Ancestors' Knowledge Not Just Fire and Ice The Sport of Lords and Kings Hike Over Glaciers ...

51 Pages·2015·16.08 MB·English

I 26 • 2015
ssue
Ancestors‘ Knowledge
Not Just Fire and Ice
The Sport of Lords and Kings
Hike Over Glaciers, Volcanoes and Mountains
www.icelandictimes.com
Flight taken.
Inside
the
Wings spread.
Volcano
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adventure. Descend 120
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metres into a volcano
to over 200
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worldwide via
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I have never been anywhere
Everything included underground that matches the
grandeur and impact of this place.
- The Sunday Times
Standing inside a volcano is a
strangely emotional experience.
- The Guardian
One of twenty places in the world
you must see before you die.
- CNN
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Tourism, CulTure and Business Issue 26 • 2015
s the weather is finally getting more of great lava fields and dramatic mountains, However, this relatively young country also
mirthful after this unusually long and geysers, and vast geothermal areas that sport has a surprisingly rich history which has shaped
A
harsh winter, as are the spirits and quixotic colors. The geographic location of the culture and the national spirit even to
hearts of the Icelanders. They now look upbeat the country as well as mountain ranges and modern times. Regardless of where you choose
forward with delight and optimism, ready to pervasive high-level plateaus make for ultimate to bound, you will be sure to find an abundance
meet and greet the foreign friends who have conditions for glaciers – and there are plenty to of museums and carefully preserved relics
come to visit this remote destination. contrast with the rest of the environment. All and historical sites. It is evident that the hard-
It is common knowledge that this little island of these elements contribute to the creation of working locals strive to show visitors the best
of fire and ice rests on top of a geothermal an unusually diverse landscape and sights that of what their area has to offer. So remember to
hotspot and is hence subjected to a great are rarely found so densely packed in a small really take your time when you visit the villages
deal of seismic activity. This has shaped the area. Our foreign friends know this and the and towns and absorb the local hospitality along
landscape drastically as frequent volcanic nature remains the number one reason listed as with the stunning scenery.
eruptions have created an outlandish terrain a reason for visiting. - Edda Snorradóttir
Contents
The Greater Reykjavik Area ..............................6 Iceland’s Best Kept Secret .................................38 Ambassador to the Whales.................................68
The World’s Most Exclusive Watchmaker .............9 Grindavík’s Harbour Café ...................................40 The Old Post Office ............................................68
The Joyful Wonderland.......................................10 A10 Deluxe Bed and Breakfast ...........................41 Where Past, Present and Future Meet ................69
The All-Icelandic Wool Shop ...............................11 The Place to Stay in Grindavík ............................41
East Iceland ......................................................71
Ancestors’ Knowledge Healthy Food ..................13 We Specialize In Your Adventure ........................42
Reserved Luxury ................................................73
Culture and Fun in the North ..............................14
Business Insider: Not just Fire and Ice ..........44 A Guide Through the Mesmerising East Iceland .74
The Fine Art Knife Making ..................................17
Leather Designer ................................................18 Entrusted with Complex Projects .......................45 The Little Hotel with a Big Heart ........................78
The Cultural Core ...............................................19 A Call for Information and Support .....................46 Cow Shed Corner – Fjóshornið ...........................79
Elves ..................................................................20 Saw an Opportunity and Made the Most of it .....48 Breiðdalsvík -The Hidden Gem of East Iceland ...80
Living in the Lava ...............................................21 Island Luxury .....................................................50 On Top of the World ............................................82
On Top of the World ............................................52
Getting Juiced in Iceland ....................................22
South Iceland ...................................................84
Great Value and Good Fun ..................................23 West Iceland and the Westfjords ....................54 A Delightful Experience in Stokkseyri .................85
The Brave Get the Best ......................................25 I Discovered America First .................................55 A Taste of Iceland’s Wild & Sweet ......................86
Gray Line Iceland ...............................................26 Hotel Flatey in Breiðafjörður Bay ........................57
Refreshing Vík ....................................................87
Fire under the Snow ............................................28 Iceland’s First Settler .........................................58
Eat in Iceland - Scenic Food Tours in Iceland .....88
Volcano Tours Day Trips .....................................29 Gamla Kaupfélagið .............................................59
Take a Ride on the Wild Side ..............................29 Celebrating 30th year of operation .....................59 The Hidden Pearl of Iceland................................90
Experience the Icelandic Summer ......................30 Far from the Madding Crowd ..............................60 Take Time to Discover Vestmannaeyjar ..............92
Seeing Iceland with Mercury-Grail Tours ...........33 The House that Disappeared ..............................94
Hike over glaciers, volcanoes and mountains ....33 North Iceland ....................................................63 A Look at Museums in Vestmannaeyjar ..............95
“Different and Proud of It” .................................35 Akureyri Heart of the North ................................64 Viking Tours of the Westman Islands ..................97
The Sport of Lords and Kings .............................36 A Corner of Paradise – Here in Eyjafjarðasveit ...66 Pictures Are Our Language ................................98
Credits Icelandic language How to make use of QR codes
PuBlIShER lAyOuT & dESIGN WRITERS
Icelandic is one of the European root
EKS ehf. / Elín Sigurðardóttir Andrew Scott Fortune
J&Co. ehf Dagmar Trodler languages, like Latin. There is no ‘c’
E. Marie Valgarðsson
PROOFREAdER Edda Snorradóttir or ‘z’ in modern Icelandic, except in
ICELANDIC TIMES Jónas Örn Ólafsson Grétar J. Guðmundsson foreign words. However, it still contains
Helga Dís Björgúlfsdóttir
SAlES & MARkETING Hrafnhildur Þórhallsdóttir some letters not found in most other
Alexander Kazek Kelly Baumann languages. This basic list provides a
MANAGING EdITOR & [email protected] Melanie J. Adams
GENERAl MANAGER Helga Berglind Jónsdóttir Nanna Hlín Halldórsdóttir general idea of their sounds, using
Einar Th. Thorsteinsson [email protected] Ólöf Ásdís Baldursdóttir familiar words rather than phonetics.
[email protected] Kolbrún Ólafsdóttir Simon Faulkner
[email protected] Vignir Andri Guðmundsson
PROjECT MANAGER Kristinn R. Hallbergsson Character Pronunciation
eddaE@ddicae lSannodrircatdimótetsir.com krRisatignnn@aric Feliannndbicotigmaess.oconm FRBOrNyTnj aCrO ÁvgEúRst PsshoOnTO á Like ‘ow’ in ‘cow’ UiPsaed ytoo usrc aQnR tchoe dQeR r ceoaddeesr . aQpRp lcicoadtei orne aodne ry aopupr lsicmatairotnpsh coanne boer
[email protected] panorama.is æ Like the personal pronoun ‘I’ downloaded free for all makes of smartphones
ð Like ‘th’ in ‘that’
þ Like ‘th’ in ‘thing’
Icelandic Times
The opinions expressed in Icelandic Times do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or their agents. Though the Síðumúla 1 • 108 Reykjavík
contents of this issue have been meticulously prepared, no warranty is made about the accuracy and completeness thereof. [phone]
[email protected]
Copyright © Mars 2015 Icelandic Times media ehf. All rights reserved Oddi Ecolabelled Printing Co. www.icelandictimes.com
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Tourism, CulTure and Business Issue 26 • 2015
The Greater
Reykjavik Area
Map © Ólafur Valsson
The Cosmopolitan Capital - where History and Culture meet today’s world
One of the world’s smaller capitals, Reykjavik is surrounded by the
towns of Seltjarnarnes, Kópavogur, Garðabær, Álftanes (where the
President lives), Hafnarfjörður and the country town of Mosfellsbær,
combining to make up the Greater Reykjavik area.
It is also one of Europe’s youngest capitals. Founded by the first permanent
Viking settler in the 900’s, Ingólfur Arnarson, it has grown from a handful of
houses a few centuries ago to a compact and thriving metropolis.
The National Museum holds the history of the nation, while the National
Library, just opposite it, has the nation’s books and records. There are many art
galleries and museums throughout the area and the new concert hall complex
by Reykjavik’s harbour, Harpa, has a full programme each month.
Innovation and inspiration play a major role in the city’s life. From here,
visitors can reach the whole country. The countryside is always very close by.
Activities such as tours, whale- or bird-watching, fishing, swimming, hiking,
biking and horse-riding are very popular. There’s even ice skating.
On weekends especially, the city is filled with nightlife that
continues till morning. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants
with both genuine Icelandic food and international cuisines.
So you never need to go hungry. From youth hostel to guesthouses and hotels,
there’s accommodation for every budget.
6 7
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ThE WondErs of
The World’s Most Exclusive Watchmaker
They sell to the stars but are known only to the few
VolcanoEs
t is probably the world’s smallest
Iwatchmaker, located in a very small shop
in one of the world’s smallest countries and
yet they produce the most exquisitely crafted
and sought-after hand made watches.
In this era of electronic, battery-powered
Volcano house features two documentaries chronicling two of Iceland´s watches, you might expect that automatic
mechanical watches had passed into
most famous volcanic eruptions of the last 40 years.
history. Nothing could be further from the
truth. There is a greater demand for high
Vestmannaeyjar 1973, Eyjafjallajökull 2010 quality timepieces that will outlast the
temporary electronic watch phenomenon.
showtimes
The choice of connoisseurs
You can be defined by your choices. There
English: 10:00-21:00 every hour on the hour
are watches for the mass market and there
German: 18:00 from June 15th to september 15th are those watches that are individualised,
personalised collectors’ items, works of art
that are cherished for generations. These
are investments - especially those limited
editions. Yet, they have a key place in the
lives of the wearers.
Kings, princesses, international leaders assembled specifically for them in the tiny
from East and West, film stars, rock idols studio at the back of the shop.
- all have made their way to the small Others, wanting something even more
shop on Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main personal, have their watches engraved on
shopping street, to select their own watch, the inner rotor with special messages.
have it assembled and personalised just for
them, a testament to their discernment of Relying on reliability
true quality. Pilots and the Icelandic coastguard have
While I was visiting the shop, it’s to be able to trust their watches. Lives
wall filled with photos of well-known could depend on them. The coastguard
personalities who are now wearing their are issued with the “Sif” watch, designed
watches, I couldn’t help but wonder if it especially for them. The only watch in the
was only the rich and famous who could range without a transparent back, it has
afford such time pieces. My answer came a 4mm Sapphire non-reflective glass and
as I was standing there. A beautiful young can be used to a depth of at least 1,000m. Wear the volcano
Iceland used to be known as “Europe’s
woman came to pick up a watch she had It is also available to the general public,
Best Kept Secret” but it was thrust into the
ordered and two tourists selected watches along with pilots’ watches, likewise known
limelight in 2010 with the Eyjafjallajökull
for themselves. They would return later for their dependability and absolute
volcanic eruption. The fine ash that
in the day after their selections had been reliability.
brought Europe’s air traffic to a halt now
coats the face of the most sought-after
watch, the Goð. Ornate Viking engravings
on the case make this watch stand out -
Volcano cinema and Geological Exhibition especially as some of the engraving can
be personalised to make it totally unique.
open every day! - ASF
VOLCANO JS WaVtachtn csoh.ellir Cave
HOUSE LauGgauvfeugsukár l6a2r •• 310610 R Heyeklljsaivsiakndur
Tryggvagata 11, 101 reykjavik +354+ 535514 4 610605 2818
[email protected]
[email protected]
(center of reykjavík, close to old harbour) You may touch! www.jswatch.com
[phone] I volcanohouse.is 9
www.icelandictimes.com
Tourism, CulTure and Business Issue 26 • 2015
The All-Icelandic
Wool Shop
The Joyful Wonderland
The little Christmas shop that is festive all year round The Icelandic Handknitting Association of Iceland sells Icelandic wool and products
nne Helen, owner of ‘The Little Christmas heep came to Iceland with the Viking Traditional and modern styles
AShop’ on Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main Ssettlers and quickly proved their value, The world of knitting has changed dramatically
shopping street, is what you might call a ‘one not only for their meat but also their wool and since the association began. A few decades ago,
woman wonder’. Ten years ago, she decided it was skins. Living conditions were very basic and the designs took the form of the ‘lopapeysa’ or
time for a change and turned to doing what she and clay. In addition to customary Christmas especially tough in the cold and dark winter sweater, with its distinctive scalloped pattern,
does better than most of us; making the world a ornaments, she includes local folklore figures, months. Sheep helped keep the settlers alive. which has become so popular worldwide, but
prettier place, one Christmas ball at a time. like the thirteen Yule Lads and the Christmas These Icelandic sheep have two types of numerous young Icelandic designers have also
Cat. fleece—an outer, weather and water repellent turned their attention to wool as a medium of
In the Land of Anne Helen loves is to tell customers layer and a soft, warm fleece close to the skin. choice for their fashion designs, resulting in
Eternal Christmas about Icelandic Christmas traditions. Visitors Combined, they have provided warm clothing new products, styles and colours.
Anne Helen, a genuine often stop by simply because they’ve heard for farmers and seamen, adults, children and Today, there is a wide range of sweaters,
aesthete, says she has of her hospitality and the shop’s friendly babies for centuries. Making sweaters became gloves, hats, scarves, socks, bags and many
always had somewhat of atmosphere. They rarely leave empty handed. a tradition in farmhouses, cottages and houses other items in sizes to suit everyone from a
a Christmas obsession After all, placing an Icelandic Yule Lad on around the country. Viking warrior (or farmer) to a pretty fashion
and an intense passion specialise in Icelandic your Christmas tree every year is a great way to model to a newborn baby.
for things of beauty. She handiwork and ornaments. remember your visit to Iceland. - HÞ From home to market The store is a centre, not only for selling
never goes for anything She already has an extensive The Handknitting Association of Iceland the finished products, but also for supplying
LitlaV Jaótnlashbeúlðliirn Cave
average but hunts for range, most made exclusively was founded in 1977 to help knitters to get the wool and all the accessories
things of quality that truly for her by a number of LauGgauvfuegski á8l a• rR •e 3y6k0ja Hvíekllsisandur their handiwork marketed. A group of women required to make woollen items.
+354+ 355542 6264512 2818
stand out. Though she imports merchandise craftsmen, each having a distinctive approach [email protected] formed the association, establishing standards If knitting is your hobby, there
nonewww.vatnshellir.is
from all over Europe, her ambition is to and working in materials such as wool, glass none and guidelines for the production that was— The Handknitting Assn.’s shop is a world of warm designs just
and still is, an important supplement to many only stocks genuine Icelandic wool waiting for you.
family incomes. Shortly thereafter, they opened and clothing made by professional Icelandic wool wears very
a shop to sell their members’ woollen goods Icelandic knitters, so you can be well and it is not uncommon for
at Skólavörðustígur 19, the main shopping certain you are getting the true, people to wear sweaters many
street that descends from Hallgrímskirkja, the well-made product. Look for the logo to be years and for them to still look fresh.
cathedral overlooking the city. sure. Visitors can have their purchases shipped to
Their motto from the outset has been, ‘Buy them and they can also order from the website.
Find the real thing directly from the people who make them’. That includes the patterns, wool, needles and
In today’s globalised society, it is increasingly Walking into the shop, one cannot help but be accessories, not just the clothing. - ASF
difficult to be sure you are getting a genuine amazed at the skill and productivity of these
article, rather than one made thousands ladies—and some men, too, from all walks The Handknitting Association of Iceland
of miles away, with wool that lacks the of life, living in all parts of the country. Every Skólavörðustígur 19 • 101 Reykjavík
[phone]
characteristics that has made Icelandic wool item has that sense of individual uniqueness
[email protected]
so special for hundreds of years. that only handmade items carry. www.handknit.is
10 11
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At your service
- Anywhere
- Anytime
A ’
ncestors
K
nowledge
Healthy Food Direct from the Earth
Special sightseeing taxi tours
We specialize in personalized sightseeing
day trips to the natural wonders of Iceland
– for small groups of 4-8 persons.
In the old days, people still had knowledge the idea of using seaweed as a dried snack nutrient food. By adding seaweed to your
about nature’s richness. They used what and adding Iceland moss, angelica and daily diet, you can be sure that you are
Mother Earth provided them: picked leaves birch leaves into cheese making. He was consuming ingredients from unspoiled
and herbs, or searched the shores for the also the first to create a bath salt from Icelandic waters. Homemade sauces, juices
ocean’s supplies such as seaweed. The shore Icelandic geothermal salt, using seaweed and jams made from traditional materials
is a garden; you just have to know where to and Mount Hekla pumice. The country are a treat. Pamper your body with a rich
We´ll make you a Comfortable Price offer!
harvest and what to collect. is rich in natural resources when it comes bath salt, or treat yourself with Icelandic
to nutriment. His task was to reawaken Herbal Tea and Arctic Thyme Tea from
folk knowledge about how to harness Íslensk hollusta. Try the Viking Salt,
A Pioneer
Biologist Eyjólfur Friðgeirsson knows these gifts of the earth. The idea proved produced with an ancient salt production
nature pretty well. He is passionate about to be a success, and today his goods can method. The light and compact Seven
the harvesting of nature, which he sees as be purchased in souvenir shops around Spices Gift Packet containing tea, salt and
a food source and a treasure for delicacies. Iceland. Northern Lights Salt (a seasoned seaweed is an excellent contribution to your
In 2005 he started his company Íslensk salt made according to his special recipe) cuisine.
hollusta (Icelandic Wholesomeness), gift packages are available in Icelandair’s “Mother Earth knows what is best; we
aiming at the use of natural Icelandic Saga Shop on board your aircraft. pick it for you, and you just have to take it
products in their own taste and freshness, home,” says Eyjólfur. - DT
such as cheese and a varieties of herbal
Hand-Picked and Healthy ÍslensVka htnolslhusetlali r Cave
tea. Nothing is added or changed in the The hand-picked Iceland moss is ready
production of the products. for use in tea or porridge. In the old days, SkúGtauhfruasukná 7la •r 2• 2306 0H aHfenlalrsfisjöarnðduurr
+354+ 836544 4676555 2818
Eyjólfur is a pioneer in his field in seaweed was consumed in times of famine. [email protected]
[email protected]
All major credit cards accepted by the driver. Iceland. He was the first one to revive Today we know that there is hardly a more www.islenskhollusta.is
To book in advance: tel:[phone] or on www.hreyfill.is E-mail: tour@hreyfill.is
13
www.icelandictimes.com
Tourism, CulTure and Business Issue 26 • 2015
geothermal swimming pools and hot pots
that are a major part of Icelandic culture,
C their warm waters making them a year-
ulture and
round attraction. The largest pool complex,
with jacuzzi, steam baths, sun pool and
slides, is Laugardalslaug, 5 minutes walk
from Ásmundasafn. Also close by is the
F n
un in the orth Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park and
a number of other sporting facilities.
Life in the northernmost capital of the world population numbered just 2,000 or so. It Harbour House—is situated, unsurprisingly, However, wherever you are in the city,
was a hard, simple life lived by farmers and downtown very close to the harbour. you are never far from a swimming pool.
fishermen and their families for the most Established in 2000, it has six interconnected Because of the warm water, you can swim
When you visit Reykjavik today, you The Settlement Exhibition part. Gradually, as the town grew more exhibition rooms, a multi-purpose space or bathe comfortably—even in the depths
find a modern city with all the services The history of Reykjavik has also been
affluent, better Danish style houses were and a courtyard. Its focus is on local and of winter. Besides a regular swimming
and facilities one would expect in a city ten preserved. When digging the foundations
built. Now, at this large open-air museum, international contemporary art, hosting pool, you will find warm pools for
times its size fitting comfortably into what for a new hotel in 2001, workmen
visitors can experience many different numerous festivals throughout the year, relaxing in, and both hot pots, jacuzzis,
might be considered a town elsewhere. Yet, discovered the ruins of a Viking age hall or
lifestyles as a number of the buildings have whilst also being the permanent home for the saunas and steam baths in almost every
here, with its population of about 120,000, longhouse from about 930 AD and parts of
been carefully moved stone-by-stone and works of the eclectic Icelandic artist, Erró. pool complex.
is the dynamic, vibrant capital of a young a turf wall going back even earlier, to around
beam-by-beam and placed here. Although Kjarvalsstaðir: The collection of one of
nation that achieved its independence 870. Archeologists painstakingly uncovered
most come from Reykjavik, one of the first Iceland’s most beloved artists, Jóhannes
only in 1944. Harpa, the recently-opened and documented the find. While the hotel The Reykjavik City Card
to arrive is a tiny church that was originally S. Kjarval, famed for his ability to capture To make it easy for visitors to get the most
concert hall and convention centre was built, it was clearly recognised that this
built in the northern village of Skagafjörður. the beauty and mysticism of the Icelandic out of their time in Reykjavik, the City
epitomises the innovative spirit of the city, was a find of outstanding value and the site
The houses are complete and furnished landscapes, is housed in an imposing Card has been introduced to give free access
having already won many major awards was preserved and turned into a dramatic
according to their time period. Being a building set in a park just minutes to buses, museums and galleries, swimming
for its radical, yet practical architectural exhibition, utilising modern media tools.
farm, during the summer, farm animals from the city centre. It also regularly pools, zoo and family park and a trip to
design. Situated right by the harbour, it has The exhibition, named Reykjavik 871±2,
graze there and the ancient arts and skills features exhibitions of both Icelandic and the island of Viðey. Cards are available
already had over 3 million visitors since its and exports and its fishing fleet still sails after the dating of the volcanic ash layer
are demonstrated. Handicraft, National international art, architecture and design, for 24, 48 or 72 hour periods, with special
opening in 2011. from here. Iceland’s vital relationship to found there, is remarkably only a few metres
Costumes and Haymaking days, along with focussing on the 20th century. discounts for children.
the sea is recorded at the western edge of from the oldest building still in use, built
annual Christmas celebrations complement Ásmundasafn: The third centre, found in Reykjavik is packed with fascinating
the harbour in the Reykjavik Maritime by Skúli Magnússon, a forward-thinking
Bound to the sea special exhibitions that are held throughout Laugardalur (Pool valley), a short bus ride features, tours, shops, fine restaurants,
With a history going back only just over Museum, where exhibitions in six halls reformer, who built the first factory there.
the year. Visitors can sample freshly-made from the town centre, displays the works of nightlife and cultural events. It makes full
a millenium, it is a young city but one trace the evolution of its fishing and
pancakes and sweets over a coffee whilst sculptor and artist, Ásmundur Sveinsson. He use of the 24-hour daylight in summer to
that treasures its past, in all its forms. Its seafaring culture. Outside, floats the
Another Step in Time absorbing this trip into the past. designed the building himself, employing provide guests with a fulfilling visit to the
harbour is still the main port for imports Ódinn, the coastguard ship that played a At Árbæjarsafn, once a farm surrounded by
Arabic and Mediterranean influences, in a world’s most northern capital. - ASF
pivotal role in search and rescue missions countryside but now part of the Reykjavik
break from the common architectural styles
that saved many lives over a number of conurbation, visitors enter another time. Art, Sculpture and Culture
Not all the museums focus on history, for of his time.
years. It was also one of the vessels that Around 150 years ago, when Europe was Visit Reykjavik
Reykjavik is home to a vibrant art
protected Iceland’s fishing rights in the in the midst of the Industrial
and cultural scene. There are Aðalstræti 2 • 101 Reykjavik
notorious Cod Wars. Revolution, Reykjavik’s Geothermal Swimming pools + 354 901550
three main art centres: While visiting Ásmundasafn, it is a good
[email protected]
Hafnarhús—or The time to take a break in one of the many www.visitreykjavik.is
14 15
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WE’LL TAKE RELAXING UNDER
the Midnight Sun!
YOU THERE!
ALL THE MOST EXCITING
PLACES IN ICELAND SRE-64 • DAILY FROM 15 MAY – 15 AUGUST 2015
The midnight sun shines brightly in
Iceland from May until mid August.
Experience a different summer evening!
T F A
he ine rT
K
oF niFemAKing
Bringing an Ancient Viking Tradition Into the Present
n the town of Mosfellsbær, produce a custom knife made to
Ijust a 15 minutes’ drive your specifications.
from Reykjavík, master More information can be
craftsman Páll Kristjánsson found at their websites listed
(or Palli) and his co-creator below where you can browse
Soffía Sigurðardóttir are hard their collections and even special
at work in their rustic atelier, order online.
NEW
where they create an array of
handsome knives for collectors,
chefs, and all those who appreciate the The Woman’s Touch
For her part, Soffía, who has worked under Walk-ins Welcome
TOUR STARTS 15 MAY workmanship that goes into a finely Palli and Soffía’s workshop can be found
Palli’s tutelage for several years, has created a
crafted tool. at Álafossvegur 29, 270 Mosfellsbær.
line of beautiful professional kitchen knives
Opening hours are 9 - 6, Monday through
and her own collection of steak knives and
Friday, from 9 - 4 on Saturdays or if you
Icelandic Artisans at Work forks which are gaining in popularity. Blades
Damascus steel, well known for its durability are in the neighbourhood outside of those
for these knives come in various shapes and
and razor sharp blades, as well as stainless steel hours, you are always welcome to pop in
materials (Japanese, Damascus steel or high
from Denmark, Germany and Sweden are for a chat.
carbon steel) and the finely balanced handles
More tours available on choice materials favoured by Palli and Soffía. Though a visit to their workshop would
AND IN OUR make them a joy to use in the kitchen. Chefs,
Free WiFi Many of the blades are Viking Age replicas be well worth your time, you can also find
our website www.re.is BROCHURES! cooking schools and cooking enthusiasts
decorated with finely etched designs that are their products available in Brynja hardware
tend to love to show off these one-of-a-kind
then expertly paired with a handle carved by store on Laugavegur 29 in the centre of
handmade kitchen tools that have become
Palli. Traditional Icelandic materials are all Reykjavik. -EMV
something of a sought after souvenir from
used to create beautifully carved handles—
Iceland.
birch, rowan, horse’s hooves, reindeer antler,
goat and sheep horn and even fossilised Álafossvegur 29 • 270 Mosfellsbæ
wood. Palli’s knives can be found scattered Custom-made [phone]
Should you have your own design ideas or
throughout the world in 85 countries and as materials that you would like to use, Palli psoaffillia@@kknnifiefemmaakkeerr.i.sis
collector’s items, they sometimes enjoy fierce www.knifemaker.is
and Soffía are happy to work with you to www.kitchenknives.is
OR bidding between collectors on the internet.
1157
BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík • [phone] • [email protected] • www.flybus.is • www.re.is wwwwww..iicceellaannddiiccttiimmeess..ccoomm
Tourism, CulTure and Business Issue 26 • 2015
leather Designer
TThhEE
Ladies handbags, earrings and necklaces
uality Icelandic design and leather working at an architect’s office, she started CCuullTTuuRRAAll
Qhandcraft is much sought after. “My her own business.
first leather design was a handbag painted “I’ve worked on some amazing projects,
with colourful artwork and patterns,” ranging from large buildings to single family
says Guðrún Stefánsdóttir, a successful homes. My favourite projects are those where
CCooRREE
independent architect who found a second I design everything from A-Z for private
career in creative leather designs. Guðrún homes. Those projects would typically
designs leather handbags and now she’s involve the house and interior design, the
Kópavogur’s Vibrant Cultural Scene Draws Visitors from Around the World
added necklaces and earrings to her Ark Art landscaping around the house and the
accessory collection. “I wanted to use the furniture inside.” Iceland’s second largest municipality with an emphasis on rocks and minerals.
leather cut-offs for something useful, when The Ark Art collection is available at invites you to visit the town’s cultural On display are various mammals and live
I came up with the idea to use them to make the National Art Gallery, Snorrastofa in centre, built on a high hill within a short animals and plants in small aquariums. Open
jewellery—earrings and necklaces.” Reykholt and directly from Guðrún. walking distance of the beautiful church Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.,
Guðrún’s Ark Art leather jewellery is More information can be found on from where you have a breathtaking view of Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 1
recognisable by her use of thin leather Facebook: Ark.art leather design. -nHH the sea and surrounding areas. p.m. to 5 p.m. www.natkop.is/english
rings or squares and use of colours. It is a
sophisticated yet simple design, skilfully ArkarVtatnshellir Cave
How To Get There
using geometric shapes and colours. Dragháls 10 • 110 Reykjavík The cultural centre is only about a five
[phone]
Guðrún graduated from the Royal School minutes’ ride with the fast lane city express
[email protected]
of Architecture in Denmark in 1986. After www.facebook.com/pages/Arkart-leather-design/376432965741825 buses of Strætó, the public city buses in Museums and Art
Iceland. Buses number 1, 2, 4, 28 and 35 all Gerðarsafn museum is home to the art of
stop in Hamraborgin, just a few steps away sculptor Gerður Helgadóttir. The museum,
from the cultural centre. which focuses on modern and contemporary
art, is situated right in the heart of the
cultural centre. The building alone, with its
A Musical Town The Blue Gem – The Swimming
Salurinn music hall has been highly wavelike forms in the spirit of the nearby
Pools of Kópavogur
praised by musicians and guests alike for church, is worth a visit. The town prides itself immensely on its
its brilliant acoustics. Here, Icelandic and Illumination is an exhibition of the works swimming pools, located a short distance
international musicians of every genre give of contemporary Icelandic artists inspired by from the cultural centre, which some say are
concerts throughout the year. Just steps Gerður’s noted stained-glass windows. The the best in the country. Having been almost
away from Salurinn you’ll find the Icelandic exhibition is scheduled this summer from completely renovated in 2008, the state-of-
Music History Museum which collects, May 15th to August 2nd. the-art recreational centre has a 50 metre
preserves and communicates everything The museum shop also offers designer outdoor pool and a 25 metre indoor pool,
regarding Icelandic music since the time souvenirs inspired by the art of Gerður four waterslides, a wading pool, hot pots
of the settlement to today. This is a place Helgadóttir. and a sauna. It’s simply divine to spend the
for anyone fascinated by the country’s Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 day here, relaxing and soaking in the luxury
impressive music scene. Opening hours a.m. to 5 p.m. http://english.gerdarsafn.is of earth’s blue gold—water! Open Monday
are from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 The Natural History Museum focuses through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
p.m. (closed in July). www.tonlistarsafn.is, on the fauna of Iceland, mostly birds and weekends 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.kopavogur.
www.salurinn.is molluscs, as well as the island’s geology, is/thjonusta/ithrottir/sundlaugar -HÞ
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www.icelandictimes.com