Reykjavík Grapevine - sep. 2019, Blaðsíða 50

The Reykjavík G
rapevine
Best of Iceland 2019
50 BEST OF ICELAND 2019
East
If west is the best, east is a... feast?
Best Accommodation
Wilderness Centre
Fljótsdalur
Ever wondered how it would be to live like Icelanders of yore? Well, you
can experience it at the Wilderness Center. They offer authentic old-
style accommodation that sends you back in time—whether you want to
become a landowner, a farmer, or just an ordinary person. Every detail
has been considered by the charming hosts. There’s a range of trips and
activities on offer, and you’ll have access to a bath house with a sauna.
Map square: E10
Fancy Option
Fosshotel Fáskrúðsfjörður
Hafnargata 11-15, Fáskrúðsfjörður
A beautiful, historic hotel in the old hospi-
tal in Fáskrúðsfjörður, which was originally
built to service French fishermen. Their cul-
tural impact remains in the small museum,
and the more-than-decent wine list. The
hotel itself is a delight—charming, cosy,
and a welcome change from the Nordic
minimalist zeitgeist. I10
Budget Pick
Hallormsstaðaskógur Campsite
Fjarðarbraut 37a, Stöðvarfjörður
These two campsites—Atlavík and Höf-
davík—are located in the largest Icelandic
forest, covering an area of 740 hectares,
right by the famed Lagarfljót lake. Qui-
et-seeking travellers can listen to the rich
birdlife, walk in the forest, sit on the banks
of the lake and look out for the infamous
Lagarfljót Worm. Blissful. I11
Best Meal
Norð Austur
Nordurgata 2, Seyðisfjörður
This restaurant in the remotely cool fjord is
reputed to make the best sushi in Iceland.
This is what happens when you import
expert chefs from overseas and let them
run wild with fresh Icelandic seafood. “The
sizzling salmon, served on a hot stone, was
so good I almost cried,” said the panel. It’s
worth the drive from Egilsstaðir to enjoy
this quality cuisine—local fisherman de-
liver unusual catches to the restaurant, so
expect some curious specials. Summer
only—check ahead for opening hours. I8
Runners Up
Vallanes Organic Farm
Vallanes, Egilsstaðir
Home of Móðir Jörð, the Icelandic brand
that produces organic vegetable-based
products. The food is always fresh, tasty,
local, vegetarian or vegan, and seasonal.
Enjoy it in a newly built house made entire-
ly of Icelandic wood, or in the greenhouse
whilst chatting with the owners. G9
Síreksstaðir Farm
Síreksstaðir, Sunnudalur
At this family-run farm restaurant, every
dish on the menu is made up of fresh
homegrown vegetables and free range
meat. Their organic home-cooked meals
are made with love—and also some seri-
ous know-how. “Happy just tastes better,”
enthused the panel. F7
Must-See Spot
Mjóifjörður
Mjóifjörður, Fjarðabyggð
One of the most remote fjords in the East,
the drive to Mjóifjörður is an adventure in
itself. Following the steep slopes down to
a tiny village of about 20 inhabitants also
provides you with astonishing views of the
surrounding mountains and the beauti-
ful Klifbrekkufossar waterfalls. Also highly
recommended is a trip to the Dalatangi
lighthouse. Don’t rush it: life out East is
slow, so sink into the rhythm and enjoy it
all the more. Check road.is in advance. I7
Runner Up
Kárahnjúkar Dam
The Highlands
It’s not the most beautiful place in Iceland,
but seeing the country’s largest and most
notorious hydroelectric dam is an impres-
sive and sobering experience. After driving
across a dusty Highland desert (summer
only, of course), the hard lines of the dam
appear from the wilderness like a remnant
of a lost civilisation. E10
Hellisheiði Eystri
Off Route One towards Vopnafjörður
This road is not for the faint-hearted, the
off-season, or reckless drivers—but if
you’re prepared to cry your eyes out for
a good view, this is a must. The dirt track
crosses some alarmingly high scree slopes,
and on a clear day offers views north all the
way to Langanes, and south over to the
glorious Dyrfjöll. Check safetravel.is and
road.is in advance. H13
NATURALLY
DELICIOUS
FLAVOURED BY THE WILD PASTURES OF PURE
ICELANDIC NATURE. TASTE THE DIFFERENCE.
FIND A RESTAURANT SERVING FREE RANGE ICELANDIC LAMB NEAR YOU
ICELANDICLAMB.IS/PARTNERS