Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.08.2018, Page 26

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Iceland 2018
26 BEST OF ICELAND 2018
West
Go West, life is peaceful there
Best Accommodation
Hótel Búðir
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Hótel Búðir’s picturesque surroundings will take your breath away.
Neighbouring the rocky Atlantic coastline, you’ll find sand dune
walks, coastal hikes, a local runic store and a historic church in
the immediate vicinity of the hotel. The luxurious interior boasts a
vintage feel with taxidermied raptors, cosy ornate couches, and a
standout restaurant in the region. If you’re lucky enough to arrive
during Aurora season, the Northern Lights show there could rival
the best in Iceland. Map square: B12
Runner Up
Fosshotel Hellnar
Brekkubær, Hellnar
Fosshotel Hellnar has somehow floated
under the radar of previous Best Of
awards, but this year was rightfully
recognised. The hotel—part of the
acclaimed Fosshotel chain—is located
right on the edge of the Hellnar hill in
a number of spread out buildings with
large windows and patios that look out
directly over the ocean. The design is
peaceful, suitable for a yoga retreat or
a romantic getaway. B12
Budget Option
Freezer Hostel
Hafnargata 16, Rif
Freezer Hostel boasts a cosy bar, hostel
rooms, and a theatre space that hosts
everything from musicals to music
festivals. This summer, they’ll serve up
a reprise of their stage adaptation of
Jules Verne’s classic ‘Journey To Centre
Of The Earth’, a new piece based on two
guys forming a Fleetwood Mac cover
band, and so much more. Stay there or
stop by. B11
Best Meal
Hótel Húsafell
Húsafell
The tasting menu at Hótel Húsafell
might be a little steeply priced, but if
this is one of those birthday/anniver-
sary/engagement ring moments—
splurge. The luxury hotel offers an
excellent five-course tasting menu
of creatively prepared local ingredi-
ents with excellent service, and wine
pairings or great cocktails should you
so desire. Get a table by the open fire,
and trust and believe, she or he will say
yes. G13
Runner Up
Narfeyrarstofa
Aðalgata 3, Stykkishólmur
Narfeyrarstofa is amongst the best
rural restaurants in Iceland. In a
modern but cosy candlelit dining room,
they serve fresh seafood pulled out of
the adjacent Breiðafjörður, cooked to
perfection, along with locally sourced
beef burgers and lamb. If you’re still
not sold, they give out their special salt
blend—which is stellar—as a parting
gift. D11
Budget Pick
Skúrinn
Þvervegur 2, Stykkishólmur
Skúrinn is an all-are-welcome comfort
joint. The cosy Stykkishólmur haunt
boasts nachos, milkshakes and some of
the best burgers in Iceland. Try the Senior
Citizen, seriously. With low prices, a homey
atmosphere, and friendly staff, it’s light
on the wallet while still yummy in the
tummy. D11
Must-See Spot
Snæfellsjökull
Snæfellsnes National Park
If it’s a clear day in Reykjavík, you can
spot the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier
sparkling from your balcony. If it’s not
a clear day, well, drive three hours
and see it up close and in person. The
glacier is a magnificent sight. “The hike
up to Snæfellsjökull is beautiful and a
good way to see the glacier,” one panel
member noted. “It might be difficult for
beginners, but it's worth it.” If hiking
isn’t your thing, snowmobiling is anoth-
er popular option. B12
Runners Up
Djúpalónssandur
Snæfellsnes National Park
This black pebble beach, which is
supposedly haunted, and also has an
elf church, was the site of a shipwreck
that took the lives of 14 British sailors
in 1948. You can still find rusted metal
fragments from the accident scattered
all over the beach. “It’s unique, and the
landscape is amazing. The drive there is
also stunning, through a lava field,” one
panel member states. “You might find
some troll rock formations.” B12
Háafell Goat Centre
Háafell, Reykholt
Icelandic goats, after having been
isolated here for 1100 years, are
actually the purest breed you can
find in Europe. They are also incredibly
sweet. Don’t believe us? Check out the
Háafell Goat Centre, where you can get
up close and personal with the cuddly
furry creatures. “You must go in the
summer when the goats are all small
and cute,” said one panellist. F13