES AND HIDDEN PEOPLE There’s a fair bit of folklore dedicated to the beginning of a new year. According to tales, this is the night that the elves and hidden people move house, cows speak, and seals leave their seal skin and walk on land as men. While few people have a strong belief in stories of elves and trolls anymore, many people still make sure to leave at least one light on for the whole night, for the hidden people.

CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND

I’m guessing the other 5% were doctors and nurses on call, tending burn wounds, their patients, and maybe a bartender or two. I think there might be something broadcast on other stations, but I can’t be sure. I’ve never seen it at least. New Year’s Day conversations in Iceland are limited to discussions about what people thought of Skaupið, as it is affectionately known.

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EVERY TRIP IS AN ADVENTURE

EXIT THE CITY ENTER THE ADVENTURE WITH GEYSIR CAR RENTAL Geysir Car Rental is located in Geysirland Tourist Info at the Harpa Concert Hall.

Get free CDW insurance cover and Unlimited Milage on all rentals.

No one way fees and great prices.

Geysirland | Austurbakka 2 | 101 reykjavik | www.geysir.is | info@geysir.is | Tel +354 455 0001 /geysircarrental

CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND

ENJOY THE BEST OF REYKJAVÍK THIS CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS SPOTS AROUND TOWN The Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður, a small town just outside Reykjavík, has been getting people into the holiday spirit for the last 14 years. It will open on the 1st of December with the lighting of the Christmas tree on Thorsplan square and will be open on weekends and on the 23rd of December.

Experience the charming small-town atmosphere and chat with the local vendors. You can even get a ride in a horse-drawn carriage!

The Árbær Open Air Museum, which consists of several traditional homes, hosts their annual Christmas program every Sunday until Christmas.

It is a perfect stop for families who want to catch a glimpse of what Christmas used to be like in Iceland. There’s an Icelandic Christmas service in the museum church as well as the traditional singing and dancing around the Christmas Tree. Finally, there’s singing and dancing and the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads will entertain visitors.

Árbær Open Air Museum

The Christmas Forest in Heiðmörk is where many of Reykjavík’s inhabitants get their Christmas trees. On the weekends leading up to Christmas, a

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During the month of December, Reykjavík puts on its most charming face. Everywhere you go, you can expect Christmas markets, Christmas music and other Christmas events, and everything surface is covered with twinkly Christmas lights. If you’re wondering what to do in the city during the Advent, look no further!

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CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND

Christmas market is set up where vendors sell their wares, mostly hand-crafted items and artisanal foods. You can also expect Christmas concerts and entertainment for the kids.

wonderful concerts. The Hallgrímskirkja Motet choir and the Schola Cantorum chamber choir will put on Christmas concerts and the New Year’s Eve Festive Sound concert is not to be missed.

HOLIDAY CHEER IN THE CITY CENTRE

The Harpa concert hall is not only beautiful to look at, with its honecomb façade designed by Ólafur Elíasson, but their Christmas program has something for everyone. Some of Iceland’s most popular musicians put on their Christmas concerts and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra puts on their popular family Christmas concert, with guest performances from choirs, dancers and Barbara the clown.

Downtown Reykjavík is brimming with Christmas spirit. The city’s Christmas tree will be lit at Austurvöllur square on the first Sunday of the Advent.

Expect Christmas music and a visit from the Yule lads!

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Ingólfsvöllur, just around the corner from Austurvöllur, will be transformed into an ice skating rink again this Christmas season. Skating under Christmas lights is the perfect winter activity and you can hunt down the smell of the roasted almonds seller Möndlubásinn if you need to warm up afterward.

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Now that the downtown area finally has an outdoor swimming pool, you should head to Sundhöllin swimming pool and simmer in a hot tub (they will open their doors Dec. 3 after extensive renovations). You might even spot some Aurora Borealis if you’re lucky.

For fans of classical music, Hallgrímskirkja church, the city’s most recognisable landmark, hosts an array of

Head over to the foodie’s heaven at the Christmas square in Hljómalindarreiturinn for crépes, chocolate, Christmas songs, and those glorious roasted almonds.

It is just off the Laugavegur shopping street so you can make a stop there while you shop for Christmas presents and souvenirs from your trip to Iceland.

For dinner, we recommend trying a Christmas buffet at one of Reykjavík’s many fabulous restaurants. These buffet are laden with Christmas feasts

WINTER WONDERLAND If Christmas in the city isn’t up your alley, just get out of town! Taking a tour out to see some of Iceland’s stunning landscapes in their winter costume is highly recommended and who knows, you might even get to see some northern lights! Snowmobile tours have gotten increasingly popular in the last couple of years while the Northern Lights tours are always a solid option (you just can’t leave Iceland without seeing them).

Hallgrímskirkja

Pop into the What’s On visitor center on Laugavegur for more information about tours.

1–5 hours day tours for beginners to experienced riders.

In stunning nature only 15 minutes from Reykjavik!

Pre-booked pick up provided.

www.ishestar.is 555 7000

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CHRISTMAS MUSIC IN

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA

Hallgrímskirkja is the city’s most recognisable landmark. The church hosts a vast array of concerts and art exhibitions every year, and performers such as the Hallgrímskirkja Motet Choir and the Schola Cantorum chamber choir are among Iceland’s finest. During the month of December and the Christmas season, there are plenty of opportunities to witness beautiful performances in the stunning setting of the Hallgrímskirkja church.

This year, the popular Festive Sounds New Year’s Eve concert returns for not one but two performances.

The Festive Sounds concert has been an annual event since 1993 and is one of the most popular events in Hallgrímskirkja. The performance consists of three trumpets, timpani, and the Hallgrímskirkja organ. This year, newcomer Baldvin Oddsson will play alongside Eiríkur Örn Pálsson and Einar St. Jónsson on the trumpet, Eggert Pálsson on the timpani, and Hörður Áskelsson on the organ. On the

program are works by J.S. Bach, Albinoi and other masters of the baroque era. The concerts take place Saturday and Sunday, Dec 30-31.

Schola cantorum is Hallgrímskirkja’s magnificent chamber choir. Founded in 1996, the choir has made its mark on the Icelandic music scene by specialising in the music of the old masters of the renaissance as well as performing contemporary Icelandic music.

Their popular Advent lunch concerts return this year after a hiatus. On the program are lovely Christmas and Advent Choir pieces, including an arrangement by one of the choir members, alto Auður Guðjohnsen and Christmas carols by composer Hafliði Hallgrímsson. For more information, check out www.listvinafelag.is/en.

The Motet Choir Christmas concert is a big part of the Christmas preparation period for many of the choir’s fans. The program is ambitious and so are the decorations! Combined, they make for a joyous Christmas atmosphere and an uplifting experience.

The concert consists of holiday psalms as well as Icelandic and international Christmas music.

The choir will be accompanied by soloist Elmar Gilbertsson and Björn Steinar Sólbergsson on the organ.

Speaking of the organ, one of the most striking parts of Hallgrímskirkja is the Klais organ, the largest musical instrument in Iceland. It’s been the crowning jewel of Hallgrímskirkja since 1992 and its 25th anniversary will be celebrated Dec 13. The church’s organists will play the organ and chat about the role the organ has played in the church’s musical program for the past 25 years!

2017

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA

CHRISTMAS MUSIC FESTIVAL Christmas at LUNCHTIME with

SCHOLA CANTORUM THE KLAIS ORGAN 25TH ANNIVERSARY WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 13 AT 8 PM Organ concert to celebrate the Klais organ inaugurated on Dec 13th 1992.

Friday December 1 at 12 noon Friday December 8 at 12 noon Friday December 15 at 12 noon

Admission ISK 2500.

The outstanding chamber choir of Hallgrimskirkja performs beautiful advent- and Christmas music.

Björn Steinar Sólbergsson and Hörður Áskelsson organists at Hallgrímskirkja play the magnificent Klais organ of Hallgrímskirkja.

FREE ADMISSION.

Conductor Hörður Áskelsson.

THE MOTET CHOIR OF HALLGRIMSKIRKJA CHRISTMAS CONCERT Saturday December 9 at 5 pm - Sunday December 10 at 5 pm

FESTIVE SOUNDS

O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM

AT NEW YEARS EVE! December 30, Saturday 4.30 pm (EXTRA CONCERT) December 31, New Years Eve 4.30 pm Festive music for three trumpets, timpani and organ. Famous works by J.S.Bach (Toccata and fuge in d- minor), Albinoni (Adagio), Charpentier and more.

The Motet Choir of Hallgrímskirkja has for years brought joy to the people of Iceland during Christmas and the choir‘s annual Christmas concerts are a true highlight of the diverse array of christmas and advent concerts in Reykjavík in December.

Performers: The Hallgrimskirkja Motet Choir, Elmar Gilbertsson tenor, “Male Singer of the Year” at the Icelandic Music Award 2016, Björn Steinar Sólbergsson organist at Hallgrimskirkja.

Conductor Hörður Áskelsson, Music Director of Hallgrímskirkja.

Eiríkur Örn Pálsson, Einar St. Jónsson and Baldvin Oddsson trumpets, Eggert Pálsson timpani and Hörður Áskelsson organist at Hallgrimskirkja. The New Years 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 4.500 ISK.

Admission: ISK 5.900 / 4.900.

Hallgrímskirkja Friends of the Arts Society – 36th Year.

listvinafelag.is

Ticket sale at Hallgrímskirkja, tel. 510 1000 and online on MIDI.IS

WHAT’S ON

THE

NORTHERN LIGHTS

ARE BACK!

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The new season may be bringing the end of the bright summer nights, but never fear; The Northern Lights are here! The Aurora have been absent all summer long, as their faint light is no match for the midnight sun, but as the autumn equinox draws nearer, it’s now getting dark enough in the evenings that the Northern Lights are able to strut their stuff.

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Seeing the lights is a magical experience and we recommend seeking them out while you’re in Iceland.

However, there are a few things every Northern Lights hunter should keep in mind. The Northern Lights aren’t a reliable attraction and seeing them can be a matter of being in the right spot at the right time. It’s not all down to luck, however, as there are a few things you can do to maximise your chances of seeing the ethereal lights.

Different ways to see the Northern Lights:

GOING BY COACH:

GOING BY BOAT:

Cheap and effective – A Northern Lights tour by bus is a good way to see the lights if you’re not too concerned about a lot of people and simply travelling by bus. Perhaps not the best time if you don’t see anything – but it’s the cheapest option to see the lights, and gets the job done!

A great experience regardless of lights Going by boat and seeing the city from the sea at night, is in itself a great experience. The boat ride is a very good choice for those that want to ensure they get something out of their tour – even if no lights are found.

1 GET OUT OF TOWN

The city lights block the Northern Lights!

2 MAKE SURE IT’S DARK

Daylight and Northern Lights don’t go hand in hand!

WHAT’S ON

TOP 8 TIP S FOR THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

3 MAKE SURE THE SKY IS CLEAR

The Northern Lights appear way above the clouds!

4 GIVE IT TIME AND BE PATIENT!

The Northern Lights don’t come out by order – be patient and you might get lucky!

5 SIGHTINGS CAN NEVER BE GUARANTEED

So we’d recommend a tour that includes some great activity as well as Northern Lights hunt – so you won’t feel disappointed!

6 WEAR SOMETHING WARM

It can get seriously cold, especially when the sky is clear and you’re waiting for a long time.

7 KNOW YOUR CAMERA!

Taking photos with a flash won’t work. Ever. A tripod and long exposure are your friends!

Lie down on the ground. Look up. Enjoy!

For more information, check out www.whatson.is or stop by the What’s On information office

GOING BY SUPER-JEEP: Exclusive and thrilling – Going in a specially modified super-jeep on a hunt for the lights is a thrilling experience that’s fun and exciting.

Sights can of course never be guaranteed, but the off-road action of the super jeep make for a great adventure and the lights are just an added bonus.

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8 ENJOY IT!

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WHAT’S ON

NOR THERN LIGHT PHOTOGR APHY DOs AND DON'Ts DO have a relatively good camera with you that allows for easy and quick change of settings.

DON’T rule out taking a photo on your phone's camera.

DO have your ISO set to at least 800 and your aperture as low as it goes.

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DON’T forget your tripod! However little you think you move while waiting for your camera to take your picture, believe me, you always move a little and it’s enough to make your photos blurry.

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DO keep your shutter speed anywhere between 5 seconds to 30 seconds, although the optimal would be between 5-20 (30 is for very faint lights, basically).

DON’T go by boat! If you’re intent on getting photos, at least. The movement of the boat makes it impossible.

DO consider using continuous shooting so that while shooting the lights you don’t have to keep staring at them through your camera DON’T focus solely on your photographs and forget to be in the moment.

You don’t see the Northern Lights every day!

If you need any more information, check out www.whatson.is or stop by the What’s On information office at Laugavegur 5 and Tryggvagata 11.

ICELANDIC SEAFOOD makes world’s best sushi

SOCIALIZE WITH THE LOCALS

Our kitchen is open 17.00–23.00 sun.–thu.

17.00–24.00 fri.–sat.

The best of Icelandic produce with a nod to Japan and South America. Modern Icelandic flavours, share plates and award winning cocktails.

Sushi Social Þingholtsstræti 5 • 101 Reykjavík Tel 568 6600 • sushisocial.is

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Main sponsor:

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The Northern Light forecast can be found on en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/ but it is a little hard to decipher if you’ve never seen it before. Our handy guide should make things a little bit easier.

WHAT’S ON

HOW TO READ THE NORTHERN LIGHTS FORECAST

THE COLORS WHITE means NO CLOUDS, while DARK GREEN means VERY CLOUDY. The different shades of green then mean more, or less, cloudy.

GOING ON A TOUR? There are many tours taking you out of the bright city lights for a better chance of seeing the Aurora.

These tours will be CANCELLED if there is no chance of seeing the lights. All the major operators can be relied on to do this, first of all because there

is a high standard of professionalism in Iceland, but more importantly because they lose money if they take you out needlessly – most of them promise to take you out again for free if you don’t see anything.

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THE NUMBERS The numbers are a combination of how likely it is for the lights to be active and how active they will be. Don’t be discouraged if the number looks low, it’s actually very rare for the number to be higher than five. Also, take this with a grain of salt; a low number doesn't mean that they won't come out or won't be impressive, and a high number isn't a guarantee that they will be glorious all through the night.

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WHAT’S ON

REYKJAVIK Reykjavik 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.

1 | HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA Hallgrímskirkja church is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. It is the largest church and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland. The church tower offers a fantastic view of the city for the small price of 900ISK for adults or 100ISK for children. 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.

2 | PERLAN Standing at 25 metres, 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. Up on the fourth level, there is a 360 degree viewing platform where you can get the city's best panoramic views for a fee. During the day, the Perlan café is a nice place to get coffee or ice cream. Surrounding the Perlan is the Öskjuhlíð area, one of the many green spaces in Reykjavík, perfect for a walk on a sunny day.

Check out our centerfold map for the locations of these sights

3 | TJÖRNIN

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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 here. Due to its proximity to the Parliament building, 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.

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 11am-5pm, 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 DVD’s 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.

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

6 | HARPA The whole 28.000 square meters of Harpa stand at the edge of the Reykjavik 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, always, 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 co-operation with Ólafur Elíasson, an Icelandic artist, and opened to the public in 2011.

WHAT’S ON

SIGHTS TO SEE

7 | THE OLD HARBOUR It’s the first lasting harbour in Reykjavik, 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 (sushi and other seafood, tapas, burgers, etc.) and cafés. The atmosphere at the old harbour is friendly, the air is fresh and salty and there’s plenty of interesting activities to check out.

8 | THE SUN VOYAGER

Sólfarið 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 mount Esjan is every photographer’s dream.

9 | HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT Founded in 950 A.D, 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 but 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, outdoor children’s pool and paddling pool, two waterslides, numerous hot tubs, steam bath, gym, and 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

A beautiful sculpture of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula by Sæbraut, close to the Reykjavík centre. 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.

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

Sights

Tour Pick Ups

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WHAT’S ON

THE REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM WALK Reykjavík’s history reaches back for more than a thousand years and the city is rich with culture. This heritage can be experienced in the museums scattered throughout the city. To make life easier for you, here is a proposed Museum Walk that covers the best ones in downtown Reykjavik, all within a walking distance.

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VOLCANO HOUSE

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REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

The museum gives visitors an idea of the life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. Icelandic nature is in a state of constant flux, earthquakes occur daily somewhere in Iceland, and volcanic eruptions are always a possibility. Volcano House lets you experience the world of Icelanders by coming as close as possible to experiencing an eruption or earthquake for yourself. They also have a Volcano Show, which consists of two back-to-back documentaries on historical volcanic eruptions.

The museum’s main objective is to present both historical and con-temporary photography in an artistic, social and cultural context, as well as nurture public and scholarly interest in photography and its culture. The collection’s themes are diverse, you can find family photographs, photos from portrait studios, industrial- and advertising photographs, press photography, landscape photographs and more.

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REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM

Hafnarhús serves as the museum’s institute of contemporary art, where new developments in art are explored through diverse exhibitions of Icelandic and international artists. An exhibition of paintings by well-known pop artist Erró is a permanent feature. Don’t forget to stop by the Hafnarhús shop for postcards, art posters and books published by the museum.

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THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION

Archaeological remains were excavated in Aðalstræti in 2001, which turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavík. The relics are now preserved at their original location and are the focal point of the Settlement Exhibition. The construction of Viking Age buildings is explained using multimedia technology and computer technology is used to give an impression of what life was like in the hall.

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THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

The nation’s most precious treasures are kept and displayed at The National Museum of Iceland. The museum was established on the 24th of February in 1863 and it’s aim is to increase and relay knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage from the country’s settlement until now. In the museum you will find a permanent exhibition of objects that provide insight into Icelandic history and culture as well as temporary exhibitions highlighting specific eras or aspects of the Icelandic cultural heritage.

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THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

The principal art museum of Iceland, established in 1884.

Its art collection consists mainly of 19th and 20th century art works. In its possession are many of the keystones of Icelandic art history, as well as a growing collection of works from other countries. The National Gallery’s main role is to collect, preserve, research and exhibit Icelandic art and offer education about it. There is also a considerable emphasis laid on showing Icelandic art in context with international art.

The Wonders of the Volcanoes Volcano House features two documentaries that focus on the most famous eruptions of Iceland, including Vestmannaeyjar in 1973 and Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, as well as talking about the causes and effects of Icelandic volcanology in general.

The Volcano House includes a “hands on” geology exhibition featuring many different mineral samples, such as lava from the 2014 eruption of Bárðabunga and ash from the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull.

Reviews from tripadvisor “Friendly staff - excellent documentary”

Due to weather and unfamiliarity with Reykjavik we arrived just after the last show started and were told that we could go in right away and pay after the show. In my opinion everyone should visit and watch this show. - jdsteven, Colorado

VOLCANO HOUSE

Volcano Cinema and Geological Exhibition in Downtown Reykjavik, next to the Old Harbour.

Open Every Day from 9:00-22:00 / Show time every hour, on the hour.

Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavík | (+354) 555 1900 | www.volcanohouse.is

Joe

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WHAT’S ON

NEW IN TOWN FLATEY PIZZA

SUNDHÖLLIN It is a time of celebration for weary travellers as well as residents of downtown Reykjavík – Sundhöllin (the Swimming Palace) reopens December 3rd! Eager swimmers (as well as eager hot tub sitters) have been eagerly waiting for the new outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs. Sundhöllin is just a stone’s throw from Hallgrímskirkja, the city’s most famous landmark, so you can hit two birds with one stone.

the hearts and bellies of Icelanders every Christmas season since 2010, but they are always a welcome sight (and smell!) each December.

MESSINN GRANDA Messinn is one of the highest rated seafood restaurants in the country. It offers a great variety of savoury seafood treats but first and foremost, it promises simplicity and quality. A new Messinn restaurant opened up in the Grandi harbour area recently, in the same building as the Reykjavík Maritime Museum. It’s a fitting location for a seafood restaurant and a walk through the Old Harbour before or after dinner is a treat as well.

MÖNDLUBÁSINN – ROASTED ALMONDS Möndlubásinn is the jolt of Christmas spirit everyone needs. The roasted almond sellers set up shop wherever and whenever they can, but you can often find them on the corner of Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, just follow the delicious scent of cinnamon sugar! They’re not exactly new in town, as they’ve been warming

Messinn, photo via Facebook

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Neapolitan pizza has finally come to Reykjavík! Iceland has had a love affair with pizza for some time, but authentic Neapolitan pizza has not been on the menu until now. Flatey preaches simplicity and quality of ingredients, using only San Marzano tomatoes as well as fresh mozzarella and basil. The specially imported oven bakes the pizzas in only one minute in the 500 °C oven. Flatey opened up shop recently in the bustling Grandi area.

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EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

CHRISTMAS WITH THE ICELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA December 16th @ Harpa.

The Iceland Symphony Orchestra's Christmas concerts have been enormously popular among listeners of all ages. This gala family concert presents Christmas hits and seasonal classics, with the beautiful sounds of the orchestra on full display. Young ballet dancers perform numbers from The Nutcracker, pianists perform a Christmas medley, the Garðabær Music School's saxophone ensemble adds some swing, making for a perfect transition to Caribbean spice provided by a steel drum band. The Reykjavík Girls' Choir, Margrét Eir, and Kolbrún Völkudóttir join forces with the Litlu Sprotarnir Sign Language Choir to bring the Christmas spirit to concert guests. With the inimitable Barbara the Clown as Master of Ceremonies, the festive mood will infect everyone.

NEW YEAR'S CONCERTS PEARLS OF ICELANDIC SONG December 27th -January 5th @ Harpa

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Icelandic music contains much of the nation’s culture, history, and heritage. In this New Year’s program aimed at visitors, some wonderful musicians and singers perform Icelandic songs and folk music that tell tales of elves, trolls and outlaws. The audience will hear some of the stories behind the songs, and will be introduced to some of the traditions of Icelandic Christmas and the festivities of New Year’s Eve. The program is sung in Icelandic, but moderated in English.

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CHRISTMAS PROGRAM AT ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM December 3rd @ Árbær Open Air Museum Offering a great program of events for the whole family, you'll not find a more cosy or cheerful place to visit this time of year. With activities taking place in all areas of the museum, there will be plenty for visitors of all ages to see and do while strolling between the charming traditional houses and taking in the festive Christmas atmosphere. There'll be traditional activities such as singing popular Christmas carols and dancing around the Christmas tree, and those naughty Yule Lads will be out and about too, peeping through windows and making their usual mischief.

A RARE, ONCE-INA-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY Around, on and deep within the awesome Langjökull ice gap glacier.

Into the Glacier offers various tours to the World's largest ice tunnel. The ice tunnel and caves are located high on Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjökull.

Daily departures from Klaki base camp, Húsafell center and from Reykjavik.

You can choose from various tours and book online at www.intotheglacier.is Tel: +354 578-2550

WHALE HELLO THERE! WHALE WATCHING WITH THE PROS FROM REYKJAVÍK & AKUREYRI BOOK NOW AT ELDING.IS

Tel: +(354) 519 5000

The Oslo Tree lights will be kindled in a ceremony on the first Sunday of the Advent.

This takes place in Austurvöllur square, central Reykjavík, in front of the parliament building. Katrín Halldóra Sigurðardóttir and Sigurður Guðmundsson will be singing beautiful Christmas songs. The naughty Yule Lads will also be about, entertaining children. The Reykjavík City Band will be performing Christmas music from 3:30 PM. The Red Cross will also be present, selling coffee and hot chocolate to keep everyone warm and happy!

NORÐUR OG NIÐUR December 27th-30th @ Harpa.

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS December 3rd @ Austurvöllur

Sigur Rós‘s ambitious curation of Harpa, NORÐUR OG NIÐUR, will take place this December 27-30. The shortest, darkest days of Iceland’s Winter are the perfect time to experience the multimedia event bringing together performances from friends and collaborators from all over the world, including Alexis Taylor from Hot Chip, Mammút, Jarvis Cocker, Peaches, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Amiina and more.

ADVENT CONCERT BACH AND MOZART This lovely advent concert features Sally Matthews, who is among Britain’s leading sopranos. She was the winner of the 1999 Kathleen Ferrier Award, having appeared at Covent Garden and at the Salzburg Festival.

She sings regularly with orchestras such as the Philharmonica, London Symphony Orchestra, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, and Berlin Philharmonic. At this year’s Iceland Symphony’s Advent Concert, this captivating singer performs two famous Mozart arias, including the Countess’ aria from The Marriage of Figaro, and the solo motet Exsultate, jubilate.

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December 7th - 7:30 PM to 10 PM. Harpa

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EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

VOLCANO HOUSE THE WONDERS OF VOLCANOES 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 10am to 9pm. It focuses on some of the most famous eruptions of Iceland, as well as talking about the causes and effects of Icelandic volcanology 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 0-12) 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.

Wonders of Volcanoes

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

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For more information www.volcanohouse.is.

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THE LIVING ART MUSEUM READ THROUGH Until December 13th.

Artworks in book form are contradictory phenomena: books as works of art, art as literature.

Artists´ books request a new way of reading, not only through the text but through the visual, tactile and conceptual senses; the formal and non-formal aspects of the book.

The exhibition READ THROUGH

Read Through

presents artworks in book form from the collection of The Living Art Museum, where 800 titles can be found, making it the largest artists’ book collection in Iceland.

The exhibition takes the form of a reading room where guests have the chance to study works

from the collection by Icelandic and foreign artists from the 60’s to the present day. It is also a research space for the curator, and where his private library on artists’ books and bibliographia will be accessible during the course of the exhibition.

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

Erró

REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM – HAFNARHÚS

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ERRÓ: MORE IS BEAUTIFUL

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This exhibition shines a special light on Erró´s works which revolve around excess and density. This imaging has been an important part of his art and goes all the way back to his earliest work. More than thirty pieces from the Erró collection of the Reykjavík Art Museum – paintings, collages and movies – show how the artist creates intricate and charged structures which communicate materials related to politics, science, fiction and art history.

GREATER-ICELAND Group exhibition with international artists who have settled in Iceland for limited or extended period of time.

Participants are Anna Hallin, Claudia Hausfeld, Jeannette Castioni, Joris Rademaker, Rebecca Erin Moran, Sari Cedergren and Theresa Himmer.

FACT OF THE MATTER – DRAFT OF CONTEMPORARY ART HISTORY IN ICELAND [1.0] The material world is the subject of a few chosen pieces from Reykjavík Art Museum's collection. Natural phenomena, man-made things and various materials are the foundation, based on characteristics, nature, meaning and value. The exhibition is a part of the museum's sketch work of sorts, of the history of contemporary Icelandic art. The idea is that the museum continues choosing pieces from the collection and placing them in the context of an experiment of writing art history as it happens. When pieces are

bought by the museum, a certain choice takes place, reflecting on the diversity of art creation each time, but here we try to analyse even further the joint emphases, found in today's artistic melting pot.

What characterises Icelandic fine art in the 21. century? What are the subjects of artists, their methods, materials and challenges?

D31: ANNA RÚN TRYGGVADÓTTIR Anna Rún Tryggvadóttir is the 31st artist to show in the exhibitionseries in Gallery D of the Reykjavík Art Museum – Hafnarhús. The series in Gallery D aims to give promising artists a chance to work within the walls of the museum and call attention to new and interesting voices in the art world.

In 2017, a total of four exhibitions are planned in the series.

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.

THE KITCHEN IS OPEN FROM 17:00 ‘TILL LATE — VISIT WWW.STEAK.IS

Booking: +354 561 1111 & steik@steik.is

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EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM ÁSMUNDARSAFN ÁSMUNDUR SVEINSSON: ART FOR THE PEOPLE Retrospective on the works of Ásmundur Sveinsson. The sculptor was born in 1893 and died nearly ninety years later, in 1982.

He lived through some of the most intense times of history. He was born into poverty, much like most Icelanders at the time.

When he died Icelanders had become one of the richest nations of the world, and the country had long ago become a republic with active democracy. The nation's history is reflected in his work.

REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM – KJARVALSSTAÐIR KJARVAL – KEY WORKS FROM THE COLLECTION Kjarvalsstaðir is a space where the art of Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, in whose honour it is named, has been presented in diverse ways since it opened in 1973. In that time extensive research has been carried out on his art and his important place in Icelandic art history. Many of Kjarval’s works are familiar, but opportunities are welcome to renew the acquaintance from different perspectives, and in the context of time passing.

Ásmundur Sveinsson

ANNA LÍNDAL: EXPEDITION

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Since 1990 Anna Líndal has been active in numerous solo and joint exhibitions in Iceland and abroad. Her recent project; Infinite Next is based on Lindal’s research expedition to Greenland in collaboration with several scientist and experts in Climate Change, a project that led to a group exhibition of works by 6 artists taking place at The Living Art Museum, Reykjavik, in summer 2016. The works in the exhibition deal in different ways with Climate Change, systems which all societies struggle with; late-capitalism, ecosystems in degradation, human experiments to alter the environment, knowledge production, manifestations and the effects of humans on the environment.

Kjarval

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EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

Picasso

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND TREASURES OF A NATION

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In the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland there are over eleven thousand works of various kinds, from various countries and periods. In the exhibition Treasures of a Nation a fair selection of works from the collection displays the evolution of art in Iceland from the early nineteenth century to our times.

The exhibition features the variety of media and styles distinguishing this short but eventful history.

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ANGE LECCIA LA MER The French artist Ange Leccia (b. 1952) was born in Corsica, and the unique position of the island has always fascinated him as a creative metaphor for the limits of time and space. He began to work with cinematography as an art form early in the 1980s, and his efforts have left their mark on the growth of the video medium in French contemporary art. La Mer (The Sea) is Leccia's best-known work, which he repeatedly transforms and adapts to each exhibition space. It shows the Corsica of his youth, the sea that he

films over and over, constantly using new technology. The passing time is displayed as a series of still frames, or a rapid sequence of moments, ever flowing like the waves that break on the shore, like a repeated chant with no beginning, middle or end.

COMPARATIVE VANDALISM In the late 1950s, the multifaceted artist Asger Jorn (1914–1973, Denmark) began working on an alternative art history: his ‘Scandinavian Institute of Comparative Vandalism'. Jorn intended to create an encyclopaedia in 32 volumes covering Nordic folk art, but tens of thousands of photos for the project ended up unused in a massive archive. The exhibition Comparative Vandalism is based on these images.

PABLO PICASSO IN THE COLLECTION OF THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND The National Gallery of Iceland invites visitors to experience the work of Pablo Picasso, the most famous artist of the 20 th century, while getting acquainted with the art of the Spanish master and the history of the work through text and video.

Picasso's widow, Jacqueline Roque

Picasso, gave the portrait of herself to Mrs. Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, who as a president of Iceland at the time took the generosity as a gift to the nation.

Following this unique decision of both women the bust was consigned to the National Gallery of Iceland in 1988. It has been shown more often abroad than in Iceland and it is considered to be among the artist's most unusual portraits. It is consequently coveted by art museums worldwide.

ORKA To commemorate that 20 years have passed since Steina (Steinunn Briem Bjarnadóttir Vasulka) became the first Icelandic woman artist chosen to represent the nation at the Venice Biennale, Vasulka Chamber will exhibit her video-installation Orka (Force), the work Steina exhibited in the Icelandic pavilion in Venice in 1997.

In this work Icelandic nature appears to the viewer in a magnificent way, not least because of Steina’s digital processing of shots from Iceland.

Steina seeks to communicate a different view on Icelandic nature in her works, a view where the viewer sees the landscape with eyes distinct from his own – the eyes of the camera.

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

REYKJAVÍK MARITIME MUSEUM FOR COD'S SAKE A exhibition about the Cod Wars, which were a series of confrontations between Iceland and Britain over fishing rights in the North Atlantic during the years 1958-1976. Each of the disputes ended with Iceland's victory.

FROM POVERTY TO ABUNDANCE The exhibition portrays the Icelandic fisheries at the turn of the 20th century, and realistically depicts the lives of Icelandic fishermen. During this time, tenant fishermen resided in modest coastal cottages during the fishing season. On display is Farsæll, an original four-person rowboat built around 1900 in the Westman Islands.

From Poverty to Abundance

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART

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KEEPERS

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Museum collections are collections made up by a number of collected objects and sources that have some meaning to the museum.

But how are the objects collected?

What reasons lie behind certain objects being collected and where do the boundaries lie when collecting objects for a collection? The exhibition focuses on the museums’s collection. It will display the diversity that defines the collection. The title refers both to the objects themselves, the ones worth keeping, as well as the people who preserved them, kept them and eventually so generously gave them to the museum for safekeeping.

ICELANDIC ALBUM COVERS Design has been part of the publication of records from the very beginning but it wasn’t until the mid 20th century, when Drangey employee Tage Ammendrup started the record company Íslenzkir tónar and had special

Album Covers

record labels made, that this type of design became part of Icelandic design history. Shortly thereafter, records were released in illustrated sleeves and the look of these album covers would then evolve with the trends and technology of the coming decades.

The CD brought new possibilities in the 80’s and in today’s world of digitalized music we find ourselves again at a crossroads. The CD era is coming to an end while at the same time vinyl records are making a

comeback. But why possess a tangible object with recordings when technology enables people to stream or download the material from the internet, sometimes even for free? Are packaging, plastics and other synthetics illfitted in a society that wants to minimize packaging and reduce its ecological footprint, or are they an unbreakable part of the musical experience and a way to ensure that musicians are paid for their work?

Austurstræti 20, 101 Reykjavík, Tel. 561 2240

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The pools are kept at an average temperature of 29˚ C (84˚ F)

Tel: +354 411 5000 www.spacity.is

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

Sugar Paper Theories

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

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY JACK LATHAM – SUGAR PAPER THEORIES An exhibition about The Guðmundur and Geirfinnur case which has become the biggest and most controversial murder investigation in Icelandic history.

Einar Jónsson Museum

British Photographer, Jack Latham, has immersed himself in all aspects of the case, meeting key protagonists, exploring and photographing key sites from the investigation. From police files to conspiracy theories, forensic science to the notion of Memory Distrust Syndrome, Latham’s project examines issues of evidence and truth, certainty and uncertainty, especially with regard to memory and the medium of photography.

Latham’s project is a challenge to authoritative, or official, state-sanctioned photographic narratives, and by extension, documentary photography, itself. Sugar Paper Theories offers narratives of uncertainty: a photography of doubt. Here the photograph is not an endpoint – a visual evidentiary footnote to prove a point – but a beginning to a new set of questions:a recognition of photography’s instability.

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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.

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EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

Guðmundur Ingólfsson

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

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BUNDLED-UP IN BLUE

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An exhibition based on new research on the bones and grave good found in a settlement-era grave.

The grave was discovered in 1938 in East-Iceland. The research can provide answers on the age of the woman in the grave and where she came from, together with indications of how she looked and dressed.

THE MAKING OF A NATION - HERITAGE AND HISTORY IN ICELAND The exhibition is intended to provide insight into the history

of the Icelandic nation from the Settlement to the present day. The aim is to shed 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.

important to highlight this in the present, when current discourse is often based on the idea that in the past different parts of the world existed in isolation from each other. Prejudices are nothing new in Icelandic society, as for centuries Icelanders' ideas have been influenced by global conceptions of race.

ICELAND IN THE WORLD, THE WORLD IN ICELAND

Guðmundur Ingólfsson is one of the leading photographers of his generation in Iceland.

Guðmundur has enjoyed taking large-format photos of Iceland and nature, and of Reykjavik in all its aspects. The exhibition is a retrospective of Guðmundur's work over the last half a century.

Iceland, in both past and present, has been characterised by transnationalism – just like other countries in the world.

Iceland has thus been a part of the mobility of people and ideas through the centuries. It is

GUÐMUNDUR INGÓLFSSON - GOING HIS OWN WAY. PHOTOGRAPHS 1967–2017

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

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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 those years (roughly 1978 to 1992) are on display with texts in Icelandic and English, as well as the main music from the period is available to guests.

Punk Museum

THE CULTURE HOUSE POINTS OF VIEW The 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.

The exhibition is a collaborative project of the following institutions: National and University Library of Iceland, Icelandic Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Iceland, The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies, National Archives of Iceland, National Museum of Iceland.

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

THE ICELANDIC PUNK MUSEUM

Points of View

Saegreifinn restaurant (Sea Baron) is like none other in Iceland; a world famous lobster soup and a diverse fish selection.

Open 11:30 -22:00

saegreifinn.is Geirsgata 8 • 101 Reykjavík • Tel. 553 1500 • seabaron8@gmail.com

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An absolute must-try!

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ART & CULTURE

ÁRBÆR OPEN AIR MUSEUM Reykjavík City Museum This unique museum was founded in 1957 in order to give visitors a tangible sense of Reykjavík’s past. It comprises a village-like collection of over twenty “homes,” each creating a very interesting exhibition in itself.

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

VIÐEY ISLAND Reykjavík City Museum Unspoiled nature reigns on island of Viðey, which has a unique place in Icelandic history. Birdlife abounds on the island, while out­stand­ing works of modern art also make their mark.

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Viðey Reykjavik 411-6356. reykjavikcitymuseum.is

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THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION Reykjavík City Museum Experience Viking-Age Reykjavik at the Settlement Exhibition. Multimedia techniques bring Reykjavik’s past to life, providing visitors with insights into how people lived in the Viking Age, and what the environment looked like to the settlers.

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

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY Reykjavík City Museum The aim of the museum is to shape a unique vision and to be leading in its field. The museum preserves various collections from professional and amateur photographers.

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

REYKJAVIK CITY LIBRARY

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.

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

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

REYKJAVIK MARITIME MUSEUM Reykjavík City Museum It is impossible to truly get to know Iceland without getting to know its fishing history. The museum’s main exhibitions illustrate the development from rowing boats to modern trawlers and the construction of Reykjavik harbour.

Grandagarður 8, Reykjavik 411-6340 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17

EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM 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.

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

THE ICELANDIC MUSEUM OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL Björk, Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men… What’s their story? At the museum guests can dive into the history of Icelandic rock ‘n’ roll music. Don’t miss the cinema running documentaries all day, the gift shop, the sound lab where you can try various instruments and sing your heart out in a karaoke booth!

Hjallavegi 2, 260 Reykjanesbæ 420 1030 | www.rokksafn.is Hours: Daily 11-18

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NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

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.

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

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

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION

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.

Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík 515-9625 | www.listasafn.is Hours: Sat-Sun 14-17

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

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM 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.

Laugarnestangi 70 553-2906 | www.lso.is Hours: Sat-Sun 14-17

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART 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

VOLCANO HOUSE

AURORA REYKJAVIK

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.

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.

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

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

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

HANNESARHOLT Cultural center and historic home of Hannes Hafstein, Iceland’s first Minister of State, now houses the non-profit Hannesarholt, dedicated to retrieving cultural memory, and revitalizing cultural roots. Bordstofan Bistro open daily from 11-18. Short doc on Hannes Hafstein and early. Reykjavik Guided historic city walks Tue and Thu at 1 pm by appointment.

Grundarstígur 10, Reykjavik 511-1904 | www.hannesarholt.is Hours: Mon-Fri 10-16

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 work- and exhibition space.

The Reykjavik Art Museum took possession of its portion of Hafnarhús (Harbour House) in 2000. Hafnarhús was built in 1932-39 for the offices and warehouses of Reykjavik Harbor and was at that time one of the largest buildings in the country.

Flókagata 24, Reykjavik 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.

Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsbær 586-8066 | www.gljufrasteinn.is

Sigtún, Reykjavik 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, Reykjavik.

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, Reykjavik 569-9600 www.sedlabanki.is Hours: Mon-Fri 13:30-15:30

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Hours: Tue-Fri 10-16

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

Grandagarður 20, Reykjavik 551-4350 | www.nylo.is Hours: Tue-Sun 12-18, Thu 12-21

GERÐARSAFN

THE CULTURE HOUSE

THE NORDIC HOUSE

Gerðarsafn is a progressive modern art museum in Kópavogur. It’s dedicated to sculptor Gerður Helgadóttir and it’s the only museum in Iceland dedicated to a woman. The museum 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. There are seven points of view to be found in as many wings of the house, connecting what you’ll see, independent from the medium or time.

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 to be 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 | gerdarsafn.is Hours: Tue-Sun 11-17

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

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

Stay connected and share memories

Vodafone Starter Pack is the perfect travel companion in Iceland.

Gain access to the most extensive 4G network, geographically.

Buy the Vodafone Starter Pack at Keavik Airport, What’s On at Laugavegur 5 and Tryggvagata 11, Vodafone stores and at our network of resellers.

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Two Icelandic themed villages

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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 24 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 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.

ve ri re d nt es ce ut ty in ci m e 15 th to

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

KALDI BAR

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 craft-brewed beers on tap. Great happy hour and great fun, Kaldi is a place not-to-bemissed!

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.

Austurstræti 20, Reykjavik 561-2240 | bjarnifel.is

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 581-2200

Austurstræti 8, Reykjavik 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.

There is live music playing every night at Den Danske Kro and sometimes there are live football games, pub quizzes, beer bingo, darts and happy hours.

Den Danske Kro is a casual place in the heart of Reykjavik where everyone is welcome.

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

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

Laugavegur 2, Reykjavik www.ktf.is

BAR ANANAS

THE ENGLISH PUB

Ten seconds from Laugavegur, you'll find Iceland’s one and only BeachBar/Tiki Bar in downtown Reykjavík.

There, most things are made in the shape of a pineapple. Pillows, glasses, chandeliers, candlesticks and more.

At weekends city's best DJs will make guests feel sunny while they enjoy some of the best cocktails in town.

In the mood for a pint? English Pub offers over 35 brands of beer and Whiskey. Whatever your preference – you will find it here. This is also a great place if you would like to catch some football (soccer). Inside they have 3 big screens and 2 TV’s so that you can catch all the action as it happens.

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

Klapparstígur 38, Reykjavik

Austurstræti 12, Reykjavik 578-0400 www.facebook.com/enskibarinn

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

KAFFIBARINN 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 and univer sity 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.

PUBS & NIGHTLIFE

BJARNI FEL SPORTSBAR Named after a legendary Icelandic football player, Reykjavík's premier Sports Bar is nestled in the heart of the city and boasts the biggest array of HD screens in town. Classic bar food is served hot and the beers ice cold.

Finally, it’s open 7 days a week so you never miss the game!

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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. They’ve got six Icelandic microbreweries on tap and happy hour runs till 21:00. One of the coolest and hipster friendly places in town and your best bet of catching the next big thing from Iceland.

The Big Lebowski by the Coen brothers is not only a film, it has now become a lifestyle. With the emergence of the Lebowski Bar in Reykjavik, everyone can now be a part of The Dude’s peculiar world. They even offer a whole White russian menu!

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.

Naustin, Reykjavik www.hurra.is

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Vesturgata 2, Reykjavik

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 peoplewatching over a drink.

Veghúsastígur 9, Reykjavík 897 8212 | www.vport9.is

Klapparstígur 33, Reykjavík www.vedurbarinn.is

Austurstræti 3, Reykjavik 553 1041

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

LOFT HOSTEL

KIKI - QUEER BAR

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 danceheavy 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, Reykjavik 553 8140

Laugavegur 22 www.kiki.is

552 7333 | www.discobar.is

PABLO DISCOBAR

Veltusund 1, Reykjavík

There are many places worth checking out in Iceland and even though we feel that our 21 stores should be up there with the waterfalls and geysers, we’re not completely mad.

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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.

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

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

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.

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Skólavörðustígur 43, Reykjavik 551-2850 www.listvinahusid.is

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Laugavegur 8, Reykjavik 552-2412

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

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

JÖKLA

IGLÓ&INDÍ

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

Loved by parents and children alike and praised in the media for boldness and creativity, Ígló&Indí has offered both parents and children an ever growing collection of clothes with a fresh take on children’s fashion since 2008— representing the best childhood has to offer.

Laugavegur 90, Reykjavik 696 6604

Skólavörðustígur 2, Reykjavik 445-2020 | www.igloandindi.com

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.

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

NORTHERN LIGHTS BY BOAT FROM REYKJAVIK

AND OTHER WILDLIFE ADVENTURES

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SHOPPING & STYLE

GALLERY GALLERA

MICHELSEN

12 TÓNAR

If you walk up a flight of stairs from the city‘s main shopping street, you‘ll come across this hidden gem of a space, Gallery Gallera. This workshop/ gallery/store is run by a group of upand-coming artists and sells everything from hand-printed t-shirts to books and posters, perfect to keep for yourself or as gifts for family and friends back home!

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, 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?

The 12 Tónar 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 33, Reykjavik 773-3550

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

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

I8

KIOSK

GEYSIR

Don‘t leave Reykjavík without stopping by one of the city‘s most ambitious galleries! I8 is one of the mainstays on the scene and constantly offers new and exciting works by Iceland‘s best-known artists. Stop by to take a look at the cream of Icelandic art today!

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.

Ingólfsstræti 6, Reykjavik 552-4700 www.studiostafn.is

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

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Laugavegur 65, Reykjavik 445 3269 | kioskreykjavik.com

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THE HANDKNITTING ASSOCIATION OF ICELAND 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.

Skólavörðustígur 19, Reykjavik 552-1890 | www.handknit.is

EPAL

KRINGLAN

Their main goal has been to 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 sevenoutlet food court and three themed restaurants, it has something to suit every need.

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

Kringlan 4-12, Reykjavik 517-9000 | www.kringlan.is

dress code iceland

s n a p c h a t /c i n t a m a n i . i s

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f a c e b o o k /c i n t a m a n i . i c e l a n d

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i n s t a g r a m /c i n t a m a n i _ i c e l a n d

b a n ka s t rĂŚt i + k r i n g l a n + s m ĂĄ ra l i n d + a u s t u r h ra u n + a k u rey r i + w w w.c i nt a m a n i . i s

FOOD & DRINK

FORRÉTTABARINN

SÆGREIFINN

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!

Iceland is an island, surrounded by water, so it only makes sense that we have some of the best seafood in the world. Taste the delicious grilled fish skewers and try the fermented shark if you dare but don’t miss out on their famous lobster soup. It’s delicious!

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.

TE OG KAFFI

555-1910 | www.teogkaffi.is

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Lækjargata 4, Reykjavik 551-0100 | www.jomfruin.is

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

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.

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Geirsgata, Reykjaví 553 1500 | www.saegreifinn.is

SNAPS A new restaurant in Iceland situated at Odinstorg. Snaps is a classic french bistro using local Icelandic ingredients.

The location could not be better. Snaps is literally a few steps away from downtown Reykjavik, close to the National Theatre, The National Gallery of Iceland and the two main shopping streets of Reykjavik. Óðinstorg, Reykjavik 511-6677 | www.snaps.is

FJÖRUBORÐIÐ

EARLY IN THE MORNING

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.

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!

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

MATHÚS GARÐABÆJAR Mathús Garðabæjar, the newest addition to the restaurant flora in Garðabær, has been delighting its customers ever since they opened their doors. Serving everything from fish to pasta to vegetarian fare in exquisite dishes, Mathús Garðabæjar is the perfect place to bring the whole family!

Garðatorg 4B, Garðabæ 571 3775 | www.mathus.is

Veghúsastígur 7-9, Reykjavík 695 1021

ICELANDIC FISH & CHIPS 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 skyrbased 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!

Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavik 511 11 18 | ww.fishandchips.is

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

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SEAFOOD

BUFFET Every day from 17:30

Salted Cod With almond and chive butter, fig and potatoes

3.855

IKR

+3 5 4 5 1 7 4 3 0 0 geysirbistro.is

NAUTHÓLL 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.

Hlölli has been serving up delicious subs, with his secret-ingredient sauce, for more than 30 years. Whether you’re in the mood for a lunch on your way about town or a late night snack after a night of dancing in the Reykjavík clubs, Hlöllabátar is the way to go. The bread is baked fresh every day and topped with fresh Icelandic ingredients.

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

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

Ingólfstorgi, Reykjavik 511-3500 | www.hlollabatar.is

HLÖLLI

JOE & THE JUICE

THE ICELANDIC BAR

PYLSUHÚSIÐ

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.

Ingólfsstræti 1a, Reykjavík; Smáralind, Kringlan, World Class Laugum, Keflavík Airport www.joeandthejuice.is

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

Hot dogs are the perfect fast food.

They’re quick, portable and they taste great!. The classic Icelandic hot dog with all the fixings, raw and fried onions, ketchup, remoulade and mustard is of course available here, but they also offer more adventurous “dogs”, like chilli dogs and a French hot dog. If you’re not in the mood for a hot dog, they also serve ice cream!

Ingólfstorgi, Reykjavik 842-2800

KAFFITÁR

ESSENSIA

A chain of cafés and espresso bars with over 30 years of experience in serving and roasting high-quality coffee. They operate cafés in 8 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!

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

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

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

APOTEK An exciting restaurant located in one of the most beautiful corners of Reykjavik, Apotek Restaurant is casual-smart, offering delicious food in a vibrant atmosphere and stylish surroundings.

The menu is a fun mix of Icelandic and European cuisine and the dishes are designed to share and enjoy together.

Austurstræti 16, Reykjavik 551-0011 | www.apotek.is

FOOD & DRINK

THE STEAK HOUSE 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.

93

FOOD & DRINK

MARSHALL RESTAURANT + BAR

MAR - SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Marshall Restaurant + Bar is situated in Marshallhúsið a new center for modern art in Reykjavík. Honest approach to food and cooking and an atmosphere of warmth. Icelandic fish and mediterranean inspired fare with vegetarian dishes, pasta and meat.

A restaurant in prime location in Reykjavík‘s old harbour. The menu is inspired by South-American and southern-European cuisine and the restaurant designed to deliver fresh and uplifting dining experience, unique to the harbour area. MAR is an interesting choice for individuals and groups alike.

Grandagarður 20, Reykjavik 519 7766 marshallrestaurant.is

Find more recommendations at whatson.is

Harpa,Austurbakki 2, Reykjavik 519-9750 | www.smurstodin.is

KOPAR

GRILLHÚSIÐ

73 RESTAURANT

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.

Offering a great selection of Icelandic brews and one of the most Epic Burgers this country has ever seen (300gr!), 73, a family-owned and operated restaurant is the place to go for those seeking great food at good prices. Take note that the outdoor seating area is a special treat!

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

94

Geirsgata 9, Reykjavik 519-5050 | www.marrestaurant.is

SMURSTÖÐIN Not only does Smurstöðin have some of Reykjavík’s best new Nordic smørrebrød, it also has the added bonus of being inside the stunning Harpa concert hall. The delicious, beautifully decorated open-faced sandwiches are best washed down with an icy glass of the house-made schnapps.

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

Laugavegur 73, Reykjavik 555 7373 www.73.is

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

FISH COMPANY

KOLABRAUTIN

Hard Rock Café really doesn‘t need any introduction! You can get the food, drinks, and music you know and love at their recently opened three story restaurant/bar/shop in the heart of the city centre. Their cellar even doubles as a concert venue, so get ready to enjoy yourself!

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.

Harpa is not only home to the Icelandic Opera and the Orchestra, it is also the location of one of Reykjavik‘s newest fine restaurants. The kitchen is in the middle of the room, where the fiery furnace gives the dinner guests a warm welcome. An ideal choice for people who appreciate fine cuisine combined with unique architecture and elegant atmosphere.

Lækjargata 2a, Reykjavik 5600 800 hardrock.com/cafes/reykjavik

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

Harpa, Reykjavik 519-9700 | www.kolabrautin.is

Pre-booking is required. Book online at bluelagoon.com

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

Your Ticket to

Adventure Super Jeep Monstertrucks Snowmobiles

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

Got a question about Iceland? Wondering if it’s safe? (It is). Who the president is? (Guðni Th. Jóhannesson). Maybe you’re wondering about where to find some original Icelandic Igloos?

(Just stop. Don’t.). We have the answers to these questions and plenty more at our website: www. whatson.is. If you can’t find your answer there, just visit us on Laugavegur 5 in Reykjavík, or drop us an e-mail at whatson@whatson.is.

MUST KNOW PHONE NUMBERS 112 The only number you need to have in your arsenal. If you get hurt, robbed, set on fire or accidentally set something on fire yourself, this is the number you call. Memorize it. Luckily, it isn’t complicated.

345.000 The population of the country. Yes, we know, it’s not a lot.

0 Number of people living in Igloos in Iceland.

99.5 Percentage of Icelanders who speak English. Although we of course encourage you to check out the beautiful Icelandic language, if only for the always hilarious Eyjafjallajökull joke, you’ll be perfectly safe conversing with locals in a more international language.

11 The street number of the Tryggvagata location of the Volcano House.

5 Number of post offices in the Reykjavík area. Also the street number of our Laugavegur office!

Stop by in case you have more questions, or just want to chat!

230 Number of volts Icelandic electricity uses. Converters are needed for people from the UK and the USA, at least for those who like their phones charged and their hair dry and/or curled.

1818 If you forget the emergency number, want to call a different taxi company or you met some nice Icelanders last night and want to call them up, this is the only number you need, the Icelandic phonebook. +354 The country code to Iceland. Add this to the seven digit phone numbers in Iceland and you can telephone to your heart’s desire, so long as you’re calling people in Iceland.

If you need more info contact info@whatson.is

Visit whatson.is for more practical information

5885522 Thanks to a catchy jingle this company had in the early nineties, every Icelander knows this number.

There are other taxi companies, but ask any Icelander for a number for a taxi, this is probably what you get.

IMPORTANT STATISTICS

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW!

97

Explosive Show!

Volcano Documentary, Stone Collection and Geological Exhibition in Reykjavík, next to the Old Harbour.

Tryggvagata 11 | Reykjavík | +354 555 1900 | www.volcanohouse.is

HARD ROCK CAFE REYKJAVIK

HRCREYKJAVIK

#THISISHARDROCK

©2015 Hard Rock International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved.

– Geysir Skólavörðustíg 7 & 16 & Kringlan, Reykjavík. Hafnarstræti, Akureyri. Geysir, Haukadalur. Sími 519 6000. geysir.com –