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Reykjavik, Iceland Guide - - Hotels, Restaurants, Nightlife - Classic Travel



Iceland is closer than you think – and more fun than you ever dreamt of. Only a five hour flight from New York, this mid-Atlantic island is the U.S.A.’s closest European neighbor.  Raw forces of nature – glaciers and volcanoes - have been shaping the face of Iceland for over 20 million years - and are still hard at work.  Situated on the mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is a hot spot of volcanic and geothermal activity. Natural hot water supplies much of the population with cheap pollution-free heating of residences, thermal pools and city streets.  Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, is a culturally active city with great culinary treasures and entertainment options.  Explore Reykjavik and enjoy unique museums with attractive shopping where the streets are easy to navigate and everyone speaks English.  It is also possible to rent cars that operate with hydrogen.  Reykajavik has certainly earned its catchprase, "the capital of cool."

Activities

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Blue Lagoon
240 Grindavik
Tel. 354.420.8800
www.bluelagoon.com
Located on a unique source of geothermal sewater that originates in Iceland's extreme environment, Blue Lagoon communicates the world of healing power, wellness and beauty.  Deservedly, it is one of the main attractions of this unique country.


The Saga Museum Perlan
105 101 Reykjavik Iceland
Tel.(+354) 511,1517
www.sagamuseum.is
The Saga Museum intimately recreates key moments in Icelandic history -- moments that determined the fate of Icelandic people and give a compelling view into how Icelanders have lived for more than a millenium.  Icelandic and foreign visitors are given an opportunity to learn about Icelandic history in a way that is both educational and fun.  For the first time, you can see historical figures and major events in Icelandic history from the time of the earliest settlers right up to the Reformation.  Brought to life in a unique and exciting way, it is a real adventure to go through the museum and see these moments in history. The figures are so life-like, it's almost as if you have been sent back in time to experience people frozen in a moment on their life. The exhibits are from the time when the first people set foot in Iceland to the time when the Icelandic people changed to Luthern christianity.

The National Art Gallery
Fríkirkjuvegi 7 101 Reykjavík
Tel.(+354) 515-9600
www.listasafn.is
The National Gallery is a national museum, which houes a valuable collection of works by Icelandic artists. emphasising works in the 19th and 20th centuries.  International art is featured as well, as the collection also includes an impressive array of works by renowned artists such as, Pablo Picasso, Edward Munch, Karol Appel, Hans Hartung, Victor Vasarely, Richard Serra and Richard Tuttle.  The National Gallery regularly holds colourful exhibitions reflecting its collection and also hosts exhibitions by individual artists.  These are complimented by an extensive publication of books, catalogues, posters and post-cards. 

Reykjavik Art Museum
Tryggvagata 17 Reykjavik
Tel. (+354) 590-1200
www.artmuseum.is
The Reykjavík Art Museum is the largest visual art institute in Iceland. Its mission to present contemporary art in its many manifestations is carried out through diverse programs at the museum’s three venues: Hafnarhus, Kjarvalsstadir, and Asmundarsafn. Architecture has also been a part of the museum's programs since 1993. The Reykjavik Art Museum has three collections of works by individual artists: Asmundur Sveinsson, Johannes S. Kjarval and Erró. The Museum is in charge of the General art collection of the city of Reykjavik, as well as most of the outdoor sculptures. Projects by young Icelandic artists will be featured in the D-Gallery of Hafnarhus, where the Art Museum's offices are. An exhibition of works by Erro will also be on display there. The Reykjavik Art Museum at Kjarvalsstadir has recently been renovated and re-opnened its doors to the public with three new exhibitions.

Dining

Laekjarbrekka
Bankastræti 2
101 Reykjavík
Tel (+354) 551 4430
www.laekjarbrekka.is
Situated in the heart of Reykjavik, Lækjarbrekka is a classic restaurant in one of the oldest buildings in the city.  Laekjarbreka creates the most delicious meals from the best possible ingredients and provides first-rate service.  With a diverse menu, there is certainly something for all tastes.  From sandwiches to light fish dishes to vegetarian entrees to sumptuous meats, Lækjarbrekka will leave you hungry and satisfied.


Einar ben
Veltusundi 1
101 reykjavik
Tel: (+514) 511-5090
www.einarben.is
The cuisine at Einar Ben is a combination of the poetry and foresight of the man the restaurant is named after. With a large variety of local fish and meat courses, all the basic raw material is Icelandic -- from the local waters to the mountains where the lambs graze with the reindeers in the summer.


Siggi Hall
Thorsgata 1, in the Hotel Odinsve
Tel. (+354) 511.6677
www.siggihall.is
Fish, and particularly Bacalao (salted cod), served three ways on one plate is the special of this restaurant -- and the number one reason to go.

The Seafood Cellar
Adalstraeti 2
Tel. (+354) 511.1212
www.sjavarkjallarinn.is.
As the name implies, this joint is all about seafood.  Ranging form halibut to sea bream with capers, shisho leaves and bacon, The Seafood Cellar is perfect for any seafood lover.

3 Frakkar
Baldursgata 14
Tel. 011.354.552.3939
www.3frakkar.com
Located in a quiet residential area, 3 Frakkar is the perfect place to sample some of Iceland's delicacies. With a focus on seafood, the menu offers diners a number of local specialties. A must on your stop in Reykjavik -- where else would you get the opportunity to sample local whale?

Domo
Ingholtsstraeti 5
Tel. 354.552.5588
www.domo.is
Serving up French-Asian cuisin, Domo has the reputation of being one of the best retaurants in Iceland. With an innovative menu and an extensive wine list, Domo is definitely the place to go if you're looking to enjoy a delicious dinner and the beginning of a cool night out in the city.

Fish Market
Adalstræti 12
Tel. 354.578.8877

Located in an old wooden house next to one of the oldest settlements in Iceland, The Fish Market is presided over by Chef Hrefna Saetran. Using local ingredients, Saetran transforms Icelandic produce into delectable Asian-inspired dishes.
 

Shopping

Kisan 7
Laugavegur Reykjavik
Tel (+354) 561.6262

You'll discover a little bit of everything at Kisan.  For the women, ultrasumptuous hand-knit sweaters, Jamin Puech bags and Annick Goutal fragrances are a must.  For the tykes, Bonpoint is a hit.  And for your fabulous home, pick up some Eames chairs and Vitra shelving.

Kronkron
63B Laugavegur
Tel: (+354) 562.8388

At first glance, the fashion-forward displays at Kronkron may shout "hipsters only," but look closer at the bold prints and sharp silhouettes and you'll find that the pieces are surprisingly wearable.

Trilogia
7 Laugavegur
Tel (+354) 551.1733

Against a setting of slate-colored walls and chandeliers, Trilogia has an exceptionally well-edited stock of edgy yet smart accessories and clothing.  With one of the city's strongest mixes of Icelandic and international collections, Trilogia highlights Chloé, Preen and Alexander McQueen dresses and jackets, and gauzy blouses by the store's own label.

Resorces

With what's-going-on-at-the-moment information, this is an essential guide to everything Iceland.
www.grapevine.is

Global Marketing Initatives
Iceland Travel
www.globalmarketinginitiatives.com

Iceland Tourist Board
www.icelandtouristboard.com


 


 

Nightlife

NASA
www.nasa.is
The crowds at NASA haven't stopped coming since its opening in 2001.  Located off Austurvollur, the speakers bump everything from disco to house music throughout its three floors.  Get there early in the evening, and you'll be seranaded by a live band. 

Café Solon
Bankastraeti 7a
www.solon.is
This bar/bistro during the day turns into a nightclub in the evening.  But on the weekends, forget the bistro -- it's all club.

Café Cozy
Austurstraeti 3
www.gayice.is
The main gay bar in Reykjavik.