LOOKING FOR FOOD WITH A VIEW?
Take in one of the city's most stunning views at SKÝ Restaurant & Bar while enjoying a wide variety of delicious courses.
The Reykjavík Grapevine 57 Issue 12 — 2018
Island Life
Hot news from the cold Icelandic countryside Words: Paul Fontaine What just may be the largest landslide in Icelandic history happened in Hítardalur, west Iceland, where about one million cubic metres of rocks and earth came rumbling down from the Fagraskógarfjall mountain. The landslide was so great, in fact, that it is completely damming the Hítará river. No one was injured or killed in the incident.
We’ve done a lot of whining about the cold, rainy weather here in Reykjavík, which had its worst June in 100 years. Meanwhile, the hottest place in the country last June was Hallormsstaður, in northeast Iceland. Temperatures there often exceeded 20°, with an average temperature of 11° and the highest recorded temperature there that month at a scorching 24.2°. Must be nice!
It’s important to have in mind that sheep are still wandering about the countryside — especially if you’re driving. Police in south Iceland report that there have been four incidents of drivers hitting sheep on Route 1 within a single week. Sheep are great, but they’re not very bright, and tend to actually dash into the road when cars approach. Keep your eyes peeled and watch your speed!
Best Of Iceland
A selection of winners from our Best Of Iceland travel magazine
Westfjords, Must-See Spot: Dynjandi Although the Westfjords are literally dripping with waterfalls, Dynjandi is the undisputed champion. As it cascades down over multiple levels, it fans out to create a giant pyramid (or wedding cake) of water. It can be seen from far off, but its immensity can only be understood when you stand right at the foot of it and look up. You can even camp and let its soothing rush sing you straight to sleep.
North, Best Accommodation: Siglo Hotel Luxury Pick: There was no dispute over which hotel should win. Mind the price: this is a luxury hotel, and a favourite of higher class Icelanders on a weekend ski or golf getaway. Get comfortable in their cosy, rustic looking rooms or, if you’re feeling social, walk down to the private outdoor pool with a view over the fjord. A weekend stay really doesn’t get better than this.
East, Best Meal: Havarí The proprietors, Svavar and Berglind, run a hostel, organic farm, veggie snack factory, and a café and concert venue in the summer months (open April-September). They serve their very own veggie "Bulsur" sausages plus other tasty meals in the café, which is within a renovated sheep house. Concerts happen roughly every second weekend, with some great Icelandic acts coming through.
Ingólfsstræti 1, 101 Rvk Tel: +354 595 8545 www.skyrestaurant.is R E S TA U R A N T & B A R