Reykjavík Grapevine - nov. 2019, Side 6

The Reykjavík G
rapevine
Best of Iceland 2019
6
There was once a time when winter in
Iceland was the off-season. Visitors to Ice-
land during the darker, colder season were
barely a trickle until just a few years ago.
Today, of course, the situation is totally
different, as people from around the world
come to Iceland in the winter, and not just
for the northern lights. There are numerous
activities to engage in—hiking, sightseeing,
dining and such—all through this season,
so it’s no wonder that the phrase “tourist
season” holds little meaning anymore.
At the same time, it’s undeniable that
there are significantly fewer visitors, but
that’s a plus for those who do arrive. Lines
are shorter, as are wait times, and group
tours can be smaller, more intimate affairs.
All this said, not every place is as ac-
cessible in the winter as it is in the sum-
mer. For this reason, we’ve provided two
handy markers for you. If you see a yellow
badge by an entry in this issue, it means
that access may be difficult depending on
the weather, and opening hours may be
sporadic. If you see a red badge, it means
this area is either completely inaccessible
in the winter or only accessible with an
experienced, expert guide.
No matter the destination, before you
hit the road, do take a minute or two to
visit en.vedur.is to check on weather con-
ditions, and road.is for road conditions.
Taking the brief moment to check these
sites ahead of time can save you consider-
able time, energy and money. Even your
lives.
Lastly, we want to thank you for being
amongst the more ambitious visitors to
Iceland during the wintertime. Our country
is magic all year round, but it’s a special
treat to visit in the ice season.
Andie Fontaine
AN INTRODUCTION
The Season Of Ice Approaches...
BEST OF
ICELAND 2019
Winter 2019 Edition by
Hafnarstræti 15
101 Reykjavík
www.grapevine.is
Published by Fröken ehf.
Printed by Ísafold
in 25,000 copies.
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BEST OF EDITOR
John Rogers
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GRAPEVINE EDITOR
IN CHIEF
Valur Grettisson
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Art Bicnick
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BEST OF THE NORTH
WRITTEN & COMPILED BY
a rawlings
BEST OF THE SOUTH
WRITTEN & COMPILED BY
John Rogers
BEST OF THE EAST
WRITTEN & COMPILED BY
Rex Beckett
BEST OF THE WEST
WRITTEN & COMPILED BY
Catharine Fulton
BEST OF THE WESTFJORDS
WRITTEN & COMPILED BY
Hannah Jane Cohen
COPY EDITOR
Catharine Fulton

EDITORIAL
+354 540 3600
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ADVERTISING
+354 540 3604
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
a rawlings
Josie Gaitens
CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHERS
a rawlings
Art Bicnick
Axel Sig
John Rogers
Nanna Dís
Timothée Lambrecq
MAPS SUPPLIED BY
Borgarmynd
www.borgarmynd.com
PANELLISTS
SOUTH
Marteinn Thórsson
Marta Jónsson
Thor Sigurbjörnsson
Timothée Lambrecq
WEST
Jenna Gottleib
Elín Elísabet
Melina Rathjen
Laureen Burlat
WESTFJORDS
Kristján Freyr Halldórsson
Marta Guðrún
Jóhannesdóttir
Isobel Grad
Matthildur Helgadóttir
Jónudóttir
Aron Ingi Guðmundsson
Julie Gasiglia
NORTH
Erlendur Bogason
Jón Bjarki Magnússon
Juan Camilo Román
Estrada
Lara Hoffman
Sævör Erlendsdóttir
EAST
Stefán Bogi Sveinsson
Tinna Guðmundsdóttir
Vinny Vamos
SALES DIRECTORS
Aðalsteinn Jörundsson
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Helgi Þór Harðarson
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DISTRIBUTION
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Best of Iceland by The
Reykjavík Grapevine is
published by Fröken ltd.
Nothing in this magazine
may be reproduced in
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of Iceland is distributed
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No articles in the
Reykjavík Grapevine are
paid-for articles. The
opinions expressed are
the writers’ own, not the
advertisers’.
BEST OF ICELAND EMBLEM
Siggi Odds
siggiodds.com
COVER PHOTO
Art Bicnick
In this issue
ʚ Intern Josie takes on the volcanic trail of Lakagígar P12
ʚ What to see, do, and eat in Reykjanes P20
ʚ Snæfellsnes in autumn is a treasure trove of wonders P26
ʚ The best of the wild Westfjords P34
ʚ Eating our way through the Tröllaskagi peninsula P40
ʚ The must-see spots of the North P44
ʚ A dirt road, a hip bar, sushi, pools, and everything in-between P48
ʚ The best bathings spots, hikes and road trips out East P52
South 10
West & Westfjords 24
North 38
East 46
Browse the tours we’ve recommended at
Pre-booking is required. Book online at bluelagoon.com