Outdoor 1017

SUMMER 2017

Hiking club and mountain huts

www.utivist.is

Various trips await you  Hiking  Bicycling  Jeep safaris

 Long trips  Short trips  Glacier adventures

 Mountain trips  Beach trips  Bird watching

Book now: Tel. +354 562 1000 Laugavegi 178 - 105 Reykjavík - Tel. +354 562 1000 - utivist@utivist.is

THE LARGEST HIGHLAND BUS SERVICE PROVIDER × CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE ON WWW.IOYO.IS ×

OUTDOORS OUTDOORS2017 2017

Grímsey

Raufarhöfn Kópasker

Ferry

Drangajökull

Ísafjörður

Þórshöfn Siglufjörður

Húsavík

Airport

Ásbyrgi

641 641a

Ólafsfjörður

Skagaströnd

Patreksfjörður

650 650a

Hólmavík

Brjánslækur

Hljóðaklettar (Vesturdalur)

Dettifoss

Drangsnes

Akureyri

Látrabjarg

Goðafoss

Aldeyjarfoss

Reykjahlíð Reykjah hlíð

Mývatn M

Borgarfjörður eystri

gir or ub ir m t að s Dimútu Sk

Airport

Ferry

661 661a

SBA

Varmahlíð

Svartá

Reykhólar

Krafla

Seyðisfjörður

Egilsstaðir

Airport

Ferry

Króksfjarðarnes

Neskaupstaður Búðardalur

Reyðarfjörður

Staðarskáli

Stykkishólmur

610 610a

Ólafsvík

Snæfellsjökull

17 17a 62 62a

Hveravellir

Hofsjökull Nýidalur

Langjökull

Kerlingarfjöll

Borgarnes Hvítárnes crossroads

14 14a

Geysir

Þingvellir

Airport

Höfn

Laugarvatn

Reykjavík BSÍ

Laki

Flúðir Landmannalaugar Airport

Keflavík

Blue Lagoon

Vatnajökull

Gullfoss

6 6a

11 11a

Hveragerði

Skaftafell

15

10 10a Kirkjubæjarklaustur

9 9a 9

Hvolsvöllur

Þórsmörk

Markarfljót Seljalandsfoss Vestmannaeyjar

19

Hvanngil Emstrur mstrur

18 Hella

Mýrdalsjökull

Skógar Ferry

Surtsey

21 21a

Jökulsárlón lón

16

Eldgjá

Selfoss

20 20a

hlig gh Highlights Comb om Hi o ghlan South nd Circ Beautiful le T

RT SPO ORT O PO SP PAS PASSPO SPPA ORT O RT T SP TP R RT OR SS PO SPO SP SS AS ORT PA Beautiful Be eau Sou utth Circle u Hiking South

Days

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• Coach Rental • Enterprise Rent-A-Car • Hop On – Hop Off Reykjavík City Sightseeing • Shore Excursions • Reykjavik Duck Tours … and more

FOR FURTHER Please contact us at sales@re.is INFORMATION or visit our website www.re.is

BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík •

Circle C

SSPORT PASSPORT SS TS S X PASS XPAS PASSPOR X Days

Vík

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Days

Contents Timeless woolen garments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Trex – Iceland’s travel pioneer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Amazing hikes with Útivist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 West Iceland – Discover The Saga land! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Events this summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fantastic pool at Borgarnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hellissandur: Museum renovated​​. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Beautiful Flatey island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The beautiful Arnarstapi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ásmundur and Leifsbúð in Dalir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kirkjufell mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hraunfossar in Borgarfjörður . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Playtime at Langisandur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10 11 12 12 13 14 14 15 15 15

The Westfjords – Sea cliffs and narrow fjords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Events this summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Drangaskörð a Mysterious Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vigur – amaizing island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rauðisandur the red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Ísafjörður accordion museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A warm welcome at Hotel West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16 17 18 18 18 18 20

The North of Iceland – Culture, Nature, Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Events this summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Snorkeling with Grímsey’s puffins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Akureyri – the centre of culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hrísey: the pearl of Eyjafjörður . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Kópasker lighthouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Icelandic Aviation Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mývatn’s Nature Baths: clean and pure natural steam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The amazing Mývatn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Back in time at Grenjaðarstaður. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fjallabyggð: We’ll look after you! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Drangey: a birdwatching paradise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jökulsárgljúfur – a place worth to visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Siglufjörður buzzing with summer activity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Seal watching in Hvammstangi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Growing tourism in Dalvík . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Musical tales from Akureyri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SBA Norðurleið – Travel under your own steam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Blönduós’s outstanding thermal pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22 23 24 26 29 29 30 32 34 34 36 38 38 40 42 43 43 44 46

The East of Iceland – a unique place on a global scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Events this summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Seyðisfjörður, plenty of choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Wonderful Fjarðabyggð . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 The raw beauty of Vatnajökull National Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Hiking and horseback riding in East Iceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Sænautasel: a model for Independent People? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

SUMMER 2017

Distritubted to tourist information centres around Iceland in the summer of 2017

Editor: Valþór Hlöðversson valthor@athygli.is

56 58 58 58 58

The South of Iceland – a nature traveller’s daydream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

New and better facilities at the Skógar Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Events this summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LAVA: A new Volcano & Earthquake Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Saga Centre at Hvolsvöllur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

One of the greatest wonders of nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Skálholt’s windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hvolsvöllur: sports town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gullfoss: one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selfoss, Eyrarbakki and Stokkeyri: Eventful summer ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vík í Mýrdal: a village worth to visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Real Country Dream in South Iceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

80 years of servicing intrepid travellers in the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range. . .

Eldheimar: A volcano museum of remembrance i Vestmannaeyjar . . . . . . . . . .

The Laugarvatn caves open again! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dyrhólaey – a 120m high promontory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Do you dear to walk behind? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Historical centre at Oddi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Great Geysir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The unique world of Lakagígar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

60 62 62 64 66 68 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 76 77 78 78 78 79 79

The Reykjanes Peninsula – Crossing continents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Events this summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vitinn in Sandgerði: Seafood restaurant by the harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grindavík: Home to the world famous Blue Lagoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mount Keilir – a landmark of Reykjanes peninsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Icelandic Rock & Roll museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A Bridge Between Two Continents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Krísuvík geothermal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The highest lighthouse in Iceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

80 81 82 84 86 86 87 87 87

The Capital Area – Pure Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Events this summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Gullkistan: shop for creative people . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 The Presidential Residence Bessastaðir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Visit Laugardalur Valley! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Kopavogur Culture Houses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Swimming in Reykjavik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Reykjavik Culture Night 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Grótta – an island of flora and fauna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Hafnarfjörður in the past . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Wool: Your best friend in Iceland! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Sægreifinn restaurant: perennially popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Translator: Quentin Bates Designer: Guðmundur Þorsteinsson gulli@athygli.is

Front cover photo: Seyðisfjörður Photo: Ómar Bogason Advertisements: Ingibjörg Ágústsdóttir, inga@athygli.is Printing: Oddi

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Publisher: Athygli Suðurlandsbraut 30 108 Reykjavík www.athygli.is

Seyðisfjörður church: Twentieth summer of concerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Djúpivogur village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hallormsstaðaskógur – Iceland’s largest forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hafragilsfoss – An Awesome Waterfall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Snæfell mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Timeless woolen garments

The Handknitting Association of Iceland – Handprjónasambandið – runs two shops in Reykjavík; one at Skólavörðustígur 19 and the other at Laugavegur 53b.

In recent years, travellers from all over the world have discovered the quality of the Icelandic wool and have been inspired by its natural colour variations and knitted patterns – many of which have a long history – in garments on sale at the hub of The Handknitting Association of Iceland at Skólavördustígur 19 in downtown Reykjavík.

A driving force behind the continuous popularity of the Icelandic woolen products, The Handknitting Association of Iceland operates under the slogan of ‘Buy directly from the people who make it.’ You‘ll find a large selection of woolen garments in the shop, from sweaters (whole, buttoned, or zipped) to mittens, hats and sarves, all individually made at home by local knitters.

Bryndís Eiríksdóttir, the manager of the Handknitting Association of Iceland, says most tourists come to buy knitted sweaters and want to make sure they are produced locally. ‘Customers love our products.

They find them beautiful and admire the craftmanship. I´ve even heard some of our customers describe the shop as true woolen heaven as they see so many sweaters that they can spend hours browsing through our range.’

The Handknitting Association of Iceland – Handprjónasambandið – runs two shops in Reykjavík, one at Skólavörðustígur 19 and the other at Laugavegur 53b. A wide variety of woolen goods can be found at the Skólavörðustígur shop while it also offers both yarn and ‘lopi’, which is the unspun wool used for the making of the traditional ‘lopi’

Icelandic pure wool yarn is renowned for its tradition of quality.

sweaters. Customers can also buy pattern-books, knitting pins, buttons and zippers. At the Laugavegur store on the other hand, the emphasis is on souvenirs and ready made garments. www.handknit.is

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From Þórsmörk. TREX runs popular scheduled trips to Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar.

Trex – Iceland’s travel pioneer TREX – Travel Experiences Ltd – is undoubtedly one of Iceland’s pioneers in the travel industry, with 40 years of experience in the business. The TREX staff has great experience in organizing group tours, both in Iceland and abroad.

TREX has a fleet of 75 well equipped buses and experienced drivers available for the summer, as well as vehicles equipped for winter conditions, allowing the company to offer anything from a quick trip around town to a demanding highland trip using mountain vehicles. It has coaches seating 14 up to 70 passengers, with seat belts fitted throughout.

Managing director Björg Dan Róbertsdóttir said that ahead are exciting times for the tourist industry and the rise in tourism in Iceland will be a challenge for both the industry and the authorities to build up a sustainable infrastructure in order to maintain the unspoiled nature and Iceland’s uniqueness.

As in previous summers, TREX is running its popular scheduled trips to Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar. These trips are ideal for

Summer schedule

TREX has a fleet of 75 buses for the summer, as well as vehicles equipped for winter conditions. those looking for a day trip to see Iceland’s unspoiled nature and breathtaking landscape, as well as those wanting a longer stay. Many use these trips for access to walking routes around Laugavegur, Hellismannaleið and Fimmvörðuháls. TREX is now offering hiking

passes that allow customers to purchase transport to Landmannalaugar and to return from Þórsmörk or Skógar. These can be booked on the company’s web site. www.trex.is

TREX has daily departures every morning to Landmannalaugar from the 21st of June until 24th of September and to Þórsmörk from the 15th of June until the 24th of September. Departures are from Reykjavík at 7:30 and 12:30 daily, for further information about the schedule and departure locations go to our website www.trex.is

Amazing

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hikes with Útivist

Útivist is one of Iceland’s largest travel association, whose

goal is to encourage travel within the country in a healthy and enjoyable way. Everyone is welcome to join the association, which offers a wide variety of trips and has been a leader in marking trails and building mountain huts as well as promoting nature conservation. Útivist offers weekend trips, summer vacation tours and day trips, with buses departing from the Central Bus Terminal in Reykjavík. All tours should be booked in advance at the Útivist website, www.utivist.is.

Some of Útivist’s most popular treks are: Básar Básar in Goðaland is an outdoor paradise in the area known as Þórsmörk. At Básar, Útivist operates a campsite and two large cabins which can accommodate a total of 90 people.

These cabins are available throughout the year, if there is space, for use by individuals or groups over shorter or longer periods. Those planning to use the cabins must make advance reservations through the Útivist office.

Fimmvörðuháls Fimmvörðuháls is an 1,100 m high mountain pass between the glaciers of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, with a popular trail leading from Skógar to Básar. Útivist offers organized trips over Fimmvörðuháls every weekend in summer.

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Útivist offers weekend trips, summer vacation tours and day trips.

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Básar in Goðaland is an outdoor paradise in the area known as Þórsmörk.

The Sveinstindur hut was previously used by farmers when gathering their sheep from the highlands, but members of Útivist rebuilt it some years ago.

Laugavegurinn One of Útivist’s best-known routes is “Laugavegurinn”. This is a five-day trip from the hot-spring area of Landmannalaugar to Básar at Þórsmörk. If desired, you can extend your stay at Básar after the initial four days. Overnight accommodation is in tents or huts along the way.

Gear is shuttled between night stops.

Skaftá Theme Area The Skælingar hut is characterized by the old icelandic building tradition.

Sveinstindur – Skælingar Ride a coach from Reykjavík to Sveinstindur for a one-night stay in the Útivist hut. Hike on the slopes of Sveinstindur with a view over the inland lake of Langisjór and the Fögrufjöll mountains. Stay at the Útivist hut, then hike on to Gjátindur and into Eldgjá canyon, on the way to Lambaskarðshólar. Return by coach via Fjallabak. Gear is shuttled between night stops.

Strútsstígur Strútsstígur is a new route from Fjallabak, between Lambaskarðshólar/ Eldgjá and Hvanngil. This route is a continuation of the popular Sveinstindur Skælingar route. Gear is shuttled between night stops.

Útivist and the district of Skaftárhreppur have made a co-operative agreement on tourism in Skaftárhreppur. This involves a huge area, from the glaciers of Mýrdalsjökull and Torfajökull in the west to Skeiðarárjökull glacier in the east. Among the many attractions of the area are spectacular geological features including: Lakagígar, Núpsstaðarskógur, Eldgjá, Landbrot, Langisjór, Fögrufjöll, Skælingar, Álftaversgígar, and vast shorelines.

Specific information about organized tours is available by calling the association office at (+354) 562-1000, or by faxing (+354) 562-1001.

Information can also be obtained from the Útivist website, www.utivist. is, or via e-mail: utivist@utivist.is. www.utivist.is

West Iceland – Discover The Saga land!

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Photos: www.west.is

11 OUTDOORS 2017 Photos: www.west.is

Events this summer 1th July

Jökulmílan, Grundarfjörður cycle race

30th June-2nd July Ólafsvíkurvaka festival 8th June

Skotthúfan, festival of national dress in Stykkishólmur

22nd Jul

Kátt í Kjós, family festival

28-30th Jul

Reykholt music festival

28-30th July

Á góðri stund, Grundarfjörður family festival

12th August

Ólafsdalur festival

18-20th August

Danish Days, Stykkishólmur municipal festival

11-13th August

Plan B, Borgarnes arts festival

25-27th August

Hvalfjörður Days

More information at www.west.is

A selection of museums is available far and wide in the West Iceland. Local museums are to be found in Akranes, Hvalfjörður, Borgarnes, Hvanneyri, Grundarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, Ólafsvík and in Dalir. Many specialised museums are available, such as the Agricultural Museum of Iceland in Hvanneyri, the Library of Water and Eldfjallasafn Volcano Museum in Stykkishólmur, Eiríksstaðir in Haukadalur, Gljúfrasteinn in Kjós, the maritime museum Sjómannagarðurinn in Hellissandur, the Heritage Centre in Grundarfjördur, Snorrastofa in Reykholt and the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes.

West Iceland offers various leisure services and possibilities. Marked hiking paths are available, as well as guided horse riding, golf, game angling, nature and bird watching tours, gourmet tours and glacier tours.

Having spent an enjoyable day in West Iceland, rinsing off in one of the 13 swimming pools in the region is the appropriate conclusion.

Useful links

www.west.is

West Iceland information centre

www.west.is

Snorrastofa, culture and medieval centre

www.snorrastofa.is

Snæfellsjökull National Park

www.snafellsjokull.is

The Icelandic Settlement Centre:

www.landnamssetur.is

The Agricultural Museum of Iceland:

www.landbunadarsafn.is

The Snæfellsnes Travel Association:

www.ffsn.is

Official travel guide to Iceland

www.visiticeland.com

Promote Iceland

www.islandsstofa.is/en

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29th June - 2nd July Irish Days, Akranes municipal festival

West Iceland is more than magnificent nature. Land and history form an unbroken whole as the scene of sagas like Sturlunga, Egils Saga, Eyrbyggja and Laxdæla, as well as being rich in folklore and tales of adventure. Tourist operators go out of their way to make history available to travellers, each in their own fashion. At the same time, new tales of people, trolls and beings of adventure are created.

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The Borgarnes pool is popular for all ages.

Photo: www.west.is

Fantastic pool at Borgarnes The swimming pool at Borgarnes in the west of Iceland attracts more than 140,000 visitors every year. The pool is naturally heated with hot water drawn from from the Deildartunga hot spring 37 kilometres away in Reykholtsdalur. This is the largest hot spring in Europe and is protected. It produces 180 litres of boiling water every second, which is

piped to Akranes and Borgarnes for domestic heating, as well as being routed to the municipal pool in Borgarnes for both the baths and the steam room, something that foreign visitors certainly appreciate. There are both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as hot tubs and a steam room.

Hot water from the spring is also used to

heat greenhouses for horticulture on the farm at Deildartunga which also gives the spring its name.

Source: www.borgarbyggd.is

Hellissandur: Museum renovated The maritime museum at Hellissandur is being renovated to provide more opportunities for visitors to get to understand how people in the Snæfellsnes region lived in the past. The oldest part of the museum is the refurbished Thorvaldarbúð, which is one of the oldest drying houses in Hellissandur, while the new museum buildings include two remarkable exhibitions.

One of these is Nature by the Sea and Shore, with birds, fish and pictures. The other exhibition space is dedicated to the main exhibit, the fishing boat Bliki. Bliki is the oldest of its kind still preserved in Iceland,

Thorvaldarbúð and the two museum buildings at the Hellissandur maritime museum. built in 1826. This is the Fishing under the Glacier exibition, detailing seafaring through the centuries in the shadow of the Snæfellsnes Glacier. facebook.com/sjominjasafnhellissandi

Work is making rapid progress and the museum aims to open for the Seamen’s Day weekend in June.

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The island has a hotel, guesthouse and a restaurant, with daily ferry trips to and from Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula and Brjánslækur in the Westfjords.

Beautiful Flatey island The beautifully preserved town on the island of Flatey bears witness to the prosperity and optimism prevalent in the area around 1900.

The largest amongst a myriad of islands, it was formerly a centre for commerce in the Breiðafjörður bay; it also had a large fishing dock.

The local church was built in 1926 and the paintings in the dome were created by Kristjana and Baltasar Samper, who sought inspiration in the local culture. Flatey has long been a favourite of both artists and scholars.

One of the oldest and most important manuscripts in Iceland, the Flateyjarbók, was

written in the fourteenth century and preserved in Flatey during the Middle Ages. A replica of the book is on display in the country’s oldest library, built in 1864. www.west.is

Take a splash in Borgarfjörður!

The geothermal swimming pools in Borgarbyggð welcome you

Quality facilities – excellent pools, hot tubs, water slides, sauna, fitness center and more.

Borgarnes Sports Centre, tel. 437 7140 Kleppjárnsreykir Swimming pool, tel. 430 1534 Varmaland Swimming pool, tel. 430 1520

www.borgarbyggd.is

WEST ICELAND

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The beautiful Arnarstapi Arnarstapi, on the southern side of Snæfellsnes peninsula, was an important trading post in the past and had a much bigger population than it has now. Columnar basalt, ravines and grottoes surround the Arnarstapi pier, which offers good anchorage for small boats.

There is quite a large arctic tern colony in the village itself. A very interesting old path follows the coastline where you can see old landing places of fishermen, lots of birds, like the kittiwake, the Arctic tern and the fulmar and pass through a lavafield. If you take a guided tour, you will also hear a ghost story.

A sculpture of Bardur Snaefellsas by Ragnar Kjartansson stands by the beach at Arnarstapi. www.west.is

Arnarstapi is a truly magical place, like so many places in Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Ásmundur and Leifsbúð in Dalir Dalir are the backdrop to many of the greatest events of the Icelandic Sagas, and anyone with an interest in that direction has much to choose from and would be well advised to spend time getting to know the district. Dalir are also a fertile area with plenty of natural attractions and options for walking, bird watching and much more. The expanse of Breiðafjörður is close by, with its

hundreds of islands and thriving bird life.

There’s every reason to pay a visit to Búðardalur and the Leifsbúð café and cultural centre by the small boat harbour, which is also the local information point. The building itself has more than a hundred years of history behind it and has seen many uses over those years. As well as the work that has gone into preserving this remarkable

Leifsbúð in Búðardalur with Ásmundur Sveinsson’s artwork in front.

building, the artwork that stands outside always capture the attention of passers-by.

Out front is a cast of one of the most remarkable sculptures by artist Ásmundur Sveinsson, who was born in Dalir in 1893. www​.west.is

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Grundarfjörður’s beautiful landmark is the most photographed mountain in Iceland.

Kirkjufell mountain Kirkjufell is a well-known landmark for Grundarfjörður and thought by many to be the most beautiful mountain in Iceland. A hiking path around the base of the mountain offers amazing views and varied bird life. This is a perfect walk for families and takes about 3 hrs. The mountain is 463 m high and should be climbed with care.

Grundarfjörður is a charming fishing village on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes

peninsula. The Eyrbyggja Heritage Centre is worth visiting as it does a sterling job, not only as a museum but also as an information centre for the whole peninsula.

Grundarfjörður offers a wide range of activities for those who like the outdoors; hiking, birdwatching, horse riding, fishing and in winter, skiing and ice climbing. www.west.is

Hraunfossar in Borgarfjörður

Playtime at Langisandur

Hraunfossar, Lava Falls, are a beautiful and unusual natural phenomena, located 55 km from Borgarnes, between Reykholt and Husafell on road nr. 518. Clear, cold springs of subterranean water seep through the lava and run as tiny waterfalls and rapids into the Hvita River.

Hraunfossar have been protected as a National Monument since 1987. A hiking trail leads from Hraunfossar to the nearby Barnafoss (Childrens’ Falls). There is a viewpoint at the car park offering an amazing view over the Lava Falls and Hvítá river. A café, located by the waterfalls, is open during the summer months. www.west.is

Langisandur at Akranes.

There’s no better place for a family with small children to spend time than at Langisandur near Akranes. This is a popular outdoor spot for locals and is easily accessible. Showers have been installed, making it easy to wash off the sand and the salt after spending time on the beach. It’s also just as possible to spend your time there on the warm sand with a good book, to the sound of the waves on the shore.

Hraunfossar are situated near Húsafell and Reykholt.

www.west.is

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Photos: Ágúst Atlason.

Photo: Ágúst Atlason.

Events this summer

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30th June-2nd July Reykhólar’s boat days.

30th June-1st July Dýrafjörður Days, Thingeyri municipal festival.

30th June-2nd July Happy Days in Hólmavík.

6-8th July

A weekend of tranquillity in Suðureyri.

14-15th July

Westfjords running festival.

21-23th July

Drangsnes quayside festival.

28-30th July

Reykhólar Days, municipal festival.

4-5th August​

The European Mudball Tournament, Ísafjörður.

5th August

Sandcastle competition on the beach at Holt in Önundarfjörður.

10-11th August Act Alone festival, Suðureyri.

19th August

Norðurfjörður dockside dance.

Visiting the Westfjords is surely a unique experience. It is Iceland, but yet a different Iceland altogether. Looking like an enormous claw stretching out to sea, the Westfjords are known for sheer sea cliffs, some rising to a height of over 440 metres, and long, narrow fjords. A slender strip of land about 8 km wide connects the southernmost area with the rest of the country.

Although the locals are great, it is the nature that attracts visitors because it is untouched and almost uninhabited. The cliffs and valleys are packed with birds, the uninhabited fjords offer a moment of silence and tranquillity, and the Arctic fox proudly roams the mountains and inlets.

The waterfalls are high and the streams pure. The distances are long and the fjords are deep.

And then there are places where there are no roads at all!

The northwest tip of the Westfjords is Hornstrandir, a now uninhabited 600-km2 nature reserve of inspired natural beauty and undisturbed wildlife where nature lives in peace with itself. For holiday travellers looking for something special, something unique, these enormous natural spaces of incredible landscapes and seascapes heighten the senses. It is truly a privilege to experience such splendour.

31st Aug-1st Sept Blueberry Days in Súðavík, municipal festival.

More information at: www.westfjords.is

www.westfjords.is

Useful links Official travel guide for the area

www.westfjords.is

Hólmavík tourist info

www.holmavik.is/info

West Tours

www.vesturferdir.is

The Gisla Saga Project

www.westvikings.info

An exciting water project

www.vatnavinir.is

Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft

www.galdrasyning.is

Official travel guide to Iceland

www.visiticeland.com

Promote Iceland

www.islandsstofa.is/en

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30th June -1st July Bolungarvík’s market weekend, municipal festival.

W E S T FJ O R D S

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Drangaskörð – a Mysterious Place One of the most impressive and least-talkedabout natural features in all of Iceland, Drangaskörð are a series of seven rocky peaks jutting out into the sea in the Árneshreppur municipality in Strandir. Like a jawful of jagged teeth, the peninsula emanates from Skarðafjall mountain and into

the water. The tip at the front is called Göltur and the pass next to it is called Litlaskarð. The next pass is called Signýjargötuskarð where a popular route once went through. www.westfjords.is

Drangaskörð is one of the more unique natural phenomenons in Iceland, situated north of Drangavík in Strandir.

Vigur – amazing island Vigur is an island in Ísafjardardjúp. To get to Vigur, there is a daily boat tour from Ísafjörður.

Puffins, eiders, guillemoths and arctic terns are this island’s magnets, and they are all abundant. Indeed, as the puffins, which nest in burrows, have dug through much of the island’s soil, travellers have to follow a certain path to avoid falling into one. This small bird, by some dubbed the penguin of the north, is a clumsy flier but impresses visitors by artfully stacking its beak full of

sand eel or small fish, carrying it home to its hungry chicks.

Eiders and humans share a mutual beneficence; eiders get protecion by nesting in close vicinity of the people, who collect the precious down from the eider nests. One of the daily events is when locals feed a group of orphan eider chicks. The inhabitants on Vigur spend much of winter preparing the eider down, collected over the summer, for export. www.westfjords.is

In Vigur you find the smallest post office in Iceland, the only windmill, and beautifully renewed houses.

For a good walk, Rauðisandur is best visited at low tide.

Mynd: westfjords.is.

Rauðisandur the red One of the Westfjords’ prime beauty spots is Rauðisandur, or ‘Red Sands’, to the east of Látrabjarg on the southern coast of the Westfjords. The red tint of the sand comes from the shells of scallops that are found in Breiðafjörður.

A unique aspect of the area is that the red shade changes according to the light, from a yellowish colour to red and all the way to almost black. Rauðisandur is best visited at low tide for an opportunity to walk on the sands, enjoy the open space and take in the view.

The French coffee shop is at Rauðisandur, with a fine view in every direction and last year saw six thousand visitors pass this way. www.westfjords.is

An Italian piano accordion dating back to 1935.

The Ísafjörður accordion museum The Westfjords Museum at Neðstakaupstaður in Ísafjörður is home to what is undoubtedly the most extensive accordion collection in the country with more than 200 instruments, of which the oldest is from 1830.

Visitors can see from this collection how this perennially popular instrument developed through the years. In recent years the collection has grown steadily and instruments that belonged to well-known personalities can be seen there, many of them marking important moments in Iceland’s musical history. www​.nedsti.is

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A warm welcome at Hotel West G reat location and personal service C omfortable new rooms in a historic building M agnificent natural attractions in the area

Hotel WEST

Aðalstræti 62 – 450 Patreksfjörður – Iceland Tel. (+354) 456 5020 & (+354) 892 3414 www.hotelwest.is – stay@hotelwest.is – GPS: 65°41.15N 23°35.85W

W E S T FJ O R D S

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Hotel West is a new hotel in a house with an old soul.

A warm welcome at Hotel West In Europe‘s most westerly town, Patreksfjörður, is a small family-run hotel offering maximum comfort. In freshly renovated and newly furbished rooms, Hotel West offers personal service and a rich and healthy breakfast.

Hotel West was founded in 2014 with the aim of creating a relaxing atmosphere for its guests, an environment where they could rest after a day‘s sightseeing and gather strength for their upcoming tours.

Stunning nature Although increasingly popular due to its spectacular nature, the area is still far from

A relaxing view across the fjord.

being overrun by tourists. Patreksfjörður lies in the southwestern part of the Westfjords, an Earth Check Certified region. Counting less than 700 inhabitants, it is a small fishing village that nonetheless has a swimming pool and a selection of restaurants.

The nature surrounding the village is stunning, from long sandy beaches and creeks to one of Europe‘s biggest bird cliffs, Látrabjarg; be sure to keep an eye out for waddling puffins and lounging seals. Dynjandi waterfall is a spectacular must-see, and a relaxation in the natural geothermal pool of Hellulaug is a unique experience!

Fresh and newly renovated During the winter before last, Hotel West added seven new rooms to its ten previous ones. Many rooms offer a great view of the mountains across the fjord and the others a great view up the mountain and valley. The breakfast area and TV lounge were also enlarged to accommodate more people, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the area. www.hotelwest.is

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Events this summer Arctic Open midnight golf tournament, Akureyri.

​23-24th June

Blue North blues festival, Ólafsfjörður.

24th June

Drangey tónlistarhátíð, Skagafirði.

5-9th July

Folf festival, Siglufjörður.

7-9th July

Fjölskylduhátíðin í Hrísey.

14-16th July

Húnavaka, Blönduós.

14-16th July

Medieval Days at Gásar.

26-30th July

Eldur family festival, Húnathing.

29th July

Mærudagar festival, Húsavík.

29-30th July

Fishing boat festival, Siglufjörður.

11-13th August The Great Fish Festival, Dalvík .

10-13th August Craft festival, Hrafnagil school.

12th August

The Jökulsár run.

18-19th August Grenivík festival.

The north of Iceland is a true natural paradise, offering a multitude of adventurous activities, attracting people of all ages. From the country’s largest geothermal fields to beautiful islands exuding folklore and one of Iceland’s most popular skiing resorts, the north of Iceland offers a myriad of possibilities for outdoor recreation. Visit Europe’s mightiest waterfall, Dettifoss, or the world-famous Mývatn area and the cliffs of Dimmuborgir comprise a wondrous world of their own.

Akureyri is the centre of culture, education and leisure activities in north Iceland. With a population of about 18,000, the town is by far the largest outside the Reykjavík capital area. We also recommend going on organized excursions or outdoor activity tours taking you from town to town, out to the islands or into the highlands – allowing you the chance to see the magnificent landscape the north has to offer. Nearly every area has an outdoor swimming pool, and facilities for tourists are top-notch.

11-13th August Hólar festival.

19th August

Quiet Countryside, Skagafjörður.

25-26th August Akureyrarvaka festival, Akureyri

www.northiceland.is

Useful links Official travel guide for the area

www.northiceland.is

Akureyri tourist guide

www.visitakureyri.is

Akureyri Art Museum

www.listasafn.akureyri.is

Hof Cultural and Concert Centre

www.menningarhus.is

Whale Museum in Húsavík

www.whalemuseum.is

Akureyri Museum

www.akmus.is

Gásir – Medieval trading place

www.gasir.is

Official travel guide to Iceland

www.visiticeland.com

Promote Iceland

www.islandsstofa.is/en

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21-24th June

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The Básavík bay is a special place where one can sail right up to the bird cliffs to see the puffins.

Snorkeling with Grímsey’s puffins

This summer there will be guided tours will be around the island.

The Básar guesthouse in Grímsey is located behind puffin territory.

Why not experience snorkeling with puffins in Básavík bay?

‘We are constantly working on new ideas for people visiting Grímsey, and we’re doing well on that score. The latest addition is to offer scuba diving and snorkeling with puffins, which is a fantastic experience and one that is unique, wether in Iceland or anywhere else,’ said Halla Ingólfsdóttir who has been part of a group of people in Grímsey who have been actively promoting tourism to the island by running the Básar guesthouse, central to the services available on the island.

Diving and snorkeling

expects to offer guided tours around the island this summer.

Arctic Trip is steadily developing a range of activities and this summer is offering diving and snorkeling.

‘The Básavík bay is a special place where it’s possible to sail right up to the bird cliffs to see the puffins. We’re planning to offer snorkeling there by the cliffs and people can see the puffins diving into the water as they search for food. We have experienced divers as part of the team so we can offer trips to many interesting dive sites around the island,’ Halla said, adding that she also

By sea from Akureyri 29 cruise ships are scheduled to call at Grímsey this summer. Travel company Ambassador in Akureyri is offering travel by sea to Akureyri and the ferry Sæfari also runs a regular schedule from Dalvík. www.gistiheimilidbasar.is

RTH O N G N I N I H ES H T F O L A T CAPI

www.visitakureyri.is Hof Cultural and Conference Center | 600 Akureyri | tel. 450 1050 | info@visitakureyri.is

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I R Y E R U AK

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Akureyri – the centre of culture Akureyri is situated in north-east Iceland, in one of the longest fjords in the country and is surrounded by mountains reaching 1000-1500 m. The Arctic Circle is only 60 km north of Akureyri but still the climate is mild, with summer temperatures up to 25°C and winter temperatures on average around 0˚C. Akureyri is the second largest urban area after the capital area of Reykjavík, with a population of about 18.000. Akureyri is the centre of trade and services in northern Iceland. It is also a town of culture and education, building on a firm foundation.

Akureyri is a popular tourist destination for short or long visits. The town offers a wide range of activities and interesting places e.g. notable museums, the world’s most northerly botanic garden, one of

Iceland’s most popular swimming facilities, 18-hole golf course, the best skiing area in the country, good hiking trails, and a free city bus.

Our guests can choose between varied accommodation and an excellent range of restaurants, some of which specialise in local food.

The islands Hrísey and Grímsey are a part of the municipality of Akureyri. Both islands are ideal for bird watching. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing and a visit can be an unforgettable experience. The town is also a good base for many of Iceland’s most beautiful natural wonders such as waterfalls, volcanic areas and canyons as well as exciting activities like river rafting, hiking, fishing, whale watching and horse riding.

HIGHLIGHTS OF AKUREYRI Akureyri has a lot to offer, below we list some of the many things we recommend our guests to do while in Akureyri. » The Botanic Garden – most of the Icelandic flora as well as about 7000 foreign plants. » The Art Museum and Arts‘ Alley » Sundlaug Akureyrar – outdoor swimming pool, 2 pools, hut tubs, play areas and waterslides. » Whale watching from the pier below center of town » Restaurants – promoting local food » Kjarnaskógur – wood, trails and playgrounds » The old town – old houses and museums » Golf course - The northern most 18-hole golf course and the competition “Arctic Open”

» Glerárgil – canyon and trails » Hrísey – small island, village, culture and trails » Akureyri Town Festival - end of August each year » Beer from Víking and Kaldi - Local breweries » Ice-cream – locals’ favourite is the ice-cream shop Brynja » Akureyrarkirkja - church, design and interior » Hlíðarfjall - The best skiing area in the country » The hidden world of Akureyri - hidden beings, elves and dwarves » The Arctic Cirle, in the island Grímsey (25 mín flight from Akureyri or ferry from Dalvík)

www.visitakureyri.is

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Skagafjörður is the destination for you

Tourist Information Center in Varmahlíð The Tourist Information Center in Varmahlid is open all year around. There you can obtain maps, books of photographs, a nd brochures on the following attractions, and more:      

Skagafjörður’s outdoor activities, entertainment, accomodation, and eating establishments The turf farmstead exhibition af Glaumbær North Iceland museums The Hólar history trail, stone church, and buildings of turf, logs and staves Centre for History of the Icelandic Horse Icelandic Emigration Centre

Free access to the internet.

Tel: +354 455-6161 - Email: info@skagafjordur.is

In Skagafjordur it is possible to enjoy both the rich cultural life and lifestyle. The district is an ideal place to enjoy Icelandic nature, horsemanship and activities and events for the whole family. Historical sites are many, including museums and exhibits.

There are few places where museums and exhibits have flourished as in Skagafjörður, which has a rich cultural heritage and an abundance of historical sites. The Skagafjörður Heritage Museum engages in exhibitions, conservation and research. In the old turf farmhouse at Glaumbær, the museum has for over half a century been showing visitors what 18th and 19th century life was like in rural Iceland. There are also numerous other institutions and exhibits which are interesting to visit, for example the Icelandic Emigration Centre in Hofsós, the

Víðimýrarkirkja turf church near the village of Varmahlíð, the Minjahúsið museum in Sauðárkrókur, the Skagafjörður Transport Museum and the historical bishop’s seat of Hólar in Hjaltadalur valley.

Skagafjörður´s unique interplay of nature, history and culture makes it an exciting destination, offering a wide variety of experiences for your holiday. The heritage of stories occurring locally, such as the Saga of Grettir the Strong, the Saga of the Sturlungs and numerous folktales, in addition to the many cultural relics, will make your vacation fascinating and memorable.

www.visitskagafjordur.is

NORTH ICELAND

Hrísey: The pearl of Eyjafjörður

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The tractor trips around Hrísey are particularly popular.

Hákarla-Jörundur’s (Shark-Jörundur’s) house is home to an exhibition dedicated to shark fisheries of Iceland.

Hrísey is a small island in North Iceland. It is only 35 kilometers drive from Akureyri to the little village of Árskógssandur where the ferry to Hrísey takes off every 2 hours. It’s easy to remove yourself from the daily grind in this little coastal community of 170 people.

The tractor trips are particularly popular.

These are about 40 minute trips around the village and surroundings, on a hay cart towed by an elderly tractor. Lighthouse trips are also

are also available. A visit to the swimming pool after a walk is recommended, as the pool offers a unique view over Eyjafjörður fjord, with the chance of seeing whales swimming past. Hrísey is also an excellent place for a swim in the sea.

Hákarla-Jörundur’s (Shark-Jörundur’s) house is home to an exhibition dedicated to shark fisheries off Iceland, and Hrísey’s history can also be seen there in words and pictures. The house is open every day during summer and also includes a tourist information centre.

Hrísey holds its family festival from the 7th to the 9th of July this year. The Hrísey Festival has been held every year since 1997 and is one of the most popular of its kind in the country.

very popular. The view is spectacular from the site of the lighthouse and the midnight sun sailing on the horizon in the middle of summer, simply takes ones breath away. Each trip can take 1,5 to 2 hours. All lighthouse trips are guided.

The island has a variety of walking routes and the eastern part of Hrísey is renowned for its natural beauty. Information points are in place for all of the walks and guided walks

www.hrisey.is

A group taking a walk around the eastern part of Hrísey.

The Kópasker lighthouse

​Kópasker’s 14 metre lighthouse.

One of the many lighthouses that dot the coast of Iceland can be found near Kópasker.

Built in 1945, the lighthouse is located on Grímshafnartangi, to the north of Kópasker and it is a square, concrete building on a broad, low base. The lighthouse’s dimensions are 2.2 metres by 3.2 metres, and it is 10.6 metres high, topped by a 3.4 metre lantern house.

The lantern house is of Swedish origin, with iron sides and an oak roof, and was fitted to the lighhouse in 1951. The lighthouse

was designed with a 210°, 500mm lens and a gas light. The walls were originally coated with quartz and the vertical bands with flint, and later the tower was painted black and white, and the lantern house red. www.nordurthing.is

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The Icelandic Aviation Museum The Icelandic Aviation Museum is located at the Akureyri International Airport. The museum was founded on 1 May 1999. Its role is to preserve and display exhibits related to aviation in Iceland, its history and development. The purpose of the museum is also to collect pictures related to aviation history and catalogue them as well as other elements with historical significance.

The museum contains many types of aircraft; for example, a plane of the same kind as the first aircraft in the possession of Loftleiðir Airline as well as Iceland’s oldest ambulance aeroplane and the first glider built in Akureyri 1937.

Opening Hours The museum is open every day from 11:00 to 17:00 from 1st of June to 30th of September. Visits to the museum can be made by prior arrangements. www.flugsafn.is

The museum’s main goal is to preserve Iceland’s aviation history.

CARBON

NEUTRAL

whale

watching SINCE 1995

ZERO EMISSION * SILENT OPERATION * WHALE FRIENDLY

hJ hÚ al sa tE V Yr ÍK i selected * On departures

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Book online now: www.northsailing.is / +354 464 7272

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- WELCOME TO MÝVATN NATURE BATHS www.jardbodin.is • phone + 354 464 4411 • info @ jardbodin.is

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Mývatn’s Nature Baths: clean and pure natural steam

Relax in the hot pool

Even better facilities

The Nature Baths at Mývatn are open every day, all year round. Anyone who wants to relax in the hot pool is welcome, or else they can take advantage of the natural steam while taking in the unique beauty of their surroundings. The temperature in the hot pool is normally 36-40°C. The water in the pool contains high levels of minerals, is alkaline and is highly suitable for bathing.

The composition of the water is such that bacteria and vegitation do not survive, so there is no need to chlorinate the water or to use other disinfectants. Pure natural steam, unique to the area, is used in the saunas. The changing rooms are first class and visitors can relax at the Kaffi Kvika coffee shop while they enjoy the view of Mývatn’s beauty.

The Nature Baths are adding a new reception and changing rooms as visitor numbers have swelled in recent years. According to Heiða Halldórsdóttir, it’s important to respond to changing demands.

‘It was clear that our existing facilities were not sufficient to provide for all the guests coming to the Nature Baths,’ she said. The developments will entail some changes to the pool itself, which is extensive, measuring 2100 square metres, with a a 900 square metre overflow pool.

Heiða Halldórsdóttir, marketing manager at Mývatn Nature Baths.

www.jardbodin.is

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‘We have visitors all through the year, but this April was a record month when a thousand guests came to the Nature Baths, said Heiða Halldórsdóttir, marketing manager at the Mývatn Nature Baths. Last year around 200,000 people paid a visit, an increase of 34% from the previous year. All the indications are that this year will see yet another record set.

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The amazing Mývatn Mývatn is considered one of the best birdwatching place in Iceland.

The Mývatn basin sits squarely on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Although most of the interesting sights are volcanic or geothermal features, the centrepiece is the 37 sq km lake Mývatn itself, which averages a depth of only 2.5m.

The lake contains over 50 islands and islets, mostly pseudocraters formed when molten lava flowed into the lake. Places of interest include the pseudocraters at Skutustadir, Hofdi peninsula, Dimmuborgir lava formations, Hverfell Crater, Hverir hotspring area, Krafla volcanic area and Myvatn Nature Bath.

The very rare Moss balls can be found in Mývatn. The only other lake where Moss balls are common is Lake Akan in Hokkaido Japan. www.northiceland.is

Back in time at Grenjaðarstaður A visit to the traditional turf-walled homestead at Grenjaðarstaður in Aðaldalur takes you back in time to a world that has vanished. There has been a farm at this location since the settlement, and it has been been home to a chieftaincy, a church and a priest through the ages, and was at one time the location for postal services.

Grenjaðarstaður was once seen as the most magnificent homestead of its kind and at 775m2, one of the largest in the country.

The turf homestead at Grenjaðarstaður.

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WELCOME TO SIGLUFJÖRÐUR AND ÓLAFSFJÖRÐUR

ENJOY OUR VARIOUS TRAILS THROUGH THE AREA‘S SPECTACULAR NATURE

SEE TRAIL MAPS AND DESCRIPTIONS ON WWW.FJALLABYGGD.IS

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A summer’s day in the centre of Ólafsfjörður.

The Ólafsfjörður swimming pool offers outstanding family facilities.

Fjallabyggð:

We’ll look after you!

The towns of Ólafsfjörður and Siglufjörður form the Fjallabyggð municipality, linked by the Héðinsfjörður tunnel. Fjallabyggð’s magnificent landscape offers many walking opportunities in both valleys and higher up the slopes, in an exceptionally peaceful environment with practically endless relaxation possibilities. There is sea and river fishing, as well as the chance to spin a line from one of the quaysides. There are also midnight sea trips, kayaking, surfing and much else. Fjallabyggð has two nine-hole golf courses, two swimming pools, one of which is open-air, with hot tubs, shallow pools and two water slides.

This summer’s new Fishing Boat Festival There are plenty of events taking place in the Fjallabyggð region this summer. The first weekend in July sees the annual Folk Music Festival taking place in Siglufjörður and the Family Fishing Boat Festival is expected to have the town buzzing with activity, with rod and line fishing, sailing and various cultural and artistic activities taking place.

Siglufjörður is always lively on the Bank Holiday weekend in August

and Ólafsfjörður’s Blueberry Days are also held in August with classical music recitals. The Haustglæður poetry festival is held in Siglufjörður in September, with well-known poets and artists expected to appear.

Fjallabyggð’s cultural life Fjallabyggð has a booming cultural scene. A number of restaurants offer varied menus and there are plenty of places to stay. There are several galleries and artists’ workshops that are worth visiting, as are the various museums and collections. Among these is one of the most popular among visitors, the Herring Museum, which is home to one of the largest maritime and industrial collections in the country. The Natural History Museum in Ólafsfjörður has more than a hundred bird exhibits. The Folk Music Centre presents Icelandic folk music in a pleasant and accessible manner, including displaying videos of people of all ages signing, reciting or playing instruments, as well as being home to the Reverend Bjarni Thorsteinsson’s collection of folk songs. www​.fjallabyggd.is

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Battling the waves: ร lafsfjรถrรฐur is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for surfers.

The Herring Museum at Siglufjรถrรฐur has one of the

most remarkable maritime and industrial collections

in Iceland.

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Drangey: A birdwatching paradise A trip to Drangey is a unique experience combining sightseeing, birdwatching, sailing, hiking with personal service and guidance.

The tour duration is approximately 3,5 hours.

There’s nowhere quite like the island of Drangey, 180 metres of steep-sided rock rising straight upwards in the middle of Skagafjörður. It’s a unique place for a variety of reasons, including the unspoiled nature of the island and the historical connection with the Saga hero Grettir the Strong. Sailing out to Drangey is an adventure all to itself. Over the summer there are daily sailings to the island from Reykir at 10:00.

Drangey can only be climbed at one point, using a path leading up from Uppgönguvík.

Drangey has a varied bird population, primarily Alcidae; including Brünnich’s guillemot, common guillemot, puffins and razorbills. The two guillemot species nest in the cliffs, while the razorbills dig themselves a nest under the cliffs and the puffins dig their nests close to the edges of cliffs.

Black-legged kittiwakes and northern fulmars nest in the rocks and both ravens and birds of prey are to be seen.

At Reykir, where the trip to Drangey starts, there are two hot pools. The water temperature is 39°C, although this can vary

Sailing out to Drangey is an adventure all to itself.

Grettir’s pool: At Reykir, where the trip to Drangey starts, there are two hot pools.

according to the weather. The pools have outside showers and changing facilities. There is hardly an experience anywhere that compares to sitting in the Reykir hot pools

while taking in the unique nature of your surroundings. www.drangey.net

Jökulsárgljúfur – a place worth a visit Located in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárgljúfur takes its name from a canyon formed by Iceland’s second longest river, Jökulsá á Fjöllum. Enormous catastrophic glacial bursts are believed to have carved out the deep ravines and rocky

Welcome to Hrisey!

The House of Shark Jörundur

The waterfalls on the River Jökulsá á Fjöllum, are powerful and impressive.

Further information: E-mail: hrisey@hrisey.is

basins, the most famous of which is Ásbyrgi.

A hiking trail goes along the canyon from Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi.

The waterfalls on the River Jökulsá á Fjöllum, are powerful and impressive; Selfoss, Dettifoss, Hafragilsfoss and Réttarfoss.

Dettifoss waterfall is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, with 500 cubic metres per second plummeting over the edge.

The Hljóðaklettar outcrops are the cores of ancient volcanoes, revealed when the river swept away all the loose volcanic material.

The Hólmatungur district is an area of contrasts: crystal clear streams and bubbling brooks cross the land before emptying into the raging, chocolate-coloured torrent. A delicate balance of flora and fauna thrives under the protection of cliffs and scree slopes.

Tel. +354 695 0077 – www.hrisey.is

www.northiceland.is

In the oldest house on the Island a museum has been set up where you can learn about the history of shark fishing and the story.

It also houses the Tourist information which is open 1pm to 5 pm from the start of June until the end of August.

EMBRACE THE CULTURE AND ENJOY THE MOMENT

www.siglohotel.is Snorragötu 3b • 580 Siglufirði • Telephone 461-7730

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Sigló Hótel is at the heart of the town and offers the best in accommodation and dining.

Photo: Sigló Hótel.

Siglufjörður buzzing with summer activity Siglufjörður has a great deal more to offer with the opening of the Sigló Hotel and the Rauðka and Hannes Boy restaurants. Sigló Hotel’s manager, Finnur Yngvi Kristinsson, says he is confident of a busy summer as the flow of foreign visitors grows alongside the music events taking place this summer at Rauðka.

Good prospects for this summer Finnur says that the prospects are looking positive for the upcoming summer, both for the hotel and the restaurant trade.

‘Our business changes over the summer as there is an increasing number of overseas visitors, coming both in larger groups passing through and as independent travellers,’ he said, commenting that apart from the Hannes Boy and Rauðka restaurant, there is also the Hotel’s own Sunna restaurant.

‘The hotel bar is becoming increasingly popular, not least as it offers a unique opportunity to take in the buzz of activity around the small boat harbour beyond the hotel’s windows.’

More relaxation options The variety of options for relaxation for those visiting Siglufjörður is growing all the time. The Herring Museum has long been well known, but also worth the visit are the Folk Music Centre and the Segull brewery. For those in possession of a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Coffee House, opened last year, is also a must-see.

This summer sea kayaking will be made available. ‘Then there’s the choice of walking routes in the district and next summer we’re opening a nine-hole golf course where the turf is now establishing itself after last year’s developments. The variety is constantly being added to and what we are able to offer visitors is growing alongside it,’ says Finnur. www​.siglohotel.is

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Siglufjörður’s town centre is a friendly place and when the sun shines it’s great to relax and take in the atmosphere.

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Life around the small boat harbour, and the Hannes Boy and Rauðka restaurants

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Seal watching in Hvammstangi The Icelandic Seal Centre in Hvammstangi was set up in 2005 to pursue research into seals.

The Centre’s museum is home to a great deal of knowledge about seal hunting and the use of seal products in Iceland. Visitors can learn about the biology and behaviour of seals in Iceland, and the Centre has a collection of references to seal hunting, seal products and shore rights, and has carried out research in co-operation with research bodies both in Iceland and overseas.

Last year approxiately 40,000 visitors came to the Seal Centre and the West Húnathing information centre which shares the same building. There is also a souvenir

Seals are delightful animals. shop and a coffee shop. The Centre is open all year round and its opening hours during the summer are every day from 09:00 to 19:00.

www.arctictrip.is

/arctictrip /arctictrip.is

Velkomin til GGrríímmsesyejayr

Welcome to

Gistiheimilið Básar GRÍMSEY www.gistiheimilidabasar.is | 848 1696

www.selasetur.is

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The Dalvík anuual Fish Festival is a popular attraction for all age groups.

Growing tourism in Dalvík ‘The travel business is growing in this area and things are developing all the time. We have improved facilities at the camping site in Dalvík with a new amenities block and two new coffee shops have opened in the town recently. I’d like to direct visitors towards the information point that was opened in the Berg Cultural Centre. There is full information available there on relaxation and travel opportunities for visitors to the Dalvík district,’ said Margrét Víkingsdóttir, the Dalvík municipality’s information officer.

Dalvík quake anniversary As in previous years, the Fish Festival on the 12th of August and the programme in the week leading up to the festival on Saturday is the high point of the summer in Dalvík. The Berg Cultural Centre is hosting art exhibitions all summer, as well as other cultural events.

The exhibition dedicated to Sigurveig Sigurðardóttir’s artworks is of special interest and will be open throughout July, linked closely to the 80th anniversary of the Dalvík earthquake that rocked the area in 1934.

This summer also sees a new website opened at www.visittrollaskagi.is, presenting information to people travelling around the Dalvíkurbyggð and Fjallabyggð districts. www.dalvikurbyggd.is www.visittrollaskagi.is

Tröllaskagi travel

Musical tales from Akureyri Ever since the first notes of fiddles and horns were heard in the trading post at Akureyri in the 19th century, music has placed a central role in the social life, education and cultural life of the people of Eyjafjörður. There is plenty of choice as music has always blossomed here, and the museum in Akureyri has set up an exhibition dedicated to tales of the town’s musical life.

The exhibition displays a variety of instruments, photographs and recordings, as well as narratives linked to music in Akureyri

Taking a turn on the floor at a community centre.

from the brass bands of the 19th century to the present day. The exhibition is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00.

www​.minjasafnid.is

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SBA-Norðurleið is one of Iceland´s largest coach and bus operators, offering visitors the opportunity to travel independently or in organised groups, with both one-day and longer trips. A Full Circle ticket is available that takes in many of the main attractions and the company also offers one to three-day trips from Akureyri, with or without a guide. There are scheduled routes daily between Reykjavík and Akureyri, over the highlands along the Keel route during the summer and also scheduled routes from Akureyri that take in Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss, and call at Húsavík, Mývatn, Egilsstaðir and Höfn.

Sightseeing Trips from Akureyri offer Mývatn, Dettifoss and Jökulsárgljúfur, Vatnajökull and hot zone at Kverkfjöll, or routes to Húsavík that include a whale watching trip. These are all one-day trips, other than Askja, Kverkfjöll and Vatnajökull, which are three-day excursions. The Lake Mývatn Excursion and the Grand Dettifoss Tour are available with guides.

A Lake Mývatn Excursion includes a visit to Goðafoss, on the way to Mývatn, with opportunities to visit the Dimmuborgir lava formations

Mývatn Nature Baths.

Dimmuborgir by Mývatn.

Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe.

– Travel under your own steam Iceland on your own - Full Circle Passport Organise your own trip with a Full Circle Passport. This allows visitors to travel at their own speed, deciding for themselves how long they want to stop in any particular place. This allows travellers to visit Goðafoss, Mývatn, Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, while also calling at towns including Reykjavík, Akureyri, Egilsstaðir and Selfoss. www. sba.is

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and the pools at Grjótagjá on the way, as well as the fissures at Víti, the hot mud pools at Hverarönd and the Mývatn natural baths and finishing in Akureyri. The Grand Dettifoss Tour starts with Goðafoss before moving on to Mývatn and the main attractions in the region and Dettifoss, the Jökulsárgljúfur national park before returning to Akureyri via Ásbyrgi and Húsavík.

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SBA Norðurleið

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Blönduós’ outstanding thermal pool

Blönduós has a fine swimming pool, with slides, a paddling pool and hot tubs.

Blönduós has a great swimming pool for everyone, especially families with children.

The swimming pool is 25 x 8.5 meters and

Natural resources are used in the swimming pool. Chlorine is produced on site and table salt is the only ingredient needed in the production as well as electricity and water. Chlorine gas is produced and put directly into the disinfection system that produces chlorine water used to meet daily fluctuations in usage. The device is the first of its kind in Iceland. The main advantages of the new system are: No transfers between locations of hazardous substances, chlorine odor is reduced, redness in eyes and skin irritation is reduced, eco-friendly for the staff and promotes eco-friendly environment.

The Blönduós swimming pool is open in summer Mondays to Fridays 08:00-21:00 and Saturdays and Sundays 10:00-20:00. www.imb.is

the pool area also has two hot tubs, steam bath, waddle pool for children, ice bath, two large water slides and a lot of toys.

Welcome to Dalvík A Natural Paradise in Tröllaskagi (The Trollpeninsula) For those wanting to experience nature first hand, Dalvík is a great place. Whale watching, bird watching from sea and land, angling and sea angling, golfing, horseback riding and a good swimming pool is just an example of what Dalvík can offer tourists. Several hiking trails are available, both for experienced hikers and those who prefer more relaxed routes. Mountain guides offer shorter and longer hikes.

One can also experience Icelandic culture through Hvoll Folk Museum and Berg Cultural House.

Restaurants, coffee houses and pubs take care of hungry travellers.

The Great Fish Day, 10th-13th of August, is a famous fish festival where on the 12th of August fish dishes can be tasted for free.

There are several options in accommodation such as a hotel, cabins and guesthouses as well as camping places.

For further information visit www.visittrollaskagi.is www.dalvikurbyggd.is Information centre is located in the Berg cultural house.

47 OUTDOORS 2017 This 9 hour tour to one of the loveliest spots in Iceland focuses on the most attractive features of the area. Visit Godafoss waterfall, the geothermal ďŹ elds in Hverarond, explosion crater of Viti and the Myvatn Nature baths.

Price 16.300 ISK

Day tour to Dettifoss Waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, sightseeing around Lake Myvatn and the Jokulsargljufur canyons formed in a devastating glacial ood.

Price 21.700 ISK.

The East of Iceland

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Photos: www.esast.is

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www.east.is www.east.is

The east of Iceland – a magical region of natural phenomena. Glaciers, forests, bird cliffs, vast expanses, deserts, majestic mountains and narrow fjords. Waterfalls, rivers and the sea. The east of Iceland is a gem of natural wonders and history.

In East and Southeast Iceland, you will find most of what makes Iceland a unique place on a global scale. The variety in nature is reflected by society and culture, with tourist services playing a major role in the life of residents. Regardless of whether you want to fish for salmon, go swimming, spot birds, hike in the mountains, eat good food or simply enjoy existence and breathe the pure air of the sub-arctic, you can do all this in East Iceland. One thing you may see that can be found nowhere else in Iceland is the Icelandic reindeer in the wild, which live only in the east of Iceland.

We pride ourselves of real nature, real people and real hospitality. Come to East Iceland and enjoy our attraction´s whether cultural, natural or man-made. Everywhere you come you will meet the realness of East Iceland. Plan our suggestions into your trip and enjoy!

www.borgarfjordureystri.is www.breiddalur.is www.djupivogur.is www.fjardabyggd.is www.fljotsdalsherad.is www.visitseydisfjordur.com www.vopnafjordur.com

Useful links Official travel guide for the area

www.east.is

Vatnajökull National Park

www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is

Official travel guide to Iceland

www.visiticeland.com

Promote Iceland

www.islandsstofa.is/en

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Events this summer 5-7th July

Eistnaflug, heavy metal festival in Neskaupstaður.

4-6th August

Neistaflug, municipal festival in Neskaupstaður.

15th July-19th August

The Rolling Snowball, art exhibition in Djúpavogur.

9-13th August

Ormsteiti, arts and family festival in Fljótsdalshérað.

16-22th July

LungA, young people’s arts festival, Seyðisfjörður.

12th August

Tour de Ormurinn – cycle race starting in Hallormsstaðaskógur.

27-30th July

French Days in Fáskrúðsfjörður, municipal festival.

29th July

Bræðslan, music festival in Borgarfjörður eystri.

More information: www.east.is

Seyðisfjörður: Plenty of choice

Guided walks around the town and district are available for visitors to Seyðisfjörður.

Seyðisfjörður’s Gay Pride festival is one of the town’s annual events, held in August.

Around 250,000 visitors are expected too pass through Seyðisfjörður this year, most of them arriving on the Norræna ferry.

Around 250,000 visitors are expected to visit Seyðisfjörður this year, of which 180,000 are summer visitors, a significant increase over last year. The Norræna ferry brings the majority of them, in addition to which there are regular cruise ship calls all through the year, with 40 cruise ships scheduled this year.

Seyðisfjörður offers accommodation with hotels, guest houses and hostels available. There is a great deal of activity in Seyðisfjörður’s cultural life, with art exhibitions at Skaftfell and a series of events on the summer calendar, such as the LungA youth arts festival, the Craft

Festival, the Blue Church concerts and the Gay Pride festival in August.

Kayak and cycle rentals are available and the town has its own nine-hole golf course.

Guided walking tours are on offer around the town and the surrounding district, from one hour walks all the way up to informative eight hour excursions. A popular attraction located just outside the town is the Tvísöng sound sculpture by German artist Lukas Kühne. www.visitseydisfjordur.com

MUSEUMS

ACCOMMODATION

SWIMMING POOLS

FOOD AND FUN

GOLF

CAMPING Mj

Wonderful Fjarðabyggð Welcome to the region of the fjords Experience the riches of East-Iceland In Fjarðabyggð you‘ll find six wonderful fjords, each with a unique charm of its own.

Find your favourite fjord or the coolest mountain.

F

Wonderful Fjarðabyggð visitfjardabyggd.is

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The fjords The community’s magnificent mountains and picturesque fjords are just part of what Fjarðabyggð has to offer. Equally memorable to those who visit are the communities and the culture of the seaside villages, each with its own spirit and character nestling along Iceland’s easternmost coast. Every year, the Fjarðabyggð combination of landscape, history and easy going attitude towards life attracts more visitors.

You can easily find the hotel or guest house best suited to your desires, or choose one of Fjarðabyggð’s six campgrounds. You’ll also find plenty of choices for recreation, in a municipality where both mountain slopes and seashores lie just beyond your doorstep.

No matter where else you’re heading in East Iceland, Fjarðabyggð will be worth every minute you spend here. Check out our wide range of services and recreation for travellers and come enjoy the wonders of East Iceland, at all times of the year! www.visitfjardabyggd.is

Comprised of six fjords, Fjarðabyggð is often referred to by locals as the Fjords. Also, the name of the municipality, which is the most easterly one in Iceland’s, has a strong fjord connection, meaning literally the people of the fjords or the settlement of the fjords. The fjords, from north to south, are Mjóifjörður, Norðfjörður, Eskifjörður and Reyðarfjörður, which extends the farthest west of them all.

Fáskrúðsfjörður is next, lying south of Reyðarfjörður, and last but not least is Stöðvarfjörður at the south entrance of Fjarðabyggð.

Fjarรฐabyggรฐ

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Wonderful

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The Skaftafell glacier is part of the Vatnajökull National Park.

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The raw beauty of Vatnajökull National Park

The Vatnajökull National Park, established in 2008, is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. The area covers 14,000 square kilometres; equivalent to 14% of Iceland’s surface area. The area has been protected to preserve its historical and natural identity. The national park has a unique character moulded by the combination of volcanic activity, geothermal heat, waterfalls and Europe’s largest ice cap. The number of visitors coming to the park has been growing steadily since it was established and overseas guests account for 80% of visitors all year round.

Five Visitor Centres The Vatnajökull national park runs five Information Centres for visitors, detailing the park itself, the services available, walking routes, the conditions visitors can expect and other aspects of the park’s activities. Information about the northern region can be found at the Gljúfrastofa Visitor Centre in Ásbyrgi.

The Snæfells information point is at Skriðuklaustur in Fljótsdalur and looks after the eastern region.

Gamlabúð at Höfn in Hornafjörður concentrates on information relating to birdlife and the interaction of man and nature, the glaciers and geology.

The Skaftafell Visitor Centre has information on the natural conditions of the Skaftafell glacier, walking routes, accommodation and relaxation in the district.

The fifth and final Visitor Centre is Skaftárstofa at Kirkjubæjarklaustur, home to a wealth of information on the region, as well as being the Skaftá District’s Information Point.

An agreement was signed in the autumn of 2016 for the construction of a new Skaftafell Centre at Kirkjubæjarklaustur which will measure 600 square metres and is due to open in 2018. The Visitor Centres are open every day throughout the summer. www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is

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The Vatnajökull National Park accounts for around 14% of Iceland’s surface area.

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Hiking and horseback riding in East Iceland If you want to go horseback riding or hiking in East Iceland and have a nice sleepover with homemade food, Skorrahestar in Fjardabyggd is your stop! Located in Nordfjordur, close to the village of Neskaupstadur, Skorrahestar motto is ‘come as a guest – leave as a friend’.

Walking trips with pack horses are widely popular in other countries and Skorrahestar

Sænautasel: A model for Independent People?

The farm of Sænautasel dates back to the year 1843. It was inhabited and farmed until 1943, except for the years 1875-1880 when Askja volcano made the site impossible to live in. Sænautasel was renovated in 1992-1993 by the parish and is now open as a museum during the summer months.

Many say this farm served as a model for Independent People, the most popular novel of Iceland’s only Nobel Prize winner, Halldór Laxness.

At Sænautasel visitors can learn about the people who lived on the heath and how they survived. You can also sit down and enjoy some traditional Icelandic refreshments; we recommend the hot chocolate and the lummur, similar to small pancakes.

Photo: www.east.is

Small groups, relaxed atmosphere and good guides is the main characteristics of Skorrahestar.

Skorrahestar’s motto is ‘you’ll arrive as a guest and leave as a friend.’

now offer such trips, as well as riding tours, across the Gerpir area; the deserted fjords of East Iceland where you can breathe in the history of the past ages and the magnificent nature.

Skorrahestar has accommodation for up to 23 guests in bedrooms for two, three or four guests and can also accept groups, such as mystery tours stopping at rural locations. ‘You get to experience our homemade international cuisine with a touch of Icelandic tradition as you become a member of the Skorrahestar

family,’ says Doddi Júlíusson, who runs Skorrahestar with his wife Thea Alfredsdottir.

‘Just contact us on Facebook or our website with your idea for a once-in-a-lifetime experience hiking or riding in East-Iceland and we will see what we can do for you,’ says Doddi, eager to please his guests, as numerous positive reviews on www. tripadvisor.com and www.booking.com can confirm. www.skorrahestar.is

Seyðisfjörður church: Twentieth summer of concerts The Blue Church summer concert series in Seyðisfjörður will be held for the twentieth time this summer and is among the best known events in the cultural life of eastern Iceland. The concerts take place in the Seyðisfjörður church on Wednesday evenings at 20:30, starting on the first week in June and continuing into August.

The Seyðisfjörður church is well equipped for concerts, with a Steinway grand piano and a 14-15 stop Frobenius organ. Emphasis has been placed on offering a varied choice of concerts ranging from classical pieces to jazz

The Seyðisfjörður church. and blues, folk music and lighter listening.

Over the years artists from both Iceland and other countries have taken part.

Charming, fun, funky, lively, lovely, different, friendly, creative, historic, peaceful, artistic, beautiful, open minded, active, bohemian, special

You can find further information on Seyðisfjörður on www.visitseydisfjordur.com

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VAT NAJ Ö KU L S ÞJ Ó Ð G AR ÐU R

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NATIONAL PAR K

We are proud to welcome you

©Guðmundur Ögmundsson

© Skarphéðinn G. Þórisson

to Vatnajökull National Park!

Dettifoss

PORT hönnun

©Regína Hreinsdóttir

©Guðmundur Ögmundsson

Hiking Geldingafell, Snæfell in the distance

Langisjór

Svartifoss

Vatnajökull National Park is Iceland’s newest protected area, established in 2008.

With a total area of roughly 13,200 km2 it is by far the largest national park in Iceland as well as in Western Europe.

For more information on Vatnajokull National Park, please visit our website www.vjp.is

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Photo: www.east.is

Hafragilsfoss

– An Awesome Waterfall

Langabúð, the oldest house in Djúpivogur, was originally built in 1790.

Photo: Jóhann Ólafur Halldórsson.

Djúpivogur village Djúpivogur is a charming village with a long history of trading since 1589, located in a place of incomparable natural beauty. Today the main industry is fishing, with tourism increasing rapidly in recent years. Langabúð, the oldest house in Djúpivogur, was originally built in 1790 and has been renovated and now serves as a cultural centre. It houses some of the works of sculptor Ríkarður Jónsson, a heritage museum and a coffee-shop with delicious homemade cakes and a display of local handicraft.

Don’t miss the outdoor sculpture, Eggin í Gleðivík, by the world famous Icelandic artist

Sigurður Guðmundsson, consisting of 34 eggs.

The artwork is on the coast, about 1 km from the centre of the village, in a convenient walking distance.

The nature around Djupivogur is highly varied. The Búlandsnes bird sanctuary is renowned among bird lovers throughout the world, where you can observe most Icelandic birds nesting in their natural habitat close by.

Join the Papey bird and seal watching boat tours or hike in the fascinating mountains and fjords in the vicinity.

Source: www.east.is

Snæfell mountain

Hallormsstaðaskógur – Iceland’s largest forest

Iceland’s largest forest surrounds Hallormsstaður. Experiments with imported tree species were initiated here in 1903; in 1938, the first larch grove was planted, demonstrating that wood cultivation was feasible in

The glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum is the second longest river in Iceland. It flows for more than 200 km from its source and down to the delta in Öxarfjörður fjord. The river emerges from the glaciers Dyngujökull and Brúarjökull but from the second glacier the rivers Kreppa and Kverká also stem. On its long way to sea the river flows through dark and rough wasteland, sands and lava fields.

‘The Icelandic landscape is often unusual but probably never more so than in these parts,’ says on the website Náttúrukortið. When the river reaches the Jökulsá River Canyons, the watercourse crashes off several impressive waterfalls; Selfoss, Dettifoss and the awesome Hafragilsfoss, pictured.

Iceland. In fact, the woods are an extensive and congenial area, and in late summer large quantities of berries and mushrooms are yours for the taking. A home economics´ school with dormitories, which initially only accepted women, now educates both sexes.

It is placed in a stately building dating from 1930. The Hallormsstaður arboretum is unique in Iceland, comprising a collection of around 70 tree species. Many enjoy stralling through the arboretum, and there are well-marked trails throughout much of the surrounding woodland, clearly indicated on a map published by the Forest Services.

Source: www.east.is

Snæfell, 1,833 m, is the highest mountain in Iceland outside the glacier regions. Even so, and despite the omnipresent snow, (Snæfell: The Snow Mountain), it is fairly accessible from Snæfellsskáli hut. While Snæfell boasts a splendour of its own, it offers a fabulous view, partly overlooking the oasis of Eyjabakkar. Eyjabakkar is a choice habitat for geese. Reindeer can frequently be spotted west of Snæfell, towards Hálsalón reservoir, in addition to other territories in the East Iceland highlands.

Source: www.east.is

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The South of Iceland – a nature traveller’s daydream OUTDOORS 2017

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Photos: www.south.is

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Useful links

www.south.is

Official travel guide for the area

www.south.is

Tourist information

www.southiceland.is

Þingvellir national park

www.thingvellir.is

Þórsmörk area

www.thorsmork.is

Geysir

www.geysircenter.is

Landmannalaugar highland

www.landmannalaugar.info

Official travel guide to Iceland

www.visiticeland.com

Promote Iceland

www.islandsstofa.is/en

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The South of Iceland is unique and is the part of the country which by far the greatest numbers of foreign visitors come to. Here history follows you at every footstep, there is creative art, culture and flourishing trade and endless possibilities to enjoy the outdoor life in all seasons.

Above all there is the awesome and rugged nature from the mountains to the sea.

The South of Iceland is a nature traveller’s daydream, a sampling of all that is Icelandic, including some of the country’s most treasured natural attractions. Many are not far from the capital while others are more adventurously located, requiring 4-wheel-drive vehicles and a map of the southern highlands. Or hiking boots.

In between are tantalizing byways just waiting to be explored, nuggets of natural beauty, fanciful sights and sprawling views that inspire and engage the imagination.

Come to the southern countryside and look at the beauty, listen to the wind and the silence, discover the peace and quiet, and last but not least you may discover yourself.

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​​The area around the Skógar museum has been improved, with the car park upgraded and a new reception area opened.

New and better facilities at the

Skógar Museum The Skógar Museum opened in 1949 and continues to grow. 74,000 visitors passed through it last year and the number grows every year. The Skógar Museum offers a unique insight into the lives and farming practices of people in years gone by. The museum site includes an old farmhouse and buildings from across southern Iceland that have been re-erected at Skógar.

In 2002 a transport section was added, where artefacts and objects linked to travel around Iceland are preserved. This includes displays of the eighty-year history of lifesaving in Iceland, in association with Landsbjörg, the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue.

Building on its strengths The Skógar Museum has a staff of twelve during the winter and around 20 in the summer months. Increasing revenues from

Preservation work at the Museum’s agricultural department. tourism have made it possible to build up the museum and to take on specialists, including conservators and archaeologists, which was not possible a few years ago. A new 150 square metre lobby and reception area was

recently opened, which significantly improves the museum’s facilities and makes it possible to accommodate larger tour groups. www.skogasafn.is

Events this summer 7-9th July

Stokkseyri quayside festival.

12th August

Grímsnes family festival.

29th July

Rangárthing eystra mountain bike race.

12th August

Jökulsárlón firework display.

4-7th August

Flúðir family festival

17-20th August

Hveragerði in Bloom

7th August

Ölfusá family fishing days

25-27th August

Rangárthing eystra meat soup festival

9-13th August

Summer in Selfossi, municipal and family festival.

10-12th August

Thorlákshöfn, harbour festival

More information: www.south.is

A journey into RAUFARHÓLSHELLIR is a

Breathtaking Experience

A journey into RAUFARHÓLSHELLIR is a unique experience and a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption. Follow the path of lava that flowed during an eruption more than 5,000 years ago.

Only 30 min. from Reykjavík Every hour on the hour Easy access winter and summer Standard Tours / Extreme Tours

www.thelavatunnel.is +354 519 1616 +354 760 1000 info@thelavatunnel.is

For more information and bookings:

www.thelavatunnel.is

LAVA CENTRE ST OPENS JUNE 1 In geological terms, Iceland is not only brand new. It’s a work in progress, with constant volcanic activity occurring beneath the surface.

Learn about these seismic forces and witness the spectacle in the all new Lava Centre.

The Creation of Iceland

Volcanic Eruptions

MORE INFO AND TICKETS AT

Open every day

www.Lavacentre.is

9:00 - 19:00

The Cinema

Iceland Volcano & Earthquake Centre Austurvegi 14, Hvolsvelli · South Iceland

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LAVA:

A new Volcano & Earthquake Centre

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LAVA ‘Iceland Volcano & Earthquake Centre’ is a brand new interactive educational exhibition centre dedicated to the unique volcanoes and geology of Iceland. Located in Hvolsvöllur, approximately 104 km east of Reykjavik, it is a must-see addition to your South Iceland trip.

The town of Hvolsvollur is well situated by the roots of Eyjafjallajokull volcano and close to many of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions and landscapes, such as Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the Westmann Islands and Vatnajökull glacier.

The LAVA Centre features an interactive exhibition exploring the art and science of geology and the volcanic systems in Iceland. Information and evidence from past eruptions demonstrate just how strong a presence volcanoes have in contemporary Iceland. Feel the forces of nature as you experience an earthquake and see the Fiery Heart of Iceland, a 12m high structure simulating the Mantle plume and the magma flow underneath Iceland. In an educational centre you can explore the wonders of volcanoes and earthquakes through interactive computers and there’s also a cinema auditorium where visitors can see the magnificence of volcanic eruptions in HD and 4K. The LAVA Centre was recently voted No2 most exciting New Opening for tourists by Lonely Planet and the World´s newest and coolest stuff worth to put on your bucket list by Thrillist.com. LAVA includes a Tourist Information Centre, a full size souvenir shop, a restaurant and a 360° viewing platform on top of the specially designed building. www.lavacenter.is

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The Saga Centre at Hvolsvöllur The Saga Centre at Hvolsvöllur is a cultural centre for the region of Rangárvallasýsla in South Iceland. Our main attraction is an Exhibition of Njal’s saga – the most famous of the medievel Icelandic sagas. All information is in Icelandic, English and German, with guided tours available.

Opening hours May-September: Every day 09:00 am to 18:00 pm October-May: Every weekend 10:00 am to 17:00 pm Also open on request.

Njal’s saga is a magnificent story from the age of the settlement – based on historical events than took place in the region of Rangarvallasýsla in the 10th and 11th century, written by an anonymous author in the late 12th century. Njal’s saga has been translated to over 10 languages and has affected millions of readers all around the world. It is a highly dramatic epic story of notorius heros and heroines living in Iceland at the time of the convertion from heathendom to Christianity – dealing with honour & revenge, love & sex, life & death – praised worldwide for its exceptionally vivid characters and unique dialogue.

The Saga Centre also boasts a little Art Gallery, the Saga Hall – which is an authentic replica of a long-house from the Viking age with seats for 80 people where we offer dinner and lunch if pre-ordered; A co-op mercantile museum from last century; a splendid model of Þingvellir in year 1000; a souvenir- and bookshop; as well as a bar and coffee shop. The Saga Center has a collection of Viking costumes in the lobby that visitors are welcome to try on, as well as weapons that visitors can handle. www.njala.is

Iceland´s south coast heritage: folk crafts, turf farm houses, transport, tools, SAR, historic boats & 15,000 discoveries!

SKÓGASAFN Skógar Museum

1 minute from Skógar Waterfall, 2 hours SE of Reykjavík, ½ hour from Vík.

Open all year (except dec. 24)

June, July, Aug. 09–18

Sept. to May 10–17

Tel. +354 487 8845 www.skogasafn.is Skógar Museum, Skógar, Iceland Skogasafn-Outdoors-ATHYGLI-2016.indd 1

29.3.2016 14:47

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Sail among the huge icebergs in Jökulsárlón.

One of the greatest wonders of nature Jökulsárlón is a renowned glacier lagoon, located by highway no. 1, about 380 km east of Reykjavík. It is considered to be one of the greatest wonders of nature in Iceland. The lagoon is a recent one; the result of a warming climate. The surface is at sea level and sea water flows into the lagoon at high tide.

Huge blocks of ice constantly break off the glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull, and large icebergs float on the lagoon. The lagoon is not very wide but it is up to 250 meters deep which makes it the deepest lake in Iceland.

Breiðamerkurjökull is an outlet of the Vatnajökull glacier. www.icelagoon.is

Skálholt is an exceptionally peaceful place, steeped in history.

Skálholt’s windows Skálholt is one of the most remarkable historical sites in Iceland and an exceptionally peaceful spot, as well as being the location of one of the country’s most ancient church grounds. The present church was designed by Hörður Bjarnason and was consecrated in 1963. This is a magnificently airy building in every way.

One of Gerður Helgadóttir’s windows in the Skálholt cathedral.

During the construction, the decision was taken to fit stained glass windows and following a competition in the spring of 1958, the task went to sculptor Gerður Helgadóttir (1928-1975). Her stained glass work can be seen in five churches in Iceland and several more in other countries. The Skálholt cathedral also houses more unique works of art, including a mosaic by Nína Tryggvadóttir. www​.skalholt.is

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The Hvolsvöllur swimming pool is exceptional.

Hvolsvöllur’s swimming pool has exceptional facilities, located in a sheltered spot and offers everything that the visitor could expect, including hot tubs, shallow pools, water slides, saunas, cold plunge pools and much else besides. The pool is part of a first-class sports centre, alongside football and track

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Hvolsvöllur sports town

The health trail is always open and suits everyone. sports areas. There is also a gym with top-class facilities.

The health trail in Hvolsvöllur is unique and its 4,2 kilometres pass through and around the town. The track features fifteen points equipped with a variety of exercise equipment providing opportunities for every

kind of exercise from stretching to practicing on balancing bars. This is free exercise, open round the clock, every day of the year! www.hvolsvollur.is

Welcome to Eldheimar

– the Westmann Islands’ new eruption museum

www.eldheimar.is - eldheimar@vestmannaeyjar.is - Tel. +354 488 2000

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Gullfoss: one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, located 30 min driving from Laugarvatn and about 1,5 hours from Reykjavík. Gullfoss is actually two separate waterfalls, the upper one has a drop of 11 metres and the lower one 21 metres.

The rock of the river bed was formed during an interglacial period.

During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about using Gullfoss to generate electricity. This was not done, and now the waterfall is protected.

Sigríður Tómasdóttir, a daughter of one of its owners, was determined to preserve the waterfall’s condition and even threatened to throw herself into the waterfall. A stone memorial to Sigriður, located above the falls, depicts her profile. www.visiticeland.com

The Gullfoss waterfall has two distinct drops in succession along the width of the Hvítá River.

PR is about communication With effective public relations and a creative marketing strategy, organisations can strengthen their image towards the general public and build awareness in the business sector.

We strive to help you reach your goals and create your strategic competitive edge.

Suðurlandsbraut 30 » 108 Reykjavík, Iceland » Tel. +354 + 515 5200 » www.athygli.is

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Selfoss, Eyrarbakki and Stokkeyri: Eventful summer ahead

The towns of Selfoss, Eyrarbakki og Stokkseyri are going to be busy places this summer with a variety of events scheduled. It’s a perfect opportunity to take in the southern part of Iceland and its areas of natural beauty, as well as to experience the number of local festivals taking place. There is ample room fof visitors, with many camping sites, hotels and guest houses.

Plenty to see and do Selfoss is the largest service hub in the region with shops, restaurants and a choice of entertainments. Among the most popular

The Heritage Museum at Eyrarbakki. attractions is the swimming pool with plenty of play areas for children, relaxation opportunities in the hot tubs and in the saunas and steam baths. There are also the golf course, the Bobby Fischer Centre and the many walking, cycling and riding routes.

A small but special swimming pool is at the heart of Stokkseyri and the Við Fjöruborðið restaurant is also centrally placed.

The shoreline is always worth a visit, well known for its natural beauty, as are the world-class hunting museum, the Knarrarós lighthouse and the Baugsstaðir Creamery.

The Heritage Museum in Eyrarbakki is at

The Saga Centre at Hvolsvöllur Unique Njal’s Saga Exhibition  Njal’s Saga Tapestry in progress  The Saga Hall  Ormur Gallery  Thingvellir A.D. 1000  Co-Op Museum Information Centre  Elegant souvenirs Books  Food and drink  Weapons and costumes for the kids.

Open daily all summer 09:00-18:00.

The Saga Centre at Hvolsvöllur Hlíðarvegur 14 , 860 Hvolsvöllur Tel.: (+354) 487 8781 / 618 6143 Email: njala@njala.is www.njala.is

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Selfoss is set to be busy this summer.

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the centre of the community, housing the district’s museum, and the Maritime Museum close by. The Saga Music Hall and the Rauða húsið restaruant are also at the heart of this town and an Information Centre has recently been opened at the Staður community centre, next to the sea defences. Eyrarbakki has plenty of available accommodation for those who are looking for the district’s evening tranquillity. www.visitarborg.is

THE SAGA CENTRE

SÖGUSETRIÐ Á HVOLSVELLI

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Brydebúð is the oldest building in the region, housing the Tourist Information in Vík í Mýrdal.

Vík í Mýrdal:

A village worth to visit The Tourist Information in Vík í Mýrdal is located in Brydebúð, the oldest building in the region. In the past, the building was used

The Skaftfellingur was used to transport fish and other products between Westmann Islands and Fleetwood in the United Kingdom in WWII.

as a store. Currently, besides the Tourist Information, there is also Katla Volcano Exhibition.

Across from Brydebúð you find the Skaftfellingur Museum, home to Skaftfellingur VE 33: A nearly 100 year historic ship, its equipment and information about events that happened in the ocean close to the South Coast. Skatfellingur VE 33 was built in Denmark in 1918 and then came to Iceland.

The purchase of the 60-ton oak ship was made at the initiative of the local community.

In former times, transportation was extremely difficult in the two counties of East and West Skaftafellssýsla. People needed a ship in order to transport goods from Reykjavik to Vík and other suitable landing places. The ship is famous in Iceland beacause the crew of Skaftfellingur rescued the crew of a bombed German submarine in 1942 and that event is well known as an act of humanity in wartime.

Skaftfellingur was used to transport fish and other products between Westmann Islands and Fleetwood in the United Kingdom for the rest of the war. After the war it transported goods between ports in Iceland. It was decommissioned in 1974 and in 2000 it was brought to Vík. Finally, this summer, the ship will become a part of the museum in Vík. www.visitvik.is

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Relaxed atmosphere and good accommodation is Country Dream´s trademark.

Country Dream is a new family owned guesthouse in South Iceland offering accommodation for up to 16 guest in three brand new studio apartments for 2-4 guests, as well as in three cosy bedrooms, each for two guests, in the service house.

Located at the farm Langholt 2, just east of the town Selfoss, Country Dream is very

well placed for day trip visits to the Golden Circle, Thingvellir, Seljalandsfoss, Thorsmörk and other nature treasures of South Iceland.

In autumn and winter time Country Dream is a nice spot to see the northern lights and close by is the river Hvítá with varied birdlife and good surroundings for short hiking tours.

Guest can also take short horseback riding

tours in Langholt 2, as the owners, Ragnar and Fridur, have years og experience in horse farming. For more information send e-mail to info@countrydream.is or call +354 482 1061. facebook.com/icelandiccountrydream

Summer, autumn, winter or spring Mýrdalur has much to offer all through the year

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A real Country Dream in South Iceland

80 years of servicing in the Kerlingarfjöll OUTDOORS 2017

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The Kerlingarfjöll mountain range, the main landmark of the Kjölur area, is a cluster of mountains that were formed by volcanic eruptions some 70.000 to 300.000 years ago. At the northeastern corner of the range is a small valley, Ásgarður or Asgard, named after the home of the Gods in the Old Norse Religion.

The mountain range is some 15 km from the old Kjölur horse track, a former main road between regions during the summertime. However, the mountains were rarely, if ever, visited by people until the end of the nineteenth century, when scientists began to research the area.

The first building in the Asgard valley was built in 1937, only 80 years ago. The newly renovated wooden hut is located by the inroad to

Ásgarður valley has long been a welcoming base for hikers and skiers.

the valley and was built by the Icelandic Trekking Association (Ferðafélag Íslands), remaining its property until the late eighties.

During this time it served as one of the Association’s main huts, a popular destination for shorter and longer excursions into the mountains.

The hut was also used by others, most notably the famous Icelandic artist Guðmundur frá Miðdal, who ran a mountaineers’ school there during the late thirties and again by skiing enthusiasts who later formed Fannborg, the company that today owns most of the property in the valley. Fannborg has operated a ski school, and later a mountain resort, in the area for well over half a century.

g intrepid travellers l mountain range picking up of trash along the roads and tracks in the area, and cleaning old fences that divided the area to prevent outbreak of animal diseases.

As to its operations, Fannborg decided to develop its properties in the valley from the current stage of many smaller huts to one integrated building, with more efficient heating system and thus a more environmentally friendly operation.

Fannborg hopes that the guests in the area respect nature and what has been done to protect and maintain it, for example by following tracks instead of and making sure that no rubbish is left behind.

The area is a jewel and we shall treat the area as such.

www.kerlingarfjoll.is

Fannborg has laid tracks for hikers and built bridges across geothermal areas.

Spectacular geological formations abound in the Kerlingarfjรถll mountain range.

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The ski school was operated from 1961 to 2000, at which time global warming had made its impact on the mountain range, making summer skiing almost impossible by the end of the century.

With the snow gone, there were new challenges and with new controlling owners, the emphasis was shifted from skiing to hiking.

Developments changed in accordance with this shift, culminating in the design and marking of a number of hiking trails across the area, and the erection and maintenance of bridges across the river that runs through the geothermal area.

Fannborg has also emphasized respect for and resilience towards nature, and as a means of doing so, the company has arranged for the

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Eldheimar:

A volcano museum of remembrance in the Westmann Islands

Gerðisbraut 6 was an ordinary house that was buried under the ash of the Westmann Islands eruption and is now the centrepiece of the Eldheimar exhibition devoted to the 1973 eruption and the 1963 Surtsey eruption.

Eldheimar in the Westmann Islands is devoted to the 1973 volcanic eruption and the process of rebuilding afterwards. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the house at Gerðisbraut 10 that was buried beneath the ashfall more than forty years ago, and which has not been touched since. It provides a moving display of how this natural disaster affected people’s homes, and Eldheimar shows just how significant a threat the eruption was to the future habitation of the Westmann Islands.

Other significant volcanic activity is also part of the Eldheimar exhibition, including the The museum’s curator is Kristín Jóhannsdóttir.

Opening hours

Surtsey eruption that started in 1963 and lasted almost four years. Following the eruption, Surtsey was declared a protected nature reserve, which gave the scientific community its first opportunity to observe how new life and a new ecosystem appear.

Surtsey is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Summer From 28th Apr to 14th Oct Every day: 10:30 to 18:00 Winter From 15th Oct to 27th Apr Wedensday to sunday: 13:00-17:00 Open for groups outside normal hours by prior agreement

The Eldheimar volcano museum in the Westmann Islands has been highly rated by visitors.

www.eldheimar.is

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The Laugarvatn caves will be open this summer.

The Laugarvatn caves open again!

The Laugarvatn caves are located on the Golden Circle route near Laugarvatn and have been returned to the condition they would have been in between 1910 and 1922 when they were inhabited. This summer there will be guided tours available through the caves, bringing to life the lives of the inhabitants, and souvenirs and refreshments will be available.

With no farm available anywhere in Laugardalur, a young couple moved into the caves in 1910 and lived there for a year. In 1918 another couple moved in and lived there until 1922, during which time they had three children. Both couples kept livestock, but also sold refreshments to travellers, as the cave was on the main road between Laugardalur and ReykjavĂ­k.

This summer light refreshments will be available from a near the cave, just as the cave’s inhabitants offered a hundred years ago. The Laugardalur caves will be open from every day from 10:00 to 18:00 through the summer. www.thecavepeople.is

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Dyrhólaey – a 120m high promontory Dyrhólaey is a promontory reaching out into the ocean on the south coast of Iceland. It is the southernmost part of the country, about 120 m high. Off Dyrhólaey there are rock pillars, that are unique natural formations.

There, a very rich birdlife can be enjoyed, among other species you can see Fulmar, Guillemot, Razorbill, Gannet, Puffin and various types of seagulls.

Dyrhólaey is thought to have been created during an interglacial period late in the Ice Age by a submarine volcanic eruption. The western part of it is named Háey, or High

Dyrhólaey is the southernmost part of Iceland.

Island, and is made of tuff and the eastern part of it is often named Lágey, Low Island, and that part is made of dolerite.

In former days many boats were operated from Dyrhólaey, and most of the local farmers went fishing in order to help with the running

of the households. During recent years, farmers have developed a remarkable nesting site for eider ducks in the promontory for the gathering of down. www.south.is

Historical centre at Oddi

Seljalandsfoss is one of the best known waterfalls in Iceland. It is 62 meters high.

Do you dare to walk behind?

Not far from the main road crossing the Rangárvellir district, between Hella and Hvolsvöllur, is one of Iceland’s best-known historical sites. Oddi was the home of leading chieftains and an ancient centre of culture, from where there is a view over the whole of the southern lowlands.

The present church at Oddi is a timber building, erected in 1924 and can accommodate a congregation of a hundred. The church owns a number of remarkable artefacts including a silver chalice believed to date from 1300. The altar panel was painted in

1895 by Anker Lund and portrays Christ in the garden of Gethsemane.

Oddi’s best-known inhabitant was Sæmundur Sigfússon (1056-1133), known as Sæmundur the Learned. He was sent away as a young man to study, most likely to France.

His grandson was Jón Loftsson (1124-1197), who also lived at Oddi. He was the foster father of the writer Snorri Sturluson who was murdered at Reykholt in 1241. www.south.is

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls of Iceland. It is very picturesque and therefore its photo can be found in many books and calendars. Seljalandsfoss is situated between Selfoss and Skógafoss waterfall at the road crossing of Route 1 (the Ring Road) with the trail leading into Þórsmörk.

This waterfall of the river Seljalandsá drops 62 metres (200 ft) over the cliffs of the former coastline. It is possible to walk behind the waterfall. Access to the waterfall is very good. There is plenty of car parking, and footpaths in the surrounding area. Nearby is a good campsite at Hamragarðar. www.visiticeland.com

Oddur in the Rangárvellir district is one of the greatest of the ancient chieftaincies and a cultural centre.

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Lakagígar has marked walking routes.

Lakagígar lies inside the Vatnajökull National Park and is formed of a series of fissures that appeared during the Laki eruptions 250 years ago, the largest eruption in Iceland’s history.

The fissures cover an area of 5 km, and are protected as a natural wonder and are considered to be unique. The area is staffed by wardens during the summer, who provide information to visitors and give guidance on pathways. Their information is invaluable to get the most of a visit.

The district is open to travellers all year round, depending on snow levels and how long roads can be kept open in winter.

Lakagígar is a protected area, regarded as being unique.

Normally the roads are open by the beginning of June and remain open until autumn.

Vehicles can only be driven on the routes marked on the map and other tracks and paths are closed to normal traffic. Driving

off-road is strictly prohibited, as is the case in other parts of the country.

home to Strokkur geyser about 50 metres south.

Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 70 metres in the air. However, eruptions are infrequent, and have in the past stopped altogether for years at a time. The nearby geyser Strokkur is much more active

than Geysir, erupting to heights of up to 30 metres every few minutes. There are around thirty much smaller geysers and hot pools in the area, including one called Litli Geysir (‘Little Geysir’).

www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is

Geysir, one of the greatest natural attractions of Iceland and part of the famous Golden Circle Tour.

The Great Geysir Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, was the first geyser described in a printed source and the first known to modern Europeans. Hence, the English word geyser (a spouting hot spring) derives from Geysir.

Geysir lies in the Haukadalur valley on the slopes of Laugarfjall hill, which is also the

www.visiticeland.com

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The unique world of Lakagígar

The Reykjanes Peninsula 80

– Crossing continents

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Photos: www.visitreykjanes.is

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23-25th June

Garður sunset festival

24th June

The Grindavík Jónsmessa march

18-20th August Vogar family festival 25-27th August Sandgerði Days 31th August3rd September

Light Nights in Reykjanesbær

81 Reykjanes Peninsula is most often the beginning of a traveller’s Iceland adventure. As the Reykjanes coastline draws closer and the plane prepares to land at Keflavík Airport, the wrinkled lava, naked hills and mountains, yawning craters, spirals of geothermal steam and virtually treeless environment are probably an exciting contrast to memories of home.

Iceland is a nature paradise, and Reykjanes is a cross section of all that is Iceland. It is the first step into a wonderland, a region that beckons to be explored and enjoyed, that has its own geological drama, its own personality.

Reykjanes is your corridor into and out of Iceland, a place you must visit, a place where there is so much to experience.

More information: www.visitreykjanes

Useful links

www.visitreykjanes.is

Tourist site for the area

www.visitreykjanes.is

Grindavík tourist site

www.visitgrindavik.is

Viking World

www.vikingworld.is

Blue Lagoon

www.bluelagoon.com

Official travel guide to Iceland

www.visiticeland.com

Promote Iceland

www.islandsstofa.is/en

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Events this summer

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www.vitinn.is The menu at Vitinn carries fresh seafood as well as lamb and chicken dishes.

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Vitinn in Sandgerði: Seafood restaurant by the harbour

The Vitinn restaurant by the Sandgerði quayside specialises in seafood, although its varied menu also includes lamb and chicken dishes.

Vitinn´s menu offers whole langoustine and whole plaice, but its ‘fruits de mer’ platter is the restaurant´s centrepiece, composed of five different crustaceans; langoustine, mussels, rock crab, clams and shrimp. The restaurant also offers crab soup made with rock, found for the first time in Iceland in 2006, arriving from the east coast of North America. This makes Vitinn the only restaurant in Europe able to offer rock crab soup made from crabs gathered in Hvalfjörður.

Airport business

Velcome to Vitinn Vitinn means ‘the lighthouse’ so this might be the first word you learn in Icelandic and one that you will never forget, just as you will never forget your visit to the Vitinn restaurant.

You are always welcome!

Chef and owner Stefán Sigurðsson said that people passing through the nearby international airport frequently make the restaurant their first or last call in Iceland, and bookings for this summer are looking promising already.

‘A lot of people leaving on a midnight flight come to us for a meal before their flight. We also serve people arriving on the early morning flights from the USA. They can´t check into their hotels until midday, so they take a look around the region and come to us for a good breakfast before they travel any further,’ he said.

Booking in advance for groups at info@vitinn.is or tel: +354-423-7755.

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

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Gunnuhver hot springs. Iceland’s largest mud pool, bubbling with geothermal activity.

Grindavík: Most travellers to Iceland make a point of stopping off at the country’s most popular tourist destination, the Blue Lagoon, which is hardly a surprise as it’s on National Geographic’s list of the top 25 wonders of the world. After a soaking in the lagoon, a visit to the nearby town of Grindavík is the perfect option, with its selection of restaurants specialising in seafood.

Grindavík has guesthouses, a state of the art camping facilities, one of Iceland’s top 18 hole golf courses and the unique Kvikan Cultural Centre with its exhibitions of marine resources and geothermal energy, as well as a variety of places to relax. There is also an Information Centre for tourists.

Those who want to let off some steam can go for a quad bike adventure, visit volcanic areas and caves, go riding or cycling. The nature surrounding Grindavík is one of Iceland’s best kept secrets and Information Points have been placed at intervals for visitors. The Hópsnes circle can be a charming option, which includes old shipwrecks and historical places of interest.

The natural attractions of the Grindavík region include Gunnuhver hot springs, Brimketill, Eldvörp crater, lake Kleifarvatn, mount Thorbjarnarfell and Krísuvíkurberg cliffs. The Reykjanes lighthouse is a sight well worth seeing, along with the colourful birdlife and activity around the harbour at Grindavík, one of Iceland’s primary fishing ports. www.visitgrindavik.is

Hópsnes peninsula. Precarious for seafarers, many ships have stranded by Hópsnes.

Home to the world famous Blue Lagoon

There is much to see in the awe-inspiring nature of Reykjanes.

Eldvörp crater. Popular hiking trails in the scenic, thermally active area.

Vitinn is located in the town of Sandgerði, just International Airport.

Hunger sated in 10 minutes Vitinn; in the wonderful fishing village Sandgerði After a long flight you can land with that sinking feeling that you still have the get to your hotel, check in and so on. We are delighted to tell you that only ten minutes from Iceland’s airport terminal you could be taking in a wonderful adventure in comfort.

Vitinn in Sandgerði is one of Iceland’s best-kept secret. This is the only restaurant anywhere in Europe to cook the delicious Icelandic rock crab. Lunches and dinners here feature the freshest seafood. With the fishing boats delivering their catch only a few metres away from the restaurant itself, you can see why. For those with a preference for meat, the roasted fillet of Icelandic lamb is highly recommended. But we strongly recommend that you to take our renowned crab soup for starters.

However, flights to Iceland often arrive early, so Vitinn opens at seven every morning to offer groups delicious breakfast (booked in advance) that will keep visitors on their feet for hours to come. Again, this is freshly cooked.

Dining at Vitinn is an inspiring introduction to Iceland. The restaurant interior, with its richly coloured wooden walls and beams, is adorned with mementos from both Sandgerði’s agricultural and seafaring past. During the summer months, diners can enjoy their meal outside in the garden and watch crabs in our specially equipped aquarium so that they can get the most of their visit. This is kept filled with clean seawater pumped from a borehole outside the restaurant. it is a recent addition that we hope our guests will appreciate and enjoy.

Vitatorg 7, Sandgerði

+ 354 423 7755 - www.vitinn.is

Mount Keilir

– a landmark of Reykjanes peninsula

Keilir is a beautiful, pyramid-shaped mountain clearly visible from Reykjavík on a clear day.

It is not very high, a mere 379 m above sea-level. Keilir is the most distinctive landmark of Reykjanes and a symbol of the Reykjanes peninsula. On top of the mountain is a concrete table with a view direction map on a metal plate.

Keilir was created during subglacial

eruptions during the ice age. It´s shape makes it distinctive and according to geologists, it probably is a crater plug. In spite of its steep slopes, it is not too difficult to climb, and the view from its top on a fine day is to be remembered. www.visitreykjanes.is

Mount Keilir is a small volcanic mountain and can be easily visited when travelling between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport.

Visitors are encouraged to pick up an instrument and take a turn on stage. Here we see reggae band Hjálmar on stage.

The Icelandic Rock & Roll museum Hljómahöllinn in Reykjanesbær is home to the Icelandic Rock & Roll museum, where visitors can trace the history of Iceland’s popular music from the 1930s to the present day.

Text, photographs, video and computer displays are all on show. Visitors are given a tablet computer and headphones so they can dig deep into the history of Iceland’s pop and rock history.

The museum has artefacts linked to and pictures of the main bands in Iceland’s music history, including the Sugarcubes, Sigur Rós, and Of Monsters and Men, as well as Björk and Emiliana Torrini. www.visitreykjanes.is

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

M74. Studio — 2017

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REYKJANES UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK WE HAVE GOOD STORIES TO TELL reykjanesgeopark.is — visitreykjanes.is

Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark

A Bridge Between Two Continents fissure which provides clear evidence of the presence of a diverging plate margin. The bridge was built as a symbol for the connection between Europe and North America. One can cross the continental divide on Leif the Lucky’s Bridge and take home a personalised certificate at Reykjanes Information Center as a confirmation and a reminder of this spectacular experience. www.visitreykjanes.is

It is a fun experience to walk from Europe to North America in a few steps and stand between the two continents.

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The lava-scarred Reykjanes peninsula lies on one of the world’s major plate boundaries, the Mid Atlantic Ridge. According to the continental drift theory the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are continuously drifting apart with great forces under the gaping rifts. As the plates diverge, linear fractures, known as fissures form due to stresses created by the tension that builds up as the plates move away from each other.

The bridge between two continents at Sandvík is a small footbridge over a major

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Garðskagi is at the north end of Reykjanes peninsula, with 2 lighthouses by the sea.

The highest lighthouse in Iceland On Garðskagi you can find two lighthouses, the older one and also the smaller of the two was once regarded as one of the best lighthouses in Iceland because it stood low and therefore mist was not a problem.

However there was risk of the lighthouse being damaged because of surf and it was sometimes not visible because of seastorm.

A new lighthouse was built on Garðskagi in 1944. At 28 metres it is the highest lighthouse in Iceland and was in second place in a survey which Rögnvaldur Guðmundsson supervised concerning the favorite lighthouses of the Icelandic people. Engineer Axel Sveinsson designed the lighthouse but the lighthouse is also a radar transponder and used for weather surveilance. The operation of the lighthouse is under the supervision of the Icelandic Maritime Administration. www.visitreykjanes.is

The Krísuvík geothermal area Krísuvík geothermal area is an ancient parish south of the Kleifarvatn lake and is now part of the Hafnarfjörður municipality. Originally the Krýsuvík settlement was further west, above the bay now known as Hælsvík, and which may have been known as Krýsuvík in ancient times. The settlement was moved when the Ögmundarhraun lave flowed over much of its pastures. Part of the ruins of the settlement can still be seen at Húshólmar, which is accessible with a 4x4 vehicle and a short walk.

Much of the geothermal area lies in the Krýsuvík district at Seltún. At one time there was exploratory drilling there in the hope of locating steam energy for Hafnarfjörður and the neighbouring municipalities, but the results were not encouraging. Drilling was ended in 1950. The main shaft, 230 metres deep, was blocked in 1999 and exploded ten

The Krísuvík geothermal area. days later, leaving a 30 metre wide crater.

For a while, sulphur was mined there, which was transported to Hafnarfjörður and shipped abroad.

Photo: visitreykjanes.is

www.visitreykjanes.is

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Photos: www.northiceland.is Photos: Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, iceland.is

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Events this summer Reykjavík Misummer Music, music festical at Harpa.

24th June - 20th August International summer of the organ at Hallgrímskirkja.

26-30th July

REY CUP Reykjavík football tournament.

8-13th August

Reykjavík Pride.

9-13th August

Reykjavík jazz festival.

19th August

The Íslandsbanki Reykjavík marathon.

19th August

Culture Night in Reykjavík.

24-26th August On the Home Pasture, Mosfellsbæar municipal festival.

28th September 8th October

Reykjavík Capital Area must be on the must-do list of anyone looking for fun and adventure in a world of Spa wellness. It has most of the advantages of big-city life and virtually none of the disadvantages.

The Capital Area is characterised by huge quantities of diverse, cultural energy, an excellent variety of leisure and entertainment possibilities, world-famous nightlife, thermal baths and pools and spas, clean air and water, plenty of restaurants serving creative dishes made from natural, Icelandic ingredients, and friendly, style-conscious residents – most of whom speak English.

Comprised of six municipalities – Reykjavík, Hafnarfjörður, Kópavogur, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær and Seltjarnarnes – the Capital Area is the hub of the Icelandic nation. It is where about two-thirds of country’s population of 310,000 live and work, and exists in close harmony with pristine nature and renewable energy resources.

It is the biggest little metropolitan area in the world, a good-time environment with plenty of healthy oomph to spare – and share. It’s Pure Energy.

Reykjavík International Film Festival.

More information: visitreykjavik.is

www.visitreykjavik.is

Useful links Public buses

www.bus.is

Harpa Concert Hall

www.harpa.is

National Museum of Iceland

www.natmus.is

National Gallery of Iceland

www.listasafn.is

Kópavogur Art Museum

www.gerdarsafn.is

Reykjavík Art Museum

www.artmuseum.is

Icelandic National Theatre

www.leikhusid.is

Airwaves Festival

www.airwaves.is

Reykjavík Arts Festival

www.listahatid.is

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22-25th June

Photo: Harpa.is.

CAPITAL AREA

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Gullkistan: Traditional silverware and jewelry

Gullkistan at Frakkastígur 10 in Reykjavík is a goldsmith’s shop that offers a wide variety of silverware for Icelandic national dress.

Goldsmith Dóra Guðbjört Jónsdóttir now runs Gullkistan after studying her trade in Sweden and Germany ‘Gullkistan has a variety of national dress silver, much of which is made to old patterns that have been part of the workshops that have been here since 1870. We still use these old patterns, but the original moulds are now kept at the Árbær museum,’ she said.

‘National dress silverware comes in many different varieties and customers can have their items made to old patterns and we also offer a variety of items worked in silver wire.

If people have heirloom jewellery, we can repair, clean and gild it as required,’ she added.

Goldsmith Dóra Guðbjört Jónsdóttir at Gullkistan on Frakkastígur.

Opening hours Monday to Friday: 14:00-18:00 – Saturdays: 11:00-14:00

www.thjodbuningasilfur.is

The Office of the President of Iceland operates the presidential residence at Bessastaðir, together with the Bessastaðir Church and the Presidential Office on Sóleyjargata in Reykjavík.

The President of Iceland is the country´s head of state and the only representative chosen by the entire electorate in a direct election. The office of President was established in the Constitution of the Republic of Iceland which took effect on 17 June 1944.

Besides being the residence of the President of Iceland, Bessastaðir is also an important historical site that has played a prominent role in the history of the country.

The property of Bessastaðir on Álftanes, near Reykjavík, has a history that runs from the Age of Settlement. In its present form, Bessastaðir consists of a group of buildings including Bessastaðastofa, a reception room, a service wing, the President’s Residence, the manager’s and caretaker’s apartments, Bessastaðir Church, and a garage.

The Presidential Residence Bessastaðir

Bessastaðir has played a prominent role in the history of the country.

CAPITAL AREA

Visit Laugardalur Valley!

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In Laugardalur you will find a youth hostel, a campsite, and the largest outdoor thermal pool in Reykjavík, Laugardalslaug, where you can swim all year round. Laugardalur also boasts a beautiful botanical garden featuring an impressive selection of Arctic flowers and plants. Beneath the branches of a leafy grove in the gardens, you’ll find the lovely Café Flora.

The Family Park and Zoo in Laugardalur is open all year. The Zoo includes most Icelandic animals, both wild and domesticated, from foxes, reindeer and seals to cattle, horses and sheep. In summer the Family Park offers many rides and play equipment for children of all ages. Outside the summer season, the Family Park remains open as a play area.

At the edge of the Laugardalur valley, not far from Laugardalur Arena, is a strangely shaped, domed white building. It is known as the Reykjavík Art Museum’s Ásmundarsafn sculpture collection. This used to be the studio of Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982), a pioneer of Icelandic sculpture. In addition to

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Laugardalur boasts a beautiful botanical garden featuring an impressive selection of Arctic flowers and plants. his works exhibited inside the museum, a sculpture garden outside contains many of his monumental works.

www.visitreykjavik.is

Our lobster soup is a winner!

Restaurant Saegreifinn (The Sea Baron) is located in the fishing harbour area in Reykjavík, in the heart of the capital city.

We specilizes in seafood.

According to the locals and foreign visitors we serves the best lobster soup in Reykjavík – even the “Worlds Greatest Lobster Soup”!

The menu changes, depending on season and produce availability. We also offer unusual specialities like purtified shark and “hard fish” (dried fish).

Saegreifinn restaurant was established by an retired fisherman.

The Sea Baron is an attraction in its own right! www.saegreifinn.is

Opening hours 11:30-23:00.

Geirsgata 8, 101 Reykjavík Tel. 553 1500

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Kópavogur Culture Houses Salurinn Concert Hall is one of Kópavogur’s Culture Houses which are all situated in Borgarholt. An area where you will find, besides the concert hall, Gerðarsafn art museum, a library, and a natural history museum – all within easy walking distance.

Salurinn is the first specially designed concert hall in Iceland. It was opened in January 1999. Exceptional acoustics, modern design and the use of Icelandic building materials make Salurinn a place worth visiting.

Gerðarsafn is a progressive museum with an emphasis on modern and contemporary art. It offers temporary exhibitions with works

by Icelandic and international contemporary artists as well as displaying the museum collection. The exhibition program echoes the museum‘s status as the only Icelandic museum built in honor of a female artist, Gerður Helgadóttir (1928-1975), and opened in 1994.

Salurinn is the first specially designed concert hall in Iceland.

Reykjavik Culture Night 2017

Swimming in Reykjavik

Reykjavik Culture Night will be held for the twenty second time on August 19th. The event is both created and enjoyed by city residents and takes place all across central Reykjavik, with celebrations in the streets and squares, in museums, businesses and residential gardens!

The event’s slogan ‘come on in!’ is a reference to good old-fashioned customs of Icelandic hospitality. Reykjavik Culture Night marks the start of the city’s cultural year, when museums and theatres and other

Experience Iceland’s pure thermal energy and take a dip in one of Reykjavík’s many thermal pools and spas! Not only a great source of natural therapy but an important part of our culture and a tonic for the body and mind!

Reykjavík City runs many public thermal pools which are heated with geothermal water. The pools offer steam baths, saunas, hot tubs and jacuzzis. Most of the swimming pools are outdoors. They are open all year round and offer a unique spa-like experience.

The pools are heated to about 28° and have several hot tubs to choose from, at various temperatures, ranging from 38°C up to around 45°C.

Reykjavik Culture Night will be held for the twenty second time on August 19th.

cultural institutions launch their annual programme of events. The main objective of Reykjavik Culture Night is to deliver a diverse and rich offering of cultural events from 1-11pm, ending with a magnificent firework show by the harbour. All events are free of charge for everyone to enjoy.

Reykjavik Culture Night is organised and produced by the events team at Visit Reykjavik, in collaboration with other city departments, organisations, artists, societies and countless others.

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Grótta near Seltjarnarnes is a spot of beauty. At low tide you can walk across and stay for six hours before the tide cuts it off again.

Grótta – an island of flora and fauna Grótta is in reality an island off Seltjarnarnes, connected to the mainland by a causeway that floods at high tide. There was settlement on this little island in the past, according to references going back to 1547. A lighthouse was built on Grótta in 1897 and was replaced fifty years later by the present

lighthouse. This is a cylindrical concrete tower with an English lantern house 24 metres above the ground.

At low tide it is possible to walk across to Grótta and to stay there for six hours before the flood tide cuts it off again from the land.

Information on the times of low and high tide

can be found at the information point located in the Grótta car park. Grótta became protected in 1974. Regulations for the protection of bird life put Grótta out of bounds between 1st May and 15th July. www​.vistreykjavik.is

Hafnarfjörður in the past The Hafnarfjörður Museum has a lively and fascinating collection of exhibitions for the whole family and is an interesting place to spend some time. The Museum is distributed across five buildings, which are Pakkhúsið, Sívertsenshúsið, Siggubær, the Bungalow and Beggubúð.

Pakkhúsið generally has three exhibitions held simultaneously, with a permanent exhibition detailing the town’s history, a toy exhibition and a themed exhibition.

Sívertsenshúsið shows how a well-to-do family lived at the beginning of the 19th century and this is the town’s oldest building, erected in 1803-1805. Siggubær is preserved as an example of the home a workman or fisherman in the early 20th century and the Bungalow has an exhibition of the period in the early 20th century when foreign shipping owners came to Hafnarfjörður. Beggubúð is

Pakkhúsið is part of the Hafnarfjörður Museum and there is much to be seen there. preserved by the Hafnarfjörður Museum as a shop from a past age, it was built in 1906 on the town’s main street.

www​.museum.hafnarfjordur.is

C A P I TA L A R E A

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Olga says wool is a must-have item in Iceland for all seasons: Thin, breathable inner layers for summer and warmer clothes for winter.

Wool: Y our best friend in Iceland!

Icelanders would not have survived for so long in the cold North Atlantic if not for one thing: Wool. With its unique properties, maintaining heat even while wet, it still remains a crucial element of the local wardrobe, indoors and out, throughout the year.

Thin and light wool is the perfect inner layer Modern woolen garments have of course evolved. No longer the bulky, scratchy sweaters of old, today‘s garment is thin, light, and soft to the touch while maintaining its ability of keeping you warm.

The weather can change swiftly in Iceland, and a sunny day can quickly turn to cold and sleet. A thin woolen garment can keep you comfortable, without feeling heavy or overly warm. It is also extremely light and easy to pack, fitting easily into your backpack.

‘You can buy expensive, high-tech garments that don‘t even get close to what

the wool provides naturally, and often at a more affordable price. A thin inner layer of wool is crucial to the Iceland traveller, as the weather can change dramatically in a matter of minutes. For outdoor activities this is extremely important: We all break a sweat while hiking in Iceland‘s rough terrain and you can quickly become cold when stopping for a break to rest or eat. In such cases a thin inner layer of wool can keep your temperature well regulated, as the wool maintains its heat-keeping properties even while wet,’ says Olga Ingrid Heidarsdottir, manager of family-run store, Ullarkistan, that specializes in all types of woolen garments.

Woolen garments – for all seasons ‘We focus on high quality products, mainly from Norwegian manufacturers Janus and Safa. They produce woolen garments for all ages and activities, thin inner layers for summer and thicker layers and protective clothing for the wintertime. They are mostly

made from 100% Merino Wool and are very soft, with a product line that ranges from sportswear to a more classic look.’

Located in Reykjavík‘s main shopping streat, Ullarkistan provides high quality woolen garments at a highly competitive price. ‘We are also in Akureyri’s main shopping centre, Glerártorg, and last week we opened a online-store, soon to be in English!’ says Olga adding that they have had many requests about the how to buy their products from abroad.

‘We also have a number of excellent products that are a blend of wool and silk.

Silk is of course a natural ingredient, and like wool it maintains heat, breaths well and dries quickly. For example we sell these thin socks that are perfect for hiking and travelling, I haven‘t set foot in a cotton stocking since I started using these socks!’ ullarkistan.is

CAPITAL AREA

Sægreifinn restaurant: perennially popular

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Sægreifinn is one of Reykjavík’s special restaurants. Its cuisine, the place itself and its atmosphere have been featured in media around the world. Sægreifinn frequently hosts customers who have come direct from the airport with a cutting from a magazine or a printout of a website with glowing recommendations. A visit to Sægreifinn is a compulsory first stop for many visitors to Iceland.

Sægreifinn’s speciality is fish and vegetables, grilled on skewers, and its lobster soup is nothing less than world renowned.

Its founder, Kjartan Halldórsson, spent years as a ship’s cook. Leaving the sea behind, he needed something to keep himself busy and opened a fish shop at Reykjavík’s quayside that over the years gradually turned into a restaurant. Kjartan passed away some years ago, but the present proprietor, Elísabet Jean Skúladóttir, makes sure he’s not forgotten.

Anyone passing by the harbour in Reykjavík to admire the fleet, both afloat and

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Sægreifinn restaurant is a key part of Iceland’s marine and culinary heritage, and a visit is quite an experience. on dry land, has the chance to get a breath of clean sea air. Sægreifinn is a key part of Iceland’s marine and culinary heritage, and a visit is quite an experience.

www.saegreifinn.is

The Perfect Present A variety of beautiful jewelry

Gullkistan

goldsmith’s shop

Frakkastíg 10 - 101 Reykjavík - Tel. +354 551 3160 gullkistan@vortex.is - www.thjodbuningasilfur.is

Hafnargata 12a - Sími 420 1190 - kvikan@grindavik.is www.kvikan.com - Opið alla daga frá kl. 10:00-17:00

www.grindavik.is