Four museums in Reykjavik not to be missed

Ljósmyndlistasafnið Reykjavíkur

The Reykjavík Museum of Photography is located on the top floor of the Grófarhús  building on Tryggvagata, which is also home to the city‘s public library. Admission is free and it is open every day from 12.00 to 19.00 (18.00 on Friday) and on weekends from 13.00 -17.00.

Founded in 1981, the museum boasts a collection of more than six million photographs, with both Icelandic and international photography, amateur and professional. There you can find portraits, press photos, commercial photography, and the museum also keeps family photo albums and private collections. The collection dates back from 1860 to present day. Each year, the museum organizes about a dozen exhibitions on different themes.

Árbærsafn

Árbærsafn is a historic outdoor museum located in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík. The museum is made up of over twenty buildings that form a central square, a village and farm and it  aims to show the Icelandic way of life at different times. It was erected on the site of the former Árbær farm in 1957.

From the 1st of  June to the 31st of August, the museum is open daily, from 10 am to 5pm. During the rest of the year, it is possible to arrange private visits by appointment or there is the option of taking part in a tour, that takes place at at 1pm everyday. Admission is 1,500 kroner (11 euros) per person and free for children under 18 years of age. There are  many events held here during the year, such as the days of crafts, the annual exhibition of old vehicles or the Christmas exhibition.

In summer, do not be surprised to see sheep and goats wander the gardens of the museum. There is also a souvenir shop, a charming café (home of Dillon) and a library on the premises.

Listasafnið Reykjavíkur

The city of Reykjavík Art Museum is located in three different buildings, scattered around the capital. Hafnarhus is in the city center, Kjarvalsstadir is located in Klambratún and Asmundarsafn park. The museum displays the work of the three most famous artists of Iceland; painters Erró and Kjarval, and the sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson. 

There are also regular exhibitions, usually lasting three or four months from Icelandic and international artists. In all, the museum has a collection of 17,000 works, and also hosts conferences and events regularly. The museum is open all year from 10.00 to 17.00, and the entry cost is 1500 Kronur.

Nýlistasafnið

The museum of the performing arts, more known as NYLO is an organization run by artists. Founded in 1978 by two local artists, Niels Hafstein and Magnús Pálsson, the museum was created to provide a space where artists could discuss Icelandic cultural policies. 

For the past 35 years, NYLO has been offering a varied artistic and cultural program and often non-mainstream, which includes performance, video sessions, concerts, poetry evenings and theater. NYLO is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12.00 (13.00 on the weekends) to 17.00 and the entrance is free.

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Supermarket shopping in Iceland

When preparing a trip to Iceland, it is useful to know where you can go shopping. All the Icelandic towns and villages have at least one supermarket or you may have the option of going to a fish market, bakery or grocery store.

Supermarket shopping is by far the cheapest. Bónus, the supermarket chain, is the most inexpensive of Iceland, and you will find this store easily in major cities thanks to its pink smiling pig logo. If you're in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik, there is a large Bónus in the district of Grandi. You may be lucky enough to be served by the wonderful cashier Fransisca Mwansa, an immigrant from Zambia, who is known as "the happiest cashier of Iceland". It transforms the bland experience of your shopping into a  Christmas tale (and if you think I am exaggerating, you‘ve clearly not had the pleasure of meeting her)! 

The supermarket is emblematic and was the subject of a book of poems by Andri Snær Magnuson; built as the Divine Comedy of Dante, the poems take you through the shelves of the supermarket,  beginning with Paradise (fruit and vegetables) and Hell (meat department) and finally to Purgatory (detergents).

The fruit and vegetable selection at Bónus is quite limited if you want more choice, try the Krónan or Nettó supermarkets. Stores such as Samkaup Urval, Samkaup Strax, 10-11 and Hagkaup are more expensive than the previous ones, but often it is possible to find a more  international selection. Hagkaup, kind of similar to Marks and Spencers, sells cosmetics , clothes and decorative items in addition to more traditional products; this is the place to go if you want to buy a French goat bûchette, jar of duck fat or organic milk.

At the supermarket check-out, the cashier will usually ask how many bags you intend to use, as you will have to pay for these when purchasing your goods. It also makes sense to buy reusable bags which are stronger and more durable.

In larger cities, you will also have a choice of small neighborhood shops, such as Melabúðin in the Vesturbær neighborhood of Reykjavík, shops selling local and organic products, such as Lifandi markaður or Heilsuhúsið, and specialty stores such as the cheese shop,Óstabúðin, on Skölavorðurstígur, which is also a  restaurant.

Most of the petrol stations also have convenience stores with deli counters and coffee. Kiosks that sell hot dogs and sweets known as sjóppa are located throughout many of the towns.

It is forbidden to display cigarettes in stores in Iceland, so the cashier will keep them behind the counter. Alcohol can only be bought in the off-license Vínbúð, which is owned by the state and controls the sale of alcohol.

Supermarkets are generally open from 10 or 11 to 6 p.m., and open at noon on Sunday. In larger cities, stores such as  10-11, Hagkaup or Samkaup are open round the clock.

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Winter in Iceland

When?

I first  discovered Iceland during the winter and I thought there was nothing more beautiful than Iceland in the snow ... After spending five winters on the island, I learned to appreciate the charms of the summer, but winter is still a special season that must be seen! It usually starts to get wintery in late October and this can last until April; generally the snow in the Reykjavik area doesn't arrive till around December, but it will arrive earlier inland and on the mountains. It is however important to  remember that these are only guidelines –Icelandic weather is unpredictable, snow in June is not impossible and neither is it impossible for temperatures to exceed 10 degrees in October. The winter months are very dark with little daylight and night time lasting from 16 hours to 11 hours during the shortest months. 

How?

The weather can be unpredictable and erratic, although, it is not as cold as many people would believe it to be (it is much colder in New York or Canada) and temperatures are around zero degrees all winter. It is often windy though, and this makes it feel colder that it actually is. Pack suitable clothes in your suitcase. Be prepared to change your plans and your route if necessary because storms and road closures are common. Check road conditions here.

What?

One of the great wonders of the winter is of course the Northern Lights, which are visible from September to April. In order to see the northern lights, it must be dark with clear skies and a suitable amount of solar activity will have had to have taken place. You can try to spot them by yourself or enjoy the services of a guide during an excursion.

The winter activities are numerous: skiing and snowboarding, dog sledding, snowmobiling, glacier hiking, you will always find plenty to do on your trip. Do not forget your swimsuit as pools and hot springs are a delight, especially in winter. In Reykjavík, you can also go whale watching throughout the year.

The highlands of Iceland are not accessible during the  winter. However, some sworn guides can take you there. Landmannalaugar is one of the most beautiful destinations in Iceland. What could be more magical than going  there alone, with family or friends in the middle of a snowy paradise? Visit Landmannalaugar in the winter with a guide.

Festivals and celebrations are plentiful in winter, the most famous certainly being the Iceland Airwaves Festival, and the most welcome Reykjavík Winter Lights Festival, which takes place in the middle of February, when light and energy are at their lowest! Enjoy the excitement of Christmas and madness of the New Year celebrations in Iceland.

Be careful when visiting -ice and snow are everywhere and surfaces, paths and roads become very slippery and dangerous. Be prepared and familiarize yourself with emergency numbers. Keep an eye on travel sites and social networks so you are well informed of possible severe weather changes, avalanches or other treacherous conditions:

112

http://safetravel.is created by the Icelandic Lifeguard Association

http://en.vedur.is

http://www.road.is

@safeiniceland

Iceland24h.blogspot.com

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Free activities in Akureyri

We’ve already compiled a small list of free leisure activities in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavík and so here's the rest of the series with a list of things to do without spending a penny in the second largest city in Iceland, Akureyri!

Visit Listagilið, the art district of Akureyri where you'll find the centre of visual arts, Ketilhúsið, and the Akureyri Art Museum, (Listasafnið á Akureyri). These two art institutes open their doors to the public and offer art exhibitions from local and international artists -  outside high season (July-August), they open from 12 noon - 17:00. There are also occasional events (exhibitions, art sales, flea markets) in Deiglan, facing the center of the visual arts. In the basement of the Akureyri Art Museum, the group of artists involved in the workshop Kaktus, often open their door for exhibitions, concerts, and various events. While there you'll find a collection of reading comics accessible to the public, comfortably installed in one of their sofas. The cultural centre and conference hall Hof (known for its architecture) and Eymundsson library also exhibit work from local artists.

The city library of Akureyri, Amtsbókasafnið á Akureyri, is well stocked with newspapers, magazines and books on the region and Iceland in general. If you travel from September to May with young children, and you wish to indulge in the Icelandic language, there are a story and activity every Thursday at 16:15 for children, in the children's corner of the library.

Every Saturday from September to June of every year, the sea captain of the fishing boat Huni II, invites the public to have coffee on board, between 10:00 until 12 noon. It’s a wonderful opportunity to sit chatting with your friends over a coffee, on a historical fishing boat, with an interior that plunges you straight into the world of the Icelandic fisherman - it’s worth the experience.

After visiting the Church of Akureyri, we recommend you visit the botanical garden, listagarðurinn, where you can admire hundreds of plants and flowers. Also, on the outside of the woods Kjarnaskógur, you'll find an ideal place for picnics and barbecues and a walking area. In the winter time, you will find a cross-country track if you wish to go for a run. The ski resort Hlíðarfjall has a free toboggan run, which will delight the young ones.

Throughout the year, there are many free events around the Akureyri city; check out the calendar online!

Joanne, Iceland24h.blogspot.com

Akranes Travel Guide

Located in the Western part of Iceland, Akranes is a major economic center that also has a lot to offer the intrepid traveler.

There is actually a lot more to Akranes than initially meets the eye. While not necessarily a shabby town, it is a little rougher around the edges than other tourist spots. It is only once you spend time there that you get to see the beauty that lies below the surface.

Akranes is a lot like Keflavik and Selfoss in that they would be major tourist spots where it not for their proximity to Reykjavik. These three town, as well as a few other smaller ones that sit nestled between them, share a common bond, which is that many of their residents travel to Reykjavic to work and play. This is especially true in Akranes, as the 1998 opening of the Hvalfjörður tunnel shaved the travel time to the Big City to about 60 minutes.

This is also a great benefit to tourists, as it makes Akranes easier to get to. There are a number of reasons why you would want to visit.

If history and culture are what you seek, Akranes is the place to visit. The Garðar museum area is where you will find all manner of different museums, displaying everything from sports memorabilia to the history of the aforementioned tunnel. The Akranes Folk Museum is home to a number of fun little displays, including a huge selection of thimbles. It’s also a fantastic place to grab a quick bite to eat.

Football fans will likely already know about Akranes, and specifically ÍA, who just happen to be one of Iceland’s most successful teams. All told, they have won the championship 18 times, with their glory years coming in the 90’s when they won it an incredible five times straight. Things went a little downhill after that, but the team is once again on the rise in the Pepsi League.

During the summer months, you need to visit Langisandur, which is close to Akranes, as well as being home to a wonderful beach. You will also find peaceful nature trails in the area, with many on and around Mount Akrafjall.

The mountain will even call to you when you are in Reykjavik, as it is clearly visible from the Big City. The peak of the mountain is easily accessible to even the most novice of hikers, and the views it offers really cannot be beat.

A new place to visit is the Akranes Lighthouse in Breiðin. The general public have only recently been granted access, and the views from the top are fantastic. On a clear day, you may even be able to spy Reykjavic off over the bay. The lighthouse is operated by a local photographer who loves to talk about his project. You can take in the lighthouse on weekdays between 10:00 and 12:00, during which time you will learn a lot about its history.

Akranes is located off Route 1, but is still easy to access. All you have to do is take a left after the Hvalfjörður tunnel, or you could also skip the tunnel route and take a trip along the old Hvalfjörður road. Both routes will add an interesting leg to your Northward journey.

Kolla, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
© 2016 Iceland24h.blogspot.com

Northern Lights in Iceland - Best Tips to see Northern Lights

The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that can paint the night sky with unearthly, surreal color. To observers at far-northern latitudes, they're a frequent occurrence, but many who live in more temperate climates have never seen them, even though they're sometimes seen as far south as 35 degrees north latitude.

And the ideal place to see Northern Lights is Iceland: Astronomers are predicting that the Northern Lights will be some of the brightest in decades over the next few years due to a peak in the solar cycle, so now is the time to visit.

Planning to see the Northern Lights in Iceland

There is no guarantee to see the Northern Lights, even if you are in the best areas. However, a bit of planning will radically increase your chances.  In Iceland, good periods are between from late August to mid April.

1. Darkness is required.
2. The time between 6pm and 4am is the most intense period of the day.  The highest probability within this timespan is between 10 and 11pm.
3. Clear skies. The weather is probably the most important success factor (up to 80% of all clear nights).
4. The colder the temperature, the brighter the show.

Aurora Forecast

The spectacle of Aurora Borealis requires dark and partly clear skies. Cloud cover forecast is given for the next few days, in maps where white means clear skies. Aurora Forecast from the Icelandic Met Office here.

The information on the page will update accordingly, see the small frames above and to the right.

Photography

Taking good pictures of the Northern Lights is very difficult, since they're fast-moving, often faint and against a pitch-dark background, all of which befuddles consumer point-and-shoots. Here's what you need for a sporting chance:

- A camera that supports manual exposure (5 to 40 seconds).
- A fast lens (aperture f/2.8 or better)
- Fast film (800 ASA or better), or equivalent ISO setting on a digital camera.
- A tripod to hold the long exposure
- Cable release or self-timer to trigger shots without stirring the camera

As you can imagine, one of the questions we get asked most in wintertime is how, when and where you can see the Northern Lights in Iceland. We really hope you will be able to try out the Northern Lights hunting adventure of your own (you don't need to pay a "Northern Lights Tour", do it yourself!).

Experience a wonder of nature in Iceland!

Best regards from Reykjavík

Berglind Rós, Iceland24h.blogspot.com

Iceland: The country of ice cream

Iceland is not only known for its glaciers (Snæfellsjökull, Vatnajökull), but also for its ice cream. In any season or weather situation, the locals consume large quantities of ice cream of many kinds. The ice cream shop is the only place in Iceland where you’ll find a queue on a Friday night at 22 hours. Below is a brief overview of the best places to eat ice cream in Iceland!

Ísbúð Vesturbæjar, in the district of the same name, is considered by many as the best ice cream shop in Reykjavík. It offers a milk-based ice cream, and you can choose three flavours per ice cream from a vast range such as chocolate, strawberry, banana, kiwi, chocolate-chip, blueberries, to name a few. The result is delicious and is called Þeyttingur. You will also find a selection of more traditional ice creams such as vanilla ice cream surrounded by a chocolate glazed "clown" for children, ice cream with chocolate sauce (hot or cold), ice cream with licorice (licorice another popular treat in Iceland) and so on …

Other Ice cream shops available in Reykjavík are Yoyo, known for its frozen yogurts, and Valdís, known for its original flavours (e.g. peanut flavor).

The Brynja Akureyri ice cream shop, located in the old city, ranks as one of the best in Iceland. But be careful, however, when choosing the size of the Icelandic ice cream; "medium" for an Icelander is considered  "huge" for a foreign traveller ... In Akureyri’s city centre, it’s possible to find an ice cream shop on the street, Geislagata, and some cafes that also offer frozen desserts, and ice cream served in a cone (í brauði) or cardboard container (í lassi).

You will find ice cream in all petrol stations or kiosks (sjóppur) around the country. Some farms also make homemade ice creams, such as Holtsel in Eyjafjörður, Erpsstaðir near Snaefellsnes peninsula, Efstidalur near the Golden Circle and Brunhóll near Vatnajökull. Brunhóll calls their ice cream Jöklaís, which translates  “glacier ice."

Ísbílinn is a truck that supplies farms in the countryside with all kinds of ice cream treasures, a great invention and treat for anyone living in rural parts of Iceland. In the summer time, ísbílinn ( translates "ice car") also stops in major towns and announces its presence with music playing over its speaker -the international signal for the ice cream van. In winter, the mobile ice cream trucks are confined to small towns and remote valleys.