Reykjavík Grapevine - 29.07.2011, Side 62

WELCOME TO AKUREYRI
WWW.VISITAKUREYRI.IS
The South and the EastIS
OUTSIDE REYKJAVÍK
EAST OF EDEN
Words:
Haukur S. Magnússon
Cover Photo:
Julia Staples
Photography on tour:
Julia Staples
Other photos:
Thorsten Henn, Skari
We had a ‘crazy’ idea for making
our second ‘OUTSIDE REYKJAVÍK’
issue of the summer. Instead of
driving around in a rental car, lodg-
ing at hotels and hostels on our
way, why not try and get a camper
that comfortably sleeps a writer
and photographer so the two can
make their way around Iceland with
ultimate freedom, chasing interest-
ing stories as they see fit.
And we did it. You are at this very
moment perusing the results of
such a camper van trip; all the ma-
terial for this pullout was made with
nothing but a camper, some diesel
fuel, some hiking boots and fiery
hearts. Oh and cameras, comput-
ers and a notebook.
Here’s how we did it.
We called up the people at the ‘Happy
Camper’ camper rental, after spotting
their campers all over Iceland for the
past year. Sideways glances at the ‘Hap-
py Camper’ campers convinced us that
they were indeed kind of happy look-
ing After some negotiation, a ‘Happy
Camper’ representative agreed to lend
us a camper for five days in lieu of a
logo and some mentions in this pull-
out, and some photos for the ‘Happy
Camper’ Facebook page. That seemed
fair enough.
After picking up the camper,
we then stocked up on foodstuffs at
Krónan and set on our way south (then
east), with nary an idea of what was to
come, except we knew we’d be research-
ing and travelling by day, writing and
photo editing by night.
It was a strenuous schedule for
sure; we somehow managed to drive
the entire Ring Road while taking in
some wonderful sights and meeting
friendly and interesting locals wher-
ever we went. It was tough at times, but
we made it through unscathed carrying
home ‘so many memories’.
While travelling Iceland, one comes
across lots of campers and mobile
homes. While the mode of travel looks
beguiling enough, one cannot shake
the feeling that it is somehow exclusive
to old people. Having tried it, we can at-
test that it truly is a great way to venture
cross Iceland. The freedom of being
able to pull over at will and call wherev-
er you may roam ‘home’—there’s noth-
ing quite like it. Here is some advice: if
you get the chance to go on a camper
trip, do take it.
OUR CAMPER IS EXPLODING WITH JOY
Climb aboard ‘Happy 2’ for a fun trip
ABOUT OUR
‘HAPPY CAMPER’
The brothers that own and oper-
ate ‘Happy Campers’ make all
their campers themselves by re-
modelling vans they deem suit the
purpose. “Our aim is simplicity,”
‘Happy Camper’ manager Sverrir
Thorsteinsson tells us as we pick up
the van. “We build our campers to
be as simple and easy to operate as
possible. They are no frills, but they
offer everything you need for a trip,
in a compact and convenient man-
ner.”
The camper van we were allotted
was of the ‘Happy 2’ variety (there
are four varieties in all, in escalating
prices. The cheapest one, ‘Happy 2’
is the smallest, while ‘Happy 4’ is
equipped for off-road driving.
‘Happy 2’ is a remodelled Re-
nault Trafic diesel van, and is re-
portedly their most popular camper.
It comes with a portable gas stove,
a heating system, a refrigerator, a
sink with running water, sleeping
room for two, pots and pans, dishes,
cookware and cutlery... basically ev-
erything you need except a place to
shit and shower.
“Bathroom and shower facilities
take a lot of room, and are difficult
to manage,” Sverrir said as we left
his parking lot, adding: “There are
lovely swimming pools all over Ice-
land, and gas stations with restroom
facilities. So you should have no
problems.”
‘Happy 2’ costs 35.000 ISK per day,
including tax, insurance and mileage
(and airport pickup). There is a 40%
discount during winter season. More
info at www.happycampers.is
OUR HAPPY CAMPER TRIP'S
MOST PLAYED CDs:
Mogwai - Come On Die Young
Built To Spill - Keep It Like A Secret
MellowHype - BlackenedWhite
Snorri Helgason - Winter Sun
Death in Vegas - The Contino Ses-
sions
The Notorious Big - Ready To Die
Sloan - Navy Blues
Sonic Youth - Goo
Sigur Rós - ()
Distance from Reykjavík: ca. 150 km
When driving along the south coast
of the country, admirable sights are
only minutes apart, making the region
a popular day-trip destination. Selja-
landsfoss, a spectacular waterfall that
drops 60 metres over a large cliff in the
Eyjafjöll Mountains is one example. Sel-
jalandsfoss has a distinctive feature,
which makes it among the country’s
most photographed waterfalls. It is pos-
sible to walk behind it without getting
soaking wet and capture unusual im-
ages from the other side. You don’t have
to worry about falling in the stream, a
marked footpath leads the way.
Seljalandsfoss 1
Distance from Reykjavík: ca. 110 km
Reykholt, a parsonage in Reykholtsdalur
valley, has a great historical significance
to the Icelandic population. Reykholt
is mostly famous for being the former
mansion of Snorri Sturluson, born in
1179. He was a highly influential politi-
cian and historian as well as a widely
acclaimed author. The main attraction
is Snorrastofa, which houses an ex-
hibition on Snorri’s life and the history
of Reykholt as well as an impressive
library. Outside is a small geother-
mally heated bathing pool, Snorralaug,
preserved since the time Reykholt was
Snorri’s home.
Reykholt 2