Reykjavík Grapevine - 19.11.2018, Qupperneq 51

Island Life
Hot news from the cold Icelandic countryside
Words: Andie Fontaine
Residents of Egilsstaðir were alarmed earlier this month to
see an unknown foam rising up from a storm drain. Health
and utilities services to be called out to inspect the sub-
stance. Mysteriously,
all traces of the white
foam disappeared
within an hour of its
appearance. No
one knows what
the foam was
comprised
of or what
caused it
to come
bubbling
up from the
sewers.
The Ministry of Transport
and Local Government has
opened up applications
for mini markets in the
countryside, the purpose
of which is to give
financial assistance
to small markets
in areas far from
municipal
areas. People
who live in
the middle of
nowhere need
to buy things,
too, after
all. The only
conditions are
that the stores must be
far from any population
centres.
For the very first time, Halloween celebrations will be held in Þorlák-
shöfn, from October 29 to November 4. Dubbed “Þollóween”, it promises
to be a family-friendly spooky time, replete with costumes, a haunted
house, a spooky disco and much more.
51The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 19— 2018
West: Best Café
Fjöruhúsið
If the weather is good, there might
not be a better view in Iceland than
that from the patio of this seaside
café. The cosy spot faces the Baðsto-
fa rock formation, where calls of
nesting birds echo with the rush of
the tide. “The location is stunning,”
the panel notes. “Their coffee and
food is incredible too. The seafood
soup is a standout, as are their cakes
and waffles.”
South: Tour
Vigur Island
Vigur is an island in the middle of
Ísa. With more avian residents than
humans, the island features a single
row of buildings, including the tini-
est post office ever, and even a wind-
mill. The island is small enough to
explore in a day, and there’s a boat
that comes and goes from nearby
Ísafjörður. Or if you’re the type who
prefers to earn your idyllic island
time with exercise, it can also be
reached by a kayak tour with Ögur
Travel or Borea Adventures.
East: Best Bar
Beljandi Brewery
The tiny seaside town of Breiðdals-
vík is located on Route One between
Djúpivogur and Stöðvarfjörður, and
it’s the perfect place to stop for some
refreshments thanks to the Beljandi
Brewery and bar. “They have their
own beer on tap, which is brewed
downstairs,” said the panel. “Up-
stairs, there’s a nice bar with a pool
table. They have funny opening hours
in the winter, so check ahead, but in
summer they’re open every evening.”
Best Of Iceland
A selection of winners from our Best Of Iceland travel magazine
A ROMANTIC
& LUXURIOUS
RESTAURANT
IN THE OF
REYKJAVÍK
RESTAURANT
ÍSAFOLD
Þingholtsstræti 5, 101 Rvk | +354 595 8535
www.isafoldrestaurant.com
# e at i n t h e c e n t e r