Atlantica - 01.06.2011, Page 62

60 a t l a n t i c a
Dining
in downtown Reykjavík, lowest in the food chain of eating out is the
delicious icelandic hot dog (pylsa). For around iSK 300 (3 Euros / USD
1.8), it is available just about everywhere, but don’t miss the world-
renowned Baejarins Bestu hot dog stand at Tryggvagata.
Across the street, at Kolaportid Flea MarKet, you will find
all kinds of cheap delicacies ranging from lobster and traditional dried
fish to licorice and chocolates. While you’re there, browse through the
market’s endless array of clothing, music, books etcetera.
A stone’s throw away, on the main street Laugavegur, the deli
offers delicious pizza slices and other fresh produce for a reasonable
sum.
For a basic sit down affair, the noodle station on Skólavördustígur
Street is hard to beat, especially if you like your nosh spicy.
A few doors up is a new establishment called the icelandic Food
station, specializing in traditional icelandic meat and fish courses.
For true luxury on a budget, try the legendary lobster soup at
saegraeFinn down by the harbor, serving an abundant portion with
plenty of bread for iSK 1,100 (6.6 Euros / USD 9.4)
AccommoDATion
Laugardalur’s reyKjaviK city hostel is conveniently located next
to the city’s largest geothermal swimming pool and the sport stadiums.
This hostel is eco-friendly and supports fair trade. hostel.is/hostels/
ReykjavikCity
next to the hostel is a full-fledged caMp site, which remains open
until mid Sep-tember. A bus service runs to the BSi terminal for the
airport every morning at 5 a.m.
offering a variety of sleeping options, in addition to a restaurant,
bar, gym, laundry room and more, the brand new and extremely cool
KeX hostel is also worth every Króna. Don’t be surprised to find
soccer star Eidur gudjohnsen trying his hand at mixing cocktails, as he
is among its owners. kexhostel.is
The cheapest paying option is probably the salvation arMy
hostel at Adalstraeti. options range from a shared dorm bed to private
single and double rooms with good value breakfast options. herinn.is
if you are determined to keep costs close to zero, couch surF-
ing is well established in Reykjavík. At couchsurfing.com you will find
many Reykjavík residents willing to put up travelers. Although it’s best
to have arranged this in advance, with a little luck you can also bag a
bed once you have arrived. Although accommodation is free, a mod-
est gift, perhaps reflecting your particular culture or origin, is always
welcome.
Reykjavík on a Shoestring
Even if the steep drop in the Icelandic króna
has made the country more affordable for
visitors, it remains a pricy destination.
nonetheless, even on the tightest of
budgets, there are myriad things
to be experienced, tasted and
enjoyed in and around Reykjavík.
By John Boyce
PhoToS By Páll STefánSSon