Reykjavík Grapevine - 02.02.2018, Page 48

Travel
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
Although you may not have heard
of the town of Grundarfjörður,
you’ve more than likely seen the
nearby mountain of Kirkjufell on
postcards, photographs, and even
in movies. This distinctively stee-
ple-shaped mountain is an iconic
landmark, attracting many people
to visit the small town, with a pop-
ulation of about 1,000 souls. Lo-
cated on the Snæfellsnes peninsula
in West Iceland, Grundarfjörður is
about a two-hour drive from Reyk-
javík. As the youngest town in the
peninsula, it has a busy harbour,
and a growing tourism industry.
Stay: Grundarfjörður
Bed and Breakfast
Located in the harbour, the eight-
room guesthouse has a perfect
view of the stunning mountains
and calming ocean. You can hide
under a blanket and enjoy the se-
renity of this small town, and pop
down to the café for pizzas, pani-
nis, and traditional fish dishes.
See: Kirkjufell
When you drive to Kirkjufell, pull
up in the car park and walk to
Kirkjufellsfoss, the picturesque
nearby waterfall. There’s a walk-
ing path around the mountain if
you feel like taking a closer look.
Feeling even more adventurous?
There’s also a hiking trail. It’s
quite steep, so it’s wise to come
prepared or to hike with a profes-
sional guide.
Eat: Bjargarsteinn
The food at Bjargarsteinn is sim-
ply spectacular. They offer tasty
and aesthetically pleasing fish and
meat courses, as well as a vegetar-
ian dish. The restaurant has the
iconic Kirkjufell mountain as the
backdrop—with great food and
amazing scenery, can life get any
better? Guðbrandur Gunnar start-
ed the business in 2015, and it has
been popular ever since, with some
customers driving from Reykjavik
just to have dinner. The restaurant
is open from 5-10pm every day.
Tour: Whale Watching
One of the most popular tours in
the area, a whale watching tour
from Grundarfjörður usually lasts
about three hours. You’ll see the
beautiful ocean and (hopefully)
some elegant whales, with a mul-
titude of seabirds flying overhead.
Even if there aren’t any giant sea
mammals to be seen, you can
take in some wonderful views of
the peninsula and, if it’s clear, the
distant cliffs of the Westfjords. It’s
usually cold and windy out to sea,
so be sure to dress warmly.
Visit: Kaffi Emil
Kaffi Emil is no ordinary café—it
also holds an information centre,
a library, a kids’ corner and a photo
museum. Run by mother Olga and
daughter Elsa, the café is a bril-
liant stop for a latte and a slice of
blueberry cheesecake. After that,
you can go to the photo museum
for a slideshow with old photos of
the small town. If you have chil-
dren, keep them amused with the
selection of vintage comic books
and toys. All in all, Kaffi Emil is
a warm and welcoming spot for
adults and children alike.
Bathe: Town Pool
Need a place to relax at the end
of the day? The town swimming
pool has an outdoor geothermal
pool and two hot tubs, making it
the perfect place for you to un-
wind. The pool is open every day
throughout the year.
Grundarfjörður
Located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland, Grundarfjörður is about a two-hour drive from
Reykjavik. Words: Jessica Peng Photos: Art Bicnick
Accommodation provided by: lakitours.com
Car provided by: gocarrental.is
Distance from Reykjavík: 170 km
How to get there: Route One North, then routes 54