Reykjavík Grapevine - 21.09.2018, Síða 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
Situated along Route One at the
foot of Skógafoss, one of the most
beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, the
small town of Skógar makes for
a perfect pit-stop on a road trip
through the south. The inhabit-
ants number around 30 and, while
the town has a limited number of
stores and attractions, the sur-
rounding green slopes and cliffs
mean you won’t run out of natural
sites to explore. As an extra treat,
you can enjoy a walk through
one of Iceland’s rare forests, Völ-
vuskógur. This is quite fitting,
seeing as ‘Skógar’ translates as
‘forests.’
See:
Skógafoss
The main attraction of Skógar is
Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most
splendid waterfalls. When the wa-
ter cascades off the cliffs, it falls a
staggering 60 metres before hit-
ting the pool of water below with
remarkable force. Make sure to
bring waterproof clothes, as the
mist created by the impact of the
waterfall can get you quite wet.
Stay:
Hotel Skógar
Situated on the tow n’s main
strip, Hotel Skógar is convenient-
ly close to the local grocery store,
the famous Skógafoss waterfall,
and the Völv uskóg ur forest.
Open year-round, the hotel offers
clean, basic rooms with views of
stunning nature. It also has a
restaurant, favoured among lo-
cals for its excellent cuisine.
Swim:
Seljavallalaug
Outdoor Pool
A short drive from Skógar, you’ll
find this little pearl. One of the
oldest swimming pools in Ice-
land, this outdoor pool is situated
amongst the gigantic rock forma-
tions and streams of a secluded
natural valley. Entrance is free,
but bear in mind that there are no
toilets, and make sure to do your
business before arriving at this
small, intimate place—for every-
one’s sake.
Eat: Gamla Fjósið
If you’ve ever wondered where your
food comes from, Gamla Fjósið
(Old Cow-house) is worth a visit.
Located just a 10-minute drive
from Skógar on Route One in a
farm building, this atypical res-
taurant sources its meat from the
farm itself. At this farm, the mod-
ern, Western interaction with ani-
mals is challenged: you are faced
with live cows before slaughter,
instead of picking up their re-
mains in a grocery store. The res-
taurant is a reminder of the pro-
cess behind every meal of meat.
Visit:
Skógar Museum
Skógar Museum, holds one of
the largest displays of artifacts
in Iceland. Split into three parts,
the museum houses a folk and
heritage section, an open-air
space, and a technical museum.
It’s perfect for curious visitors
who want to see what life in the
Icelandic countryside has been
like throughout the ages.
Hike:
Fimmvörðuháls
Starting at the base of Skógafoss,
this nine-hour hiking trail leads
over the mountains to Þórsmörk.
Named Fimmvörðuháls, or “Five
cairn pass,” the hike traverses a
range of landscapes, including
Highland desert, fresh lava, a
magical forest, a spot where two
glaciers meet and numerous wa-
terfalls. It’s one of the most popu-
lar hikes in Iceland for a reason.
TOWN GUIDE
Skógar
Mesmerising Waterfall, Local Food
and Beautiful Hikes In Skógar
Words: Christine Engel Snitkjær Photos: Art Bicnick
Distance from Reykjavík: 153 km
Car provided by: gocarrental.is
How to get there: Drive Route One South