What's On in Reykjavik - February 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

IN REYKJAVIK

REYKJAVIK’S LEADING GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT, EATING OUT, MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES.

www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is

CHECK OUT THE NEW

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

Árbær Open Air Musem

The Settlement Exhibition

Viðey Island

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

More information in the Art & Culture section.

Reykjavík Maritime Museum

Reykjavík Art Museum

One admission to three museums

OPEn daily

Einar Hákonarsson, Farwell, 2011

Cory Arcangel, Quick Office, 2013, photo Sacha Maric

Erró, Two Faces, 1985

HafnarHús TryggvAgATA 17 Cory arcangel: all the small Things Just Painted 1 Erró and art History

KjarvalssTaðir FlókAgATA Einar Hákonarson: The Pulse of Time Poetic Colour Palette: From the Kjarval Collection

Ásmundarsafn SigTún a Posterori: House, sculpture Ásmundur Sveinsson: The Water Carrier –Mountain+Woman

Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Thursdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Open daily 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

www.artmuseum.is / artmuseum@reykjavik.is / +354 590 1200

WHAT’S ON

CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2015

ON THE COVER EVERYTHING HAPPENS IN FEBRUARY

EXPERIENCE 6-27

WHAT’S ON

28-37

MUSEUM WALK

38-41

REYKJAVIK CITY MAP 42-43

EVENT CALENDAR

44-57

ART & CULTURE

58-63

NIGHTLIFE 64-65

SHOPPING & STYLE

66-69

So you thought nothing worthwhile would happen in February huh? Well you were wrong. Turns out, February is one action packed month! Our newest What’s On issue is here, absolutely filled to the brim with fresh content, events, festivals and simply just whatever’s required to get the everyday Icelander through this month of cold, snow and dark.

One of the prime features of February is the Winter Lights Festival. Celebrated specifically to cheer people up during one of the darkest and coldest months, we’ve always been incredibly impressed by this fun festival. Read more on pages 36-37!

Then we have the Þorri festival. Technically this one started in late January, with good ol’ “Husbands Day”, but it lasts well into February, so we felt it more appropriate here.

This is a great festival, marked by merry gettogethers, where people indulge themselves on the delicacies of Icelandic cuisine, such as rotten shark, pickled ram’s testicles (yes, testicles) and singed sheep heads. (more on pages 8-9) Finally, this month sees three of my personal favourite festivities, Cream Puff Day, Eat-TillYou-Burst Day and Ash Wednesday, (the last one being about eating ungodly amounts of candy). More information on pages 23-24.

Oh and we also have Sónar Reykjavik (pages 34-35) this month! That’s so cool.

FOOD & DRINK

70-75

PRACTICAL INFO

76-81

So! Definitely loads of things to do in Iceland this month, so extending your stay might be in order! Enjoy everything the country has to offer and make sure you try something out that you wouldn’t do at home!

– Hjörtur Atli, editor

CONTACT US: WHATSON@WHATSON.IS

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Editor: Hjörtur Atli Guðmunds. Geirdal, hjortur@whatson.is, Tel.: 847-4153.

Content writers: The What’s On Team Map: Kári Gunnarsson Printing: Oddi, Ecolabelled Printing Company

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Layout & design: Stefán Birgir Stefáns, sbs@sbs.is 141

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www.whatson.is

Volume 33 – Issue 2. Published by MD Reykjavik ehf. Laugavegur 4, 101 Reykjavik.

Publisher: Sigurþór Marteinn Tel.: 899-2255. E-mail: sm@whatson.is

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PRINTED MATTER

WHAT‘S ON IN REYKJAVIK is published monthly covering events and happenings in and around Reykjavik. Opinions expressed in WHAT‘S ON IN Reykjavik 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.

WINTER ADVENTURE DAY TOURS MAKE SURE IT’S MOUNTAIN GUIDES

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GLACIER WALKREYKJAVÍK DAY TOURS

REYKJAVÍK

FROM DAY TOURS

PIONEER

2006

AWARD

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2006

For designing and developing Glacier Walks.

Ministry for the Environment Natural Resourcesand

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Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources

2012

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and developing For designing Glacier Walks.

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ice lan 2014 Call +354 dro ver s.is es.is -2015 2014 guidmountainguides.is 587 9999 -2015 mountain Call +354 587 9999 587 9999

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Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources

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2006 For designing and developing Glacier Walks.

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MOUNTAINGUIDES.IS info@mountainguides.is · Tel: +354 587 9999

EXPERIENCE

THE WHAT’S ON

FEBRUARY CHECKLIST February is the month you eat strange stuff. I’m sorry, but that’s just the way it is! Here are a few things we think you should definitely try out this month!

You can find checklists from past months on whatson.is

As ever, we encourage you to tag your photos using #WhatsOnRvk, as proof that you did all those things you’re boasting of!

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Eat as many of the following items as you dare: Pickled Ram’s testicle Rotten Shark (with a shot of Brennivín) Fish Jerky with butter Singed sheep head Blood pudding Visit a local swimming pool Visit a least one location of the Reykjavik City Museum Gaze at the sky and hope to see the Northern Lights Go horseback riding in the snow!

Eat till you burst!

Dress up and beg for candy!

Have a cream puff! Then have some more!

Check out the Reykjavik Beer Festival Participate in the Winter Lights Festival!

Party like there’s no tomorrow at Sónar Reykjavik!

CHECK OUT OLDER CHECKLISTS ON WHATSON.IS/CHECKLIST

THE WONdErS Of

VOLCANOES Volcano House features two documentaries chronicling two of Iceland´s most famous volcanic eruptions of the last 40 years

Vestmannaeyjar 1973, Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and other volcanoes Showtimes

English: 10:00-21:00 every hour on the hour German: 18:00 from June 15th to September 15th Open every day Vestmannaeyjar 1973 The eruption in Vestmannaeyjar began without warning on the night of January 23rd, 1973. 400 homes perished under ash and lava and nearly 5.000 people had to flee to the mainland in matter of hours.

Eyjafjallajökull 2010 The most famous volcano eruption in recent times; the eruption that caused much disruption in air travel over large parts of Europe. This powerful documentary made specially for Volcano House was filmed and directed by the Emmy-nominated Icelandic film maker, Jóhann Sigfússon.

Geological Exhibition you may touch Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavik | (354) 555 1900 volcanohouse.is

VOLCANO HOUSE Cinema | Geological Exhibition

EXPERIENCE Find more articles like this on whatson.is 8

ÞORRI! In the Old Norse calendar, Þorri was the name of a month that ran from roughly mid-January to midFebruary in our system. Þorri is a reference to the ancient deity of frost and winter, which is fitting since it was usually the coldest month of the year. During this month there was usually a blót, or a sacrifice combined with a festival, to appease the god and ensure the return of summer. With the Christianization this tradition died out, but was resurrected by romantic nationalists in the 19th century, and Þorrablót celebrations (minus the sacrifice) have today become a firmly established tradition.

During modern Þorrablóts, it is traditional to eat some of the oldfashioned foods Icelanders used to eat before they had refrigerators.

The dominant flavours are pickled, salted, dried and smoked. Some of it is quite good, but a lot of it will seem very strange to those unfamiliar with it.

— ON THE MENU —

SÚRSAÐIR HRÚTSPUNGAR PICKLED RAM’S TESTICLES

Yes, you read it correctly, ram testicles it is.

They really did use everything back in the day. The testes are pressed into blocks, boiled and cured in lactic acid. Does not sound very tasty – and most don‘t find it tasty either, although a lucky few enjoy snacking on these sheep balls occasionally.

It’s definitely worth the experience!

EXPERIENCE

BLÓÐMÖR BLOOD-SUET In this case, the name is actually much worse than the food itself. This blood pudding, a combination of lamb blood and suet mixed with flour and oats actually tastes pretty good. Blóðmör is usually boiled and then fried on a pan, but it‘s still a dish best served cold in our opinion.

HARÐFISKUR

HÁKARL

FISH JERKY

FERMENTED SHARK

A very popular snack among Icelanders and best served with a chunk of Icelandic butter.

You might say that it is the Icelandic version of beef jerky, but ours is made of fish. So fishjerky. Harðfiskur can be purchased in most supermarkets but the best one is sold in Kolaportið flea market.

Since fresh shark is poisonous, in order to eat it, you first have to bury it in the ground for 6-12 weeks. After that most of the poison has broken down into ammonia. This little delicacy has a pungent taste and a heavy smell of ammonia, often compared to a strong cheese.

Snacking on this little slice of heaven is often done to show your strength and hardiness. An essential accompaniment to go with it is the Icelandic Brennivin schnapps (Black Death) which you can find in any local bar. It might sound like a scary combination but trust us, it will make the experience much easier.

SINGED SHEEP HEAD Svið, a dish of sheep heads split into two halves, singed and then boiled is probably the most commonly eaten traditional dish in Iceland. Svið isn’t bad food, the head is pretty good meat, but many find it uncomfortable to literally look their food in the eye. And then bite it in the face. A delicacy you must try during the Þorri month.

Are you indulging in some Þorri food while in Iceland? Share your experience with the us (and the world) by using the hashtag #WhatsOnRvk. We might even feature your photo in our monthlly What’s On’s Instagram Picks (see pages 12-13)!

Find more articles like this on whatson.is

SVIÐ

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EXPERIENCE

THE REYKJAVIK COFFEE EXPERIENCE Iceland may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of coffee, but Icelanders are actually big coffee drinkers. You will find plenty of small coffee shops or cafés on nearly every street corner in downtown Reykjavík. We know of at least five places where you will get great coffee.

CAFÉ PARÍS

AUSTURSTRÆTI 14

Café Paris is one of Reykjavik city’s most beloved restaurants and cafés, and has been for twenty years. It’s ideally situated by Austurvöllur square, where Icelanders go to celebrate the sun in the summertime. Inside Café Paris, you’ll be able to relax in a calm and casual atmosphere while enjoying a warm cup of coffee. They have a wide selection of coffee drinks but their Frappuccino “à la Café Paris” deserves the highest praise. You can’t go wrong with any of their cakes if you’re in the mood for a luxurious refreshment as well.

10 DROPAR

LAUGAVEGUR 27

One of Reykjavik‘s oldest cafés, located in a hidden basement on Laugavegur that is frequented by avid loungers, coffee addicts, happy families and hungry travelers. There’s nothing pretentious about it, it’s just a lovely old-fashioned house with homelike atmosphere and generous coffee refills. If you want to try something really Icelandic with your coffee you should order flatkökur, rye pancakes with sliced smoked lamb, or pönnukökur, traditional Icelandic pancakes with sugar, or with jam and whipped cream.

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REYKJAVIK ROASTERS KÁRASTÍGUR 1

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A small and intimate coffee shop in the city center where you’ll find first class coffee and refreshment. Their coffee is roasted in their own roasteries by their own roasting masters. When you walk in you’ll notice their beautiful La Marzocco espresso machine and two Mazzer grinders, and realize that coffee at Reykjavík Roasters is serious business. If you like your coffee, which you probably will, you can purchase whole beans in 300 gram bags or have them custom grinded for your coffee maker.

KAFFIFÉLAGIÐ

SKÓLAVÖRÐUSTÍGUR 10

It may be the smallest coffee shop in the country but it’s definitely one of the most popular ones too. Kaffifélagið offers a wide selection of coffee drinks made from Italian espresso beans that are grown in Ottolina, Milan. If you want to awaken your senses and make your mouth to foam with delight and deliciousness, Kaffifélagið is where you should go. The place is usually filled with busy locals getting their take-away coffee. You can also stock up on coffee beans, DVD’s and Icelandic music while you’re there.

SÓLON

BANKASTRÆTI 7A

If you’re looking for the perfect place to sit down, order a cup of coffee and watch people go on with their daily lives outside the window, Café Sólon is the place for you. The oversized artwork and sleek furniture definitely add to its appeal. Café Sólon is located in an old beautiful building in the city center with big windows and a lot of history. Their aromatic coffee will send any coffee lover over the edge, and if you’re looking for something more, than their variety of tapas plates or their seafood soup is definitely something to check out!

Svartifoss (Black waterfall) 20 metre high, famous for the surrounding hanging hexagonal black basalt columns. These columns have inspired many Icelandic architects and artists, most visibly in the design of Hallgrímskirkja church and the National Theatre. Svartifoss is located in Skaftafell National Park, close to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.

Michelsen Svartifoss The Waterfall collection was inspired by the watchmakers’ quest for perfection and the exceptionally beautiful Icelandic waterfalls Svartifoss and Goðafoss. These waterfalls deserve their names on a watch. A fine Swiss mechanical movement, hand-beveled and hand-decorated by a 4th generation Michelsen watchmaker. The Svartifoss features a high quality solid stainless steel case with black coating (DLC), and a Swiss traditional dial made by hand. Available with several strap offerings, including exotic Icelandic spotted wolffish leather.

For more information please visit www.michelsenwatch.com

Laugavegur 15 - 101 Reykjavík - Tel. 354 511 1900 - www.michelsenwatch.com

EXPERIENCE

#WhatsOnRvk So you‘re in Iceland. Enjoying life, seeing the sights and taking in everything our magnificent country has to offer. Why not share it with the world?

Follow WhatsOnIceland on Instagram for more beautiful shots from Iceland!

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We‘d love to publish your best moments from Iceland, so go ahead and tag them on Instagram, using #WhatsOnRvk.

EXPERIENCE

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EXPERIENCE

THE REYKJAVIK Reykjavík is filled with things to do, places to go and stuff to see but some 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. The tower of the church is among the city’s highest buildings and offers a fantastic view of the city for the small price of 700ISK for adults, 100ISK for children. Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church- and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland.

It’s named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Petursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The architect who designed it, Guðjón Samúelsson is said to have designed it to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape.

2 | PERLAN Standing at 25 metres high, Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most striking buildings and although it was opened to the public in 1991 it still makes a stand out piece of architecture for its modern construction. Up on the fourth level there is a 360 degree viewing platform where you can get the best panoramic views of Reykjavík and when the sun sets it’s a spectacular spot for the northern lights. You can also dine at the Perlan restaurant that slowly rotates so you get to see the whole city without even having to turn your head.

Check out our map on p. 42 for the locations of these sights.

3 | TJÖRNIN

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People go to the pond to feed the birds and enjoy one of the most amazing views that Reykjavík has to offer. There isn’t a 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, hot geothermal waters are pumped in to defrost an area for the birds while those who can handle the cold keep warm from the romantic atmosphere and take to the ice on skates.

4 | AUSTURVÖLLUR When the sun is shining and the air is hot, Austurvöllur is the place to be no matter who you are. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants on Vallarstræti and Pósthússtræti, this public square is a wildly popular spot for locals to dine outside, soak up some sunshine or recline in the grass with picnics.

With its close proximity to the Parliament of Iceland building, Austurvöllur has contrastingly also been the gathering place for political protests. At the center of it all stands a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the renowned figure who led 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 should be the destination of your choice. Kolaportið is an indoor flea market that is open during the weekend between 11am-5pm. The atmosphere is very 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, as the majority of stalls don‘t accept cards.

6 | HARPA The whole 28.000 square meters of Harpa stand at the edge of the Reykjavik Harbour with Iceland‘s biggest concert hall suitable for a broad range of concerts and cultural events, conference centre with meeting facilities and in-house catering and fine restaurants. Harpa also occasionally hosts promotions, plays, and public events. It‘s open to everyone, always, and you should definitely visit Harpa, whether it‘s for a show, to buy souvenirs, a concert or 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.

7 | THE OLD HARBOR The descriptive name comes from the fact that it‘s the first lasting harbor in Reykjavik. The most visited area is the eastern pier where you’ll find a community of shops, galleries, electric bike and scooter rentals and guided tours in Reykjavík. You will 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 coffee houses. The atmosphere at the old harbour is friendly, the air is fresh and salty and there’s plenty of interesting activities to check out.

EXPERIENCE

SIGHT EXPERIENCE

8 | THE SUN VOYAGER

9 | CITY HALL With an impressive, modern design, the building sits right on the northern shore of Lake Tjörnin. It’s not only offices for the mayor and city’s excutive officials, but is also open to visitors, providing internet access, an information desk, exhibition halls and a cafe. Café Öndin boasts huge glass windows so you can sit back and admire the water, bird life, nature and city surrounds. Go to the galleries to admire one of the steady streams of new and exciting exhibitions always coming through. The three dimensional map of Iceland is always a favourite with visitors to the country.

10 | LAUGARDALSLAUG Every country has traditions when it comes to leisure. Iceland’s big thing is swimming pools.. 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 dog.

Find these places on the centerfold map.

Check out our map on p. 42 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 center. The sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and an ode to the sun. It serves as reminder of our history and heritage when the first Viking settlers came sailing to Iceland. An ideal opportunity to see Sólfarið at its best is when the sun is setting, at whatever time that may be. It should be every photographer’s dream to capture the amazing view.

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EXPERIENCE

THE WHAT’S ON

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 life-expectancy of the average Icelander was proof enough that something good was going on.

Icelanders have ever since loved the smooth texture of this incredibly healthy dairy product and today 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 consisteny, 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 „fastfood“ 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.

For more information on skyr, visit skyr.is

SKYR EXPERIENCE

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EXPERIENCE

Skyr is available in many different varieties, both flavored and plain and in small containers and large. For an easy on-the-go treat, a spoon comes with the smaller ones. Below are some of the flavors available.

MS SKYR – PLAIN Skyr was originally only available as plain and was made at every farm in Iceland.

Nowadays there are many flavors available but some still prefer the plain one. It can be enjoyed with berries and cream and perhaps with a little bit of honey or sugar. In the fall many Icelanders pick fresh berries and enjoy it with skyr. Plain Skyr is also a good base for all sorts of cold sauses.

KEA SKYR WITH VANILLA Originated in the northern part of Iceland, this is one of the most popular flavors available. The taste is full and creamy with zero fat.

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MS SKYR.IS WITH BAKED APPLES

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A new variety in this popular brand. As with other skyr, it is high in protein and fatfree as well as being low-carb. Even though it is low-carb the flavor is reminiscent of a creamy dessert.

MS SKYR.IS WITH BLUEBERRIES This is a long time favorite in Skyr.is, Skyr with blueberries has a long tradition in Iceland. The taste is very rich and full of blueberries.

BOLLUDAGUR CREAM PUFF DAY

“Bolludagur” is the first in a row of three peculiar Icelandic holidays. It roughly translates as “Cream Puff Day” in English.

This is one of many Icelandic festivities that are overlooked by foreigners, so here’s a little something to inform you.

EXPERIENCE

3 PECULIAR HOLIDAYS

Without fail, Bolludagur falls on Monday, so the actual date changes every year. We’re not sure where this holiday originates from but it is believed that bakers from Denmark or Norway introduced this custom in the middle of the nineteenth century.

We hope you won’t think we’re a nation of total freaks after reading this, but according to tradition, children arm themselves with a “bolludagsvondur” (a wand specially bought or made for the occasion) on the Sunday before Bolludagur. When they wake up the following day, they creep into their parents’ room and spank them repeatedly while yelling “Bolla!” over and over again. For every blow received before getting out of bed, parents owe their children a cream puff with jam and chocolate.

Yes, this actually happens. A few Icelanders make their own puffs and a lot buy them at bakeries and grocery stores. You don’t necessarily have to spank or be spanked in order to deserve one. We urge you to take part in this old Icelandic tradition and get yourself a bolla on Bolludagur. This custom may be weird, but whoever thought of dedicating a whole day to eating and enjoying pastries must have been a genius.

Vatnsdeigsbollur (Cream Puffs)

Yes – the ingredients really are this simple. The arrangements however are a bit more.

Anyways, we start by mixing water with margarine in a pot, bringing it to boil. Add the flour and baking powder and mix fiercely, until it’s nice and whole. Remove from heat and let cool for a while. Then add the eggs, one by one,

while stirring well between each one. Use a table spoon to put each puff on a baking plate and bake for 30-35 minutes at 210°c. Be aware not to open the oven before well into baking!

The Cream Puffs must be served with cream and chocolate - that is essential, and preferably jam aswell for the perfect, Icelandic Bolla!

Good luck!

This brilliant recipe is borrowed from www.eldhus.is and the sender is Linda. We recommend that website for an array of nice Icelandic recipes.

Book a tour now on whatson.is

A simple and good recipe »» 4 dl water »» 160g margarine »» 250g flour »» ¼ teaspoon baking powder »» 5 eggs

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EXPERIENCE

SPRENGIDAGUR EAT-TILL-YOU-BURST DAY Sprengidagur is Iceland’s version of Shrove Tuesday.

In our case we celebrate it by eating a lot, as much as we can, of salted meat and split pea soup. This holiday always falls on the day after Bolludagur, which is always a Tuesday somewhere between early February and early March. On Sprengidagur, every Icelandic home and most restaurants are flooded with the aroma of salted meat (usually lamb, sometimes horse) and peas. The name refers to the idea that the individual feasts on this hearty dish to the point of bursting, just in case you didn’t stuff your face with an obscene amount of cream puffs the day before.

via Wikimedia Commons

Lent is not something we actually do, but still for some reason we have a special day for filling up on treats before Lent. It’s basically a celebration of gluttony, so enjoy it with us. Go to the nearest restaurant and ask if they are serving saltkjöt. If they don’t, there’s probably another one close by that is.

ÖSKUDAGUR

children are expected to earn their candy by singing a song, a tradition that excites the young ones, but most adults dread it, especially those working in commerce.

If by any chance you are traveling to Iceland with a child, you might want to look into this. If not, keep this in mind when picking a day to go grocery shopping.

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An Icelandic holiday when children dress up in costumes and sing songs for candy. It’s sort of like the Icelandic version of Halloween, without the pagan undertones. Children dress in costumes and instead of visiting regular homes in search of candy like they do it in most other countries, Icelandic kids walk from store to store. That’s right, stores take most of the heat from this holiday. The

ASH WEDNESDAY

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IT’S REALLY JUST ABOUT CANDY

(354) 58 12345

Treat yourself to Ice popular pizza. Ca land’s most ll and we deliver rig us at 58 12345 ht to your room!

EXPERIENCE

GLJÚFRASTEINN

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 everyday from 9am – 17pm.

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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ÍSLENSK I BARINN www.islenskibarinn.is

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ING ÓLFSSTRÆ TI 1A 101 REYKJAVÍK postur@islenskibarinn.is sími: 517 6767

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

INGÓLFSSTRÆTI 1A

1 0 1 R E Y K J AV Í K

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

THE STEAK HOUSE

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

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

When you wisit us, remember to try our “28 days” 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 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

WHAT’S ON

FROM THE

WHATSON.IS BLOG On our website, whatson.is, the What’s On Team works hard to consistently deliver fresh and fun stuff for everyone to read. It varies from tours and trips to current topics and everything in between! Here’s a few selections from the blog last month!

4 THINGS I’M GONNA DO IN ICELAND THIS YEAR

By Hjalti Rögnvaldsson Posted January 8th, 2015, in Lists #1 CLIMB HVANNADALSHNJÚKUR hvannadalshnjukurI’m not a bucket list kind of guy but this is something I have to do, mainly because I tried it last year and had to turn back due to weather. Hvannadalshnjúkur is Iceland’s highest peak and towers at 2,110 meters above sea level. It’s located in the south of Vatnajökull so big part of the hike is on solid glacier. This is a hike no one should do by themselves – you will need a guide.

Check out the What’s On blog archives on whatson.is/blog

#2 VISIT THE WESTFJORDS

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The Westfjords are a magical place. Their only problem is that the winters are so heavy that it can be difficult to travel there a big part of the year. This place is a paradise for an outside person....

CONTINUE READING ON WHATSON.IS/BLOG

TIL: LED ZEPPELIN’S ‘IMMIGRANT SONG’ WAS WRITTEN ABOUT ICELAND

By Rögnvaldur “Reggie” Guðmundsson Posted January 12th, 2015, in Music Today I learned that the “Immigrant Song”, by Led Zeppelin, was written about Iceland. I mean, if you listen to the lyrics, it’s obvious: We come from the land of the ice and snow/From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow … yeah I don’t think there’s any place on earth but Iceland that could refer to. I was mostly just surprised I’d never heard of it, the way Icelanders tend to keep track and reiterate any ‘claim to fame’ Iceland has – that seems like it would have come up…

CONTINUE READING ON WHATSON.IS/BLOG

By Rögnvaldur “Reggie” Guðmundsson Posted January 20th, 2015, in Iceland Today, I flew in an airplane over an active volcano!

Volcano SelfieI’m tempted to stop there: there’s not much to add, really, as words fail to describe the experience. But this wouldn’t be much of a blog with just a title and this lame paragraph, so we’ll try to describe it somehow.

It’s a crisp, sunny winter’s day as María and I show up to the local airport, late and frantic as usual, in a flurry of excitement about the day’s activity.

We’re there to evaluate the tour, so we purposefully take the worst seats on the plane – right by the engines, (word to the wise – the best seats are at the back) offering to trade the seats we’d originally taken with a very nice couple from the US who graciously accepted.

WHAT’S ON

#VOLCANOSELFIE

The view from these seats is absolutely fine as we’ll deal with later (but if you plan to sit right by the wing, I might recommend bringing some headphones or earplugs)…

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Bada Bing, Laugavegur 4, 101 Reykjavík

Check out the What’s On blog archives on whatson.is/blog

Ice Cream • Hot Cocoa • Waffles

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WHAT’S ON

FOOD AND FUN 2015 — FEBRUARY 25TH TO MARCH 1ST —

Food and Fun mixes outstanding culinary skills, fresh natural ingredients, Icelandic outdoor adventure and the world-famous Reykjavik nightlife to create the ultimate recipe for fun.

Book a tour now on whatson.is

The core element of the festival involves worldacclaimed and upcoming chefs from both Europe and USA collaborating with Reykjavik’s finest restaurants.

Each chef is assigned to one of the participating restaurants, where they prepare a special menu crafted from Icelandic ingredients only, commonly held to be the best in the world by Icelanders. The menus are presented at all the restaurants for an entire week.

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In addition, the chefs themselves are on site for three nights during the festival week. The second element of the festival is the chef competition, which takes place on the last day of the festival. The chefs compete by making three courses, made out of only Icelandic ingredients.

COLLABORATING RESTAURANTS:

Apótek Restaurant, KOL Restaurant, Kopar, Sushisamba, The Steakhouse, Nauthóll, Grand Restaurant, VOX, The Seafood Grill, Kolabrautin, The Harbour, The Grill, Gallery Restaurant, Dill, The Fish Company

Kolabrautin is on 4th floor Harpa Reservations +354 519 9700 info@kolabrautin.is www.kolabrautin.is

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE AND A VIEW LIKE NO OTHER

ICELANDIC FRESHNESS MEETS ITALIAN TRADITION A meal at the elevated fourth floor of Harpa concert hall is a destination in itself.

Relax and enjoy fine Italian cuisine complemented with a spectacular panoramic view of ReykjavĂ­k and the surrounding horizon.

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WHAT’S ON SÓNAR REYKJAVÍK 2015

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Sónar music festival is an international festival of advanced music and new media art created in 1994 and held annually in Barcelona for three days in the month of June. For some years, the festival has been traveling beyond Spain‘s frontiers, with more than 30 events each year in different places around the world and two years ago, it arrived in Reykjavík. Now it’s back, and the third Sónar Reykjavik Music Festival will take place on the 12th, 13th and 14th of February in Harpa Music Hall.

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Sonar festival is a pioneer in its field, sonically and visually.

This year the festival presents a stellar line-up of today’s most prominent artists who are at the forefront of electronica. Sonar is truly on the pulse of the current electronic music landscape and the sound and visual installations are quite unprecedented.

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5 | Paul Kalkbrenner (DE) 6 | Steindór Jónsson (IS) 7 | Todd Terje (NO)

about the author

DJ STYRMIR HANSSON Styrmir is a booking specialist and the resident DJ at What’s On.

CHECK OUT OUR SONAR COVERAGE ON WHATSON.IS/SONAR

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ACTS STYRMIR IS NOT GOING TO MISS THIS YEAR

* Photos from the artists’ Facebook or official pages.

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6 Reykjavík

1 | Elliphant (SE) 2 | Low Roar (IS) 3 | M-Band (IS) 4 | Nina Kraviz (RU)

WHAT’S ON

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WHAT’S ON

Reykjavík

Winter

Lights

Festival

February 5th to 8th

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Those long winter days of darkness in Reykjavík are set to be illuminated magnificently at the city’s annual Winter Lights Festival. The festival promises a superb collection of sparkling events, all delivered with our customary commitment to quality and diversity.

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The main objective of the festival is to illuminate the dramatic darkness of winter with a collection of sparkling events, which both celebrate and emphasize the beauty of Reykjavík City.

To accentuate further the extraordinary contrasts of light presented during winter, a number of quality light-art installations will be exhibited, illuminating some of the city’s most prominent buildings and public spaces, consequently enabling festival guests to experience the city from a new and exciting perspective.

Core events of the upcoming Winter Lights Festival include a number of selected lightart commissions together with our popular theme nights: Museum Night and Pool Night.

Prepare to be amazed by the dramatic interplay of darkness and light at the Winter Lights Festival 2015!

Museum Night takes place on Friday February 6th and was established to shine a light on Reykjavik’s captivating cultural heritage. By re-opening the museum doors at night-time, city residents and guests will get the chance to explore our diverse facilities during the more enchanting and magical hours leading up to midnight. Over forty museums in Reykjavík City will open their doors to the public for free and stay open until midnight. Each museum offers a tempting programme of fascinating and unusual events for guests of all ages to enjoy.

© Raggi Th. Sigurdsson

Museum Night Bus

A complimentry Museum Night bus service will be available to transfer guests between all museums, making it easier to visit as many as possible.

WHAT’S ON

Museum Night

Pool Night Pool Night takes place on Saturday February 7th. It was introduced at the 2012 edition of the Winter Lights festival and has since become a firm favourite on the programme of events with every municipality of Reykjavík participating. Pool Night invites guest to experience the facilities from 8pm until midnight, with the added attraction of thrilling in-pool activities, music and pool illuminations. © Raggi Th. Sigurdsson

Light Installations

More details on the various events on offer can be found on online at www.whatson.is/winterlightsfestival.

#reykjavikLoves

Find more articles like this on whatson.is

The interplay of darkness and light will be highlighted during the festival. Quality light-art installations will be exhibited, illuminating spectacularly some of the city’s most prominent buildings and public spaces, consequently enabling festival guests to experience the city from a new and exciting perspective. The main objective of the festival is to illuminate the dramatic darkness of winter with a collection of sparkling events, which both celebrate and emphasize the beauty of Reykjavík City.

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WHAT’S ON

THE REYKJAVIK MUSEUM WALK Reykjavik is rich with culture and history which can be experienced in the many museums that our city has to offer. To make life easier for you, here is a proposed Museum Walk that covers the best bits of downtown Reykjavik, while within a walking distance.

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VOLCANO HOUSE

The museum gives visitors an idea of the real life in Iceland, where volcanoes and earthquakes are a constant threat. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur daily and Icelandic nature is in a state of constant flux. 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 an in-house cinema where they offer two back-to-back documentaries on historical volcanic eruptions.

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REYKJAVÍK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

The museum’s main objective is to present both historical and contemporary 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, industrialand advertising photographs, press photography, landscape photographs and more.

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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 that was established on the 24th of February in 1863. The aim of the museum is to increase and relay knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage from the beginning until now. At the museum you will find objects that provide insight into Icelandic cultural history and displays from different eras.

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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, as well as there is a considerable emphasis laid on showing Icelandic art in context with international art.

REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM

Hafnarhús serves as the m u s e u m ’s i n s t i t u t e o f contemporary art, where n e w d e ve l o p m e n t s i n art are explored through d i ve r s e ex h i b i t i o n s o f Icelandic and international artists. An exhibition of paintings by well known pop artist Erró is a permanent feature. You’ll really like the restaurant inside that has a beautiful view over the harbour. 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 as 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.

©2013 GOOGLE

NICE

GREAT FOODGOOD DRINKS ATMO HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 17-19

KITCHEN IS OPEN Weekends 11.30–24 Other days 11.30–23

UNO at Ingólfstorg | Tel. 561 1313 | www.uno.is

Come ride with us ISK 500.- discount!* For almost 30 years Íshestar has given people an opportunity to experience the Icelandic horse on long and short trips. Horses are our passion.

Come ride with us in the beautiful surroundings of our Íshestar Riding Centre. You get free transport from all major hotels and guesthouses in the capital area.

Name the magic word, "Blesi", and you will get ISK 500.- discount on the Lava tour. Only valid when paid at our Riding Centre. *Not valid with other offers.

For further information check out our website www.ishestar.is, call +354 555 7000 or be our friend on Facebook.

FORGED BY SOME OF THE BEST ARTISANS IN SWITZERLAND, THE EYJAFJALLAJÖKULL EVO FOR MICHELSEN PAYS TRIBUTE TO MOTHER EARTH’S UNSTOPPABLE FORCES. THIS TIMEPIECE IS COMPOSED OF AUTHENTIC LAVA STONE FROM THE 2010 ICELANDIC ERUPTION AND IS EMBELLISHED WITH A HAND PAINTED VOLCANIC FISSURE IN COLD ENAMEL. LIMITED TO 9 PIECES. www.romainjerome.ch

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WHAT’S ON HOUSE 6

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Check out the article The Reykjavik Sight Experience on pages 16-17 for more information about the places numbered here.

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REYKJAVIK CITY MAP

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With so much to see and do, why not rent a car with audio guided day tour GPS system?

Perfect day tours for the independent traveller My Way is your own audio day tour consisting of a suitable car for you and your friends together with an audio guide programmed into the GPS system. Sold in cooperation with Avis and Budget car rentals.

My Way audio guided daytours exsamples: Reykjanes Peninsula

Reykjavík – Gardskagi, Hafnir, Blue Lagoon, Kleifarvatn – Hafnarfjördur Volcanic wonders and some of our country’s most unforgettable sights.

The Reykjanes peninsula tour offers an extreme variety of landscapes, lava fields and geothermal activity,

MIN: 4HRS

APX: 180KM

Golden Circle

Reykjavík – Gullfoss & Geysir Iceland’s most popular day tour, The Golden Circle, a route which encompasses many of Iceland’s most famous landmarks.

This tour includes some of the best known historical sites and natural phenomena in Iceland.

MIN: 5HRS APX: 250KM

Only available from: &

To book your own day tour • Contact Avis, tel. 591 4000 or Budget, tel. 562 6060.

• Ask the hotel or next information centre to book it for you.

• Visit the My Way website mywayiniceland.is

South Shore

Reykjavík – South Shore to Vík – Reykjavík You drive along the south coast of Iceland passing by glaciers and volcanoes, black sand coastline and moss-covered lava fields as far as the charming village Vík í Mýrdal.

MIN: 8HRS

APX: 400KM

WHO? WHERE? WHAT?

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 cast light on the Icelanders’ past by placing the cultural heritage preserved by the National Museum in a historical context, guided by the question: What makes a nation?

SUÐURGATA 41, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE-SUN 11-17

HOUSES IN THE TOWN Photographs of Reykjavík buildings by Kristinn Guðmundsson Downtown Reykjavík is changing before our eyes. New stores replace old ones, buildings and sheds vanish and new structures are erected in their place.

Sometimes it is a gradual process, while at other times changes may be astonishingly rapid.

Over a little more than a decade, 1975-87, the photographer had taken photographs in various places in the southwest of Iceland, but primarily in central Reykjavík. He appears to have taken his photographs mainly on public holidays and at weekends when the downtown area was quiet, and few people were about. He went from building to building, capturing them on film, as if he realised that a transformation lay ahead. Because the photos span such a brief period, the archive constitutes a powerful mirror of its time. There was no indication of the identity of the photographer, but one negative sleave provided a clue when enabled him to be traced.

THE MAKING OF A NATION - HERITAGE AND HISTORY IN ICELAND

Unidentified photographs from the Icelandic Museum of Photography in the National Museum When photographers’ archives come into museums and collections, it often transpires that the photographers have failed to keep notes of the subjects of the pictures. They themselves knew what the photo showed, and remembered where and when it was taken, so they had no need for such records.

In order to make the best possible use of an image, it must be placed in its historic context, located in time and place. Such information greatly enhances the value and usefulness of the picture. On several occasions the National Museum has asked its visitors to help by examining unidentified photographs, and providing information on where they were taken, when and of whom. This has generally been a great success.

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

REYKJAVÍK MARITIME MUSEUM GRANDAGARÐUR 8, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 11-17

THE HISTORY OF SAILING

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.

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This exhibition recounts Iceland’s maritime history and the growth of Reykjavík Harbor. Iceland’s settlement can be traced to Nordic seafarers sailing the North Atlantic. The first settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, chose the area that is now Reykjavík to make his home. It was a natural haven, with the inlet at Grandagarður being well sheltered for pulling boats safely ashore. For centuries, this natural harbor was one of the country’s main fisheries and trading centers, and over the years, Reykjavík Harbor grew to become Iceland’s largest port..

FROM POVERTY TO ABUNDANCE

HOUSES IN THE TOWN

EVENT CALENDAR

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

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EVENT CALENDAR

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ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION BERGSTAÐASTRÆTI 74, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE, SUN 14-17

IN THE LIGHT OF THE DAYS PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS BY ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON

Video screenings at the National Gallery’s Café In the Crack of the Land by Una Lorenzen (B)

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM

INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF ICELANDIC ART From February 13th.

Exhibition at the occasion of the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote in Iceland. (C)

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

A KASSEN - CARNEGIE ART AWARD 2014

FRÍKIRKJUVEGUR 7, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE-SUN 10-17

The Carnegie Art Award is a prestigious art prize, established in 1998 by the Carnegie Investment Bank with the aim of promoting contemporary Nordic painting and promising young artists from Scandinavia. In November 2013 A Kassen won third prize, awarded

Until February 8th.

Book a tour now on whatson.is

From February 5th.

the sum of SEK 400,000 and an obligation to take part in a touring exhibition. (D)

Paintings and drawings by the painter Asgrimur Jonsson. (A)

JÓN ÓSKAR - NEW WORKS

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IN THE CRACK OF THE LAND

Jón is a painter of large format and size has always been an part of his means of expression.

Quantity is also characteristic of his routine considering his priority as an artist working with series rather than single limited works.

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LAUGARNESTANGI 70, REYKJAVIK

AN ARTIST AT THE SAGA SITES Drawings by the Danish painter Johannes Larsen from his journeys to Iceland in 1927 and 1930. (E)

From February 13th.

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THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND 1884-2014 SELECTED WORKS FROM THE COLLECTION Until February 8th.

An exhibition of selected works from the collection of The National Gallery of Iceland at the museum’s 130-year anniversary.

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Gourmet Experience

- Steaks and Style at Argentina Steakhouse Barónsstíg 11 - 101 Reykjavík Tel: 551 9555 argentina.is Caruso hálfsía 01.pdf

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1/26/15

1:53 PM

Table reservation by phone, call: 5627335 or via caruso@caruso.is. Caruso Austurstræti 22 / 101 Reykjavík

EVENT CALENDAR

REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM HAFNARHÚS TRYGGVAGATA 17, REYKJAVIK OPEN: FRI-WED 10-17, THU 10-20

ERRÓ AND ART HISTORY

At Hafnarhús, works are always on display which provide insight into the work of Erró. The theme of this exhibition is art history itself: over the years, Erró has established a close and creative relationship with that history.

Erró is well known for creating his own visual world in his collages; and in this exhibition we see works in which he has borrowed images and fragments of pictures by some of the leading artists in history, such as Picasso and Léger. He also references the work of lesser-known artists of different periods. In that way Erró may be said to write his own version of the history of art, through his works.

CORY ARCANGEL: ALL THE SMALL THINGS Reykjavík Art Museum is proud to present All the Small Things, a solo exhibition of new works by American artist Cory Arcangel Although Arcangel is only in his thirties, he has already made a name for himself in the art world as a pioneer who combines digital technologies with art.

JUST PAINTED 1 From February 6th.

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The Reykjavík Art Museum presents two exhibitions at Hafnarhús and Kjarvalsstaðir displaying works by 85 active artists. Such an extensive overview of Icelandic contemporary painting has never been presented before. Curators: Hafþór Yngvason and Kristján Steingrímur Jónsson.

REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM ÁSMUNDARSAFN SIGTÚN, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 10-17

A POSTERIORI: HOUSE, SCULPTURE Until February 8th.

A posteriori, or from what comes after, a translation from early 17th century Latin, presents, a selection of artworks with original references to buildings or houses.

Artists in the exhibition have created the works, either from existing or fabricated architecture, to construct impressions of memories. As a feature of the exhibition, Ásmundarsafn, befittingly a sculpture and a house built by Ásmundur Sveinsson, becomes the embodiment of the reconstructed references. Ásmundur built the house in tandem with many of the sculptures now standing in the garden, and as an enhancing component of the exhibition, on display are smaller or actual versions of these figurative works.

In addition to making a direct connection to their enlargements, these figurative sculptures play into actual perceptions of scale in the exhibition, both inside and outside the house.

ÁSMUNDUR SVEINSSON:THE WATER CARRIER– MOUNTAIN+WOMAN From February 21st.

The exhibition commemorates the centenary of Icelandic women gaining the right to vote, under a royal decree of 19 June 1915. Ásmundur Sveinsson’s iconic sculpture Vatnsberinn /The Water Carrier (1937) is the focus and the leitmotiv of the exhibition. The exhibition will include, in addition to the Water Carrier, a selection of Ásmundur’s other sculptures, in a colloquy with works by Arna Valsdóttir, Daníel Magnússon, Kristín Gunnlaugsdóttir, Níels Hafstein, Ólöf Nordal, Ragnhildur Stefánsdóttir and Sigurður Guðmundsson.

REYKJAVIK ART MUSEUM – KJARVALSSTAÐIR FLÓKAGATA 24, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 10-17

THE PULSE OF TIME The paintings in Einar Hákonarson’s retrospective span the artist’s career for over 50 years, from juvenilia and student works until the present year, 2014.

The works have been selected on the principle of enabling

POETIC COLOUR PALETTE, FROM THE KJARVAL COLLECTION Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval occupies a special place in the history of Icelandic culture and art, as one of the country’s most beloved artists, before or since.

Born in 1885, he was a native of the south coast, from the farm Efri-Ey in the Meðalland district, but was raised by relatives on the east coast at Geitavík in Borgarfjörður-eystri. In his early twenties he assumed the royal Irish name Kjarval and used it to his dying day. He set off for Reykjavik in 1902; only two years prior, Iceland’s first exhibition of paintings had been mounted by painter Þórarinn B. Þorláksson. In Reykjavík Kjarval took drawing and painting courses with Þorláksson and also with the painter Ásgrímur Jónsson, but his mind was set on going abroad for further studies in art.

methods of athletes as a team is essential. Comparition between the arts and sports in our society in the process whis is transmitted to the show. The works will be replaced, and if someone does not get a good coverage he will imediatly get the red card and even dismissed from the game.

THE CINEMA GEIRSGATA 7B, REYKJAVIK

The Cinema is a cosy little movie theatre on the Old Harbour waterfront in the Reykjavik Centre, which offers a wide variety of different documentaries about everything from Volcanoes to Northern Lights to Glaciers made by the renowned Icelandic filmmaker Valdimar Leifsson. It has an impressive selection of scheduled shows as well as a possibility to book specifically a number of others, including films in German.

Currently, all their screenings include a short feature about the recent eruption at Bárðarbunga, which started in August 2014.

This includes cutting edge footage shot from a drone, which has drawn attention internationally, and which The Cinema was involved in creating. This footage in addition to other incredible and dramatic material is used to highlight the awesome power and beauty of the phenomenon.

EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM EIRÍKSGATA, REYKJAVÍK OPEN: TUE-SUN 13-17

A museum in the heart of Reykjavík and houses the life work of Icelands first Sculptor Einar Jónsson.

EVENT CALENDAR

visitors to trace the evolution of his art without difficulty; and the organisation and hanging of the exhibition are also intended to facilitate that process. The theme of the show, Púls tímans/Pulse of Time, is also the title of one of the paintings, evoking the artist’s desire to keep his finger on the pulse of time. The exhibition is curated by Ingiberg Magnússon.

ASÍ ART GALLERY FREYJUGATA, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE-SUN 13-17

THE CINEMA

The preperation of the exhibition comes around and is conditioned by many factors such as panels, managing, marketing, artist, graphic designer, art historian, sponsors, brands, business and more. On-site visits will blaze new trails, to examine the relationship between art, marketing and sports. The market will be viewed as an inevetable part of the art af the modern artist, but sports and the nature of the work on show is a catalyst for artists to adopt

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#LETSDOITASIMARATHON – FREE MARATHON WORKSHOP WITH GUEST

EINAR JÓNSSON

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Amtmannsstíg 1 • 101 Reykjavík • 561 3303 • www.torfan.is

FROM REYKJAVIK Daily at 13:00 53€

All aboard foer! adventur Daily at 21:00 53€

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

GARÐATORG 1, 210 GARÐABÆR OPEN: TUE-SUN 12-17

UN PEU PLUS – DRAWINGS AND SKETCHES BY FASHION DESIGNER HELGA BJÖRNSSON From February 6th.

Fahion designer Helga Björnsson spent years in the midst of the haute couture at Louis Féraud in Paris and has created costumes for Icelandic theatres.

Her drawings and sketches are works of an artist. With only a few pencil lines she conjures up both elegance and sensuality. Her rich fantasy and strong demand to always surpass oneself have created a body of work that in its simplicity exposes the art of the one who works in the fast-paced world of fashion.

„ARE YOU READY, MRS. PRESIDENT?“ Until February 22nd.

Presents clothing and various accessories from the wardrobe of Mrs. Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, former President of Iceland, from her years in office between 1980-1996.

Vigdís was the first woman in the world to be democratically elected as her country’s head of state.

HAFNARBORG

VOLCANO HOUSE

STRANDGATA 34, HAFNAFJÖRÐUR OPEN: DAILY 12-17, EXCEPT THU 12-21 AND CLOSED TUE.

TRYGGVAGATA 11, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 9-22

DEVELOPMENT Until February 15th.

Development by artist Hekla Dögg Jónsdóttir is a selfcontained world in which creation, development, presentation and reception of a work of art take place in the same space. In the Hafnarborg gallery a small “auditorium” has been installed, along with stage sets and props, a processing space and equipment for filming and processing 16mm film. In the “auditorium,” the focus of this sculptural installation, a film is shown which has been shot on black-and-white sets on either side. The filmed contains scenes made by artists brought in by Hekla to take part in the creative process. Visitors experience the setting, the film itself, and even the processing of a new part of the film. The exhibition is thus constantly evolving, and it will not be the same at the end of the exhibition as at the beginning.

Development is simultaneously a sculpture, performance and participatory art, as Hekla brings out the synergistic energy of creative individuals working together. The observer has the opportunity of glimpsing the creative process and experiencing the results, in the same time and place.

Until February 15th.

Hanna Davíðsson, a woman who lived and worked in Hafnarfjörður at the beginning of the 20th century when Icelandic women received the right to vote in 1915. The exhibition consists of paintings and drawings from various times by Hanna, such as small works that show her immediate vicinity, particularly flowers, the people and the environment of Hafnarfjörður as well as photographs that are now preserved by the Hafnarfjörður Heritage Museum.

From the small island Vest’-mannaeyjar, watch the awesome power of red-hot lava, seemingly irresistible as it moves in slow motion, swallowing and crushing everything in its path. Like a sci-fi monster, you see it start to engulf a thriving community and the impending disaster as it edges to the harbour to destroy the only safe haven for the fishing fleet. Every boat is pressed into service to ferry the inhabitants to safety as they watch more of their lives disappear.

Then, the 2010 eruption in Eyjafjallajökull that covered farms and villages in a deep layer of ash and an almost impenetrable fog, threatening, once again, the livelihoods of hard-working communities. A massive flood sweeps down the mountain, putting bridges along the main road linking the southern towns and villages at risk.

Find more events on whatson.is

SPARK

WONDERS OF VOLCANOES

EVENT CALENDAR

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART

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EVENT CALENDAR

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY TRYGGVAGATA 15, 101 REYKJAVIK OPEN: MON-THU 12-19, FRI 12-18, SAT-SUN 13-17

ICELAND DEFENCE FORCE In 2006 the US naval air base at Keflavík closed down after more than half a century. Bragi Þór Jósefsson took these photographs on the base, after the military had departed.

The base was established in 1951 after a defence agreement was reached between Iceland and the USA, and the Iceland Defence Force was founded. Iceland has never had any military forces of its own. The population of the base varied, peaking at about 5,700, including military personnel and their families, as well as staff of various onbase bodies. The base was a self-sufficient world with own shops, schools, hospital, cinema, sports facilities and nightspots – as well as military installations and housing. Surrounded by a security fence, the base was a foreign world, quite different from

what Icelanders were used to. For many years, Icelanders had to pass through the base’s security gate and this “American” town in order to leave the country, as the international air terminal was on the military base until the Leifur Eiríksson Air Terminal was built in 1987.

After the Cold War came to an end around 1990, the base lost much of its strategic importance, and its operations were gradually wound down until it closed in 2006, and the US military presence came to an end after 55 years.

CHECK OUT EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MUSEUMS IN REYKJAVÍK AND NEIGHBORING TOWNS—THE EXHIBITIONS, THE EVENTS AND ALL THE INFORMATION—ON WWW.WHATSON.IS/MUSEUMS.

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At that point Bragi Þór took his photo series Iceland Defence Force, showing the abandoned US base amid Icelandic lava fields. This American ghost town had a 110-volt electrical supply (and not the Icelandic 220v), and its water supply was chlorinated according to American rules (a phenomenon unknown in Iceland, as the spring water is so pure). Few Icelanders had any experience of life on the base, and in the photographs it is seen abandoned, and unambiguously foreign.

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EVENT CALENDAR

WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL

NOTABLE FESTIVITIES & RECURRING EVENTS ÞORRI

COZY SUNDAY

Read all about our Þorri on pages 8-9.

Every Sunday at Kex Hostel.

THREE PECULIAR HOLIDAYS BOLLUDAGUR

FESTIVAL CITY

Monday, February 16th.

WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL

SPRENGIDAGUR

February 5th-8th, more info on pages 36-37.

Tuesday, February 17th.

SÓNAR

ÖSKUDAGUR

February 12th-14th, more info on pages 34-35.

Wednesday, February 18th.

For more information about holidays, check out pages 23-24.

REYKJAVÍK DANCE FESTIVAL these

peculiar

REYKJAVÍK PEACE A lot of choirs in reykjavík, around the country and the whole world, will sing the John Lennon song ‘love’ at the same time to promote peace and love.

FEBRUARY 22ND, AT HARPA.

PEACE AND WAR February 1st to 28th. Interview on demand by the media, or even address to groups of up to 25 persons, to Jon Thormodsson, author of a 1,300page reference book, Peace and War: Niagara of Quotations.

February 3rd-28th, more info on whatson.is.

ICELANDIC ANNUAL BEER FESTIVAL February 26th-March 1st, more info on whatson.is.

FOOD AND FUN February 25th-March 1st, more info on whatson.is

STOCKFISH - EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL February 19th-March 1st, more info on whatson.is.

XJAZZ - BERLIN X REYKJAVÍK February 26-27th, more info on whatson.is.

LOWERCASE NIGHTS Every Sunday night at Húrra bar.

Phone +354 568 7250 / 898 6852.

Venue (home): Laugarasvegi 29, 104 Reykjavík

Surround yourself in ambient / experimental / lo fi / discreet / drone / noise / soundscape music for a cozy sunday night.

ALL THAT JAZZ

THE ICELAND EXPO PAVILION

MONJAZZ

The pavilion features a unique 360-degree film where the walls and ceiling form a visual unity.

More info on whatson.is.

Every Monday night at Húrra Bar.

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Activities for the whole family.

KEXJAZZ Saturday nights at Kex Hostel.

EVERY DAY AT HARPA.

e c r u o s A alth e h f o

Th er m al sw i m m ing po ols

Hot t ubs and jacuzz i

Sa un as , steamb at hs an d sh ow er s

*Admission February 2014. Price is subject to change ge

Reykjavik's Thermal Pools

*

O N LY

0LiTsSk. 60 D A U k.

130DiRsEN CHIL

Fo r he alt h an d we ll- be ing

Se ve n loc at ion s

Op en ea rl y un t il lat e

Thermal pools a and d baths in Reykjavik a are e a source of health, rrelaxation elaxation and purenes pureness. s.

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

Tel: +354 411 5000 • www.spacity.is

EVENT CALENDAR For more informations about these events, visit whatson.is/ec 56

ONE-OFF EVENTS FEB 3RD, TUESDAY

FEB 10TH, TUESDAY

FEB 19TH, THURSDAY

HAFNARHÚS

HÚRRA BAR

HARPA

»» Dances for the Electric Piano

»» Dj Óli Dóri

»» Beethoven and Stravinsky

HÚRRA BAR »» Cult Movie Night / DJ Sunna Ben

FEB 4TH, WEDNESDAY HÚRRA BAR »» DJ Davíð Roach

FEB 5TH, THURSDAY

FEB 11TH, WEDNESDAY HÚRRA BAR »» Snorri Helgason & Teitur Magnússon. / DJ Einar Sonic

FEB 12TH, THURSDAY KEX HOSTEL

HÚRRA BAR »» Caterpillarmen

FEB 20TH, FRIDAY HARPA »» Lunchtime concert in Flói

HÚRRA BAR »» Rökkurró / DJ Ívar Pétur

»» Sónar Reykjavík Warm Up

HARPA »» Osmo Vänskä

HÚRRA BAR

KEX HOSTEL

»» Börn, Döpur & Anatomy.

»» Teitur Magnússon and Guests

HÚRRA BAR »» Pink Street Boys, In The Company Of Men & Godchilla.

FEB 6TH, FRIDAY SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM »» Guided Tour

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION »» Guided tour

HÚRRA BAR »» Oyama & Tilbury.

FEB 7TH, SATURDAY NATIONALGALLERYOF ICELAND »» Guided tour

HARPA »» Meatloaf - Bat out of Hell Tribute »» Jorge Luis Prats - Master Pianist Series

KEX HOSTEL

FEB 13TH, FRIDAY HÚRRA BAR »» Kontinuum

FEB 14TH, SATURDAY HARPA »» Children’s Hour with the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra »» Heroes and Heroines

FEB 23RD, MONDAY FEB 24TH, TUESDAY

»» Babies / DJ KGB

»» Mutilation Rites

FEB 15TH, SUNDAY

FEB 25TH, WEDNESDAY

KJARVALSSTAÐIR

HARPA

»» Gallery Talk

»» Eivør in Norðurljós (also 26th)

HARPA

HÚRRA BAR

»» The Reykjavik Big Band performs Ella and Basie!

»» DJ Ísar Logi

FEB 16TH, MONDAY FEB 17TH, TUESDAY »» DJ Vala Waldorf

FEB 18TH, WEDNESDAY

FEB 26TH, THURSDAY HÚRRA BAR »» Leaves. / DJ Silja Glömmi.

FEB 27TH, FRIDAY HÚRRA BAR »» Extreme Chill festival pre-night followed by DJ Styrmir Hansson

HARPA »» Arturo Sandoval

»» Musicians of tomorrow: Carlos C. Aguilera and Ástríður A. Sigurðardóttir

»» Guided Tour

HÚRRA BAR

HÚRRA BAR

FEB 8TH, SUNDAY

FEB 22ND, SUNDAY

HÚRRA BAR

HÚRRA BAR

HARPA

»» Húrra Grapevine #1. Prins Póló / DJ Óli Dóri.

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM

»» Cheddar Chese and Guests »» DJ Reagan and Gorbachov

FEB 21ST, SATURDAY HÚRRA BAR

FEB 28TH, SATURDAY

HÚRRA BAR

HÚRRA BAR

»» DJ AnDre

»» Extreme Chill festival pre-night followed by Extreme Chill DJs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND EVEN MORE EVENTS, VISIT US ONLINE AT WHATSON.IS/EC YOU CAN ALSO SEND US YOUR EVENTS ON WHATSON.IS/EC/ADD OR EVENTS@WHATSON.IS

HOW DO YOU SAY

NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISE

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COME FIND OUT SERVING ICELANDIC DELICACIES FROM LAND AND SEA PREPARED IN RICH SOUTH AMERICAN AND SOUTHERN EUROPEAN STYLE.

daily at 21:00 from 16 October to 14 March 22:00 from 15 March to 15 April

GEIRSGATA 9, 101 REYKJAVÍK +354 519 5195000 5050 Ægisgarður 5 , 101 Reykjavík TEL. Tel. +354 WWW. MARRESTAURANT. IS www.elding.is

Ægisgarður 5 , 101 Reykjavík Tel. +354 519 5000 www.elding.is

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WHALE WATCHING from Reykjavík all year round EL-01 / EL-02 / EL-03

Jan-Feb

Mar 9:00

13:00

13:00

Apr 9:00

May 9:00

Jun 9:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 17:00* 17:00 20:30**

* From 15 May to 15 September ** From 15 June to 31 July

Jul 9:00 10:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 20:30

Aug Sep Oct Nov-Dec 9:00 9:00 9:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 17:00*

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: Guided tours daily at 13.00 or by appointment.

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 on whatson.is

Viðey Reykjavik 533-5055 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is

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REYKJAVIK CITY LIBRARY 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.

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

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.

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 m o d e r n t raw l e r s a n d t h e construction of Reykjavik harbour.

Aðalstræti 2, Reykjavik 411-6370 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17

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

REYKJAVIK MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

THE EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM

REYKJAVÍK CITY MUSEUM/ FREE ENTRY 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.

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.

Tryggvagata 15, Reykjavik 411-6390 | reykjavikcitymuseum.is Hours: Mon-Thu 12-19, Fri 12-18, Sat & Sun 13-17

Hallgrímstorg 3, Reykjavik 561-3797 | www.lej.is Closed until February

HAFNARBORG

THE NUMISMATIC MUSEUM

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.

Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður 585-5790 | www.hafnarborg.is Hours: Daily 12-17, Thu 12-21, Closed Tue

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.

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

Free WiFi

BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík City

Trip duration approximately

Keflavík International Airport

FAST, FREQUENT & ON SCHEDULE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK! The Flybus operates in connection with all arriving flights at Keflavík International Airport and your seat is always guaranteed.

For our very flexible schedule kindly consult our brochures or visit www.flybus.is

Transfer from BSÍ Bus Terminal to Keflavík International Airport or vice versa.

Scan the QR code for our flexible schedule.

Transfer from most hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport or vice versa.

BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík +354 580 5400 main@re.is • www.flybus.is

R O

WE’LL TAKE YOU THERE!

Northern Lights Tours!

RE-62

Northern Lights Tour

ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND

SRE-63

Highlands Northern Lights Tour SRE-64

Warm Baths & Cool Lights!

SRE-95

The Horse Theatre & Northern Lights

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

AND IN OUR BROCHURES!

on www.re.is

at your reception

Free WiFi

RELAX AT

the Blue Lagoon Reykjavík to Blue Lagoon 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00

Blue Lagoon to Reykjavík 11:15 12:15 13:15 14:15 15:15 16:15 17:15 18:15 19:15 21:15

KEF Airport to Blue Lagoon 09:30 11:30 12:30 16:30 17:30

Blue Lagoon to KEF Airport 12:00 14:00 15:00

Reykjavik Excursions offer great flexibility in Blue Lagoon tours.

BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík +354 580 5400 main@re.is • www.flybus.is

Flexible

All Year MON TUE WED THU FRI

SAT

SUN

There is no better way to start or end your Iceland adventure than by bathing in the famous Blue Lagoon. You can either board the bus at BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík or at Keflavík International Airport.

R O

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

The National Gallery of Iceland has come a long way from its origins. To begin with, the collection consisted of donated artwork, mainly by Danish artists. Today the museum stands at Frikirkjuvegur in central Reykjavik, displaying both Icelandic and International art.

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: Daily 10-17, Closed Mon

Suðurgata 41, Reykjavik 530-2200 | nationalmuseum.is Hours: Daily 11-17, Closed Mon

ASÍ ART GALLERÝ

SAGA MUSEUM

FREE ENTRY This museum was founded in 1961 when industrialist and book publisher Ragnar Jónsson donated his personal art collection to the museum, which consisted of paintings by Iceland’s most renowned painters. His wish was to establish an art museum that would bring art to the working class.

From the time of the earliest settlers, history is brought to life in a unique and exciting way. The Saga Museum intimately recreates key moments in Icelandic history, moments that have determined the fate of our people and which give a compelling view into how Icelanders have lived for more than a millenium.

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 11am – 6pm.

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: Daily 11-18

Grandagardur, Reykjavik 511-1517 | www.sagamuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-18

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 Closed until February

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: Daily 12-17, Closed Mon

THE LIVING ART MUSEUM

AURORA REYKJAVIK

FREE ENTRY The museum is an active exhibition space in central Reykjavik that has organized many exciting exhibitions throughout the years. They put an emphasis on introducing young Icelandic artists, as well as showcasing work done by better known Icelandic and foreign artists.

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 center features information, education and of course stunning visuals of the elusive lights that’ll get your heart racing.

Skúlagata 28, Reykjavik 551-4350 | www.nylo.is Hours: Daily 12-17, Closed Mon

Find more recommendations on whatson.is

Freyjugata 41, Reykjavik 511-5353 | www.listasafnasi.is Hours: Daily 13-17, Closed Mon

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM

ART & CULTURE

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND

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

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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 19421950. 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 p o ss e ss i o n o f i t s p o r t i o n o f Hafnarhús (Harbour House) in April 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 517-1290 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17

GLJÚFRASTEINN LAXNESS MUSEUM

Find more recommendations on whatson.is

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.

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Gljúfrasteinn, Mosfellsbær 586-8066 | www.gljufrasteinn.is Hours: Tue-Fri 10-17

THE CINEMA A cozy place in a loft at the lively Old Harbour down town Reykjavík, where there is a daily show of films of volcanoes, northern lights and nature gems of Iceland made by a re-known Icelandic filmmaker. At The Cinema one can also enjoy a rock exhibition, buy DVD´s and more, look at books, get refreshments, information - or just relax in a unique place.

Geirsgata 7b, Reykjavík 898 6628 | www.thecinema.is Hours: Daily 12-20

Sigtún, Reykjavik 553-2155 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 13-17.

GALLERY FOLD Iceland’s leading auction house and foremost fine arts dealership.

Established in 1990, Gallerí Fold has been in the hands of its current proprietor since 1992. In 1994, they acquired their own premises, where they‘ve enjoyed a period of growth and prosperity. Their 600 m2 building has five exhibition spaces from 30 to 110 m2.

Rauðarárstíg 12-14, Reykjavik 551-0400 | www.myndlist.is Hours: Mon-Fri 10-18, Sat 11-16,

COLLECTORS EMPORIUM ICELAND In a basement of sorts on Hverfisgata, just off Reykjavik’s main shopping street, you’ll find this hidden gem. Imagine it as a museum where you can take home anything you particularly fancy.

A vast collection of unique and historic Icelandic items, such as stamps, coins and much more, make it well worth a visit.

Hverfisgata 16, Reykjavik Hours: Mon-Fri 10-17, Sat 12-16

Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavik 590-1200 | www.artmuseum.is Hours: Daily 10-17, Thu 10-20

ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON COLLECTION 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.

Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík 515-9625 Closed until February

NORDIC HOUSE 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 cultural as well as experiencing rich culture of the Nordic countries Sturlugata 5, Reykjavik 551-7030 | www.nordice.is Hours: Daily 12-17, Closed Mon

SOUVENIR SHOP S HOP OF T H E Y E A R 2 0 1 2

The viking:info Laugavegur 1 · Reykjavík Hafnarstræti 1 - 3 · Reykjavík Hafnarstræti 104 · Akureyri Adalstræti 27 · Ísafjördur e:info@the viking

Ísafjördur

Akureyri Reykjavík

www.theviking.is TAX FREE

Two Icelandic themed villages

HLI

Ð Á LF TA NE SI

Restaurant & Lodging

The Viking Village is a unique place and it is the only Viking theme Hotel and restaurant in Iceland. We have step by step been developing our facilities over the last 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

This is Solla, the winner of Best Gourmet Raw Chef and Best Simple Raw Chef in the 2011 and 2012 “Best of Raw” Awards. Come and try out one of her great dishes at her restaurant Gló, Iceland’s most popular health food restaurant operating at three different locations in the great Reykjavik area.

Reykjavík: Engjateigur 19 and Laugavegur 20b · Hafnarfjörður: Strandgata 34 · www.glo.is

KALDI BAR

THE CELTIC CROSS

Austur is one of the hottest clubs in downtown Reykjavik, and has been since it first opened in 2009. Austur is located in Austurstraeti, one of the main bar- and shopping streets downtown, and even though the surrounding area is filled with clubs and bars, Austur seems to be the center of attention.

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

An Irish pub with multiple beers on tap. With a big screen TV to watch the game, while enjoying a nice cold pint of beer, the Celtic Cross features friendly staff and a nice atmosphere that makes you feel just at home.

Austurstræti 7, Reykjavik 568-1907

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 581-2200

Hverfisgata 26, Reykjavik 511-3240

B5

DEN DANSKE KRO

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.

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.

Naustin, Reykjavik www.hurra.is

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

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

KAFFIBARINN

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 the strangest cocktails in town.

Go for the Flamingophant cocktail!

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.

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.

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

Klapparstígur 38, Reykjavik

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

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HÚRRA

NIGHTLIFE

AUSTUR

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ANNA MARÍA DESIGN 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.

GALLERÍ SMÍÐAR OG SKART

THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS SHOP

Gallery Smíðar og Skart offers a wide selection of contemporary Icelandic art. Oil paintings, acrylic paintings, watercolors as well as ceramics and glass art. Over 50 local artists have their work on display in the Gallery.

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

Skólavörðustígur 16a, Reykjavik 561-4090

LISTVINAHÚSIÐ

ÁLAFOSS

METAL DESIGN

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

U n i q u e h a n d m a d e ce ra m i c s , 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”.

One of Iceland’s major woollen industry shops, the Álafoss store.

Situated in old factory premises that for decades were the leading manufacturers and exporters of Icelandic woollens, Álafoss is a company that strives towards offering the newest wares along with the traditional Icelandic wool sweaters.

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

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

Laugavegur 8, Reykjavik 552-2412

Laugavegur 8, Reykjavik 566-6303 | www.alafoss.is

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

LISTASELIÐ

IGLÓ&INDÍ

CINTAMANI

Six energetic women design and create exclusive art, while also running and working in the gallery.

The gallery offers gift vouchers, issued by the store or by the Centrum organization that can be redeemed within most shops on Laugarvegur and Skólavörðustígur in downtown Reykjavik.

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.

Skólavörðustígur 17b, Reykjavik 551-5675 | www.listaselid.is Hours: Mon-Fri 12-18, Sat 11-16

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

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GULLKÚNST HELGU

MICHELSEN

KRAUM

With its wide open spaces and beautiful treasures displayed in glass casting, Gullkúnst Helgu feels more like a gallery than a jewelry shop. Located on central Laugavegur, Reykjavik´s busiest shopping street, this family owned shop is not to be missed.

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.

Natural light floods the wooden floors and the fresh white walls of this stunning design hub and retail outlet, which already attracts some of Iceland´s top talents. More than 70 designers are contributing to a huge selection of products that include children’s puzzles, fish skin lamps and exquisite jewellery.

Laugavegur 13, Reykjavik 561-6660 www.gullkunst.is

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

Aðalstræti 10, Reykjavik 517-7797 www.kraum.is

STUDIO STAFN

HILDUR HAFSTEIN

GEYSIR

At Studio Stafn you will be able to look at art, purchase art and have your art framed! Great works and historical paintings by Iceland’s most famous artists could become all yours if you pay them a visit. If you’re not looking to buy art, at least stop by and take a look.

A wonderful little workshop, where Hildur Hafstein creates her handmade Icelandic jewelry line, KORA. Inspired by different elements, such as Buddhism and the flower power, a visit to Hildur Hafstein will be a pleasant experience. Although the store is technically on Laugavegur, you walk in from Klapparstígur!

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

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 manufactures.

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

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 771-1177 www.HildurHafstein.is

EPAL

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.

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

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

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

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

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

WE’RE OPEN! FÍTON / SÍA

YOU'LL FIND US AT KRINGLAN SHOPPING CENTER

FOOD & DRINK

TORFAN RESTAURANT

VEGAMÓT BISTRO

GRILLIÐ

This great restaurant combines traditional French cuisine with a Nordic touch. It is traditional but still connects to the present and the outcome is a classical cuisine surprise. Torfan is at Bernhöftstorfa, in one of the cities most beautiful house, built in 1838.

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

Is a centrally located and affordable restaurant that boasts an extensive international menu with an emphasis on Tex-Mex, Italian, Indian and many light meal options. During the weekend Vegamót transforms into a bar with refreshing cocktails, a wide selection of beers and popular DJ’s playing well into the night.

Just last year they celebrated their 50th anniversary. From the very beginning, Grillid has been regarded as one of the best restaurants in Iceland. If you want fine dining, perfectly executed food, professional service and excellent wines with a spectacular view over the city, you have come to the right place.

Vegamótastígur 4, Reykjavik 511-3040 | www.vegamot.is

Radisson BLU Hotel, Reykjavik 525-9960 | www.grillid.is

AUSTURLANDAHRAÐLESTIN

ARGENTÍNA STEAKHOUSE

HAMBORGARABÚLLAN – BURGER JOINT

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An excellent Indian restaurant, focusing on quality take-away, with the option of eating in. This means that while it‘s technically “fast food”, it’s definitely of restaurant q u a l i t y. T h e m e n u i n c l u d e s everything you could expect from an Indian restaurant, with the Chicken Tandoori being especially recommended.

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Lækjargata 8, Reykjavik 578-3838 | www.hradlestin.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

They offer some of the the finest cuisine there is to find in the whole city. Grilling meat and fish of all kinds Argentinian style using wooden coal is what they do better than any other restaurant and frankly, you won‘t believe your own tastebuds

Since 2004, the Joint has kept it simple, fun and delicious. Sitting right by the Old Harbour, in a small, iconic house, the atmosphere of the Burger Joint is hard to find elsewhere. You can feel the joy of the staff, as they serve you juicy burgers, exploding with great taste.

Barónsstígur 11a, Reykjavik 551-9555 | www.argentina.is

Geirsgata 1, Reykjavik 511-1888 www.bullan.is

UNO RESTAURANT

LIFANDI MARKAÐUR

Uno is a relatively new, modern Italian restaurant in downtown Reykjavik, where original Italian culinary customs and Icelandic ingredients come together to form a delightful treat.

A modern and health conscious restaurant and whole food shop which offers a wide range of hot or cold food to eat in or take-out.

The selection consists of both vegetarian food and healthy food.

No white flour, white sugar, MSG is used in the food.

Hafnarstræti 1-3, Reykjavik 561-1313 | www.uno.is

Borgartún 24, Reykjavik 585-8700 www.lifandimarkadur.is

The concept of the restaurant is "c a s u a l f u n d i n i n g" a n d w e p r e p a r e w h a t w e w o u l d call a simple honest, "feel good", comfort food, where we take on the classics with a modern twist.

S K Ó L AV Ö R Ð U S T Í G U R 4 0 · 1 0 1 R E Y K J AV Í K T E L . +3 5 4 5 1 7 74 74 · I N F O @ K O L R E S TA U R A N T. I S · KO L R E S TA U R A N T. I S

ROCK N’ ROLL

R I B S

2 .890

IKR

Salted Cod With almond and chive butter, fig and potatoes

3.650

IKR

A new 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.

AUSTURINDÍAFJELAGIÐ

JÓMFRÚIN

The spices used to season the food at Austur-Indiafjelagid are imported directly from India and blended on the spot by their team of highly experienced chefs. The Tandoori dishes on the menu must be mentioned, as the chefs have truly mastered the art of Tandoori grilling.

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.

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

Hverfisgata 56, Reykjavik 552-1630 | www.austurindia.is

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

KOL

THE ICELANDIC BAR

PERLAN

Kol describes itself as “casual fine dining with a big bar”. The name comes from the unique charcoal oven which lends a very special, rustic flavour to the dishes. The restaurant offers a wide variety of sophisticated cocktails, mixed with handmade syrups and juices.

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.

For the finest in dining, nothing compares to Perlan Restaurant.

While your taste buds delight to superb cuisine, you will enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Reykjavik and beyond as the restaurant gently completes a full rotation every two hours.

Skólavörðustígur 40, Reykjavik 517-7474

Located inside Listhusid in Laugardalur valley, Glo is Iceland‘s hottest new organic restaurant.

The menu consists of vegetarianand raw food courses, meat dishes, soups and salads. The courses are somewhat modest as they are simple, filling and not flooded with too much spice or ingredients.

Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavik 553-1111 | www.glo.is

KAFFITÁR 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.

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

Perlan, Reykjavik 562-0200 | www.perlan.is

KJALLARINN KITCHEN BAR „The Cellar“ a new restaurant in one of the cities oldest houses. The menu is split up by the two main methods of cooking, a coal oven and a French planche. Master chef Eyjólfur Gestur serves up exciting feasts from both sea and land as well as great parings of food and cocktails.

Aðalstræti 2, Reykjavik 517 7373

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GLÓ

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

FOOD & DRINK

THE STEAK HOUSE

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SJÁVARBARINN Sjávarbarinn’s main feature is an all-you-can-eat buffet that has received raving reviews and it also offers an à la carte menu at a very competitive price. Join the locals for lunch in a friendly and cheerful atmosphere or enjoy dinner when the chef spruces things up.

Grandagarður 9, Reykjavik 517-3131 www.sjavarbarinn.is

MAR - SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 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.

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

AALTO BISTRO

A unique restaurant and café, run by the award-winning chef, Sveinn Kjartansson. AALTO puts an emphasis on Scandinavian food, inspired by European cuisine.

Located in the Nordic House, designed by the acclaimed Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, this bistro is a hidden gem.

The Nordic House, Sturlugata 5, Reykjavik 551-0200 | www.aalto.is

KOPAR

GRILLHÚSIÐ

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 familyowned 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!

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

Laugavegur 73, Reykjavik 555 7373 www.73.is

FLJÓTT OG GOTT

FISH COMPANY

KOLABRAUTIN

One of Reykjavik’s iconic restaurants, located in the main bus terminal, BSÍ. Here you can have the coveted “Sheep’s Head” as well as all the traditional Icelandic food, which is a must-try for all adventurous travellers!

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.

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

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

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

Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, Reykjavik 552-1288 | www.fljottoggott.is

73 RESTAURANT

Experience real Icelandic cuisine

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

Let’s be friends!

/laekjarbrekka

vurl.is/i

Culinary underground movement — Literally The newest addition to the restaurant flora of the capital is Kjallarinn - Kitchen Bar

Kjallarinn simply means „The Cellar“ a fitting name since Kjallarinn is literally underground.

The stylish yet warm surrounding is the home of some exciting innovations in both cooking as well as cocktails, which are the inventions of master chef Eyjólfur Gestur in collaboration with the bartenders. The menu is broken up by method of cooking, on one hand the coal oven and on the other a French Planche. On the menu you can find various fish, meat and fowl and of course some delicious cocktails, should you be so inclined. Enjoy!

Aðal stræt i 2 101 Reykjavík Tel : 517 7373 kjallarinn@kjallarinn.is

GENERAL TIPS AND ADVICE Want to know the population of Iceland? Who‘s the president? Why there are so many beautiful women in Iceland? Why people live so far north in the cold? When is the best time to visit? We have all these answers and plenty more. We strive to have the answer to everything you might possibly want to know about Iceland, Reykjavik, Icelanders, travelling to Iceland and everything related (or unrelated) you might be seeking.

If you can‘t find your answer here – just visit us on Laugavegur 4 in Reykjavik, or drop us an email on whatson@whatson.is – ask us on facebook, twitter, instagram or any other media you can imagine and we‘ll do our best to answer promptly!

YOU HAVE ANY GOOD IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS FOR ME? JUST IN CASE SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS? 112 – For every emergency you can imagine. Including if you get beat up (that’ll only happen if you’re a complete asshole by the way, we’re not a violent people.

The Viking blood has been diluted over the years and with it the rage has receded) 5885522 – Every Icelander knows this number. It’s for one of the taxi stations. We won’t judge if it’s a better taxi station than the next one – but it has a catchy phone number.

58-12345 – Domino’s. What’s better than a juicy Domino’s pizza after a hard day of exploring Reykjavik?

118 – This is the phonebook and allegedly they answer all sorts of questions you might have.

You’ll pay heftily for this service though.

severely injured yourself in your own home country. Apart from possibly changing the phone number you’d call – what would be your action plan? Go ahead and execute that plan – it’s likely that all the steps will align perfectly with Icelandic reality.

But again. 112! That’s the number to remember.

I JUST SO HAPPEN TO HAVE THIS LETTER HERE I FORGOT TO POST… CAN I DO THAT IN ICELAND? Well yes you can. There are 5 post offices scattered through Reykjavik. As well you can use the post boxes. Both the office and the boxes will be more or less red. The Icelandic word for post is póstur, so you really shouldn’t have any problems finding the correct thing. If that fails, you might want to consider joining the rest of us here in the modern day, using e-mail.

HOW CAN I CALL ICELAND? CAN PEOPLE CALL ME WHILE HERE? Your standard issue mobile phone is most likely going to work just fine in Iceland.

Nowadays phones just…take care of all that complicated stuff themselves. If you really want to get down and dirty, the country code is +354 and the phone numbers have 7 digits.

IS IT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE IN ICELAND? Driving should be quite safe.

We drive on the right side and the speed limit is 90km/h. One major point to keep in mind though, is that the weather changes ridiculously fast and the driving conditions can get seriously disgusting, slippery, snowy and whatever. Drive according to situation always!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I JUST SEVERELY INJURED MYSELF. WHAT SHOULD I DO? Hmm… You should almost certainly start by calling 1-1-2.

That’s the emergency phone number in Iceland, one you should generally use in all sorts of life threatening perils. After that you should judge the nature of the injury. Honestly though – Imagine you just

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

UNDERSTANDABLE CONCERNS YOUR LANGUAGE DOESN‘T MAKE SENSE, ARE YOU REALLY SPEAKING REAL WORDS? No, this is just an elaborate scheme we put in action whenever there’s a foreigner around. In reality our language is Spanish, because we used to do a lot of business with the Spanish some hundreds of years ago. We sold them salted fish in bulk, in exchange for red wine.

That was a great deal… Okay, in reality. Yeah…Icelandic is a real language, spoken by some 300.000 Icelanders. It’s related to the other Scandinavian languages, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian, though it doesn’t really sound similar.

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY BEAUTIFUL WOMEN IN ICELAND? This is not coming from us, but according to some people, it‘s because, back in the days, the Vikings went over to England and stole all the beautiful women from them, which resulted in Iceland being a disproportionally beautiful nation, as opposed to the English… This is not something we honestly believe though – the official story is Lýsi, high quality fish and a biased, yet favourable, general opinion on beauty standards.

DOES EVERYONE SPEAK ENGLISH IN ICELAND? Yes. And most of us know some pretty difficult words as well!

LIFE IN THE NORTH CAN BE A BIT SNOWY AND DARK

HOW BIG IS YOUR COUNTRY? Size really doesn‘t matter, so we‘re not too worried about that…But, we‘re talking 103,000 high-quality km²‘s (40,000 sq mi). Iceland is actually the worlds 18th largest island, which isn‘t really that impressive.

WHAT’S THE POPULATION OF ICELAND? Roughly 320.000.

That’s thousand, not millions. Yes – we have about the same amount of people as Santa Ana or Riverside California. Or one tenth of Berlin (Germany) or Madrid (Spain) if that scale makes more sense. Less than Bilbao (Spain), Cardiff (UK) and Nice (France). More than Utrecht (Netherlands), Bari (Italy) and the renowned town of Wirral (UK). Stop making fun of us.

We’re blond, tall and strong. Who cares we’re just a handful. We’re statistically good at everything.

WHY DO PEOPLE LIVE SO FAR NORTH IN THE COLD? Meh … It’s a mixture of reasons really. Firstly – we were born here, so we’re just used to it and don’t know anything else Secondly – we have some seriously warm clothes up here, so we’re not that cold all the time.

Thirdly – Iceland is packed with steaming water pouring from the ground here and there, so our houses are warm all the time.

Now on top of that – Iceland is BEAUTIFUL! It’s like…jawsto-the-ground stunning at times. We have Aurora borealis, waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, volcanoes and a multitude of other super cool awesome amazing stuff.

That alone makes living here a dream.

CHECK OUT MORE ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ONLINE ON WHATSON.IS/FAQ 80

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Álafoss Main Store Álafossvegi 23 270 Mosfellsbær Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 - 18.00 Saturday 9.00 - 16.00

Álafoss - Sweaters & souvenirs Laugavegi 8 Reykjavík City centre Opening hours: All days 10.00 - 21.00

Special opening for groups after closing: tel: 354 5666303

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