iceland information guide 2012

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Alphabet 12Accommodation 33Art gallery, Ceramic Workshop 36, 46Birdlife 109, 111Blue Lagoon 51Car rental firms 44, 66Cheese store 90Conversions, Clothing sizes 30, 69 Duvet store 4 Distance in km – Drivng in Iceland 67 Embassies of Iceland 19Flora of Iceland 105, 107 Furrier 28Gift – souvenirs and woollens 26, 34, 42, 46, 60, 68Hotels and guesthouses 11, 22, 25, 32, 39, 61 Iceland 3, 4, 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 63Icelandic food 79, 81, 85, 87, 89, 91, 93Icelandic horse and sheep 54, 55Jewelry and watch maker 20, 24, 38, 56, 71Map of Iceland 6, 7 Map of Reykjavík center 125Map of Reykjavík 126, 127Museums in Reykjavík 52, 53National costumes 57Northern Lights 37Restaurants 70 - 128 Transportation Taxi tours 10, 14Tourist Information and Booking Office 16Swimming pools - Health Spa 48, 50, 64, 65Travel facts 27, 29, 31, 33 Whale watching 58, 59Websites in Iceland 18Weather and volcano in Iceland 21, 23

Published annually by Útgáfa og hönnun, Úthlíð 8, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland, Tel. +354-553 5088/899 0778e-mail: [email protected], www.internet.is/icelandinfo Publisher/Editor: Erlendur Guðmundsson Advertising: Ingunn Stefánsdóttir Production manager: Ragnheiður Ingunn Ágústsdóttir Cover Photo: Northern lights, Kleifarvatn lake South West Iceland by Kristjan U. Kristjansson Other Photos: Gréta Gudjónsdóttir, Friðrik Jóelsson, Jóhann Águst Hansen Printing: Oddi hf. – 2012 – 28th year of publication

CONTENTS AND INDEX OF ADVERTISERSPage

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NOTES

A A message from the publisher of Iceland Information Guide

Dear VisitorI 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 28th 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 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

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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, especi ally 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.

TThe repu blic of Iceland

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ON MAP NO 1

T THE COUNTRY – GEOGRAPHYIceland 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. 5

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EXPEriEncE a grEat day with us!discover all the magical places not to be missed when in iceland: Beautiful nature, multicolored mountains, fertile farmlands, stunning views, plummeting waterfalls, natural wonders and geological phenomena.

ON MAP NO 14

MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENTIceland 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.

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REYKJAVÍK NATURA REYKJAVÍK MARINA in KEFLAVÍK FLÚÐIR KLAUSTUR HÉRAÐ AKUREYRI HAMAR

ÝýÞþÆæÖö

ÁáÐðÉéÍT THE ICELANDIC ALPHABET

Aa Áá Bb Dd Ðð Ee Éé Ff Gg Hh Ii Íí Jj KkLl 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).

NORSE MYTHOLOGYThe 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.

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VIKING-AGEThe 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.

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WE MEMORIES

ON MAP NO 26

Trip Booking Office & Tourist InformationLaugavegur 54, ReykjavíkTel. +354 433 8747 Mobile +354 861 [email protected]

www.trip.is

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An old story embodied in The Seal of IcelandThis 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.

The Coat of Arms of the Republic of Iceland

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Ministry for Foreign Affairs www.mfa.isMFA Overseas Business Service www.vur.isGovernment Offices of Iceland www.government.isParliament of Iceland www.althingi.isStatistics Iceland www.statice.isDirectorate of Customs www.tollur.isDirectorate of Immigration www.utl.isSupreme Court www.haestirettur.isA Gateway to Iceland www.iceland.isPermanent Mission of Iceland to the United Nations www.iceland.org/un/nycPermanent Mission of Iceland to the International Organizations in Geneva www.iceland.org/efta

Icelandic Delegation to NATO www.iceland.org/natoCentral Bank of Iceland www.sedlabanki.isTrade Council of Iceland www.icetrade.isInvest in Iceland Agency www.invest.isIceland Chamber of Commerce www.chamber.isIceland Stock Exchange www.vi.isFederation of Icelandic Industries www.si.isInformation Centre of the Ministry of Fisheries www.fisheries.isNational Energy Authority www.os.isIcelandic Federation of Labour www.asi.isConfederation of Icelandic Employers www.sa.isCultureNet Iceland www.menning.isIcelandic Literature www.bokmenntir.isSagaNet www.sagnanet.isReykjavik Arts Festival www.artfest.isNational Museum of Iceland www.natmus.isIcelandic National Gallery www.listasafn.isReykjavik Art Museum www.reykjavik.is/listasafnNational and University Library of Iceland www.bok.hi.isIceland Symphony Orchestra www.sinfonia.isIcelandic Film Centre www.icelandicfilmcentre.isUniversity of Iceland www.hi.isIceland Academy of the Arts www.lhi.isMarine Research Institute www.hafro.isIcelandic Research Council www.rannis.isIcelandic Fisheries Laboratories www.rfisk.isIcelandic Tourist Board www.icetourist.isIceland Naturally www.icelandnaturally.com

USEFUL WEBSITES IN ICELAND

EMBA

SSIE

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ICELANDIC EMBASSIES IN EUROPE, NORTH AMERICA AND ASIA

AUSTRIABotschaft von IslandNaglergasse 2/3/8AT-1010 WienAustriaTel: (1) 533 2771Fax: (1) 533 [email protected]

BELGIUMAmbassade d’Islande Rond Point R. Schuman 11BE-1040 BruxellesTel: 238 5000Fax: 230 [email protected]

DENMARKIslands AmbassadeStrandgade 891401 KøbenhavnTel: 3318 1050Fax: 3318 [email protected]

FINLANDIslands AmbassadPohjoisesplanadi 27CFin-00100 HelsinkiTel: (9) 612 2460Fax: (9) 6122 4620www.islanti.fi [email protected]

FRANCEAmbassade d’Islande52 ave. Victor Hugo FR-75116 ParisTel. (1) 4417 3285Fax (1) 4067 [email protected]

GERMANYIsländische BotschaftRauchstrasse 1DE-10787 BerlinTel: (30) 5050 4000Fax: (30) 5050 [email protected]

RUSSIAN FEDERATIONSkatertny pereulok 34 Bld 4115127 MoscowRU-121069 MoskvaTel: 956 7604Fax: 956 [email protected]

NORWAYIslands AmbassadeStortingsgata 30NO-0244 Oslo 1NorgeTel: 2323 7530Fax: 2283 [email protected]

SWEDENIslands AmbassadKommendörsgatan 35SE-114 58 StockholmSverigeTel: (8) 442 8300Fax: (8) 660 [email protected]/se

UNITED STATESEmbassy of IcelandHouse of Sweden2900 k street NW #509Washington D.C.20007-1704 Tel: (202) 265 6653Fax: (202) 265 [email protected]/us

UNITED KINGDOMEmbassy of Iceland2AHans Street,London SW1X OJEUnited KingdomTel: (20) 7259 3999Fax: (20) 7245 [email protected]/uk

Consulate General of IcelandOne Wellington Crescent Suite 100WinnipegManitoba R3M 3Z2Tel: (204) 284 [email protected]

JAPANEmbassy of Iceland4-18-26 Takanawa,Minato-kuJP-108 0074 Tokyo Tel: (3) 3447 1944Fax: (3) 3447 [email protected]

CHINAEmbassy of IcelandLandmark Tower 1, #8028 North Dongsanhuan RoadBei Lu 100004Tel.: (10) 6590 7795Fax: (10) 6590 [email protected]

INDIAEmbassy of Iceland10 Munirka Marg. Vasant Vihar New Delhi 110057Tel.: 91 11435 30300Fax: 91 11424 [email protected]

CANADAEmbassy of Iceland360 Albert StreetSuite 710Ottawa, OntarioON K1R 7x7Tel: (613) 482 1944Fax: (613) 482 [email protected]

Consulate General of Iceland800 Third Ave 36th. fl.New York, N.Y. 10022U.S.A.Tel: 646 282 9360Fax: 646 282 [email protected]

FAROE ISLANDS Consulate General of Iceland Gongin 5, Torshavn Tel: (298 ) 308 100 Fax: (298) 308 109 icecon.torshavn@ utn.stjr.is

SWITZERLAND Permanet Mission of Iceland Ave Blanc 49 6th floor cp 86, CH 1211 Geneva Tel: 22 716 1700 Fax: 22 716 1707

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ON CENTER MAP NO 7

THE WEATHER IN ICELANDIceland 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, hydrology and avalanche 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

LOCATED NO 3 ON MAP PAGE 6

Hotel Keflavik is a first rate four star hotel, located in the center of Keflavík town only five minutes drive from Keflavík airport. The hotel offers free transport to or from the airport

Hotel Keflavik Vatnsnesvegur 12, 230 Reykjanesbær

Tel.: 00 354 420-7000 • Fax: 00 354 420-7002www.hotelkeflavik.is

THE ERUPTIONS AT THE EYJAFJALLAJÖKULL VOLCANIC SYSTEM IN 2010 AND IN GRÍMSVÖTN 2011Volcanic eruptions occur in Iceland every 3-4 years, with over 50% occurring within glaciers. The eruption in Grímsvötn in Vatnajökull glacier 21-28 May 2011 (see location on map page 7) produced 20 times more ash than the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010 (see location on map page 6). However, the impact on air traffic was small compared to the extensive impact on trans-Atlantic and European air traffic during the Eyjafjallajökull eruption.The Eyjafjallajökull volcanic system in South Iceland erupted twice in spring 2010, first on the flank of the volcano and then at the summit. The flank 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. 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 from 20 March to 12 April. On 14 April 2010, another much bigger eruption began at the summit of the volcano. It was preceded by intense earthquake activity at shallow depth beneath the ice-topped crater of the volcano.Sub-glacial eruptions progress into explosive eruptions when lava comes in contact with ice, causing at the same time melt water flow. 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. The Grímsvötn volcano erupts regularly, the last time in 2004.

Jóhann Ágúst Hansen

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ON CENTER MAP NO 12

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

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ON MAP NO 25

TRAV

EL FA

CTS

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 excursion 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.The following companies operate flights to Iceland, Icelandair, Iceland Express, Air Iceland, WOW Air, Air Greenland, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Berlin, Niki Luftfahrt, SAS, Hamburg International, German Wings, Transavia France, Finnair, Delta Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Travel Service from the foll owing cities:

HOW TO GET TO ICELAND BY AIR

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 minNew 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

AMST ER DAMBARCELONA BERGENBERLINBOSTONBREMENBUDAPESTCOLONECOPEN HAGEN DORTMUNDDÜSSELDORFFRANK FURT

FREDRICHSAFENGLAS GOWHALIFAXHANNOVER HELSINKILONDONMADRIDMANCHESTERMIL AN MUNICH NEW YORK NUUK

OR LANDOOSLOPARIS PRAQUESEATTLESTAVANGERSTUTTGARTSTOCK HOLMTORONTOVIENNA ZURICH

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ON MAP NO 23

Skólavörðustígur 38Tel.: 551 1121 - Fax 551 [email protected]

TRAV

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BEFORE YOU GOLIST OF SCHENGEN COUNTRIES: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Ger many, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. 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, Lithuania, 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 ICELANDDUTY-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) 1.5 liters of wine (up to 21% alcohol content.) or 6 litres of beer 3) 3 liters of wine and 4) 200 cigarettes or 250 gr. of other tobacco products.

AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION / BUSES:Flybus ArrivalsOperated 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 departureOperated 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. The fare apx 13 EUR

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 EUR. Reykjavík taxis offer the same price for the drive from Reykjavík to Keflavík airport. 29

USEFUL CONVERSIONS Imperial EquivalentsLength1 inch = 2.5400 cm1 foot = 12 inches = 0.3048 m1 yard = 3 feet = 0.9144 m1 furlong = 220 yards = 201.17 m1 mile = 1760 yards = 1.6093 km1 nautical mile = 6080 feet = 1.8532 km1 centimetre (cm) = 10 millimeters = 0.3937 in1 metre = 100 cm = 1.0936 yard1 kilometre (km) = 1000 m = 0.6214 mile

Surface or area1 sq cm (cm2) = 100mm2 = 0.1550sq in1 sq metre (m2) = 10.000 cm2 = 1.960 sq yd1 are (a) = 100 m2 = 119.60 sq yds1 hectare (ha) = 100 are = 2.4711 acres1 sq km (km2) = 100 hectares = 0.3861 sq miles1 sq inch = 6.4516 cm2

1 sq foot = 114. sq inches = 0.0929 m2

1 sq yard = 9 sq feet = 0.8361 m2 1 acre = 4048 sq yards = 4046.86 m2

1 sq mile = 640 acres = 259.0 hectares

Capacity1 cu cm (cm3) = 0.0610 cu in1cu metre (m3) = 1000 dm3 = 1.3080 cu yd1 litre = 1 dm3 = 1.7598 pint1 hectolitre = 100 litres = 2.7497 bushelscu inch = 16.387 cm3

cu foot = 1728 cu inches = 0.0283 m3

cu yard = 27 cu feet = 0.07646 m3

pint = 4 gills = 0.5683 litrequart = 2 pints = 1.1365 litregallon = 8 pints = 4.5461 litres

WeightAvaoirdupois1 ounce = 437.5 grains = 28.35 gm1 pound = 16 ounces = 0.4536 kg1 stone = 14 pounds = 6.6503 kg1 hundredweight = 112 pounds = 50.802 kg1 ton = 20 cwt = 1.0161 tonne

Temperature

32 40 50 60 70 75 85 95 105 140 175 212 ˚F

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 60 80 100 ˚C30

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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 unex pect ed.

Avera ge Tempera t ure and Precipita tion 1961–1990 Tempera t ure C Precipita tion mmPLACE JAN JULY JAN JULYReykja vík -0.5 10.6 75.7 51.8Stykk is hólm ur -1.3 9.9 67.5 42.1Ak ur eyri -2.2 10.5 55.5 33.0Teig ar horn -0.3 8.8 129.0 83.8Kirkju bæj ar klaust ur -0.4 11.2 145 120.0West 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 speci-al 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 Reykja vík, 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 foll-ows: Break fast EUR 10-20, lunch EUR 15-25, dinn er EUR 30-40 .

TIPP ING Service and VAT are in vari ably inclu ded in prices in Iceland.

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A modern hotel with all hotels facilitiesin 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, IcelandTel: +354 568 0777Fax: +354 568 [email protected]

ON MAP NO 20

TOURIST INFORMATIONIcelandic Tourist Board IcelandLækjargata 3, Gimli - IS-101 Reykjavik Iceland. Tel: (+354) 535-5500 Fax: (+354) 535-5501 Email: [email protected] / www.icetourist.isIcelandic Tourist Board USA655 Third Avenue, New York, NY.100017 USA, Tel: 212 885 9700 Fax: 212 885 9710Email: [email protected] / www.icelandtouristboard.comIcelandic Tourist Board GermanyCity Centre, Frankfurter Str. 181 D-63263, Neu-Isenburg, Germany Tel: (6102) 25 4484 Fax: (6102) 25 4570 Email: [email protected] / www.icetourist.de

HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSESThere 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

ICELANDAIR HOTELSIcelandair 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

FARMHOUSE ACCOMMODATIONIcelandic Farm Holidays is a chain of farmhouses around Iceland offering accommodation and various activities to travellers in their homes, guesthouses, country-hotels and cottages.For a new brochure or booking, contact Icelandic Farm Holidays, Síðumúla 2, IS 108 Reykjavík, Iceland, tel: +354 5702700, e-mail: [email protected] Webside: www.farmholidays.is.

YOUTH AND FAMILY HOSTELSThere 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: [email protected].

CAMPINGThere 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.

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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.

Elding Sea Adventrues Company, tel: +354 555 3565 offers daily very interesting whale watching and sea angling tours from Reykjavík old Harbour.

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.

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ON MAP NO 22

T THE NORTHERN LIGHTSThe 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.

Gréta Guðjónsdóttir

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Travel is more than just A to B. Travel should open new doors for you.

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.

To start your journey, travel to hilton.com

Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, Sudurlandsbraut 2, 108 Reykjavik, Iceland, Tel: +354 444 5000, Fax: +354 444 5001, E-mail: [email protected]

ON MAP NO 2

REYKJA VÍKTHE 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.

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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, forward-looking 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

Pure Icelandic woolens. Traditional Icelandic silver. Great variety of souvenirs.

ALL PROFITS GO TO CHARITY.

THORVALDSENS BAZAR

A U S T U R S T R Æ T I 4Tel.: 551 3509

email: [email protected]

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 & wol-

lens). But in later years the Bazar is run in the customery way. All profits are used for beneficiary work, mainly for sick children.

SINCE 1901

ON CENTER MAP NO 12

H HI STORYThe 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 Iceland ic 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. Thing vell 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.

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+354 562 6060www.budget.is

Explore Iceland on your own terms.

With so much to see and do, why not rent a car and hit the road in comfort and style with Budget?

H 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.

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KERAMIK – STUDIO – GALLERÍVESTURGATA 5 – TEL./FAX 552 [email protected]

ON CENTER MAP NO 5

EACH PIECE ISONE OF A KIND

RRIVERS AND LAKESRivers 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.

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Enjoya relaxing holidayat Laugar Spa

Laugar - Sundlaugarvegur 30a - Tel +354 553 0000 - www.laugarspa.is - [email protected]

Situated in Laugardalur,the Laugar Spa offers a center of wellnessfor your whole family.

Feel seven heavens, enjoy our health spaand ensure your body and soul feel the best.

Laugar´s outdoor and indoor thermal pools,beauty and massage clinic, unique fitness centercombined with luxury spa will help you breezeinto a wonderful and relaxing holiday.

Laugar opening hours:Monday - Friday 06:00 - 23:30Saturday 08:00 - 22:00Sunday 08:00 - 20:00

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Augl. Iceland Information Guide 2009-2010.pdf 1 10.6.2009 13:52:04

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G 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 glaci er are found in Iceland, ranging from small cirque glaci ers 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.Taxi station Hreyfill on page 14 offer a well approved sightseeing private trips to this part of Iceland.

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.

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Free aperitifwith LAVA's lunch buffet or whenordered fromeveningmenu

Lunch buffet at restaurant LAVA at Blue LagoonIcelandic tasting experience

www.bluelagoon.com


T 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 con-fronted 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 for-med 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


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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

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.

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T 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.

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ON MAP NO 16

I 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 costumeThe 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 costumeMens 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.

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Take part in an adventure at sea with an unforgettable trip into the world of whales and sea birds all year round.

Elding Whale Watching schedule – all year round

* From 15 May to 15 September** From 15 June to 15 August

Jan-Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct-Dec 9:00 9:00 9:00 9:00 9:00 9:00 10:00 10:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 17:00* 17:00 17:00 17:00 17:00* 20:30** 20:30 20:30**

EL-01 / EL-02 / EL-03

Make sureit’s Elding!

Call us on +354 555 3565or visit www.elding.is

ELDING WHALE WATCHINGfrom Reykjavík

Other adventures at seaPuffin Watching 15 May - 15 August at 9:30 and 15:00

Sea Angling 1 May - 30 September at 11:00

www.elding.is

Environmental AwardIcelandic Tourist Board

Tour Operator


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Take part in an adventure at sea with an unforgettable trip into the world of whales and sea birds all year round.

Elding Whale Watching schedule – all year round

* From 15 May to 15 September** From 15 June to 15 August

Jan-Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct-Dec 9:00 9:00 9:00 9:00 9:00 9:00 10:00 10:00 10:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 17:00* 17:00 17:00 17:00 17:00* 20:30** 20:30 20:30**

EL-01 / EL-02 / EL-03

Make sureit’s Elding!

Call us on +354 555 3565or visit www.elding.is

ELDING WHALE WATCHINGfrom Reykjavík

Other adventures at seaPuffin Watching 15 May - 15 August at 9:30 and 15:00

Sea Angling 1 May - 30 September at 11:00

www.elding.is

Environmental AwardIcelandic Tourist Board

Tour Operator


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The WhaleWhales 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.

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ON MAP NO 18

Happy smiling HeadwearSkólavörðustígur 18, 101 Reykjavík, [email protected] - Tel. +354 552 6466Online shop: www.hufursemhlaeja.is

BROSANDIALLAN HRINGINN

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Pantaðu allan hringinn á www.hoteledda.is eða í síma 444 4000.

1 ML Laugarvatn • 2 ÍKÍ Laugarvatn • 3 Skógar • 4 Vík í Mýrdal • 5 Nesjum • 6 Neskaupstaður7 Egilsstaðir • 8 Stórutjarnir • 9 Akureyri • 10 Laugarbakki • 11 Ísafjörður • 12 Laugar í Sælingsdal

• Veitingastaðir á öllum hótelum • Alltaf stutt í sund • Vingjarnleg þjónusta• Gjafabréf fáanleg• Eddubiti í ferðalagið

T 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:

MOTHER’S FATHER:

MOTHER’S MOTHER:

FATHER: MOTHER:

MY NAME ACCORDING TO THE ICELANDIC CUSTOM:

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ICELANDIC NAMESMost 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.

I

www.itr.is ı tel.: 411 5000

There is no better way to recharge your mind and body

then to visit one of reykjavík’s outdoor swimming pools

REYKJAVIKTHERMAL POOLS

– have a refreshing swim or simply lounge

in the warm waters and relax.

Iceland Information Guide 2009.pdf 25.5.2009 16:32:22

ON MAP NO 27

DISTANCES IN KM Vík Sel foss Rvík Borg ar- Ísa - Akur- Eg ils- Höfn nes fjörður eyri stað irAkranes 220 91 49 38 422 353 617 493Akureyri 561 432 389 315 567 1336* 265 512Blönduós 416 287 244 170 423 145 410 657Borgarnes 246 117 74 1336 384 315 580 519*Breiðdalsvík 430* 560* 617* 662 915 347 82 166Búðardalur 326 197 154 80 304 281 546 599*Dalvík 585 456 412 339 591 44 309 555Djúpivogur 368* 497* 554* 614 979 411 146 103Egilsstaðir 511* 640* 698* 580 832 265 1336 247Eiðar 525* 654* 668 594 846 279 14 261Eskifjörður 542* 671* 702 628 881 313 48 278Flókalundur 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 251Hella 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 467Hvammstangi 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 1346Ísafjörður 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 412Reykholt um Stafholtst. 255 126 84 43 387 318 583 528*Sauðárkrókur 492 362 319 246 498 119 384 631Selfoss 129 1336 57 117 500 432 640* 402*Seyðisfjörður 538* 667* 681 607 859 292 27 274Skaftafell 141* 270* 327* 387* 771* 639 374 136Skógar, 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 420Þingvellir 174 45 49 95 479 410 675 447*Þórshöfn 754* 672 629 555 808 240 243 490(*) via Skeiðarásand road.

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Reykjavík

Mosfellsbæ

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Þingvellir

Grafarvogur - Bridge - Grafarholt

Álafoss Álafossvegur 23 Mosfellsbær C.a 16 km from Reykjavík on the road to Þingvellir

Open:Mon. - Frid. 9:00 -18:00Sat. 9:00 - 16:00

Wool & Souvernir Shop www.alafoss.is

Since 1896

Tel: 566 6303


Wool & Souvenir [email protected]

www.alafoss.is

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For older children sizes usually correspond with their ages

Ameriacan British and Continental sizes are the same

CLOTHING SIZES

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PIZZA PRONTODelicious Italian oven- baked pizza at resonable price

ON CENTER MAP NO 7

PIZZA PRONTO Bankastræti 14 tel. 517 5445

ON MAP NO 26

ON CENTER MAP NO 10

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Taste the freshness of a farmer’s market

Housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings, Fish Market uses ingredients sourced directly from

the nation’s best farms, lakes, and sea to create unforgettable Icelandic dishes with a modern twist.

AÐALSTRÆTI 12 | +354 578 8877 | FISHMARKET.IS

LUNCH WEEKDAYS 11:30 - 14:00 | EVENINGS 18:00 - 23:30

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After years of study, strings of awards and having led kitchensof some of Reykjavík’s most esteemed restaurants, Gústav still seeshim self as a kid from up north, with a life long passion for fish.After years of study, strings of awards and having led kitchensof some of Reykjavík’s most esteemed restaurants, Gústav still seeshim self as a kid from up north, with a life long passion for fish.

ON CENTER MAP NO 18

ON MAP NO 16

ÞRÍR FRAKKARCafé - Restaurant

Specialities: Fresh seafood and whale meat

Open daily for lunch and dinnerexcept Sat./Sun. for dinner only

Baldursgata 14Reservations tel. 552 3939

Fax 561 3939 • [email protected]

ON MAP NO 24

FISKUR:

Ýsa (ný, nætursöltuðeða reykt)ÞorskurLúða (smálúða, stórlúða)SandhverfaSkarkoli (rauðspretta)KarfiSkata (ný eða kæst)

SkötuselurUfsiSteinbíturLangaRauðmagiGrásleppa (söltuð eða sigin)

SíldSaltfiskurLax, villtur, eldislax(nýr, reyktur og grafinn)

SilungurBleikjaÁllHörpuskelKræklingurBeitukóngurHumarRækja, úthafsrækja

FISH:

Haddock (fresh,half-salted or smoked)CodHalibut (small, large)TurbotPlaiceRedfishSkate, ray (fresh orfermented and salted)MonkfishSaitheCatfishLingLumpfishLumpfish (saltedor half-dried)HerringSalt codSalmon, wild, farm-reared, (fresh, smokedand dill-cured)TroutArctic CharrEelScallopMusselWhelkLobsterShrimp, (deep-water) prawn

POISSON:

Églefin (frais,demi-sel ou fumé)CabillaudFlétan (petit, grand)TurbotPlie au carreletSébaste (Rascasse du Nord)Pocheteau gris (fraisou fermenté et salé)LotteColin, lieu noirLoup (de mer)LingueLompeLompe(salée ou demi-séchée)HarengMorue saléeSaumon sauvage, d’élevage,(frais, fumé, marinéà l’aneth)TruiteOmble ChevalierAnguilleCoquille St. JacquesMouleBuccinLangoustineCrevette rouge

FISCH:

Schellfisch (Frisch leicht-gesalzen oder geräuchert)Kabeljau, DorschHeilbutt (klein, groß)SteinbuttScholle, GoldbuttRotbarschRochen (frisch oderfermentiert)AnglerSeelachs, KöhlerKatfischLengSeehaseSeehase(gesalzen oder halbtrocken)HeringGesalzener KabeljauLachs, wild, gezüchtet,(frisch, geräuchtet,in Dill eingelegt)ForelleSeesaiblingAalKamm-MuschelMiesmuschelWellhornschneckeHummer, Languste(Tiefsee)garnele

LIST OF PRODUCTSLIST OF PRODUCTSLISTE DE PRODUITS • WARENVERZEICHNIS • PRODUKTFÖRTECKNING

Icelandic Fish

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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.

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CAFE HAITI BISTRO by the Old HarbourGeirsgata 7b, 101 Reykjavík

tel: 661 5621 / 588 8484www.cafe-haiti.com

Opening hours: 8.00 – 23.00

Soup of the day - light meals Quality coffee roasted on the premises

Live Music on weekends

CAFE HAITI BISTRO is a friendly and warm little coffee house by the old Harbour in Reykjavík

ON CENTER MAP NO 9

AUTHENTIC ICELANDIC FOODOur 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

ON CENTER MAP NO 9

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feastSeafood & Steakhouse

Klappastíg 38 - 101 ReykjavíkTel. 565 1188 - Fax. 565 5130

Vesturgata 4 - 220 HafnarfjörðurTel. 565 5522 - Fax. 565 5130

www.gamlavinhusid.is

ON MAP NO 25

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.

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VIANDE:

MOUTON (AGNEAU)BOEUFPORCCHEVAL (POULAIN)RENNE

GigotTranches de gigotSelle/ÉchineCôtelettesÉpauleTranches d’épauleSelle de porc fumée

Mouton légèrement fuméFarceViande hachéeFiletFaux-filetViande à ragoûtViande à soupeCôte de boeufSteak hachéPlat de côtesJambonLard fuméPetit saléViande fuméeEscalope de veauViande de mouton fumée

PRODUITS À BASEDE VIANDESaucissesetsaucissonsViandes en conserves

MEAT:

LAMBBEEFPORKHORSEMEAT (FOAL)REINDEER

LegSlices of legSaddle/rackCutlets/chopsShoulderShoulder slicesSmoked saddle of pork

Lightly smoked lambSausage meat (f. me atballs)Minced meatTenderloinFilletBoneless stewing meatPot stew meat (with bones)T-bone steakHamburgersRib steakHamBaconSalted meatSmoked meatVeal schnitzelSmoked lamb

PREPARED MEATPRODUCTSSausagesCanned meat

KJÖT:

LAMBNAUTSVÍNFOLALDHREINDÝR

LæriLærissneiðarHryggurKótilettur/rifjurFramparturFrampartsneiðarHamborgarhryggur

London lambKjötfarsKjöthakkLundirHryggvöðvi (filé)Smásteik (gúllas)SúpukjötAfturhryggsneið (T-bein)HamborgararRifjasteikSkinkaBeikon (flesk)SaltkjötReykt kjötKálfasneið (schnitzel)Hangikjöt

HÁLF- OG FULLUNNINKJÖTVARAPylsur og bjúguNiðursoðið kjöt

FLEISCH:

LAMMRINDFLEISCHSCHWEINFOHLENRENTIER

KeuleKeulenscheibenRückenKotelettsSchulterSchulterscheibenGerächerterSchweinerückenLeichtgeräuchertes LammWurstfleischHackfleischFIletFIletGulaschfleischSuppenfleischT-bone SteakHamburgerRippenbratenSchinkenGeräuchertes SpeckSalzfleischGeräuchertes FleischKalbsschnitzelGeräuchertes Lamm

FLEISCHPRODUKTEKJÖTTPROTUKTERWurstwarenFleischkonserven


Icelandic Meat

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.

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ÍSLENSKURMATUR;

SviðSviðasultaHangikjötBlóðmörLifrarpylsaÝmis súrmatur(blóðmör/lifrarpylsa/hrútspungar/bringu-kollar/selshreifar)SaltkjötFlatkökur, flatbrauðSeytt rúgbrauðHákarlHarðfiskurSkyrÁvaxtaskyr

ICELANDICSPECIALITIES:

Singed sheep headsSheep-head jellySmoked lambBloodpuddingLiver puddingVarious soured meats(bloodpudding/liver pudding/ram Testicles/breast of lamb/seal flippers)Salted lambRye pancakesCooked rye breadGreenland sharkDried fishSee descriptionSkyr with fruit

SPÉCIALITÉSISLANDISES:

Têtes de mouton roussiesFromage de têteViande de mouton fuméeBoudinBoudin de foieMets surs variés (boudin/boudin de foie/testiculesde bélier/poitrine de mouton/nageoires de phoquePetit salé de moutonGalettes de seiglePain de seigle cuit à la vapeaurRequin du groënlandPoisson séchéVoir descriptionSkyr aux fruits

ISLANDISCHESPEZIALITUATEN:

Gesengte SchafsköpfeKopfsülzeGeräuchertes LammBlutwurstLeberwurstSauerspeisen (Blutwurst/Leberwurst/Widderhoden/Lammbrust/Robbenflossen)

Gesalzenes LammFladenbr. (Roggenpfannk.)Gekochtes PumpernickelHaifischTrockenfishSiehe ErklärungSkyr mit Früchten


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TRADITIONAL ICELANDIC FOODIceland 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!

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• 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

Skólavörðustígur 8 Tel: 562 - [email protected]

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.

ON MAP NO 18

CHEESE AND BUTTERThe 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.

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FUGLAR:

RjúpaLundiReyktur lundi

SvartfuglVilligæsAligæsKalkúniVilliöndAliöndKjúklingurKjúklingabringa/urKjúklingalæriUnghænaUnghaniHænueggSvartfuglseggAndareggGæsaregg

BIRDS:

PtarmiganPuffinSmoked puffin

GuillemotWild gooseFarm-reared gooseTurkeyWild duckFarm-reared duckChickenBreast of chickenLeg of chickenYoung hen/pulletCockerelHen’s eggsSea-bird eggsDuck’s eggsGoose eggs

OISEAUX:

Perdrix des neigesMacareuxMacareux fumé

GuillemotOie sauvageOie domestiqueDindeCanard sauvageCanard d’élevagePouletBlanc de pouletCuisse de pouletPoulardeCoqueletOeufs de pouleOeufs de guillemotOeufs de canardOeufs d’oie

VÖGEL:

SchneehuhnPapageientaucherGeräucherterPapageientaucherAlkeWildgansMastgansPuteWildenteMastenteHähnchenHähnchenbrustHähnchenkeuleJunghuhnJunghahnHühnereierAlkeneierEnteneierGänseeier


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BIRDS & EGGSPoultry 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 fast-food 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.

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ON CENTER MAP NO 18

THE BEST ORIGINAL CHICKEN OR BEEF NOODLE SOUP IN ICELAND

Open daily 11.00 - 22.00

Skólavörðustíg 21a, 101 Reykjavík

Phone: 551 3199

ON MAP NO 13

Grensásvegur 12, 108 ReykjavikTel: +354 568 1919www.tianmatur.is

Opening hour:Monday - Friday 11 - 22Saturday - Sunday 17 - 22

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TRYGGVAGATA 14, DOWNTOWN REYKJAVÍKPHONE: 561 0039

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RESTAURANT AND TAKEAWAY

BÆJARLIND 14 - 16KÓPAVOGURPHONE: 552 2525

www.kruathai.is

HOME DELIVERYAVAILABLE!

AUTHENTIC THAI FOOD SINCE 2001

LIKE THAI FOOD? YOU’LL LOVE KRUA THAI

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R

e y k j a v í k

C e n t r e

Restaurant for over 30 years

Bankastræti 2 - 101 Reykjavík - Tel. 551 4430 [email protected] - laekjarbrekka.is

Icelandic Cuisine

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HEALTH PRODUCT

GROWING IN THE PURE

ENVIRONMENT OF ICELAND

Dried Icelandic seaweed -

Sugar kelp, Kombu Royal -

Dulse, Palmaria palmata.

Icelandic Herbal Tea, blend of Angelica,

Birch and Iceland Moss -

Icelandic berry juice.

Icelandic organic herbal oils and bath product.

All our products are 100% natural with

no extra substances.

Our products are sold in Supermarkets,

Health Stores and Inspired by Iceland

at Keflavik Airport, Iceland

Our company has received an award from

The Federation of Icelandic Industries

for innovative and

orginal products

Íslensk hollusta Skutahraun 7, 220 Hafnarfjordur, IcelandTel: 571 2512 / 864 4755 / 822 [email protected]

The Vegetation of IcelandThe 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 orsemi-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.

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Open: Sun. - Thurs. 11:oo - 22:oo and Fri. - Sat. 11:oo - 23:oo

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The flora of IcelandThe 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.

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Wood crane’s bill. Daisies.

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LOBSTERFOIE GRAS

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LOBSTER

Laugavegur 53b • 101 Reykjavík • Tel.: 511 3350 • www.hereford.is

FOIE GRAS

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The flora of IcelandAbout 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.

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Cuckoo flower. Violet.

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ICELANDIC Fish, Lamb & Chicken in originalPAKISTANI curries,TANDOORI dishes,

TANDOORI Nan breads,Kebabs, Samosas,

Vegetarian specialities specialities

P A K I S T A N IAUSTURSTRÆTI 4, 101 REYKJAVÍK 551 0292 WWW.SHALIMAR.IS

PUNJABI LUNCH & PUNJABI DINNER every day

TANDOORI & CURRY CUISINE

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Birdlife in IcelandFor 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.

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Black-tailed godwit. Ptarmigan.

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Open: Mon. - Tue.: 11am - 6.30pmWednesday: 11am - 5pmThurs. - Fri.: 11am - 6.30pmSaturday: 12pm - 5pmSunday: closed

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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 field-mice 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 num ber 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 comm on 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.

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Artic tern. Puffin.

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Café & RestaurantLaugavegur 73101 Reykjavik

555-7373www.73.is

Home of the Epic

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T THE SOUTH – BLACK SAND AND GLACI ERSGlaci 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

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T THE WEST – A NEW WORLD TO DISCOVERVaried 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.

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Tryggvagata, by the old Harbourin Reykjavík Center

Tel.: 511 1118www.fishandchips.is

ON CENTER MAP NO 9

T THE WEST FJORDS – RUG GED BUT FRI END LYThis 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.

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OPEN 11.30-22.00

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T 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.

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The Perfect Lobster soup “The New York Times”

“The Washington Post”

Summer 11.00 - 23.00Winter 11.00 - 22.00

Opening Hours:

S e a f o o d G r i l l F i e s t a

THE BEST BUY IN TOWN

Verbúð 8, Reykjavík City Harbor · Tel. 55 3 1500 · www.saegreifinn.is

RESTAURANTA Special Sea Product

BY THE OLD HARBOUR IN REYKJAVÍK CENTER

ON CENTER MAP NO 9

T THE EAST – COAS TAL SPLENDO URThis 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 from Den mark 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 stað ir 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.

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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

Scandinavian

Laugavegur 22a, 101 ReykjvaíkTel: +354 578-4888

[email protected]

Smørrebrød & brasserieA delicious secret in the center of town.

T THE WEST MAN IS LANDS 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, fulm ar and guillemot being two import ant fact ors in this comm unity’s prosperity. To this day local men hop ex pert ly from led ge 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.

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LOACATED ON MAP NO1. Reastaurant Argentína / Duvet store Dún og fiður2. Hotel Hilton3. Shopping Center Kringlan4. Laugar Spa, World Class5. Keramik Gallerí Kogga / Restaurant Fiskfélagið6. Restaurant Hrói Höttur7. Pizza Pronto / Jewelry Design Metal8. Restaurant Lækjarbrekka

9. Restaurant Sægreifinn / Café Haiti- Retaurant Höfnin / Restaurant Fish and Ships / Restaurant Tapas Húsið,

10. Restaurant Jónmfrúin11. Café Paris

12. Restaurant Shalimar / Restaurant Einar Ben / Thorvaldsens Bazar / Jewelry Design Óli

13. Restaurant Tian14. Reykjavík Excursions15. Restaurant Caruso

16. Scandinavian Restaurant / Restaurant Falcon / Jewelry Design Gullkistan

17. Dubliener Bar

18. Gourmet Store / Jewelry Design Anna María / Restaurant Sjávargrillið / Gift Store Húfur sem hlægja / Thai Restaurant

19. Hotel Frón / Restaurant Kaffigarðurinn / The Handknitting Association Gift Store

20. Hotel Örkin21. Restaurant Fish Market / Reykjavik City Museum22. Galleri Fold23. Eggert Furrier 24. Restaurant Þrír Frakkar 25. Janus búðin / Restaurant Gamla Vínhúsið

26. Trip Touristinfo / J.S.Watchmaker / Restaurant Hereford / Restaurant Kitchen Nepal / The Handknitting Association

27. Europ Car Rental 28. Restaurant Askur29. Restaurant 7330. Elding Whalewatching

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REYKJVAÍK CENTER MAP

25710

Reykjavík airport

Air Iceland

Hótel Saga

Hótel Loftleiðir

Reykjavík harbour

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Nepalese & Indian Restaurant

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 7788For our latest offers see our website www.kitchen-eldhus.is

Alphabet 12Accommodation 33Art gallery, Ceramic Workshop 36, 46Birdlife 109, 111Blue Lagoon 51Car rental firms 44, 66Cheese store 90Conversions, Clothing sizes 30, 69 Duvet store 4 Distance in km – Drivng in Iceland 67 Embassies of Iceland 19Flora of Iceland 105, 107 Furrier 28Gift – souvenirs and woollens 26, 34, 42, 46, 60, 68Hotels and guesthouses 11, 22, 25, 32, 39, 61 Iceland 3, 4, 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 63Icelandic food 79, 81, 85, 87, 89, 91, 93Icelandic horse and sheep 54, 55Jewelry and watch maker 20, 24, 38, 56, 71Map of Iceland 6, 7 Map of Reykjavík center 125Map of Reykjavík 126, 127Museums in Reykjavík 52, 53National costumes 57Northern Lights 37Restaurants 70 - 128 Transportation Taxi tours 10, 14Tourist Information and Booking Office 16Swimming pools - Health Spa 48, 50, 64, 65Travel facts 27, 29, 31, 33 Whale watching 58, 59Websites in Iceland 18Weather and volcano in Iceland 21, 23

Published annually by Útgáfa og hönnun, Úthlíð 8, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland, Tel. +354-553 5088/899 0778e-mail: [email protected], www.internet.is/icelandinfo Publisher/Editor: Erlendur Guðmundsson Advertising: Ingunn Stefánsdóttir Production manager: Ragnheiður Ingunn Ágústsdóttir Cover Photo: Northern lights, Kleifarvatn lake South West Iceland by Kristjan U. Kristjansson Other Photos: Gréta Gudjónsdóttir, Friðrik Jóelsson, Jóhann Águst Hansen Printing: Oddi hf. – 2012 – 28th year of publication

CONTENTS AND INDEX OF ADVERTISERSPage

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ON CENTER MAP NO 15

Reykjavík’s Largest Shopping Centre

Claim your tax-free cash refund at our service desk

for a refund of up to 15%

Monday to Wednesday 10–18.30, Thursday 10–21, Friday 10–19, Saturday 10–18, Sunday 13–18

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iceland information guide 2012

Documents

map of iceland

flora of iceland

embassies of iceland

iceland north

iceland information

iceland southwest south

iceland westman islands

iceland west west fjords