Iceland review - 2016, Page 123

ICELAND REVIEW 121
SPECIAL PROMOTION
REYKJANES
Reykjanes peninsula is home to a unique, thriving area that once
housed an active military base, the former NATO defense area.
Now known as Ásbrú, the area—developed by Keflavík Airport
Development Company (Kadeco)—is bustling with individuals and
families, occupying apartments, and businesses, creating and man-
ufacturing a diverse range of products. “We have turned this space
into something completely different,” says Kadeco project manager
Sigurgestur Guðlaugsson. “The former military facilities are now full
of life—with entrepreneurs and students making up a big part of the
population.”
UNIQUE HISTORY
When the US military left the area in 2006 after 60 years, Kadeco was
founded with the goal of putting the defense area and its facilities
to productive civilian use. The purpose of Kadeco, which is whol-
ly owned by the Icelandic Ministry of Finance, is to put the former
defense area into everyday use. Part of that process was necessary
preparation work, assessment of the area and facilities, as well as
assessment of development and growth opportunities. The region is
ideal as a place to live and work due to its proximity to Keflavík Inter-
national Airport. The clean, cool and moderate climate also makes it
a well-suited location for data centers running on green renewable
energy.
FIRE IN THE SKY
After the US military left, people started using several different
names to describe the area—including the Old Defense Area, the
Base, the Keilir Area, and Miðnesheiði. Ásbrú is the bridge that the
Old Norse gods, the Æsir, built between Midgard, home of men, and
Asgard, home of the gods. According to Norse mythology, the red
color of the rainbow (known as Ásbrú or Bifröst) is a fire that burns
in the sky. The fire prevents the ice trolls and mountain ogres from
crossing the bridge.
DYNAMIC COMMUNITY
In a short period of time, Ásbrú has attracted an impressive com-
munity of entrepreneurs, students and employees, with about 2,000
residents and about 800 employees in over 100 companies. Ásbrú
boasts the largest student community in the country. There is a won-
derful area for outdoor activities and all the main services, including
Keflavík International Airport, are close by. The apartments are large
and bright and the rental price is favorable. There are good facilities
for recreational activities, a playground for children, an open barbe-
cue area, and it’s close to shops, services, sports and leisure activities
for children and adults.
“Ásbrú has transformed the community and continues to do so as
more private companies and residents are interested in making the
move here,” says Sigurgestur.
asbru.is

The Reykjanes area is an ideal place for entrepreneurs, students and residents.
At Home at Ásbrú