Iceland review - 2011, Blaðsíða 8

6 ICELAND REVIEW
FoUntaIn oF BLIss
At Laugarvatn Lake, an hour’s drive from the capital, brand new
architectural gem Fontana Spa centers on a series of legendary steam
baths built over a boiling hot spring. Having attracted guests for almost
eighty years, the steam baths have now been rebuilt and modernized
with special grates in the floor allowing guests to see, hear and smell the
hot springs below. A Finnish-style sauna has also been added, offering a
spectacular view over the lake. But that’s not all. A cluster of pools of
various temperatures and depths are ideal for relaxation or play for the
family, given a fanciful twist by Erla Thórarinsdóttir’s black granite
sculptures. As Fontana Spa literally stands on Lake Laugarvatn’s black,
sandy beach, a refreshing swim completes the experience. ÁA
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Fontana.is
sPotLIGHt
HaRPa’s HaPPenInGs
Much more than a place to enjoy magnificent music and outstanding
Scandinavian architecture, the beautiful new concert hall Harpa, down by
the Reykjavík harbor, is definitely worth visiting. Begin by sampling some
fresh Nordic cuisine at Munnharpan bistro. Then, pay a visit to record
store 12 tónar, and catch the latest and greatest in Icelandic music. Next,
browse Icelandic and international design at the renowned design store
Epal. Complete your visit by heading up the steps along the glass windows
for a cocktail or a full meal. Borrowing its name from the landing path for
coal which stood there decades ago, restaurant Kolabrautin is already
among the city’s favorites. Located on the fourth floor of Harpa, it has glass
windows from floor to ceiling offering a spectacular panoramic view of the
city. In this clean, cool and contemporary space, enjoy delicious dishes
made from Icelandic ingredients such as lamb and cod, based on age-old
Mediterranean traditions. ÁA
harpa.is
Compiled by Ásta andrésdóttir and pÁll stefÁnsson. photos by pÁll stefÁnsson and silja maaC.