Reykjavík Grapevine - 06.03.2009, Síða 29

REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 3—2009 | 29
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4
41
14
1
1.
20
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Your Grapevine Guide to AFS and Ísafjörður
Rockmaster Hálfdán bjarki Hálfdánsson
– aka Háli Slick
Veteran AFS Rockmaster Háli Slick is in charge of
the festival, especially when it comes to rockin’
out and partyin’ down. This gentle giant is an ap-
proachable, friendly fellow, so don’t hesitate to ask
him for help should you need it. However, keep in
mind that AFS is an extremely busy time for him, so
your plights better be warranted.
Gamla bakaríið
Gamla bakaríið is one of the oldest operating bak-
eries in Iceland - and it is certainly among the best.
Try the yummy snúðar if you've a sweet tooth - set-
tle for a sandwich if you're of that inclination. In any
case, go there. It's more than worth the visit.
Kaffi Edinborg
Getting service at this bistro/bar can be a real
nightmare, but it has a nice interior, friendly
regulars and the occasional art exhibit. You’ll
likely find yourself spending a bit of time there.

Hamraborg
Ísafjörður’s one-stop shop for damn near ev-
erything, town staple Hamraborg will keep you
stocked in pizza, cigarettes, candy, canned goods,
pantyhose, DVDs, musical instruments and pretty
much everything else you might need. You’ll of
course have to fork over a hefty sum for most of the
items, but this is is supplemented by their excellent
service.
Krúsin
If David Lynch were to design a bar, chances are
it would look, feel and smell a lot like basement
hangout Krúsin. Notorious for some crazy and sur-
real nightlife action, this is where you’ll want to be
after curtain call at AFS.
Thai Koon
The absurd location of this Thai restaurant—stowed
away in the corner of a Ísafjörður’s very own mini
mall disaster—doesn’t take away from the fact that
they serve up huge portions of excellent, authentic
Thai food at reasonable prices.
Tjöruhúsið
Tjöruhúsið is the site of a legendary seafood restau-
rant of the same name in the summertime. Sadly
closed during winter, this is where the performers
usually meet up for fish stew and beer. Stay clear
if you’re not one of them, but do come back in the
summer. You shan’t regret it.
The Tungu- & Seljalandsdalur skiing facilities
Easter used to be all about skiing in Ísafjörður. And
it still is, as when conditions allow them to oper-
ate, the ski slopes provide some excellent rides in
majestic sceneries. You’ll definitely want to bring
along your skis or snowboards.
Sundhöll ísafjarðar
The Ísafjörður swimming pool is one of the old-
est ones in the country—and it shows. The indoor
pool is good for cleaning up and doing some laps,
and the interior design is fascinating to some, but
for extended pool hangouts you’ll want to go to the
Suðureyri one.
The Suðureyri Swimming pool
A mere 20-minute drive from Ísafjörður the hamlet
of Suðureyri is a charming place to visit. Their out-
door swimming pool also kicks all kinds of ass: the
surrounding scenery is awe inspiring, the hot pots
are superb and they actually serve you coffee and
popsicles if you are thus inclined (the coffee is free
and the pops are modestly priced). Go there.
The ísafjörður Airport
While driving to Ísafjörður during winter is an adven-
ture of its own, most prefer to fly. Thus, this will likely
be your first sight as you arrive for AFS. Located five
minutes from the city centre, you can grab a flybus or
a cab to get to town, or even hitch a ride with locals.

Vínbúð áTVR
This is where you stock up on alcohol once you’re in
Ísafjörður. Be sure to do so—you have a long week-
end ahead of you. Bear in mind that they’re closed
on Good Friday, but you can stock up on Thursday
and then re-up on Saturday (before 2 PM).
DESTINATION By HAUkUr S mAGNÚSSON — PHOTOS By Jói kJArTANS