SOUTH ICELAND
ENERGY
POWER
PURITY
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
SOUTH ICELAND
SPECIAL PROMOTION
SPECIAL PROMOTION
SOUTH ICELAND
Don’t
Fight the
Power.
Feel It.
Welcome to the most powerful
exhibition in the world.
“A must-see activity”
“Bucket List”
“Interactive and inspiring”
FROM EAST
TO WEST
IN THE SOUTH
Emstrur on Laugavegur, the south-central highlands.
There’s a reason why South Iceland is among the country’s most-visited regions.
W
hat a view! I was standing at the top of promontory
Dyrhólaey; the Icelandic mainland’s southernmost point.
To the northwest, the sparkling white Eyjafjallajökull glacier-volcano. To the northeast was Mýrdalsjökull, another glacier,
under which volcano Katla hides, and to the east, Reynisfjall
mountain and Reynisfjara beach, among Iceland’s top destinations. To the southwest, Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, floating
like gemstones in the ocean. And to the south, nothing but the
sea as far as the eye could see—Antarctica lies at a 15,000-km
(9,300-mile) distance from Iceland, in a straight line. There’s no
landmass in between.
Driving from Reykjavík, it only takes 45 minutes to reach
South Iceland; the gateways to the region being the fishing
town Þorlákshöfn and the flower-power town of Hveragerði.
South Iceland has everything, including many of Iceland’s top
tourist attractions, like hot spring Geysir and waterfall Gullfoss.
Hundreds of kilometers of black volcanic beaches and the rarely-visited area of Laki in the interior, where green moss covers
the largest lava flow in Iceland’s history, from an eruption 230
years ago.
Here you have the most famous volcano in Iceland, Hekla,
and, as mentioned earlier, the infamous Eyjafjallajökull, or E16
as it was called for simplification. Sólheimajökull, an outlet
glacier of Mýrdalsjökull, popular for glacial hiking and diverse
tours, is visited by thousands of people each year.
Two of the largest lakes in Iceland are in the region:
Þingvallavatn and Þórisvatn, and the country’s biggest
geothermal area is located at Torfajökull glacier, near the
Landmannalaugar area. The colorful gateway to the Icelandic
highlands. From there, thousands of people start the 50-km
(30-mile) Laugavegur trek, leading to the oasis of Þórsmörk,
where the photo on this spread was taken.
South Iceland is also the bread basket of Iceland, with greenhouses, arable fields and sheep and cattle farms, as well as
fruitful fishing grounds offshore, all the way from Hveragerði in
the west to Höfn in the east. In between, the icebergs float in
Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon in the shadow of the mighty Vatnajökull glacier.
At Þingvellir National Park, you can walk through
Almannagjá, the rift between two continents where the
Eurasian and North American continental plates meet.
South Iceland awaits.
The exhibition is open every day 9am-5pm.
Info: [email protected] Tel: (+354) 591 2880
www.onpower.is/exhibition
ALL ABOUT ICELAND
Go to icelandreview.com
for travel information
and daily news
from Iceland.
COMPILED BY ALËX ELLIOTT, JENNA GOTTLIEB AND INGIBJÖRG RÓSA BJÖRNSDÓTTIR.
INTRODUCTION AND PHOTO THIS SPREAD BY PÁLL STEFÁNSSON.
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SOUTH ICELAND
SPECIAL PROMOTION
SPECIAL PROMOTION
SOUTH ICELAND
WELCOME TO
SOUTH ICELAND
course, glaciers. Katla is in fact the name of one
of Iceland’s biggest active volcanoes, sleeping
lightly under the icecap of Mýrdalsjökull.
There’s plenty of cultural attractions, such as
folk museums and historical sites wherever you
stay in the region. And the locals really appreciate the opportunities that the proximity to glaciers and volcanoes offers, so keep an eye out for
adventure tours, such as glacier hikes, climbs, ice
cave tours, safaris and snowmobile tours.
HARD TO LEAVE
Culture, Purity, Power – #SouthIceland has it all.
S
outh Iceland is a vast, diverse area, as hard to describe in a
few words as to explore in a short period of time. In the west
is the energy of the region’s geothermal wonders, the center
holds the power of volcanoes, and in the east is the purity of
glaciers and lagoons.
EASY TO GET TO
Only a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík is the geothermal area
that for decades has provided a large portion of the country’s
vegetable and fruit crop. The upcountry is exceptionally genial,
and this combination makes the region one of Iceland’s main
food sources. Taste the pure produce straight from the greenhouses, bathe in a natural geothermal pool, or go horse riding
to enjoy the view of green hills with the odd column of steam
rising from the ground.
Inland, you’ll find stunning landscapes, such as in Þjórsárdalur
valley, which hides both amazing natural and cultural attractions,
including Þjóðveldisbærinn, a detailed reconstruction of a farmhouse believed to have been wiped out during the Hekla eruption in 1104.
4
From the capital area, it’s also possible to enter the region
by driving along the coastline instead of the Ring Road and enjoying the spectacular views along the way: black sand and the
merciless North Atlantic on one side, mountain ridges, green
slopes and pastures on the other. Scenic old fishing villages
Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki welcome you with serenity, cute
old houses and ample history, as Eyrarbakki is Iceland’s oldest
trading center and both places house interesting museums and
restaurants with exquisite seafood.
EVENTFUL STAY
Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands) can also be reached by
ferry from the south coast, with their unique geographical history displayed in a new volcano museum where visitors can see
up close how part of the town was engulfed by lava in 1973,
when the locals miraculously escaped a sudden eruption and
were evacuated to the mainland in a matter of hours.
Continue east along the Ring Road and you’ll enter Katla
UNESCO Global Geopark, an area with stark contrasts, such
as black beaches, green rolling hills, gritty mountains and, of
ICELAND REVIEW
South Iceland also boasts 500 km (311 miles) of
coastline; mostly black beaches. The beach in
and around Vík has been voted one of the most
beautiful sand beaches in the world, so take a
stroll on the black sand and listen to the roaring
Atlantic creating magnificent surf.
In the easternmost part of the region, there’s
the Vatnajökull National Park, an area of pure and
unspoilt wilderness centered around the largest
glacier in Europe. It’s easy to see here why the
country is often called the land of fire and ice.
South Iceland has extensive blankets of lava after
various eruptions throughout time, the latest one
in Grímsvötn in 2011. The mossy lava fields near
Kirkjubæjarklaustur, such as Eldhraun, are spectacular, as are the craters of Laki and, of course,
the floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón.
The fishing town of Höfn holds the title ‘lobster
capital of Iceland,’ so make sure you try some of
the town’s lobster dishes and enjoy the views of
the pearly white icecap of Vatnajökull, keeping a
watchful eye over its kingdom.
South Iceland: it’s easy to get here, but it’s hard
to leave.
south.is
ICELAND REVIEW
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SOUTH ICELAND
SPECIAL PROMOTION
SPECIAL PROMOTION
SOUTH ICELAND
OLD-FASHIONED COMFORTS
EXPLORE THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH
Hveragerði is home to hot springs and hiking trails, just outside of Reykjavík.
H
veragerði is often affectionately referred to as ‘the capital
of hot springs.’ The charming town, situated just 20 minutes
outside Reykjavík, gives travelers ample reason to stop by, especially as the town is on the Golden Circle where visitors can
explore Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall and Þingvellir National Park. Close to Reykjavík and popular for its healing
hot springs, Hveragerði is an all-year destination. After a visit to
the Reykjadalur geothermal area and other hot springs around
town, many visitors take a peek at some of the many local greenhouses. The town, a hidden gem in South Iceland, is an ideal
base for travelers who want to be surrounded by beautiful nature, yet close enough to Reykjavík to spend some time in the
capital, too.
GEOTHERMAL PARK
Guests tend to visit Hveragerði for two main reasons: the surrounding nature and its hot springs. The hot springs lure visitors
from around the world and the main geothermal area is situated
in the center of town. The natural phenomenon is mesmerizing
to watch, as hot gas bubbles to the top of the water’s surface.
It’s a constant reminder that Iceland sits on a hotbed of natural
geothermal energy—that the island is very much alive. Simply
follow the path to enjoy the area. Visitors can even cook eggs in
some of the hottest springs! At the end of the walk, travelers
can soak their feet in the comfortably-warm water of a different
hot spring. During the winter, it’s possible to see the majestic
northern lights dancing and flickering in the sky if the conditions are just right and luck is on your side.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
In addition to hot springs, there are a number of outdoor activities that attract visitors. In fact, Hveragerði is a paradise for the
outdoorsy. There are well-maintained hiking trails just outside
town that loop around the diverse, striking landscape. Hengill
mountain gives hikers a view of the vast volcanic surroundings.
From Hamar mountain, hikers have an excellent view over town
and out to sea. Within the town limits, there are numerous trails
of interest. For instance, The Poet’s Trail takes hikers through
interesting historical parts of town that consisted of the artists’
quarters from the 1940s to 1960s. Other than hiking, it’s possible to rent bicycles and play a round of golf at the nine-hole
course, or visit the renowned art gallery. If hot springs aren’t
of interest, there’s a lovely swimming pool downtown where
locals and tourists alike gather to relax and hang out. There’s
something for everyone in Hveragerði.
hveragerdi.is/english
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ICELAND REVIEW
A stay at Skyrgerðin Guesthouse in Hveragerði is a dreamy visit to the past.
Skyrgerðin means ‘The Skyr Factory’ and this café/bistro and
guesthouse produces its own artisan skyr—that wondrous dairy
product which has made Icelandic bones so strong for centuries.
SPIRIT OF OLD ICELAND
The listed building was purposely built for skyr-making in 1930,
with the production taking place on the ground floor and staff
apartments located on the upper floor. The historical house has
recently been renovated to a high standard but with the original
materials. Now the building welcomes tired and hungry travelers, who can even taste various varieties of skyr, made on-site.
Skyrgerðin Guesthouse boasts bright and airy rooms, with wooden floors and paneled walls, vintage décor, but also comfort and
modern conveniences. The spirit of Old Iceland has been captured in the décor, the atmosphere and the cuisine, where old
recipes and methods of preparing food are at the center.
ICELAND REVIEW
IDEAL LOCATION
Hveragerði is only a 30-minute drive from the capital and well
connected by public transport. From here, it’s easy to reach the
waterfalls, geysers and beaches of the south, all in the same
day, and then return for a quiet rest in town. The guesthouse
has 14 double rooms with shared bathrooms and one suite.
Despite the vintage feel, guests have access to wi-fi and satellite TVs. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the café/
bistro, with emphasis on home-made Icelandic food. A stay at
Skyrgerðin Guesthouse gives you an encompassing Icelandic
experience with a hint of the slow pace of the past.
skyrgerdin.is
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SOUTH ICELAND
SPECIAL PROMOTION
GO VEST, MANN!
Go on an adventure to the Vestmannaeyjar
archipelago and experience a bit of
Iceland like no other.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Vestmannaeyjar, sometimes called the Westman Islands
in English, are a group of islands to the south of the
Icelandic mainland, made up of 30 skerries and sea stacks
and 14 islands, including Iceland’s southernmost point and
the country’s sixth-biggest town outside the capital—on
Heimaey, the only inhabited island. Take a 20-minute flight
from Reykjavík or 35-minute ferry ride from Landeyjahöfn
harbor (with or without your car); there are plenty of great
reasons to visit Vestmannaeyjar.
GESTHÚS SELFOSS – IT’S A SECRET!
It’s amazing to be in the center of the biggest
town in South Iceland and yet not be seen.
L
OASIS IN THE MIDDLE OF TOWN
Gesthús also has a large, peaceful campsite, which is open to motor homes and
caravans, as well as tents, and has access
to all modern facilities, including hot tubs.
The surrounding trees turn this place into
a quiet, green oasis in the middle of town.
The family-run business is open year-round
and a breakfast buffet is served daily from
May until the end of August. During summer, buses from big tour operators offer
pick-up and drop-off at Gesthús, and with
only a ten-minute walk to the main street,
guests have easy access to services, shops
and public transport.
Now imagine lying in one of the hot
tubs, watching the northern lights dancing
above...
gesthus.is
ocated in a small, forested area in the
heart of the town of Selfoss, Gesthús
makes a great base for anyone wanting to
travel around South Iceland during the day
and have a lovely night lodging to come
back to.
EINSI KALDI is a one-of-a-kind restaurant which balances
being classic and elegant with being cutting-edge and oozing modern Nordic chic. The food—which emphasizes fresh
local seafood, as well as innovative meat and vegetarian
fare—is decadent but unpretentious and is highly praised.
As is The Brothers Brewery beer, made right here on the
island. einsikaldi.is
CAMPSITE AND CABINS
Gesthús Selfoss offers 22 rooms in wooden bungalows with kitchenettes and private facilities. They’re the perfect choice
for travelers who want simple accommodation that fulfills their needs without the
frills. For those who still want luxury, there
are two additional premium lodges of 51
m2 (549 ft2), with two large bedrooms and
a fully-equipped kitchen and living room.
The lodges also have private hot tubs on a
large terrace, ideal for gazing at the stars,
or even the northern lights.
ELDHEIMAR, the volcano museum, interactively tells the
extraordinary recent history of these volcanic islands; including when Surtsey island popped up out of the sea from
nowhere in 1963, and when the town was devastated by the
Heimaey eruption a decade later. The story of how the town
has since bounced back to its vibrant self is no less impressive. eldheimar.is
SÆHEIMAR aquarium is the place to go if you’re interested
in the sea that surrounds the islands and what lives below
the waves. From fish and crabs to seashells, sessile bottom
fauna and sea anemone, Sæheimar is also heavily involved
in the study and conservation of the most iconic bird of
Vestmannaeyjar: the puffin. saeheimar.is
A
t the Highland Center Hrauneyjar, you
will find excellent accommodation,
first-class food and numerous outdoor activities, excursions and adventures.
SAGNHEIMAR folk museum tells the islands’ remarkable
human history, from the famous Algerian pirate raids in
1627, where locals were kidnapped and sold into slavery,
to how and why the islands came to host Iceland’s biggest
outdoor festival every year. Other diverse exhibits cover the
islands’ fishing heritage and the strong role women have
played in local history. sagnheimar.is
VARIED ACCOMMODATION
The Highland Center offers accommodation in two locations, for both individual
travelers and groups. From apartments,
modern en suite double and twin rooms,
to economy rooms and sleeping bag accommodation, you can choose the most
suitable option for your budget. At the
Highland Center you will discover that the
accommodation is designed with comfort
in mind.
The center’s restaurants offer excellent,
home-cooked cuisine in a comfortable and
relaxed environment, with all-day menus.
They can cater for about 200 guests in
spacious dining areas, with special menus
available for pre-booked groups.
eTRAVEL is a family-owned travel agency that runs the
Visit Westman Islands booking site, where you can book
all your vacation needs, such as accommodation, boat and
bus tours, and even reserve a table at highly-rated restaurants. You can also book and see different types of transportation options to and from Vestmannaeyjar. If you’re
traveling in a group, they can help you customize your trip
and also help you with your travel through South Iceland.
visitwestmanislands.com
Accommodation is stylishly taken care of by HÓTEL EYJAR,
offering a range of apartments and hotel rooms in the heart
of town. In a tastefully-decorated building, Hótel Eyjar is an
excellent base from which to explore this most memorable
part of Iceland which remains delightfully off the beaten
track. hoteleyjar.is
SOUTH ICELAND
THRILLING ACTIVITIES
As a focal point for all kinds of activities and excursions, the Highland
Center Hraun­
eyjar is close to many of
the most beautiful attractions and routes
in the highlands, including Landmanna­
laugar, Þjórsárdalur, Hekla, Sprengisandur,
Veiðivötn and Fjallabak. Popular excursions from the Highland Center include
super-jeep safaris, snowmobiling, fat
biking, hiking and climbing.
Because the Highland Center is located
in an unspoilt rural area, light pollution
is not an issue during the winter months.
Here you can immerse yourself in the
countryside and enjoy perfect conditions
for viewing the sky at night. Although
there’s never any guarantee of seeing
the northern lights, a stay at the Highland
Center for a few nights gives you a good
chance of experiencing this magical phenomenon.
hrauneyjar.is
THE HIGHLAND
CENTER
– ON YOUR WAY TO
THE OUTBACK
The ‘complete’
highland experience
from the moment you
arrive in Iceland’s
interior.
visitvestmannaeyjar.is
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ICELAND REVIEW
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
SOUTH ICELAND
HÓTEL SELFOSS
– IN THE HEART OF THE SOUTH
As the largest hotel outside of Reykjavík,
Hótel Selfoss fulfills its guests’ every need.
W
hether it’s a conference, motivational days or a romantic getaway, this
hotel has everything you could wish for.
FRUMSKÓGAR GUESTHOUSE
Frumskógar Guesthouse is located in the charming town of
Hveragerði, in the very heart of geothermal Iceland. Our
family-run guesthouse is an oasis of peace and calm only
40 km (24 miles) from Reykjavík.
We offer one-bedroom apartments and bright and comfortable
rooms, all including access to our relaxing spa area
with hot tub, steam bath and an outdoor shower.
Frumskógar 3 – 810 Hveragerði
Tel +354 896 2780 [email protected] – www.frumskogar.is
Keflavík
International
Airport
Reykjavík
Eyrarbakki
Visiting the Golden
Circle or South Coast?
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Hótel Selfoss is well-established, with years
of experience in accommodating guests
with different needs and expectations. The
total number of rooms is 139; a recent expansion has added 40 premium suites with
great views and superb décor. Each suite
boasts a large print of the works of RAX,
one of Iceland’s greatest landscape photographers and a true Nordic artist. Situated by the river Ölfus, watery views and
Ingólfsfjall mountain greet guests as they
open the curtains in the morning. Centrally
located, the hotel is a great base for exploring South Iceland’s main attractions. Its
four conference rooms are fully equipped
with appliances and have a capacity for
450 people altogether.
SATISFYING THE
STOMACH AND SOUL
The four-star hotel has an excellent restaurant and spa–both open to walk-ins, as
well as hotel guests. Riverside Spa is designed to the theme of fire and ice, with
showers that are orchestrated to imitate
rainfall and give a sense of nature. The spa
is richly equipped with both steam room
and sauna, lounge and bar, a relaxation
room and a hot pool under a starry night
sky ceiling. There’s also a beauty salon
within the spa, which offers a variety of
treatments and massage.
The hotel’s location is great for both
self-drives and public transport, and most
major tour operators offer pick-up and
drop-off. Hótel Selfoss is an excellent
choice, in the heart of South Iceland.
hotelselfoss.is
GAMLA ÞINGBORG, HANDCRAFT CENTER, 8 KM EAST OF SELFOSS BY RING ROAD 1
Vík
ÞINGBORG WOOL WORKSHOP
We offer a great selection of woolen goods, made of specially selected lambswool
in natural colors. Classic Icelandic sweaters, mittens, socks, scarfs, hats, and much
more. Hand-dyed knitting yarn, lopi, and tools for knitting and spinning. Wool for
felting and spinning. Handmade quality garments and beautiful souvenirs.
Opening hours at www.thingborg.net
On Facebook: thingborgull
Email: [email protected] Tel: + 354 482 1027, 846 9287, 693 6509
Hafið Bláa
restaurant with a view
T he Blue Sea
483-1000 • hafidblaa.is
at the Óseyrar bridge, 816 Ölfus
483-3330 • raudahusid.is
Búðarstígur 4, 820 Eyrarbakki
open daily year-round
GALLERY FLÓI
In Gallery Flói, you can buy handmade Icelandic design items in porcelain, stone clay,
earth clay, blown glass and glass beads/jewelry. The glass beads in the jewelry are
designed and made on location with open flame.
Opening hours at www.fanndis.com
On Facebook: Gallery Flói
Email: [email protected] Tel: + 354 868 7486
ICELAND REVIEW
11
SOUTH ICELAND
SPECIAL PROMOTION
THE BOBBY FISCHER
CENTER
ÁRNESSÝSLA
HERITAGE MUSEUM
Location: Eyrargata 50, Eyrarbakki
Tel: +354 483-1504
Website: husid.com
Opening hours: May 1-Sep 30: 11:00-18:00 and by appointment.
•
Eyrarbakki, a south coast fishing village, was one of Iceland’s
major ports during the time of Danish rule, and a cultural center
for the whole region. Constructed in 1765, Húsið (‘The House’) is
one of Iceland’s oldest timber dwellings, and today the home of
the Heritage Museum, whose collection spans the history of the
Árnessýsla region and Eyrarbakki (also once a major bootlegging
town), from farming and fishing implements, to one of Iceland’s
first pianos, a shawl made of human hair, and the ‘King’s Pot.’ The
museum also hosts art exhibitions and period music performances.
GEOTHERMAL PARK
Location: Austurvegur 21 (north side entrance)
800 Selfoss
Tel: +354 894-1275
Website: fischersetur.is
Opening hours: May 15-Sep 15: 13:00-16:00
and by appointment.
•
At the Bobby Fischer Center, located at the Ring Road, you’ll find
items on display related to the great chess genius Bobby Fischer.
Fischer became the world champion in Reykjavík in 1972 when
he beat the Soviet champion Boris Spassky in ‘The Game of the
Century.’ In his later years he settled in Iceland and a few hundred
meters away from the Center, you can visit his grave, located at
the Laugardælir cemetery. The center is also a community center
for local chess clubs.
WELCOME TO VATNAJÖKULL NATIONAL PARK
LÁ ART MUSEUM
With over 20 years of experience, Glacier Jeeps - Ice & Adventure offers exciting tours
on Vatnajökull glacier. Join us for a one hour super jeep, snowmobile
or glacier walking tour on Europe’s largest glacier.
Location: Hveramörk 13, 810 Hveragerði
Tel: +354 486-5062
Website: facebook.com/Geothermalpark
Opening hours: Summer: Mon-Sat: 9:00-18:00 Sun: 10:00-16:00
Winter: Sat-Wed: 9:00-13:00 Thurs-Fri: 9:00-13:00 and 18:00-21:00
Location: Austurmörk 21, Hveragerði
Tel: +354 483-1727
Website: listasafnarnesinga.is
Opening hours: May 1-Sep 30: 12:00-18:00
Oct 1-April 30: Thurs-Sun: 12:00-18:00
Hveragarðurinn (The Geothermal Park) is located in the heart of
Hveragerði, a town that takes its name from the hot springs. The
surrounding geothermal area has been active for thousands of years
and is constantly changing, especially in the aftermath of earthquakes. The Geothermal Park offers a hands-on experience: boil an
egg in a hot stream using a net on a stick, or taste rye bread baked
in geothermal steam. Visitors can also feel the benefits of the therapeutic mud by soaking their hands and feet in lovely, warm mud
baths. There’s also a small greenhouse in the park, where tomatoes,
bananas, grapes and coffee are grown.
The horticultural town of Hveragerði in Southwest Iceland is the
surprising home of one of Iceland’s most innovative modern art
galleries.
Listasafn Árnesinga, LÁ Art Museum in English, has four exhibition rooms and a cutting-edge calendar of exhibitions, year round.
Its reputation is spreading fast, so don’t miss out.
Tours and literature are available in English as well as Icelandic.
Entrance is free and the gallery also has a great café with comfy
chairs and plenty of art books to read.
•
12
•
ICELAND REVIEW
Book now online at www.glacierjeeps.is
Glacier Jeeps – Ice and Adventure
Vagnsstaðir, 781 Hornafjörður. Tel. +354 478-1000
www.glacierjeeps.is [email protected]
Gíslaskáli
Árbúðir
Our Mountain
Cabins on Kjölur
Southcoast
Adventure
Myrkholt · Bláskógarbyggð
Tel. +354 486 8757
Fremstaver
Skálinn
[email protected] · www.gljasteinn.is
The Golden Circle - TAXI
Phone: +354-776 0810
http://countrytaxiis.weebly.com/
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/leigubill/?fref=ts
telephone: +354-776-0810
MENAM – TASTY, FRESH AND FRIENDLY
Southcoast Adventure is a tour operator,
organizing tours in South Iceland with a wide
selection of activities.
Our local guides are experts in some of
South Iceland’s most famous attractions, like
Eyjafjallajökull, Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar.
We operate our tours on super jeeps and
snowmobiles.
Contact us now for further information on what
we can offer, or if you want to create your own
adventure. We will make it happen.
Menam - Eyravegi 8 - 800 Selfoss - Tel +354-482-4099 - [email protected] - www.menam.is
www.southadventure.is
[email protected]
Phone: +354 867 3535
Di n i n g Out in the So u th
SP ECIAL P ROMOTION
R ∙ E ∙ S ∙ T ∙ A ∙ U ∙ R ∙ A ∙ N ∙ T ∙ S
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Dining Ou t i n t h e So u t h
R ∙ E ∙ S ∙ T ∙ A ∙ U ∙ R ∙ A ∙ N ∙ T ∙ S
HÓTEL RANGÁ
HUMARHÖFNIN
Located on the banks of salmon river Ytri-Rangá, the glass walls of this hotel’s
restaurant ensure spectacular views to accompany a meal that delights both
the tongue and the eye. The chef ’s focus is to use local produce as much as
possible: vegetables grown in the geothermal regions of South Iceland, meat
from local farms and seafood from nearby fishing communities. Of course,
during the salmon fishing season, guests can taste the fish from the stream just
outside their window. And the chef loves experimenting, so keep an eye out for
surprises on the four-course menu; mackerel, ox cheek, lamb’s heart and king
crab, just to name a few examples.
851 Hella. 487-5700. hotelranga.is
When you dine by the docks of Iceland’s lobster-fishing capital, you know you’re
in for a treat. The charming seafood restaurant Humarhöfnin is situated in a historical building, which used to be the co-op for farmers and fishermen in Höfn,
a Southeast Iceland fishing village with the breathtaking backdrop of Vatnajökull
glacier. Open year-round, the restaurant specializes in langoustine (as the lobster
caught off Iceland is called), which has a unique, sweet taste. Grilled in butter and
garlic, Humarhöfnin’s lobster is to die for. The seafood, potatoes and herbs all
come from the Hornafjörður area, and lamb from East Iceland and farmed Arctic
char from the South also feature on the menu. Humarhöfnin vows to make every
meal a beautiful experience you will not soon forget.
Hafnarbraut 4, 780 Höfn. 478-1200 humarhofnin.is
ELDSTÓ ART CAFÉ
RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT
A good night’s rest and food for body and soul is what visitors to Hvolsvöllur
can find in one place: Eldstó Art Café. Ceramics artists Thor and Helga run this
quirky place where guests eat and drink from cups and bowls that the couple
make and are for sale in the gallery. Freshly-made cakes and quality coffee are
just a small part of the day and evening menus, offering a variety of meat, vegetarian and seafood dishes, made with fresh, local produce. The accommodation
consists of five rooms in country-living décor, with access to shared bathroom
and the promise of quietness, as the guesthouse is located right at the edge of
the town, yet close to the Ring Road.
Austurvegur 2, 860 Hvolsvöllur. 482-1011. eldsto.is
Located on the ground floor of Hótel Selfoss, the glass front of the dining
hall at Riverside Restaurant allows for spectacular views: river Ölfusá is just
a stone’s throw away and the magnificent Ingólfsfjall mountain rises in the
distance. The four-star restaurant has a diverse à la carte menu with the aim
of only using the finest fresh local produce, such as vegetables and fruit from
the geothermal area in the vicinity, and lobster from the neighboring town of
Þorlákshöfn. Guests also have access to a relaxing lounge bar with a fireplace,
ideal for warming up after watching the northern lights outside.
Eyrarvegur 2, 800 Selfoss. 480-2500. hotelselfoss.is
RAUÐA HÚSIÐ
Step back in time and enjoy modern Icelandic and international cuisine in
a setting rich in history. Rauða Húsið (‘The Red House’) is countryside fine
dining at its best. Located in a historical house in the 19th century trading hub
of Eyrarbakki on the south coast, it’s a stop not to be missed on your tour of
the Golden Circle or south coast. We specialize in seafood delivered directly
from the fishermen, including the finest langoustine in Iceland, although our
varied menu also includes Icelandic lamb, other meat and vegetarian dishes,
sumptuous desserts and coffee drinks. Top off your lunch or dinner with a
stroll down the seaside path just across the street from the restaurant.
Búðarstígur 4, 820 Eyrarbakki. 483-3330. raudahusid.is
SKYRGERÐIN
CAFÉ & BISTRO
This charming place is open daily to walk-ins as well as lodgers. The menu
offers a variety of dishes where fresh, local produce is used to create traditional
Icelandic dishes. Skyr obviously plays a big role, so try a delicious skyr tart for
dessert, the Icelandic version of cheesecake. The artisan skyr is made using
centuries’ old methods and, as of April 2017, groups can book skyr tasting tours
where the skyr-making is explained and displayed and, similar to wine tasting,
visitors get to try different types of skyr that vary in age, flavor and texture, so
they become natural skyr connoisseurs.
Breiðamörk 25, 810 Hveragerði. 481-1010. skyrgerdin.is
FJÖRUBORÐIÐ
MENAM
At the seashore, the giant langoustine encounters mermaids and landlubbers. He
waves his large claws, attracting starfish and lumpfish. The village, with its corrugated iron houses, is filled with ocean fragrance and seahorses. This fairy tale village, with a view of volcanoes, the ocean and endless hayfields, is called Stokkseyri,
and it’s just 60,000 meters from Iceland’s capital. Under the stars, an even more
important journey takes place, one of mouth-watering delights, satisfied stomachs
and joyful minds.
Restaurant Fjöruborðið in Stokkseyri specializes in langoustine. In winter, it’s the
perfect spot to dine and relax while locating the northern lights.
Eyrarbraut 3a, 825 Stokkseyri. 483-1550. fjorubordid.is
Menam Restaurant is a delightful spot that serves up tantalizing Thai cuisine in
the heart of Selfoss. The setting is colorful and cozy, the staff friendly, and the
food fresh and exquisite.
The restaurant, which features Thai, international and children’s menus, has a
warm setting, decorated with objects and fabrics from Thailand. The Thai menu
includes delicious dishes like pork with chili, basil and garlic, and lamb with garlic
and ginger.
Menam, which means ‘by the river,’ is located near the banks of the river
Ölfusá and is an ideal spot for a meal when you’re in Selfoss.
Eyravegur 8, 800 Selfoss. 482-4099. menam.is
16
ICELAND REVIEW
ICELAND REVIEW
17
BY PÁLL STEFÁNSSON.
SUN, SHINE!
On the shortest day of the year, December 21st,
the sun looms over Vestmannaeyjar islands at noon,
seen here from Landeyjar, just east of Hvolsvöllur.
18
ICELAND REVIEW
ICELAND REVIEW
19
Completing the Golden Circle
Geothermal Baths - Natural Steam Baths
Local Kitchen - Geothermal Bakery
Open daily 11:00 - 21:00, extended hours summertime
Akranes
Gullfoss
1
Geysir
Þingvellir
37
1
35
Local Kitchen with our popular country style lunch
and dinner buffet available daily.
358
365
36
Mosfellsbær
36
359
37
31
Reykjavík
Kerið
1
Skálholt
35
30
Hveragerði
A unique contact with nature - come enjoy a steam bath
on top of a hot spring and afterwards relax
in the open air geothermal baths.
Flúðir
Experience our Geothermal Bakery, every day
at 11:30, 13:00 and 14:30. Welcome!
1
Selfoss
1
We’re only one hour from Reykjavik and in the
middle of the Golden Circle. Make sure to
upgrade your excursion to include a visit to us.
Geothermal Baths
TEL: +354 486 1400 • www.fontana.is