Reykjavik

Reykjavik Travel Guide

• About Reykjavik

Backdropped by the hulking Mount Esja and perched on the southern shores of Faxaflói Bay, nature is never far away in Reykjavik. Yet, despite its obvious natural beauties, the world’s most northerly capital is a vibrant place that’s home to rows of colourful houses and a populace that gives the concept of living for the moment a whole new meaning. Reykjavik is where the great outdoors takes centre stage with sea, mountains, rivers, woodlands, parks and geothermal swimming pools, all intimately connected. Start with a trip to the artificial beach at Nauthólsvík, where golden sands and a geothermal-heated sea water lagoon combine to pleasant effect. If you want something more energetic, activities like cycling, hiking, horse riding, sailing and fishing can all be enjoyed on Reykjavik’s doorstep. Though, these natural wonders can belie the fact that the city has much to offer in the way of urban attractions too. Reykjavik’s nightlife attracts legions of tourists keen to sample its legendary bars and clubs, and as nightspots tend to stay open until the early hours of the morning, visitors will need plenty of stamina as well as money. During the day, Reykjavik is a far more sedate place with trim houses, rubbish-free streets and an easygoing pace of life. There are bountiful cultural attractions from museums to art galleries, many show pictures of Iceland’s historic volcanic eruptions. Those volcanoes, although still prone to the periodic eruption, have become part of the quintessential Iceland experience and are easily reached from the capital. So too are the country’s many hot springs and geysers, while lurking offshore are vast pods of whales – many of which politely surface as whale watching boats approach. Scandinavian in its egalitarianism, naturally beautiful and just plain old good fun, Reykjavik is a place you’ll keep coming back to.

• Reykjavik History

The world’s most northerly capital, Reykjavik, was founded by Norwegian Vikings fleeing from their king and the Celtic slaves they picked up in Scotland and Ireland during the late 9th century. A Viking called Ingólfur Arnarson named the place Reykjavik (‘Smokey Bay’) after the steam rising from the hot springs. Reykjavik remained little more than a handful of farmhouses until the middle of the 18th century, when a small trading community began to grow. This was largely thanks to a Dane called Skuli Magnusson, known as the Father of Reykjavik, who established wool workshops there. In 1786, Reykjavik received its town charter. Shortly after, in 1798, the Althingi (Icelandic Parliament) at Pingvellir was abolished and re-established in Reykjavik. However, the Danes continued to dominate trade thanks to a monopoly ruling by the Danish Crown. Their control wasn’t eradicated until 1880, after which the influence of Icelandic merchants grew. At the same time in the 19th century, nationalist sentiments were rising. In 1874, Iceland was granted a constitution, and by 1918 it had become a sovereign country under the Crown of Denmark known as the Kingdom of Iceland. But it was to be short lived. With the Nazi occupation of Denmark and Norway in 1940, the British and then the US took control in a bid to keep transatlantic sea routes open. Grateful for Icelandic help, the two countries supported Home Rule and then independence in 1944. The post-war years brought rapid economic progress and turned Reykjavik into the modern city it is today. When Reagan and Gorbachev played out the end game of the Cold War in Reykjavik in 1986, the city emerged as an unlikely tourist destination. While Iceland remains popular with tourists, its economic miracle came to a juddering halt in 2009, when the extent of the local banker’s dodgy dealings became known. While much of the worst has passed, Iceland remains on the global naughty step – although that hasn’t put off tourists. Today, the city is recovering and is almost back to its vibrant best.

• Did you know?

At 74.5m (244 ft), Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church in Iceland. The Snæfellsnes glacier in Reykjavik is where Jules Verne began his novel A Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Reykjavik is home to the oldest parliament in the world, which started in 930.

• Weather in Reykjavik

Situated in the country’s southwest corner, Reykjavík has a subpolar oceanic climate influenced by the North Atlantic current – this explains its wet climate with winds and rain often barging in. Equally, because of the warm current, temperatures in the city rarely drop below -15°C (5°F) in the winter despite its location is just south of the Arctic Circle. Spring (April to May) sees temperatures warming up to 7°C (45°F) in May and flowers bloom. This is a good time for travellers who prefer lower prices. Summer (June to August) brings the famed midnight sun and endless activities. This is peak season so hotel prices spike upward accordingly. Temperatures average 11°C (52°F) in July but it is still wise to bring waterproofs and warm clothing as the weather can be changeable. Autumn (September to November) is a good time to visit Reykjavík and enjoy its cultural events. Join many revellers at the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival and party until dawn. Winter (December to March) is long and bleak with just a few hours of sunlight on some days, making Reykjavík a perfect base for Northern Lights viewings. Skiing, snowshoeing and ice-fishing are fun-filled winter activities that draw visitors to Reykjavík too. For beer lovers, the Icelandic Beer Day on March 1 is not to be missed. Reykjavík can be windy (there are over 150 words describing wind in the Icelandic language) – so whatever the season, pack a wind jacket with you.

Things to see in Reykjavik

Attractions

• Old Harbour

Built in the early 20th century, Reykjavik’s old harbour is the starting point for whale-watching boat tours. The west side of the harbour is home to the excellent Maritime Museum, quirky Saga Museum, and Bryggjan Brugghús (an independent microbrewery), among other restaurants and cafes. On the east side corner is the very slick Harpa Concert Hall and the weekend-only Kolaportið flea market. Address: Reykjavik. Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Reykjavik Maritime Museum

Visiting Iceland without learning something about its maritime tradition is like going to the UK and ignoring the royals. Housed in an old freezing plant by the harbour, the city’s marine museum charts the industry since its inception in the Viking period and contains thousands of ship and sea related artefacts – some quirky in the extreme. Address: Miðborg, Grandagarður 8, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 411 6340 Opening times: Daily 10:00-17:00. Website: www.maritimemuseum.is Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Listasafn Reykjavikur (Reykjavik Art Museum)

Known collectively as the Reykjavik Art Museum and housed in three locations around the city (Harbour House or Hafnarhúsid, Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum and the Kjarval Collection), this museum offers up a wealth of Icelandic culture. Expect changing exhibitions by Icelandic and international artists in a variety of media. Address: Asmundarsafn, Tryggvagötu 17, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 411 6400 Opening times: Daily 10:00-17:00. Website: www.artmuseum.is Admission Fees: Yes (except for children under 18 and adults over 67). Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Heita Potturinn (Hot Pots)

Geothermal swimming pools and hot pots play a major part in Icelandic life. The largest in Reykjavik is Laugardalslaug, which has a 50m (150ft) pool, waterslide, five thermal pools of differing temperatures and a steam bath. Be warned: a nude shower is required before you get in. Address: Sundlaugavegur, Laugardalur, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 411 5100 Opening times: Mon-Fri 06:30-22:00, Sat-Sun 08:00-22:00. Website: www.visitreykjavik.is Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Volcano House

A geologically young land with 200 volcanos scattered across the country, the quintessential Iceland experience is to learn about volcanic systems and the country’s geological history at the Volcano House in Reykjavík. Address: Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 555 1900. Opening times: Daily 1000-2200. Website: www.volcanohouse.is Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Perlan (The Pearl)

Landscaped gardens, complete with artificial geyser, lead to the top of Öskjuhlíd Hill and Reykjavik’s architectural masterpiece – the Pearl. This magnificent glass structure houses a restaurant and a museum, while the fourth floor boasts a viewing deck with spectacular views over Reykjavik. Address: Hlíðar, Öskjuhlíd Hill, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 566 9000 Opening times: Daily 09:00-19:00 (museum). Website: www.perlanmuseum.is Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Listasafn Íslands (National Gallery of Iceland)

Iceland’s National Gallery houses a permanent collection of paintings and sculpture by Icelandic and international artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. It also stages temporary exhibitions of Icelandic art. Housed in a modernist building that was originally built for ice storage, it comprises four exhibition rooms, a cafe, lecture hall, art library and bookshop. Address: Miðborg, Fríkirkjuvegur 7, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 515 9600 Opening times: Daily 10:00-17:00. Website: www.listasafn.is Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Árbæjarsafn (Árbær Open-Air Folk Museum)

Árbæjarsafn is Reykjavík’s folk museum, and the largest open-air museum in Iceland. It comprises about 30 buildings dating from between 1820 and 1920. Events are scheduled every Sunday, though craftspeople are around daily and happy to demonstrate how local handicrafts are made. Address: Stekkir, Árbæjarsafn v/Kistuhyl, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 411 6304 Opening times: Daily 13:00-17:00. Website: www.minjasafnreykjavikur.is Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Thjódminjasafn Íslands (National Museum of Iceland)

Founded in 1863, the National Museum of Iceland has a huge range of relics and tools spanning 11 centuries of history. Beginning with the Viking period, it houses everything from medieval altar cloths to ancient pots, though its star attraction remains a 12th-century door depicting a Norse battle. It also hosts temporary exhibitions. Address: Miðborg, Sudurgata 41, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 530 2200 Opening times: Daily 10:00-17:00. Website: www.thjodminjasafn.is  Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Sigurjon Olafsson Museum

This idiosyncratic museum is devoted to the life’s work of Sigurjon Olafsson, one of Iceland’s most famed artists. Alongside 80 of his sculptures, the museum showcases many of his sketches and drawings. Occasional temporary exhibitions (naturally Olafsson heavy) and regular summer concerts make this one of Reykjavik‘s most rewarding hideaways. Address: Laugarnes, Laugarnestangi 70, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 553 2906 Opening times: Sat-Sun 14:00-17:00. Website: www.lso.is Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Reykjavik Park and Zoo

Ideal for a family outing, the zoo has 150 animals across 19 species as well as an aquarium. The seal feeding times are particularly popular with young visitors, while a number of activities are on offer including horse riding. The adjacent Family Park is crammed with action-packed rides for children. Address: Laugarnesvegur, Hafrafell, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 411 5900 Opening times: Daily 10:00-17:00. Website: www.mu.is Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Hallgrímskirkja (Church of Hallgrímur)

Reykjavik’s highest and most imposing structure, Hallgrímskirkja, is visible from over 20km (12 miles) away. Begun in the late 1940s and completed in 1986, the stark, light-filled interior of this church and its architectural resemblance to basaltic lava, elicits mixed reactions. Many visit to view the city from the tower – the panorama is superb. Address: Miðborg, Skólavörðuholti, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 510 1000 Opening times: Daily 10:00-17:00. Website: www.hallgrimskirkja.is Admission Fees: No (church), Yes (charge for the tower). Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

• What’s On in Reykjavík

Address: Laugavegur 54, 101 Reykjavík. Telephone: +354 551 3600 Opening times: Daily 09:00-20:00. Website: www.whatson.is Open seven days a week, Reykjavik’s small information centre is the place to go for city passes as well as tips on what to see and do.

Tourist passes

Available for 24, 48 or 72 hours, the

• Reykjavik City Card  ( Website: www.visitreykjavik.is ) offers unlimited transport on city buses as well as admission to seven geothermal swimming pools and most of the city’s museums and galleries.

It can be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre, the BSI central bus station, hotels, hostels, guesthouses, museums and tourist desks, as well as online.

Things to do in Reykjavik

• Conquer Mt Esja

Hikers arriving in Reykjavík will recognise the looming 914m-high (3,000ft) Mt Esja as a challenge that needs conquering. The peak has several popular walking trails, but do consider weather conditions before setting off. Less challenging is Öskjuhlíð and the city’s southern shoreline; stroll around Ægisíða for lovely sea views.

• Enjoy an evening at Iceland’s iconic concert hall

As striking as any landscape that surrounds Reykjavik. Hapra Telephone: +354 528 6050 Website: www.harpa.is  is the glass and honeycomb, harbourside home to both the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. Grab a ticket and bask in the white light that floods the venue before basking in the reverberating passion of a world-class classical performance.

• Hook a whopper with a spot of lake fishing

There are great opportunities for both salmon and trout fishing in Iceland’s lakes. Fishing licences can be obtained with short notice and at reasonable cost as demand is not particularly high. Þingvallavatn, the country’s largest natural lake, is less than an hour from Reykjavik. For guided trips try Iceland Angling Travel Telephone: +354 867 5200 Website: www.icelandangling.com

• Spend a day on the slopes

If pistes are your pastime, Iceland’s number one ski resort is just a half hour car drive away from Reykjavik. The slopes at Blafjoll offer downhill skiing for intermediates and beginners, as well as cross-country skiing and snowboarding. Nearby Vatnajokul and Kerlingarfjoll both have glacier skiing during the summer.

• Submerge yourself for the clearest view

Iceland’s temperatures aren’t exactly tropical, but qualified scuba divers can explore some of the clearest waters in the world, with visibility of up to 100m (33ft). The most famous site is Silfra, an undersea rift between the tectonic plates of America and Eurasia. DIVE.IS Telephone: +354 578 6200 Website: www.dive.is will take you down.

Reykjavik tours and excursions

Reykjavik tours

• Boat tours

The waters off Reykjavik are rich in marine life, especially whales which visit the icy waters of the North Atlantic between April and October. Blue, humpback and sperm whales are all reasonably common as are minke, fin and orcas. Most tours involve small ribs, which seat around 12 people. You usually get wet, but boats get excitingly close to the action. You’re likely to see dolphins and harbour porpoises, along with cute colonies of puffins too. Telephone: +354 4 970 000 , +354 5 195 000 Website: www.elding.is

• Bus tours

Reykjavik sprawls so many attractions are located at different ends of the city. The main sights can be seen in a morning on one of the city’s many bus tours. Gray Line and Reykjavik Excursions offer trips around the city and to places further afield. Most bus tours leave from the BSÍ central bus station, Vatnsmýrarvegi 10, or from hotels (by arrangement only). Telephone: +354 5 401 313 , +354 5 805 400 Website: www.re.is

Reykjavik excursions

• Blue Lagoon

Bathing in industrial waste might not sound like the most pleasant of excursions but that’s precisely what’s on offer at the Blue Lagoon – a manmade accident created by run-off from the Svartsengi Power Station. The striking bright blue waters are flanked by a pine-panelled spa with its own restaurant. Telephone: +354 4 208 800 Website: www.bluelagoon.is

• Golden Circle

Less than 30 minutes from the city centre, the Golden Circle includes the Gullfoss Waterfall, the famous geothermal area at Geysir and the spectacular Thingvellir National Park. Activities include white-water rafting and horse riding, but most visitors do it as part of a daylong guided coach or 4-wheel drive tour that takes in all the main sights.

Shopping in Reykjavik

Iceland has a wide selection of shops.

• Key areas

Reykjavik’s primary shopping district centres on its main artery, Laugavegur, in the downtown area. A selection of boutiques, designer labels, arts and crafts galleries and jewellery design studios can be found here, including the popular 66°North and the Blue Lagoon shop. Over the past few years, Skólavödustígur (the street leading from Laugavegur to the Hallgrímskirkja church) has been transforming into one of the most chic shopping streets in Reykjavik. As would be expected in a country that experiences extreme weather conditions, several shops can be found selling high-quality outdoor wear and equipment, such as Skátabúdin (Snorrabraut 60), which stocks a range of well-known labels including the Icelandic trademark Cintamani. Souvenir shops are located on Laekjargata, Bankastraeti, and the area between Tjörnin and the harbour. Fur clothes are a particular Icelandic speciality and are available at the upmarket Eggert (Skólavördustígur 38). You can buy the famous lopapeysa (or Icelandic jumper) in many of the tourist shops or from The Handknitting Association of Iceland (Skólavördustígur 19) although buying one is the mark of a tourist – they are seldom worn by Icelanders. Design here, like in Scandinavian countries, is a national obsession, and the innovative Icelandic design scene is experiencing strong growth, spurred on by young Icelandic designers who are inspired by influences at home and from abroad. Most shops selling Icelandic design (clothes, accessories, homeware) are located in the main shopping streets in the city centre and around the harbour, but you may sometimes have to look hard, as many shops and studios are located in back streets or upper floors that are not easily spotted. Kirsuberjatréð (Vesturgata 4), for example, is run by 10 female artists and sells unique Icelandic design giftware, including clothing, ceramics, jewellery and handbags made from fish skin.

• Markets

Reykjavik’s flea market, Kolaportið, is a bit of an institution and takes place at Tryggvagata down by the harbour every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year, from 1100-1700.

• Shopping centres

The Kringlan shopping mall, in the part of the downtown area known as the ‘new city centre’, is a hub of social activity. Among its 170 shops is Íslandia, a one-stop outlet for Icelandic souvenirs. Smaralind shopping centre, a 10-minute drive from the old part of town, features 80 shops, a multi-screen cinema, cafes and restaurants.

• Opening hours

Most shops in the city, particularly those on Laugavegur- Reykjavík’s main shopping street – are open from Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00 and Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00. Some shops stay closed on Saturdays during the summer. Shopping malls tend to open daily and for longer hours. Many supermarkets remain open until 23:00, seven days a week.

• Souvenirs

Popular souvenirs include clothes, homeware, Viking figures, jewellery and even volcanic ash from the 2010 explosion of Eyjafjallajökull.

• Tax information

Iceland has a reputation for being expensive, but it is worth remembering that it is among the few countries in Europe where other Europeans can shop tax free. This is because Iceland is not a member of the EU, even though it is a member of the European Economic Zone. VAT for most goods in Iceland is 24.5%, except for books, which are taxed at 14%. A VAT refund will allow 15% of the retail price of goods to be reclaimed. To qualify, a minimum purchase of ISK4,000 (including VAT) must be made in a store displaying the Global Refund Tax sign  ( Website: www.globalrefund.com ) and a refund cheque obtained at point of purchase. The refund can be claimed back on departure. For refunds of over ISK5,000, the goods must also be shown.

Restaurants in Reykjavik

There are plenty of excellent restaurants in Reykjavik, many of which specialise in fish or pared down Scandinavian fare. Reservations are recommended wherever possible and in the case of upscale and popular restaurants, they are essential. Bear in mind that alcohol is prohibitively expensive in Iceland, so an easy way to cut down on the cost of eating out is to avoid it altogether, and stick to water and soft drinks. The Reykjavik restaurants below have been grouped in three pricing categories: Expensive (over ISK6,000) Moderate (ISK2,000 to ISK6,000) Cheap (under ISK2,000) These prices are for an average three-course meal for one; they do not include tax or tip or drinks.

Expensive

• Fiskmarkaðurinn

Cuisine: Asian fusion A quirky mash-up of Icelandic and Asian influences, Fiskmarkaðurinn serves up unusual combinations such as Icelandic sushi or spotted catfish with wasabi. East meets west in the décor too (think black basalt brightened up with bamboo), and in true Japanese style there is a walk-in sushi bar and a robata grill. Address: Miðborg, Aðalstræti 12, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 5 788 877 Website: www.fiskmarkadurinn.is

• Grillmarkaðurinn

Cuisine: Icelandic Not many restaurants include fish skin in the décor rather than on the menu but Grillmarkaðurinn certainly isn’t your average eatery. Run by chef Hrefna Rósa Sætran, it focuses on local fare and ingredients sourced from the nearby countryside. The fish is excellent, but be warned: whale is also on the menu. Address: Miðborg, Lækjargata 2A, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 5 717 777 Website: www.grillmarkadurinn.is

• Foodcellar

Cuisine: Icelandic The Matarkjallar is a grill & cocktail bar in the basement of a 160-year-old building in the center of Reykjavík. For us, Food is for the body and music is for the soul. Brasserie cuisine dominates the cooking, where the focus is on Icelandic ingredients. The menu is professionally prepared by talented and ambitious chefs. Experience our Leyndó menu, which takes you to the skies. The bar has a selection of cocktails prepared by our excellent bartenders. While you eat, live music plays from our Bösendorfer grand piano, which was built in 1880 in Vienna. The secret is ours for now, but it could be yours. The food cellar is an experience that feeds the body with food and the soul with music. Address: Aðalstræti 2, 101 Reykjavík. Telephone: +354 5 580 000 Website: www.matarkjallarinn.is

Moderate

• Austur Indíafélagið

Cuisine: Indian The most northerly Indian restaurant in the world, Austur Indíafélagið certainly doesn’t let the side down and is regularly voted one of the best in Europe. Unlike the majority of Indian restaurants, which tend to focus on a specific cuisine, Austur Indíafélagið does everything from Mughal to Tandoori – and very tasty it is too. Address: Miðborg, Hverfisgata 56, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 5 521 630 Website: www.austurindia.is

• Fiskfélagið

Cuisine: Icelandic Despite the name, Fiskfélagið (Fish Company) serves up both seafood and meat dishes from a charming wood-panelled setting in the historic 19th century Zimsen building. Although all the fish is sourced in Icelandic or Scandinavian waters, most dishes have an international touch, whether Tahitian vanilla or kaffir lime from New Zealand. Address: Miðborg, Vesturgötu 2a, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 5 525 300 Website: www.fiskfelagid.is

• Forrettabarinn

Cuisine: Icelandic A popular tapas restaurant, specialising in starters, with gluten free and vegetarian options, you will often find it filled with locals. Located close to the Old Harbor, it is definitely worth a visit, with both good food and good value. Address: Mýrargata, Nýlendugata 14, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 517 1800 Website: www.forrettabarinn.is

Cheap

• Reykjavik Fish

Cuisine: Seafood Fresh fish every day! Fish and chips, the best seafood soup, and lots of love. Reykjavik Fish is also famous for its seriously good soups, which are served up alongside some of its many deli treats come lunchtime. Satisfying and relatively inexpensive by Icelandic standards, it is hugely popular with locals in search of a cheap lunch so expect to queue for a table. Address: Tryggvagata 8, 101, Reykjavík. Telephone: +354 5 785 656 Website: www.reykjavikfish.is

• Baejarins Beztu

Cuisine: Icelandic As in other Scandinavian countries, hot dogs (pylsur) are a big deal in Iceland and Baejarins Beztu does some of the best. Facing the harbour, this tiny kiosk is famous throughout the city for serving the original quintessential Icelandic hot dog – over a thousand a day are sold from its unassuming window. It might not be glamorous, but it tastes delicious. Address: Miðborg, Tryggvagata and Pósthússtræti, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 5 111 566 Website: www.bbp.is

• Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar

Cuisine: International Owner Tommi Tómasson is the man credited with bringing the burger to Iceland, so it’s no surprise that his small chain (which now has branches in London and Copenhagen) does some of the best. Expect satisfyingly large portions served up in retro diner-style surroundings. Address: Miðborg, Geirsgötu 1, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 5 111 888 Website: www.tommisburgerjoint.com

Reykjavik Nightlife

Reykjavik doesn’t quite live up to its reputation as the ‘Ibiza of the North’ but for such a small city, there’s no shortage of things to do once the sun disappears. In true Scandinavian style, drinking starts late with most bars and clubs staying quiet until at least 2200. After that, the streets and bars are thronged until the early hours with many locals flitting between establishments as they take part in an old-fashioned runtur (bar crawl). Most of the action centres on Laugavegur and the roads leading off it.

Bars in Reykjavik

• Den Danske Kro

A small bar with a huge outdoor courtyard, Den Danske Kro isn’t shy about advertising its Danish roots with Dannebrogs (Danish flags) hanging off just about every available surface. Hugely friendly and with excellent beer on tap, it’s a particularly good spot for a relaxed, convivial night out. Address: Miðborg, Ingólfsstræti 3, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 5 520 070 Website: www.danski.is

• Bravó

A small comfortable bar located on the main shopping street, this restaurant regularly has local acts and while it has changed names a few times, it is one of the most popular bars in Reykjavik. Playing funky electronic music often, this bar has an energizing vibe and people often squeeze in, even if it is already crowded. Address: Laugavegur 22, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 5 808 020

• Kaffibarinn

Announced by a huge red and white sign inspired by the London Underground, this bohemian café is popular with the city’s media and fashion sets. Arty, cosy and often candlelit, it’s the perfect place to meet and talk about the latest electronica bands or your new web project. Address: Miðborg, Bergstadastraeti 1, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 8 881 193 Website: www.kaffibarinn.is

• Pablo Discobar

New in Reykjavik, this themed bar with tropic décor will make you feel like you’ve won an all-expenses-paid trip to Columbia. On the third floor of a building, below it sits its restaurant compadre Burro. Offering cocktails at a good price, Pablo Discobar is a popular destination for Happy Hour. Address: Austurstræti, Veltusund 1, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 5 527 333 Website: www.pablodiscobar.is

Clubs in Reykjavik

• LÚX 

One of Reykjavik’s hottest party spots, the mosaic-walled LÚX attracts a young and glamorous crowd – and just about every visiting VIP. The party starts around 2200 and continues well into the small hours with the dance floor becoming increasingly packed as the pop cranks up and the alcohol takes effect. Address: Austurstræti 7, 101 Reykjavík. Telephone: +354 6 150 055

• Prikid

One of the oldest bars in Iceland, Prikid is low-key and relaxed during the day but turns into a heaving temple to boozing and dance come evening. The décor is American-lite and the dancefloor is edged with diner-style booths. Popular with a younger crowd, it gets seriously rammed at weekends. Address: Miðborg, Bankastraeti 12, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 5 512 886 Website: www.prikid.is

• Sólon

A smaller alternative to Austur, Solon is a bar during the day but turns into a nightclub at the weekend. Named after the owner (a real character who claims to be the greatest man in Iceland), it draws a respectable roster of DJs, and a relaxed crowd. Like most clubs, it’s not the cheapest, and most people drink at home then arrive late. Address: Miðborg, Bankastraeti 7A, Reykjavic. Telephone: +354 5 623 232 Website: www.solon.is

Live music in Reykjavik

• Café Rosenberg

The royal blue walls and moody neon lighting might give Café Rosenberg the feel of a boudoir, but an evening spent here is anything but relaxing thanks to the high-octane acts that occupy the tiny stage. Expect jazz, blues, rock and just about anything else that takes the owners’ fancy. Address: Miðborg, Klapparstigur 25, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 5 461 842

• Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

One of Reykjavik’s most iconic buildings, Harpa sits on the harbour front and is the place to go for top-end concerts from visiting bands and musicians, as well as local talent. Seriously slick inside, it boasts incredible ocean views from the in-house bars and also hosts events – among them Sonar Reykjavik and the Reykjavik Jazz Festival. Address: Miðborg, Austurbakki 2, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 528 5050 Website: www.harpa.is

• Salurinn

The first, purpose-built concert hall in Iceland, Salurinn opened in 1999 and has since established itself as the top place to go in Reykjavik for cutting-edge theatre, dance performances and music concerts. Designed with acoustics in mind, it comes into its own when orchestras are in town. Address: Kopavogur, Hamraborg 6, Reykjavik. Telephone: +354 5 700 400 Website: www.salurinn.is

Reykjavik Food and Drink

Food In Reykjavik

• Pylsur

Hot dogs made from lamb, beef and pork with optional accompaniments of fried onions, mustard, ketchup, and remolaði, a mayonnaise-based sauce with sweet relish.

• Harðfiskur

A dried fish snack, often made from cod or haddock, is usually dipped in salted butter.

• Kjötsúpa

A lamb and root vegetable soup.

• Skyr

Icelandic-style yoghurt.

• Hangikjöt

Smoked lamb served with laufabrauð (thin, crispy bread) and a holiday blend of Appelsín and malt at Christmas.

• Pönnukökur

Thin pancakes rolled up with jam, powdered sugar and/or cream.

• Rúgbrauð

A moist and slightly sweet rye bread which is dark rye bread that is the best vessel for toppings, and rúgbrauð is no exception.

• Brennivín

Icelandic-style aquavit.

• Hákarl (Fermented Shark)

Iceland’s national dish is Hákarl, a fermented shark dish.

drink In Reykjavik

• Viking Beer

Brewed at the Viking Brewery in Akureyri, this Icelandic beer has a rich history dating back to its origins in 1939.

• Icelandic Water

The world’s first CarbonNeutral Certified water, sustainably sourced directly from the legendary Ölfus Spring In Iceland, with a naturally high pH of 8.4.

• Brennivín

The 64° Reykjavík Distillery Brennivín brings you the true Icelandic spirit – pure, strong and sophisticated. Enjoy unmixed, ice cold and in good company.

• Reyka Vodka

Reyka is distilled in Borgarnes (say Bor-gan-ess), Iceland, a coastal village surrounded by rich natural resources.

• Egils Sterkur/Gull

Olgerdin is an Icelandic brewery and beverage company based in Reykjavík. Established on 17 April 1913, the oldest beer-producing factory in Iceland.

• Fjallagrasa Moss Schnapps

FJALLAGRASA ICELANDIC SCHNAPPS is a true Viking drink. A powerful drink made from alcohol concentrates of Iceland moss, harvested from the highlands of Iceland.

• Opal

This potent liqueur from Iceland is made from from fermented potato mash, and flavored with caraway seeds and dill. There is also, perhaps most noticeably, tons of salted black licorice different from American black licorice due to the addition of salmiak, a confectionary salt that gives it an astringent, salty flavor.

• Kaldi Beer

As Iceland’s first (and only) microbrewery, Kaldi was founded as an alternative to the preservative, sugar, and chemical-heavy beers that are generally sold.