Reykjavík Grapevine - 10.11.2017, Blaðsíða 48

48 The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 20 — 2017
The best of Icelandic produce
with a nod to Japan and South
America. Modern Icelandic
flavours, share plates and award
winning cocktails.
Sushi Social
Þingholtsstræti 5 • 101 Reykjavík
Tel. 568 6600 • sushisocial.is
Our kitchen is open
17.00–23.00 sun.–thu.
17.00–24.00 fri.–sat.
SOCIALIZE
WITH THE
LOCALS
ICELANDIC
SEAFOOD
makes world’s best sushi
Tucked away in a picturesque bay
on the west side of Eyjafjörður,
Dalvík is surprisingly lively for
a 1400-strong municipality. The
town’s surrounding attractions are
accessible all year round, but it’s es-
pecially beautiful during autumn,
when rich reds and burnt oranges
dot the countryside like precious
gems against the snowy mountains.
You won’t have problems finding
good chilling spots or hiking trails,
and the town itself has many inter-
esting stories to tell.
Stay: Dalvík Hostel Gimli
This small family business is the
perfect spot if you don’t want to
break the bank but still wish to
feel comfortable. With its wooden
accents and doilies, the common
room might feel a bit like your
grandmother’s living room. The
bedrooms, however, have been
blessed with a modern touch that
pairs wonderfully with the original
rustic charm of the place.
Shop: Vellir in
Svarfaðardalur
Attached to Bjarni Óskarsson’s or-
ganic farm is a small, rustic shop
whose shelves are packed with fresh
vegetables as well as homemade
jams and sauces that are prepared
right next door. Not too long ago,
Bjarni decided to leave his hectic
city life to work on his small farm,
where he breeds arctic chars as well
as tending to his greenhouses. A
good excuse to combine shopping
and eating that you should take
advantage of.
Activity: Heli-skiing &
Whale Watching
Why one would want to jump out of
a helicopter and ski down a moun-
tain is beyond me, but if you want
to feel like the next James Bond,
here’s your chance. For the less ad-
venturous (or more sane), there’s
a less adrenaline-driven option of
whale watching by boat. Just sit
down, lean back, and keep watching
the waves.
Hike: Reykjaheiði
The Reykjaheiði pass used to be
the only way to get to the village of
Ólafsfjörður from Dalvík. Mailmen
used to cross it on horseback, but
it’s now become a popular and easy-
going hiking route, surrounded by
summer houses. If you need a rest,
stop by the local ski resort and slide
down to the town.
Visit: Hrísey
Only 162 people live on the ‘Pearl
of Eyjafjörður,’ as this island is
known, and yet its sole town still
boasts a church, a museum and a
swimming pool. It can be reached
by ferry from Dalvík, unless you’re
a polar bear—then you could float
over on a piece of melting ice cap.
This is no joke: polar bears love
visiting Hrísey. Unfortunately, the
love is unreciprocated—so much
so that armed guards are always
on the lookout to protect tourists
and locals.
Café: Gísli, Eiríkur, Helgi
Kaffihús
A bar, café and restaurant all in
one, this establishment offers
good beer, cakes and arguably the
best fish soup you’ll ever get in the
North. Bjarni, the manager, is al-
ways ready to provide a good story
when he’s not busy organising con-
certs and events in the adjacent
cinema building. Stop by during a
stormy evening and enjoy the at-
mosphere.
Swim: The Beer Spa
Granted, this spa is more expensive
than the local pool, but if you are
looking for something different,
you’re in for a treat. Soak in a mix-
ture of beer, water and yeast to feel
as decadent as a modern Cleopatra.
If soaking in fizzy beer is not your
thing, however, you can always hop
into the small hot tub (full of water)
that overlooks the harbour and get
lost in your thoughts.
Words: Alice Demurtas
Photos: Art Bicnick
Car provided by:
@reykjavikvikingcampers
Distance from
Reykjavík: 404 km
Dalvík
Town Guide
Hiking, heli-skiing and bathing in beer