Sölvi’s guidebook
What can be done in a short time
Here you find a list of what you should look at
I like to go to Cafe Paris and get me a brunch.
There is also a good service and a good atmosphere.
An Icelandic Icon The Heart of Reykjavik City The spacious but intimate Café Paris is a café and a restaurant known for first-class service and bistro-style meals, primarily made using fresh local produce, in the heart of the city center, Austurvöllur. Austurvöllur is Icelands Champ du Mars, where locals relax on warm summer afternoons, overlooked by the Icelandic Parliament, and the Dómkirkjan. Its long history and esteemed reputation has contributed to it being one of the most successful restaurants and cafés in all of Iceland.
45 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cafe Paris
14 AusturstrætiI like to go to Cafe Paris and get me a brunch.
There is also a good service and a good atmosphere.
An Icelandic Icon The Heart of Reykjavik City The spacious but intimate Café Paris is a café and a restaurant known for first-class service and bistro-style meals, primarily made using fresh local produce, in the heart of the city center, Austurvöllur. Austurvöllur is Icelands Champ du Mars, where locals relax on warm summer afternoons, overlooked by the Icelandic Parliament, and the Dómkirkjan. Its long history and esteemed reputation has contributed to it being one of the most successful restaurants and cafés in all of Iceland.
Downtown Reykjavík is all about throwing a good, old-fashioned soirée. Making allowances for eccentricities in chic sophistication is the essence of Geiri Smart Restaurant. On a culinary level, it's simply implementing a good idea whenever it presents itself. There are no fixed rules and we play it by ear depending on what our farmers have to offer at any given moment. To be realistic, however.
22 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Geiri Smart
30 HverfisgataDowntown Reykjavík is all about throwing a good, old-fashioned soirée. Making allowances for eccentricities in chic sophistication is the essence of Geiri Smart Restaurant. On a culinary level, it's simply implementing a good idea whenever it presents itself. There are no fixed rules and we play it by ear depending on what our farmers have to offer at any given moment. To be realistic, however.
Nauthóll features modern Icelandic cuisine with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients, in-house production and casual atmosphere. Nauthóll is led by master chef, Björn Ingi Björnsson, who is a part of a new generation of Icelandic chefs, committed to sustainable cuisine. Nauthóll is situated in the outskirts of Öskjuhlíd, Reykjavik's downtown nature paradise, overlooking Reykjavik thermal beach and only a 5-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik.
59 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Nauthóll
106 NauthólsvegurNauthóll features modern Icelandic cuisine with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients, in-house production and casual atmosphere. Nauthóll is led by master chef, Björn Ingi Björnsson, who is a part of a new generation of Icelandic chefs, committed to sustainable cuisine. Nauthóll is situated in the outskirts of Öskjuhlíd, Reykjavik's downtown nature paradise, overlooking Reykjavik thermal beach and only a 5-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik.
The Restaurant is situated at Skolavordustigur 40 in Reykjavik. The design concept is a mixture of warm modern Icelandic feel with international touch wherein furniture of designer Tom Dixon play the main role. The restaurants is on two floors with an open kitchen and a wieldy bar. The restaurant is divided into spaces with cozy leather couches and has a variety of different table settings. The cuisine is feel good comfort food with a twist on classic cuisine. The menu offers a variety of starters, salads, fish, steaks and desserts. The head chef, Sævar Lárusson is a young ambitious chef who has gathered years of experience at Reykjavík‘s best restaurants, working along side many of the country’s most renown chefs. The restaurant centers around a bar where the country's best cocktail bartenders serve craft cocktails from the best ingredients available and are offering an ambitious cocktail list.
103 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Kol Restaurant
40 SkólavörðustígurThe Restaurant is situated at Skolavordustigur 40 in Reykjavik. The design concept is a mixture of warm modern Icelandic feel with international touch wherein furniture of designer Tom Dixon play the main role. The restaurants is on two floors with an open kitchen and a wieldy bar. The restaurant is divided into spaces with cozy leather couches and has a variety of different table settings. The cuisine is feel good comfort food with a twist on classic cuisine. The menu offers a variety of starters, salads, fish, steaks and desserts. The head chef, Sævar Lárusson is a young ambitious chef who has gathered years of experience at Reykjavík‘s best restaurants, working along side many of the country’s most renown chefs. The restaurant centers around a bar where the country's best cocktail bartenders serve craft cocktails from the best ingredients available and are offering an ambitious cocktail list.
ROK is a fine casual restaurant focusing on serving high quality food in a friendly relaxed environment.
69 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
ROK
26a FrakkastígurROK is a fine casual restaurant focusing on serving high quality food in a friendly relaxed environment.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
1 TryggvagataGreat little spot. A must try when in Reykjavik.
THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND Iceland's leading art museum, established in 1884. Its collection consists mainly of 19th, 20th and 21st century art.
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Listasafn Íslands, safn Ásgríms Jónssonar
74 BergstaðastrætiTHE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ICELAND Iceland's leading art museum, established in 1884. Its collection consists mainly of 19th, 20th and 21st century art.
Explore the world of glaciers at the Perlan Museum Glacier and Ice Cave Exhibition in Reykjavik. Enter the museum for a guided tour of the world’s only indoor ice cave, learning about glaciers' secrets and uncertain future from your guide as you explore the frozen tunnel. Then, experience the multimedia displays on glaciers with the provided digital guides; admire the 360-degree views over Reykjavik from the observation deck; and enjoy the café and gift shop.
455 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Perlan
Explore the world of glaciers at the Perlan Museum Glacier and Ice Cave Exhibition in Reykjavik. Enter the museum for a guided tour of the world’s only indoor ice cave, learning about glaciers' secrets and uncertain future from your guide as you explore the frozen tunnel. Then, experience the multimedia displays on glaciers with the provided digital guides; admire the 360-degree views over Reykjavik from the observation deck; and enjoy the café and gift shop.
The pot is a crater in Grímsnes. It is 270 m long and about 170 m wide. The crater is 55 m deep and in it is a pond. The depth of the pond depends on the groundwater level, it is 7 to 14 m deep.
The vessel was previously considered a blast furnace, but now it is believed that it is a fall after the crash. It is believed that this catastrophe was one of many culverts that erupted there 6500 years ago and formed Grímsneshraun.
The eruption that formed the vessel has taken some time. The red color of the slag is due to the oxidation of the iron in the magma (hematite).
113 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Kerid Krater
The pot is a crater in Grímsnes. It is 270 m long and about 170 m wide. The crater is 55 m deep and in it is a pond. The depth of the pond depends on the groundwater level, it is 7 to 14 m deep.
The vessel was previously considered a blast furnace, but now it is believed that it is a fall after the crash. It is believed that this catastrophe was one of many culverts that erupted there 6500 years ago and formed Grímsneshraun.
The eruption that formed the vessel has taken some time. The red color of the slag is due to the oxidation of the iron in the magma (hematite).
Laugarvatn Fontana is composed of a series of interconnected baths and steam rooms that complement each other to create a healthy, natural and unique spa experience.Three steam rooms, collectively called GUFAN, have been built over a natural hot spring that has been used since 1929. The temperature of the steam varies depending on the temperature of the hot spring and weather, usually between 40°C (104°F) and 50°C (122°F). Humidity is very high in the steam room cabins. Grids in the floor of the steam rooms allow guests to hear and smell the boiling natural hot spring underneath, creating a natural and totally unique experience. Next to the steam room is YLUR, a Finnish-style sauna. The temperature is between 80°C (176°F) and 90°C (194°F), with a lower humidity than the steam room having a big window facing the lake of Laugarvatn. LAUGA, SÆLA, and VISKA are interconnected outdoor mineral baths that vary in depth, size and temperature. Some areas are suitable for relaxation and others offer space for movement and playfull moments. Stone artwork made by Icelandic artist, Erla Thórarinsdóttir, enhance each visitor’s experience. VISKA, the hot tub, is built at a slightly higher level than the other baths, providing a panoramic view of the beautiful surroundings while the healthy water nourishes both body and soul.Completing the ensemble are VATNIÐ and STRÖNDIN — the lake and the beach. Visitors will reach VATNIÐ through a gate. STRÖNDIN has warm black sand, which has been shown to be beneficial for those suffering from arthritis and other joint illnesses. VATNIÐ provides an opportunity to cool down between visits to GUFAN and YLUR, a temperature shift that is both healthy and strengthening
119 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Laugarvatn Fontana
LaugarbrautLaugarvatn Fontana is composed of a series of interconnected baths and steam rooms that complement each other to create a healthy, natural and unique spa experience.Three steam rooms, collectively called GUFAN, have been built over a natural hot spring that has been used since 1929. The temperature of the steam varies depending on the temperature of the hot spring and weather, usually between 40°C (104°F) and 50°C (122°F). Humidity is very high in the steam room cabins. Grids in the floor of the steam rooms allow guests to hear and smell the boiling natural hot spring underneath, creating a natural and totally unique experience. Next to the steam room is YLUR, a Finnish-style sauna. The temperature is between 80°C (176°F) and 90°C (194°F), with a lower humidity than the steam room having a big window facing the lake of Laugarvatn. LAUGA, SÆLA, and VISKA are interconnected outdoor mineral baths that vary in depth, size and temperature. Some areas are suitable for relaxation and others offer space for movement and playfull moments. Stone artwork made by Icelandic artist, Erla Thórarinsdóttir, enhance each visitor’s experience. VISKA, the hot tub, is built at a slightly higher level than the other baths, providing a panoramic view of the beautiful surroundings while the healthy water nourishes both body and soul.Completing the ensemble are VATNIÐ and STRÖNDIN — the lake and the beach. Visitors will reach VATNIÐ through a gate. STRÖNDIN has warm black sand, which has been shown to be beneficial for those suffering from arthritis and other joint illnesses. VATNIÐ provides an opportunity to cool down between visits to GUFAN and YLUR, a temperature shift that is both healthy and strengthening
History and description
Gullfoss Iceland.
The wide Hvítá river flows southward, and about a kilometer above the falls it turns sharply to the right and flows down into a wide curved three-step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in two stages (11 meters or 36 feet, and 21 meters or 69 feet) into a crevice 32 meters (105 ft) deep. The crevice, about 20 meters (66 ft) wide and 2.5 kilometers (1.6 mi) in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running down the waterfall is 140 cubic meters (4,900 cu ft) per second in the summer and 80 cubic meters (2,800 cu ft) per second in the winter. The highest flood measured was 2,000 cubic meters (71,000 cu ft) per second.
During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about using Gullfoss to generate electricity. During this period, the waterfall was rented indirectly by its owners, Tómas Tómasson and Halldór Halldórsson, to foreign investors. However, the investors' attempts were unsuccessful, partly due to lack of money. The waterfall was later sold to the state of Iceland and is now protected.
Sigríður Tómasdóttir, the daughter of Tómas Tómasson, was determined to preserve the waterfall's condition and even threatened to throw herself down. Although it is widely believed, the very popular story that Sigríður saved the waterfall from exploitation is untrue. A stone memorial to Sigriður, located above the falls, depicts her profile.
Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Together with Þingvellir and the geysers of Haukadalur, Gullfoss forms part of the Golden Circle, a popular day excursion for tourists in Iceland.
283 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Gullfoss
History and description
Gullfoss Iceland.
The wide Hvítá river flows southward, and about a kilometer above the falls it turns sharply to the right and flows down into a wide curved three-step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in two stages (11 meters or 36 feet, and 21 meters or 69 feet) into a crevice 32 meters (105 ft) deep. The crevice, about 20 meters (66 ft) wide and 2.5 kilometers (1.6 mi) in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running down the waterfall is 140 cubic meters (4,900 cu ft) per second in the summer and 80 cubic meters (2,800 cu ft) per second in the winter. The highest flood measured was 2,000 cubic meters (71,000 cu ft) per second.
During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about using Gullfoss to generate electricity. During this period, the waterfall was rented indirectly by its owners, Tómas Tómasson and Halldór Halldórsson, to foreign investors. However, the investors' attempts were unsuccessful, partly due to lack of money. The waterfall was later sold to the state of Iceland and is now protected.
Sigríður Tómasdóttir, the daughter of Tómas Tómasson, was determined to preserve the waterfall's condition and even threatened to throw herself down. Although it is widely believed, the very popular story that Sigríður saved the waterfall from exploitation is untrue. A stone memorial to Sigriður, located above the falls, depicts her profile.
Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Together with Þingvellir and the geysers of Haukadalur, Gullfoss forms part of the Golden Circle, a popular day excursion for tourists in Iceland.
Geysir is most well-known for having lent its name to geysers all around the world.
Though Geysir itself is rarely active these days, Haukadalur Valley boasts a plethora of hot springs and Geysers, including the powerful Strokkur, Smiður and Litli-Strokkur.
Strokkur is, arguably, the country’s most famous hot spring, shooting vast jets of boiling water from 20 metres (65 feet) up to 40 metres (130 feet) high. Don’t worry about missing this incredible spectacle of nature, as Strokkur erupts every five to ten minutes; just make sure to have your camera ready.
288 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Geysir
HaukadalsvegurGeysir is most well-known for having lent its name to geysers all around the world.
Though Geysir itself is rarely active these days, Haukadalur Valley boasts a plethora of hot springs and Geysers, including the powerful Strokkur, Smiður and Litli-Strokkur.
Strokkur is, arguably, the country’s most famous hot spring, shooting vast jets of boiling water from 20 metres (65 feet) up to 40 metres (130 feet) high. Don’t worry about missing this incredible spectacle of nature, as Strokkur erupts every five to ten minutes; just make sure to have your camera ready.
Named in 2012 as one of National Geographic's “25 Wonders of the World," Blue Lagoon has evolved from its infancy as a reservoir of geothermal runoff into a world of geothermal wonder. The unique properties of its waters provide not only an enchanting lagoon experience, but also the patented, active ingredients in Blue Lagoon skin care: silica, algae, and minerals. Blue Lagoon is located in a sprawling, 800 year old lava field in the heart of the Reykjanes Peninsula – a UNESCO Geopark. Just 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and 50 minutes from Reykjavík, Blue Lagoon is simultaneously remote and easily accessible.
213 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Blue Lagoon
Named in 2012 as one of National Geographic's “25 Wonders of the World," Blue Lagoon has evolved from its infancy as a reservoir of geothermal runoff into a world of geothermal wonder. The unique properties of its waters provide not only an enchanting lagoon experience, but also the patented, active ingredients in Blue Lagoon skin care: silica, algae, and minerals. Blue Lagoon is located in a sprawling, 800 year old lava field in the heart of the Reykjanes Peninsula – a UNESCO Geopark. Just 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and 50 minutes from Reykjavík, Blue Lagoon is simultaneously remote and easily accessible.
Sightseeing
Westman Islands is Iceland best kept secret with rich history, unique landscape and heartwarming and welcoming inhabitants.
Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) main islands is called Heimaey it has the population of around 4200. Westman Islands are surrounded by 15 other uninhabited islands (although 6 of them have single hunting cabins) and around 30 rocks and skerries making our seabird life very rich and bountiful.
When sailing around our islands it is not uncommon to see whales, seals and most likely you will meet some beautiful puffins but Westman Islands are considered being the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world. If you are visiting in August or September you might have the chance to save some baby puffins that fly in late in the night and we need to catch them and release them back to the ocean the day after. That is truly an amazing experience (and it is free, you just have to spent the night in Heimaey). Read more about baby puffins here.
Heimaey
Westman Islands is Iceland best kept secret with rich history, unique landscape and heartwarming and welcoming inhabitants.
Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) main islands is called Heimaey it has the population of around 4200. Westman Islands are surrounded by 15 other uninhabited islands (although 6 of them have single hunting cabins) and around 30 rocks and skerries making our seabird life very rich and bountiful.
When sailing around our islands it is not uncommon to see whales, seals and most likely you will meet some beautiful puffins but Westman Islands are considered being the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world. If you are visiting in August or September you might have the chance to save some baby puffins that fly in late in the night and we need to catch them and release them back to the ocean the day after. That is truly an amazing experience (and it is free, you just have to spent the night in Heimaey). Read more about baby puffins here.
Svartifoss is a waterfall in the south of Iceland in Skaftafell/Vatnajökull National Park, a popular touristic site to visit.
A lot of people, just like us, do a roundtrip in Iceland taking the ring road 1. Driving from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Hof (in the south) you see a yellow sign for Skaftafell (2 km) where the trail to Svartifoss begins. There is a big (free) parking at the visitors centre of Skaftafell. Several boards give information about hiking trails, like the one to Svartifoss, and Skaftafell national park.
Svartifoss-trail Skaftafell
The hiking trails in the park are well signed. Walking to the Svartifoss takes about a 60-90 minute walk (2 kilometers). The trail is easy and leads slightly uphill. At the Visitor center in Skaftafell, which is open all year round, a lot of information is available. It is not necessary to get a map with the trail to Svartifoss waterfall, but it also gives a lot of information about where you are.
After 250 meter, from the visitor center, through the campsite the trail take you slightly upwards into the mountain heath in Skaftafell (elevation is 140 meter in 1.5 kilometers). From that point the path will take you down into the ravine below the waterfall). After enjoying the waterfall and its surroundings you should walk up the basalt column steps on the other side of the ravine and follow that path all the way down to the campsite via Lambhagi. When visibility is good It is recommended to do a little extra loop to the viewpoint at Sjónarnípa on the way down.
Svartifoss Trail
Svartifoss is a waterfall in the south of Iceland in Skaftafell/Vatnajökull National Park, a popular touristic site to visit.
A lot of people, just like us, do a roundtrip in Iceland taking the ring road 1. Driving from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Hof (in the south) you see a yellow sign for Skaftafell (2 km) where the trail to Svartifoss begins. There is a big (free) parking at the visitors centre of Skaftafell. Several boards give information about hiking trails, like the one to Svartifoss, and Skaftafell national park.
Svartifoss-trail Skaftafell
The hiking trails in the park are well signed. Walking to the Svartifoss takes about a 60-90 minute walk (2 kilometers). The trail is easy and leads slightly uphill. At the Visitor center in Skaftafell, which is open all year round, a lot of information is available. It is not necessary to get a map with the trail to Svartifoss waterfall, but it also gives a lot of information about where you are.
After 250 meter, from the visitor center, through the campsite the trail take you slightly upwards into the mountain heath in Skaftafell (elevation is 140 meter in 1.5 kilometers). From that point the path will take you down into the ravine below the waterfall). After enjoying the waterfall and its surroundings you should walk up the basalt column steps on the other side of the ravine and follow that path all the way down to the campsite via Lambhagi. When visibility is good It is recommended to do a little extra loop to the viewpoint at Sjónarnípa on the way down.
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) is a historic site and national park in Iceland, east of Reykjavík. It's known for the Alþing (Althing), the site of Iceland's parliament from the 10th to 18th centuries. On the site are the Þingvellir Church and the ruins of old stone shelters. The park sits in a rift valley caused by the separation of 2 tectonic plates, with rocky cliffs and fissures like the huge Almannagjá fault.
311 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Pambansang Parke ng Þingvellir
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) is a historic site and national park in Iceland, east of Reykjavík. It's known for the Alþing (Althing), the site of Iceland's parliament from the 10th to 18th centuries. On the site are the Þingvellir Church and the ruins of old stone shelters. The park sits in a rift valley caused by the separation of 2 tectonic plates, with rocky cliffs and fissures like the huge Almannagjá fault.
Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall in Iceland. Seljalandsfoss is located in the South Region in Iceland right by Route 1 and the road that leads to Þórsmörk Road 249. The waterfall drops 60 m and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull.
160 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Seljalandsfoss
ÞórsmerkurvegurSeljalandsfoss is a waterfall in Iceland. Seljalandsfoss is located in the South Region in Iceland right by Route 1 and the road that leads to Þórsmörk Road 249. The waterfall drops 60 m and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull.
Skógafoss (Forest waterfall) is often referred to as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. It has all the ingredients of great natural wonder. The amount of water is excessive, the form of the waterfall is almost perfect in its rectangular shape, the 60-meter drop makes it impressive, and the width of 25 meters puts it into a great perspective. On the ground in front of the waterfall, the amount of spray continuously produced by the falling water quite often creates both a single and a double rainbow visible on any given day when the sun is shining. The rainbows are quite vivid and fall-bound enough to be almost touchable.
110 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Skógafoss Waterfall
Gönguleið um FimmvörðuhálsSkógafoss (Forest waterfall) is often referred to as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. It has all the ingredients of great natural wonder. The amount of water is excessive, the form of the waterfall is almost perfect in its rectangular shape, the 60-meter drop makes it impressive, and the width of 25 meters puts it into a great perspective. On the ground in front of the waterfall, the amount of spray continuously produced by the falling water quite often creates both a single and a double rainbow visible on any given day when the sun is shining. The rainbows are quite vivid and fall-bound enough to be almost touchable.
Landmannalaugar is a place in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Highlands of Iceland. It is at the edge of Laugahraun lava field, which was formed in an eruption around the year 1477. It is known for its natural geothermal hot springs and surrounding landscape.
60 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar is a place in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Highlands of Iceland. It is at the edge of Laugahraun lava field, which was formed in an eruption around the year 1477. It is known for its natural geothermal hot springs and surrounding landscape.