A Survival Guide for Iceland’s Stormiest Days

With summer approaching, it's good to know what you can do on one of those stormy days when you find yourself stuck indoors in a small town or village in Iceland.

It is possible to go outside and brave the wind and cold to soak in a nearby hot pot - the complete list of pools and natural hot springs in Iceland is on this site http://www.sundlaug.is along with any other necessary information you’ll need i.e. price lists and opening times. Nothing brings more security while embracing a winter storm in full swing, than a nice serene bath in a 40-degree hot pot - outdoors!

If you're in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavík you can rent a DVD from the video store on Klapparstigur. We recommend the two Icelandic movies Djúpið, and Á klödum Eldfjall klaka, both are very good choices for a cosy night in (that’s if you haven’t seen them already). You can also try out the local independent cinema Bío Paradís on Hverfisgata; there you can see a wide selection of Icelandic and international films. Or if you prefer to hear some Icelandic music, the excellent music store 12 Tonar provides headphones for anyone wishing to check out what's on sale - this is a lovely time spent listening to the vibes of local bands like Sigur Rós and Múm.

Read! The chain bookstore Eymundsson stays open until 22 hours on weekdays and allows customers to peruse through books and magazines (a lot of books are in English) while enjoying a cup of coffee or hot chocolate from their store’s coffee shop. Each town and village have a good public library and a huge selection of English books. If you have the chance to stay with a host, you can borrow a good book for sure because most Icelanders keep shelves filled with interesting books to get them through the long winter evenings.

Knit! Why not learn to knit a lopapeysa? You will find wool sold in specific stores and some supermarkets. You can find knitting instructions in English on the Internet.

Finally, if you're planning to outstay the winter weather in Iceland, here's a list of things to do to prepare you for the Icelandic culture: Watch videos of Viltu LAERA íslensku on the internet for initiation into the  Icelandic language. They are simple videos and very well done. Cook an Icelandic specialty. We found very good recipes on the internet to make a skyrterta (skyr tart, kind of "cheesecake") or jólakaka (Christmas cake). Read (or reread) that good Icelandic thriller that you have stored away in your personal library.

Joanne, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
May 2016

Enjoy Reykjavík’s Kolaportið Weekend Market

Lopapeysa is a souvenir that perfectly represents Iceland. It is a traditional sweater made out of intricate and distinct pattern. These handmade sweaters were created using sheep’s wool, which explains why they are amazingly warm. However, these sweaters may be quite expensive, reaching even more than 30,000 ISK in local stores along Laugavegur Street, the main shopping destination in Reykjavík.

In order to get a cheaper, yet same high-quality option, try visiting the Kolaportið weekend market. What is very interesting about this place is that it gives off the traditional feel of Iceland. The people that gather here come from all sorts of backgrounds, buying and selling things. Everybody who visits this market is in for a good deal. It is very charming, with a twist of a little weirdness as well.

Even though there are a lot of things that are worth buying in this market, such as used books, knick knacks, vintage shoes and clothes, local delicacies and even DVDs, the best offers are the ones on Iopapeysas. In this market, you can find a good deal for half the price, at 15,000 ISK. You may also decide to purchase other items such as mittens, woollen hats, and scarves.

Visit all the stalls and try on different options until you eventually find your fit. You may also attempt to negotiate, but most of the prices are fixed and are already hugely discounted, compared to the bigger stores.

The Kolaportið weekend market is an indoor location which is usually open during the weekend. The store hours are between 11:00 – 17:00, and they are occasionally open during public holidays. Most of the vendors do not receive cash. However, there is an ATM inside the market. You may not get a tax on your purchase, but because of the savings that you got, the tax does not really matter. Plus, you can also go and get yourself a good lunch at the fish stalls in the area.

Therefore, if you are searching for an activity to do on a boring weekend afternoon, head to Kolaportið weekend market and enjoy a shopping spree.

Kolla, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
© 2014 Iceland24h.blogspot.com, November 2014