Stopover Summer 2019

Summer Magazine 2019 #MyStopover
STOPOVER
OCEANIC
ADVENTURES
Kit Harington on Game A Guide to Iceland’s Cool Diving and Hot On the Lookout for
of Thrones and Iceland Seafood Trail Bathing Spots Earth’s Largest Animal
page 16 page 20 page 26 page 44
1 Icelandair Stopover
Make the most of your last hours in Iceland.
We are your one stop shop for Icelandic design,
souvenirs and traditional food. Browse wheninkef.is
to see our selection and offers.
All shops and restaurants are tax- and duty free.
14 18
26 36 44
SUMMER 2019 I PUBLISHED BY ICELANDAIR
LOOK INSIDE
Featured Content: Flyer’s Hub:
4 Letter From Icelandair 40 Travel: Arctic Coast Way Opens 75 Route Network
6 Iceland 101 42 Icelandair on Instagram 76 Icelandair @Work: Novelties and News
8 Landscape: A Soak on the Shore 44 Searching for the Blue Whale 77 Icelandair’s Special Children Travel Fund
10 What to Do This Summer 46 Icelandic for Beginners 79 Saga Shop Kitchen: On-Board Menu
12 Recommended Reads 48 Aerobatics for 100 Years of Aviation 80 Icelandair Travel Experience
14 Activities: Sea Swimming 50 #MyStopover: Icelandic Wedding 81 Services on Board
16 Interview: Kit Harington 54 Children’s Corner: The Animals of 82 In-Flight Entertainment
18 My Location: Game of Thrones Treasure Iceland
84 Map of Iceland and Domestic Routes
20 Food: The Seafood Trail 56 Film: The Quirks and Charms of RIFF 90 Our Fleet: Aircraft Types and Names
26 Travel: Diving Adventures in the North 60 Our Top Stopover Picks 92 Devices and Wi-Fi
30 Sport: Iceland’s New Shooting Star 64 Our Destinations:
94 Safety Information
The Green Spaces of Vancouver
32 Travel: Suburban Secrets 66
Our Destinations: 96 Guide to Customs Forms
36 Film: Doomed Love in Let Me Fall Winding Down in Geneva
38 Quiz With the Winners of Music 68 Our Destinations: Family Fun in Billund
Experiments
Editor: Eygló Svala Arnarsdóttir (editor@icelandair.is) Contributing Illustrators: Alfreð I. A. Pétursson Alfreð I. A. Pétursson, Karissa Poot, Brandon
Cover Image: Getty Images and KIDZinflight Presser, Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson, Helen Sloan,
Copy Editor: Sarah Dearne Contributing Photographers: Egill Bjarnason, Björn Steinbeck, Denis Tyrin, Kim Wyon
Contributing Writers: Ásta Andrésdóttir, Eygló Erlendur Bogason, Bryony Caldwell, Hjördis Advertising: icelandair.us/advertise-en
Svala Arnarsdóttir, Carolyn Bain, Egill Bjarnason, Eyþórsdóttir, Roman Gerasymenko, Willy Grauby, Design: Alfreð I. A. Pétursson
Kiri Buchanan, Sarah Dearne, Björn Halldórsson, Hákon Guðröðarson, Al Harvey, Jón Óskar / Icelandic Ad Agency SV
AN
S MERK
IÐ
Tina Jøhnk Christensen, John Lee, Einar Lövdahl, Hauksson, Sigurgeir Jónasson, John Lee, Mario Printing: Oddi
Sally O’Brien, Brandon Presser, Lisa Gail Shannen, Liebherr, David Mark, Nelson Mouellic, Sally O’Brien,
Michelle Spinei Hlynur Vestmar Oddsson, Jónas Ottósson,
Prentgripur
1234 5678
VOLCANO &
EARTHQUAKE
EXHIBITION
The Lava Centre is situated at Hvolsvöllur on the South Coast of Iceland,
surrounded by active volcanoes. It truly acts as the gateway to Iceland’s most
active volcanic area. It’s a must-see for anyone wanting to get a better under-
standing of the incredible forces that have shaped Iceland.
The Lava Centre just received two Red Dot Awards, which cement its
position as a world class exhibition.
More info and tickets at Open every day Lava now Follow us on Iceland Volcano & Earthquake Centre
www.lavacentre.is 9:00 - 19:00 accepts social media Austurvegur 14, Hvolsvöllur · South Iceland
Icelandair Stopover 4
LETTER FROM ICELANDAIR:
SUMMER SUN AND

SMOOTH SEAS
BOGI NILS BOGASON,
CEO OF ICELANDAIR GROUP.
Dear fellow traveler, I started playing golf when I was seven Icelander to play and score in the
years old in a 9-hole golf course in Eski Champions League, is in an interview on
Over the past decade, Icelandair has been fjörður, a small village in the East Fjords page 30. Elín Sif Halldórsdóttir and Eyrún
at the forefront of transforming Iceland into where I grew up. I have been playing golf Björk Jakobsdóttir were praised for their
a year-round tourist destination. Our focus ever since then. We have a short season roles as troubled teenagers in drama Let
on steadily expanding our route network in Iceland but it’s quite handy to be able to Me Fall. They discuss the harsh realities of
over the years has been key to enhancing play late evenings during the summer, drug addiction along with the film’s director,
Iceland’s position as an international taking advantage of the midnight sun. Baldvin Zophoníasson, on page 36. Teenage
connecting hub. This has been our focus There’s nothing that compares to it. metal band Blóðmör won the 2019 Icelandic
since 2012, when we created our future Music Experiments. Read a Q&A with its
vision “to unlock Iceland’s potential as a In this issue, we cover some of the adven members on page 38.
year-round-destination, to strengthen tures of the North Atlantic, including ocean
Iceland’s position as a connecting hub, swimming (page 14), diving and snorkeling Also, don’t miss a photo series of an
and to maintain our focus on flexibility in the high north (page 26), keeping watch enchanted wedding in Iceland on page 50.
and experience.” It’s safe to say that we for the world’s biggest whale (page 44), For more travel tips, flip over to page 60,
have reached our goals and fulfilled this seafood galore (page 20) and the opening and check out upcoming events on page
vision. Iceland is already a popular year- of Iceland’s next big tourist attraction: The 10. Beyond Iceland, we cover three fabulous
round destination and now serves as a Arctic Coast Way (page 40). summer destinations: the Green Spaces
strong connecting hub between Europe of Vancouver (page 64); lakeside lounging,
and North America. Game of Thrones has come to an end. Kit boating and wine tasting in Geneva (page
Harington discusses the hit series and his 66); and fun activities for families in and
In 2018, we transported 4.1 million pass role as Jon Snow on page 16, and on page around Billund, Denmark (page 68). And
engers, and I want to use this opportunity 18, you can learn more about some of the remember, when you fly between North
to thank you for choosing Icelandair for your series’ most memorable shooting locations America and Europe, you can add a
journey to Iceland, Europe or North America. in Iceland. For culture in and around the Stopover in Iceland at no extra charge
capital, read about the upcoming Reykjavík and make the most of your travel adventure.
If your plan is to stop in Iceland this summer, International Film Festival on page 56, and
I have a recommendation: to play golf in the on page 32, discover the attractions of the Whether you spend your summer traveling
Icelandic midnight sun. It’s known that Ice capital’s charming neighboring towns. or working, I hope you enjoy your journey
landers are fond of handball and football. It’s with Icelandair. We look forward to seeing
not as widely known that Icelanders are also We also shine a light on rising stars in film, you on board again.
fierce golf players, with over 60 golf courses music and sports. Nineteen-year-old foot
all around the country. baller Arnór Sigurðsson, the youngest Góða ferð! Have a good trip.
AD
GRÍMSEY
SUÐUREYRI
ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
DALVÍK
FLATEY
ARNARSTAPI
HOFSJÖKULL REYÐARFJÖRÐUR
LANGJÖKULL
AKRANES VATNAJÖKULL
REYKJAVÍK HEKLA
REYKJANESBÆR
THIS IS HIGHWAY 1
VESTMANNAEYJAR
We call it the Ring Road because, as you can
see, it is shaped like a ring around the whole
island. Many people like to follow this 882-
mile (1,323-km) long route when they want to
see a lot of the country, but don’t forget to
ICELAND 101 venture off on other roads so you can explore

areas like the Westfjords, Snæfellsnes
peninsula and Reykjanes.
Welcome to Iceland! Looking for the basics on Iceland
before your Icelandair Stopover? Here are a few
essentials about our North Atlantic paradise.
The national language is Icelandic, and It does not get as cold in winter as you might even in what may appear to be barren,
while you’ll have no problem getting by using think, but nevertheless our weather can be sandy territory.
English, we’re grateful anytime a visitor tries quite unpredictable. Bring lots of clothes to
to use góðan daginn (good day) or takk wear in layers—even in summer—and a good Speaking of our landscapes, you’ll notice
(thank you). quality windproof jacket. Most importantly, that there aren’t many signs, fences or other
don’t forget your bathing suit! Visiting our barriers around our natural wonders. We trust
You are going to land at Keflavík Airport. thermal pools is a highlight of most trips your common sense. So when you see or
When you first step outside, take a deep (though you can always rent a suit if you hear a warning, please heed it: Do not step
breath and inhale our wonderful clean air. forgot yours). over ropes that are blocking an area. Hot
Welcome to the North Atlantic. springs can be dangerously hot. Rocks near
There aren’t a lot of trees in Iceland. It can waterfalls can be slippery. And the sea can
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, winter temper- be windy here. Remember to hold your car be deceptively calm. Follow local advice.
atures are milder here than you’ll find in door when you open it. Trust us; your rental
New York or Toronto. When the thermometer company will thank you. The name of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík,
creeps above 68°F (20°C) in summer, Ice- means “smoky bay.” About two-thirds of our
landers bask in the sun at cafés and Electricity in Iceland is 220 volts, the same population of 350,000 live in the Capital
beaches. as in Europe. If you bring electronics from Region.
the US or Canada, you’ll need an adapter
You probably already know that Iceland is a for both plugs and current. Iceland is a wired Photographers love Iceland for its incredible,
volcanic land. We also have many glaciers and society, and you’ll find Internet hotspots ever-changing light. It never gets fully dark
countless other natural wonders. Remember almost everywhere. between about mid-May and early August,
to stay safe on your travels and check out while in December a muted light shines over
safetravel.is before you go. Many of you will be visiting our country to the island for a few short hours each day.
enjoy our unique nature, of which we are
There’s no need to buy bottled water when very proud. Please remember, though, that
you’re here. What comes out of the tap is pure, Iceland’s delicate landscapes can take
clean, tasty—and free. You may notice the hot decades, or even centuries, to recover from
water has a slightly sulfurous smell, but it’s misuse. Please don’t collect stones, tread on
plentiful; we even use it to heat our homes! or pick up sensitive moss, or drive off road—
n Birkimelur
POOL
PARTY
BY CAROLYN BAIN.
PHOTO BY BJÖRN
STEINBECK.
Far away in the northwestern

corner of Iceland, rutted roads
wind along fjord edges and over
mountains, carrying travelers to
bird-filled cliffs, empty beaches,
towering waterfalls and sleepy
villages. A summer road-trip
through the Westfjords is a
delight, as epic landscapes
are unveiled and nature-
based pitstops beckon.
Some of the best-loved stops are

the region’s outdoor swimming
spots and hot pools. Many have
perfected the combination
of relaxing geothermal soak
accompanied by endless vistas.
This image is a bird’s-eye view of
the summer-opening Birkimelur
pool, sitting in a plum location
on the Westfjords’ south coast,
west of the ferry terminal at
Brjánslækur as you head to the
avian wonders of Látrabjarg.
It’s a simple concrete pool with
modest facilities, but you can see
the criteria met for the textbook
Icelandic swimming experience.
Remote location, check. Scenery,
check (on a clear day, look for
Snæfellsjökull glacier across the
bay). Geothermal rockpool, check.
Dive in!
HERE AND THERE
Here’s what happening on the hippest
island in the North Atlantic this summer. BY SARAH DEARNE.
NESKAUPSTAÐUR July 10–13 DALVÍK / HRAFNAGIL August 8–11

Dalvíkn
Gásir
Eistnaflug The Great Fish Day / The Arctic n
Hrafnagil Akureyri
n
n
Serving up an ironclad combo of heavy metal Handcraft and Design Fair Neskaupstaður n
and Icelandic small-town charm, Eistnaflug August 8–11 are busy days in North Reykholt n
is a four-day family reunion of headbangers Iceland, with festivals coinciding in the n Reykjavík Jökulsárlón
from far and wide. Taking the stage this villages of Dalvík and Hrafnagil (a little
n
year are local scenesters Auðn, Sólstafir north and south of Akureyri, respectively).
and Dynfari, alongside international acts The immensely popular Great Fish Day in
Primordial (Ireland) and Golden Core Dalvík reels you in with the promise of a free
(Norway). Don’t be fooled by the corpse seafood buffet, then treats you to a delightful downtown for the Reykjavík Marathon and
paint—Eistnaflug is famously friendly and day out by the harbor, complete with live Culture Night, one of Iceland’s most attended
inclusive, with one key exception: “No idiots entertainment and ocean-themed activities. annual events. The day scurries into action
allowed!” I eistnaflug.is And if you’re in the market for holiday keep with the marathon (you can also sign up for
sakes, skip the puffin stores and head down shorter distances), then around noon it’s time
REYKHOLT July 26–28 to the Arctic Handcraft and Design Fair, for cultural events in every imaginable form,
where you can nab authentic treasures hand followed by evening concerts and harborside
Reykholt Chamber Music Festival made from local materials such as wool, fish fireworks to cap off the night with a bang.
The tiny village of Reykholt hosts the leather and volcanic stones. The fair also has Cultural events and public transport are free
Chamber Music Festival, a summer music family-friendly entertainment and food on for the day, so peruse the program and hop
staple since 1997. The three-day event offer, making for a perfect afternoon out on a bus downtown. I marathon.is,
makes use of Reykholtskirkja church’s lush in the Eyjafjörður countryside. I culturenight.is
acoustics, with performers from Iceland and fiskidagurinnmikli.is, handverkshatid.is
abroad filling its chambers with classical and REYKJAVÍK September 4–8
contemporary sounds. Reykholt is one of the VATNAJÖKULL REGION August 17
most important historic sites in Iceland, so Reykjavík Jazz Festival
be sure to wander over to the Snorrastofa Firework Show at Jökulsárlón Just try to resist the funky charm of the
medieval center while you’re there. After weeks of midnight sun, locals and Reykjavik Jazz Festival. Unfolding over five
I reykholtshatid.is visitors welcome back the nighttime darkness days, the program focuses on contemporary
with the annual Firework Show at Jökulsárlón, jazz including Nordic and avant garde
EYJAFJÖRÐUR July 20–21 Iceland’s iconic glacier lake. Splashes of light stylings performed by handpicked local
and color twinkle over the glacial waters and international players. The festival also
Gásir Medieval Days and illuminate the icebergs, creating a advertises programs for kids and “non-
The Medieval Days festival invites you to surreal sensory experience that won’t jazzers,” though these may be a ruse to
venture back in time to the Gásir market- soon be forgotten. As a feel-good bonus, lure you in with their groovy rhythms.
place, an ancient trading post brought to life all proceeds go towards ICE-SAR, the I reykjavikjazz.is
by history buffs in medieval garb. You can Icelandic search and rescue team.
learn about traditional craftsmanship, games, I visitvatnajokull.is/event/firework-show- Left: Gásir marketplace. Photo courtesy
cooking and more, while younger travelers at-jokulsarlon of Akureyri Museum.
burn off steam and battle out back-seat
disputes with friendly sword fights. There are REYKJAVÍK August 24 Center: Photo by Jón Óskar Hauksson.
some neat ancient ruins to explore, too. Keen
authenticity makes Medieval Days festival Reykjavík Marathon and Culture Night Right: The Great Fish Day serves up
as enlightening as it is enjoyable. I gasir.is Every August, runners and revelers flock fresh fish. Photo by Bryony Caldwell.
NO NEED TO WAIT
FOR YOUR BAGS
if you do what the locals do and pick up some duty free
goods in the arrival store before your luggage
www.dutyfree.is
THE DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE IS 6 UNITS

OF ALCOHOL, ANY WAY YOU LIKE IT
Use the duty free allowance calculator on our website, www.dutyfree.is,
to determine how to make the best use of your allowance.
VACATION TRANSLATIONS
With more and more translated books being published in English each spring, works
of international literature are becoming top vacation reads for the discerning traveler.
Take a gander at Björn Halldórsson’s selection of new books from Iceland.
THE DARKNESS
By Ragnar Jónasson
In The Darkness Ragnar Jónasson lays to rest stalwart running out the clock on her final week on the job. Hulda
Siglufjörður policeman Ari Þór for a new and very immediately knows which case she wants: the supposed
different protagonist: Detective Hulda Hermannsdóttir, suicide of a young Russian woman, an asylum seeker
65, widowed and facing retirement. Although weary after whose body was discovered in the surf near the town of
struggling under the glass ceiling of the Reykjavík Police Vík í Mýrdal a mere year ago. In this first book in his new
Force for decades, it still comes as a shock to Hulda Hulda series, Ragnar Jónasson twists and subverts the
when she is asked to take early retirement and release traditions of the detective genre in order to present
her ongoing cases to her replacement—a much younger something new and different to even the savviest crime
man. As meager compensation, she is given permission fiction enthusiasts.
to look into a cold case file of her own choosing, while
HISTORY. A MESS.
By Sigrún Pálsdóttir
In the archives of an elite European university, an aspiring composure and too ashamed to seek comfort and
academic stumbles upon a 365-year-old diary entry that guidance from her loved ones, the narrator gradually loses
offers proof of the world’s first documented professional faith in her own senses, causing her narration to spiral out
female artist. It’s the chance of a lifetime, an opportunity of control. This novel provides a startling insight into the
to establish her career at a time when society is ripe for strain and isolation of academia, so that one might wonder
rethinking women’s role in history. Six years and 600 whether the author, an Oxford-educated historian and
pages later, when she returns to the source that sparked biographer, is exorcising a few personal demons in this,
her research, the young academic makes a devastating her first work of fiction. Ask any academic and they will
discovery, the strain of which causes emotional issues tell you that History. A Mess. is a horror story at heart.
from her past to resurface. Struggling to maintain her
THE SAGAS AND SHIT

By Grayson Del Faro
Most Icelanders first come into contact with the sagas for his adopted homeland, where he procured a master’s
in secondary school—the killing field of great works degree in Old Norse, is evident in his explorations of
of literature. As such, their drama, swift violence and the love/hate relationship that Icelanders have with the
oftentimes sordid poetry tend to get lost under teenage sagas, as well as the tongue-lashing he delivers to
scar-tissue left by longwinded sections of Icelandic marketing forces that use the word Viking to peddle
genealogical history. Enter The Sagas and Shit. everything from sushi to machismo. In this slim and
Though outwardly vitriolic and puerile, Grayson Del bawdy book, he commits the high-wire act of both
Faro’s obscenity-laden Cliffs Notes to the Icelandic celebrating and demystifying the old texts in a manner
sagas provide succinct summaries as well as the that is sure to earn him the ire of the academic field but
cultural context necessary to aid the immersion of which will also send scores of new readers saga-ward.
new and old readers. Furthermore, Del Faro’s fondness
AUDIO BOOK CODEX 1962

By Sjón
Brought together in a single volume for its first and turns to pull in all manners of stories—great
publication in English, CoDex 1962 contains Icelandic mythologies as well as minor incidents. The three books
writer and poet Sjón’s magnum opus: a trilogy of novels contained herein form a triptych of romance, mystery and
25 years in the making. In these three texts, Josef science fiction, pulling in references from the annals of
Löwe—narrator, golem and self-confessed fictional folklore, theology, literature and science, as well as pulps,
construct—recounts his entire life and more, reaching comics, films and music. Together, the trilogy stands as
all the way back to the chance meeting of his father a testament to Sjón’s idea of the novel as the ultimate
and mother in WWII-era Germany and their shaping mode of storytelling, a Legion-like construct that contains
of his child’s body out of clay. Throughout, his tale twists within itself all other forms of writing.
Check out which audio books are available on page 82 and on our in-flight entertainment system.
n Reykjavík
HAPPY IN THE HIGH TIDE

BY LISA GAIL SHANNEN.
PHOTO BY ROMAN GERASYMENKO.
Swimming is an integral part of life in Iceland. mettle for it speak enthusiastically of the
While most seek the toasty temperatures of health benefits, which are said to include
geothermally-heated hot tubs and pools, improved circulation and help with anxiety
there’s a small but growing community that is and depression. No wonder they look so
keen for the more extreme conditions of the happy! Some describe it like a hangover
sea. The most popular destination for sea in reverse: a few moments of discomfort
swimming is the Ylströnd geothermal beach followed by an extended, wholesome high.
at Nauthólsvík in Reykjavík, which has it all: a You might run in screaming, but you come
lagoon of geothermally-heated seawater, hot out beaming and invigorated to the core.
pots and a steam room to warm up in after a
dip in the shivery big blue. With temperatures Although sea swimming is a fun and refreshing
ranging from just above 32°F (0°C) in the activity, those who are new to it should never
winter and up to 59°F (15°C) in the summer, swim alone and should stay close to the shore
and recognize the symptoms of hypothermia.
it’s not for everyone. But those who have the
AFTER THE END OF GAME OF THRONES
Kit Harington was part of the hugely popular Game of Thrones for nine years. When
his character Jon Snow died, he found it difficult to keep silent about it to all his fans.
But now it’s really over: Game of Thrones has come to an end and the 32-year-old actor
has moved on, starring in Sam Shepard’s play True West in London. Before that
happened, Icelandair Stopover spoke to Kit Harington on the set of the final season
of Game of Thrones in Belfast.
BY TINA JØHNK CHRISTENSEN. STILL COURTESY OF HBO,
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PEGASUS PRODUCTIONS.
We’re in the room where you read the last episodes of Game How do you feel about it being over now?
of Thrones for the first time. What was the atmosphere like? I feel that some of me is leaving school. That is the closest thing
There was a standing ovation and there were tears and I broke down. I can feel to it. I’ve never been in an institution this long and there
I just started sobbing and there were a lot of people that were exactly is part of me that is like a teenager just wanting to get out into the
the same. I don’t know what it was, it was just reading the words. real world and the other half of me that feels like I’m tugging on my
Because every year we read “end of season five,” “end of season parents’ apron strings not wanting to leave, and those two things are
six,” and this just said: “End of Game of Thrones.” I almost get teary pulling at each other. But the one thing that I do know and the one
thinking about it. It was like, “Oh f***, it’s done. It’s done.” thing that all the actors feel, and I think everyone involved feels, is
that everything with Game of Thrones felt so right. This feels like
So how was it reading the final episodes of Game of Thrones? the right journey to be finishing it and I feel like I’m very ready for
I found this much more emotionally pressing than I thought it was it to end. But I am very sad to see it go.
going to be. I kind of think of myself as quite a cynical, realistic,
unbothered English man and […] I found it quite an emotional You have been with Jon Snow for such a long time. Are you
punch to the gut. Not just what happens generally but just kind anything like Jon Snow? And what has he taught you
of reading the final lines and the end of it. I’ve never been on this about yourself?
kind of emotional journey in anything I’ve done. I always thought I was like Jon Snow and then [when] we finished,
not being him per se anymore, I realized that it was a character that
I was playing. I know it sounds weird but I
feel he is not with me anymore and that he
is a character in the past. I love him dearly
but it is only in finishing that I have kind of
realized the kind of heaviness that came
with him in my life. As an actor you adopt
the characters you play to some extent. If
you play a character for nine years and he
is always there with you and you go back
to him again and again, you adopt some of
what he is. I think he is a very heavy and
very damaged person and I think it is quite
nice not having him with me for a bit.
What was your favorite costume

from the show?
Dimmuborgir n
I think in season two it was the lightest.
So probably [the costume from] season
two. That’s why I was so happy, it seems.
I remember that big kind of shaggy one
Svínafellsjökull n Fjallsárlón
[when] they go off beyond the wall and
n
he has this kind of like ranger’s outfit on.

That was pretty cool.
What was your favorite season

of Game of Thrones?
My favorite was season two because of
Iceland and because of the storyline in it.
I loved it. And because we realized we were
sitting on a show that people had responded
to and that had been critically acclaimed. It
was doing well and we got nominated for an
Emmy. Suddenly you were like, “We’ve got
liftoff; we’ve got something that works here.”
What are some of your favorite

memories from shooting
Game of Thrones?
I met my wife on Game of Thrones [Rose
Leslie; Ygritte in the series]. So that is the
greatest gift it’s given me. So my favorite
memories are from Iceland when we first
met. Iceland really is a special kind of
place for me.
How would you describe Iceland? Of course, I had been on location in Belfast, of so few that you are invited into and the
Iceland is magical. I don’t know what else but I went out into a quite unusual and culture is just there. The world is just there.
I can say about it other than that. This year strange and different landscape with the The culture is so defined by the landscape
it was like, “Well I definitely won’t be going show, and there was something about and its weather and its wildness that you
back there so now maybe I want to buy a traveling away from home like on a school just bleed into it.
place there.” I just can’t let go of that trip with this cast and crew, which I was
country. I don’t think I ever will. There’s beginning to find were like family. When we Previous page: From season three, episode
something otherworldly about Iceland, and were put in a situation with the landscape one: “Valar Dohaeris,” where a captive Jon
actually Scandinavian countries in general. and the people of Iceland, it takes on a kind Snow is being taken to Mance Rayder— The
I am a real fan because I just love the kind of magical quality and those few seasons King Beyond the Wall. Shot in Dimmuborgir,
of serenity, especially at this point in my life we were there were some of the fondest of Mývatn. Photo by Helen Sloan.
when everything is hectic. my life. So it will always be synonymous with
Game of Thrones and linked to filming in that Top: Scene featuring Jon Snow captured by
What is so significant about Iceland country and linked to the times that my life Wildlings shot at Fjallsárlón for “The Prince
for you? was changing quite rapidly. of Winterfell” episode from season two.
I think it marked a specific and incredible
point in the journey of Game of Thrones for Did you get to speak the language Bottom: Shooting scenes for season
me, when we had the first season come out and learn about the culture? two’s “The Old Gods and the New,”
and it was a success and we were entering You cannot go to Iceland without learning with Kit Harington and Rose Leslie
the second season and we went on location. about the culture. It is there. It’s a population at Svínafellsjökull.
Skógafoss n
MY LOCATION:
Some of the most romantic scenes from Game of Thrones were
WATERFALL OF shot in Iceland, including Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen’s
WINTERFELL kiss at the half-frozen Skógafoss waterfall.
BY LISA GAIL SHANNEN. was hidden behind the falls by one of also help the actors: They don’t have to act
STILL COURTESY OF HBO. the first settlers of the Skógar area, Þrasi cold; they really are. Apart from the task
Þórólfsson. While Jon and Daenerys may of keeping the actors warm between takes,
One of the standout romantic moments be oblivious to the treasure behind them, other challenges included dealing with the
from the final season of Game of Thrones Icelandic location expert from Pegasus Pro short daylight hours and weather conditions.
was shot on location in South Iceland and ductions, Einar Sveinn Þórðarson, knows a During the three-day shoot for season eight
stars, among other gorgeous places, the thing or two about spotting treasure: He has “there were only around five hours of daylight
legendary Skógafoss waterfall in all its now worked as location scout and supervisor to work with,” explains Einar, which meant
winter glory. The scene, from the “Winterfell” on seven seasons of the hit TV show, which the crew had to set up in the darkness,
episode, features Kit Harington as Jon came to its epic conclusion earlier this year. and “because we needed as much snow
Snow and Emilia Clarke as Daenerys as possible, we had to move much higher
Targaryen taking the dragons for a spin Working closely with Executive Producer into the mountains, which meant we also
through a series of stunning snow-laden Bernadette Caulfield and Producer Chris had to do a lot of snow clearing.” While
river canyons before landing in front of the Newman, Einar has scouted a trove of dealing with shorter days and weather
spectacular icicle-encrusted waterfall. “We treasured locations for the show, including conditions comes with the territory in Iceland,
could stay for a thousand years; no one iconic sites in Þingvellir National Park (“The the “great people working on it” made sure it
would find us,” exclaims Daenerys. They Bloody Gate”), Mývatn in the North (“Beyond was a “smooth and enjoyable co-operation.”
share a passionate kiss in front of the the Wall”) and Dyrhólaey (“Eastwatch by the Looking back, it’s been an incredible journey
famous waterfall—augmented for the Sea”). The showrunners, David Benioff and and Einar is proud to have been part of it.
occasion with extra tiers and torrents in Daniel Weiss, have said the main reason for “It’s definitely been an adventure and I miss
post-production—but before they get the filming in Iceland is for authenticity purposes, it already. HBO picked a fantastic team, and
chance to melt the snow, the moment is with them preferring natural views over green boy has it paid off! We got the gold!”
interrupted by Drogon (the dragon) who screen and special effects. The real winter
seems to be staring intently at them—or is environments—which for season eight were Above: Daenerys Targaryen invites
he? Perhaps he spotted the fabled chest of mainly shot in the mountains and canyons Jon Snow to keep her warm with a
gold, which, according to Icelandic folklore, above the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur— kiss in front of Skógafoss.
Laxnes Horse Farm is a family owned and operated horse farm offering daily tours since 1968. With a wide
range of horses we specialize in short and long tours designed to introduce our customers to the amazing,
gentle and one of a kind Icelandic horse. Additionally we offer a variety of combination tours letting you
get the most out of your day in Iceland. We offer pickup service in Reykjavik and the farm’s easy to find
location just outside Reykjavik makes joining our tours easy if you have a car.
“The best way to see Icelandic nature is from the back of a horse.
Laxnes is our home and with our horses being part of the family
our main goal has always been to combine well organized
professionalism with a warm and friendly family atmosphere.”
Haukur Thorarinsson
Manager
To celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2018 a live size statue of Neisti,

our first horse, was commisioned and made by our local workshop
Ásgarður which is a protected workplace employing over 30 disabled
people and assistants. The workshop outdid themselves this time
producing a roughly 500kg three dimensional wooden statue which
stands on a 12 metric ton rock unearthed at the farm. The statue of
Neisti stands proud and ready like it’s namesake
and serves as a constant reminder of what
can be accomplished with hard work,
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All that coastline, all those fishing boats! filling, but the classic dish of langoustine
THERE’S PLENTY It’s a given that you’re going to eat some

fine fresh fish on your travels around
tails with butter and garlic can’t be beat. Try
it in elegant restaurants like Humarhöfnin
MORE FISH IN Iceland. You may have heard of farm-to-

plate dining? Iceland does this style of
and Pakkhús, or in sandwich form at the
fun local diner, Hafnarbúðin.
THE SEA locavore cuisine as second nature—and

trust us when we say it’s equally enthu Other great langoustine haunts include
siastic about fishing-boat-to-plate (or bowl, Fjöruborðið, a cozy, unpretentious waterside
Where to chase piscatorial in the form of sensational soups). The time restaurant in south-coast Stokkseyri (about
pleasure across Iceland and between catching, cooking and eating is a one-hour drive from downtown Reykjavík),
sometimes just a matter of hours. where the langoustine soup comes with
how to sample treats from extra magic and a great menu description.
cold coastal waters. Look out for favorites such as cod (in In Reykjavík, Sægreifinn (also known as
Icelandic, þorskur), delicious Arctic char the Sea Baron) by the harbor is justifiably
BY CAROLYN BAIN. (bleikja; it’s similar to trout) and haddock renowned for its rich, creamy soup.
PHOTOS COURTESY (ýsa). For some of great spots for fresh,
OF THE PROPRIETORS. delicious fish and assorted sea critters, Fish Pans
here’s a handy guide. Many restaurants have cottoned on to the
fact that fresh fish cooked simply and well,
Langoustine without too many bells and whistles, makes
You may see lobster soup and other “Ice diners happy. To that end, they simply pan-fry
landic lobster” (humar) dishes on menus fish in cast-iron pans that are then brought to
around the country. This is actually langous the table, together with potatoes and a salad
tine, the smaller cousin of the lobster, fished to enjoy. Cod may be simply grilled in butter,
in local waters. Höfn in the southeast of or Arctic char with perfect flavoring such as
Iceland is the unofficial langoustine capital, honey, almonds and cherry tomatoes. Fish
and the town celebrates the crustacean with served in this manner is found in quality
an annual festival each summer. Every menu restaurants around the country, including the
in town features langoustine in some form or rustic Messinn in Reykjavík and Noa Seafood
another, from pizza topping to sandwich in Akureyri. A newer place to discover is the
Bait Shack or Beituskúrinn), which brings a Market) and Fiskfélagið (Fish Company), to sample raw (including scallops and
touch of New England to Neskaupstaður in where tasting menus take the pain out of sea urchins).
East Iceland. In the Westfjords, the ultimate choosing and options run beyond sushi to
fishy destination is Tjöruhúsið in Ísafjörður, cover impeccable local fish, meat and other Landlubbers and fans of slow travel might
where a cozy wooden building from 1782 flavors. Sushi Social is also a fun option, prefer the “Seafood Trail,” a guided gourmet
houses a family-run restaurant that lays on a fusion of Japan meets South America walking tour around Suðureyri, a remote and
a buffet of fish pans—all the better for tasting (sounds odd, but it works!). beautifully sited fishing village in the West
a variety of creations, from a signature fjords. The company running the tours is
wolffish dish with cream cheese, capers, Mussels simply called Fisherman—they have a store
mushrooms, and grapes, to delicious cod Locally harvested blue-shell mussels draw in Reykjavík too.
cheeks in butter and garlic. diners to charming Stykkishólmur, on the
Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. Previous page: Local catch with Japanese
Sushi Narfeyrarstofa and the more casual Sjávar flair at Norð Austur. Photo courtesy of Norð
Access to all that fresh fish makes for pakkhúsið both take the provenance of their Austur.
some fine sushi (fun fact: Iceland grows food seriously, with menus bursting with local
fresh wasabi), and one of the best places specialties and fresh-from-the-bay goodness. Top, left and right, and bottom center:
in the country to sample local seafood with The fresh haul on board the Viking Sushi
a modern Japanese twist is in the East, in Fishy Tours boat tour. Photo courtesy of Seatours
the charming town of Seyðisfjörður. At Norð Sure, a restaurant meal of fresh fish is a Eimskip.
Austur, open in summer, the fish lands delight, but nothing beats fishing for your
straight off the boat and into the hands of own dinner. Sea-angling trips are available Bottom left: Fish pan from The Bait Shack.
an internationally trained sushi chef. The in a few towns around Iceland, including Photo by Hákon Guðröðarson.
aesthetics (of both the dishes and the Reykjavík, where a handful of tour companies
restaurant) are first-class, and the sake, will take you out to sea with the required gear Bottom right: Local Atlantic rock
botanical cocktails and Japanese beers and will barbecue your catch on board. In crab at Sjávarpakkhúsið.
belie the far-flung locale. Dalvík in North Iceland, you can combine Photo by Hjördis Eyþórsdóttir.
whale-watching with a little sea-fishing.
In the capital, a few high-class places fight From Stykkishólmur, “Viking Sushi” summer
for your attention with super sushi, including boat tours go out exploring islands, birdlife
Fiskmarkaðurinn (also known as the Fish and scenery, and a net drags up shellfish
3
4
5
7
8
2
9
1
10
CATCH OF THE DAY

ACROSS THE COUNTRY
1. Reykjavík 6. Akureyri
Trawl the capital for Fresh fishy business in
piscatorial riches. the town’s restaurants.
2. Stykkishólmur 7. Seyðisfjörður
Mussels and treats from Quite the surprise: one of the
(and on) Breiðafjörður. country’s best sushi options.
3. Suðureyri 8. Neskaupstaður
Explore fishing-village life As far east as you can get, with
in this scenic outpost. rustic flavor on a view-filled deck.
4. Ísafjörður 9. Höfn
Sample a bountiful fish buffet. All the langoustine
your heart desires.
5. Dalvík
Scenery aplenty, plus whale- 10. Stokkseyri
watching and sea-fishing. Magical soup and classic
crustacean fare.
Above: Nautical vibes at The Bait Shack, Neskaupstaður.

Right: The Bait Shack’s fish pan. Both photos by Hákon Guðröðarson.
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By buying Bracenet you help turn the oceans
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Not just an accessory but also a piece carpets and other textiles. Bracenets are
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recycled fishing net (high-density poly own workshop in the heart of Hamburg
ethylene) with a stainless-steel tube. The in Germany. Furthermore, four workshops
bracelet, which comes in many different of people with disabilities are supporting
colors, was once a ghost net, a fishing net Bracenet.
discarded either accidentally or on purpose,
littering the ocean grounds and endangering For every Bracenet sold on board, the
marine life. In 2011–2017, Nofir collected company donates 1% of profits to their
33,742 tons from 14 countries. partner organization NGO Healthy Seas.
The donations finance the recovery of the
Specialized Ghost Fishing divers recover nets, the divers’ equipment, and everything
the nets, which are then cleaned by Nor that is needed for the fight against ghost
wegian company Nofir, a Bracenet partner nets. The overarching goal of the joint
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into Bracenets. The nets that can’t be used Fishing and Nofir is to clean the oceans,
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quality raw material used for making socks, waste to wear.
We donate 1% of profits to our partner organisation Healthy Seas. WWW.BRACENET.NET
1. RETRIEVAL 2. CLEANING 3. PRODUCTION

Together with marine conservation After being retrieved, the nets are cleaned The nets are then further handprocessed
organizations Healthy Seas and Ghost and treated by our partner Nofir using a by us in Hamburg and made ready for
Fishing, we free in depths of more than 30 specialist process. We generally only know dispatch. Each finished Bracenet is a unique
meters reefs and shipwrecks of fishing nets what color the nets are once they are lying piece because of the varying net structures,
that have been lost or intentionally sunk. cleaned in front of us. colors, and sizes.
25 Icelandair
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n Grímsey
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Akureyri
GETTING INTO HOT—

AND COLD—WATER BY BRANDON PRESSER.
PHOTOS BY BRANDON PRESSER
Some of Iceland’s top spas and scuba AND ERLENDUR BOGASON /
diving spots are found in the North. STRÝTAN DIVECENTER.
“I want you to meet Stephanie. I spend a lot of time with her—she’s Erlendur’s outfit, the aptly named Strýtan Divecenter, offers
mostly the reason that my wife and I split up,” Erlendur Bogason said diving courses and tours from Hjalteyri, near Akureyri, North
with such steely stoicism I was only half-sure he was joking. “She’s Iceland’s largest town. And the hallmark experience is witnessing
my pet wolffish,” he added with a smirk, pointing to the water out the the strýtur’s awesome, ancient power—imagine: As you venture
window where she lives. deeper, the icy water begins to warm. As a child, Erlendur heard
stories of strange protrusions in the sea from sailors measuring their
Erlendur is the custodian of three delicate chimneys, called strýtur, in fishing grounds—20 years ago he helped discover the hydrothermal
Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords, taking eager scuba divers conduits connecting the surface of the planet to the center of the
like me deep below the sea to mingle with legions of spawning cod earth, pumping up hot water that scientists believe to be
and explore Stephanie’s rock garden—true to her reputation, she found over 10,000 years old.
a cozy spot between my legs as we knelt on the ocean’s sandy floor.
Up the road in Árskógssandur, you’ll On the far side of Eyjafjörður—plus an hour’s Previous page: Scuba diving around
find Bruggsmiðjan, the nation’s first drive further beyond—is the coastal village of Strýtan. Photo by Erlendur Bogason.
microbrewery, which started serving Kaldi, Húsavík, where hot-water wellness is brewed
its wildly popular beer, in 2006. Originally in a completely different manner. Long Clockwise from top left: A warm soak in
an idea spawned from a news report about famous as Iceland’s whale-watching hub due Hjalteyri after a chilly dive; a beer bath;
craft draughts in Czechia, Bruggsmiðjan’s to the scores of minke and humpback whales sunset at Geosea (photos by Brandon
founders recently returned to Eastern Europe that congregate in Skjálfandi bay, the port Presser); Stephanie the wolffish (photo by
to garner inspiration for their next concept: town is now earning a second reputation as Erlendur Bogason).
beer baths. Turns out a concoction that may a haven for thalassotherapy. Developed on
not be so good for the liver does wonders the western shores of France, the warming
for the skin—guests soak in a mixture of the of seawater has been proven to have ame
area’s legendary mineral water topped off liorative effects on conditions as varying as
with live yeast cultures, hops and gallons of joint pain and weight loss.
beer in its earliest stages of fermentation at
Bjórböðin Spa. You can also enjoy a cold one The hot pools at Húsavík’s Geosea could
the old-fashioned way in a pint glass to help be considered doubly potent, as the healing
wash down some delectable lamb or Arctic properties of hot ocean water are combined
char at the onsite restaurant. And for those with the rich mineral outpouring from a local
who are less inclined to suds up in a tub of geothermal source. Perched on a grassy hill
ale, there are oversized barrel kegs on the overlooking the bay, Geosea is best visited
fjord-side patio, filled to the brim with good around sunset (or as late as possible during
’ole H2O from a nearby spring. the weeks of endless daylight) as the soft
glow of golden hour seemingly glitters island and promises one of the most unique comely girlfriends with their snarled jowls
all the way to the North Pole. swimming experiences on the planet—no of overgrown teeth. Over the last few
curious wolffish are involved—on Grímsey years, Erlendur has become one of the
There’s only one piece of the land of fire and you snorkel with... birds. world’s leading researchers of the bottom-
ice, however, that truly protrudes beyond the feeding species, a creature that has largely
Arctic Circle—the offshore islet of Grímsey, Patience and perseverance are necessary eluded scientists as they tend to hide
a community of hardy fisherfolk living in virtues for a successful dive, but once you between rocky outcrops in near-freezing
a time-warped version of Iceland from 40 get the hang of the stillness required to float temperatures. He is now one of the key
years ago. Just 2 square miles (5.3 km2) under the avian colonies, you’ll soon be side- individuals in successfully documenting the
in size, Grímsey’s huddle of wind-battered by-side with gulls pummeling the ocean’s mating and maturing trends of this elusive
abodes is home to a human population that’s surface in search of small fish. Stories about fish. Recently he figured out that his dear
far outnumbered by its roaring colonies of the perilous task of egg gathering and tales Stephanie was actually a Stephan.
kittiwakes, guillemots, puffins and terns. of Grímsey’s unusual history—including why
every household has a chess board—are duly Clockwise from top left: Diving around
Most travelers only come for the afternoon offered after a hot shower and a tea. Eyjafjörður’s geothermal chimneys (photo
to snap selfies at the erroneously placed by Erlendur Bogason); Grímsey’s bird cliffs;
Arctic Circle monument. The real magic, And Halla’s desire to bridge the gap Swimming with the birds around Grímsey.
however, happens after the day-trippers between the Arctic realms of land and sea Photos by Brandon Presser.
leave—especially under the infinite rays of is helping bolster Erlendur’s continued
summer sun that illuminate Iceland’s distant underwater analyses as he moves beyond Air Iceland Connect offers multiple daily flights
northern crest and give the island’s nest- studying the strýtur formations. Many of his from Reykjavík Domestic Airport to Akureyri with
riddled coves a blue-green Caribbean tint. recent surveys have targeted the Atlantic continuing service onto Grímsey. There is also a
Arctic Trip, run by Halla Ingólfsdóttir and her wolffish—in Iceland they’re called steinbítur, ferry connection from Dalvík.
family, welcomes overnight guests to the or “stone biters,” and don’t make for very
ALREADY LIVING THE
CHILDHOOD DREAM
BY EINAR LÖVDAHL.
Arnór Sigurðsson, the youngest Icelander to play PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE FOOTBALL
and score in the Champions League, is one of the ASSOCIATION OF ICELAND AND DENIS
TYRIN / PFC CSKA.
faces of the future for the men’s national team.
It’s December 12 and most teenagers in Iceland are cramming for their team but since then I’ve played in every match, when I was match
Christmas exams. A 19-year-old from Akranes, however, is lacing up his fit. The club has put a lot of trust in me, which is a great feeling.
boots before the biggest game of his life. His team, CSKA Moscow, is
about to face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Ninety Since joining CSKA you’ve made a name for yourself in
minutes later, the young midfielder has not only added an assist to his Russia and even the Champions League. Have you ever
name but also a neat goal to seal a 3-0 victory over the Spanish dynasty. had to convince yourself that you’re not dreaming?
My first game for CSKA was actually in the Champions League so
In just over two years, Arnór Sigurðsson has gone from being just it all started with a bang. From that moment on, I just played game
a promising kid at his childhood club in Akranes to the youngest after game and never really took a moment to think about what I had
Icelander to play and score in the Champions League, and a regular achieved. It wasn’t until I went away on Christmas break, straight
for the men’s national team. after the game against Real Madrid, that it really sunk in. But all that
showed me how focused I’d been the whole time. I hadn’t realized that
A year ago, you were slowly moving up in the football world in I was already living my childhood dream.
your first season as a pro for IFK Norrköping in Sweden. Then
CSKA came along and signed you for EUR 4,000,000, which led Last December you netted a goal and got an assist against Real
to your “breakout season.” How has the roller coaster ride been? Madrid, arguably the biggest club in the world. How would you
When I signed with CSKA last summer, my hopes weren’t too high, describe that evening?
I was just determined to give it my best and see what kind of a role It was the best night of my life, thus far. I think I barely got 10 minutes
I would get in return. I was on the bench in my first match with the of sleep after the game. My phone kept beeping through the night and
on top of that I could hardly lie still because How has joining the squad been? simply play one match at a time and to reach
of the adrenaline rush. I invited my whole The recent games have been challenging our goal we’ll have to repeat what we did in
family to the game, and to achieve this with for the team, but for me personally it has the last two games. We’ll have to play to our
six familiar faces in the stands was unbeliev been inspiring and I have already learned a lot strengths and hopefully that will lead to us
able. They decided to attend this exact game from the older players. You can really feel that playing in the Euros once again.
before I had even played my first game for this is a team which has been to two major
CSKA, so at the time we had no idea whether tournaments and also how eager the guys are You still have four years left on your
I would even participate in the match. How it to qualify for another one—the 2020 Euros. contract with CSKA. Can you tell me
all played out was extra, extra sweet. And that kind of mentality is contagious. anything about your future?
I’m in a great place at the moment and in
How do you keep your feet on the ground In June, the national team beat both no hurry, but one of my long-term goals is to
after such an evening? Albania and Turkey in two massive games play for a big club in a bigger league one day.
Even though I’m confident in my own ability, in the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifiers. What Until that happens, I will stay focused on my
I’ve always been pretty down to earth. I was the key to bouncing back from the current challenges.
guess it’s just the way I was raised. If I do 4-0 loss against France in March?
something good on the pitch, I always call my I think we all just knew how important these Previous page: Celebrating an important
parents afterwards, and they have a knack for games were. They were must-win games for goal against Zenit with teammate Fyodor
praising my performance but also keeping me us if we’re going to reach our goal—to qualify Chalov. Photo by Denis Tyrin.
levelheaded. It’s important to keep both feet for the 2020 Euros—and that motivated us all.
on the ground, even though things are going As soon as the squad met up for preparation, Left: Battling Raphaël Varane, Real Madrid’s
well, in order to stay motivated. you could feel how everyone was ready to renowned defender. Photo by Denis Tyrin.
give everything they had to get those six
The Icelandic men’s national team has points. To get my first game with the team Top right: There were plenty of reasons to
been historically successful in the last on our home ground, Laugardalsvöllur, on top celebrate last season. Photo by Denis Tyrin.
couple of years, and last November you of a win, was yet another dream come true.
were called up to the squad for the first Bottom right: Arnór broke into Iceland’s
time. How was that? We’re less than a year away from the first team in November and hasn’t looked
Being selected was such an honor. It was opening match of the Euros. Are you back since. Photo courtesy of the Football
one of the long-term goals on my list—which already envisioning yourself playing at Association of Iceland.
are the sweetest ones to check off—and to your first major tournament, granted that
be able to do that at only 19 was huge for me. we qualify? Icelandair is a proud sponsor of the Icelandic
If you’d have asked me two years ago, I think I I can’t say I’ve really thought of that, how national football teams.
would never have realistically thought I would short or far away the tournament is, since it’s
have come this far by now. important not to get ahead of yourself. We’ll
CULTURE EXPRESS
Bus No. 1 drives past some of Iceland’s BY EYGLÓ SVALA ARNARSDÓTTIR.
primary cultural institutions before taking PHOTOS BY RAGNAR TH. SIGURÐSSON,
you on a magical tour of suburban surprises. COURTESY OF VISIT REYKJAVÍK.
There’s more to Iceland’s capital area than The Natural History Museum boasts a positioned on the top of the hill.) As
downtown Reykjavík. A short bicycle or bus collection of nearly 70 stuffed birds—including Iceland’s only art museum named after
ride away you’ll find five charming towns, each an intimidating eagle and elusive snowy owl— a woman, female artists are highlighted in
with their own characteristics and special as well as Arctic foxes, a seal and an orca its exhibitions. In “Outline,” running through
attractions. Bus No. 1 takes you to three of skeleton. Curious ocean creatures are on September 8, artwork of various media—
these in only about 30 minutes from the city. display, too, and a separate room is reserved including works by Rúrí, Theresa Himmer
for geology. An orienteering game for families and Gerður herself—are displayed and the
Culture Hill makes the museum even more fun to explore. lines that define them compared. In an old
Enjoy the 20-minute ride past some of the storage space nearby is gallery Midpunkt,
most notable cultural institutions in central For a hearty dose of music, visitors to the where up-and-coming artists exhibit their
Reykjavík before disembarking at Hamraborg. Culture Houses can come listen to free progressive work.
Perched on a hill, this is the center of Kópa jazz concerts in a relaxed atmosphere in
vogur, which with almost 40,000 inhabitants the lounge outside Salurinn concert hall Suburban Secret
is Iceland’s second-largest urban settlement on Thursdays this summer. No one needs Jump back on bus No. 1 and head deeper
after Reykjavík. Right next to a graffiti to go hungry either, for local hangout Pure into suburbia. After a mere five-minute ride,
splattered underpass where Icelandic punk Deli serves salads, wraps and other treats. disembark at Ásgarður, pass through a subway
was born stand the town’s Culture Houses. and stroll towards Garðatorg, the main square
Today, there is no punk in sight, but kids are A treat for other senses is Kópavogur Art of Garðabær, which roughly 15,000 people
cheerfully jumping on a huge bouncy mat. Museum, Gerðarsafn, dedicated to Gerður call home.
This place is frequented by families, not Helgadóttir (1928–1975), an Icelandic pioneer
least because a dive into culture can easily of three-dimensional abstract art and glass (Continues on page 34.)
be combined with one in the swimming pool art. (Gerður made the distinct stained windows
down the street. of the stately Kópavogskirkja church,
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Here, the Museum of Design and Applied Art surprises with ambitious in their homes. Heart of Hafnarfjörður is a three-day music festival
exhibitions tracing the story of Icelandic design, currently focusing on held in early July. Artists hang out at Súfistinn, a café that has been
ceramics, which are being categorized and registered by museum staff. around for decades and which is also a favorite among locals.
Also on show this summer is “Urban Shape” by Paolo Gianfrancesco, The old town is characterized by cute corrugated-iron houses,
examining city maps from around the world. In an open workshop, quaint little design shops, secondhand stores and a lively harbor.
visitors can observe designers in action and purchase quality design The catch of the day is best enjoyed in Tilveran, while Krydd, housed
items in the gift shop. in Hafnarborg – the Hafnarfjörður Centre of Culture and Fine Art,
has a more diverse menu. Located in a former drugstore, Hafnarborg
Across the square is Mathús Garðabæjar, one of the hottest eateries focuses on contemporary art. This summer’s exhibition explores the
in the capital area. Loved by locals, the family-friendly restaurant has contrast between photographs of the town’s modern cityscape and
varied and tempting brunch, bistro and dinner menus, as well as an old romantic paintings. With mobile walls and outstanding acoustics,
impressive selection of beers on tap. the center doubles as a concert hall.
Protruding into the sea is Álftanes—dubbed “Presidential Peninsula,” Further down the road are two hip hangouts: Von Mathús & Bar, with
for this is where Bessastaðir, the presidential residence is located— passion for seasonal cooking, and homey café Pallett. Íshús Hafnar-
also a part of Garðabær. Walking paths lead along the seashore, past fjarðar, a defunct freezing plant, where artists and designers have
historical buildings, and to birdwatching hotspots. Álftanes also has taken up shop lies across the street. On the upper floor is the country’s
Iceland’s only swimming pool with artificial waves! largest ceramic workshop. On special occasions, visitors can tour
the building.
Harbor Village
Continue on bus No. 1 and in about five minutes you’ll arrive in Fjörður. Lose yourself in suburbia or limit your stay to a few hours—options
This is the center of Hafnarfjörður, a town of 30,000 people, known for are best explored on visitreykjavik.is. Bus No. 1 will bring you safely
elf sightseeing and Viking-style feasts and festivals. But those are only back to Reykjavík.
two of its many attractions.
Page 32: Kópavogskirkja church.
In Hafnarfjörður Museum, one can journey into the past on a tour of
old buildings of different purposes, which have been preserved with Left: Hafnarfjörður harbor.
their original interior. Bæjarbíó is the oldest-running movie theater in
Iceland. It is now a popular concert venue among Icelandic musicians, Top right: Bessastaðir in Álftanes.
also occasionally screening family classics and providing a stage for
smaller theater groups. Hafnarfjörður hosts an annual music festival Bottom right: The Museum of Design and Applied Art.
called Heima in April, when residents invite visitors to intimate concerts
Only 35 min. from Reykjavík
A journey into RAUFARHÓLSHELLIR
Breathtaking
is a
Experience
The highlight of our Iceland trip!
The “Must See” event in Iceland

Reviewed on TripAdvisor
For more information and bookings:

+354 519 1616 +354 760 1000
www.thelavatunnel.is info@thelavatunnel.is Icelandair Stopover 36
SILENT SCREAM “It’s supposed to crush you. I’m thrilled if
it deprives you of sleep!” declares Baldvin
2015 Eurovision preliminaries. “What really
caught my attention was the video played
Based on true events, Zophoníasson, director of Let Me Fall (Lof
mér að falla). The horror story of drug
before her performance. She danced ballet
and totally left me charmed.” Baldvin asked
feature film Let Me Fall addiction shocked and saddened 54,000 Elín to play a role in his TV series Case—and
exposes the horrors drug Icelandic moviegoers after its release in
2018. Only Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
she passed the “test.” Others auditioned for
the role of Magnea, too, but it quickly became
users face on the flip side sold more tickets that year. clear that it was meant for Elín, who was 18
of Icelandic society. Baldvin and fellow writer Birgir Örn
at the time and still in junior college. “My
parents said ‘no’ at first. They weren’t sure
Steinarsson spent seven years writing that it was a good idea, whether I would be
BY EYGLÓ SVALA ARNARSDÓTTIR. the screenplay, based on the experiences able to handle it. But then they got to know
STILLS AND PHOTOS COURTESY of several women who have fallen victim to Baldvin and were told that if anyone was
OF KISI PRODUCTIONS. drug addiction. Their stories are told through able to do this well and take care with
the film’s main characters, Magnea and Stella. sensitive scenes, it would be him.”
Viewers meet them as troubled teenagers,
Top: Magnea (right) comforts
then follow their destructive relationship and When casting for the role of Stella, Baldvin
a distraught Stella.
downward spiral into addiction. A curious wanted Elín to sit in on all auditions to make
15-year-old, Magnea is attracted to the older sure she and her co-star would click. “Eyrún
and tougher Stella, who lures her away from was in fact the only girl who came in for the
her loving family, loyal friends, sport and audition who didn’t try to force herself into the
schoolwork. Magnea drops everything for role. The acting came naturally. I saw that this
the more exciting world of partying, pill- could be a beautiful relationship.” The young
popping and petty crimes. As her parents actors jumped straight into the deep end of
start losing their grip, Stella tightens hers, the pool. “Elín and I had to French kiss in the
and eventually there is no turning back. The first training session and I also had to French
years pass by in oblivion. When the two lovers kiss Bjartur!” Eyrún says of Sigurbjartur
become separated, Magnea sinks deeper into Atlason, who plays Toni, Stella’s boyfriend.
the world of drugs and sex abuse while Stella
manages to claw her way out and clean up Eyrún loved the acting experience. “When
her act. Twelve years later, a chance I was in the bus in the morning, having
re-encounter proves fateful for both of them. makeup applied, I thought to myself: ‘This
Baldvin has described the film as a love story is something I could do forever!’ I couldn’t
above anything else: “A beautiful story in an believe that work could be so much fun.
ugly world.” I truly appreciated working in such a small
team—we became like family—and taking
Deep End of the Pool part in creating something like this.” Elín
At its center are two young and inexperienced adds that the atmosphere on set had been
actors: Elín Sif Halldórsdóttir (Magnea) and so friendly that they hadn’t realized how
Eyrún Björk Jakobsdóttir (Stella). Baldvin dark the film would turn out until they saw it
“discovered” Elín when she performed in the in full for the first time at the premiere. “We
were wrapped up in cotton,” she explains.
Both Elín and Eyrún want to study acting
and Elín is also pursuing a career in music.
The Unseen and Unheard

At the 2019 EDDA Icelandic Film Awards,
Let Me Fall was nominated in 12 categories,
including for Best Film, Best Screenplay and
Best Director. Elín was nominated as Best
Actor in a Leading Role, and Kristín Þóra
Haraldsdóttir (older Magnea), Lára Jóhanna
Jónsdóttir (older Stella) and Þorsteinn
Bachmann (Magnea’s father) as Best Actors
in a Supporting Role. The film won four
awards, one of which went to Kristín Þóra
for her interpretation of the older Magnea. Diaries of a Drug Addict with her father is to a large extent based
She gave an emotional speech, pleading Both main characters also have references on Jóhannes’s experience.
with authorities to take immediate action to to the story of Kristín Gerður Guðmundsdóttir,
help addicts out of their hopeless situation. a young woman who committed suicide There are hints in the film that Stella had a
following years of drug addiction and sex traumatic past, but Magnea seems to have
“We started writing the screenplay in abuse. She kept diaries and her family gave had a healthy upbringing—and still she
2011 following a drug prevention project,” Baldvin permission to read them. He felt ended up on the street. “She is looking
recounts Baldvin. “In hindsight, I think my captivated by her story. “I was determined to for herself, for recognition and attention,”
colleague Sigurbjörg Jónsdóttir was the make it public and open people’s eyes to the explains Baldvin, stressing, “The trauma that
main influencer.” Sigurbjörg is a talented reality of women in her situation. The truth is happens after she starts using was enough
film editor who worked with Baldvin on his that they are abused by men who are not to turn her into a street person. You may
first two feature films—winning an EDDA for using, who take advantage of these women.” have raised your child well, there may not
Life in a Fishbowl in 2015. She was meant to Some scenes are exactly like Kristín Gerður have been any neglect, but this world is ugly
edit Let Me Fall but by then had become a describes them. “The only scenes which enough to ruin people.” Baldvin appreciates
heavy drug user. Sigurbjörg tells her story aren’t exactly the same are when we had the attention Let Me Fall has received. “What
in documentary Let Me Live (Lof mér að lifa, to soften them,” informs Baldvin. I want to get out of my films the most is that
2018), along with Þóra Björg Sigríðardóttir, people watch them and talk about them
on whom Stella’s character is largely based. In 2010, Sigrún Mjöll Jóhannesdóttir and remember them. And if they make
When asked about the worst thing she did became the youngest person to die of a difference, that’s a bonus,” he says,
while using, a regretful Þóra responds: “Sell an overdose in Iceland at only 17. “In every concluding, “It gives a voice to people
my friend.” Baldvin explains that Þóra was photograph I’ve seen of Sigrún I don’t see who have none.”
helpful in describing the practicalities of a user. I only see a sweet, innocent girl,” says
the Icelandic underworld, how drugs are Baldvin. Her father, television reporter and Top: On location in Spain.
purchased and sold, in what portions, and editor Jóhannes Kr. Kristjánsson, became
the lingo used. “Stella isn’t bad. She has lost involved early on and he put Baldvin in touch Left: Baldvin directing Eyrún on location in
her way and has become caught up in [the with some of his sources. In Let Me Fall, one Reykjavík.
world of drugs], so she does what she has of the characters suffers the same fate as
to do,” reasons Eyrún. “There’s no room Sigrún, but she was also the main inspiration Right: Kristín Þóra, Lára Jóhanna, Eyrún and
for ethical values when using.” for Magnea’s character. Her relationship Elín at Toronto International Film Festival.
You can watch Let Me Fall on board this flight. Check out which other films and TV shows are available on page 82 and on our in-flight entertainment system.
IT’S A WIN FOR Their music may sound dark, but the three tight-knit friends
who won this year’s Iceland Music Experiments say that
BLÓÐMÖR! they just like to “hang out, make music and have fun.”
BY LISA GAIL SHANNEN.
PHOTO BY ROMAN GERASYMENKO.
Teenage band Blóðmör took the win at guitarist and his mom were out driving and means “dry.” It should mean something nasty,
this year’s Iceland Music Experiments discussing band names. Haukur started but it doesn’t, so it also has a goofy side to it.
(Músíktilraunir), a battle-of-the-bands talking about a band called Bloodbath, a We also have a song called “Stelpur fara
kind of competition for young musicians. death metal band. She instantly suggested saman á klósettið,” meaning “Girls Go to the
Blóðmör are joining an impressive list of “Blóðmör,” and it stuck. Restroom Together,” which is about a guy
musical alumni, including Jónsi from Sigur wondering why they do that and what they
Rós and Of Monsters and Men. The band Any influences? are doing in there.
was formed in Kópavogur in 2016 by three [Our drummer] Ísak’s inspirations include the
childhood friends: guitarist and singer, drummer from Utangarðsmenn [Maggi Stef], What does winning the Iceland Music
Haukur Þór Valdimarsson (17); bass player Sepultura, Acid Bath and Pantera. Haukur is Experiments mean to you?
and singer, Matthías Stefánsson (16); and mostly into old Icelandic punk, Fræbbblarnir, It gave us tons of media coverage and allowed
drummer, Ísak Þorsteinsson (18). They won Purrkur Pillnikk, HAM and such, which were us to boost our career as a band, and it’s a
over the panel of judges with their superb around in the early ’80s and made very raw, huge advantage in terms of spreading out
delivery of fast and groovy punk metal (also quality punk. He is also into black metal. our music and getting noticed by the public,
known in Iceland as graðhestarokk, “horny Matthías listens to the heaviest music, bands which means a lot to us, since we are just
stallion rock”). The first prize earned them like Autopsy, Skinless, Dying Fetus and even three guys who like to jam sometimes.
studio time, flights with Icelandair and the Cryptopsy. This difference in musical taste
opportunity to perform at festivals in Iceland plays a huge role in our sound. What are you looking forward to
and abroad—including Iceland Airwaves most in the coming months?
in November. Do you all take part in the We are releasing an EP called Líkþorn
writing process? very soon. We have many gigs, very big
Congratulations on your win! You All of our songs are written by Haukur, but ones for a band like us. We are talking
looked utterly shocked when they then Ísak always does his own drum fills and Secret Solstice, Iceland Airwaves and a
announced it. How did it feel? Matthías often writes his own bass lines. festival in the Netherlands. This is all pretty
Winning felt amazing! We really didn’t believe over-whelming but also incredibly exciting.
it at first and it took us a long time to finally What subjects inspire
get up on the stage. your songwriting? Top: Blóðmör perform title track “Líkþorn”
It’s hard to pinpoint one exact answer. If we from their upcoming EP at the Iceland Music
What does the name of your band find weird things we always go, “We should Experiments.
Blóðmör mean and how did you come write a song about that!” Líkþorn [“corn,”
up with it? was voted] the ugliest word [in the Icelandic Icelandair is a proud sponsor of the Iceland
The name is from an old traditional Icelandic language]; it was too good not to write about, Music Experiments and Iceland Airwaves.
food which means “blood sausage.” Our because lík means “dead body,” and þorn
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Árskógssandur n
n Húsavík
n Hvammstangi
OFF THE Recently opening on June 8, the Arctic Coast Way

marks the first official tourist route in Iceland.
BEATEN PATH BY MICHELLE SPINEI. PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT NORTH ICELAND.
Travelers to Iceland may be familiar with the off to a mix of paved and gravel roads. This being the part of the country that crosses
south coast, but this summer, North Iceland is means that while the route is accessible the Arctic Circle and is therefore a perfect
getting well-deserved attention with a new year-round, certain sections are best suited place to experience the midnight sun. The
initiative highlighting the region’s uniqueness. from spring through autumn. charming town of Húsavík is known for its
The Arctic Coast Way (Norður-strandarleið), whale-watching tours and it’s also the
is a 560-mile (900-km) driving route that The official opening ceremony and ribbon oldest settlement in Iceland.
winds through fjords from Hvammstangi to cutting took place on June 8, World Ocean
Bakkafjörður and through 21 fishing villages. Day, at each of the route’s starting points. It A road trip on the Arctic Coast Way is a
The route just opened but has already earned was the first chance for the public to see the great chance to see wildlife, dip into geo
third place on Lonely Planet’s Best in Europe road signs with the Arctic Coast Way logo thermal pools, and take part in adventure
2019 list. that designate the route. Celebrations, held activities like hiking, boating and horse
along the coastline, included beach cleanups, riding surrounded by views of sea and
The Arctic Coast Way marks the first official sailing, hikes, a paddle boat tour and the mountains. While you may not see as many
tourist route in Iceland. Tourist routes are grand opening of Hótel Dalvík. tourists in this part of Iceland, the mix of
specially designated areas that lead visitors colorful culture and breathtaking landscapes
through remote destinations. The concept Notable highlights to explore on the route is sure to make this a road trip to remember.
for the Arctic Coast Way was based on include a stop in Hvammstangi at the Ice
popular coastal routes, but what makes landic Seal Center to learn about North Top: Riding Icelandic horses on a smooth
the Arctic Coast Way unique is that it was Atlantic and Arctic seals followed by a seal- sand beach is a magical experience.
built to focus on experiences, with sections watching tour to get an up-close view of seal
of the route representing the themes of colonies. For a unique spa experience, head Left: Driftwood commonly washes up on
sagas, fishing towns and nature. Fast-paced to Bjórböðin spa in Árskógssandur, the first North Iceland’s shores—Drangey island
travelers can drive the length of the Arctic beer spa in Iceland where visitors can relax graces the horizon.
Coast Way in a day, but it’s best savored at a in wooden bathtubs of beer. For birdwatchers,
slower pace by stopping along the route and the island of Grímsey, the northernmost Right: Kayaking and whale watching are just
staying in some of the fishing villages. The inhabited point of Iceland, is a three-hour two of the many activities available along
route is literally off the beaten path—instead ferry trip away and is home to a sizable bird the Arctic Coast Way.
of following Route 1 (the Ring Road), it turns population. The island is also notable for
Guaranteed seats Free WiFi 45 minutes
RE04 RE15
The Golden South Shore

Circle & Adventure
Friðheimar
SRE74 SRE26
The Golden The Lava Tunnel

Circle & - Caving in Raufarhólshellir
Fontana
Wellness
YOU CAN BUY Free WiFi

TOURS ON THIS FLIGHT! USB Port
IN SELECTED VEHICLES
Our brochure is located in the
seat pocket in front of you! www.re.is BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík
A THOUSAND Thanks to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, you
can share your travel experience with the world.
WORDS
Check out this selection of recent images from
our passengers who tagged their pictures with the
#MyStopover tag. Pretty great, right? In upcoming
Please note that by using the #MyStopover
hashtag, you are granting us permission to use Join us issues, we will feature the best pics by users who
your image in our magazine or on our social
media channels. include the #MyStopover tag. Happy snapping!
Streets of Reykjavik I soniac_fiona I Sónia Rosa Garcia Næsta stopp Svíþjóð I rikhardurolafs Playing hide and seek with a seal at Jökulsárlón Glacier
Fernandes Cântara I Ríkharður Daði Ólafsson Lagoon. The best game ever. I nathalie.cdec I Nathalie
Cordier de Croust
The return view from Glymur Falls I joisaclop I Jose Lopez It had been a while since I had the camera out, but Hekla They like risks. I already like them.
Aurora of Icelandair on a beautiful evening at @mspairport was I giantkrak3n I Guillaume Renard
a great reason to change that. I tjo4 I TJ O’Keefe
Just hop on a dragon (like Jon Snow and Dany did on #GOT season 8, Hot water inside the earth I jordy9686 I Andrea Giordani
ep.1), and fly to this waterfall. I whitneyharrodmorris
I Whitney Harrod Morris
Get you someone who looks at you the way Majulah Puffin! The picture was taken on 26 May 2019 at nearshore water of Grilled Atlantic Char with garlic parsley remoulade and grilled
Adam looks at a mini iceberg Akurey Island, which is a few kilometers away from Reykjavík Harbour. In summer, root vegetables I cc_scrumpulescent
I atsullll I Annie Sullivan puffins go to coastal cliffs or uninhabited islands to reproduce. I Caroline Casanova
I ky168bp I Justin Qian
E decorating the airplane window, with the stickers she got from @icelandair Day 2 adventures bring us more waterfalls, geothermal pools in 50 degree weather, hiking, scenic roads, a
I mariafonn I María Fönn Thorsdottir stop at a cemetery and back to town for Icelandic Cod fish and chips. I ridersj_shelly_rider I Shelly Rider
We’ve taken the Iron Throne I lynscp I Lynsey Pilgrim Lots of driving, but the amazing scenery makes it so enjoyable 2 flights. 6 hour time difference. It is currently 7:25 am.
sinnafuglen I Elisabeth Berentzen GOOD MORNING ICELAND! I whitneyryphoto I
Whitney Buettner
n Húsavík
DINOSAUR OF where Earth’s largest animal hangs out and in the ocean’s food-web linked to climate
THE DEEP makes love. But one thing has emerged in

the past 10 years: The blue whale really,
change, have the blue whales regularly been
spotted in less than a two-hour sailing
really likes Húsavík, the “whale-watching distance from Húsavík.
Searching for Earth’s largest capital of Europe” by Skjálfandi bay in
animal in Iceland’s whale- Northeast Iceland. Hanging Out With Humpbacks
According to North Sailing, the oldest whale-
watching capital. Researchers have identified 148 individual watching company in Húsavík, the blue whale
blue whales in Skjálfandi bay, about 15% of is spotted on 2–5% of all tours (about 1,500
BY EGILL BJARNASON. PHOTOS BY the entire regional population, in the past 10 in total over the summer). Sightings always
EGILL BJARNASON AND COURTESY years. They come to feed, together with other come down to luck. The whales need to
OF NORTH SAILING. migrant marine mammals, and the most likely breathe oxygen at a 20-minute interval, give
time to see them is late-June. But sporadic or take, and that is the whale watchers’ only
sightings are made all through summer—the chance to catch a glimpse of them.
Húsavík is a town of one harbor, four whale- first this season was on May 26.
watching companies and a population that Skjálfandi bay is wide and deep and with a
weighs about the same as the blue whale. “People don’t always realize how magnificent delta from a powerful glacier river believed to
And that’s not because the 2,000 people and special it is to see the blue whale,” says stir up the ecosystem. Few places in Europe
who live in Húsavík are exceptionally slim: Marianne Helene Rasmussen, a Húsavík- offer the same variety of whale species. The
Averaging 155 tons, the blue whale is based research professor at the University humpback is most common, known for
biblically big! It’s the approximate length of of Iceland. “They are possibly the largest- breaching and acrobatic stunts. The orcas
a Boeing 737 aircraft and has a heart the ever animal to inhabit Earth. Larger than usually reside in West Iceland but hunt their
size of a Volkswagen. Impressed already? Its the dinosaurs.” northern neighbors on occasions; pods of
veins are wide enough to room a water slide. orcas have attacked and killed a minke in
It has always been my dream to see real-life front of whale-watching passengers. Sperm
Mystery Whale Arrives dinosaurs and I reasoned that seeing a blue whales and fin whales frequent the popular
About a thousand blue whales are estimated whale was the closest I could get. feeding ground in growing numbers but are
to live in the North Atlantic Ocean. They still relatively rare. Overall, according to North
all lead private and mysterious lives. Marine Marianne’s first blue whale sighting in Iceland Sailing’s logbook, whales and dolphins are
biologists who make it their life’s mission was after a 14-hour whale-watching trip in spotted on about 98% of tours.
to study them don’t know, for the most part, 2004. Only in the last decade, with changes
In Húsavík you’ll find the ambitious Whale the business of managing expectations swim out of Icelandic waters. A new method
Museum, housed in a renovated slaughter- until everyone could certainly see it, is underway, but until then we can only
house overlooking the harbor. Three years at least from a distance. assume that the whales are all gathered for
ago, the museum installed a blue whale a karaoke deep in Herman Melville’s watery
skeleton recovered from a 2010 corpse The first passenger to spot the geyser-tall part of the world.
found on a remote beach in North Iceland. spout was the binocular-equipped German,
The whale is displayed upside down, with the of course. The skipper turned 10 degrees The blue whale I met was heading north,
rib bones reaching towards the ceiling, and starboard and the next time the whale came faster than the boat could sail. Like a true
isn’t visible until halfway through the museum. up we could all see it a few hundred feet performer, it followed the fundamental
“It catches visitors by a surprise, especially from the ship. Maybe less. principle of showmanship: Always leave
those who are not expecting to see one,” the audience wanting more.
says museum director Eva Björk Káradóttir. I was prepared for the sight—but not the sound.
The whale exhaled, inhaled. Pause: Exhaled, Previous page: Which way to the beach?
Blown Away inhaled. It sounded human, almost, like some Húsavík is one of few places in the North
When the blue whale swims to the surface one puffing the chest and then forcing the air Atlantic where the blue whale is regularly
for a breath, it spouts water 33 ft (10 m) out. I held my breath all the while, until the spotted close to shore, sometimes within
straight up. Late May this year, I set out to blowhole was under water again. an hour’s sailing distance.
experience the majestic sight when joining
a whale-watching tour on the old oak ship Expanding the Imagination Top left: Passengers on the lookout
Sæborgin. Among the 15-some passengers We only saw a slice, the part surrounding the for whales. Photo by Egill Bjarnason.
on the boat, I noticed a dedicated German guy blowhole. The imagination filled out the rest.
with expensive binoculars around his neck. That is the beauty of whale watching, I find— Bottom: A blue whale lifts its fluke
to have these giants expand the imagination going down for a deep dive.
Tour guide Tere Losada told us to actively for a short moment. And you wonder, what
look out for spouts or a broad, dark back have they been doing before this? Right: The 85-ft (26-m) schooner Hildur
coming up from the surface. These observing a pair of the largest animal
instructions led one couple to eagerly The Icelandic Marine Research Institute has on Earth.
point at a black skerry soon after leaving tried attaching trackers to the blue whales of
harbor. I had been tipped off by a possible Skjálfandi to see where they spend the
blue whale sight in the middle of the bay remaining 11 months of the year. So far, the
but the guide kept it a secret. She was in trackers have lost signal when the whales
ICELANDIC FOR BEGINNERS
1,000 years, under 400,000 speakers and 50 words for snow. Lakagígar n
The Icelandic language is something else.
Fewer than 400,000 people speak Icelandic, • The word for helicopter is þyrla, from snjóhraglandi and hundslappadrífa. For
a Germanic language that developed from Old a verb meaning twirl. some reason, the most popular one is snjór.
Norse, the language of the Vikings. Listening
to it is like traveling through time—due to the The Icelandic alphabet has 32 letters,
n n
Unlike most European languages, there is
nation’s geographic isolation and conscious including: no formal and informal version of the word
preservation, it has changed remarkably little in • Æ / æ (sometimes written as “ae”) you. Simply use þú regardless of whom you
the past 1,000 years. Preserved ancient texts— is pronounced like the “i” in tide. are addressing. And make sure to address
which are still largely intelligible to modern • Ð / ð (sometimes written as “d”) Icelanders by their first name, even if they’re
readers—are studied at all school levels, and is pronounced like the “th” in there. a music icon (Björk) or the world’s first
young and old still enjoy the Icelandic sagas. • Þ / þ (sometimes written as “th”) female president (Vigdís). In fact, our phone
is pronounced like the “th” in think. book is listed alphabetically by given names.
n In Iceland, creating new words for techno-
logical innovation is a national pastime, n Of course, Icelanders have selected their n Iceland has a strict government-run
especially since the 19th century. Usually favorite word in a national referendum: committee that decides which names are
they are based on existing ones. Ljósmóðir (literally, “mother of light”) is the appropriate for giving to newborns.
• The word for telephone is sími, from Icelandic word for midwife.
an ancient word for long thread.
• The word for computer is tölva—a n Icelandic contains approximately 50 words Above: Volcanic landscape in Lakagígar,
fusion of tala (number) and völva describing different types of snow. These in the Highlands of Iceland.
(prophetess). include skæðadrífa, kafaldsmyglingur, él,
ICELANDIC 101
Hello
Sæl (seyel) for addressing a woman See you later I love you
Sæll (seyetl) for addressing a man Sjáumst (syow-umst) Ég elska þig (yeh elska thih)
Hi Thank you very much My name is

Hæ (hi) Takk fyrir (tahk fe-reer) Ég heiti (yeh hay-ti)
Good morning / afternoon You’re welcome One hot dog with everything please
Góðan daginn (go-than dye-yin) Það var ekkert (thah vahr ehk-kert) Eina með öllu, takk (ay-na meth oddlu takk)
Good evening Yes Where can I find…

Gott kvöld (goht-kvohld) Já (yow) Hvar finn ég... (kvahr finn yeh…)
Good night No I don’t speak Icelandic

Góða nótt (go-tha noht) Nei (nay) Ég tala ekki íslensku
(yeh tah-la eh-kih ees-lensku)
Goodbye Maybe
Bless (blehss) Kannski (kahn-skih)
Bye Okay
Bæ (bye) Allt í lagi (allt ee lye-yih)
47 Icelandair
IcelandairStopover
Stopover
Reykjavík´s Thermal Pools
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swi m m ing and steambat hs to meet
pools jacuzzi locals
Thermal pools and baths in Reykjavik are a source of health, relaxation and pureness. Tel: +354 411 5000
All of the city´s swimming pools have several hot tubs with temperatures ranging from www.itr.is
37˚ to 42˚C (98˚–111˚F). The pools are kept at an average temperature of 29˚ C (84˚ F)
CELEBRATING 100
YEARS OF AVIATION
At the 2019 Reykjavík Airshow, the 100th
anniversary of aviation in Iceland was
celebrated with a demonstration of all
things airborne.
BY EYGLÓ SVALA ARNARSDÓTTIR. Flugfélag Íslands, and was used for air shows in Iceland during World War II, which were
TOP PHOTO BY ROMAN GERASYMENKO. and sightseeing for two summers until it was also used for passenger flights prior to air
sold in 1920. Icelanders were quick to realize ports. Attendees can take a look at it on the
People gasp as the TF-BCX does a vertical the potential of aviation in a country with ground before watching it fly by. Another
climb. The engine dies and the plane seems settlements scattered around a rugged island historical plane on show is a DC-3, also hugely
to drop uncontrollably… until the pilot starts deprived of roads, and in 1928, the second important to Iceland’s story of aviation. During
the engine again and continues his aerobatics Flugfélag Íslands was established. The first the four-hour show, the audience is treated to
in the clear blue sky. It’s June 1 and hordes passenger flight on a Junkers F-13 seaplane aerobatics of other small aircraft, helicopters,
of people have gathered in the sunny weather took off from Reykjavík in June that year, gliders, powered parachutes, a hot air balloon—
for the annual Reykjavík Airshow at Reykjavík making stopovers in Ísafjörður and Siglufjörður and a Lamborghini racing a helicopter! But
Airport. This year’s show is extra special, before arriving at its final destination in Akur the biggest event—quite literally—is the low-
for it’s held in celebration of the 100th eyri. Now there was no turning back and altitude flight of Icelandair’s Boeing 757.
anniversary of aviation in Iceland. domestic flights became scheduled. Iceland’s
history of international flights goes back to Top: Aerobatics during the 2019
It was in this very location, Vatnsmýri—where 1937, when Flugfélag Akureyrar, a forerunner Reykjavík Airshow.
Reykjavík Airport is based—that Iceland’s first to Icelandair, was founded.
airplane, an Avro 504K, took off in September Bottom: Iceland’s first airplane
1919, leaving spectators in awe. The airplane At the Reykjavík Airshow is a PBY Catalina, an in Vatnsmýri in 1919.
was acquired by the country’s first airline, American flying boat, like the ones stationed
MÝVATN NATURE BATHS
Vinsamlegast bókið Please book online at info@jardbodin.is
fyrirfram á jardbodin.is naturebaths.is #myvatnnaturebaths
#MYSTOPOVER:
OUR ENCHANTED
ICELANDIC WEDDING
A lifetime of adventure begins with the
adventure of a lifetime in Iceland.
BY KIRI BUCHANAN.
PHOTOS BY KARISSA POOT PHOTOGRAPHY
(FACEBOOK.COM/KARISSAPOOTPHOTOGRAPHY
/ @KARISSA.RUMPH ON INSTAGRAM)
Imagine: Steam billows across the lagoon. The melodic sounds of guitar
and violin blend with the pitter-patter of rain on the water. We stand in
front of a rugged cement structure. We look out at our friends and family
floating in the tranquil hot pool. The surrounding landscape is illuminated
in the soft morning glow from nearby geothermal greenhouses. Our
guests are comfortable in the warm water yet refreshed by the cool
wind and drizzle. It’s sensory overload for all. In this haunting setting,
we exchange our heartfelt vows. We are completely lost in the
moment, enveloped in immeasurable love and beauty.
What I just described was our magical wedding ceremony at Gamla
Laugin. A true fairytale.
After our ceremony, we set out on the adventure of a lifetime with

our family and friends in tow. A classic European-style buffet break
fast awaited at the Icelandair Hotel in Flúðir. Our guests received n Flúðir
the fuel required to embark on a day filled with exploring—which,
in Iceland, is neither for the faint of heart nor the hungry. Skógafoss n n
Dyrhólaey
Next, we stopped at the two thunderous waterfalls on
the south coast, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. The
sheer power of Mother Nature left us awestruck. From
the promontory of Dyrhólaey, we admired the black sand
beaches reaching as far as one can see to the west, the
outline of the Reynisdrangar rock formations to the east,
and the weathered arch to the south. The views and the
wind nearly swept us off of our feet here—yet another
demonstration of Mother Nature’s supremacy.
Finally, our evening ended at Ströndin Pub in Vík.

Reynisdrangar and the black sand beach were
our backdrop as we feasted on delicious Icelandic
specialties—Arctic char and lamb—surrounded by
good cheer and more love than was imaginable.
Since visiting Iceland in 2015, I’ve dreamt of getting

married there. We wanted to get married somewhere
wild, with an effortless and otherworldly beauty. When
we started seriously planning our Icelandic wedding
getaway, we relied heavily on Icelandic vendors to bring
our vision to life. We were struck by the Icelanders’
open-minded, helpful and flexible approach. It was
alarming to leave the fate of our wedding to a few
emails exchanged overseas. But this created even
greater delight when each element of our special
day far exceeded our expectations.
Page 50: Bridal walk with guests

in Gamla Laugin.
Previous page: The first kiss.
Right: Enjoying the mist of mighty Skógafoss.
Bottom right: Slow dance under Skógafoss.
Bottom left: The windswept view of

Reynisfjara from Dyrhólaey.
Reykjavík
Food Halls
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How about an old fish factory for lunch and

a run-down bus station for dinner? Treat your
taste buds at Iceland’s first street food halls.
Hlemmur Food Hall & Grandi Food Hall.
mathallir.is
A Golden Circle Adventure Comic by Ásta
Andrésdóttir and Alfreð I.
The Icelandic animals from Treasure Iceland are best buddies. One of the things they love most is traveling to A. Pétursson. Characters
new places around the country. This time, Freyja the horse takes the gang to her home region, South Iceland. created by KIDZinflight.
The group of friends was bursting with excitement.

Today, they were going to explore the natural
wonders along the Golden Circle route.
GEYSIR MEANS GUSHER…
WE'LL BE CAMPING AT ÞINGVELLIR
NATIONAL PARK, BUT FIRST WE'LL
STOP BY THE GREAT GEYSIR. IT‛S WHY IS THAT?
GOING TO AMAZE YOU, I'M SURE!
YOU'RE ABOUT
TO FIND OUT!
THE ICELANDIC HORSE HAS REMAINED

THIS IS STROKKUR. IT ERUPTS EVERY 10 PUREBRED SINCE THE VIKING AGE. ALSO,
AT LEAST NOW WE MINUTES BECAUSE OF NEARBY VOLCANOES WE ARE ONE OF VERY FEW EXISTING
MAYBE I SHOULD KNOW WHY IT'S THAT HEAT GLACIAL WATER, WHICH THEN BREEDS THAT “TÖLT,” WHICH IS A
HAVE BROUGHT CALLED GUSHER! ESCAPES THROUGH HOLES IN THE GROUND. THE SPED-UP VERSION OF WALKING.
MY RAINCOAT
GREAT GEYSIR HAS NOT BEEN ACTIVE FOR 100
YEARS. ITS ERUPTIONS REACHED AS HIGH AS
230 FEET, THE SIZE OF HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE IS
—ICELAND'S TALLEST CHURCH! THAT WE COMPETE IN FIVE
DIFFERENT GAITS.
Þingvellir
Finally, the gang arrived in Þingvellir and
Freyja began to explain its significance.
DEERRIN-DEE….
THE WORLD'S OLDEST RUNNING PARLIAMENT WAS FOUNDED HERE

IN 930 AD, AND THE LANDSCAPE IS ALSO SPECIAL. THE EARTH'S
CRUST IS MADE FROM GIANT PLATES THAT PART AND COLLIDE.
ICELAND IS ON SUCH BOUNDARIES, AN UNDERWATER MOUNTAIN
RANGE. HERE AND IN AFRICA, IT RISES ABOVE SEA LEVEL, SO WE
CAN SEE THE EARTH'S CRACKS WITHOUT GETTING WET!
Mosi turned around and saw a tiny bird OUR ARRIVAL SHOWS THAT SPRING HAS YES PLEASE! WHAT ARE WE
appear. It was a golden plover. FINALLY ARRIVED, AND THEREFORE WE HOLD GOING TO CELEBRATE?
A SPECIAL PLACE IN ICELANDERS' HEARTS.
SPRING HAS ARRIVED!
HI, I'M LÓA. DID SOMEONE SAY AFRICA?

I'VE TRAVELED FROM THERE FOR THE SUMMER.
IN FACT, I WAS AMONG THE FIRST OF US TO WON'T YOU JOIN US FOR
BE SPOTTED AND GOT MY PICTURE IN THE A PICNIC? WE ARE GOING
PAPER. IT WAS ALL VERY EXCITING! TO CELEBRATE!
55 Icelandair Stopover If you want to play with the animals of Treasure Iceland, check out our on-board kids’
material. If you didn’t get it already, just ask the friendly flight attendant.
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FLIGHT OF THE GOLDEN PUFFIN During the screening of The Fifth Element
at RIFF’s swim-in.
In the past 16 years, Reykjavík International Film Festival

(RIFF) has grown from a humble event for local film lovers BY EYGLÓ SVALA ARNARSDÓTTIR.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RIFF.
to a fully-fledged 11-day trendsetting extravaganza.
“There’s a special kind of atmosphere in the city and even if you In 2019, French director Claire Denis will among RIFF’s honorary guests.
don’t go to the theater, it’s obvious that there’s something film-related Earlier recipients of the honorary award include Danish actor Mads
going on,” says Hrönn Marinósdóttir, founder and director of Reykjavík Mikkelsen, Czech-American director Milos Forman and American director
International Film Festival (RIFF). As one of Reykjavík’s four official Jim Jarmusch. Every year, esteemed filmmakers from around the world
festivals, RIFF runs for 11 days in the autumn, this year September participate in Q&As, symposiums and workshops. “We want to participate
26 to October 6. in a social dialogue related to the topics of the films,” explains Hrönn.
RIFF also serves an educational role, such as through the sought-after
Program Preview Talent Lab, where participants’ short films compete for the Golden Egg.
When I meet Hrönn and two of her production managers—Erna
Agnes Sigurgeirsdóttir and Ólafur Daði Eggertsson—in May, they are While highlighting young talent, Icelandic filmmaking and ambitious
busy planning RIFF’s 2019 edition. Hrönn and director of programming documentaries, RIFF also makes room for international hits, such as
Giorgio Gosetti are about to leave for Cannes to scout films, but some HBO series Big Little Lies. The first two episodes were screened at
have already been confirmed. Hrönn reveals that among the films they RIFF in 2018 and one of the main actors, Shailene Woodley, was on
will screen are End of Sentence by Icelandic director Elfar Adalsteins the festival jury. “The production of popular culture is on par with
and The Seer and the Unseen, a documentary about elves and an feature films; the lines are becoming blurry between film and tele
Icelandic clairvoyant by young American director Sara Dosa. vision,” reasons Hrönn.
Due to popular demand, documentaries now make up 40% of RIFF’s Vibrant and Weird
program. However, the festival’s flagship is the New Visions category, When determining RIFF’s emphasis, Hrönn and her team of experts
where up-and-coming directors compete for the Golden Puffin. “The discussed what kind of a festival would suit Reykjavík. “It couldn’t be
films that have won the Golden Puffin have subsequently taken the red-carpet style like Cannes or Berlin, but something more intimate,
world by storm,” states Erna. “We make a big impact, often marking fresh and exciting, raw and provocative,” she says, adding: “We have
the Nordic premiere after films have opened in Toronto and Venice.” created a niche with strange and fun events.” RIFF hosts various
Overall, more than 80 full-length films of various genres from over 40 events and pop-ups in Reykjavík and around Iceland.
countries are screened during the festival, along with a multitude of
shorts. Austria and Switzerland will be in focus this year, and the (Continues on page 58.)
overall theme relates to the Arctic and climate issues.
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Venues range from kindergartens, nursing to screen their work,” notes Ólafur. A number masterpiece after another, and I thought it
homes and homes of local celebrities, to of concerts take place during the festival. was a shame that these films never came
caves and swimming pools. One of the more memorable is Hjaltalín’s to Iceland.”
performance at the screening of Saga
The swim-in has become a fixed feature. Borgarættarinnar (Sons of the Soil) from Consequently, Hrönn and a friend of hers
“Last year we screened The Fifth Element 1919—the first film made in Iceland— organized a Spanish film festival in Reykjavík,
in Sundhöllin [a downtown swimming pool] featuring music they wrote specifically for which was well received. Hrönn decided to
on a giant screen, with special lighting and that purpose. This year, Icelandic animation make a change from journalism and study
amazing sound. The theatrical scenery kind Ploey (2018) will be screened at Harpa for an MBA degree. “My final project was
of flowed onto the walls of the pool and we Concert Hall to the North Iceland Symphony an analysis of whether it would be possible
had actors dress up as characters from the Orchestra’s performance of the score by to operate an international film festival in
film, transforming the building into a futuristic, Atli Örvarsson. Iceland. I received good advice from my
immersive movie theater,” says Ólafur. “We try teachers and fellow students and the
to surprise spectators, like by screening Mad About Movies conclusion was that this was possible.”
shorts in a hair salon, on a whale-watching Hrönn’s fascination with film goes back to
boat, or in a tiny store on Laugavegur,” adds her childhood. “I come from a movie family. Hrönn applied for grants and started
planning the first RIFF in 2004. “It was
never my intention to become the director
of a film festival but sometimes life takes
you unexpected places.” The first festival
was dedicated to Icelandic filmmakers,
including two Canadian directors of Icelandic
descent: Guy Maddin and Sturla Gunnarsson.
Following the festival’s success, Hrönn put
together a team of professionals with
esteemed Greek director Dimitri Eipides
in charge of programming, and together
they created the festival RIFF is today.
Bright Future for Filmmaking

Hrönn is excited about the upcoming festival.
“I still think it’s a lot of fun. There are so many
opportunities and I take pleasure in seeing
how appreciative people have been. I feel
grateful. And I enjoy working with all kinds
of people from many different countries.”
About 100 volunteers from the abroad come
to help out each year, creating “an interesting
international vibe and a special kind of
energy,” as she describes it.
“This will be a great year for Icelandic

filmmaking,” states Hrönn, mentioning A
White, White Day by Hlynur Pálmason, Echo
by Rúnar Rúnarsson, The County by Grímur
Hákonarson and The Valhalla Murders, the
first Icelandic television series co-produced
by Netflix. “I value taking part in promoting
Iceland as a film country and helping to
further its popularity as a shooting location
for foreign films,” says Hrönn. “It’s important
for us to have one big festival where we can
promote quality films and strengthen our
Hrönn. The festival is meant to be accessible My grandparents owned 50% of Gamla network of contacts with foreign filmmakers,
to all—there have even been screenings in Bíó [an old movie theater in Reykjavík] and and create new projects and collaborations.
prisons. “We want to bring the festival to I worked as an usher. They screened Walt
those who are unable to attend. We want Disney films, among others, and I thought it Top: From the swim-in.
to reach as many people as we can with was amazing.” Hrönn became a journalist and
all sorts of spectacles.” sought to write about films. “I lived in Berlin Bottom left: Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen
for a while where I attended the Berlinale. with former President of Iceland Vigdís
Crossing genres is an important feature I interviewed directors and thought it would Finnbogadóttir and Hrönn.
as well. “I love it that we devote a special be fabulous to create something like this in
category, Red RIFF, to music videos by Iceland, that kind of atmosphere. Then life Bottom right: Minister for Foreign Affairs
Icelandic artists. They put a lot of effort into moved on. I was living in Barcelona next to Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson with Big Little
making ambitious videos but lack a platform an art house cinema where I watched one Lies star Shailene Woodley.
www.n1.is/en facebook.com/enneinn instagram.com/enneinn
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and plan your trip at www.n1.is/en. Icelandair Stopover 60
STOPOVER ICELAND:
BY SARAH DEARNE.
OUR TOP PICKS
With so much you can pack into an Icelandair Stopover,
the options can feel overwhelming. So, we keep it simple:
Four new themes and four fresh suggestions every issue.
Take your pick.
NATURE RECREATION
Beaches Kayaking
Iceland’s beach-dotted coastline forms For a tranquil mode of transport, slide into a
a multicolored strand of pearls to admire kayak to explore the coast and glacier lakes
and explore. around Iceland. Tours operate all around the
country, with most suitable for beginners.
In contrast with the quintessential black-
sand shores, Rauðasandur (“red sands”) in One of the most popular destinations is
the Westfjords shimmers in shades of gold Stykkishólmur in West Iceland, where you
and rich ochre. This 6-mile (10-km) beach is can weave between the innumerable islands
home to a colony of seals, which you might of Breiðafjörður bay and explore the Þorgeir
spot lolling by the shore. Ideally, time your visit shipwreck, which has lain untouched since
on a sunny evening during golden hour, when its demise in the 1980s. The coast here is
the sand is at its most vibrant. particularly rich in animal life, and you’re likely
to encounter puffins, eider ducks, and perhaps
On the other side of the country in Northeast a few seals along the way.
Iceland is the windswept Skjólfjörur beach,
with rock pillars, colorful stones, charcoal To kayak between the fjords, head east to
sands, and driftwood washed up from distant Seyðisfjörður, where you’ll be surrounded by From top:
shores. Rarely garnering a mention in travel some of the country’s most picturesque fjord
guides, this is an unassuming beauty where scenery. Kids can also have a turn kayaking on Enjoying the sunset over Langisandur beach
you’re more likely to find locals walking their the calm waters of Fjarðará river in town, while from the Guðlaug hot pot. Photo by Jónas
dogs than flocks of tourists. experienced kayakers can explore further Ottósson / Akraneskaupstaður.
asea on multi-day tours around the neigh
If you’re more after seaside fun than dramatic boring fjords. Not another black-sand beach: Rauðasandur
vistas, try the underrated pleasures of Langi in the Westfjords. Photo by Mario Liebherr.
sandur beach in Akranes, 45 minutes north Kayaks are also ideal for exploring glacial
of Reykjavík. Perhaps not the prettiest beach lakes. You can glide across the mirror-smooth Gliding around the East Fjords. Photo by
in Iceland, its aesthetic shortcomings are waters of Sólheimajökull glacier lagoon in the Hlynur Vestmar Oddsson / Visit
quickly forgiven for its castle-friendly sand South or Jökulsárlón and Heinabergslón Seyðisfjörður.
and currents gentle enough for a chilly splash. lagoons in the East, where you’ll be
Its trump card, however, is the recently opened surrounded by glaciers and icebergs.
double-decker Guðlaug hot pot, a savvy
combo of steaming water and ocean views. (Continues on page 62.)
30.06.–06.10.2019
Kjarvalsstaðir
William Morris
LetBeautyRule!
Discover thousands of unique and unmissable things
to do around the world with GetYourGuide.
Saga Club members earn Saga Points when booking their
trips, tours and adventures through GetYourGuide.com.
Enjoy diverse art at the museum’s three locations

Kjarvalsstaðir Hafnarhús Ásmundarsafn Open daily
Flókagata 24 Tryggvagata 17 Sigtún artmuseum.is
105 Reykjavík 101 Reykjavík 105 Reykjavík +354 411 6400
SAILING IN
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EXPERIENCE OUR BEAUTIFUL NATURE AND WILDLIFE
FROM THE SEA. TRY THE VIKING SUSHI ADVENTURE
TOUR OR SAIL ACROSS BREIDAFJORDUR BAY WITH
A STOPOVER IN BEAUTIFUL FLATEY ISLAND.
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SEASONAL CULTURE
Autumn Delights Maritime Museums
Autumn starts early in Iceland, with late Iceland’s seafaring history is brought to life
August to mid-September the best time to in maritime museums around the country.
see the fall colors in their fullest glory. While The largest is the award-winning Herring Era
the country has little in the way of tall forests, Museum in Siglufjörður, North Iceland, which
the shrubbery and moss is quite spectacular vividly captures the glory days of the herring
in areas such as Þingvellir National Park in rush, when the “silver of the sea” could make
the South and Heiðmörk Nature Reserve in or break a town’s livelihood.
the capital area. And for complementary hues,
head west to the Hraunfossar falls, whose Much smaller in scale but no less evocative
eerie blue waters provide a brilliant contrast is Ósvör Maritime Museum in Bolungarvík,
with the amber-colored birch. a shoreside replica of a Westfjords fishing
outpost. Guests are greeted by a fisherman
September brings réttir, the annual round-up, guide in a traditional skin suit like those worn
when Icelanders herd wild-roaming sheep and by sailors in the days long before GORE-TEX.
horses and sort them back to their respective
farms. It’s quite the show, and everyone is Closer to the capital is the Viking World
welcome to join in the fun. You can attend museum in Njarðvík, not far from Keflavík
round-ups all around the country; check the airport. The centerpiece of the museum is
Bændablaðið website, bbl.is for a map and the The Icelander, a precise replica of the
schedule. magnificent Gokstad Viking ship, which
sailed the seas in the 9th century.
Fall is also time for berry picking all over the
country, an activity known locally as berjamór. Back in town is the Reykjavík Maritime
Flavorful bilberries (similar to blueberries) and Museum down by the harbor in the Grandi
crowberries are the most common finds; try area. With a newly-opened permanent
them with vanilla skyr and a slosh of cream. exhibition, the museum covers the last 150
You’re welcome to pick berries as long as years of fishery history in Iceland. Admission
you’re on public property, just be sure to treat includes a tour of Óðinn, a retired coast guard
the plants with care, aim for the ripest berries, vessel docked nearby.
and leave some for the birds.
This page, from top:
Þingvellir National Park ablaze in autumn

colors. Photo by David Mark.
At The Boathouse, one of The Herring Era

Museum’s five exhibitions. Photo courtesy
of The Herring Era Museum.
The Icelander Viking ship sailed across the

Atlantic before finding a permanent home at
Viking World. Photo courtesy of Viking
World.
BRING YOUR COSTCO CARD WITH YOU TO ICELAND!
Costco Iceland opened in May 2017. Just like other Costco warehouses, Costco Iceland offers one of
the largest and most exclusive product category selections to be found under one roof.
Categories include groceries, confectionery, appliances, television and audio equipment, automotive
supplies, tires, toys, hardware, sporting goods, jewellery, watches, cameras, books, housewares,
apparel, health and beauty aids, furniture, office supplies and office equipment.
The warehouse also has a self-service gas station.
Kauptun 3, 210 Gardabaer Phone: +354 532 5555 Email: costco@costco.is
WAREHOUSE OPENING TIMES GAS STATION OPENING TIMES PHARMACY OPENING TIMES
Monday - Friday: 10am to 9pm Monday - Friday: 7am to 10pm Monday - Friday: 11am to 7pm
Saturday: 9:30am to 8pm Saturday: 7am to 9.30pm Saturday: 10am to 6pm
Sunday: 10am to 6pm Sunday: 7am to 7pm Sunday: 10am to 4pm
EVERY
TRIP IS AN
ADVENTURE
WWW.GEYSIR.IS
STOPOVER DOESN’T MEAN

YOU NEED TO STAY PUT
visit www.geysir.is for great car rental offers
OUR DESTINATIONS: BY JOHN LEE. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical
PHOTOS BY JOHN LEE Chinese Garden
VANCOUVER’S AND TOURISM VANCOUVER. A 15-minute walk away, this meticulously
landscaped oasis exemplifies traditional
GREAT GREEN Stanley Park
A Vancouver must-see, this 998-acre
Chinese horticulture, from gnarly-fingered
pine trees to intricate pebble walkways. Its
SPACES (404-hectare) oceanfront peninsula can
be crammed with summer visitors. But follow
tile-topped walls also enclose a mirror-calm
pond where vivid koi carp nose beneath
Fringed by glittering ocean the locals beyond the crowded Seawall to
find a magical, cathedral-calm interior. Start
flowering lily pads. It’s a paid-admission
attraction, but there’s a free-entry park
and sawtooth mountain at Lost Lagoon’s Stanley Park Nature House next door with similar features.
peaks, Vancouver’s dramatic for flora and fauna insights, then slowly
explore tranquil tree-shaded pathways VanDusen Botanical Garden
natural setting is its greatest including Beaver Lake Trail (beaver- Foliage-fringed walkways radiate from a large
asset. But you don’t have to sightings often included). pond studded with statue-still turtles at this
delightful 54-acre (22-hectare) attraction.
leave the city to commune Pacific Spirit Regional Park Displaying a vast array of local and inter-
with this tree-hugging outdoor Almost double Stanley Park’s size, B.C.’s
temperate rainforest is on full display at this
national plant life (discreetly signposted for
easy identification), you’ll find everything from
edge. Read on for a bouquet lush, easy-access woodland reserve on the blooming rhododendrons to sprightly monkey-
of brilliant urban green city’s West Side. You’ll find a greatest hits
array of Pacific Northwest trees—from
puzzle trees. Don’t miss the tunnel-like
laburnum walk and the head-scratching
spaces—from vast woodlands towering cedars to bristly hemlocks—plus hedge maze.
an ever-present menagerie of resident
to cultivated gardens—then raccoons, feisty Douglas squirrels and Vanier Park
dive in on your next visit to jewel-like little hummingbirds. Hugging the city’s inviting shoreline, this
grassy picnic magnet serves up panoramic
British Columbia’s glass- Arbutus Greenway views of sparkling ocean, looming mountains
towered metropolis. Vancouver’s outdoor spaces aren’t all about and boat-studded tangerine sunsets. A kite-
trees. This 5.3 mile (8.5-km) former rail line flying hotspot, the park’s Museum of Vancou
Above: Brockton Point in Stanley Park. between Kitsilano and the Fraser River is a ver also houses a fascinating First Nations
Photo by Nelson Mouellic, courtesy of newly created linear park where public art gallery, while its beloved Bard on the Beach
Tourism Vancouver. and viewing platforms are being planned. Shakespeare festival opens its pop-up tented
But it’s already open to the public, creating stages here from June to October.
Next page (top two): Dr. Sun Yat-Sen a popular promenade and cycling route
Classical Chinese Garden. Photo by John flanked by fluttering butterflies and a John Hendry Park
Lee. Stanley Park totem poles. Photo by Al kaleidoscope of wildflowers. Locally known as Trout Lake Park, this busy
Harvey, courtesy of Tourism Vancouver. East Vancouver gathering place takes on a
Vancouver Public Library festival feel every Saturday from May to mid-
Next page (middle two): Vancouver’s Rooftop Garden October, when it hosts the city’s biggest
jewel-like natural setting. Photo courtesy An even newer green space opened in 2018. farmers’ markets. Fuel-up on bakery treats,
of Tourism Vancouver / Barbershop Films. But you’ll need to leave terra firma to find it. craft beer samples and fresh B.C. produce
Bard on the Beach in Vanier Park. Nip into downtown’s elliptical, Colosseum-like (from sweet blueberries to luscious peaches),
Photo by John Lee. library building, press floor nine in the elevator then explore the park’s lakeside trails before
and then step out into a lofty “secret garden” nipping back for a hearty food-truck lunch.
Next page (bottom two): The Arbutus lined with white roses, café tables and orna
Greenway. Photo by John Lee. VanDusen mental maple trees. A calming break from the Icelandair flies to Vancouver daily, year-round.
Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of busy streets, the elevated cityscape views are Traveling from Europe, you have the opportunity to
Tourism Vancouver / Sombilon Studios. a highlight here. add a Stopover in Iceland at no additional airfare.
OUR DESTINATIONS:
WIND DOWN IN GENEVA
Often perceived as a place with a buttoned-up personality and an
obsession with punctuality and precision timepieces, Geneva sheds its
sensible skin every summer. This is the time for making the most of the
city’s stunning position on Lake Geneva (Lac Léman to locals) for
sunning, swimming and sauntering.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SALLY O’BRIEN. Despite the jet’s impressive optics, the city’s true lakeside jewel is
found on its right bank at the beloved Bains des Pâquis, a cheerily
Eau-so-Fresh egalitarian haven that has been in business for almost 130 years
The 224-square-mile (580-km2) croissant-shaped lake of pristine and boasts 1,640 ft (500 m) of beach. Its retro and low-key appeal
freshwater is Western Europe’s largest. In summer, spectacular draws a mix of Geneva’s rich and poor, young and old, gay and
thunderstorms and lightning are regular occurrences, evoking the straight, and everything in between, to practice some self-care while
wild power of the natural Alpine surrounds. socializing. The water itself is invariably bracingly “fresh” but crystal
clear, and the views to the city skyline and over to neighboring
Geneva well and truly blows its own horn via its eye-catching Jet France gently intoxicating.
d’Eau, a 459-ft (140-m) tall fountain that shoots an impressive 132
gallons (500 l) of water per second, at a speed of 124 miles (200 km) Its casual buvette (refreshment kiosk) stocks healthy dishes and
per hour; it’s visible from vantage points throughout the city and is juices and transforms into a breezy bar for sundowners. Come winter,
colorfully illuminated at night. it’s possible to enjoy a sauna and hammam, as well as what is
arguably Geneva’s best fondue (reserve in secrets—Swiss wine—with one its most perfect village of Saint-Saphorin, an easy
advance), made with crémant (sparkling wine) stunning spots, you’ll need to head to the 20-minute walk from Vinorama, with dreamy
instead of the usual white wine. UNESCO-listed Lavaux region, a heady views, is a sure highlight of a visit to the area,
patchwork of vineyards 47 miles (75 km) with its narrow streets, cheek-by-jowl medieval
Cruisin’ northeast of Geneva. Easily accessed by residences and cheeky swimming spot across
Getting your bearings and your fill of breath train from Geneva and nearby Lausanne, it’s the railroad tracks.
taking Alpine views is easily done by boat. a perfect day-trip. You can also travel by boat,
CGN offers a choice of tours, including its if you fancy taking it slow and don’t mind Previous page: Aerial view of the south-
frequent hour-long Geneva Tour or the After checking timetables and mix-and-matching eastern bank of Lake Geneva.
work Cruise, which includes a couple of transport options.
drinks and a DJ. If you only fancy a short Top left: Crossing the lake by boat is a must.
saut de puce (flea hop) across the water, Steep, serried hills, stirring views over the
there’s no better way than the mouettes vineyards, medieval villages and wines unique Bottom left: the view of the Jet d’Eau
genevoises (Geneva seagulls), yellow boats to the area (such as Plant Robert) amply from Geneva’s cathedral.
that putter across the lake’s surface, gen reward time and curiosity. For tastings, there
erally transporting commuters. Three of the are cellar doors with tastings, or head to the Right: The UNESCO-listed
four lines depart from and arrive at Pâquis, informative Lavaux Vinorama (closed Thurs Lavaux vineyards.
and tickets start at a bargain CHF 2 (USD 2). days in summer), a bold architectural state
ment in the village of Rivaz, with 250 local Icelandair flies to Geneva May–October. Traveling
Wine Not? wines to try and buy, and easy access to from North America, you have the opportunity to
To combine one of the country’s best-kept vineyard and village strolls. The postcard- add a Stopover in Iceland at no additional airfare.
OUR DESTINATIONS:
THE HEART OF DENMARK

Billund is a gateway to Lego treasure and coastal charms.
BY CAROLYN BAIN.
You may not have heard of Billund, a small town in regional Denmark, a family-focused activity and entertainment center housing a water
but it probably features in some of your fondest childhood memories. park, play center and loads more. The town’s newest addition is the
How so? This is where Lego was born, back in 1932. stunning Lego House, an interactive cultural center cleverly designed
to resemble a stack of giant bricks.
Billund lies at the center of Jutland (the peninsula attached to
Germany) and although the town’s population is only around 6,000, Aarhus: A Fresh City-Break Destination
it’s home to Denmark’s second-busiest airport after Copenhagen. Denmark always scores high in livability rankings, and in its cities you
Jutland may fly under the radar for many travelers to Europe, but it’s can see firsthand how enviable the Danish lifestyle is: great design
a treasure trove of sandy beaches, history-filled towns and family- and the pursuit of hygge are everywhere you look. The obvious choice
friendly attractions. It’s where many Danes go on vacation—a lead for a Danish city break has long been Copenhagen, but Aarhus now
you may want to follow. gives the capital a run for its money and is only 60 miles (100 km)
from Billund airport.
Billund: Heaven for Kids, Perfect for Families
Billund is a company town, built from the success of one brand. You The past decade has seen Aarhus flourish, with great new
may think that sounds a little stuffy and businesslike, but not when restaurants (from student-friendly food halls to fancy Michelin-
the town’s homegrown star is megabrand Lego, branded by experts starred options), eye-catching architecture and first-class museums.
as the “toy of the century.” Get inspired for your visit atop the ARoS art museum, where a
rainbow-colored walkway offers multi-hued views over the city.
Billund puts kids at the heart of everything. Case in point: Legoland
amusement park, with attractions made from plastic bricks (from an Ribe: Viking Tales and Historic Charm
aquarium to a pirate ship to a haunted house). Then there’s Lalandia, If you seek history and hygge with a dash of Viking adventure,
head to Ribe, Denmark’s oldest city, just 60 settlements and seafood restaurants. Sweet Previous page: Aerial view of Lego House
miles (40 km) from Billund. It’s a fairytale offshore islands like Fanø and Rømø are in Billund, the home of the brick.
scene of cobblestone lanes, crooked half- magnets for those after classic beachy Photo courtesy of Lego Group.
timbered houses and a meandering river, treats, full of camping grounds, bike lanes
with a soaring 12th-century cathedral as and cottages for rent. When the wind whips Top left: Exterior of Lego House in the
the village centerpiece. in off the North Sea, you’ll find holidaymakers center of Billund. Photo by Alfreð I. A.
flying kites and taking to the water for wind Pétursson.
As befits the country’s oldest city, there are surfing and kitesurfing.
museums filled with art and archaeological Bottom left: Your Rainbow Panorama
riches. Viking storytelling is a big magnet: One of the shining lights of the west coast from artist Ólafur Elíasson, atop ARoS Art
There’s a dedicated museum plus a playful is the Wadden Sea National Park, a tidal Museum in Aarhus. Photo by Willy Grauby
open-air recreation of Viking life, complete wonder whose mudflats, sandbanks, marshes / VisitAarhus.
with longhouses, traditional crafts, falconry and islands are a well-stocked playground
shows, archery lessons and even “warrior for birds and seals. The park’s visitor head Right: The cobblestoned charm of Ribe.
training” for kids. Don’t be deterred by the quarters is at the Wadden Sea Center, Photo by Kim Wyon / VisitDenmark.
Vikings’ fearsome reputation—the Ribe about 6 miles (10 km) from Ribe. Family-
Viking Center is fun for all ages. friendly activities abound in summer, while Icelandair flies to Billund regularly from June to
oyster safaris run in cooler weather. October. Traveling from North America, you have
The West Coast: For Sun, Sand and Sea the opportunity to add a Stopover in Iceland at
Jutland’s wild west coast is full of raw nature, no additional airfare.
shifting sand dunes, summer-house
Special Promotion
VISITING THE BLUE LAGOON

ON ARRIVAL IN ICELAND
Off the plane, direct to the Blue Lagoon
—is there a better start to your vacation?
You’ve no doubt heard a lot of advice second drink. You can add treats as you
about packing for Iceland (key word: need: in-water massage? Sure. Lunch at
layers). Allow us to offer another essen the high-quality, onsite Lava restaurant?
tial tip: Keep your swimsuit at the top of Why not? (And do feel free to wear your
your luggage, ready for action in one of robe to lunch.) You can also opt for
the geothermal gems scattered around coffee, drinks and sandwiches from
the country. a couple of poolside café areas.
The very best way to embrace the The changing rooms are both a chance
Icelandic hot-water habit is straight off to freshen up after your flight and a
the plane. Icelandair arrivals from the place to learn the essential etiquette
USA and Canada begin landing around of Icelandic pools: Shower before
6 am. Disembarking passengers are entering. Lockers are provided, and
generally experiencing a haze of sleep there are private stalls for showering
iness (it’s still 2 am on the East Coast!), and changing.
but hotel rooms often aren’t accessible
until 2 pm or later. What to do with all Explore the steam rooms, the swim-up
that time? bar, and the swim-up hut that doles out
handfuls of face masks (these are also
Answer: the Blue Lagoon. It’s probably available to buy from the onsite store as
high on your bucket list (as it should be; you exit—the signature silica mud mask is
it’s a photogenic wonder of steaming, a bestseller). A favorite haunt for sleepy
milky-blue water set in an ethereal travelers is the relaxation room, offering
volcanic landscape), so why not let it lounge chairs with a lagoon view.
work some magic on your jetlagged self?
When your skin is in full prune mode and
To make things easy, Destination Blue it’s time to dry off, there are hourly buses
Lagoon offers super-simple bus trans back to Keflavík Airport or to downtown
fers direct from Keflavík International Reykjavík, a 45-minute drive away. Hotel
Airport to the lagoon. Peak summer transfers are easily arranged when
departures from the airport begin at booking your bus ticket.
6:25 am, and the drive is about 20
minutes, getting you to the lagoon in So now you’re just half a day into your
time for opening at 7 am. Luggage is Iceland visit and you’ve ticked off one of
easily stored in a building by the car park. your bucket-list items and eased away
post-flight tensions in a thoroughly
There are two choices of entry package: unique locale. How perfect a start to
towel hire, drink and silica face mask are your vacation is that?
included in both, while the Premium
package includes a robe, slippers and a
Blue Lagoon It’s recommended to pre-book at

Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík bluelagoon.com—use the on-board Wi-Fi
to check out your options. You can also
Open: make booking enquiries at the transfer
Jun 28–Aug 18: 7 am–midnight desk at the arrival hall at Keflavík Airport.
Aug 19–Sep 30: 8 am–10 pm
Oct 1– Dec 31: 8 am–9 pm You also can do this trip in reverse, on
your way to depart from Keflavík Airport.
bluelagoon.com Buses will pick you up from your Reykjavík
accommodation to take you to the Blue
Lagoon, then on to the airport.
Special Promotion
101 HANGOUTS
With so many restaurants to
choose from, it can be hard
to find the right place to eat
or drink. To help you out,
here’s a description of a few
restaurants, cafés and bars
in the heart of Reykjavík,
different in style but all
delightful.
BRYGGJAN BRUGGHÚS
On sunny days, few places are better for mash for baking perfectly delicious bread Reykjavík on Culture Night, August 24,
enjoying a cold beer than on the pier at delivered to Bryggjan Brugghús every don’t miss the brewery festival held by the
Bryggjan Brugghús, offering a view of the morning. The bistro and brewery also Independent Craft Brewers of Iceland on
bustling Reykjavík harbor and stunning Harpa collaborates with other locales in the hip Bryggjan Brugghús’s pier, 12–5 pm.
Concert Hall and Conference Center. The Grandi neighborhood; try beer ice cream
craft brewery’s distinct IPA, lager and pale by Valdís for dessert! The fish of the day is Grandagarður 8
ale are always available on tap, alongside whatever the fishermen hauled in that Open Sun–Thu: 11 am–11 pm,
seasonal specialties. The beer isn’t only for morning. Open every day of the year for lunch Fri–Sat: 11 am–1 am
drinking but is also used in various dishes and dinner, Bryggjan Brugghús also offers Happy Hour: 3–7 pm
on the tempting bistro menu, including the drop-in brewery tours and beer tastings every
hamburgers, chicken, fish & chips, and hour from 1 to 10 pm and is the base for bryggjanbrugghus.is
mussels cultivated in West Iceland. Brikk, Reykjavík Sightseeing’s popular Cheers
the bakery across the street, uses leftover to Reykjavík! tour. If you happen to be in
MESSINN GRÁI KÖTTURINN
When strolling along the Reykjavík harbor, watching the boats come There’s a sweet expression in Icelandic for one who lingers: “to hang
and go and smelling the salt in the air, fish is the inevitable choice for around like a gray cat (grái kötturinn).” This petite café has lingered
lunch or dinner. With its rustic appeal, nautical-themed restaurant long on the Reykjavík scene—its cozy corners and cute retro stylings
Messinn serves fresh and simple seafood. Owner and head chef have been inviting locals to hang out since 1997, surrounded by
Snorri Sigfinnsson promises honest cooking, good food and big por books and art. The menu of diner favorites was inspired by travels
tions. The fish is sometimes so fresh “that it was in the net only six in the USA, and early opening hours (from 7:30 am weekdays, 8 am
hours earlier.” The restaurant’s specialty is the fish pans: the Arctic weekends) make it a perfect spot for fresh-off-the-plane travelers
char with honey, almonds, cherry tomatoes, lemon and butter is an to refuel and get their bearings. Dig into fluffy pancakes, eggs and
obvious hit, as is Snorri’s special take on the traditional Icelandic bacon, bagels, and the trademark “Truck” breakfast, a hunger-busting
plokkfiskur stew. dish that will likely remove any need for lunch.
Reykjavík Maritime Museum
Lækjargata 6b (à la carte) Grandagarður 8 (buffet) Hverfisgata 16a
Open 11 am–3 pm and 5–10 pm Open 11:30 am–5 pm Open Mon–Fri: 7:30 am–2:30 pm, Sat–Sun: 8 am–2:30 pm
messinn.com graikotturinn.is
CAFÉ LOKI
Combining Iceland’s most traditional flavors with a front-row view of its or play it safe with fresh fish or warming lamb soup. Homemade rye
most iconic building is a brilliant sales pitch. Inside Café Loki, windows bread comes with classic toppings like smoked trout, or crumbled
frame Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík’s eye-catching, rocket-like church, through the café’s deliciously unique ice cream, topped with cream
while a huge mural depicts aspects of Norse mythology. The menu and rhubarb syrup. Craving more familiar fare? Try bagels, pancakes
calls to both the brave and the mildly curious: Dive deeply into unique or traditional pastries.
local flavors with fermented shark and a shot of brennivín (schnapps),
Lokastígur 28
Open Jun–Jul: 7 am–10 pm, Aug–May: 8 am–10 pm
loki.is
BÆJARINS BEZTU PYLSUR AMERICAN BAR

In a city that excels at storytelling, a generous amount of mythology From its collection of football helmets to the diner-style menu,
surrounds a downtown hot dog stand. This is no ordinary fast food American Bar caters to US expats (not least for its screenings of
vendor but a magical place where late-night cravings are sated, NFL games, among other major Icelandic and international sporting
queues move fast, prices are reasonable, and flavors are authentically events), curious tourists, and thirsty locals alike. The menu includes
local. The name means “The Town’s Best Hot Dogs” and the menu is juicy burgers, wraps, sandwiches and hot wings to die for. If you’re
simple: pylsa (hot dog), gos (soda). Decisions are made only regarding all in, go for a milkshake, too. You can also sample Icelandic beers
toppings: with or without ketchup, sweet mustard, fried onion, raw or indulge in a colorful cocktail. With live music and DJs on the
onion and remolaði, a mayonnaise-based sauce with sweet relish. weekends, go party with the locals till 4:30 am—then come back for
Order eina með öllu to get one with the works. These guys have a pick-me-up the following day. In sunny weather, be quick to claim
been doling out dogs since 1937; they know how it’s done. your seat on the terrace facing the grassy Austurvöllur square and
Iceland’s parliament.
Tryggvagata, by Kolaportið
Open Sun–Thu: 10 am–2 am, Fri–Sat: 10 am–4:30 am Austurstræti 8–10,
Open Sun–Thu: 11-1 am, Fri–Sat 11-4:30 am
bbp.is Happy Hour: 4–7 pm
americanbar.is
FLYER’S HUB
Icelandair’s route network connects more than 35
destinations on both sides of the Atlantic, from
the airline’s hub at Keflavík International Airport.
ANCHORAGE
HELSINKI
STOCKHOLM
VANCOUVER
EDMONTON
SEATTLE OSLO
PORTLAND BERGEN COPENHAGEN

BILLUND
BERLIN
HAMBURG
DUSSELDORF
SAN FRANCISCO AMSTERDAM FRANKFURT
MUNICH
ICELAND GLASGOW BRUSSELS ZURICH
MANCHESTER
MILAN
DUBLIN LONDON PARIS GENEVA
HEATHROW
& GATWICK
DENVER
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL
MADRID
CHICAGO
KANSAS CITY
TORONTO MONTREAL
WASHINGTON D.C. BOSTON

PHILADELPHIA NEW YORK
JFK & NEWARK
ORLANDO
Contents:
76 Icelandair @Work: Novelties and News 84 Map of Iceland and Domestic Routes
77 Icelandair’s Special Children Travel Fund 90 Our Fleet: Aircraft Types and Names
79 Saga Shop Kitchen: On-Board Menu 92 Devices and Wi-Fi
80 Icelandair Travel Experience 94 Safety First
81 Services on Board 96 Guide to US Customs Form
82 In-Flight Entertainment
NEWS:
ICELANDAIR @WORK
From a prestigious award to equal pay
certification, environmentally-friendly
amenity kits and flying around 700
children and their families to their dream
destinations, Icelandair means business.
COMPILED BY EYGLÓ SVALA ARNARSDÓTTIR.
Wildlife Amenity Kits Take Off

Icelandair’s New Amenity Kit, which launched in April, was covered sustainable materials, including recycled canvas, vegan leather,
in the May 2019 edition of PAX International – Special Amenities Issue. and felt made from recycled plastic bottles.
Called Dýralíf (“Wildlife”), the design of each of the four purses in the
kit collection was inspired by an animal special to Iceland: the puffin The contents of each kit have been designed and selected to help
and the Arctic fox (released in 2019), and the raven and the Icelandic passengers arrive at their destination rested and refreshed. The purses
horse (available in 2020). “Iceland is a very special place where nature contain skincare products from small, family-owned Icelandic company
and natural phenomenon are close to the hearts of the people who Hannes Dóttir: Lip Balm, Hand Lotion and Mineral Mist. The hand
live here,” Íris Anna Groeneweg, Manager of Procurement and Supply crafted formulas are made of 100% nutrition supplement and food-
Chain Icelandair, told PAX International. grade ingredients, including sea kelp.
Participants in the tender received a list of requirements: The kits In addition, each kit contains earplugs, a dental kit (toothbrush and
should reflect the country in some way, be made of sustainable mate toothpaste), eyeshade, socks, stickers for use by passengers if they
rials, tell a story that would raise interest in Iceland, and be unique and don’t wish to be disturbed and fun educational facts about each animal.
eye-catching. WESSCO International was up for the task. “The major The toothbrush is made from cornstarch-based biodegradable material.
challenge was to create a bag collection that could convey Icelandic The socks are made from recycled material. Plastic use is minimal, with
nature and serve as a functional travel accessory,” Luigi Auricchio, content wrappings made from paper.
WESSCO’s Global Creative Director, explained in the article.
The complimentary amenity kits are issued to Saga Premium
WESSCO International’s design showcases each of the four animals’ passengers on all flights between Iceland and North America.
unique qualities through shapes and colors reflecting their power and The kits are also available for purchase through sagashop.is.
grace. Each purse is made from a combination of eco-friendly and
Icelandair Named Best Regional Carrier Equal Pay Certification for Icelandair
Icelandair received awards in three categories at the APEX Pass Icelandair Group became the largest private company in Iceland to
enger Choice Awards in Dublin, Ireland, in April, including Best Major receive equal pay certification last April. The certification confirms
Regional Carrier in Europe. Icelandair also received awards for Best that the company is working to combat gender-based pay gaps and
Inflight Entertainment in Europe and Best Wi-Fi in Europe—the latter promote gender equality in the workplace, and applies to all 4,000
for the second year in a row. employees of Icelandair Group, Icelandair, Icelandair Hotels and
Icelandair Cargo.
“We at Icelandair strive to ensure a great experience for our pass
engers. These awards reflect the achievements of Icelandair and Last October, Bogi Nils CEO of Icelandair signed up to the Leadership
its employees in this field, and we will build on this further,” says Equality project of the Association of Business Women in Iceland. Its
Birna Ósk Einarsdóttir, CCO Sales and Customer Experience. objective is to increase the number of women at Executive Manage
ment level of companies in Iceland to 40% by 2027.
The APEX Passenger Choice Awards are based on passenger
feedback gathered through APEX’s partnership with TripIt® from Equal rights have long been a priority for Icelandair Group. The
Concur®, the world’s highest-rated travel-organizing app. Using company has made considerable improvements in this area in recent
a five-star scale, more than one million flights were rated by years, for example by increasing the number of women in manage
passengers across nearly 500 airlines from around the world. ment positions. The ratio of female pilots at Icelandair is noticeably
high, or 12%, which is more than double the average of other
commercial airlines.
MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE
Since its establishment in 2003, Icelandair’s Special
BY EYGLÓ SVALA ARNARSDÓTTIR.
Children Travel Fund has enabled around 700 children PHOTOS: STILLS FROM THE SPECIAL
to go on their dream vacations with their families. CHILDREN TRAVEL FUND VIDEO.
“My mom screaming in a roller coaster, riding

upside down and in circles!” Ólafía Dís says
of her drawing of her upcoming vacation to
Orlando, Florida. “We are going abroad for
the first time!” adds her older brother in
excitement. Ólafía Dís is 10 years old and
has atypical autism. She is one of the children
who have received a grant from Icelandair’s
Special Children Travel Fund (Vildarbörn). The
fund supports children from Iceland and other
countries who suffer from long-term illnesses
or live in difficult circumstances.
Ólafía Dís, along with two other recipients,

shared her experience in a video about the
fund that was filmed before, during and after
their dream vacation. “When I’m on the plane,
I’m sure I’m going to explode, run around it in
circles. I could even jump from the plane and
take a parachute to Florida!” exclaims
Guðlaugur (Gulli), 11 years old, who was
injured in a car accident.
“I have the privilege of being patron to the a fabulous break is very important to the lishment in 2003, around 700 children have
Special Children Travel Fund,” states Vigdís family. It brings us closer together,” adds been able to go on a dream vacation with
Finnbogadóttir, former President of Iceland, Einar’s mom. “We will treasure this for the their families, more than 3,500 people in total.
who in 1980 became the first woman to be rest of our lives,” maintains Ólafía Dís’s mom. Read more about the fund at vildarborn.is.
democratically elected as head of state. “It is Vigdís concludes: “This fund is so positive
very special to experience how much joy this and constructive. It only brings out positive Previous page, top: From the
fund gives. First the anticipation […]; then the thoughts, loving and caring. If there is any last allocation in April 2019.
experience itself; and finally, to return home thing we need in this life, it is, of course,
with all the memories and photographs,” adds loving and caring.” Previous page, bottom: Ólafía
Vigdís. Viewers of the video then witness the arrives in Disney World.
fun the three children are having with their The fund is financed through Icelandair’s
families in Florida. “Mom, look who it is! It’s founding contribution, donations by members Top left: Ólafía with her family.
Scrooge McDuck!” shouts Einar, an 11-year- of Icelandair Saga Club (who can donate an
old with autism, upon arrival in Disney World. unlimited number of frequent flyer miles), and Top right and bottom left:
through surplus change that passengers Einar with his mom.
The grant not only covers the flight for the place in envelopes in the seat pockets of
children and the family members traveling with Icelandair aircraft. Also, when buying a Bottom right: Gulli having
them, but also accommodation and tickets to Special Angel teddy bear from Icelandair’s fun at Disney World.
amusement parks. While the children can Saga Shop Collection, all proceeds go
choose any Icelandair destination they want, towards the Icelandair’s Special Children You can watch the video on Icelandair’s in-flight
the vast majority pick Orlando. Travel Fund (flip this magazine over and entertainment system by choosing “Vildarbörn/
look up page 61 in Saga Shop). Children’s Travel Fund” in the bottom left corner
“This trip is just wonderful. To reclaim joy, of the main menu.
find happiness and create good memories,” Allocations from the fund are made twice
says Gulli’s mom. “Such a journey and such a year, in April and October. Since its estab
IS FLYING MAKING YOU FAMISHED?
SAGA SHOP KITCHEN

No problem. Our new Economy menu has never
been more appetizing and varied. Just fish it out
of the seat pocket in front of you and order what
your heart desires.
VEGAN GLUTEN
FREE
Gourmet falafel salad

Falafel, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas,
fresh salad leaves, red cabbage,
sweet potatoes, roasted pumpkin
seeds and a hummus dressing.
Turkey pretzel triangle

Honey-roasted turkey, barbecue mayonnaise,
Tapas snack box
fresh salad and red bell peppers in a freshly
Serrano ham, mini fuet, grissini,
Travel Experience
baked crispy butter pretzel triangle.
bruschetta dip and matured Iberico cheese.
Tapas snack box + olives + wine.
WARM VEGETARIAN
Pizza Margherita
Pizza with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, served
with one of the world’s best olive oils straight from
Italy. Choose between basil or chili flavor.
Product not available when departing from YVR
We welcome your feedback on the dining experience on board.

Please drop us a line at kitchen@icelandair.is with any comments.
Verði þér að góðu! Bon appétit!
80 Icelandair Stopover Icelandair Stopover 80

DISCOVERING ICELAND IN THE SKY
Icelandair’s travel experience introduces you to our special country.
Whether you’re flying with us today en route We are very proud of our ancient language. unpronounceable Eyjafjallajökull volcano—
to or from Iceland, or between Europe and You’ll see some samples of Icelandic, which which actually doubles as a glacier; Vatna
North America with a short airport stopover, is a North Germanic language, throughout jökull, Europe’s largest glacier; Látrabjarg,
we’d like you to feel as if you’ve learned a the cabin. Some headrests show Icelandic Europe’s largest bird cliff; and now also
little bit about our country during the flight. translations of some common phrases in Þingvellir, the rift valley where our parliament
We’re very proud of our Icelandic heritage English, while pillow covers show a popular was founded in A.D. 930.
and culture and hope we’re able to share that traditional lullaby both in Icelandic and in
At the risk of being immodest, we think
enthusiasm with you. Take a look around you translation. The paper cups list the different
our water is the best tasting water in the
now. You should spot several little glimpses words used in Icelandic for cups, and the
world. Try it for yourself on this flight. We
of Iceland, but if you want to catch them all, napkins tell you about Iceland’s first settlers.
serve refreshing Icelandic Glacial water
here’s our cheat sheet:
Our in-flight entertainment system throughout the trip.
The music as you boarded was composed features numerous Icelandic films, docu-
On some lucky aircraft you’ll find mood
and performed by Icelandic artists. Like it? mentaries and television programs, as well
lighting, like on Vatnajökull: The blue LED
It’s from our Icelandair Spotify playlist. You as an exclusive documentary called Unique
lighting in the cabin creates the illusion of
can check out the playlist in our in-flight Iceland, which will introduce you to some
being inside an ice cave, while on Hekla
entertainment system. of the country’s highlights for visitors.
Aurora it feels as if you’re watching the
Our menu selection features Icelandic We’re so proud of our volcanoes, glaciers northern lights dancing in the Icelandic
ingredients and snacks like hjónabandssæla and other natural wonders, that we’ve even winter sky.
(an oat-and-jam square, whose name named our aircraft after them. After all,
We hope you enjoy your flight with us.
translates as “happy marriage”) and award- Iceland is famous for its spectacular
winning lager. landscapes. Each one bears the moniker of
an Icelandic attraction, including the famously
CLASSES OF SERVICE
Icelandair offers a range of on-board services available to all Icelandair caters to a range of tastes and budgets with a selection of
passengers. We are the first European airline to offer gate-to-gate five fare classes and amenities for tailor-made travel. Economy Light
Wi-Fi, which means that you can stay online from the moment you offers quality at a reduced price and includes hand luggage only, ideal
board until you leave the aircraft. for short-haul trips. Economy Standard includes hand luggage and one
checked-in bag, and Economy Flex additionally includes priority
For our youngest flyers, we have a selection of children’s entertainment
boarding, free Wi-Fi, and the flexibility to change or cancel your fare.
and games on the in-flight entertainment system. Children receive a
meal and juice and are provided with headphones and an activity bag. For a pampering experience in an exclusive, quiet cabin at the front of
the aircraft, choose Saga Premium. With four-abreast wide seating and
Passengers can check in quickly and easily with our online check-in
plenty of legroom, you’ll have ample space to work or simply stretch out
service. You can use your smart device to check in even faster. It is
and rest up for your destination.
possible to check in 36 hours before departure to Europe and Canada,
and 24 hours before departure to North America.
ECONOMY LIGHT ECONOMY STANDARD ECONOMY FLEX SAGA PREMIUM SAGA PREMIUM FLEX
Priority check-in No No No Yes, where applicable Yes, where applicable
Lounge access No No No Yes, where applicable Yes, where applicable
Priority boarding No No Yes, where applicable Yes, where applicable Yes, where applicable
Seating 737, 757 3-3 3-3 3-3 2-2 2-2
Seating 767 2-3-2 2-3-2 2-3-2 2-1-2 2-1-2
Luggage allowance No checked luggage 1x50 lb (23 kg) 1x50 lb (23 kg) 2x70 lb (32 kg) 2x70 lb (32 kg)
Carry-on luggage 1x22 lb (10 kg) 1x22 lb (10 kg) 1x22 lb (10 kg) 1x22 lb (10 kg) 2x22 lb (10 kg)
Legroom 31–32" / 79–81 cm 31–32" / 79–81 cm 31–32" / 79–81 cm 40" / 101 cm 40" / 101 cm
In-flight entertainment Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Wi-Fi For a small fee For a small fee Included for 2 devices Included for 2 devices Included for 2 devices
Headphones For sale For sale For sale Yes, noise-canceling Yes, noise-canceling
Blankets and pillows Upon request Upon request Upon request Yes Yes
Universal electric outlet No No No Yes Yes
USB port Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Non-alcoholic beverages Included Included Included Included Included
Alcoholic beverages For sale For sale For sale Included Included
Meals For sale For sale For sale Included, special menu Included, special menu
Amenity kit No No No On N-American routes On N-American routes
Hot towels No No No Yes Yes
Pre-flight drink No No No On N-American routes On N-American routes
Stopover For up to 3 nights For up to 7 nights For up to 7 nights For up to 7 nights Unlimited
Change fees $300 $150 None, but fare difference From $150 None, but fare difference
Fare difference may apply* Fare difference may apply* is applicable Fare difference may apply* is applicable**
Refundability Non-refundable Non-refundable Refundable Non-refundable Refundable
Combinability between Combines Combines with Combines with Combines with Combines with
classes solely with Saga Premium Saga Premium Flex Economy Standard Economy Flex
Economy Light
Saga Points earned 50% 100% 150% 200% 300%
*Subject to currency changes **Within 48 hours of flight time, one free change to 24hr before / after original departure time. Valid on FI flights only.
OUR IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
Dear Passenger,
NEW
On this flight you have access to a personal in-flight entertainment
system, and these pages offer a sneak peek into our selection. Since we
always aim to offer interesting and relevant material on board our flights,
we update our selection regularly. Have a browse through the content on
the screen in front of you to see everything we offer this time around.
The selection is quite varied, and we try to offer the latest Hollywood
blockbusters of the season. We’ve also dedicated a category to All-Time
Classics, where some of the carefully selected films are available for a
whole year, allowing you to revisit some of your favorites each time you
fly with us.
AUDIO BOOKS
Language: Icelandic and/or English
LOF MÉR AÐ FALLA / LET ME FALL I When 15-year-old Magnea meets Stella,
Líf Ætíðarþjófurinn Ferðin Álagafjötrar everything changes. Stella’s no-holds-barred lifestyle drags them both into a world
Biography I Children I 5:27 min. Fiction I 7:45 hr. Krýsuvík I 18:14 hr. of drugs, which brings serious consequences for each of them, and their relation-
25:02 hr. ship. Twelve years later their paths cross again, and a reckoning between them
ICELANDIC FILM COMPANY IN COOPERATION WITH ICELANDIC FILM CENTRE NORDISK FILM & TV FOND NEUTRINOS PRODUCTIONS SOLAR FILMS PRESENT LET ME FALL A FILM BY BALDVIN Z
becomes ELÍunavoidable.
N SIF HALLDÓRSDÓTTIR EYRÚN BJÖRK I 137 JAKOBSDÓTTI min. R KRISTÍN ÞÓRA HARALDSDÓTTIR LÁRA JÓHANNA JÓNSDÓTTIR ÞORSTEINN BACHMANN SÓLVEIG ARNARSDÓTTIR
LINE PRODUCER BIRNA PAULINA EINARSDÓTTIR COSTUMES EVA VALA GUÐJÓNSDÓTTIR HAIR & MAKE UP KRISTÍN JÚLLA KRISTJÁNSDÓTTIR CASTING VIGFÚS ÞORMAR GUNNARSSON SOUND RECORDING ÁRNI BENEDIK TSSON
SOUND DESIGN ADDI 800 DAÐI GEORGSSON PRODUCTION DESIGN GUNNAR PÁLSSON MARTA LUIZA MACUGA EDITING ÚLFUR TEITUR TRAUSTASON MUSIC ÓLAFUR ARNALDS DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY JÓHANN MÁNI JÓHANNSSON
CO-PRODUCERS MARKUS SELIN JUKKA HELLE SOPHIE MAHLO PRODUCED BY JÚLÍUS KEMP INGVAR ÞÓRÐARSON SCREENPLAY BY BALDVIN Z BIRGIR ÖRN STEINARSSON DIRECTED BY BALDVIN Z
TV PROGRAMS Icelandic Film Company
Language: English (with Icelandic subtitles)
Friends This Is US Modern Family The Leftovers

s5 e4, 5, 6, 9 I PG-13 I Comedy I 30 min. s1 e1–5 I PG-13 I Drama I 60 min. s8 e1–4 I PG-13 I Comedy I 30 min. s1 e1–5 I R I Drama I 60 min.
HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTERS
Language: English (with Icelandic subtitles)
They Shall Not Grow Old Captain Marvel Free Solo Isn’t it Romantic
R I Documentary, History, War I 99 min. PG-13 I Action, Adventure I 128 min. PG-13 I Documentary I 99 min. R I Comedy, Romance I 88 min.
RECOMMENDED WHEN VISITING ICELAND SHORTS & DOCS
Language: English / Icelandic (with English
’T MIS subtitles)
ON
S
THIS
ICELANDIC
DOCU-
MENTARY
Did you forget

your headphones?
We sell quality headphones
Out of Thin Air that you can use on this flight
G I Documentary I 84 min. and anywhere else.
SHORTS & DOCS

Language: Icelandic (with English subtitles)
LITLA
HARK KVIKMYNDAGERÐ KYNNIR:
MOSKVA
IC CUISINE
nt to do the tried and tested,
in is your spot. This modest-
estaurant serves excellently
resh fish and meat. They also HEIMILDARMYND EFTIR grím hákonarson
ne selection of cheeses and
d marinated delicacies.
IKHÚSIÐ OSTABÚÐIN
DINING ON
'T MIS
ON
'T MIS
ON
'T MIS ON
'T MIS
D
NN BJÓRGARÐURINN
S
THIS THIS THIS THIS
S
N HJÖRTU ESSENSIA
AIN GLÓ TORFAN
ICELANDIC Eftir langa valdatíð sósíalista í Neskaupsstað
ICELANDIC ICELANDIC ICELANDIC
DOCU- standa bæjarbúar frammi fyrir breyttum Veruleika.
DOCU- SHORT DOCU-
MENTARY MENTARY FILM MENTARY
LEIKSTJÓRI/HÖFUNDUR: GrÍmurHÁkonarson FRAMLEIÐANDI: GrÍmur HÁkonarson, Hark Films MEÐFRAMLEIÐANDI Á ÍSLANDI: GrÍmar JÓnsson, Netop Films MEÐFRAMLEIÐANDI
Í SLÓVAKÍU: Ivan
Ostrochovský, Punkchart Films MEÐFRAMLEIÐANDI Í TÉKKLANDI: Albert Malinovský & Martin Šmok, ŠkolFilm KVIKMYNDATAKA: MargrÉt Seema Takyar,
TÓmas TÓmasson KLIPPING: Janus Bragi Jakobsson TÓNLIST: Valgeir Sigurðsson HLJÓÐVINNSLA: Huldar Freyr Arnarson FRAM KOMA: GuÐmundur Sigurjónsson,
SAMVINNUFÉLAG ÚTGERÐARMANNA
NESKAUPSTAÐ
Stella SteinÞÓrsdÓttir, Ingibjörg ÞÓrÐardÓttir, Kristinn V. Jóhannsson, Smári Geirsson, Guðmundur Bjarnason OG HÁkon Hildibrand
690 Vopnafjörður Litla Moskva Thick Skin Búi

past few years, Iceland’s
scene has taken huge leaps
G I Documentary G I s1 e1–4 PG-13 I Short Film G I Short Film I
With more selection than
I 57 min. s2 e1–4 I Docu- I 12 min. 13 min.

Unique Iceland I A holiday destination of extremes. An entertaining and informa-
ore, it should be easy to
staurant somewhere in the
hat tickles your fancy.
tive series about Iceland, both city and country, so you can feel prepared for your mentary I 85 min.
Stopover.
OUR FAVOURITE
URANTS IN REYKJAVÍK
ou with your search for the
are in Iceland, we’ve compiled
escription of some noteworthy
ICELANDIC FILMS ICELANDIC TV PROGRAMS

n the Dining Advisor brochure
at pocket in front of you.
Language: Icelandic (with English subtitles) Language: Icelandic (with English subtitles)
FOR YOUR FOR YOUR

ENJOYMENT ENJOYMENT
ICELANDIC WE'VE SELECTED ICELANDIC WE'VE SELECTED
MOVIE THE BEST OF MOVIE THE BEST OF
ICELANDIC ICELANDIC
DO
ON
DO
ON
'T T MUSIC! 'T T MUSIC!

I S S OU I S S OU
N
M M
'T M I S 'T M I S 'T M I S 'T M I S

ON ON ON ON
D
DON'T DON'T
D
D
S
S
THIS ICELANDIC THIS ICELANDIC THIS THIS
MISS OUT MISS OUT
ICELANDIC MOVIE ICELANDIC MOVIE ICELANDIC ICELANDIC
MOVIE ON T HE MOVIE ON T HE
TV SERIES TV SERIES
DO
ON
DO
ON
'T T ICELANDIC 'T T ICELANDIC

I S S OU I S S OU
N
M M
MOVIE MOVIE
Tryggð / The Deposit Lof mér að falla / Let Me Fall Stella Blómkvist Víti í Vestmannaeyjum / The Falcons
PG I Drama I 89:23 min. R I Drama
ELÍN SIF HALLDÓRSDÓTTIR EYRÚNIBJÖRK137
JAKOBSDÓTTIR KRISTÍmin.
ICELANDIC FILM COMPANY IN COOPERATION WITH ICELANDIC FILM CENTRE NORDISK FILM & TV FOND NEUTRINOS PRODUCTIONS SOLAR FILMS PRESENT LET ME FALL A FILM BY BALDVIN Z
N ÞÓRA HARALDSDÓTTIR LÁRA JÓHANNA JÓNSDÓTTIR ÞORSTEINN BACHMANN SÓLVEIG ARNARSDÓTTIR
LINE PRODUCER BIRNA PAULINA EINARSDÓTTIR COSTUMES EVA VALA GUÐJÓNSDÓTTIR HAIR & MAKE UP KRISTÍN JÚLLA KRISTJÁNSDÓTTIR CASTING VIGFÚS ÞORMAR GUNNARSSON SOUND RECORDING ÁRNI BENEDIK TSSON
R I s1 e1 I Drama, Detective I 45 min. G I s1 e1–6 I Children, Family I 22 min.
SOUND DESIGN ADDI 800 DAÐI GEORGSSON PRODUCTION DESIGN GUNNAR PÁLSSON MARTA LUIZA MACUGA EDITING ÚLFUR TEITUR TRAUSTASON MUSIC ÓLAFUR ARNALDS DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY JÓHANN MÁNI JÓHANNSSON
CO-PRODUCERS MARKUS SELIN JUKKA HELLE SOPHIE MAHLO PRODUCED BY JÚLÍUS KEMP INGVAR ÞÓRÐARSON SCREENPLAY BY BALDVIN Z BIRGIR ÖRN STEINARSSON DIRECTED BY BALDVIN Z
Icelandic Film Company
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Language: Icelandic/English
Dora the Explorer The Looney Tunes Show SpongeBob Squarepants Wacky Races
s1 e1–3 I PG I Animation, Comedy, s2 e1–2 I PG I Animation, Comedy, s6 e15–17 I PG I Animation, Comedy, s1 e1–2 I PG I Animation, Comedy,
Adventure I 30 min. Family I 30 min. Family I 30 min. Family I 30 min.
Please note that you have many more audio books, films and TV programs to choose from on Icelandair Stopover 84
the in-flight entertainment system. The films and TV programs listed here are only a small selection.
Ratings are provided according to the US system but may vary from country to country.
PLACES TO DISCOVER GREENLAND
Nerlerit Inaat
ON YOUR ICELAND STOPOVER
From city center to countryside A rct i c C i rc l e
in under an hour
Our domestic airport is conveniently located in downtown
Reykjavík, and a trip across the country that’s as quick as
your average commute means that you can get started in
no time. Check out Air Iceland Connect’s route network
and journey times. Ísafjörður
airicelandconnect.com
40 m in
Breiðafjörður .
in
m
.
Stykkishólmur
45 in
. Blöndulón
m
Snæfells-
Ljósufjöll 35
jökull
Langjökull
GREENLAND
Ilulissat
Kulusuk Faxaflói
Nuuk
Narsarsuaq
Geysir Gullfoss
Þingvellir
REYKJAVÍK
Bláfjöll
Keflavík Blue Hekla
Lagoon
EyjafjallajökullMýrdalsjökull
Katla
Vestmannaeyjar
N o
r t h
A t l a
n t i c
O c e a n
Grímsey
Siglufjörður
Þórshöfn
Húsavík
Dettifoss
Akureyri
Vopnafjörður
Dimmuborgir
Mývatn
Egilsstaðir
Askja
.
50 min Holuhraun
Hofsjökull
Djúpivogur
Vatnajökull
Höfn
Þórisvatn
Öræfajökull
FAROE ISLANDS
Tórshavn
WE MAKE A POINT OF REWARDING
CUSTOMERS FOR LOYALTY
Did you know that members of Icelandair Saga Joining is easy—you can use our on-board Wi-Fi on your
mobile device or computer and join right now.
Club earn Saga Points for all Icelandair flights, It is free to visit icelandair.com.
for their purchases on board and with our partners
around the world?
These little points pack a lot of punch.
+ icelandair.com
By joining Icelandair Saga Club you can:
Book flights with Saga Buy products and Acquire Saga Silver or Saga Gold
Points partly or for the refreshments on board status with increased benefits by
whole airfare with your Points flying regularly with Icelandair
Earn Saga Points through Upgrade with Points and Use your Points to book
Booking.com and enjoy your next flight in a hotel or rent a car
Rentalcars.com a better seat
DO YOU FLY REGULARLY
WITH ICELANDAIR?
Our frequent flyer program, Icelandair Saga Saga Gold and Saga Silver benefits:
Club, has multiple benefits for all members as SAGA SILVER SAGA GOLD
well as special offers and benefits for our most n One upgrade a year* n Upgrade every time you fly*
frequent flyers who have acquired Saga Silver n Saga Premium check-in n Saga Premium check-in
and Saga Gold status. n Lounge access n Lounge access
n Excess baggage n Excess baggage
Members can earn from 850 to 7,200 Tier n Spouse Card available n Complimentary Spouse Card
Credits for each leg with Icelandair and need n Limousine service n Limousine service
40,000 Tier Credits to become a Saga Silver n Priority on waiting lists n Priority on waiting lists
member and 80,000 Tier Credits to become n Parking at Keflavík Airport

Complimentary Wi-Fi
a Saga Gold member.
n
on board
n Icelandair Golfers membership
n Fast track through security
* To the next cabin when space is available.
THE ICELANDIC
PENIS MUSEUM
It´s all
about Dicks it
Laugavegur 116 • 105 Reykjavík • Tel.: +354-561-6663 • phallus@phallus.is • www.phallus.is
Open: 10-18 • Next to Hlemmur bus station • No pornography or offensive material in the museum.
Special sightseeing taxi tours We´ll make you a Comfortable Price offer!
We specialize in personalized sightseeing day trips Book a taxi with ease.

to the natural wonders of Iceland Download the Hreyfill Taxi App
– for small groups of 4-8 persons
The taxi app is FREE and
available in iOS and Android.
All major credit cards accepted by the driver.
We specialise in trips to the Blue Lagoon(3-hour stop)on the way from or to the airport To book in advance: tel:+354 588 5522 or on www.hreyfill.is E-mail: tour@hreyfill.is
AWARDS
BEST THAI FOOD 2019
2018,
“
Ban Thai is not “fast food” food made fresh from scratch, it‘s not pre-made,
“ and ” every year before :

2017,
2016,
2015,
2014,
2013,
2012,
2011,
2010,
2009,
“ and also”.... BEST GOD DAMM RESTAURANT 2011

TOP TEN : BEST RESTAURANTS IN ICELAND
DV. 17.06.11
always been the best from the reviews

in our local people and local newspaper
there's a reason why we get an award
every once a year
BanThai RESTAURANT
www.banthai.is
--------------------------------------------
“
L a u g a v e g u r 1 3 0, v i ð H l e m m Icelandair Stopover 90
TEL : 5522444, 692- 0564
ICELANDAIR FLEET
n Number of passenger seats: 262
n Seating arrangement: 2-3-2 in Economy, 2-1-2 in Saga Premium
n Length: 180 ft 3 in / 54.9 m
n Wingspan: 166 ft 11 in / 50.9 m
n Cruising speed: Mach 0.80 / 461 kn / 531 mph / 854 km/h
n Maximum range: 5,988 NM / 6,890 mi / 11,090 km
n Maximum takeoff weight: 412,000 lb / 186,900 kg
n Engines: 2 x General Electric CF6-80C2B6F
BOEING 767-300

n Seating arrangement: 3-3 in Economy, 2-2 in Saga Premium
n Engines: 2 x Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4-B
BOEING 757-300

n Engines: 2 x Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4
n Maximum range based on full passenger load
BOEING 757-200
n Passenger seats: 178

n Seating arrangement: 3-3 Economy, 2-2 Saga Premium
n Maximum takeoff weight: 194,700lb / 88,314 kg
n Engines: 2 x CFM International LEAP-1B
BOEING 737 MAX 9*

n Engines: 2 x CFM International LEAP-1B
BOEING 737 MAX 8*

*Temporarily suspended from operations at the time of publishing.
VOLCANIC WONDERS
Each of Icelandair’s aircraft is named after a magnificent natural phenomenon. For
this issue, we have chosen to highlight three aircraft that represent the volcanic wonders
of Iceland: Helgafell, Hlöðufell and Hengill. Iceland has 30 active volcanic systems, of
which 13 have erupted since its settlement 1,100 years ago. Did you know that the red
in the Icelandic flag pays tribute to these volcanic wonders?
HELGAFELL I TF FIT I HEL-gah-fetl I Boeing 757-200. Helgafell is an inactive 745-ft (227-m) volcanic cone overlooking an important fishing town
on Heimaey island, in the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) archipelago. Its neighbor, Eldfell, erupted in 1973, covering a large part of the island
and forcing islanders to evacuate. Photo by Sigurgeir Jónasson. Courtesy of the Vestmannaeyjar Photo Archive (Helgafell is on the right).
HLÖÐUFELL I TF ISO I HLEU-thu-fetl I Boeing 767-300-ER. A tuya HENGILL I TF FIX I HEN-gitl I Boeing 757-300. Hengill is a volcanic
volcano 6 miles (9.6 km) southwest of Langjökull glacier, Hlöðufell was system close to Reykjavík that last erupted 1,900 years ago. It’s the home
formed when lava erupted through a thick ice sheet that covered all of of the Hellisheiði Geothermal Plant, the third largest geothermal power
Iceland during the Pleistocene epoch, which began 2.6 million years station in the world, supplying electricity and hot water for heating houses
ago and lasted until 11,700 years ago. in the greater capital area.
Read more about our aircraft and their names at icelandair.com/about/our-fleet.
767-300 757-200 Keilir TF-ISJ MAX 9

Eldgjá TF-ISP Bláfjall TF-FIK Ketildyngja TF-ISR Hvítserkur TF-ICA*
Gullborg TF-ISW Dyngjufjöll TF-ISS Krafla TF-FIO Langjökull TF-ICB*
Hlöðufell TF-ISO Eldborg TF-FIN Laki TF-ISF Kirkjufell TF-ICC*
Svörtuborgir TF-ISN Eldfell TF-ISK Magni TF-FIC
Eyjafjallajökull TF-FII Öræfajökull TF-ISL MAX 8
757-300 Grábrók TF-ISV Skjaldbreiður TF-LLX Dyrhólaey TF-ICU
Hengill TF-FIX Grímsvötn TF-FIS Snæfell TF-FIP Jökulsárlón TF-ICE
Þingvellir TF-ISX Hekla Aurora TF-FIU Snæfellsjökull TF-ISD Látrabjarg TF-ICY
Helgafell TF-FIT Surtsey TF-FIJ Mývatn TF-ICN*
Herðubreið TF-FIA Torfajökull TF-ISY Búlandstindur TF-ICO*
Katla TF-FIV Vatnajökull TF-FIR Landmannalaugar TF-ICP*
*Aircraft joining the fleet in 2019.
PASSENGER GUIDE
PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Always permitted Permitted at gate and Power outlets are located in all seats on Saga Premium and Saga
above 10,000 feet* Premium Flex. USB outlets provide power to charge small personal
electronic devices, such as mobile phones, cameras or iPods.
Aircraft B757-200 I Aircraft B757-300

Hearing Pacemaker
Aid
DVD Player Laptop
/ Tablet
Plug Rows 1–14 USB All rows
NOTE: *Larger PEDs (more than 1 kg) such as laptops must be securely stowed in overhead NOTE: PEDs must be disconnected from any in-seat electrical power supply during taxiing, t ake-
compartments or under the seat before takeoff and landing. off, approach, landing and during abnormal or emergency conditions.
Always permitted*
NOTE: *Small lightweight Portable Electronic Devices, or PEDs – 1 kg or less (iPhone, iPad, iPad
mini, Samsung Galaxy phones & tablets, Nokia, Microsoft Surface, Kindle e-reader, digital cameras,
etc.) are permitted as long as they are secured during takeoff and landing. Passengers must either
hold their PED or securely place it in the seat pocket. Lightweight PEDs may not be unsecured on
Tablet E-reader Smart- Camera Noise- CD Player Media Handheld
the seat beside them. PED cords or accessories are not to impede emergency egress.
phone (digital, film, Canceling Player Game
(in-flight video) Headphones We ask passengers to remove their headphones and pay attention to the safety briefing.
mode) (power ON)
WHAT ELECTRONIC DEVICES Are there times when I can’t use my handheld devices?
Flight or cabin crew may ask you at any time to switch off all electronic
CAN I USE ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT? devices should interference be detected.
Handheld devices with flight mode
Can I connect to Wi-Fi (if provided in-flight) even if flight mode
Handheld devices, such as tablets, e-readers and mobile phones, may be
is enabled?
used during all phases of the flight, provided that flight mode is enabled
Yes. Cellular services must be turned off (flight mode) at all times, but
before departure. Devices must be safely secured in the customer’s hand
other wireless services such as Wi-Fi may be used above 10,000 ft if
or pocket during taxi, takeoff and landing.
a connection service is installed in the aircraft.
Devices without flight mode
It is possible to re-enable Wi-Fi and connect to a Wi-Fi network while
Any device that transmits or receives radio signals but does not have flight
flight mode is enabled.
mode must be switched off for the duration of the flight.
A peaceful cabin for everyone
Laptops and other larger devices
To keep the cabin peaceful, please use headphones when listening to
These devices may be used during boarding but not for taxi, takeoff and
music or other material and place computer games and such on silent
landing. They may be used in-flight. They shall be stowed away safely
or very low volume.
during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Precaution
Other devices without connectivity
If your mobile phone or tablet gets caught in the seat, please inform the
This includes items such as DVD players, electronic games and music
cabin crew and they will assist you. If a battery operated device overheats
players. Only small, handheld devices may be used during taxi, takeoff
during the flight, inform the cabin crew immediately.
and landing. Larger devices must be switched off and stowed away safely
during takeoff and landing.
WIRELESS INTERNET ON BOARD
SEE OUR WI-FI PORTAL FOR PRICING INFORMATION
How do I connect to the Wi-Fi network? What can I do when connected?

1. Make sure your mobile device is set to flight mode during all n You can check your email.
phases of flight. Then activate Wi-Fi on your device. n You can browse the web.
n You can use social media and other communication platforms.
2. Choose the “Icelandair Internet Access” network.
Do I need to set my smartphone or tablet to flight mode?
3. Open your browser of choice and then press “Get Wi-Fi” if
All smartphones and tablets may be switched on at all times, but in
using a laptop. On your phone, choose either the “Wi-Fi” or
flight mode only. You might have to activate Wi-Fi separately when
“Complimentary” option.
your device is set to flight mode. Your device must be safely secured
What you can expect in your hand or pocket during taxi, takeoff and landing. You can stay
The connection speed is similar to 3G. Keep in mind that the connected throughout your flight – from the moment you board and
on-board Wi-Fi is therefore not as fast as home connections. until you disembark.
The number of users can affect the speed of the connection.
What kind of device can I use?
Wi-Fi is available from the moment you board and until you leave the
You can use a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone to connect.
aircraft. A new state-of-the-art Wi-Fi system will be implemented
The connection will be activated on the same device you use
across all of Icelandair’s fleet in the coming months.
to purchase or validate Internet access.
When can I start using the Wi-Fi access?
You will be able to connect as soon as you want, and the connection
will be active throughout your flight.
ANCHORAGE
Now Icelandair Saga Club members can use their Saga Points
to pay for Wi-Fi access. For more details, see the pricing
HELSINKI information in our Wi-Fi portal.
STOCKHOLM
If you are having trouble connecting, please send an email to

VANCOUVER
EDMONTON
SEATTLE OSLO
wifi@icelandair.is the next time you are connected to the

PORTLAND BERGEN COPENHAGEN
BILLUND
BERLIN
HAMBURG
SAN FRANCISCO
ICELAND
AMSTERDAM
DUSSELDORF
FRANKFURT
MUNICH
Internet.
GLASGOW BRUSSELS ZURICH
MANCHESTER
MILAN
DUBLIN LONDON
HEATHROW
& GATWICK
PARIS GENEVA More questions can be found in the Wi-Fi portal.
DENVER
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL
MADRID
CHICAGO
KANSAS CITY
TORONTO MONTREAL
WASHINGTON D.C. BOSTON

PHILADELPHIA NEW YORK
JFK & NEWARK
ORLANDO
The pink color indicates network Icelandair Saga Gold members and booked Saga Premium passengers
coverage on Icelandair routes. get complimentary Wi-Fi access for two devices.
SAFETY FIRST
Iceland’s vast nature is spectacular, unique—and unpredictable. Sunny
and calm periods can transform into windstorms, blizzards and plum- KNOW YOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER
meting temperatures in a matter of hours. If you are planning to travel ICELAND / EUROPE�� 112
to a more isolated area, please leave a copy of your itinerary with the USA AND CANADA�� 911
Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue at safetravel.is, and, for UK�� 999 / 112
all excursions, observe these tips:
icesar.com
DRIVING
n When driving, keep your full attention on the road, especially on areas
Emergency calls are free to make from mobile phones. If you’re on
where tarmac turns to gravel. Blind hills should be approached with the other side of the Atlantic, or in Iceland from North America, don’t
caution. It is illegal to operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol. forget to check on arrival if yours is working. Some phones operate on a
n On single-lane bridges, the car closer to the bridge has the right different bandwidth and will not work in foreign countries.
of way, but it is always wise to stop and assess the situation.
n Only take Highland roads if you have a 4x4 jeep, and make sure
you have the experience necessary to operate these vehicles in
tough conditions. ICELANDIC SEARCH AND RESCUE:
n Roads can be quite slippery during winter, especially after frost in
the early morning. All Highland roads are closed during winter. OUR COUNTRY’S
n Off-road driving is illegal. BRAVE VOLUNTEERS
HIKING If you get lost on a mountain, can’t find your way at sea, or encounter
n When you are hiking, be prepared for sudden weather changes, virtually any other difficulty in Iceland’s outdoors, the Icelandic
stick to your travel plan, and dress appropriately, with water- and Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) is there to help. In
wind-resistant clothing, gloves and hats. a country with no military and only a few coast guard vessels and
n Do not get too close to cliff edges or hot springs. When waves are helicopters, ICE-SAR’s 3,000 highly-trained volunteers command
big, stay far from the water’s edge; be especially vigilant along the deserved respect from both locals and visitors.
south coast, which is open to the Atlantic Ocean.
Their teams deal with thousands of calls annually and are available
n If you get lost, call 112, the emergency service line. Stay where 24 hours a day, on land or at sea. So while the vast majority of trips
you are and wait for rescue services to find you. to Iceland will be without incident, you can rest easy that, should the
n The search and rescue association also offers a free emergency app, need arise, the nation’s most experienced people will be prepared to
downloadable from their website. Your coordinates will be sent to the save lives and prevent accidents under even the harshest conditions.
emergency response crews should you use the app. There is more
Remember too that rescue operations are expensive to launch:
information on safe travel in Iceland on our in-flight
Advanced equipment is used and volunteers take time off from their
entertainment system.
jobs to take part. ICE-SAR relies entirely on donations to finance itself;
Visit safetravel.is for equipment lists, travel plans and the latest you can contribute via their website, icesar.com.
traveling conditions.
SAFETY
ON BOARD
We put safety first on all of our flights. The
in-flight safety video gives a good overview
of what you need to know for a safe journey. Please note that your life jacket may be located under
Please follow the instructions carefully and your seat, above your seat, or in the armrest.
check out the safety card in your seat pocket.
The cabin crew is there to assist and keep you
safe at all times so please follow their
guidance and suggestions.
All electronic devices (mobile phones, tablets,
e-readers) have to be switched off or in flight
mode during the flight. Of course, this does
not extend to heart pacemakers, hearing aids
and other devices needed for medical reasons.
and lighter than 2.2 lb (1 kg) or stow them place it under the seat in front of you. Be
If your mobile phone or tablet gets caught in the overhead compartment or seat careful when opening the compartments
in the seat, please inform the cabin crew pocket. as luggage may have shifted. When space
and they will assist you. If a battery operated is limited we might need to store some hand
To keep the cabin peaceful please use
device overheats during the flight, inform the luggage the luggage hold.
headphones when listening to music or other
cabin crew immediately.
material and place computer games and such Smoking is prohibited on all Icelandair flights.
Whenever the seatbelt signs are on please: on silent or very low volume. This includes vaping.
n Stow devices larger than 10.5 in (27 cm) For your safety and comfort we recommend
and/or more than 2.2 lb (1 kg) in the that you keep your seatbelt fastened and
overhead compartment. visible throughout the flight. Store your hand
n Hold devices smaller than 10.5 in (27 cm) luggage in the overhead compartments or
ICELANDAIR ALLERGY POLICY

Icelandair cannot guarantee an allergen-free In addition, tree nuts (e.g. almonds) may be at +354 50 50 100 at least two business
environment on board its aircraft. Therefore, we found in meals on board, and fish and shellfish days before departure to request an allergy
strongly encourage passengers with severe are sometimes on offer in Saga Premium. announcement.
allergies that can result in anaphylaxis to bring Unfortunately, it is not possible to remove We do, however, wish to stress that Icelandair
an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®) and tree nuts, fish or shellfish from the cabin. can in no way restrict other passengers from
any other medications they may need. In the case of severe nut allergy, our cabin bringing or consuming their own food on the
The meals offered on Icelandair flights do not crew can make an allergy announcement on aircraft that may contain nuts or other
contain peanuts or peanut products, such as board, asking other passengers on the flight allergens. For that reason, it is possible to
peanut butter, although trace elements from not to consume foods that contain nuts. find traces of nuts on seat cushions, arm
peanuts may be found in meals. Please contact Icelandair Customer support rests, tray tables, or elsewhere in the cabin.
VISA WAIVER PROGRAM – VWP – FOR TRAVEL TO USA
Samningur um undanþágu frá vegabréfsáritun ESTA). Þegar komið er til Bandaríkjanna VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
flugvellinum að staðfesta að viðkomandi
til Bandaríkjanna (Visa Waiver Program) gerir verður starfsmaður innflytjendayfirvalda á ferðamaður hafi undanþágu skv. VWP ogThe Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows most
ríkisborgurum tiltekinna landa kleift að ferðast nationals of participating countries to travel to
ferðamaðurinn er þá skráður í US-VISIT kerfið.
til Bandaríkjanna í skemmti- eða viðskiptaferð the USA for tourism or business for up to 90
í allt að 90 sólarhringa án þess að sækja um Lönd sem eru aðilar að samningnum um undanþágu frá vegabréfsáritun til Bandaríkjanna days without a visa. VWP travelers must have a
og fá sérstaka vegabréfsáritun. Ferðamönnum, Countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization
sem þessi samningur tekur til, er eftir sem áður n Andorra n France n Lithuania n Slovakia
(ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all
heimilt að sækja um vegabréfsáritun ef þeir n Australia n Germany n Luxembourg n Slovenia
requirements explained at cbp.gov/esta.
kjósa svo. Aðeins tiltekinn fjöldi ríkja eru aðilar n Austria n Greece n Malta n South Korea
að þessum samningi (VWP) og ekki er öllum n Belgium n Hungary n Monaco n Spain
ferðamönnum frá ríkjum, sem eru aðilar að n Brunei n Iceland n The Netherlands n Sweden
samningnum, heimilt að nýta sér undanþáguna. n Chile n Ireland n New Zealand n Switzerland
Öllum ferðamönnum frá löndum, sem eru aðilar n Czech Republic n Italy n Norway n Taiwan
að VWP, er skylt að sækja um rafræna ferða n Denmark n Japan n Portugal n United Kingdom
heimild á vef bandarískra innflytjendayfirvalda n Estonia n Latvia n San Marino
(Electronic System for Travel Authorization— n Finland n Liechtenstein n Singapore
US CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORM

Before arriving in the US, Hver komufarþegi eða forráða Vor der Einreise in den U.S.A Avant d’arriver aux États-Unis,
EN each traveler or head of family is IS maður í fjölskyldu skal gefa DE müssen Sie eine Zollerklärung FR il vous sera demandé de remplir
required to fill this form out and eftirfarandi upplýsingar (fyrir ausfüllen. Ein Formular pro un formulaire de déclaration en
present to US Customs. hverja fjölskyldu dugar EIN Familie ist erfordert. douane. Un formulaire par famille
yfirlýsing). suffit.
1. Eftirnafn, skírnarnafn, miðnafn 1. Familienname, Vorname, Zweiter Vorname 1. Nom, Prénom, Initiale du deuxième
2. Fæðingardagur dagur / mánuður / ár 2. Geburtsdatum / Tag / Monat / Jahr prénom.
3. Fjöldi fjölskyldumeðlima sem ferðast 3. Anzahl der mit Ihnen reisenden 2. Date de naissance Jour / Mois / Année.
saman Familienmitglieder 3. Nombre de personnes voyageant avec
4. a) Heimilisfang í Bandaríkjunum 4. (a) Adresse/genaue Anschrift in den USA vous.
(nafn hótels / áfangastaðar) (Name des Hotels / Reiseziel) 4. Adresse aux États-Unis
b) Borg (b) Stadt a) Destination ou nom de l’hôtel.
c) Fylki (c) Staat b) Ville.
5. Útgáfustaður vegabréfs (land) 5. Pass ausgestellt von (Land) c) Etat.
6. Númer vegabréfs 6. Passnummer 5. Lieu de délivrance du passeport

(nom du pays).
7. Land búsetu 7. Ständiger Wohnsitz (Land)
6. Numéro de passeport.
8. Lönd sem var farið til í þessari ferð, 8. Auf dieser Reise besuchte Länder vor
fyrir lendingu í Bandaríkjunum Ihrer Ankunft in den USA 7. Pays de résidence.
9. Flugfélag / Númer flugs eða heiti 9. Fluggesellschaft/Flugnummer oder Name 8. Pays visités pendant ce voyage avant
flugvélar des Schiffes l’arrivée aux Etats-Unis.
10. Markmið þessarar ferðar er viðskiptalegs 10. Der Hauptanlass dieser Reise ist 9. Ligne aérienne / et numéro du vol /
eðlis JÁ / NEI geschäftlich. Nom de vaisseau.
11. Ég hef (við höfum) meðferðis: Ja/nein 10. Vous voyagez pour raison d’affaires.
a) ávexti, jurtir, mat, skordýr: 11. Ich (wir) führen folgende Waren ein: OUI /NON
b) kjöt, dýr, dýraafurðir (a) Früchte, Pflanzen, Lebensmittel, 11. Je suis / nous sommes porteurs de
c) smitefni, frumuræktir, snigla Insekten. a) fruits, plantes, produits alimentaires,
d) mold eða hef/höfum dvalist á bónda (b) Fleisch, Tiere, Tier- oder Wildprodukte. insectes.
bæ /mjólkurbúi / beitilandi JÁ/NEI (c) Krankheitserreger, Zellkulturen, b) viandes, animaux, produits provenant
12. Ég hef (við höfum) verið í snertingu eða Schnecken. d’animaux ou d’animaux sauvages
meðhöndlað lifandi dýr JÁ / NEI (d) Erde, oder waren Sie auf einem c) agents pouvant causer des maladies,
Bauernhof/einer Ranch/Weide. Ja/ cultures cellulaires, escargots
13. Ég hef (við höfum) meðferðis peninga / nein d) terre. J’ai / Nous avons visité une
gjaldmiðil eða aðra fjármuni að jafngildi exploitation agricole en dehors des
hærri upphæð en USD 10.000. (sjá 12. Ich war (wir waren) in unmittelbarer Nähe
von Vieh/Nutztieren (z.B. Anfassen oder Etats-Unis, OUI / NON
skilgreiningu á fjármun-um á bakhlið
seðilsins) JÁ / NEI Umgang damit). Ja/nein 12. J’ai / nous avons touché ou traité du
13. Ich führe (wir führen) mehr als $US bétail. OUI/NON
14. Ég hef (við höfum) meðferðis varning (til
sölu eða sem ég hef (við höfum) keypt 10,000 in Bargeld oder Zahlungsmitteln 13. Je suis / nous sommes porteurs
eða fengið erlendis, sem ekki teljast til oder den Gegenwert in anderen d’espèces ou d’instruments monétaires
persónulegra eigna) JÁ / NEI ausländischen Währungen mit. d’une valeur équivalente en monnaie des
(Siehe die Definition von Zahlungsmitteln États Unis ou de tout autre pays (Voir
15. Búsettir í Bandaríkjunum – andvirði définition d’instruments monétaire au
varnings sem ég hef (við höfum) keypt auf der Rückseite). Ja/nein
verso) à plus de 10 000$ US. OUI / NON
eða fengið erlendis (einnig gjafir fyrir 14. Ich führe (wir führen) kommerzielle Waren
aðra) er: mit. (Verkaufsware, Muster zur Werbung 14. Je suis / nous sommes en possession de
Ekki búsettir í Bandaríkjunum – von Aufträgen oder Artikel, die nicht als marchandises commerciales (articles des
andvirði alls varnings sem verður eftir Gegenstände zum persönlichen Gebrauch tinés à la vente, échantillon de démonstra
í Bandaríkjunum: gelten) Ja/nein tion ou tout autre article autresque des
effets personnels). OUI/NON
15. Ansässige – der Gesamtwert aller Waren,
einschliesslich der kommerziellern 15. Résidents : La valeur totale de tous les
Waren, die ich (wir) im Ausland gekauft arti cles (y compris les marchandises
oder erworben habe(n) - (einschließlich commer ciales) que j’ai / nous avons
Geschenke an Dritte, jedoch acheté ou acquis à l’étranger et que
ausschließlich Gegenstände, die per Post j’apporte / nous apportons (y compris
in die USA gesendet wurden) und in die cadeaux, mais qui excluent les effets
USA einführe(n). affranchis vers les États-Unis) aux États-
Unis. Visiteurs : La valeur totale de tous
Besucher – der Gesamtwert aller Waren, les articles qui resteront aux États-Unis
die in den USA verbleiben werden, (y compris les marchan dises
einschließlich der kommerziellen Waren, commerciales).
beträgt.
TRENDY TOUCHES CULTURE AND CUISINE TASTY AND TRADITIONAL
Pair creative, award-winning chefs A charming gem at the heart of Focusing on Icelandic cuisine, the
with fresh, seasonal and local Reykjavík, Hannesarholt restaurant atmospheric Lækjarbrekka has
produce and you can’t go wrong. is the century-old home of poet and operated in one of Reykjavík’s oldest
Add exquisite interior design and politician Hannes Hafstein. Lunch buildings since 1981. Here you will
you’ve got Geiri Smart: a feast for all Tue-Fri and weekend brunch or a Thu- find traditional Icelandic courses in
senses. Sat night dining menu with fish, lamb, their original home-cooking style as
vegetarian and vegan dishes. well as with a modern twist.
HANNESARHOLT • RESTAURANT REYKJAVÍK • STEIKHÚSIÐ
THE LOBSTERHOUSE • SLIPPURINN • GEIRI SMART
ESSENSIA • VOX • TORFAN • SATT • LÆKJARBREKKA
Over the past few years, Iceland’s

culinary scene has taken huge leaps
forward. With more selection than
ever before, it should be easy to
find a restaurant somewhere in the
country that tickles your fancy.
13 OF OUR FAVORITE
RESTAURANTS IN REYKJAVÍK
To help you with your search for the
perfect fare in Iceland, we’ve compiled
a short description of some noteworthy
places in the Dining Advisor brochure
in the seat pocket in front of you.
You can also dive into a culinary

episode on the in-flight entertainment
system and Wi-Fi portal on board.

Stopover Summer 2019

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Summer Magazine 2019 #MyStopover

SUMMER 2019 I PUBLISHED BY ICELANDAIR

SUMMER SUN AND

ICELAND 101 venture off on other roads so you can explore

Far away in the northwestern

Some of the best-loved stops are

NESKAUPSTAÐUR July 10–13 DALVÍK / HRAFNAGIL August 8–11

THE DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE IS 6 UNITS

THE SAGAS AND SHIT

AUDIO BOOK CODEX 1962

HAPPY IN THE HIGH TIDE

What was your favorite costume

he has this kind of like ranger’s outfit on.

What was your favorite season

What are some of your favorite

To celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2018 a live size statue of Neisti,

Laxnes Horse Farm

271 Mosfellsbær CONNECT WITH US

THERE’S PLENTY It’s a given that you’re going to eat some

MORE FISH IN Iceland. You may have heard of farm-to-

THE SEA locavore cuisine as second nature—and

CATCH OF THE DAY

Above: Nautical vibes at The Bait Shack, Neskaupstaður.

24/7 SERVICE DESK AT KEFLAVÍK AIRPORT

GOLDEN CIRCLE SOUTH COAST ICE CAVE

5.990 9.990 28.990ISK

B O O K YO U R ADV ENT U RE N OW!

We donate 1% of profits to our partner organisation Healthy Seas. WWW.BRACENET.NET

1. RETRIEVAL 2. CLEANING 3. PRODUCTION

Get 15% discount

GETTING INTO HOT—

LET ICELANDAIR SAGA CLUB

A journey into RAUFARHÓLSHELLIR

The “Must See” event in Iceland

For more information and bookings:

The Unseen and Unheard

EXPERIENCE NATURE FROM ITS CORE

OFF THE Recently opening on June 8, the Arctic Coast Way

The Golden South Shore

The Golden The Lava Tunnel

YOU CAN BUY Free WiFi

THE DEEP makes love. But one thing has emerged in

Hi Thank you very much My name is

Good evening Yes Where can I find…

Good night No I don’t speak Icelandic

After our ceremony, we set out on the adventure of a lifetime with

Finally, our evening ended at Ströndin Pub in Vík.

Since visiting Iceland in 2015, I’ve dreamt of getting

Page 50: Bridal walk with guests

Previous page: The first kiss.

Right: Enjoying the mist of mighty Skógafoss.

Bottom right: Slow dance under Skógafoss.

Bottom left: The windswept view of

How about an old fish factory for lunch and

Hlemmur Food Hall & Grandi Food Hall.

The group of friends was bursting with excitement.

THE ICELANDIC HORSE HAS REMAINED

THE WORLD'S OLDEST RUNNING PARLIAMENT WAS FOUNDED HERE

SPRING HAS ARRIVED!

HI, I'M LÓA. DID SOMEONE SAY AFRICA?

Flip this brochure

In the past 16 years, Reykjavík International Film Festival

“ONE OF THE MOST

Pick your tour!