What's On in Reykjavik - March 2015

MARCH 2015 HOMA 176

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

Cory Arcangel, Quick Office, 2013, photo Sacha Maric

Ásmundur Sveinsson, The Water Carrier, photo Harpa Björnsdóttir

Einar Hákonarsson, Farwell, 2011

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 just Painted 2

Ásmundarsafn SigTún 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 MARCH 2015

ON THE COVER MARCH IN ICELAND

EXPERIENCE 6-27

WHAT’S ON

28-37

MUSEUM WALK

38-41

REYKJAVIK CITY MAP 42-43

EVENT CALENDAR

ART & CULTURE

44-57

58-63

NIGHTLIFE 64-65

SHOPPING & STYLE

66-69

FOOD & DRINK

70-75

PRACTICAL INFO

76-81

So February was incredibly busy. Both in terms of people visiting us, as well as in events, festivals and general happenings. Following such a month can sometimes be difficult, but worry not – as March is just as action-packed and awesome!

Here are some of the highlights of the month.

We kick-off with the Reykjavik Folk Festival, between the 5th and 7th of March. This fun music festival has been held for a few years in row now, at the ever lovely Kex Hostel. We highly recommend that for a couple of beers and an unparalleled atmosphere.

Following that, we have two festivals over the same days, the DesignMarch, design festival and Reykjavík Fashion Festival – both being held between the 12th and 15th of March. These events have been around for a while and are heavily anticipated every year.

Later in the month, on the 20th to be exact, a historic event will occur, when for the last time in over 10 years, a near Total Solar Eclipse will occur, and will be very visible from Iceland! Make absolutely sure you’re up for that, as it’s truly a sight to behold!

Oh and over that weekend the town will fill up with EVE Online players, so if you’re one of them, reading this right now – here’s to you!

EVE Online is a video game for those of you that don’t know that, and is the brainchild of Icelanders. One of our proudest products in reality, and as a result, we welcome every EVE playing gamer for the annual fanfest!

All in all. March will be a busy fun month. It’s getting brighter by the day, and we can start to look for sun in the sky and even the occasional not-so-bad-of-a-weather day! It’s all uphill from here guys!

– 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

Cover: Armann Agnarsson & Jonas Valtysson 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 3. 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

SUPER

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ADVENT EP OUTDOOR ES GLACIER WALKS URES ADVENTUR DAY TOUR G S FROM S & HIKIN SÓLHEIMAJÖKULL & SKAFTAFELL

GLACIER WALKREYKJAVÍK DAY TOURS

REYKJAVÍK

FROM DAY TOURS

PIONEER

2006

AWARD

En vi r

2006

For designing and developing Glacier Walks.

Ministry for the Environment Natural Resourcesand

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Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources

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PIONEER AWARD

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and developing For designing Glacier Walks.

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ICELANDAIR

ICELANDAIR PIONEER AWARD

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.

En vi r

ICELANDAIR PIONEER AWARD

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

EXPERIENCE

THE WHAT’S ON

MARCH CHECKLIST March is the month to enjoy the last of winter. 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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It’s Design March! Check it out! Preferably design something!

Be Fashionable during Fashion Week See the almost Total Solar Eclipse on the 20th of March!

Ride a snowmobile.

Climb a glacier!

Get a Reykjavik City Card and check out the museums!

Use said card to visit some of our geothermal pools!

Check out the Reykjavik Folk Festival!

Taste the Icelandic fish and lamb!

Gaze over Reykjavik from the top of Hallgrímskirkja’s tower

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

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.

Find more articles like this on whatson.is

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.

Find more articles like this on whatson.is

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.

EXPERIENCE

THE ICELANDIC

Although beer and ale have been brewed in Iceland for a long time, the growth in recent years has been amazing. In just a few years, we‘ve seen many great breweries emerge, filled with ambition and ingenuity. There is one thing they all have in common though, the Icelandic water; renowned for its purity and quality. Here you can read up on some of our favorite beers, all of whom you‘ll find in Reykjaviks pubs and bars.

VÍKING CLASSIC Víking Classic is a Vienna style beer with golden amber colour and taste of roasted malt. It has a good body and medium bitterness with balancing sweetness and a hint of caramel. This Classic type of beer has become one of the best sellers on draught in Iceland in one year. Víking Classic is available in draught, bottles and cans and is part of the Víking beer family which is the most popular beer brand in Iceland.

BRÍÓ The first beer produced by Borg Brugghús, Bríó is a pilsner, however unlike what most people might think, being a pilsner doesn‘t mean it‘s any less of a beer. The name comes from the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. This style of brewing first emerged in the middle of the 19th century and immediately became so popular that the majority of beer drunk today is in some way derived from the original pilsner. Brío uses German hops, giving a very distinctive taste and a sweet aroma. Along with the hops, it uses Pilsen malt and under-fermentation yeast. Brío, which has won many awards and prizes over the years, was originally brewed as the House Beer for Ölstofan (see pg. 12) and is available in liquor stores around the country as well as most bars in town.

Find more articles like this on whatson.is

KALDI

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The Brewery on Árskógssandur was the first microbrewery that opened in Iceland, back in 2006. Their first product, Kaldi, definitely paved the way for the rest of them.

The regular Kaldi is a pure pilsner, with all the ingredients, except the Icelandic water, coming from the Czech Republic. Even their Brewmaster is Czech! Kaldi is a very mild and comfortable pilsner, with 5% ABV. You can detect a hint of sweetness in it. Kaldi is the most sold bottled beer in Iceland today and has been tremendously well received. You can get Kaldi in the liquor stores in bottles, as well as on draught at MicroBar.

KALDI DARK Most Icelanders are a bit afraid of dark beers, at least until they taste Kaldi Dark. A dark pilsner, it‘s not that much different from the regular Kaldi, as the main difference is the use of burnt malt, which provides the beautiful, distinctive dark color. Kaldi Dark is unpasteurized with no added sugar or preservatives. As mentioned – the Kaldi beers are brewed by Czech traditions, dated from 1842. Kaldi Dark is brewed using 3 different types of Czech hops. You can get Kaldi Dark in all liquor stores as well as in MicroBar on draught.

EINSTÖK TOASTED PORTER With clear notes of toffee and dark chocolate, this Porter is roasty and rich, offering a medium body that is robust, yet smooth on the palate. Toasted and chocolate malts give it a sinister black color, but its easy-to-drink taste will have you believing that there’s no need to be afraid of the dark anymore.

EXPERIENCE

BEER EXPERIENCE

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

LAVA

GÆÐINGUR PALE ALE The Pale Ale from Gæðingur is a mixture of American and British Pale Ale. It’s ABV is quite low, at 4,5%, but it has the body of a much bigger beer. Bitterness and hops describe it aptly. Gæðingur is the latest addition to the Icelandic Microbrewery scene, founded in 2010. Gæðingur Pale Ale is unfiltered, so it has some residue at the bottom of the bottle. The Pale Ale is the beer that cemented Gæðingur as a quality Microbrewery and is available at most liquor stores, and as with many of the other beers mentioned, on draught in MicroBar

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This beer is unique in the Icelandic beer scene and quite possibly globally as well. Lava is a pitch black Ale, with its colour coming from dark-roasted mat, burnt in a similar way as coffee beans. The Brewmasters goal was to create a distinctive beer. Lava is described as being like a good wine – improving with age, reaching optimal quality after 3 years of storage in a cold place. Lava is a very smoked Imperial Stout, and considered by beer connoisseurs as one of the best Icelandic beers. It has received many international awards, including a gold medal at the “United States Open Beer Championship” – where it competed against over 1650 beers. Lava is available at the bigger liquor stores as well as exclusively on draught at MicroBar.

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(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

WELL-KNOWN (UNTRUE) FACTS ABOUT ICELAND

By Rögnvaldur “Reggie” Guðmundsson

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ICELANDERS BELIEVE IN ELVES, TROLLS AND OTHER MYSTICAL BEINGS. EVEN SCIENCE SAYS SO, THERE WAS THAT ONE SURVEY THAT SHOWED MORE THAN HALF OF ICELANDERS DO!

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Yeeeeaaahhhh ... listen, I read that survey, and the way they got to that number was basically asking “is it impossible that elves exist” to which half the population would answer “no.” That’s not the same as actively believing in them though. I mean I don’t believe in ghosts, but I don’t want to find out I’m wrong, either! It’s not like the average person leaves out milk and honey at night for the elves.

ICELAND IS GREEN, GREENLAND IS ICE. “BACK IN THE DAY, THE ICELANDERS WHO DISCOVERED GREENLAND, WANTED ICELAND TO THEMSELVES, SO THEY CALLED GREENLAND GREENLAND TO TRICK PEOPLE INTO MOVING THERE INSTEAD.” Weeeeeellllll, there’s definitely some truth to this.

The sagas say Eric the Red named it Greenland because he wanted to encourage people to move there, nut actually nobody knows where the name Iceland came from. It might be so ancient that it was much icier when the name was made. But, Iceland is still plenty icy. And parts of Greenland are very green, especially in summertime.

We won’t presume to judge as to the truth of this, but do feel free to keep perpetuating it, at least it’s very flattering for Icelandic women’s egos..

ICELANDIC IS THE SAME NOW AS 1000 YEARS AGO, IN FACT, ICELANDERS CAN STILL READ THE VIKING SAGAS WITHOUT DIFFICULTY.

ICELAND IS A SCANDINAVIAN COUNTRY. Weeeeeeeelll... I mean sure it is. But if we’re gonna get technical (and we are) Scandinavia, strictly speaking, refers to the Scandinavian peninsula, on which Sweden, Norway and Denmark reside. Culturally, “Scandinavia” has come to encompass Iceland, Finland and the Faroese Islands as well.

More importantly though, Iceland has about 50% of its blood from Ireland, so it’s as Celtic as it is Scandinavian.

ICELANDERS ARE VIKINGS. Actually, I try to limit all my raiding and pillaging to the weekends..

But we still have some influences, words like pizza, email and “meikar sens” (makes sense) are in common usage, for instance. And though the language has remained largely unaffected from the outside, it has still changed internally, so most Icelanders today could probably not easily read the Viking manuscripts.

And even if we can read them to some extent, we must bear in mind that though a word might be written the same, it is pronounced very differently today from what it was in the Viking age, so we would probably not understand a time-travelling viking today, even if he did stop murdering us long enough to have a civil conversation.

Can you think of other common (untrue) myths about Iceland? Send us a message on whatson@whatson.is!

P.S. Lots of Icelandic kids are blond before they grow into their real hair colour. But then, while blond, they’re not very tall.

Find more articles like this on whatson.is

In Icelandic, “viking” was much more something you ‘did’ than something you ‘were.’ Icelanders were farmers and fishers, and then sometimes, when times were tough or the fancy took you, you would go and “viking” in England or somewhere. I mean, I see where you guys get confused, cause the only time you ever met Icelanders is when they were “viking-ing.”

Hmmmmm... Well. It is true that Icelandic is

BY FAR the most original of the Scandinavian languages, which were influenced by European languages, since Iceland was so isolated and insignificant nobody bothered to colonise us much. It is also true that we have jealously guarded our language, opting to make up new words for everything from computer (“tölva”) to telephone (“sími”), rather than taking up foreign words.

EXPERIENCE

stole all the most beautiful women from Britain, which is why Icelandic women are so attractive.

Another common myth (well, common in Iceland at least) says that the Icelandic Vikings

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Also, that was a long long time ago, and frankly everyone was doing it at the time, and we really wish you would just let it go already.

“ICELANDERS ARE ALL TALL AND BLOND, LIKE THE ELVES IN LORD OF THE RINGS.” No, that’s the Norwegians, silly.

But seriously, Icelanders are relatively tall, but, presumably due to the generous admixture of Celtic blood, there are a lot of redheads.

The commonest hair colour in Iceland? That dirty’blond colour that used to be called “mousy.” And all those blondes: BLEACHED, my dear.

EXPERIENCE

A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF ICELAND 16-18 Million BC: The Formation of Iceland. Volcanic eruptions form the landmass known as Iceland.

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

930 AD: Parliament Established.

Iceland is arguably the oldest still extant democracy in the world.

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

1550 AD: Civil war and Lutheranism. The violent conflict between Catholics and Lutherans ended with the beheading of bishop Jón Arason.

the century saw the first motor boat and car. The world wars and American occupation resulted in the first serious urbanisation and foreign cultural influence.

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

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

The 1750s: The Enlightenment and the Birth of Reykjavík.

Industrialisation and modernisation started when “Sheriff” Skúli Magnússon started wool manufacturing in Aðalstræti 10.

Find more articles like this on whatson.is

1944 AD: Independence. Iceland 1262 AD: Iceland Submits to declared independence ING ÓLFSSTRÆwhile TI 1A Norway. Civil war betweenÍSLENSK I BARINN Denmark was too busy being powerful clans resulted in making www.islenskibarinn.is postur@islenskibarinn.is invaded by Germany to protest. peace by submitting to Norway.

20th century: The World Wars Later, Iceland somehow wound and modernization. The turn of up under Danish rule.

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1980 AD: First Female President.

The world’s first democratically elected female head of state, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, took office.

2008 AD: Crash and Miraculous Recovery. Iceland’s banking system went spectacularly bankrupt. Since then, things are picking up surprisingly well, but they’re still tough.

2009 AD: First openly gay prime

101 minister.

REYKJAVÍK The world’s first openly lesbian sími: 517head 6767 of government, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, took office.

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

WRITINGS FROM

WHATSON.IS 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 last month!

#VOLCANOSELFIE

By Rögnvaldur “Reggie” Guðmundsson Posted February 19th, 2015, in Volcano Today, I flew in an airplane over an active volcano!

I’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.

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

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.

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CONTINUE READING ON WHATSON.IS/VOLCANO

ÞÓRSMÖRK THE VALLEY OF THE GODS

By Elín Elísabet Einarsdóttir Posted February 18th, 2015, in Things to Do

CONTINUE READING ON WHATSON.IS/THINGS-TO-DO

I just got home from a fantastic super jeep tour to Þórsmörk (Thor’s Forest), a wonderful wilderness between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull (famous for its 2010 eruption) and Tindfjallajökull. I had never been there before, but I knew two things from its reputation: a) it’s one of the most beautiful places in Iceland, and b) the weather is always nice there. In the summer, it is a hiking paradise but I didn’t have a clue what to expect on a snowy winter’s day.

THE JOURNEY OF TWO LONGHAIRED MEN INTO THE EPIC DANCETASTIC SÓNAR FESTIVAL

By Styrmir Hansson Posted February 15th, 2015, in Sónar As is usual with music festivals, drinks are quite expensive at the venues. So to start the night, me and my hairy photographer decided to have few refreshments at a local bar at happy hour. It was quite easy to reach a decision on where to go, considering the fact that Todd Terje would be playing later that night with his ...

CONTINUE READING ON WHATSON.IS/SONAR

By sbs Posted February 24th, 2015, in Movies

CONTINUE READING ON WHATSON.IS/MOVIES

There aren‘t a lot of Icelandic documentaries, I‘ll admit that right off the bat. The oldest Icelandic documentary I’ve seen (Rokk í Reykjavík) was made in 1982, and only about a half a dozen others were made between then and 2000. So there isn’t really a strong tradition for feature length documentaries here, although a lot of great documentary TV programs have been produced over the years.

5 MORE ICELANDIC TRAVEL TIPS FROM A LOCAL EXPERT

WHAT’S ON

MY TOP 5 FAVORITE DOCUMENTARIES

By Rögnvaldur “Reggie” Guðmundsson Posted February 2nd, 2015, in Things to Do Last month, I was writing the article about 10 travel tips and realised I had way more tips! So here are 5 more. #1 WHEN DO I NEED TO BOOK THINGS BY? In general people come here having booked in advance the very things that there’s no rush to book, and not having thought about things they should have booked in advance, had they wanted to do them. So read carefully.

CONTINUE READING ON WHATSON.IS/THINGS-TO-DO

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

DesignMarch Reykjavík

March 12th to 15th

DesignMarch takes place on 12-15.03.2015.

More info on DesignMarch on whatson.is

Organized for the seventh time, it will

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transform the most northerly capital in the world into one big venue for design.

From fashion to furniture, architecture to food design, the festival showcases the best of the local design scene alongside an

increasing

number

of

international

collaborations. With over 100 events spread from the fishing harbour to the lava fields surrounding the city, DesignMarch attracts professionals and recreational guests alike, with roughly 30,000 visitors annually.

DesignMarch DesignTalks

opens with

with

a

international

day

of

keynote

speakers and DesignMatch, a “speed-dating event” for buyers and designers.

Thursday, March 12th

The keynote event of the festival, produced by Iceland Design Centre with the aim of illustrating the spectrum of design and architecture, its relevance, power and potential in today’s society. This year, we want to explore an intrinsic human capability, an essential part of all creative endeavour, yet one that tends to be neglected: Play!

We are inviting international and local designers, architects and design thinkers to share their stories of playful approaches, processes or attitudes, weather it is on innovation through play, experimental approaches, exaggerations, fantasy, speculations, provocations or playing with established conventions. We expect to be inspired to shake things up.

WHAT’S ON

DesignTalk

DesignTalks 2015 will be curated by Hlín Helga Guðlaugsdóttir, an independent designer and curator and a facutly member at the interdisciplinary MFA Program in Experience Design at Konstfack, University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm.

Other Events Museum of Design and Applied Art UN PEU PLUS Fashion designer Helga Björnsson’s drawings and sketches are the works of an artist.

With only a few pencil lines she conjures up both elegance and sensuality.

THE ICELANDIC DESIGN AWARD - DESIGNS FROM NOWHERE Icelandic Design Award 2014 winner, East: Designs from Nowhere, and the award itself will be exhibited.

MY SHAPE In Aurum’s window, Steinunn Vala / Hring eftir hring will show new sculptures and necklaces she names Shape.

INUK DESIGN - DELIGHTS OF GREENLAND Inuk Design is new Greenlandic ‘modern’ culture design.

COLOUR STORIES From Stockholm, Tekla Evelina Severin aka @teklan gives us insight to her colourful Instagram world.

Farmers Market A “SVEITABALL” IN ÖRFIRISEY Farmers Market invites you to a quick “sveitaball”, or country-dance, outside their headquarters in Örfirisey. Live music, beautiful clothing and surprises!

Find more articles like this on whatson.is

ÁMUNDI + ÁMUNDI In his 30 year career, Ámundi Sigurðsson has worked on every kind of project imaginable in visual mediums for graphic designers.

Aurum

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WHAT’S ON

REYKJAVÍK

FASHION FESTIVAL — MARCH 12TH - 15TH —

Reykjavík Fashion Festival was established in 2009 and is a great venue for Icelandic fashion designers to exhibit their work designs. The goal of RFF is to draw attention to Icelandic design and the ongoing evolution of the Icelandic fashion industry. The festival is tailored to suit anyone that has an interest in the exciting world of Icelandic fashion.

Book a tour now on whatson.is

DESIGNERS: Jör by Guðmundur Jörundsson, Sigga Maija, Magnea, Scintilla Iceland, Another Creaton & Eyland.

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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.

WHAT’S ON

WEIRD THINGS TO DO IN REYKJAVIK Many people ask us if there are some weird or unusual things to do while staying here.

Of course there are! We‘re eccentric people who lived in isolation for about 1000 years.

Something off is bound to happen under these circumstances.

Find more articles like this on whatson.is

Here are some tips for weird stuff to try while in Iceland.

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1 | EAT ICE CREAM Okay, maybe this doesn’t sound too weird.

Who doesn’t like ice cream? Try eating ice cream in the rain, in the snow, heavy winds or your regular sunny day. And during all times of day, midday, midnight, after dinner, in the morning – you name it. We like our ice cream and we enjoy it all year round. Hell if we were to limit ourselves to eating ice cream only when it’s sunny and nice then we wouldn’t have ice cream shops!

Here’s a fun tip. If you’re asking an Icelander (boy or girl) out on a date, ask them to come on an ísrúntur (e. ice cream drive). It’s the typical ice breaker (pun intended) into a starting a relationship. It’s pronounced “eehs-roont-uhr”.

2 | HAVE DINNER AT THE COACH TERMINAL Better yet, eat cooked sheep heads at the

coach terminal! The main coach terminal in Reykjavik, BSÍ, is a known restaurant in Iceland.

Many people go there for the traditional bus stop meals such as hamburgers or hot dogs.

But the dish they are most famous for is the “kjammi og kók” which is cooked sheep’s head, served with beet stew and an ice cold Coca Cola. You just have to try it.

3 | PEE IN THE SALTY SEA When you live on an island, the language and especially proverbs will obviously revolve around the sea a lot. If you hear someone say “you’ve never peed in the salty sea” it’s being implied that you’re somehow inferior and haven’t seen anything noteworthy. This was often said about the people who lived on land and never had to experience the perils of the sea.

So please pee in the sea, so you don’t come off as a total newb.

No I’m not kidding.

High on Laugavegur, close to the main bus stop Hlemmur, you will find the Icelandic Phallological Museum. The museum has over 200 items on display and happens to be unique in the world. All mammals you would find in Icelandic nature, such as whale, mink, mouse and goat, are represented along with the crown jewel: a human penis. Don’t miss this unusual museum while in Iceland. www.phallus.is

5 | GET NAKED! …at the local swimming pool. We constantly hear stories of bewilderment of Icelandic swimming pool habits. Most our pools are outside heated with geothermal water from the ground. We swim all year round and we’re not shy in the locker room. Do bring your bathing suits though.

…or in nature. You won’t be able to swim in the legendary Geysir (it’s almost 100° celcius).

However there are tons of warm hot springs that you can take a dip into. The closest one would be right outside of Hveragerði in Reykjadalur.

WHAT’S ON

4 | GO TO THE PENIS MUSEUM

What are some other weird things you’ve learned about Iceland? Let us know on www. whatson.is.

AN ARTICLE BY HJALTI RÖGNVALDSSON Hjalti is passionate about everything Icelandic, whether it is nature, culture, food, drink or music – he’s even attended Iceland Airwaves 8 times! He spends his time wandering around Iceland looking for new interesting things to share. For more things Hjalti, follow him on Twitter (www.twitter.com/hjaltir)

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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.

2

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, industrial- and advertising p h o to g ra p h s , p re ss p h o to g ra p hy, l a n d s c a p e photographs and more.

Find more articles like this on whatson.is

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5

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.

6

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 new developments in 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.

4

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

Enjoy the freedom of riding To ride an Icelandic horse in the Icelandic nature is something you have to experience at least once in a lifetime. Our day tours are operated all year, every day from our Riding Centre in Hafnarfjörður, only 15 minutes drive from Reykjavik. We offer a variety of shorter and longer tours for beginners to experienced riders.

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

Party Every Night. Cocktails!

Live Music Every Night!

50 different kinds of beer.

Live Sports Coverage Kitchen open from 11.00.

Ribs, burgers, chicken wings!

LIFE IS SHORT - DRINK EARLY AUSTURSTRAETI 8 • REYKJAVIK

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WHAT’S ON HOUSE 6

5

8

4

9

3

1

Check out the article The Reykjavik Sight Experience on pages 14-15 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

REYKJAVÍK MARITIME MUSEUM GRANDAGARÐUR 8, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 10-17

THE HISTORY OF SAILING

IN THE LIGHT OF THE DAYS...

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

IN THE LIGHT OF THE DAYS PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS BY ÁSGRÍMUR JÓNSSON Paintings and drawings by the painter Asgrimur Jonsson.

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART GARÐATORG 1, 210 GARÐABÆR OPEN: TUE-SUN 12-17

UN PEU PLUS

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

LARGO - PRESTO Until March 22nd..

The title of the exhibition, Largo – Presto, or slow and fast, is also the title of a comprehensive installation with eight scenes showing repeated mundane events, in which sound and movement pulses rhythmically throughout the work. A finger tapping on a table, a woman walking along a street, a nail being hammered into a piece of wood; rhythmic movements accompanied by beating sounds.

Each image has its own sound, but the overall experience of the work is a concord of sound and image. Different beats combine

FROM POVERTY TO ABUNDANCE 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.

SIGURJÓN ÓLAFSSON MUSEUM LAUGARNESTANGI 70, REYKJAVIK OPEN: SAT-SUN 14-17

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

Find more events on whatson.is

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.

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..

EVENT CALENDAR

and form a contradictory experience of incessant sound and stillness.

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EVENT CALENDAR Read more about these events on whatson.is 46

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND SUÐURGATA 41, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE-SUN 11-17

ON A WAYLESS SEA An installation by visual artist Kristinn E. Hrafnsson. Oceans and navigation in bygone days, locations and directions are exhibited. Works by the artist intermingle with items from the museum collection relating to the exhibition’s theme.

HOUSES IN THE TOWN Photographs of Reykjavík buildings by Kristinn Guðmundsson 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 realized 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 sleeve provided a clue when enabled him to be traced.

WHO? WHERE? WHAT? 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

HOUSES IN THE TOWN

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 been a great success.

THE MAKING OF A NATION - HERITAGE AND HISTORY IN ICELAND The exhibition is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Settlement to the present day.

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

The exhibition includes about 2,000 objects, dating from the Settlement Age to the present, as well as about 1,000 photographs from the 20th century. 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.

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.

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.

Read more about these exhibitions on whatson.is/ec

CORY ARCANGEL: ALL THE SMALL THINGS

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Reykjavík Art Museum is proud to present All the Small Things, a solo exhibition of new works by American artist Cory Arcangel (b. 1978).

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. Besides creating and manipulating drawings, sculptures, photographs, and videos with digital tools, Arcangel is also notorious for his clever re-configuration of video games by tweaking computer code. He finds an abject beauty in technologies that were once state-ofthe-art and are doomed to obsolescence.

JUST PAINTED 1 In recent years, painting has been gaining an ever-stronger foothold worldwide. New emphasis and the diversity of contemporary painting has attracted attention.

CORY ARCANGEL

Iceland is no exception. Artists of all ages, with very different artistic styles and ideologies, have chosen painting as their primary art medium. To give an overview of painting in Iceland today, the Reykjavík Art Museum presents exhibition in two parts 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 13-17

ÁSMUNDUR SVEINSSON:THE WATER CARRIER– MOUNTAIN+WOMAN The exhibition commemorates the centenary of Icelandic women gaining the right to vote, under a royal decree

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

THE PULSE OF TIME

ÁSMUNDUR SVEINSSON

Until March 15th.

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 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.

EVENT CALENDAR

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.

POETIC COLOUR PALETTE, FROM THE KJARVAL COLLECTION Until March 15th.

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THE PULSE OF TIME

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.

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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

EIRÍKSGATA, REYKJAVÍK OPEN: SAT-SUN 13-17

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

VOLCANO HOUSE TRYGGVAGATA 11, REYKJAVIK OPEN: DAILY 9-22

EINAR JÓNSSON

WONDERS OF VOLCANOES

ICELAND DEFENCE FORCE

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.

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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.

EVENT CALENDAR

EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM

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EVENT CALENDAR Read more about these exhibitions on whatson.is/ec 52

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

#LETSDOITASIMARATHON – FREE MARATHON WORKSHOP WITH GUEST 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 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.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND FRÍKIRKJUVEGUR 7, REYKJAVIK OPEN: TUE-SUN 11-17

WOMEN STEP FORWARD – PORTRAITS OF 30 WOMEN OF ICELANDIC ART This year a century has passed since women obtained the rights to wote. On this occasion The National Gallery of Art invites its guests to take a closer look at the works of 30 women whose

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.

attribution granted Icelandic women a say in their quest for rights and opportunity. It seems that Icelandic women artists understood from early on that without an independent means of expression there was hardly any freedom.

A KASSEN - CARNEGIE ART AWARD 2014 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 the sum of SEK 400,000 and an obligation to take part in a touring exhibition.

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EVENT CALENDAR

DESIGN MARCH

NOTABLE FESTIVITIES & RECURRING EVENTS FESTIVAL CITY

THE ICELAND EXPO PAVILION

REYKJAVÍK FOLK FESTIVAL

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

More info on whatson.is.

Read more about these exhibitions on whatson.is/ec

March 5-7th, more info on whatson.is

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REYKJAVÍK OPEN March 10-18th, more info on whatson.is

DESIGN MARCH March 12-15th, more info on pages 32-33.

REYKJAVÍK FASHION FESTIVAL March 12-15th, more info on page 34.

EVE ONLINE FANFEST March 19-21st, more info on whatson.is

ICELANDIC MUSIC EXPERIMENTS March 22-28th, more info on whatson.is

ICELAND INTERNATIONAL FLUTE FESTIVAL March 27-29th, more info on whatson.is

REYKJAVÍK BLUES FESTIVAL March 28th-April 2nd, more info on whatson.is

(ALMOST) TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE On March 20th, 9:37 AM, there will be a solar eclipse, the last one in Europe until 2026!

EVERY DAY AT HARPA.

PEACE AND WAR March 1st to 31st. 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.

Phone +354 568 7250 / 898 6852.

Venue (home): Laugarasvegi 29, 104 Reykjavík

COZY SUNDAY March 8th, 15th and 22nd at Kex Hostel.

Activities for the whole family.

ALL THAT JAZZ KEXJAZZ Saturday nights at Kex Hostel.

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

ONE-OFF EVENTS MARCH 1ST, SUNDAY

HARPA

»» Guided tour through the center of Reykjavík.

»» Anna-Maria Helsing and Sibelius

»» How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes

MARCH 13TH, FRIDAY

HARPA »» Artisanal Food Fayre »» The Chamber Music Society #5

MARCH 4TH, WEDNESDAY HARPA »» Múlinn-Jazz Club - Árni Heiðar Tríó

MARCH 5TH, THURSDAY HAFNARHÚS »» Lunchtime gallery talk

HARPA »» Hardenberger and Tortelier

MARCH 6TH, FRIDAY HARPA »» Bubbi & Dimma

MARCH 7TH, SATURDAY »» Johnny Cash Tribute Concert

HARPA

AUSTURBÆR »» The Magic of Tom Jones

HARPA »» Smokie

MARCH 14TH, SATURDAY LANGHOLTSKIRKJA

MARCH 8TH, SUNDAY NATIONAL GALLERY »» Woman artists talk about influential women artists

MARCH 10TH, TUESDAY HARPA »» Richard Goode - Master Pianist Series

MARCH 11TH, WEDNESDAY HARPA »» Múlinn-Jazz Club: Guðlaug Ólafs and Kristbjörn Helgason

NATIONAL GALLERY »» Guided tour: WOMEN STEP FORWARD

MARCH 26TH, THURSDAY HARPA »» Bendetta Plays Mozart »» Múlinn-Jazz Club - Ólafur Jónsson

»» Heimir Men Choir

MARCH 15TH, SUNDAY KJARVALSSTAÐIR »» Gallery talk

HARPA »» Les Six – Reykjavík Chamber Orchestra

NATIONAL GALLERY »» Guided tour: A KASSEN CARNEGIE ART AWARD 2014

MARCH 16TH, MONDAY HARPA »» Denison Chamber Singers USA

»» How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes

Read more about these events on whatson.is/ec

MARCH 22ND, SUNDAY

HARPA

HÁSKÓLABÍÓ

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MARCH 12TH, THURSDAY

NATIONAL GALLERY

MARCH 17TH, TUESDAY STÚDENTAKJALLARINN »» TEDxReykjavíkLive

HARPA »» Múlinn-Jazz Club: Ástvaldur Zenki Traustason Trio

MARCH 27TH, FRIDAY GUÐRÍÐARKIRKJA »» Nirinjan Kaur

NORDIC HOUSE »» Works by Icelandic Flute-Playing Composers

NATIONAL GALLERY »» Concert with the Icelandic flute ensemble

MARCH 28TH, SATURDAY HÁSKÓLABÍÓ »» Guns n’ Roses Tribute Concert

HARPA »» The Icelandic Music Experiments - Final night

NORDIC HOUSE »» A concert with the guests and teachers of the Iceland International Flute Festival

MARCH 29TH, SUNDAY

MARCH 18TH, WEDNESDAY

HAFNARBORG

HLJÓÐBERG

»» Phonemes ... Until then ...

Concert

»» Gunnar Kvaran & Elísabet Waage

MARCH 19TH, THURSDAY NORDIC HOUSE »» The Power of Thoughts

MARCH 21ST, SATURDAY HAFNARHÚS »» Workshop for teenagers

HARPA »» The Iceland International Flute Festival Final Concert »» Gunnar Þórðarsson Concert

MARCH 31ST, TUESDAY HAFNARBORG »» Noon Concert

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

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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 out­stand­i ng 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 Hours: Sat-Sun 13-17

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

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Northern Lights Tours!

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Northern Lights Tour

ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND

SRE-63

Highlands Northern Lights Tour SRE-64

Warm Baths & Cool Lights!

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The Horse Theatre & Northern Lights

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

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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 11-17, 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 11-17

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 Hours: Sat-Sun 14-17

MUSEUM OF DESIGN AND APPLIED ART

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

Exhibitions from the museum‘s own collection are regularly held.

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

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

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

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

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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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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.

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

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

THE CINEMA

COLLECTORS EMPORIUM ICELAND

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

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 Hours: Sun 14-17

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

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Two Icelandic themed villages

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Restaurant & Lodging

The Viking Village is a unique place and it is the only Viking theme Hotel and restaurant in Iceland. We have step by step been developing our facilities over the last 24 years and will hopefully continue to do so in the future. We offer Hotel accommodation and Viking houses. Good for families and groups.

The Fisherman´s village, our newest accommodation is Hlið in Álftanes only few minutes drive from the Viking Village.

Like a country home by the seaside. Such an idyllic place to visit. The restaurant is open for groups in the evenings. Close to the president´s residence.

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

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

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

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

SHOPPING & STYLE Find more recommendations on whatson.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

GLÓ

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

KOPAR

GRILLHÚSIÐ

73 RESTAURANT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the games and all the action on Big HD Screens.

Live music all nights!

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MOUNTAINEERS.IS Tel: +354 580 9900 ice@mountaineers.is www.mountaineers.is 21.5.2014 11:42

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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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