DON’T BE SHY
Cool cultural trends
Talk to the locals, most of them are proud
There seems to be a magic spark added to everything
Icelanders and are happy to share their
that Icelanders do – from the lovely streets and
knowledge.
eclectic bars of Reykjavik, to Icelandic design, music,
and cinema.
Know Before You Go
Iceland is not cheap; be ready to spend
Not to mention the amazing music festivals, such
money. Reykjavik is a small city, so walking
as All Tomorrow’s Parties (July 2-4, 2015), Iceland
and public transportation are the way to
Airwaves (November 4-8, 2015) and Sonar Reykjavik
go. When traveling outside of the city, a
(in February). Think cozy and not overcrowded, with
rental car or tours are the best option.
an exquisite lineup. It is worth it to stay on top of the
Pack a set of warm clothes (sweater, lay-
Icelandic music scene, as it really has a lot to offer.
ers, jacket) as even in the summer time the
Some local artists I'm into: Samaris, Sykur, Sóley,
weather can be cool.
Young Karin, Vök.
What was your motivation for
booking that plane ticket?
What song would sum up your trip?
“Reykjavik,” by Sykur
Sabine Brice is a Latvia-based writer, explorer, and music lover
who spent last year soaking up all that New York City has to offer.
Iceland has been on my bucket list since
the first time I heard Sigur Rós. So when I
Awesome Things to Do
discovered that Icelandic Air offers a free
Stay at the design hotel Reykjavik Marina and Kekx
layover up to five days in Reykjavik when
Hostel (worth a stop for their amazing jazz nights
traveling from the United States to Europe
and great bar vibe, too). Do a proper bar round in
(and vice versa), I didn’t hesitate to book my
Reykjavik; there are a lot of hip and cozy places to
holiday. Considering the remote location of
go – Kaffibarinn (used to be part-owned by Damon
Iceland, this is a great opportunity to visit;
Albarn), Lebowski Bar (a must-visit for movie lovers),
at the same time a few days might not be
and Kaldi Café. For an excellent dinner, check out
enough time to fully enjoy the country.
Grillmarkaðurinn.
Adventurous Eats
Dining is a unique experience in Iceland – sample
traditional dishes such as whale fillet (a controversial
choice), shark meat, or sheep head if you dare. You
can’t go wrong with a bowl of traditional Icelandic
meat soup. Lamb is cut into small pieces and boiled
(bones and all) with rice, potatoes, turnips, carrots,
onions, and herbs – it’s hearty, filling, and warms you
up immediately.
Beer Day
200,000 March 1
R E Y K J AV I K
P o p u la t i o n :
94 . collIDE
What not to do in Iceland:
L e av e w i t h a :
Book
Iceland sells more
b o o ks p e r ca p i ta
than any other
Nation in the world
Camp with 4 tents
on uncultivated ground for a single
night, without the owner’s permission
Three tents are okay