{take me away № 43 | travel guide № 8 : iceland}

WHERE TO STAY

* Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel : Nesjavellir, 801 Nesjavellir
* Hótel Arnarhvoll : Ingólfsstræti 1 – 101 Reykjavík
* Hotel Borg : Posthusstraeti 11 – 101 Reykjavik
* Centerhotel Thingholt : 3, Þingholtsstræti, 101, Reykjavik

* Reykjavik Natura : Nauthólsvegur 52 – 101 Reykjavík
* Icelandair Hotel in Keflavik : Hafnargata 57 , Keflavik, 230
* Hotel Glymur : 301, Hvalfjardarsveit, Route 47, Hvalfjordur
* 101 Hotel : Hverfisgata 10, 101 Reykjavik
* Centerhotel Arnarhvoll : 1, Ingolfsstraeti, 101, Reykjavik

* Reykjavik residence [apartments] : Hverfisgata 45 101 Reykjavik

WHERE TO EAT

* 3 Frakkar : Þrír Frakkar at Úlfar Baldursgata 14 101 Reykjavik
* Argentina : Barónsstíg 11 – 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
* Lækjarbrekka : 2 101 Reykjavik
* [Holt] Gallery Restaurant : Bergstadastraeti 37 – 101 Reykjavik
* Humarhusid : Amtmannsstíg 1 – 101 Reykjavík
* Fish Market : Aðalstræti – 101 Reykjavik
* Vox : Sudurlandsbraut 2, 108 Reykjavik

* Perlan : Öskjuhlíð Reykjavik
* Dill Restaurant : Norræna húsinu : Sturlugötu 5 – 101 Reykjavík
* Hereford Steakhouse : Laugavegur 53b
* Kaffi Sólon : Bankastræti 7a
* Austur Indíafélagið : Hverfisgata 56, 101 Reykjavík
* Eldsmiðjan : Bragagata 38a

And for a lovely coffee break . . .

* Kaffismiðja íslands : Kárastígur 1 [Frakkastígur] Reykjavik [photos] * Kex : Skulagata 28, Reykjavik 101

WHAT TO SEE

* National Museum of Iceland : Sudurgata 41, Reykjavik [a few photos here] * Vatnajokulsthjodgardur National Park : Klapparstígur 25-27 – 101 Reykjavík
* The Culture House : Hverfisgata 15, Reykjavik
* Thingvellir National Park : 801 Selfoss
* Jökulsárlón [lagoon] : East of Skaftafell National Parl – Route 1

* Dynjandi [waterfalls] : Route 60 : Latitude: 64.65 Longitude: -15.15, Isafjordur
* Gullfoss [known as golden falls] : White River, Geysir
* Hornstrandir : Westfjords, Iceland
* Skaftafell Ice Cave : Öræfi, southeast Iceland

And also, Laki [or Lakagígar] craters : south Iceland, near canyon of Eldgjá and the small village Kirkjubæjarklaustur

WHAT TO DO

01 | Head to Þórsmörk [Thorsmork Valley] and discover incredible views — mountain ranges, rock formations and incredible rivers. In fact, it is said that a midnight viewing of the sunset will never be forgotten.

02 | Be sure to visit the Snaefellsnes peninsula, and take in the beautiful wildlife that can be seen in the national park. And, if you are feeling adventurous, take a hike to the top of the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier. There is also a little village called Rif nearby, if you desire a lovely bit of seafood or just a coffee break.

03 | Be sure to visit the Blue Lagoon — a spa, but also, a whole other world, really. One can easily spend a day rejuvenating with a number of special treatments, enjoy the lovely dining, and of course, nature. One can learn about the wonders of geothermal seawater, lava fields nearby, and more.

04 | Many, many visitors set off to the Reykjadalur valley [just outside of the city of Reykjavík] and enjoy the Northern Lights, particularly during the wintertime.

05 | Make a stop in Látrabjarg — the rugged cliffs are home to millions of beautiful birds! [including the famous puffins of the island]. Spectacular nature in every way, and certainly a must-visit.

06 | Bike ride or drive along the coastline to view a number of different species and sizes of whales—in fact, different ports are dotted along the coastline at various points.

07 | Vestmannaeyjar [The Westman Islands] is also a must on the itinerary—not only for its volcanic origins, but for the 16 tiny islands and roughly 30 rocks to create the most incredible view.

WHERE TO SHOP

* [fashion] Kron Kron : Laugavegi 63B
* [home] Arca Design : Efstalandi 26, 108 Reykjavík
* [fashion] GK Reykjavík : Laugavegur 66, 101 Reykjavík
* [accessories] Huld Design : Skólavörðustígur 4, 101 Reykjavík

* [concept store] Kisan : Laugavegi 7, Reykjavik
* [fashion] Andersen & Lauth : Laugavegur 7, 101 Reykjavík
* [jewelry] Orr : Bankastræti 11 – 101 Reykjavík
* [adventure wear] 66 North : Miðhrauni 11 – 210 Garðabæ

WHAT TO PACK

As the saying goes, “if you do not like the weather, wait five minutes — it will change”; according to sources, Iceland’s weather varies greatly, and can change at any time. If you plan to visit during the winter season, we suggest warm layers, complete with chic boots for all of the adventures you have store. As for the Spring and Summer months, we suggest layers, still, as the weather may change and shift from time to time. For weather predictions, we suggest taking a look here.

[asos faux fur collar oversized coat // sandro earmuffs]

WHAT TO TAKE HOME

We suggest a card or two full of photographs, memories forever laid within the mind, and wonderful treasures from your travels. You might wish to pick up a delicate new jewelry piece from Orr, or perhaps a beautiful sweater to cozy up in on brisk, cool days, a great piece from Arca Design for the home, or some wonderful products from Blue Lagoon’s spa shop . . .

—Sarah