Reykjavík Grapevine - 18.05.2018, Qupperneq 50

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
Tucked away from the shores of
the south coast, the tiny village of
Kirkjubæjarklaustur rests beneath
a rocky belt of flat mountains, sur-
rounded by flourishing trees and a
handful of farms. Although it’s lo-
cated on the Ring Road, Kirkjubæ-
jarklaustur has never quite gained
the status of being a destination
in itself, but with its charming
atmosphere and several natural
wonders in the vicinity, it’s more
than worth a visit.
Stay: Hotel Laki
This large establishment just
outside of Kirkjubæjarklaustur is
the perfect spot for a relaxing get-
away, no matter the season. The
rooms are minimal, but large and
clean, with an idyllic view over the
silent countryside. If you feel like
distancing yourself even further
from civilisation, Hotel Laki also
offers well-appointed mini apart-
ments.
Eat: Systrakaffi
Restaurant
The eponym of rustic décor, Sys-
trakaffi is your typically charming
country restaurant with lovely ser-
vice and a patio to enjoy the sum-
mer sun. Their fairly priced menu
offers anything from fish and meat
to delicious homemade cakes, but
the real star of the show is their
lush ostapizza (“cheese pizza”).
Whatever you do, however, don’t
ask for the wifi password—they’ll
say, “just talk to your travel part-
ners and you’ll be fine.”
Walk: Systrafoss
Waterfall
You can see Systrafoss from the
road as you’re driving towards
the village—a white stream of
water streaming down the cliffs,
just behind a small forest. Should
you want to go for a short walk, it
doesn’t take much time nor effort
to walk to the waterfall and enjoy
its beauty. You could also hike to
the top, where there’s a beautiful
lake.
Swim: Sundlaug
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Every town in Iceland boasts a
lovely, naturally-heated swim-
ming pool, and Kirkjubæjarklaus-
tur is no exception. Sit in one of
the brand new tubs and enjoy the
view of the nearby waterfall and
the black river flowing south as
you soak your stress away and pon-
der the meaning of the universe.
Hike: Fjaðrárgljúfur
Canyon
There are many ways to enjoy the
majestic Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.
You could follow the serpentine
course of Fjaðrá river through
the unspoilt nature of the can-
yon between beautiful waterfalls
and large rock formations. Or
you could follow the wooden path
along the outer rim, and marvel at
its otherworldly beauty right from
above. Either way, you’ll be amazed
by this gem of nature. It’s the stuff
of dreams.
Visit: Laki Craters
If you don’t have a 4x4 don’t even
attempt to drive along the rocky
road to this unusual landscape. If
you have rented a Jeep, however,
or purchased a guided tour, you’ll
be struck by the bizarre lava struc-
tures formed during the eruption
of the Laki volcano. This chain
of snow-stained craters rests in
the largest lava field found in Eu-
rope, completely devoid of trees or
walking trails, in a landscape that
seems more like a foreign planet
than Earth.
Kirkju
bæjar
klaustur
A hidden beauty between
the ash plains and the sea
Words: Alice Demurtas Photos: Art Bicnick
Distance from Reykjavík: 250 km
How to get there: Route One South, all the way
Car provided by: gocarrental.is
Acommidation provided by: hotellaki.is