Reykjavík Grapevine - 12.04.2019, Page 53

Island Life
Hot news from the cold Icelandic countryside
Words: Andie Fontaine
Some residents of the East Iceland town of Reyðafjörður
have complained that NATO fighter jets performing drills
in the area have been
too loud. In re-
sponse, the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs
contends that the
flights have
always been
above the
minimum
altitude and
followed
regulations.
So that
settles that,
we suppose.
In Snæfellsnes, the coveted
Breeding Ram of the
Year Award was
awarded to a ram
called Mávur (lit.
“seagull”). Mávur
was recog-
nised for
his strong
health,
respectable
physical shape,
and the
diligence of
his activi-
ties. Not all rams
can hope to achieve this
accomplishment, so
Mávur, we doff our
collective cap to you.
Seems every top news story out of South Iceland is about speeding, and this occasion is no
exception. Police recently stopped two cars travelling at 163KPH in Mýrdalssandur. Most
likely inspired by any number of car commercials filmed there.
47The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 05— 2019
North: Best Road Trip
The Diamond Circle
Around Mývatn
This 260 km circuit in the north-
east of Iceland is a similar concept
to the Golden Circle, but with more
stops. It includes classic sights like
Góðafoss and Dettifoss, as well as
the area around Lake Mývatn, the
stunning Ásbyrgi canyon and Dim-
muborgir. This is not a circuit you
can complete in one day. Hike as
much as you can and enjoy a classic
Icelandic camping experience.
East: Best Café
Salt
Egilsstaðir
Out in the East, seasonal opening
times can be patchy and inconve-
nient, but Egilsstaðir’s café-bar Salt
has you covered. Whatever the time
of year, you can hole up in this spa-
cious and comfortable dining room
and tuck into something from the
surprisingly massive and diverse
menu, which has everything from
curries to pizzas to local meat and
fish dishes, and more besides.
South: Best Museum
LAVA Centre
Hvolsvöllur
Deceptively light and cheery on the
outside, this interactive museum is
a brilliantly constructed immersive
volcanic experience. Combining rich
scientific research, bold industrial
design and incredible artistry, its in-
formative and interactive displays
provide some truly unique insights
into the volcanic history of Iceland.
The centre also features a film, a
nice gift shop, and a great café.
Best Of Iceland
A selection of winners from our Best Of Iceland travel magazine
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