Iceland review - 2013, Qupperneq 90

88 ICELAND REVIEW
sPECIAL PROmOTION
Sparkling Sculpted Lava
It would take zen-like discipline to leave Gullkúnst Helgu without something hang-
ing from your neck, around your wrist or maybe even sparkling from your ring
finger. Think rough gold and silver, sculpted lava and even raw, uncut diamonds.
Thecollections incorporate meticulously chosen pieces of lava from around Reykja-
vík with rough hewn precious metals. The jewelry is made in Iceland by the studio’s
goldsmiths, who provide customers with professional service in the store. Located
on Laugavegur 13, Reykjavík’s main shopping street, Gullkúnst Helgu is almost
museum-like with the glass case in the front purposefully designed so that browsers
can walk directly behind the showroom’s inviting floor-to-ceiling windows. Treat
yourself. gullkunst.is
A Salute to Iceland’s Master Artists
Housed in three unique buildings across the capital, Reykjavík Art Museum holds
some of the most distinguished works of Iceland’s artistic landscape. Hafnarhús,
downtown by the old harbor, houses the permanent collection of the works of Erró
(1932-), one of Europe’s most notable pop artists. Its temporary shows tend toward
the progressive and experimental, emphasizing works from established contempo-
rary, local and international artists. The exhibitions at Kjarvalsstaðir focus primarily
on paintings and sculptures of the established masters of modern art, holding the
works of one of Iceland’s most influential and recognized artists, Jóhannes S. Kjar-
val (1885-1972). Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum is the former home and
workshop of artist Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982), one of Iceland’s pioneering
sculptors. The museum displays the largest collection of his sculptures both inside
and outside the building. Reykjavík Art Museum is open daily and the entrance ticket
is valid for all three museums on the same day. artmuseum.is
Soaking in Style
Located right on the beach of Laugarvatn Lake, an hour’s drive from Reykjavík,
Fontana Geothermal Baths are quickly becoming a must-stop on the popular
Golden Circle tour. Fontana’s steam rooms were built over a boiling hot spring,
visited by travelers for almost 80 years. Elegantly renovated, the rooms have special
grates in the floor allowing guests to see, hear and smell the natural hot spring. A
Finnish-style sauna has also been added to the area, along with a series of intercon-
nected baths and steam rooms. A cluster of pools of various temperatures and
depths are ideal for relaxation or play for the entire family. Black granite sculptures
by Erla Þórarinsdóttir, scattered across the largest pool, further add to the character
of the area. A refreshing swim in Laugarvatn completes the experience. fontana.is
erró, Fishscape (1985)