Reykjavík Grapevine - Sep 2019, Page 22

The Reykjavík G
rapevine
Best of Iceland 2019
22 Best Bathing Spot
The Blue Lagoon
Norðurljósavegur 9, Grindavík
Iceland’s iconic, cinematic, mineral-rich
geothermal lagoon is extremely popu-
lar—and deservedly so. Sliding into the
milky water in the midst of a gnarly lunar
landscape is an experience like no other.
The water coats your skin in silica; slather
on a mineral mask for a rejuvenating spa
experience. Our panel gave a shout out
to the recent improvements to the pool,
which made it feel more spacious than be-
fore. Book ahead—it’s sometimes sold out.
Map square: C3
Runners Up
Grindavík Pool
Austurvegi 1, Grindavík
Iceland’s standard-issue municipal swim-
ming pools are amongst the best in the
world. With naturally heated geothermal
water swirling through the outdoor pool,
and two hot pots, one of which has a jet
massage, you’ll come away refreshed—es-
pecially if you dare for a plunge in the cold
pot on the way out. C3
Vogar Pool
Hafnargata 17, Vogar
An all-but forgotten hamlet located just
off Route One between Reykjavík and Ke-
flavík, Vogar has a lovely little swimming
pool. Drop by for a soak in the hot pot, get
some exercise swimming laps, and soak
in the authentic feeling of small-town life
in Iceland. C2
Best Museum
Viking World
Víkingabraut 1, Njarðvík
There are a lot of Viking-themed stops
around Iceland, but nowhere else will you
find a full longboat replica. Viking World
in Njarðvík allows you to set foot on the
Íslendingur, a longboat built in 1996 and
modelled after the famous Gokstad ves-
sel—a close-to-complete Viking ship that
was excavated in Norway way back in
1882. You’ll also find a Smithsonian-pro-
duced exhibition spanning the key events
of the whole Viking saga. C2
Runners Up
Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Hjallavegur 2, Keflavík
Icelandic music aficionados can have an
informative and fun time at “Rokksafn”.
The museum attempts to trace the history
of Icelandic music, from the 1800s to the
present day, via memorabilia, interactive
exhibits, and, of course, displays about Ice-
land’s biggest musical exports. C2
Sudurnes Science and Learning
Centre
Garðvegi 1, Sandgerði
For anyone interested in wildlife and nat-
ural sciences, the Sudurnes Science and
Learning Centre could prove to be a mecca.
As well as being an active research insti-
tute, they host several exhibitions; their
taxidermied specimen collection includes
allegedly Iceland’s only stuffed walrus. B2
Bes
Best Tour
ATV Adventure
Grindavík
Yearning to get close to nature? Straddling
a roaring ATV and zooming into the wilder-
ness might not be the most tranquil meth-
od, but it quickly gets you into the thick
of it. You’ll reach impressive spots much
faster than by hiking, and you’ll be able to
crawl over black sand beaches and summit
towering mountains that road-trippers can
only gaze at longingly through the wind-
screen. Hike? Road trip? An ATV tour offers
the best of both. F2
Runners Up
Reykjanes Ring
Various tour providers
There are many Reykjanes tours on offer
that will reveal the peninsula’s sights and
secrets in an easy day-trip. Whether it’s a
bargain bus ride around the basics, or a tai-
lored private tour that goes further afield,
the decision is yours—and you’ll have fun
either way. All Over
Whale Watching
Various locations and providers
Having caught sight of a pod of orcas
hunting off the coast at Reykjanesviti,
our panel can vouch for the presence of
whales around Reykjanes first hand. A
whale watching boat tour will get you even
closer to the sea giants. Look out for spray
plumes; have your camera at the ready.
A1-D3
Best Café
Hjá Höllu
Víkurbraut 62, Grindavík
Hjá Höllu really is a no-brainer when it
comes to good food. Seasonal menu?
Check. Locally sourced ingredients? Dou-
ble check. Rip-roaringly delicious? Triple
check. This unassuming restaurant is run
with a great deal of care and love that
translates straight to the plate. Highlights
include an open beef sandwich with thin
strips of tender meat, the variety of sauces
(including a particularly delicious bear-
naise) and balsamic onions that our panel
still dream about. C3
Runners Up
Old Lighthouse Café
Garðskagi, Garður
Built in 1897, but long since obsolete—see
the taller, new-fangled lighthouse just
a few metres away—the second oldest
lighthouse in Iceland is the memorable lo-
cation of a café during the summertime.
Pop by for a coffee and a snack, and to ful-
fil your lighthouse keeper fantasies. Open
June-September only. B2
Bryggjan Café
Miðgarður 2, Grindavík
For some delicious cakes, coffees, breads,
and possibly the best lobster soup in the
country, don’t miss beloved local haunt
Bryggjan Café. Cosy, warm, and inviting,
the café is all you could hope for in the win-
ter chill, but it also serves up a delightful
outdoor sitting area in the summer. B3
AMAZING
NATURE AND
WILDLIFE
1 & 2 HOUR RI
B BOAT TOURS1.5 HOUR BOA
T TOUR
FIND US AT
THE HARBOUR
IN VESTMANN
AEYJAR
BOAT
TOURS
COME SAIL WITH US!BOOK NOW!tel: +354-661-1810 info@islandboattours.iswww.islandboattours.is
/hjahollu www.hjahollu.is
Hjá Höllu is a cozy restaurant located in the town
of Grindavík where you can enjoy many healthy
dishes in just five minute drive from the Blue Lagoon.
Fresh fish from the harbour, chicken, salad and
vegetarian/vegan options.
Wood-oven pizza
ready 5 minutes
Fresh local
health food
Healthy meal
for your flight
We are also located in Keflavík Airport where you
can get a healthy meal to enjoy or take away in time
before your flight.