Reykjavík Grapevine - sep. 2019, Blaðsíða 44

The Reykjavík G
rapevine
Best of Iceland 2019
44 BEST OF ICELAND 2019
North
Chilling by the Arctic Circle
Best Accommodation
Sigló Hótel
Snorragata 3, Siglufjörður
Fans of Scandi Noir may recognize Sigló Hotel from the Icelandic TV series
‘Trapped.’ Stately and on the harbour, the hotel boasts views onto the
fjord, the mountains of the Tröllaskagi peninsula, and the Siglufjörður ma-
rina. Combining old Icelandic charm in its décor with Nordic luxury, each
spacious room has a view onto the sea. With a fireplace indoors and a hot
tub by the harbour, it’s comfort and romance incarnate. Map square: B9
Runner Up
Fosshotel Mývatn
Grímsstaðir, Skútustaðahreppur
Fosshotel Mývatn aims to rhyme with its
breathtaking namesake lake. The hotel’s
architecture features larch wood, a grass
roof, and floor-to-ceiling windows in the
restaurant, inviting in panoramic views.
Our panel remarked that Fosshotel Mývatn
is “immaculate—lovely design, unobtru-
sive on the landscape, and with a fabulous
lake view from the breakfast room. G11
Budget Pick
Ásbyrgi Campground
Ásbyrgi, Kópasker
Sleep in the hoofprint of Óðinn’s eight-leg-
ged horse Sleipnir. Steeped in Ásatrú my-
thology and well-equipped with showers,
the campsite at Ásbyrgi is a quiet spot to
slumber in the northern tip of Vatnajökull
National Park. Our panellist recommends
to “go on a walk late before sleeping—
magical!” H10
Best Meal
Rub23
Kaupvangsstræti 6, Akureyri
Rub23 is a renowned seafood restaurant
showcasing a large array of local catch and
sushi. They’re also the North’s go-to for
steak—whether it’s tenderloin beef or At-
lantic Wolffish. Try one of their “festivals”
(a.k.a. tasting menus) for a true foodstrav-
aganza. One panellist reports that “Rub23
has a fancy-feeling interior with warm ser-
vice, and you can order your preferred main
ingredient with different spiced ‘rubs’ as
the flavouring.” F11
Runner Up
Vogafjós
Vogafjós, Mývatn
Near the shore of Lake Mývatn is the
charming restaurant Vogafjós. Located at
a working farm, the restaurant produces its
own mozzarella. Other local ingredients in-
clude smoked trout and hot-spring-baked
rye bread. You can even watch the cows
being milked while you dine. After your
meal, pet a calf or try the fresh milk. H11
Siglunes
Lækjargata 10, Siglufjörður
Be transported to Africa while in North
Iceland. Chef Jaouad Hbib conjures Mo-
roccan-style dishes using local Icelandic
ingredients. The menu is updated daily, but
you can anticipate mouth-watering lamb,
chicken, fish, and vegetarian tagines. Men-
us often also feature homemade cheese,
dates, oranges, and salads flavoured with
mint and rose. D9
Best Café
Café Berlin
Skipagata 4, Akureyri
There’s no better place than Café Berlin for
a Sunday morning brunch. From the classic
eggs and bacon to more Instagrammable
options like poached eggs and avocado
toast, this place has everything your heart
(and stomach) might desire. You can add
warm waffles for a small additional fee.
Enjoy some people-watching with a hot
coffee—you’ll feel right at home. F11
Runners Up
Gísli, Eiríkur, Helgi Kaffihús
Grundargata, Dalvík
Café or museum? Bar or concert venue?
This cool stop is named after the historic
and storied brothers Gísli, Eiríkur and Helgi
who roamed the region. The café is dec-
orated with antique farm treasures and
paintings of the brothers. The Kaffihús’
delicious menu offers the best of North
Iceland’s home-cooking. E10

Bláa Kannan
Hafnarstræti 96, Akureyri
Spaciously laid out with a menu for all
tastes, Bláa Kannan is the ideal place to
people-watch in downtown Akureyri. It
opens for breakfast and sleeps after a
night-cap. Bread is fresh-baked daily.
One panellist remarked that Bláa Kannan
is “simply the best—beautiful, beautiful
building, very Icelandic, nice atmosphere,
good coffee, also vegan cakes.” F11