in iceland

CONTENTS AND INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Alphabet 8
Accommodation 35, 37
Art gallery 20, 32, 36, 46
Birdlife 109, 111
Blue Lagoon 51
Car rental firms 66
Cheese store 90
Clothing sizes 69
Duvet store 129
Distance in km – Drivng in Iceland 67
Embassies of Iceland 19
Flora of Iceland 105, 107
Furrier 28
Gift – souvenirs and woollens 16, 26, 30, 32, 34, 46, 68
Hotels and guesthouses 12, 24, 25, 39, 61
Iceland 3, 11, 43, 45, 47, 49
Iceland – Southwest – South part 51, 113
Iceland – West – West Fjords 115, 117
Iceland – North part – East part 119, 121
Iceland – Westman Islands 123
Icelandic names 125
Icelandic food 79, 81, 85, 87, 89, 91, 93
Icelandic horse and sheep 55, 57
Jewelry and watch maker 38, 62,126
Milk product 81
Map of Iceland 6, 7
Map of Reykjavík center 63
Map of Reykjavík 64, 65
Musical Instrument 44
Museums in Reykjavík 52, 53
National costumes 127
Northern Lights 77
Restaurants 54, 60, 70 - 128
Transportation Taxi tours 10, 14, 48
Soil concervation in Iceland 4
Swimming pools - Health Spa 50, 100, 101
Taxfree – Iceland Refund 42
Travel facts 15, 27, 29, 31, 33
Whale watching 58, 59
Websites in Iceland 18
Weather and volcano in Iceland 21, 23
Published annually by Útgáfa og hönnun, Stigahlíð 53, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland, Tel. 553 5088,
e-mail: icelandinfo@internet.is Publisher: Erlendur Guðmundsson Editor: Kristín V. Erlendsdóttir Contributing
Writer: Auður Rán Þorgeirsdóttir Advertising: Ingunn Stefánsdóttir & Guðmundur Kr. Erlendsson Production
manager: Ragnheiður Ingunn Ágústsdóttir Photos: Rafn Hafnfjörð, Friðrik Jóelsson, Jóhann Águst Hansen, Ragnar
Th. Sigurðsson Printing: Oddi hf. – 2010 – 26th year of publication

NOTES
1

2
A message from the publisher
of Iceland Information Guide
Dear Visitor
I would like to welcome you to Iceland,
hoping that this publication will give you
some idea about Iceland, its geography,
history, culture and its people.
Iceland Information Guide is published annually by “Útgáfa og
Hönnun” an independent publishing company, and this pocket
guide is in the 26th year of publication, and it is aimed to help you
make your stay in our country as pleasant, effective and rewarding
as possible. In this pocket guide you will find addresses of Icelandic
Embassies where you can obtain further information concerning Iceland.
In our pocket guide we print various travel information the average
accommodation prices, various travel facts, hints and things to see and
do in Iceland.
We take pride in recommending our selected advertisers, such as hotels
and shops that sell various Tax-free items.
It is my pleasure to recommend the variety of restaurants that advertise in
our pocket guide as I have dined in the fast food restaurants and the ethnic
restaurants: Icelandic, Indian, Mexican, Spanish, Italian, Asian etc. In reality
you can expect to find good food and services in all these restaurants.
We publish some pages about Icelandic food, the flora of Iceland and the
birdlife in our country.
Dear reader, Iceland is an experience not to be missed, the opportunity to
see things you have never dreamed of, to see a land of striking contrasts
where the elements of ice and fire are always present.
I wish you a pleasant stay in Iceland and hope it will leave you with
memories to treasure for a livetime.
Erlendur Guðmundsson
Publisher

THE REPU BLIC OF ICELAND
Just as Iceland was the last country in Europe
to be physically born, it was also the last
to be settled by man, by Vikings in the
ninth century at the start of a great
era of navigation and exploration
which would take the Icelanders as
far as the shores of the New World.
The settlers of Iceland brought
with them the ancient Nordic
language which has been preserved
remarkably intact – and still very much
alive – right up to the present day.
Iceland, a nation-state num ber ing over three
hundred thousand people, has an import ance that be ars little
relation to its size. This is most ly due to its cultural herita ge, especially
the medi eval Sa gas and Eddas.
Iceland’s greatest literary achievement describe the events
leading up to and during the settlement period written down
three hundred years later, to make the Icelanders the only people
in Europe to have detailed historical records of their origin as a
nation and its geograp hical location as a stepp ing sto ne from
Europe to the New World.
Iceland ers pride themselv es on the old est ex ist ing parli ament
in the world, the Alt hing, founded in 930 A.D., some sixty ye ars
af t er the country was first settled. Since 1944 Iceland has been
a repu blic with a pres i dent el ect ed for four ye ars by plebiscite, a
63-mem ber parli ament which is el ect ed for four ye ars from eight
el ect oral districts, and a cabinet, led by the Prime Mini st er, which
wi elds the ex ecuti ve power. The standard of living is comparable
to that of the other Nordic countries, with extensive social
security, health services and free education at all levels.
3

4
Soil Conservation in Iceland
Due to the climate and unstable volcanic soil, much of the
vegetation is weak and with low resistance against pressures from
grazing and trampling. The initial causes of soil erosion in Iceland
vary from place to place, but quite frequently several combined
factors are to blame. At the time of settlement, 1100 years ago,
more than half of the country is estimated to have been covered
with vegetation – shrubs and woods growing throughout most of
the lowlands. Since then the vegetation cover has declined and
eroded to such an extent that today only 20–25% of the country
is vegetated; treegrowth makes up only 1%. Early in the nation’s
history, a deteriorating climate lowered the birchwoods’ resistance
to meet the unyielding pressure of man and livestock. As woods
were destroyed, severe erosion soon followed, which has been
going on for centuries. Volcanic pumice and ash eruptions have
started the erosion process several times. The exceptionally high
volcanic activity in Iceland has also had its indirect effects. Soils
of the lava and palagonite regions within the volcanic zone, for
example, are porous and dry, and highly susceptible to wind
erosion if the vegetation cover is disturbed. The basaltic bedrock
east and west of the volcanic zone is much more watertight, as
reflected in the higher soil stability of those areas. Overgrazing
has also in numerous cases been decisive in reducing the soil’s
resistance against wind and water. Marginal changes in just annual
mean temperature may determine which of the two, regrowth or
erosion emerges victorious. At present, two state agencies deal
independently with range management and reclamation in this
county: The State Soil Conservation Service, and the State Forest
Service. The Agricultural Research Institute deals with research on
stock carrying-capacity, and the causes of erosion. The institute has
alredy made vegetation maps of more than half of the country for
that purpose. In addition, several citizen groups and associations
have played an active role in the reclamation mission. Among the
main participants are: „Landvernd“ (The National Reclamation and
Conservation Federation), The Icelandic Forestry Commission, The
Icelandic Youth Associations, Lions Clubs, Rotary International.
Thanks to the reclamation activities. The rate of erosion and loss of
pasture lands has been considerably reduced.

Iceland is a country of creation. Its volcanoes, geysers, glaciers
and lava offer a dramatic interplay of fire and ice. Beautiful
rivers and lakes, green fields and multicoloured mountains
have inspired painters and poets.
The people of Iceland have safeguarded this unique island
for more than a thousand years. From the period of viking
settlement to the creation of a highly modern society the spirit
of discovery has guided our journeys.
We invite visitors to share the adventures of exploring Iceland,
the only country where the creation of the Earth is still going on.
Ólafur Ragnar Grimsson
Pres ident of Iceland
5

1 BLUE LAGOON
2
ÁLAFOSS SHOP
HOTEL EDDA
1
ICELANDAIR HOTELS
HILTON REYKJAVÍK NORDICA
2

14 rental locations
Reservation Tel.(354) 461 6000
Book on line: www.holdur.is
50 km

ÁáÐðÉéÍ
THE ICELANDIC ALPHABET
Aa Áá Bb Dd Ðð Ee Éé Ff Gg Hh Ii Íí Jj Kk
Ll Mm Nn Oo Óó Pp Rr Ss Tt Uu Úú Vv
Xx Yy Ýý Þþ Ææ Öö
The icelandic alphabet has several special characters not
found in English:
ð - This letter is pronounced like th in the English word father.
It is called "eð".
þ - No, this is not a p! This letter is pronounced like th in the
English word think and is called "þorn".
æ - is pronounced like the i in life.
ö - sounds similar to i in bird and shirt.
á - é - í - ó - ú - ý - The accent over the vowels does not
mean they are stressed. The letters a and á represent different
sounds, as do e and é, etc.: á sounds like ow in the English
word how, é is pronounced like ye in yes, ó like the o in no, ú
like ou in you, í and ý are pronounced alike and sound like ee
in tree, while i and y both sounds like i in this. The letters au
together sound like the vowel in the French feuille.
Try to pronounce some common Icelandic words; bók (book),
þú (you), móðir (mother), bátur (boat), ís (ice), tré (tree), nýr
(new), brauð (bread), öl (ale), sæti (seat), fiskur (fish), dyr (door).
ýÞþ ýÞþÆæ ÞþÆæÖö

MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Iceland is a rough gem, a world in the making.
Probably nowhere else is it possible to see nature´s
forces so actively at work. This fact hardly needs
advertising now, as the volcanic eruption at
Eyjafjallajökull has made the news worldwide for
hurling up a massive ash cloud formed by the mix of
hot lava and glacial ice.
Iceland´s many active volcanoes can cause trouble,
but they are well monitored by scientists and civil
protection authorities respond quickly to events to
ensure safety. The Eyjafjallajökull eruption showed
that the system works well, as people were quickly
evacuated from areas of potential danger. Tourists
can feel safe in Iceland, enjoying the awesome
spectacles of nature´s power without being put in harm´s way.
Iceland is one of the most active volcanic spots on the planet, but even in between
eruptions there is no shortage of great shows on play, courtesy of Mother Earth.
Visit Þingvellir, a World Heritage Site, where the land is ripped apart by tectonic
forces, evidenced by a swarm of canyons. Visit the National Park at Snæfellsnes
with its magnificent coastline, pounded by Atlantic waves and overlooked by
the perfect snow-capped cone of Snæfellsjökull. Stop by Dettifoss in the North,
Europe´s most powerful waterfall, or nearby Lake Mývatn with its rich bird life and
warm natural baths. Go see colourful rhyolite mountains and vast lava plains in the
desolate centre – or some of the world´s biggest bird cliffs in the Westfjords or the
Westman Islands, vertical megacities of the avian world.
Or come visit the Vatnajökull National Park, Europe´s biggest and one of the
newest. Covering over a tenth of Iceland, it is centered around the island´s biggest
ice cap, which sits on top of its most active volcanic spot. Here is a microcosm
of all the forces building and sculpting the Earth: Fire and ice, raging glacial rivers
and steaming geothermal fields. Here is the longest row of volcanic craters on the
planet and thriving remnants of Iceland´s once extensive birch forests.
We humans can look small in such a theatre of natural forces, but Iceland´s
magnificent nature requires respect and good caretaking by authorities and
visitors. The fragile vegetation of the highlands is easily damaged. Off-road
driving is strictly forbidden and hikers should stay on footpaths as much as
possible. Centuries of soil erosion are being countered by revegetation and
afforestation. Nature conservation efforts are being strengthened, in part because
a growth in tourism. It is the duty of authorities to protect the natural environment
so we can enjoy it for generations to come – this we can only do in cooperation
with visitors. Please enjoy our wealth of natural wonders and please help us
conserving and improving our environment. Have a great stay in Iceland!
Svandís Svavarsdóttir,
Minister for the Environment.
9

ON MAP NO 14
WE‘LL
TAKE YOU
THERE!
DAY TOURS TO ALL THE MOST
EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND
Book now by calling 580 5450
BSÍ Bus Terminal
101 Reykjavík
+354 580 5400
main@re.is
www.re.is
EXPERIENCE A
GREAT DAY WITH US!
Discover all the magical
places not to be missed
when in Iceland: Beautiful
nature, multi-coloured
mountains, fertile
farmlands, stunning views,
plummeting waterfalls,
natural wonders and
geological phenomena.
Book now on www.re.is
Travel Agency
Authorised by
Icelandic Tourist Board
O
EXPO · www.expo.is

THE COUNTRY – GEOGRAPHY
Iceland is one of the largest is lands in the North Atl ant ic, lies between
latitu de 63°24’N and 66°33’N and between longitu de 13°30’W and
24°32’W. Iceland has a total area of 103.000 sq km, or 39.756 sq. miles.
From north to south the greatest distance is about 300 km or 185 miles,
from west to east about 500 km or 305 miles. The coast line is 6000 km
or 3700 miles and the shortest distance to other countries are 286 km
or 180 miles to Green land, 795 km or 495 miles to Scotland and 950 km
or 590 miles to Norway.
The Arct ic Circle touches the is land of Gríms ey off the north coast of
Iceland.
Iceland stradd les a submar ine ridge conn ect ing Scotland with
Green land and has one of the Earth’s major geolog ical faults – the mid-
Atl ant ic rift – runn ing through it.
Iceland is one of the most act i ve volcan ic countries in the world, and
ne ar ly all types of volcanoes formed on earth can be found in Iceland.
Geolog ically Iceland is a very young country still in the progress of its
formation. The app e ar ance of the is land of Surts ey, cr eated by
submar ine er uption off the south coast 1963, is one example.
Ten ye ars la t er, in 1973, the is land of Heima ey in the West man Is lands
had a volcan ic er uption. The entire population of some 5200 were
moved to the main land in a matt er of ho urs luckily wit hout any accidents
occ uring. Eart hqu akes are frequent in Iceland, but they are rar ely
harm ful.
11

ON CENTER MAP NO 17
Right
Right
Pósthússtræti 2
Pósthússtræti 101 Reykjavik, 2 ICELAND
101 Reykjavik, ICELAND
+354 599 1000
+354 599 1000
in the Heart Heart of of
Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Radisson SAS Blu 1919 Hotel
Boutique Service, Style & Comfort
For Reservations:
For Reservations:
Reservations.1919.reykjavik@radissonblu.com
Reservations.1919.reykjavik@radissonsas.com
www.radissonblu.com/1919hotel-reykjavik
1919.reykjavik.radissonsas.com

NORSE MYTHOLOGY
The Norse people lived from about A.D. 200 to 700 in Scandinavia.
After A.D. 700, the Norse migrated in search of new lands, settling in
parts of the British Isles, Iceland, Greenland and East into Russia. From
this period on, the Norse are known as Vikings. The mythology of this
region is grim, shadowed by long, sunless winters. But the darkness is
laced with gleams of grandeur and sparks of humor. The myths depict a
universe in which gods and giants battle among themselves in a cosmic
conflict fated to end in the destruction of the world.
The Vikings idea of heaven was Valhalla, Warriors only. You had to die
in battle ,to be escorted by beautiful female Valkyries to Valhalla. There
you could clash in battle all day long, your cleft limbs and cleavagings
miraculosly restored at the close of play. Then you spent all night
carousing, feasting, getting roaring drunk and discussing the day’s fun.
A major source of information about Norse mythology is a book called
the Poetic Edda, sometimes known as the Elder Edda. It consists of
mythological and heroic poems, including Voluspa, an overview of Norse
mythology from the creation to the final destructive battle of the world, called
Ragnarok. The unknown author who compiled the Poetic Edda in Iceland
around 1270 drew on materials dating from between 800 and 1100.
Around 1222, an Icelandic poet and chieftain named Snorri Sturluson
wrote the Prose Edda, or Younger Edda, which interprets traditional
Icelandic poetry for the audiences of Snorri’s time. Icelandic people
maintained a strong interest in their heritage even after becoming
Christian.
Norse mythology inspired the stirring poems and sagas that were written
down during the late Middle Ages, and it has inspired more recent artists
as well. German composer Richard Wagner used the legend of Sigurd
as the basis for his cycle of four operas, known collectively as Der Ring
des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung).
Some modern writers of fantasy have drawn on Norse stories and
creations such as elves and dwarfs in their work. The best known of
these is J.R.R. Tolkien, whose Lord of the Rings features many themes
from Norse mythology.
13

VIKING-AGE
The word Viking is a collective designation of Nordic peoples,
Danes, Swedes, Norwegians and Icelanders, who ranged
abroad during a period of dynamic Scandinavian expansion
in the Middle Ages, from about AD 800 to 1100. Called the
Viking Age, the period has long been popularly associated
with unbridled piracy, when freebooters came swarming out
of the northlands in their predatory long ships to burn and
pillage their way across civilized Europe. This, however, is
now recognized as a gross simplification. Modern scholarship
emphasizes the achievements of the Viking Age in terms
of Scandinavian art and craftsmanship, marine technology,
exploration, and the development of commerce, the Vikings as
traders, not raiders.
In 2001 archaeological remains were excavated in Aðalstræti,
which turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in
Reykjavík, from before AD 871 ± 2. The finds included a hall or
longhouse, which is now preserved in its original location as the
focal point of the exhibition about life in Viking-Age Reykjavík.
The exhibition aims to provide insight into the enviroment of
the Reykjavík farm at the time of the first settlers. Exhibits
include artefacts from archaeological excavations in central
Reykjavík.
The construction of Viking-Age buildings is explained using
multimedia technology. Computer technology is used to give
an impression of what life was like in the hall. 15

ON MAP NO 16

THE COAT OF ARMS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ICELAND
An old story embodied in The Seal of Iceland
This story is embodied in The Seal of Iceland, where the Dragon represents
the Eastern part, the Bird the Northern part, the Bull represents the Western
part and the Rock Giant the Southern part.
The four Guardians of Iceland, are described in an old tale telling of a magician
who was sent by King Harold Gormsson of Denmark to investigate the country
prior to invasion.
The magician swam to Iceland in the form of a whale, and when he reached the
country he saw that all hills and mountains were full of spirits, large and small.
He came to Vopnafjörður (Fjord of Weapons) on the East coast and
a huge dragon approached him, accompanied by reptiles, worms
and lizards.
He then swam north to Eyjafjörður (Fjord of Isles) and was
approached there by a bird so huge, that the wings touched the
mountains on each side of the valley. The bird was accompanied
by numerous other birds of all sizes, large and small.
He went west and south and came to Breiðafjörður (Wide Fjord),
where he was approached by a huge bull which waded into the
sea and made loud noises, the bull was accompanied by by a
large number of spirits.
He went from there and south of Reykjanes (Smoke Peninsula)
and wanted to take land at Víkarsskeið (The Sands of Vikar), but
was approached by a huge rock giant whose head was higher
than the mountains and carried a large iron staff, and he was
accompanied by a host of other giants. Then the magician went
east along the south coast, where he could find no landing places. Thus the
intentions of the King of the Danes came to naught due to the efforts of the
Guardian Spirits of Iceland.
17

18
USEFUL WEBSITES IN ICELAND
Ministry for Foreign Affairs www.mfa.is
MFA Overseas Business Service www.vur.is
Government Offices of Iceland www.government.is
Parliament of Iceland www.althingi.is
Statistics Iceland www.statice.is
Directorate of Customs www.tollur.is
Directorate of Immigration www.utl.is
Supreme Court www.haestirettur.is
A Gateway to Iceland www.iceland.is
Permanent Mission of Iceland to the United Nations www.iceland.org/un/nyc
Permanent Mission of Iceland to the International Organizations
in Geneva
www.iceland.org/efta
Icelandic Delegation to NATO www.iceland.org/nato
Central Bank of Iceland www.sedlabanki.is
Trade Council of Iceland www.icetrade.is
Invest in Iceland Agency www.invest.is
Iceland Chamber of Commerce www.chamber.is
Iceland Stock Exchange www.vi.is
Federation of Icelandic Industries www.si.is
Information Centre of the Ministry of Fisheries www.fisheries.is
National Energy Authority www.os.is
Icelandic Federation of Labour www.asi.is
Confederation of Icelandic Employers www.sa.is
CultureNet Iceland www.menning.is
Icelandic Literature www.bokmenntir.is
SagaNet www.sagnanet.is
Reykjavik Arts Festival www.artfest.is
National Museum of Iceland www.natmus.is
Icelandic National Gallery www.listasafn.is
Reykjavik Art Museum www.reykjavik.is/listasafn
National and University Library of Iceland www.bok.hi.is
Iceland Symphony Orchestra www.sinfonia.is
Icelandic Film Centre www.icelandicfilmcentre.is
University of Iceland www.hi.is
Iceland Academy of the Arts www.lhi.is
Marine Research Institute www.hafro.is
Icelandic Research Council www.rannis.is
Icelandic Fisheries Laboratories www.rfisk.is
Icelandic Tourist Board www.icetourist.is
Iceland Naturally www.icelandnaturally.com

ICELANDIC EMBASSIES IN EUROPE,
NORTH AMERICA AND ASIA
AUSTRIA
Botschaft von Island
Naglergasse 2/3/8
AT-1010 Wien
Austria
Tel: (1) 533 2771
Fax: (1) 533 2774
emb.vienna@mfa.is
BELGIUM
Ambassade d’Islande
Rond Point R. Schuman 11
BE-1040 Bruxelles
Belgium
Tel: 238 5000
Fax: 230 6938
emb.brussel@mfa.is
DENMARK
Islands Ambassade
Strandgade 89
1401 København
Danmark
Tel: 3318 1050
Fax: 3318 1059
icemb.coph@utn.stjr.is
FINLAND
Islands Ambassad
Pohjoisesplanadi 27C
Fin-00100 Helsinki
Finland
Tel: (9) 612 2460
Fax: (9) 6122 4620
www.islanti.fi
Icemb.helskinki@utn.stjr.is
FRANCE
Ambassade d’Islande
52 ave. Victor Hugo
FR-75116 Paris
Tel. (1) 4417 3285
Fax (1) 4067 9996
icemb.paris@utn.stjr.is
GERMANY
Isländische Botschaft
Rauchstrasse 1
DE-10787 Berlin
Germany
Tel: (30) 5050 4000
Fax: (30) 5050 4300
www.botschaft-island.de
infoberlin@mfa.is
NORWAY
Islands Ambassade
Stortingsgata 30
NO-0244 Oslo 1
Norge
Tel: 2323 7530
Fax: 2283 0704
emb.oslo@mfa.is
RUSSIAN
FEDERATION
Posolstvo Islandii
Khlebnyi Pereulok 28
RU-121069 Moskva
Tel: 956 7604
Fax: 956 7612
icemb.moscow@utn.stjr.is
www.islandia.ru
SWEDEN
Islands Ambassad
Kommendörsgatan 35
SE-114 58 Stockholm
Sverige
Tel: (8) 442 8300
Fax: (8) 660 7423
icemb.stock@utn.stjr.is
www.island.se
UNITED KINGDOM
Embassy of Iceland
2AHans Street,
London SW1X OJE
United Kingdom
Tel: (20) 7259 3999
Fax: (20) 7245 9649
emb.london@mfa.is
www.iceland.org.uk
UNITED STATES
Embassy of Iceland
House of Sweden
2900 k street NW #509
Washington D.C.
20007-1704
U.S.A.
Tel: (202) 265 6653
Fax: (202) 265 6656
icemb.wash@utn.stjr.is
www.iceland.org
Consulate General
of Iceland
800 Third Ave 36th. fl.
New York, N.Y. 10022
U.S.A.
Tel: (646) 282 9360
Fax: (646) 282 9369
icecon.ny@utn.stjr.is
CANADA
Embassy of Iceland
360 Albert Street
Suite 710
Ottawa, Ontario
ON K1R 7x7
Canada
Tel: (613) 482 1944
Fax: (613) 482 1945
icemb.ottawa@utn.stjr.is
Consulate General
of Iceland
One Wellington Crescent
Suite 100
Winnipeg
Manitoba R3M 3Z2
Tel: (204) 284 1535
icecon.winnepeg@utn.stjr.is
CHINA
Embassy of Iceland
Landmark Tower 1, #802
8 North Dongsanhuan Road
Bei Lu 100004
Tel.: (10) 6590 7795
Fax: (10) 6590 7801
icemb.beijing@utn.stjr.is
JAPAN
Embassy of Iceland
4-18-26 Takanawa,
Minato-ku
JP-108 0074 Tokyo
Tel: (3) 3447 1944
Fax: (3) 3447 1945
icemb.tokyo@utn.stjr.is
INDIA
Embassy of Iceland
11 Aurangzeb road
Delhi 110011
Tel.: 91 11435 30300
Fax: 91 11424 03001
emb.newdehli@mfa.is
EMBASSIES
19

ON MAP NO 10
Art galleri and Workshop
> Unique Ceramic Artwork
Áslaug Höskuldsdóttir · Ingunn Erna Stefánsdóttir · Ragnheiður I. Ágústsdóttir
We will gladly meet you on request for opening hours.
Please call 694 8475, 863 3934 or 862 1307
Seljavegur 32 · 101 Reykjavík

THE WEATHER IN ICELAND
Iceland enjoys a much milder climate than its name
and location adjacent to the Arctic circle would imply.
A branch of the Gulf Stream flows along the southern
and the western coast greatly moderating the climate.
In coastal areas the monthly average temperatures
range from approximately -5°C to 15°C, with temperatures
varying around 0°C ± 5°C in wintertime and
10°C ± 5°C in summertime. The winter temperatures are approximately 15°C
warmer than in other areas located at the same latitude (63-67°N), and the
summertime average temperatures are approximately 5°C lower. Due to the
Gulf Stream, mild Atlantic air is brought in contact with colder Arctic air resulting
in a climate that is marked by frequent changes in weather and storminess.
Furthermore this leads to more rainfall in the southern and western part
than in the northern part of the island.
The summer tourist season is from late May to early September. During the
first half of this period the sun stays above the horizon for almost 24 hours
and the interplay of light and shadows on mountains, lava fields and glaciers
yield an ever changing landscape. However, even during the middle of summer
the sky is frequently cloudy or overcast and the sunshine does not warm
the air much. Hence, during daytime, the air is usually cool (“refreshing” is the
local euphemism) and cold during nighttime. Also, by the coast the inhabited
area, summertime warming is often capped by sea-breeze, resulting in temperatures
around 12°C.
The winter season is the abode of long nights, and severe winter storms.
However, the silence of the frozen expanse and the dance of the Aurora
Borealis on a clear night sky draws an increasing number of tourists.
During summertime tourists should bring a windbreaker, rainwear, a thick
pullover (wool or fleece) and sturdy walking shoes. Travelers who are camping
or heading into the interior will need warm underwear and socks, rubber
boots and a warm sleeping bag.
During wintertime tourist should bring warm clothing, warm coat, mittens etc.
Iceland has many swimming pools, usually with geothermally heated water.
Hence, in either season a visitor should bring a swim suit.
On the web-site of the Icelandic Meteorlogical Office (www.vedur.is) information
about weatherforecast, cloud forecast, climate, seismic acitivity and
hydrology can be found among many other things. Information about temperature
(= hiti in icelandic) distribution over Iceland can be found on: http://
vedur.is/vedur/vedurfar/kort/manadarmedalhiti/
And information about precipitation (= úrkoma in icelandic) distribution is
found at: http://vedur.is/vedur/vedurfar/kort/medalurkoma_arsins/.
Have a nice stay in Iceland,
with regards from
the Icelandic Meteorological Office
21

ON MAP NO 3
7
Uppsteyt is a leading Icelandic Jewellery brand
built on the family owned and operated
workshop; Jens, which was established by the
family in 1966.
Uppsteyt is available at the Jens stores, locade in
Kringlan Shopping center and Sidumula 35.
Uppsteyt is also available at Epal Keflavik airport,
Hilton Hotel, Hotel Loftleidir and Hotel Saga
Icelandic Design
www.uppsteyt.is

THE ERUPTIONS AT THE EYJAFJALLAJÖKULL
VOLCANIC SYSTEM IN 2010
Volcanic eruptions occur in Iceland every 3-4 years, with over 50% occurring within
glaciers. The Eyjafjallajökull volcanic system in South Iceland has now erupted
twice this year, the earlier on the flank of the volcano and the latter at the summit.
The flank eruption began on 20 March 2010. The eruption was located on
Fimmvörðuháls, an approximately 2 km wide pass of ice-free land between
Eyjafjallajökull ice cap and the neighbouring Katla volcano with its overlying
Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. The eruption was preceded by intense earthquake
activity and high rates of deformation in the weeks before the eruption,
associated with magma intrusions. Lava flowed north into two gullies, on either
side of Heljarkambur ridge, blocking the popular Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail
which leads to the outdoor area Þórsmörk. The eruption lasted until 12 April.
During the night of 14 April, another much bigger eruption began at the summit
of the volcano. It was preceded by a couple of hours of intense earthquake
activity at shallow depth beneath the ice-topped crater of the volcano. At
first the eruption was sub-glacial, progressing to an explosive eruption when
the lava had reached the surface of the ice. Later, lava began to flow to the
north, confined by the ice of the valley glacier Gígjökull. At the same time the
explosive activity decreased. Melt-water from lava-ice interaction flows north
along a flood-path down Gígjökull. Some melt-water did flow to the south
along minor flood-paths, but only during the first day of the eruption.
The Eyjafjallajökull volcanic system has erupted three
times before in historical time, i.e. in the last 1100 years,
ca. 920, 1612 and 1821-23.
Jóhann Ágúst Hansen
23

ON MAP NO 19
A cozy place to stay, Hótel Frón is
located on Reykjavík’s main
downtown shopping street.
This four floor, hotel, with elevator,
provides its guests with a selection
of 90 rooms and apartments.
All rooms have a bathroom, minibar,
telephone, television, and a safe.
All apartments have kitchen
facilities, a refrigerator, and a
cooking stove.
The hotel offers a remote internet
connection and facilities for
meetings.

ON MAP NO 19
A cozy place to stay, Hótel Frón is
located on Reykjavík’s main
downtown shopping street.
This four floor, hotel, with elevator,
provides its guests with a selection
of 90 rooms and apartments.
All rooms have a bathroom, minibar,
telephone, television, and a safe.
All apartments have kitchen
facilities, a refrigerator, and a
cooking stove.
The hotel offers a remote internet
connection and facilities for
meetings.

ON MAP NO 16
Visit our stores in
Reykjavík or Akureyri !
www.janus.no
JANUS woolen underwear
is made from the finest
Merino wool wich is soft
and comfortable.
Hafnarstræti 99-101
Akureyri
tel. 461-3006

HOW TO GET TO ICELAND BY AIR
Air line fares are subject to con stant change, so check with the air lines or your
tra vel agent for the best fare when you plan a visit to Iceland. In addition to
normal one-way and re turn fares a num ber of attract i ve exc ursion and family
fares are availa ble, as well as group fares for vari ous sizes of groups. Air fares
also differ between sea sons. For full details of fares and services contact your
local tra vel agent or any air line office.
Icelanda ir, main ta ins reg ul ar scheduled flights to Iceland with Boeing 757
from the foll owing cities:
AMST ER DAM MANCHESTER
BARCELONA MIL AN
BERGEN MUNICH
BERLIN NEW YORK
BOSTON OR LANDO
COPEN HAGEN OSLO
DÜSSELDORF PARIS
FRANK FURT SEATTLE
GLAS GOW STAVANGER
HALIFAX STOCK HOLM
HELSINKI TORONTO
LONDON ZURICH
MADRID
Iceland Express main ta ins a reg ul ar scheduled daily flights from Denmark, England,
France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain and Sweden to Iceland.
Air Iceland main ta ins a reg ul ar scheduled flights from Greenland to Iceland
and from the Faroe Islands.
LTU: 6 flights weekly from Germany in summer.
German Wings: 2 flights weekly from Germany in summer.
APP ROX IMA TE FLYING TIMES FROM SEVER AL CITIES
Amst er dam Reykja vík 3 ho urs 15 min.
Copen hagen Reykja vík 3 ho urs 20 min.
Frank furt Reykja vík 3 ho urs 45 min.
London Reykja vík 3 ho urs 5 min.
Hamburg Reykja vík 3 ho urs 15 min.
Paris Reykja vík 3 ho urs 25 min
New York Reykja vík 5 ho urs 30 min.
Nars ar su aq Reykja vík 2 ho urs 30 min.
Or lando Reykja vík 7 ho urs 10 min.
Zurich Ak ur eyri 3 ho urs
TRAVEL FACTS
27

ON MAP NO 31
Skólavörðustígur 38
Tel.: 551 1121 - Fax 551 1355
eggert@furrier.is

BEFORE YOU GO
THE SCHENGEN AREA: Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway Germany,
Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Spain,
Portugal and Greece. On March 25th 2001, Iceland became a participant in
the Schengen co-operation, along with fourteen other European States. The
standardized Schengen visa will be valid for travelling to all the Schengen
States. Thus, a special visa for visiting Iceland Will not be necessary.
Iceland embassies no longer issue visas. On the occasion when Iceland
is the main destination, it is possible to apply for visa in the embassies
of other Schengen States, in over 100 places in the world, which issue
visas on behalf of Iceland.
Citicens of following States are exempted from visa obligation when
entering Iceland for stay up to three months (in total in the Schengen
area): Valid from March 25th 2001, Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Australia,
Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus,
Croatia, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong
Kong,*** Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuani
a, Luxembourg, Macao,**** Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands,
Nicaragua, Norway, New-Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Poland, San
Marino, S-Korea, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden,
United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.
ARRIVAL IN ICELAND
DUTY-FREE ALLOWANCES: The duty-free store at Keflavík Airport is open
to coincide with flight departures and arrivals. Tourists may bring the following
duty-free goods into Iceland: 1) 1 litre of spirits (up to 47% alcohol content).
2) 1 litre of wine (up to 21% alcohol content) or 6 litres of imported beer or 6
litres of domestic beer. 3) 200 cigarettes or 250 gr. of other tobacco products.
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION / BUSES:
Flybus Arrivals
Operated all year daily from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik in connection with
all arriving flights. The Flybus brings passengers to Reykjavik Excursions and
the Flybus terminal at BSÍ, near to the capital´s center. From there passengers
are brought to some of the major hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik.
Flybus departure
Operated all year daily from the BSÍ Bus Terminal to Keflavik Airport
in connection with all departing flights. A free pick-up service is
available from some of the major hotels and gueasthouses in Reykjavík.
Duration: 40 - 50 minutes
TRAVEL FACTS
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION / TAXIS: Taxis are always waiting at the
rank outside the arrival hall. Cab fare to Reykjavík for 4-passenger taxi is
equivalent to approximately apx. 90 USD. Reykjavík taxis offer the same price
for the drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík airport. 29

ON CENTER MAP NO 12
Pure Icelandic woolens. Traditional Icelandic silver.
Great variety of souvenirs.
ALL PROFITS GO TO CHARITY.
The Thorvaldsensbazar was opened in June 1901. It is run by the
charity foundation Thorvaldsenssociety (est.1875).
The society´s members have through the years served as voluntary
workers in the Bazar. In the earlier times it became a boom to many
households to sell their homemade items in the Bazar ( wood & wollens).
But in later years the Bazar is run in the customery way. All
profits are used for beneficiary work, mainly for sick children.
THORVALDSENS BAZAR
A U S T U R S T R Æ T I 4
Tel.: 551 3509
email: thorvaldsens@isl.is
www.thorvaldsens.is
SINCE 1901

CLIMA TE Thanks to the Gulf Str eam, Iceland enjoys a cool tempera te
oce an clima te: cool in sum mer and rather mild in wint er. However, the
we ather is very un pred ict a ble and tourists should be prepared for the unexpect
ed.
Avera ge Tempera t ure and Precipita tion 1961–1990
Tempera t ure C Precipita tion mm
PLACE JAN JULY JAN JULY
Reykja vík -0.5 10.6 75.7 51.8
Stykk is hólm ur -1.3 9.9 67.5 42.1
Ak ur eyri -2.2 10.5 55.5 33.0
Teig ar horn -0.3 8.8 129.0 83.8
Kirkju bæj ar klaust ur -0.4 11.2 145 120.0
West man Is lands 1.3 9.6 158.3 94.9
CLOT HING When tra vell ing in Iceland you should bring along light-weight
woollens, a swea t er or car dig an, a rain proof (water-proof) coat and sturdy
walking shoes. Also bring your swimm ing suit. Tra vell ers who are camp ing or
hea d ing into the int er ior will need warm und erwe ar and socks, rubber boots
and a warm sleep ing-bag.
MIDNIGHT SUN During sum mer the nights are bright in all of Iceland. In
the month of June the sun never fully sets in the north. There are even special
exc ursions to the is land of Gríms ey on the Arct ic Circle where you can
ex perience the midnight sun, that is to say if it is not clou dy! Keep in mind,
however, that the sun at midnight is not as warm as midday, so bring along
a swea t er.
RELIGION The esta bl is hed religion in Iceland is Luther an. There are
many Luther an churches in Iceland and services usu ally held ev ery
Sunday at 11:00 or 14:00. There is also a Cat holic church in Reykjavík,
and a num ber of churches for other groups. Holy Mass in Eng lish is
of fer ed in the Rom an Cat holic Cathedral ev ery Sunday at 20:00.
LANUGA GE Iceland ic is a Teuton ic langu age of the Nor dic group. It is
beli eved to have changed little from the orig inal ton gue spo ken by the
Nor se settlers. Eng lish and Dan ish are widely spo ken and und er stood.
Iceland ic has two lett ers of its own: þ/Þ pronounced like th in „thing“ and ð/Ð
pronounced like th in „them“.
DIN ING Restaurants in Iceland of fer a wide vari ety of dis hes, rang ing from
Iceland ic seafood and mounta in lamb to Indi an or Japenese cuisine. There
are also places that of fer pizza, hamburgers and other less ex pensi ve
dis hes. The avera ge cost of Iceland ic meals (wit hout wine or liquor) is as follows:
Break fast USD 10–20, lunch USD 20–30, dinn er USD 30–40 .
TIPP ING Service and VAT are in vari ably inclu ded in prices in Iceland.
TRAVEL FACTS
31

ON MAP NO 19
Uniquely hand-made Ceramics by: Kolbrún S. Kjarval
Pottery studio & Art gallery
Located on the gallery street Skólavörðustígur 22
Tel. 511 1197 · email: gallery.ksk@gmail.com · www.ksk.kk5.org

TRA VELL ER’S CHECKS Tra vell er’s checks are widely accept ed in Iceland
and should be purchased before arri v ing in Iceland.
CREDIT CARDS Credit cards are widely used in Iceland and accept ed by
most esta bl is h ments, inclu ding hot els, restaurants, car rentals and shops.
The major cards in Iceland are VISA and MAST ER-CARD / EUROCARD,
both of which have mem ber banks in Iceland, and AMER IC AN EX PRESS and
DI NERS CLUB which have agents here.
Cash advance service for cardhold ers is availa ble as foll ows: on VISA
cards in all banks and savings banks; on MasterCard / Eurocard in all
banks and savings banks as well as post offices around the country; on
Di ners Club in all branches of the Ís lands banki hf.
TAX-FREE SHOPP ING A refund of the local Value Add ed Tax is availa
ble to for eign visitors in Iceland. The refund will result in a red uct ion of up to
15% of the retail price, provided depart ure from Iceland is wit hin 3 months
af t er the purchase is made. The purchase am ount must be no less than ISK
4,000 (VAT inclu ded) per sales receipt, and all goods (except woollens) must
be packed in sealed bags or containers).
HEALTH INS URANCE Cit izens of Scand in av ia and the U.K. are co ver ed by
national health ins urance. Cit izens of other countries are advised to cover
themselv es with health ins urance while tra vell ing.
VACCINATIONS If arri v ing in Iceland from an in fect ion-free nation as det
ermined by the World Health Org an ization, no vaccinations are required.
EL ECT RIC CUR RENT The el ect ric cur rent in Iceland is 220 volts, 50 HZ AC.
Ple a se note that the prongs on el ect rical equip ment you bring with you may
be differ ent from our stand ards. It is advisa ble to check before us ing such
equip ment.
TO URS
Iceland of fers a great vari ety of to urs, some cover ing large parts of the
country, others small ar e as at a time. There are tra ditional to urs as well as
to urs quite differ ent from what you have ex perienced el sewhere. There are
nat ure to urs with strik ing landscapes, young lava fields, ro ar ing wa ter falls and
majest ic glaci al ice-caps. Tra vell ing into the un in habited int er ior of Iceland
is limited to the months of July and Aug ust, except for some speci ally organ
ized wint er to urs (see sect ion on open ing of the mounta in tracks). Wint er
to urs in Iceland are un for getta ble: there is ski ing for both beg inn ers and the
ex perienced, ice-climb ing and ice-fis hing. In addition, there are org an ized day
to urs, and week end and holi day to urs all year round with Iceland ic to uring
clubs where the emp has is is on hik ing.
Reykjavík Excursion offer a wide variety of quality day tours all year, spanning
from a two and a half hours sightseeing of the city to whole day tours.
Reykjavík Excursion offer passengers close contact with the many sides of
Iceland, its nature, history, culture and daily life.
Puffin Express Sea Adventrues Company, tel: +354 892 0099 offers daily very
interesting whale wathcing and sea angling tours from Reykjavík Harbour.
TRAVEL FACTS
33

ON MAP NO 19
26
34

TOURIST INFORMATION
Icelandic Tourist Board Iceland
Lækjargata 3, Gimli - IS-101 Reykjavik Iceland. Tel: (+354) 535-5500
Fax: (+354) 535-5501 Email: info@icetourist.is / www.icetourist.is
Icelandic Tourist Board USA
655 Third Avenue, New York, NY.100017 USA, Tel: 212 885 9700 Fax: 212 885 9710
Email: usa@intertourist.is / www.icelandtouristboard.com
Icelandic Tourist Board Germany
City Centre, Frankfurter Str. 181 D-63263, Neu-Isenburg, Germany
Tel: (6102) 25 4484 Fax: (6102) 25 4570 Email: info@icetourist.de / www.icetourist.de
HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSES
There are hotels and guesthouses to suit all tastes and budgets, from the most luxurious
in Reykjavík, to the simple and sufficient throughout the country. Several travel
agencies and airlines have special accommodation offers which can only be purchased
outside Iceland. Children’s discounts are also widely available. Contact your
booking office for further information. The Icelandic Hotel and Restaurant Association
publishes a yearly brochure with a list of all major hotels and guesthouses in Iceland.
Contact their office at Hafnarstræti 20, IS-101 Reykjavík, tel.: +354-511 8000, fax:
+354-511 8008, or The Tourist Information Centre, Aðalstræti 2, 101 Reykjavík.
Tel :562 3045 e-mail:tourinfo@ tourinfo.is website www.vistireykjavík.is
Prices for hotels and guesthouses vary according to facilities and services offered, but
prices for a single room with a shower/bath range from USD 50–170 (breakfast is usually
incl.), and for a double room with shower/bath from USD 70–230 (breakfast is usually
incl.).
SUMMER HOTELS
Various hotels around the country operate in summer only. Many of these are schools
in winter with swimming pools and hot springs nearby. Most have licenced restaurants
and bars. See a travel agent for details. Prices for a single room with shower range
from: USD 53 (breakfast not included), and for a double room with shower from USD 80
(breakfast from USD 10).
ICELANDAIR HOTELS
Icelandair operates eight first-class hotels around the country under the name
ICELANDAIR HOTELS. www.icehotels.is Icelandair also runs the EDDA Summer Hotel
Chain. Both bed and breakfast and sleeping-bag accommodation are offered in the
EDDA hotels. www.edda.is
THE FOSS HOTELS
Fosshotels operate a chain of twelve tourist-class hotels around Iceland. Further information
and booking: Fosshotels, Borgartún 33, Reykjavík. Tel. 354 562 4000. Fax 354
562 4001. e-mail: bokun@fosshotel.is. www.fosshotel.is
ACCOMMODATION IN ICELAND
35

ON MAP NO 22

FARMHOUSE ACCOMMODATION
Icelandic Farm Holidays is a chain of nearly 140 farmhouses around Iceland
offering accommodation and various activities to travellers in their homes,
guesthouses, country-hotels and cottages. Among the activities offered are:
horse back riding, fishing, golf and more.
For a new brochure or booking, contact Icelandic Farm Holidays, Síðumúla
2, IS 108 Reykjavík, Iceland, tel: +354 5702700, e-mail: ifh@farmholidays.is
Webside: www.farmholidays.is. Prices for bed and breakfast per person in
a double room range from USD 50 - 130 and 6 person cottage for one night
costs on average USD 130 - 200
PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
Private accommodation is available in most major towns and villages. Most
offer bed and breakfast and bath/shower facilities in a family atmosphere.
Contact a local tour operator or tourist information centre. The price for a private
accommodation in Reykjavík is approximately USD 50 for a single room,
and USD 70 for a double room with breakfast included.
YOUTH AND FAMILY HOSTELS
There are various youth and family hostels around Iceland and all people
are welcome regardless of age. Almost all hostels have family rooms (rooms
with 2 to 4 beds). A few hostels are open all year, others operate in summer
only. For further information contact the Icelandic Youth Hostels Association,
Sundlaugavegur 34, IS-105 Reykjavík; tel.: +354-553 8110, fax: +354-588
9201. Homepage: www.hostel.is, E-mail: info@hostel.is. Price for accommodation
is approx. USD 20, for members USD 17, linen extra USD 4, breakfast
extra USD 9.
CAMPING
There are approx. 130 campsites in Iceland. Camping grounds are normally
open from the beginning of June until the end of August or middle
of September depending on location. The prices for camping in the
National Parks. supervised by the Nature Conservation Council, is USD 8
for adults, half-price for pensioners and free of charge for children under
16. Other campsites range in price from USD 5–7 depending on facilities
available. For a special brochure contact the tour operators or the Iceland
Tourist Board offices. Please note that camping outside designated campsites
is not allowed.
All efforts have been made to verify that information in this brochure is correct.
NOTE: Prices are subject to change.
ACCOMMODATION IN ICELAND
37

ON MAP NO 18

ON MAP NO 2
Step into a world of excitement. The Hilton Reykjavik Nordica welcomes you
to stylish rooms, the trendy VOX Restaurant and the city’s most exclusive
health club NordicaSpa, all just a step away from city center.
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica,
Sudurlandsbraut 2, 108 Reykjavik, Iceland,
Tel: +354 444 5000, Fax: +354 444 5001,
E-mail: info.reykjaviknordica@hilton.com
www.hilton.com

40
REYKJA VÍK
THE WESTERN MOST AND
THE NORTHERN MOST
CAPI TAL IN THE WORLD
This dou ble hono ur of extend ing the limits of ci vi lization rests with
Ingólf ur Arn ar son, with a help ing hand from the gods. He esta bl is hed the
first permanent settlem ent in Iceland in 874, and named the site Reykja vík
– Smokey Bay – not a refer ence to fog, but to the steam from geothermal
springs which heat the city today.
The city is built on the shor es of a shelt er ed in let off the vast Faxa Bay. It’s
full of sur prises and contrasts with its busy harbo ur and the
impos ing peaceful ness of Mt. Esja across the wa ter. Take a walk through
the city centre and see the charm ing blend of old and new where peaceful
grassy slopes and ponds teem ing with bird life are only a sto ne’s throw
from the city’s banks and business offices.
This northernmost capital of the world is a buzzing cultural city where
cosmopolitan currents meet traditional trends. Reykjavík held the title
European City of Culture in the year 2000; a welcome recognition of
the energetic and colourful cultural life of Reykjavík. Reykjavík Art
Museum,consisting of three excellent museums, Reykjavík Municipal
Museum at Árbær, Reykjavík Museum of Photographs, City Archives and
Library, jointly housed in Grófarhús in Tryggvagata – are all good choices
if you want to spend a day enjoying the city’s culture.

But Reykjavík is not only an ultra modern city – its roots date back more
than 1100 years. Recent archaeological discoveries have located a ruin of
a farm from the 10th century right in the city center. It can be seen on an
exhibit about the Settlement time called Reykjavík 871±2 in Aðalstræti 16.
Reykjavík has the best of both worlds; the qualities of a modern, forwardlooking
society are complemented by a close connection to the beautiful
and unspoilt nature in the city’s vicinity. Whether one is in the mood for a
spot of midnight golf, horse trekking or salmon fishing – there is no need
to leave the city as all these choices and much more are within one’s
reach. And the good news for those looking for unbridled fun and an
unforgettable night out – the famous Reykjavík nightlife certainly lives up
to its reputation.
The clean energy, safety and general good quality of life give both
Reykjavík’s inhabitants and guests a treasured sense of wellness and
contentment.
Reykjavík’s plentiful sources of green energy ensure clean air, unpolluted
water and fresh food. Fish, seafood and lamb – traditional Icelandic
ingredients are imaginatively prepared by Reykjavík’s high quality
restaurants that offer cuisine from all four corners of the world. The
geothermal baths in Reykjavík are not to be missed either by anyone
visiting our friendly city. One of the best ways to meet the people of
Reykjavík is to visit one of the seven baths, as going to the thermal pools
is very much a way of life for Icelanders. Another geothermal gem is a
manmade beach with warm water in Nauthólsvík – only 15 minutes walk
from the city centre.
41

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ICELAND REFUND
Your taxfree agent in Iceland
THE CENTRE: Information Center, Aðalstræti 2, 101 Reykjavík
ITM: Currency exhange, Bankastræti 2, 101 Reykjavík
Trip
Laugavegur 54, Reykjavík
Malls
Kringlan Shopping mall, Service desk
Smáralind Shopping mall, Service desk
Northen Iceland
66˚North Store - Akureyri - Glerárgata
Airports
Keflavík - Landsbanki
Other Airports
Reykjvaík, Duty Free Store
Akureyri, Duty Free Store
*Refund fee may apply
Seyðisfjörður - Smyril Line
Austfar - Information centre
Cruise ships
Port of Reykjvaík, Visitor Center at Skarfabakki where
most cruise ships dock
Cruise ships
Port of Akureyri, On board two hours before departure
Iceland Refund Tax Free á Íslandi ehf.
Aðalstræti 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland · Tel. +354 564 6400 · Fax +354 564 3600
E-mail: office@is.eurorefund.com · www.eurorefund.com

HI STORY
The country may have been settled by some Christ i an monks
from Ireland al r ea dy in 700 A.D. The first Iceland ic settler is
said to be the Norweg i an, Ingólf ur Arn ar son, who came to the
country in 874. He res ided where the capi tal is now, and gave it
the name Reykjavík. Half a cent ury la t er, or in 930, the Icelandic
parli ament in anci ent times, „Alt hingi“ was founded, which
is consider ed the old est parli ament in the world. The meet ings
were held at the beauti ful place, Thing vell ir, located at Iceland’s
big gest lake, Lake of Thingvell ir, 50 km from Reykja vík. Thingvell
ir is now a national park.
The Norweg i an people who settled in Iceland were he athen. In
the year 1000, through an act of law, Christ i anity was adopted.
Such an ev ent has not happ ened in any other country in the
world.
Late in the 14th cent ury the Dan ish king came to power in
Iceland. The Iceland ers could never submit to the Dan ish
authority and struggled firmly to rega in their independence. In
1918 Iceland became a sovereign state with the same king as
Den mark. On the 17th of June, 1944, the Repu blic of Iceland
was founded and, Iceland ers got their comp lete independence
aga in. Since then, that day has been Iceland’s national day.
43

ON MAP NO 16
Offering Ethnic Musical
Instruments from around the world
Sangitamiya - The Nectar Music
On the corner of Klappastígur and Grettisgata,
101 Reykjavík · Tel. 551 8080

HOT SPRINGS – SOLFATARAS
Iceland is richer in hot springs and sol fat aras or natural heat
than any other country in the world. Two main types of thermal
ar e as are „high-tempera t ure fields“, tota l ing 14 ar e as located
in the new volc an ic medi an zone. They are charact er ized by
steam ho les and mud pools, and the aston is hing magnitu de of
colour that they project.
„Low tempera t ure fields“ are the other kind of ar e as
charact er ized by hot springs found all over Iceland tot all ing
800 in num ber.
The wa ter in these springs reaches the surface with the
tempera t ure close to boil ing point and some of these springs
are geysers. The most famous being the Great Geys ir in
Hauka dal ur in South Iceland, from which the international word
geys ir is derived. The natural hot wa ter is now widely used to
heat hou ses and green hou ses in Iceland.
The wa ter from hot springs is used to heat hou ses (more than
75% of the population now enjoys this type of heat ing in their
homes). Over 10 hect ares of green hou ses are heated in the
same way all owing many types of vegeta bles and flowers to
be grown in commerci al qu an tities.
45

ON CENTER MAP NO 5
EACH PIECE IS
ONE OF A KIND
KERAMIK – STUDIO – GALLERÍ
VESTURGATA 5 – TEL./FAX 552 6036
kogga@vortex.is
www.kogga.is

RIVERS AND LAKES
Rivers are nu mer ous and relati vely volu minous, but none
of them is naviga ble due to swift cur rents. The largest are
tur bid glaci al rivers. Cle ar-wa ter rivers are harnessed for
hydro-el ect ric power prod uct ion and abound in salmon, which
are caught in great num bers. Charact er ist ic of the yout h ful
landscape are the many im pressi ve wa ter falls, the most not ed
being Gull foss (32 metres), Detti foss (44 metres), the largest in
Europe and Skóga foss (60 metres). There are countless lakes
in Iceland, many of them rich in trout and char, the big gest
being Thing valla vatn (83 squ are kilo metres). There are also
many rivers in Iceland rich in salmon.
The famous smoked North Atlantic salmon delicatessen,
is available in supermarkets and Islandica store at Keflavik
International airport.
47

BSR TAXI STATION
since 1921
PRIVATE TOURS
- FLY TAXI -
Wide range of special sightseeing day trips.
Choose your own travel timetable.
We care so you feel comfortable in our cars.
Reykjavík - Gullfoss & Geysir - Reykjavík
Reykjavík - Blue Lagoon - Reykjavík
Reykjavík - Keflavík airport
www.bsr.is

Breiða merk ur jök ull forms part of the Vatna jök ull, largest icecap in Europe.
The glaci er has for med a lagoon, on which Icebergs and floes can be seen.
GLACI ERS AND ICE-CAPS
The glaci ers are one of the most dist inct i ve and excit ing
feat ures of Iceland’s scenery. Almost all types of glacier
are found in Iceland, ranging from small cirque glaciers
to extensi ve icecaps. By far the largest of the glaci ers
is the Vatna jök ull in the south-east with an area of 8.400
squ are kilometres and reaching thickness of 1.000 metres.
One of the small er glaci ers, the cone-shaped Snæ fells jök ull
(made famous by Jules Vern e in his “Jo ur n ey to the Centre of
the Earth“), may be seen across the bay from Reykja vík and
af fords a fascinat ing sight at sundown.
BSR Taxi station on the opposite page offer a well approved
sightseeing private trips to this part of Iceland.
49

ON MAP NO 4

LOCATED NO 1 ON MAP PAGE 6
THE SOUT HWEST HIDDEN POWER - Blue Lagoon
For the visitor who arri ves by air, this area will give the first im pression of
Iceland. Af t er customs forma lities and out on the open road he will be confronted
with a rugged moon like landscape. Lava fields stretch out to distant
mounta in ridges. There are no trees, no rivers, no val leys. Volcan ic act i vity formed
this peninsula and act i vity is evident in fissures spout ing steam and in the
rich potenti al being realised at the Svarts engi geothermal power station with its
un ique technology. At Svartsengi the famous Blue Lagoon is located, Iceland’s
most unique and popular attraction, located only 40 minutes from Reykjavík
and 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport.
Blue Lagoon offers spa treatments and massages that take place both indoor
and in the lagoon itself, based on the geothermal seawater’s active ingredients:
minerals, silica and algae. Guests bathing in the milky waters of the lagoon
have easy access to the famous white silica mud, an essential part of the spa
experience. The Exclusive Bath & Lounge is an option for guests looking for
more privacy. This novelty features private changing rooms, a modernly designed
lounge with a fireplace and a reserved indoor lagoon. Light refreshments are
served and certain dishes from Lava Restaurant can be ordered.
Lagoon Bar serves guests bathing in the lagoon and offers light refreshments.
On the second floor a relaxing area awaits guests with comfortable seats and
beautiful view of the Blue Lagoon.
Lava Restaurant offers a unique icelandic dining experience. It is built into the
cliff so it features a natural lava wall, adding to its uniqueness. The meals are
delicious, inventive and the menu ranges from light dishes to gourmet meals.
Blue Lagoon skin care products are based on a unique blend of Blue Lagoon
geothermal seawater active ingredients: minerals, silica, and algae. Blue
Lagoon skin care products are available at our shops located at the Blue
Lagoon, Keflavík International Airport, Laugarvegur 15 in Reykjavík city
center, and at the online shop www.bluelagoon.com
51

ON CENTER MAP NO 21
The Settlement exhibition Reykjavík 871±2 is in the heart of Reykjavik.
The exhibition is based on the archaeological excavation of Viking Age ruins and findings from the other
excavations in the city centre. The Settlement exhibition is located in Reykjavik old centre, on the corner of
Adalstraeti. The exhibition is open daily from 10 - 17

ON CENTER MAP NO 12

THE ICELANDIC HORSE
The history of the Icelandic
horse can be traced all the
way back to the settlement
of the country in the late 9th
century. When the Vikings
brought with them their
horses. Clearly the horse was
the catalyst that allowed the
settlement of Iceland to go
forward and prosper. Since no
other breed of horse has ever
been imported to Iceland, this
special animal is a pure-bred "Viking-Horse".
For centuries the horse was the only means of transportation in Iceland,
as well as being the most important working animal in the days before
machinery. The horse was used for everything. They worked tilling the
farmlands from dawn to dusk and provided transportation between the
farms as they were settled. They went on scouting expeditions into this
new territory in search of everything from water to grazing areas. Strong
and sure footed, the Icelandic horse adjusted and adapted to this new
land certainly as fast and most likely faster than the new settlers.
Viking battles were fought on horseback and the animal quickly adjusted
to any situation that was presented to it. Is it any wonder that many of
the slain Vikings warriors of the many battles in earlier times were often
buried with their horses as a sign of honor and respect?
The Icelandic horse has many characteristics unique unto itself.
Perhaps the most noticeable would be its intermediate size and the
mane of shaggy hair. The five gaits of the horse are also one of the
special features that sets it apart from all other horses. These gaits are
the "fetgangur" the walk or step, the "brokk" or trot, the "tölt", which is
a faster type of walk, the "skeið" or the pace and the "stökk", or gallop.
Today there are around 80.000 horses in Iceland, and around 100.000
Icelandic horses abroad, most in Europe but also a growing number
in the United States and Canada. Growing popularity of the Icelandic
horse has made horse breeding and exporting a valuable business,
boosting agriculture and industry in many areas.
55

ON MAP NO 30
A modern hotel with all hotels facilities
in central Reykjavík. All rooms with bath, TV,
radio telephone and free wireless Internet access.
Excellent service and reasonable prices with
breakfast included. A conference room and a
restaurant on the groundfloor.
Brautarholt 29, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Tel: +354 568 077
Fax: +354 568 9747
info@hotelorkin.is
www.hotelorkin.is

THE ICELANDIC SHEEP
When Viking settlers first arrived in Iceland in AD
874, they brought with them two breeds of domestic
livestock, the Icelandic Horse and Icelandic Sheep. In
time, both would have almost as much impact on the
history and development of the country as man himself.
From the very beginning, Icelanders have found themselves
engaged in a relentless struggle to come to terms with the
rugged environment in which they live. While the horse
served for transport and labour, sheep were the key to
the nation´s survival, providing generations of Icelanders
not only with food but also with wool as protection
from the biting cold of the harsh northern climate.
Without sheep, Iceland would have been uninhabitable.
Although the medieval sagas may have been inspired by
deeds of heroism and feats of bravery, they also tell of the
activities around which daily life revolved, among them
shearing, spinning and carding - skills and crafts which
became traditions and altered little through the ages.
As a breed, the Iceland Sheep is unique - the purity of the
strain has been protected by centuries of isolation and of
isolation and a total absence of contact with others. By the
same token, the wool it produces has no counterpart anywhere.
Evolving over 1.100 years of exposure to the sub-Arctic
climate, Icelandic wool has a distinctive combination of inner
and outer fibres. The outer fibres are long, glossy, tough
and water-resistant, while the inner ones are fine, soft and
insulating, providing a high resistance to cold.
57

ON CENTER MAP NO 30
WHALE
AND PUFFIN
WATCHING
IN ICELAND
Puffin Express knows how to complete your Icelandic
experience.
Join us for a whale watching tour and be prepared to
witness some of the sea’s most amazing creatures up
close. A whale that close is truly a sight to remember.
Or come with us for a sea angling tour, an exciting
experience for both old and young. The voyage to the
generous fishing grounds in Faxaflói bay takes only
15–20 minutes.
Special Tours / +354 456 6699 / +354 892 0099
info@puffinexpress.is / www.puffinexpress.is

The Whale
Whales are the largest members of the animal kingdom and at the same time
one of the most mysterious. Little is known about these majestic creatures
and their behaviour. Due to excessive whaling, many species of whales were
on the brink of extinction late in the 20th century, and despite a worldwide
ban on whaling, many of the species are still regarded as very endangered.
One of those is the Blue Whale, but according to estimates there are only
10–15.000 animals existing worldwide. Here are a few points about some of
the whales we are likely to see in Iceland Whale Watching Cruises:
The Blue Whale is the largest creature that has ever lived on this planet, usually
24–27 meters long and up to 190 tons.This is also one of the rarest animals,
as according to estimates, there are only a few thousand Blue Whales existing
in the World. The waters of the coast of Iceland are among the best in the
world to watch these magnificent animals.
The Fin Whale is the second largest whale, usually 18–22 meters long and
weighing up to 80 tons. This whale is fairly common far out to sea, but is not
frequently close to the shore.
The Humpback Whales are famous for their spectacular aerial displays, and can
often be seen jumping, slapping the water with the tail and flipper-slapping.
They are usually 12–15 meters long and weigh 25–30 tons, The Humpback
Whales are also famous for their singing, which is the most complex and
beautiful in the animal kingdom.
The Sperm Whale is the largest of all the toothed whales, up to 16 meters long
and weighing up to 50 tons. They live in deep waters and are believed to dive
deeper and longer than any other animal.
The Dolphins are the smallest and most common of the whales. They are frequently
seen on whale watching tours all around the country. They are often
entertaining to watch, leaping high into the air.
The Orca Whale is frequently seen in the Icelandic waters all around the country.
These whales have the reputation of being aggressive and dangerous as their
other name ”killer whales“ reflects. They can be up to 10 meters long and
weigh up to 9 tonnes.
The Minke Whale is the most common whale in the seas around Iceland.They are
up to 10 meters long and can weigh up to 10 tonnes.
WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND
59

ON CENTER MAP NO 31
THE LOBSTER - SHIP RESTAURANT
A delicious secret in Reykjavík center
We provide a perfect setting for you to enjoy fresh
seafood dishes and a most special dining experience
An exciting atmosphere and a unique destination by the
Old Harbor awaits you.
The best Lobster in town
Icelandic seafood
Icelandic mountain lamb
Icelandic game
Lobster - Ship
Reykjavik Old Harbor
101 Reykjavik
Tel: +354 - 555 2040
info@humarskipid.is
www.humarskipid.is

ON CENTER MAP NO 31
THE LOBSTER - SHIP RESTAURANT
A delicious secret in Reykjavík center
We provide a perfect setting for you to enjoy fresh
seafood dishes and a most special dining experience
An exciting atmosphere and a unique destination by the
Old Harbor awaits you.
The best Lobster in town
Icelandic seafood
Icelandic mountain lamb
Icelandic game
Lobster - Ship
Reykjavik Old Harbor
101 Reykjavik
Tel: +354 - 555 2040
info@humarskipid.is
www.humarskipid.is

ON MAP NO 26

REYKJVAÍK CENTER MAP
9
30
31
5
21
12
13
Radisson 1919
17
11
8
33
15
18
Frón
19

6
10
Hótel Saga
F
9
30
31
E
Air Iceland
Reykjavík airport
Reykjavík harbour
14
25 20
18
19 16 26
29
1
24
Nauthólsvegur
31
Hótel Loftleiðir
B
2

23
22
27
30
VIÐEY
3
2 28
Hótel Hilton
4
7
32

ON MAP NO 32

DISTANCES IN KM
Vík Sel foss Rvík Borg ar- Ísa - Akur- Eg ils- Höfn
nes fjörður eyri stað ir
Akranes 220 91 49 38 422 353 617 493
Akureyri 561 432 389 315 567 1336* 265 512
Blönduós 416 287 244 170 423 145 410 657
Borgarnes 246 117 74 1336 384 315 580 519*
Breiðdalsvík 430* 560* 617* 662 915 347 82 166
Búðardalur 326 197 154 80 304 281 546 599*
Dalvík 585 456 412 339 591 44 309 555
Djúpivogur 368* 497* 554* 614 979 411 146 103
Egilsstaðir 511* 640* 698* 580 832 265 1336 247
Eiðar 525* 654* 668 594 846 279 14 261
Eskifjörður 542* 671* 702 628 881 313 48 278
Flókalundur 513 384 341 267 116 468 733 786*
Grindavík 229 99 52 118 502 433 698 501*
Grundarfjörður 357 228 185 111 416 389 654 630*
Gullfoss 176 71 125 184 569 499 687* 449*
Hallormsstaður 515* 644* 680 606 858 291 26 251
Hella 93 36 94 153 537 468 604* 366*
Hólmavík 445 316 273 199 224 344 609 718*
Húsavík 652 523 480 406 659 91 220 467
Hvammstangi 370 239 197 123 376 203 468 642*
Hvolsvöllur 80 49 106 166 550 481 591* 353*
Höfn í Hornafirði 273* 402* 459* 519* 902 512 247 1346
Ísafjörður 630 500 457 384 1973* 567 832 922*
Keflavík 226 97 48 116 500 431 696 499*
Kirkjubæjarklaustur 71 201 258 318 702 633 440* 201*
Laugarvatn 169 39 93 153 538 468 680* 441*
Ólafsvík 367 239 195 121 443 416 681 640*
Reykjahlíð v/Mývatn 660* 531 488 414 667 99 165 412
Reykholt um Stafholtst. 255 126 84 43 387 318 583 528*
Sauðárkrókur 492 362 319 246 498 119 384 631
Selfoss 129 1336 57 117 500 432 640* 402*
Seyðisfjörður 538* 667* 681 607 859 292 27 274
Skaftafell 141* 270* 327* 387* 771* 639 374 136
Skógar, Eyjafjöllum 32 97 154 214 598 529 543* 305*
Stykkishólmur 345 215 172 98 390 363 628 617*
Vík í Mýrdal 1336 129 187 246 630 561 511* 273*
Vopnafjörður 684* 665 622 548 800 233 173 420
Þingvellir 174 45 49 95 479 410 675 447*
Þórshöfn 754* 672 629 555 808 240 243 490
(*) via Skeiðarásand road.
DISTANCES IN KM
67

LOCATED NO 2 ON MAP PAGE 6
Álafoss
Álafossvegur 23
Mosfellsbær
C.a 16 km from Reykjavík
on the road to Þingvellir
Open:
Mon. - Frid. 9:00 -18:00
Sat. 9:00 - 16:00
Tel: 566 6303
Þingvellir
Mosfellsbær
Grafarvogur Grafarvogur Grafarvogur - - - Bridge Bridge Bridge - - - Grafarholt Grafarholt Grafarholt
Since 1896
Reykjavík
www.alafoss.is
Wool & Souvernir Souvenir Shop
alafoss@islandia.is
www.alafoss.is
Design: Sjáaldur auga míns 2008

CLOTHING SIZES
For older children sizes usually correspond with their ages
Ameriacan British and Continental sizes are the same
¾5 8
½8
¾ 7 8
¾ 7 8 ½8
¾5 8
69

ON MAP NO 26
THE NORTHERN MOST NEPALESE-INDIAN
RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD
We welcome you to our family restaurant.
Authentic to our roots. Executive Chef Deepak Panday
Laugarvegur 60a, Reykjavík, tel. 517 7795, 578 7788
For our latest offers see our website www.kitchen-eldhus.is

71
DINING OUT IN ICELAND
Eating out in Iceland is a delightful experience, as there are
over 100 restaurants to choose from. Do you fancy nouvelle
cuisine, a plate of gourmet seafood, various lamb dishes,
Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Indian specialities? Quality
restaurants on every corner are available in Reykjavík. On the
following pages you will find restaurants, each with their own
style and character. They pride themselves in serving their
customer delicious food, excellent service with warm Icelandic
hospitality. Raw materials are plentiful as Icelanders can boast
of vast unpolluted fishing grounds around Iceland. Sheep
graze freely in the countryside producing excellent lamb.
Most restaurants are in the middle price range, where one can
expect to pay 30-50 USD for a nice meal. Also there are many
fast-food places. When dining in restaurants in Iceland tips are
not customary. Serving you is pleasure enough.
RESTAURANTS
Restaurant Silfur

ON CENTER MAP NO 11

RESTAURANT
ON CENTER MAP NO 21
Taste the freshness
of a farmer’s market
GO LIST
2008
||
11:3014:00|18:0023:30

ON CENTER MAP NO 5
Fish Buffet
every day from 18:00
Hot rock menu
Lobster
Lamb
Beef
Ice-Bar
made from Icelandic glaciers
our guests get a coat before
entering the -6°c
Vesturgata 2, 101 Reykjavik · Tel: 552 3030 / 840 2566 · Fax: 561 7758
restaurant@restaurantreykjavik.is · www.restaurantreykjavik.is

ON CENTER MAP NO 33

ON CENTER MAP NO 8

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis,
occur at height of 100 km (62 miles) and take the form of a
curtain fluttering in the wind, or points of light emitting from
a single spot. The phenomenon is a fascinating spectacle,
caused by electrical impulses entering the atmosphere from
the sun and being guided by magnetic fields. When the
particles meet molecules in the atmosphere the Northern
Lights are formed and their colour is determined by the type
of molecules. Incidentally, every occurrance of Northern Lights
is ´answered´ a fraction of a second later, by Southern Lights
over the Antarctic. In Greenland it was once believed that the
Northern Lights were caused by the souls of the dead playing
ball with walrus skulls. According to legend, if you whistled at
the Northern Lights, they came closer before they finally made
off with you. However, if you barked like a dog you could repel
them. Feel free to bark!
The Northern Lights appear all year round, but can only
be observed under a clear, dark night sky. In practice this
means that the Northern Lights are most impressive in the
autumn months, but they can also be seen in March and they
´disappear´ in the light summer nights.
77

FISKUR:
Ýsa (ný, nætursöltuð
eða reykt)
Þorskur
Lúða (smálúða, stórlúða)
Sandhverfa
Skarkoli (rauðspretta)
Karfi
Skata (ný eða kæst)
Skötuselur
Ufsi
Steinbítur
Langa
Rauðmagi
Grásleppa (söltuð eða sigin)
Síld
Saltfiskur
Lax, villtur, eldislax
(nýr, reyktur og grafinn)
Silungur
Bleikja
Áll
Hörpuskel
Kræklingur
Beitukóngur
Humar
Rækja, úthafsrækja
78
LIST OF PRODUCTS
LISTE DE PRODUITS • WARENVERZEICHNIS • PRODUKTFÖRTECKNING
FISH:
Haddock (fresh,
half-salted or smoked)
Cod
Halibut (small, large)
Turbot
Plaice
Redfish
Skate, ray (fresh or
fermented and salted)
Monkfish
Saithe
Catfish
Ling
Lumpfish
Lumpfish (salted
or half-dried)
Herring
Salt cod
Salmon, wild, farmreared,
(fresh, smoked
and dill-cured)
Trout
Arctic Charr
Eel
Scallop
Mussel
Whelk
Lobster
Shrimp, (deep-water) prawn
POISSON:
Églefin (frais,
demi-sel ou fumé)
Cabillaud
Flétan (petit, grand)
Turbot
Plie au carrelet
Sébaste (Rascasse du Nord)
Pocheteau gris (frais
ou fermenté et salé)
Lotte
Colin, lieu noir
Loup (de mer)
Lingue
Lompe
Lompe
(salée ou demi-séchée)
Hareng
Morue salée
Saumon sauvage, d’élevage,
(frais, fumé, mariné
à l’aneth)
Truite
Omble Chevalier
Anguille
Coquille St. Jacques
Moule
Buccin
Langoustine
Crevette rouge
FISCH:
Schellfisch (Frisch leichtgesalzen
oder geräuchert)
Kabeljau, Dorsch
Heilbutt (klein, groß)
Steinbutt
Scholle, Goldbutt
Rotbarsch
Rochen (frisch oder
fermentiert)
Angler
Seelachs, Köhler
Katfisch
Leng
Seehase
Seehase
(gesalzen oder halbtrocken)
Hering
Gesalzener Kabeljau
Lachs, wild, gezüchtet,
(frisch, geräuchtet,
in Dill eingelegt)
Forelle
Seesaibling
Aal
Kamm-Muschel
Miesmuschel
Wellhornschnecke
Hummer, Languste
(Tiefsee)garnele

FISH
The rich fishing grounds around Iceland are the country’s most
valuable natural resource; marine products in fact account for
70% of the nation’s exports. Icelandic fish, caught in the fresh
and unpolluted waters of the North Atlantic, has established a
reputation for its superb quality and delicious taste world-wide.
Fish is the mainstay of the Icelandic diet, and fresh fish can
be had all the year round. In Icelandic restaurants, one discovers
the astonishing number of ways in which local chefs use
fresh fish as the means for creating the most imaginative gourmet
dishes. A special feature of Iceland are the many small fish
shops, though many supermarkets also offer a wide selection
of fresh fish. Wild salmon and trout can also be had over the
summer months, due to the popularity of angling as a sport.
ICELANDIC FOOD
79

ON CENTER MAP NO 9
AUTHENTIC ICELANDIC FOOD
Our award winning Icelandic chefs renowned for
unique culinary handling of Icelandic seafood and meat
We welcome you to our romantic harbour-side restaurant
The Harbour restaurant • Geirsgata 7c, 101 Reykjavík
Tel. +354 511 2300 • www.hofnin.is

MILK PRODUCTS
Icelandic milk is one of nature’s bounties, of which its
countrymen are rightly proud. Through the centuries, this
delicate product has been handled with respect and now,
in recent years, with imaginative flair. The Icelandic dairy
industry is subject to strict production control and all products
must meet the high level of quality expected by the public.
The extensive range of Icelandic dairy products means that
every possible taste is catered for. Still popular today are the
centuries-old Icelandic specialities skyr and mysa (whey).
Classed as a fresh cheese, skyr is made from skimmed milk
and is akin to yogurt, and the German „Quark“. Whey is a by-
product in the making of skyr and is used in the pickling of
slátur. Traditionally, mysa was a popular thirst-quencher and
still is today. An ideal substitute for white wine when cooking
fish. Dairy products that can be stored for a long period are
specially market with the letter „G“.
ICELANDIC FOOD
81

ON CENTER MAP NO 11

ON CENTER MAP NO 5

FRUITS & VEGETABLES
Icelanders grow a lot of tasty garden vegetables, e.g. rhubarb,
cabbage, cauliflower and potatoes, of which people here eat a
lot. Vegetables and tropical fruits are also imported, making a
wide choice all the year round. In the autumn, Icelanders like
to gather wild berries, mainly crowberries and blueberries,
which are eaten fresh and also used to make jams and
juices, in particular the former. Geothermal energy is used to
heat greenhouses, especially for the growing of cucumbers,
tomatoes, green and red peppers, mushrooms and beautiful
garden flowers.
The diet of Icelanders has undergone rapid changes in recent
years. The consumption of fruit and vegetables has steadily
risen in line with increased information about their nutritional
value. The Iceland Nutrition Council keeps track of these
developments and confirms that Icelanders now consume
more than 32kg of fresh vegetables per inhabitant annually.
The figure for fresh fruit is nearly 45kg per person.
ICELANDIC FOOD
85

KJÖT:
LAMB
NAUT
SVÍN
FOLALD
HREINDÝR
Læri
Lærissneiðar
Hryggur
Kótilettur/rifjur
Frampartur
Frampartsneiðar
Hamborgarhryggur
London lamb
Kjötfars
Kjöthakk
Lundir
Hryggvöðvi (filé)
Smásteik (gúllas)
Súpukjöt
Afturhryggsneið (T-bein)
Hamborgarar
Rifjasteik
Skinka
Beikon (flesk)
Saltkjöt
Reykt kjöt
Kálfasneið (schnitzel)
Hangikjöt
HÁLF- OG FULLUNNIN
KJÖTVARA
Pylsur og bjúgu
Niðursoðið kjöt
LIST OF PRODUCTS
LIST OF PRODUCTS
LISTE DE PRODUITS • WARENVERZEICHNIS • PRODUKTFÖRTECKNING
MEAT:
LAMB
BEEF
PORK
HORSEMEAT (FOAL)
REINDEER
Leg
Slices of leg
Saddle/rack
Cutlets/chops
Shoulder
Shoulder slices
Smoked saddle of pork
VIANDE:
MOUTON (AGNEAU)
BOEUF
PORC
CHEVAL (POULAIN)
RENNE
Gigot
Tranches de gigot
Selle/Échine
Côtelettes
Épaule
Tranches d’épaule
Selle de porc fumée
Lightly smoked lamb Mouton légèrement fumé
Sausage meat (f. meatballs) Farce
Minced meat
Viande hachée
Tenderloin
Filet
Fillet
Faux-filet
Boneless stewing meat Viande à ragoût
Pot stew meat (with bones) Viande à soupe
T-bone steak
Côte de boeuf
Hamburgers
Steak haché
Rib steak
Plat de côtes
Ham
Jambon
Bacon
Lard fumé
Salted meat
Petit salé
Smoked meat
Viande fumée
Veal schnitzel
Escalope de veau
Smoked lamb
Viande de mouton fumée
PREPARED MEAT
PRODUCTS
Sausages
Canned meat
PRODUITS À BASE
DE VIANDE
Saucissesetsaucissons
Viandes en conserves
FLEISCH:
LAMM
RINDFLEISCH
SCHWEIN
FOHLEN
RENTIER
Keule
Keulenscheiben
Rücken
Koteletts
Schulter
Schulterscheiben
Gerächerter
Schweinerücken
Leichtgeräuchertes Lamm
Wurstfleisch
Hackfleisch
FIlet
FIlet
Gulaschfleisch
Suppenfleisch
T-bone Steak
Hamburger
Rippenbraten
Schinken
Geräuchertes Speck
Salzfleisch
Geräuchertes Fleisch
Kalbsschnitzel
Geräuchertes Lamm
FLEISCHPRODUKTE
KJÖTTPROTUKTER
Wurstwaren
Fleischkonserven

MEAT
Iceland of fers a fine vari ety of meats: lamb, pork and beef,
as well as a limited am ount of hor se meat and reindeer. Meat
dis play counters are alwa ys well stocked with qu ality fresh
meat, handled by top class butchers. Shop refri ger ators and
freez ers carry a wide vari ety of con veni ent ly packa ged meat
prod ucts.
Iceland has strict reg ul ations relat ing to the hand ling and
stora ge of meat and the use of hor mo nes is strict ly for bidden.
Due to the risk of contam inations, the import of meat is
prohi bited. Sheep breed ing in Iceland goes back to the time
of settlem ent, which ex pla ins the nation’s high consum ption
of lamb. In keep ing with tra dition, sheep are all owed to graze
freely in mounta in ar e as over the sum mer, feed ing on the grass
and wild herbs that give Iceland ic lamb its dist inct i ve fla vo ur.
ICELANDIC FOOD
87

ÍSLENSKUR
MATUR;
Svið
Sviðasulta
Hangikjöt
Blóðmör
Lifrarpylsa
Ýmis súrmatur
(blóðmör/lifrarpylsa/
hrútspungar/bringukollar/selshreifar)
Saltkjöt
Flatkökur, flatbrauð
Seytt rúgbrauð
Hákarl
Harðfiskur
Skyr
Ávaxtaskyr
88
LIST OF PRODUCTS
LISTE DE PRODUITS • WARENVERZEICHNIS • PRODUKTFÖRTECKNING
ICELANDIC
SPECIALITIES:
Singed sheep heads
Sheep-head jelly
Smoked lamb
Bloodpudding
Liver pudding
Various soured meats
(bloodpudding/liver pudding/
ram Testicles/breast of
lamb/seal flippers)
Salted lamb
Rye pancakes
Cooked rye bread
Greenland shark
Dried fish
See description
Skyr with fruit
SPÉCIALITÉS
ISLANDISES:
Têtes de mouton roussies
Fromage de tête
Viande de mouton fumée
Boudin
Boudin de foie
Mets surs variés (boudin/
boudin de foie/testicules
de bélier/poitrine de mouton/
nageoires de phoque
Petit salé de mouton
Galettes de seigle
Pain de seigle cuit à la vapeaur
Requin du groënland
Poisson séché
Voir description
Skyr aux fruits
ISLANDISCHE
SPEZIALITUATEN:
Gesengte Schafsköpfe
Kopfsülze
Geräuchertes Lamm
Blutwurst
Leberwurst
Sauerspeisen (Blutwurst/
Leberwurst/Widderhoden/
Lammbrust/Robbenflossen)
Gesalzenes Lamm
Fladenbr. (Roggenpfannk.)
Gekochtes Pumpernickel
Haifisch
Trockenfish
Siehe Erklärung
Skyr mit Früchten

TRADITIONAL ICELANDIC FOOD
Iceland has age-old food traditions, associtated with the
autumn slaughtering season and the limited possibilities for
preserving the meat. Some of these traditions are still very
much alive today. The unique „súrmatur“ or whey-pickled
foods make up the so-called „thorramatur“, relished by
Icelanders, especially in the period from January to March.
„Seytt rúgbrauð“ (cooked rye bread), „harðfiskur“
(dried fish) and „slátur“ (blood pudding) are common fare, while
„hangikjöt“ (smoked lamb) on „flatbrauð“ (rye pancakes) is
delicious at any time.
Do try some of these national specialities when in Iceland!
ICELANDIC FOOD
89

ON MAP NO 18
Delicatessen
• Great selection of Icelandic cheese
• Taste the cheese and choose the best
• Selection of international cheese
• Catering services for all occasions
• Accompaniments and sundries
• Choice of cheese pies, soups at lunchtime
• We do catering services for all occations
Open: Mon. - Thu. 11:00 - 18:00, Fri. 10:00 - 18:30 and Sat .11:00 - 16:00
Seating on Lower Floor our Lunch offer Delicious
Icelandic Dishes and Soups from 11:30 - 13:30
Welcome to the Gourmet
and Cheese Store,
Skólavörðurstígur 8,
where the best of the
contemporary blends
deliciously with the
best from the past.
Skólavörðustígur 8
Tel: 562 - 2772
ostabudin@ostabudin.is
www.ostabudin.is

CHEESE AND BUTTER
The wide selection available is proof that cheese- and
butter-making is now a well-established and thriving art in
Iceland. Today there are over 89 types of cheese to be had,
including Icelandic variations of many internationally famous
cheeses. The rapid and very successful development of the
past decades now mean that the nation’s cheeses are equal
to, if not better than, foreign cheeses. Some Icelandic cheeses
have gone on to win international acclaim. Icelandic butter and
butter spreads come in various forms. In addition to butter
there is the popular “Smjörvi“ and “Létt og laggott“, which has
a mere 40% fat content (not suitable for frying). The success of
Icelandic cheese and butter is due no doubt to the high quality
standards and the fact that Icelandic milk is produced in a
natural environment untouched by pollution.
ICELANDIC FOOD
91

FUGLAR:
Rjúpa
Lundi
Reyktur lundi
Svartfugl
Villigæs
Aligæs
Kalkúni
Villiönd
Aliönd
Kjúklingur
Kjúklingabringa/ur
Kjúklingalæri
Unghæna
Unghani
Hænuegg
Svartfuglsegg
Andaregg
Gæsaregg
92
LIST OF PRODUCTS
LISTE DE PRODUITS • WARENVERZEICHNIS • PRODUKTFÖRTECKNING
BIRDS:
Ptarmigan
Puffin
Smoked puffin
Guillemot
Wild goose
Farm-reared goose
Turkey
Wild duck
Farm-reared duck
Chicken
Breast of chicken
Leg of chicken
Young hen/pullet
Cockerel
Hen’s eggs
Sea-bird eggs
Duck’s eggs
Goose eggs
OISEAUX:
Perdrix des neiges
Macareux
Macareux fumé
Guillemot
Oie sauvage
Oie domestique
Dinde
Canard sauvage
Canard d’élevage
Poulet
Blanc de poulet
Cuisse de poulet
Poularde
Coquelet
Oeufs de poule
Oeufs de guillemot
Oeufs de canard
Oeufs d’oie
VÖGEL:
Schneehuhn
Papageientaucher
Geräucherter
Papageientaucher
Alke
Wildgans
Mastgans
Pute
Wildente
Mastente
Hähnchen
Hähnchenbrust
Hähnchenkeule
Junghuhn
Junghahn
Hühnereier
Alkeneier
Enteneier
Gänseeier

BIRDS & EGGS
Poultry farming is considerable in Iceland. The most
common types of bird reared are chicken, duck and turkey.
National consumption of poultry has been on the increase,
no doubt the result of the rapid growth in number of fastfood
and oriental restaurants. Over the centuries, Icelanders
have acquired a taste for sea birds, in particular guillemot
and puffin, which are caught on the steep cliff faces along
the coasts. In the spring the colourful eggs of these birds are
collected for consumption. Slightly larger than a hen’s egg,
they are considered a delicacy. Needless to say, your ordinary
hen’s egg is available at any time of the year.
ICELANDIC FOOD
93

ON MAP NO 26

22:30
23:30
22:30
ON CENTER MAP NO 15

ON MAP NO 1
Visitors_guide_augl_97x130.fmx 5/11/06 9:58 AM Page 1

MILESTONES IN ICELAND’S HISTORY
874–930 The Settlement of Iceland.
Ingólfur Arnarson, the first permanent
settler, arrives in Reykjavík.
985 Eiríkur the Red discovers and settles
in Greenland.
930–1030 The Saga Age. The first Althing
(Parliament) and the establishment of the
Republic of Iceland at Thingvellir.
1000 Christianity adopted as the new
religion. Leifur the Lucky Eiríksson discovers
North America and names it Vínland.
1030 The beginning of the Age of Peace.
1056 Consecration of the first bishop
of Iceland, Ísleifur Gissurarson. Skálholt
becomes the diocesan seat of the first
bishopric of Iceland.
1117–1118 The laws of the Althing are
written down after having been transmitted
orally. End of the Age of Peace.
1120–1230 The Age of Writing. An era of
tremendous literary activity. The mounumental
History of the Kings of Norway, and
the first vernacualar history, Book of Icelanders,
were written during this period.
1230 Beginning of the Age of Sturlungs: beginning
of the Civil War.
1241 Snorri Sturluson killed.
1262 Iceland comes under the Norwegian
crown. End of the Age of Sturlungs.
1380 Iceland and Norway come under the
Danish crown.
1402–1404 The Black Death plague
ravages Iceland.
1540–1550 The Reformation in Iceland, ending
the Middle Ages.
1602 Denmark establishes a trade
monopoly.
1662 Absolutism enforced.
1783–1785 The catastropic, Lakagígar
eruption and earthquakes.
1786 Reykjavík obtains town status.
Population at the time was 200.
1787 Trade freed to Danish subjects.
1800 The Althing is abolished.
1818 The National Library of Iceland is
founded.
1843 The Althing is re-established as a
consultative body. Jón Sigurðsson leads the
continuing struggle for greater
autonomy.
1854 Danish trade monopoly is lifted.
1861 The National Museum founded.
1874 Millennium celebration of the
Settlement. King of Denmark visits Iceland
for the first time. New Icelandic constitution.
1904 Home Rule under Denmark.
1911 University of Iceland founded.
1915 Women granted national elections
voting rights.
1918 The Act of Union gives full recognition
to Iceland’s independence.
1919 The Icelandic Coast Guard begins
operating around Iceland.
1920 The Supreme Court founded.
1930 Millennium of the Althing celebrated.
1940 Iceland occupied by British troops.
1941 U.S. forces take over defense of
Iceland and policy of permanent neutrality
abandoned.
1944 The Republic of Iceland was founded
at Thingvellir.
1945 First international flight by Icelandic
aircraft.
1946 Iceland joins the United Nations.
1947 Iceland founding members of OEEC
(in 1961 changed to OECD).
1949 Iceland becomes a founding
member of NATO.
1952 Iceland’s fishery limits extended to
four miles. Iceland joins the Nordic Council.
1958 Iceland’s fishery limits extended to
12 miles. Cod War with Britain.
1963 Birth of submarine island Surtsey off
the coast of Iceland.
1965 Treaty concluded with Denmark for the
return of Icelandic manuscripts.
1970 Iceland joins EFTA.
1971 Arrival of first Icelandic manuscripts
from Copenhagen.
1972 Fishery limits extended to 50 miles.
1973 Volcanic eruption on Heimaey,
the only inhabited island of the Westman
Islands.
1974 1100th anniversary of the Settlement.
The Ring Road around Iceland completed.
1975 Fishery limits extended to 200 miles.
Cod War with Britain.
1980 Vigdís Finnbogadóttir becomes first
woman ever to be democratically elected
President of a Republic. She was
re-elected in 1984, 1988 and again in 1992.
1986 Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meeting
held in Höfdi House, Reykjavík.
1989 Offical visit of Pope John Paul II.
1992 EFTA countries and the European
Union establish European Economic Area
(EEA). Iceland becomes part of the EUs
single market
1994 EEA comes into effect
1996 Volcanic eruption underneath the
Vatnajökull glacier.
2006 The United States closes the military
base at Keflavík.
HISTORY

REYKJAVIK
THERMAL POOLS
There is no better way to recharge your mind and body
then to visit one of reykjavík’s outdoor swimming pools
www.itr.is ı tel.: 411 5000

– have a refreshing swim or simply lounge
in the warm waters and relax.

ON MAP NO 24
ÞRÍR FRAKKAR
Café - Restaurant
Specialities: Fresh seafood
and whale meat
Open daily for lunch and dinner
except Sat./Sun. for dinner only
Baldursgata 14
Reservations tel. 552 3939
Fax 561 3939 • frakkar@islandia.is
www.3frakkar.com

The Vegetation of Iceland
The vegetation of Iceland is in many aspects
more different from that of other countries of
Europe than the flora. The nakedness of the
country is a very striking feature and great
areas may be characterized as deserts or
semi-deserts. After the settlements the
woods were cut for fuel and housing and
heavy grazing, often overgrazing, by the
livestock damaged the vegetation.
The only indigenous tree of importance is
the Birch (Betula pubescens), represented
by a subspecies. Here and there in the Birch
woods, however, individuals of Rowan (Sorbus acuparia) are found
scattered and Tea-leavedWillow (Salix phylicifolia) is common.
Due to the destruction of the woods large areas in the lowlands and
on the lower parts of mountain slopes are covered with heath and
grass vegetation of varius types. The grass vegataion often includes
herb species with beautiful flowers like the Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium
verum), the Alpine Cinquefoil (Potintilla crantzii), the Meadow Buttercup
(Ranunculus acris), The White Clover (Trifolium repens) and the
Autumnal Hawkbit (Leontodon autumnalis). Wood Cranisbill (Geranium
sylvaticum), Angilica (Angilica archangelica), some species of Lady’s
Mantle (Alchemilla),Dandelion ( Taraxacum) and Hawkweed (Hieracium)
are usually dominating and a number of other species are often found
such as the Water Avens (Geum rivale), the Meadow –sweet (Filipendula
ulmaria) and the Wilde Angelica (Angelica silvestris).
The costal vegetation is very variable in accordance with the
heterogeneity of the substratum, ranging from clay to sand, pepples,
boulders and rock walls. Some of the costal species of vascular plants
are common around the coasts, like the Scurvy-grass (Cochlearia
officinalis), the Sea Sandwort (Honkenya peploides) and the Northern
Shore-wort (Mertensia maritima). The vegetation around hot springs and
in and along the courses of the warm water flowing from them is very
characteristic, as the Adder´s Tounge (Ophioglossum azoricum), the
Red Shank (Polygonum persicaria), the Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle
vulgaris), the Water Speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica ) and the
Marsh Cudweed (Gnaphalium uliginosum) are in Iceland only found
growing in warm soils and water. Iceland, situated on the boundary
of the Arctic and the Boreal Regions, has extremely interesting
phytogeographical position.
THE VEGETATION OF ICELAND
103

ON MAP NO 6

Wood crane’s bill. Daisies.
The flora of Iceland
The flora of Iceland includes about 470 species of indigenous
and naturalized species of vascular plants, including 37 species
of vascular Cryptogams, 1 Gymnosperm, nearly 290 species of
Dicotyledons and 145 species of Monocotyledons which is a rather
high percentage like in many northern countries. The character of
the Icelandic flora is distinctly North European or Scandinavian.
The western element of vascular plants in the Icelandic flora, or the
group of species with their main area of distribution west of Iceland
and not reaching the British isles or the European continent, is very
small, comprising only 8 species. The eastern element in the flora,
or the species with Eurasian area of distribution is about nine times
as big as the western one. Far the biggest element in the Icelandic
flora, however, is the circumpolar element.
Even if Iceland is often regarded as an Arctic country, it is situated
practically entirely south of the Arctic Circle, and the climate is
not an arctic one but a cold-tempered oceanic climate, Iceland
being an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The paucity
of species of the flora of Iceland is therefore no reliable reflection
of the present climate of the country, but is mostly due to its
isolation and accordingly limited possibilities of dispersal of plants
from other countries during the relatively short time since the last
Pleistocene glaciation.
THE FLORA OF ICELAND
105

ON MAP NO 26
OPENING HOURS:
MON - SUN 17.00 - 23.00
Laugavegur 53b | 101 Reykjavík | Tel. 511 3350 | www.hereford.is

Cuckoo flower. Violet.
The flora of Iceland
About half of these 470 species are regarded by most Icelandic
botanists as survivors of at least that last glaciation. Plants of
special interest to visitors from other European countries are those
western species indigenous to Iceland but not found in the British
isles nor on the European continent. Among the most conspicuous
of these plants are the following species: The Arctic Fireweed,
or River-beauty, (Epilobium latifolium), The Northern Green
Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea), The Broad-leaved Willow (Salix
callicarpaea) and the Lyngbye´s Sedge (Carex lyngbyei).
Plants of special interest to visitors from American countries,
on the other hand, are consequently the European and Eurasian
species of Iceland not found in the western hemisphere; some
of them do reach as far west as western Greenland while others
have their westernmost occurence in Iceland and only a few can
be mentioned: The Birch (Betula pubescens), The Rowan (Sorbus
aucuparia) and The Angelica (Angelica archangelica).
On the whole, Iceland, situated as it is in the Atlantic Ocean
between America and the European continent and on the boundary
of the Arctic and the Boreal Regions, has an extremely interesting
phytogeographical position.
THE FLORA OF ICELAND
107

ON CENTER MAP NO 12

Black-tailed godwit. Ptarmigan.
Birdlife in Iceland
For the bird-watcher Iceland has many attract ions. Though,
despite popular op inion, not tru ly Arct ic, it has a fair
sprinkling of birds which come into this category. Another
inter est ing feat ure is that Iceland is the western most out post of a
num ber of Old World bird species and the eastern most of
some New World ones. In all some 300 bird species have been
seen in Iceland at one time or another, but of these only 73
have, up to recent ly, been nest ing reg ul ar ly in the country.
Ten species have been recor ded breed ing ir reg ul ar ly.
There are 11 comm on passa ge migrants or wint er visitors and
a num ber of reg ul ar drift migrants while the rema in ing species
are accidentals. Bes ide the excit ing Arct ic and Amer ic an
species which can be obser ved in Iceland it is not so much the
num ber of species as the indi vi du al abund ance and tameness
of birds which makes Iceland a para d ise for bird-watchers.
This may be directly attributed to the fact that the size of the
human population is only 290,000 whereas the total area of
the country is 103,000 sq.km. This explains why so much of
Iceland is still unaffected by human activities and also why the
birds there have had greater chances of withstanding human
competition than in more densely populated countries.The
most celebrated of all Iceland ic birds is the Iceland ic falcon,
which in for mer times enjoyed a great reputa tion am ongst
falconers. The huge white-tailed eagle was for merly fair ly
comm on, but now it has been red uced to such an extent that
gra ve concern must be felt for its fut ure.
BIRDLIFE IN ICELAND
109

ON MAP NO 19
Open: Mon. - Tue.: 11am - 6.30pm
Wednesday: 11am - 5pm
Thurs. - Fri.: 11am - 6.30pm
Saturday: 12pm - 5pm
Sunday: closed

Artic tern. Puffin.
Birdlife in Iceland
Two species of owl in habit Iceland. The snowy owl, which
is extrem ely rare, was restrict ed to certa in wild parts of the
central hig hlands. The short-eared owl is found in low-lying
moor land and val leys. The short-eared owl preys on fieldmice
and small birds, while the snowy owl, like the falcon,
usu ally preys on the pt ar mig an, which is the country’s only
gall inaceous bird and also its most import ant game bird.
The geese are repres ented in Iceland by two comm on
nest ing species and three passa ge migrants one of which is
a rare breeder.
Iceland has long been known as one of the major
breed ing haunts of wa ter fowl in Europe. The total number
of breed ing ducks wit hin limited area has been
estimated to be somet hing of the order of 20.000.
On the tower ing birdcliffs, which are occupied by a mix ed
ass embla ge of colon i al sea birds, the most import ant species
are the comm on guillemot, Brünn ich’s guillemot, the puffin, the
razor bill, the kitt iwa ke, and the fulm ar. The puffin is, however,
by no means strict ly a cliff-breed ing bird as it also forms huge
colon ies on lowlying grassy is lands. It is one of the most common
Iceland ic bird species with a population runn ing into milli ons.
The comm on gull, the herr ing gull, the less er black-backed
gull, and the black-hea ded gull are new immigrants that have
colon ized Iceland in recent ye ars, chi efly af t er 1920.
BIRDLIFE IN ICELAND
111

ON MAP NO 29
THAI
RESTAURANT
Atid
Restaurant open from 11:30 - 22:00 weekdays
and from 14:00 - 22:00 sunday
TAKE
AWAY
Delicious Thai food
Special 3 courses lunch buffet
weekdays from 11:30 - 14:00, 990 ISK.
Atid KARAOKE AND SPORT BAR
Open friday from 11.30 - 03.00 and
saturday from 14.00 - 03.00
Dancing friday and saturday from 23:00
Welcome to our restaurant and sport bar and we
will do our best to make it a memorable stay
Atid | Thai Restaurant and sport bar
Laugavegi 73 - 101, Reykjavík | Tel: +354 552 5444 / 552 5447

THE SOUTH
– BLACK SAND
AND GLACI ERS
Glaci ers, lava fields, hot springs, black volcan ic sands and
fer tile farm land are all feat ures of the varied landscape
of South Iceland and there is a vast range of
recr eational opportunities in this reg ion which stretches from
the hot-spring town of Hvera gerði in the west to the Vatna jök ull
glaci er in the east.
Many of the classic tourist attract ions are in South
Iceland: Thing vell ir, the anci ent site of the Iceland ic
parli ament, the Alt hing; the massi ve Gull foss wa ter fall on the
Hvítá river; the Great Geys ir hot spring area; Mount Hekla,
one of the world’s most famous volcanoes, which has er upted
three times in recent ye ars and the anci ent bis hopric at
Skál holt. The hot springs in Hvera gerði and the green hou ses
show inter est ing app lications for geothermal heat.
113

ON MAP NO 25

THE WEST
– A NEW WORLD TO DISCOVER
Varied landscape, a range of geolog ical formations and many
opportunities for recr eation charact er ize this area. It is of
part icul ar inter est to orni t h o log ists, to hi kers, pony trekk ers,
those who want to get onto a glaci er and to anglers for it has
some of the country’s best salmon rivers. Is lands in Iceland’s
widest fjord, Breiða fjörður, which is on the west coast, can be
ex plor ed by boat trip from Stykkishólmur the largest town in
the area. The Snæ fells nes glaci er towers over the peninsula,
and lava fields at the foot of the glaci er tell us that long before
the settlem ent of Iceland there was a massi ve er uption
und er the ice cap. This still act i ve volcano was imm ortalised
in Jules Ver ne’s novel Jo ur n ey to the Centre of the Earth.
Snjófell travel service operates a well approved sightseeing
tour to Snæfellsnes glacier, including a snow scooter or
snowmobil tour to the top of the glacier. From there you will
enjoy a spectacular view. A unique experience. Overall clothing
available.
115

ON CENTER MAP NO 9

THE WEST FJORDS
– RUG GED BUT FRI END LY
This is very rug ged country and geolog ically one of the old est
parts of Iceland. The peninsula’s uneven coast line is cut by
deep fjords bounded by precipitous cliffs where roads, if they
ex ist, are oft en cut into the steep fjord slopes. The population
here is main ly con fined to the fis hing ports with many farms
hav ing been des erted because of their inacessi bility. Most of
the landscape is compos ed of cliffs and mounta ins with very
little soil, but on the mounta in plateaux and in the val leys the
hardy Iceland ic sheep find the grass and herbs that give the
meat its dist inct i ve fla vo ur. Fis hing ports flourish because of
their prox imity to the rich fis hing grounds off the nort hwest
coast. Comm un ications by sea and air are good and the
stand ard of liv ing in these ports is very high. Ísa fjörð ur bears
wit ness to a strong cultural tra dition. A modern hot el,
swimm ing pool and restaurants are am ong the excellent
facilities availa ble here.
117

ON MAP NO 28
OPEN 11.30-22.00
3 3

THE NORTH
– RICH IN CONTRASTS
Para dox ically one can oft en ex pect hig her tempera t ures in the
North in mid-sum mer than in the South. It is a question of wind
direct ion. A north wind over the country means cle ar we ather
in the South and a south wind means first rate weather in the
North and there’s less rain up there.
There are also more extrem es than in the South which
usu ally means more snow in the wint er and ideal conditions for
ski ent husi asts.
Ak ur eyri, the Capi tal of the North, has a fer tile hinter land
part icul ar ly suited to dairy farm ing, which along with sheep
farm ing, di atomite mining and of cour se the area’s
import ant fis hing ports, has made this a hig hly prosper ous
and well developed reg ional comm unity. There are excellent
hot els, top class restaurants, good comm un ications by
road, air and sea, and other public services and facilities.
Ak ur eyri is the centre for commerce and industry. It is also
the cultural centre of fer ing drama, music, art, local hi story
museums, and ed ucation at uni versity level.The rug ged
north coast is indented by a series of broad fjords which
are oft en separated by tower ing mounta ins. Ice floes and
solit ary icebergs from Green land can oft en be seen here close
to land in ear ly sum mer and there have been cases of pol ar
be ars drift ing as hore. 119

ON CENTER MAP NO 9
S e a f o o d G r i l l F i e s t a
The Perfect Lobster soup
“The New York Times”
THE BEST BUY IN TOWN
“The Washington Post”
Opening Hours:
Summer 11.00 - 22.00
Winter 11.00 - 21.00
RESTAURANT
A Special Sea Product
Verbúð 8, Reykjavík City Harbor · Tel. 55 3 1500 · www.saegreifinn.is

THE EAST
– COAS TAL SPLENDO UR
This is a mounta in ous area of relati vely little volcan ic act i vity
with deep fjords separated by high mounta in ridges. The
scenery is dramat ic with mounta ins reaching all the way to the
sea. The people of the fjord com m unities have relied on fis hing
and tra d ing throug hout the cent uries though there is fer tile
farm land in the broad valley at Eg ils stað ir, a town which has
direct scheduled flights from Germany in the summer and can
be reached by air from vari ous parts of Iceland. You can also
get here by sea on an international car ferry call ing at Norway,
Den mark, The Shetlands and The Faroes, which berths
at Seyðis fjörður, a port only 30 km away from Egilsstaðir.
The area’s popula rity has led to a signi ficant incr e a se in
accomm odation and facilities in recent ye ars. From Eg ils staðir
one can dri ve down to the in habited fjords where there are
thri v ing fis hing comm unities with modern services, camp ing
sites, comm unity centres, hot els and guest hou ses. 121

ON MAP NO 16
Scandinavian
Smørrebrød & brasserie
A delicious secret in the center of town.
Scandinavian offers a variety of dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Our emphasis is on Icelandic and Nordic cuisine as well as
selected specialties from continental Europe.
Open mon. - thurs. 11:00 - 22:00, fri. - sat. 11:00 - 23:00, sun. 12:00 - 22:00
Laugavegi 24, 101 Reykjvaík
Tel: +354 578-4888
info@scandinavian.is
www.scandinavian.is

THE WEST MAN
IS LANDS
– VOLCANO SUR VI VAL
The West man Is lands are situ ated just off the south coast and
the main is land, Heima ey, has a population of about 5,000. No
port in Iceland reg isters big ger catches than this one and the
is land is simply buzzing with life. Here, there are some tru ly
spectacul ar sights. The is land ers have made their liv ing from
the sea from the days of the first settlers, the per fect natural
harbo ur and tall cliffs ten anted by multitudes of puffin, fulmar
and guillemot being two import ant fact ors in this community’s
prosperity. To this day local men hop ex pert ly from ledge
to led ge collect ing eggs, attached to a lifeline held by an
anchor man at the top of the cliff. A boat trip round the is lands
with their sheer basalt cliffs and er oded arches ris ing out
of the deep sea ex pla ins to the visitor why only one is land is
in habited.
123

TRY IT YOURSELF!
What would your name be if you followed the Icelandic tradition?
What would your father’s and mother’s names be? Just for fun, try
completing the form for your family members.
This is done in the following manner:
1. First, fill in the blanks at the top with the names of your paternal
and maternal grandparents.
2. Then write your father’s and mother’s names, with their
patronymics, as they would be if you followed the Icelandic tradition,
in the blanks below. Whose son and daughter are your parents?
3. In the blank space at the bottom of the page you add your
name, in the Icelandic fashion. Whose son or daughter are you?
FATHER’S FATHER:
FATHER’S MOTHER:
FATHER: MOTHER:
MOTHER’S FATHER:
MOTHER’S MOTHER:
MY NAME ACCORDING TO THE ICELANDIC CUSTOM:

ICELANDIC NAMES
Most Icelanders still follow the ancient tradition of deriving
their last name from the first name of their father.
If a man is called Leifur Eiríksson his name is Leifur and he
is Eiríksson (the son of a man called Eiríkur). A woman called
Þórdís Haraldsdóttir has the personal name Þórdís and is
Haraldsdóttir (i.e. Harald´s daughter).
If Þórdís Haraldsdóttir marries Leifur Eiríksson she does not
become Eiríksson, like her husband. She continues to be
Þórdís Haraldsdóttir.
If Þórdís and Leifur have a son, he would have Leifsson as a
last name, and their daughter would have Leifsdóttir as her
last name.
We have to keep in mind that Eiríksson, Leifsson and
Haraldsdóttir are not really names as such, but patronymics,
which refer to their fathers. For this reason Icelanders always
have to be referred to by their given names. The patronymic
is never used alone.
Icelanders say for example, the President of Iceland, Ólafur
Ragnar Grímsson, or even President ÓIafur Ragnar but never
President Grímsson. There is a limited number of Icelanders
who do have family names.
125

ON MAP NO 16

ICELANDIC NATIONAL COSTUME
Þjóðbúningurinn is the collective native term for the Icelandic National costumes.
The national costume has enjoyed various levels of popularity since the term was
coined in Iceland in the 19th century, during the fight for independence.
Women’s costume
The following types of costume are all recognized as Icelandic National
costumes. However both the kyrtill and skautbúningur were designed in the 18th
century from scratch as ceremonial costumes, while the faldbúningur, peysuföt
and the upphlutur are traditional daily wear of Icelandic women in olden times.
The Faldbúningur is an older type of costume worn by women in since at
least the 17th century and well into the 19th. In its most recongnized form it
incorporated a hat decorated with a curved sheet-like ornament prodruding
into the air and exists in two variants.
The Peysuföt are black woolen clothes commonly worn by women in the 18-
19th century. They usually consisted of a twill skirt and a jacket of fine knitted
woolen yearn with a black tail cap. It is believed that this costume was invented
when women, desiring simpler working clothes than the faldbúningur.
The Upphlutur is a woman’s costume, consisting of bodice that can be
coloured in bright colours such as red or blue, but often black. Its headpiece
is a tail cap. The costume is basically the undergarment of the faldbúningur.
The Kyrtill was designed to look like Viking-age costumes. It however incorporates
a hat similar to the one on the skautbúningur.
The Skautbúningur was conceived as a modernized variation of the faldbúningur,
which had fallen out of use by the middle of the 19th century. It incorporates a
complicated hat inspired by the ones traditionally used with the faldbúningur.
Men’s costume
Mens costume exists in three radically different versions. It is the only direct
descendant of traditional daily wear of Icelandic men, while the other two
were designed from the start as ceremonial costume.
The one considered most traditional consists of woolen breeches or trousers,
a usually double buttoned vest and a double buttoned jacket called treyja.
Sometimes a peysa with a single row of buttons is used in lieu of the vest and
treyja. On the head is a tail cap. This costume was usually black, navy blue or
dark green, although the vest, which was usually brighter was sometimes red.
It is identical to the clothing Icelandic men commonly wore from the 17th until
the 19th century.
127

ON MAP NO 16

www.bluelagoon.com
EIDERDOWN DUVETS
WELCOME TO OUR EIDERDOWN
COMFORTER FACTORY SHOP
IN THE CENTRE OF REYKJAVÍK.
We offer the largest selection of quality white
goose-, swan-, duck-, and eiderdown comforters
and pillows in all international sizes.
Wholesale - Retail - Taxfree world wide export
Laugavegur 87 - 101 Reykjavík
Tel. +354 511 2004
Mobile: +354 861 4186
Fax + 354 511 2003
E-mail: dunogfi dur@dunogfi dur.is
w w w . d u n o g f i d u r . i s
ON MAP NO 1

Reykjavík’s Largest
Shopping Centre
At Kringlan you will
discover more than 150
quality shops, a wide
range of restaurants and
services such as banks
and a multiplex cinema.
All major international
brands are represented,
as well as Icelandic
designs and souvenirs.
Claim your tax-free cash
refund at our service desk for
a refund of up to 15% of the VAT.
Monday to Wednesday 10–18.30, Thursday 10–21, Friday 10–19, Saturday 10–18, Sunday 13–18