Not to miss over the holidays

Feeling lost in Iceland over the holidays? Bewildered when faced with the ö’s and ð’s and þ’s of the tourist brochures? Wondering why CNN nominated Reykjavík as one of the 10 best places to spend Christmas? To guide you through the Christmas season, we’ve come up with the definitive list of things to do in Reykjavík over the Christmas holidays.

Visit the Christmas Markets

750x400rvk_jolastemning_snjor_vetur_2011-420The Christmas markets are a relatively recent addition to the Icelandic holiday season. In the grand tradition of the German Weihnachtsmarks, wooden huts have been erected in the center of Reykjavík and Hafnafjörður and visitors can stuff their stockings with Christmas knick-knacks and artwork from local craftsmen, and wash down Icelandic horse sausages with hot cocoa and mulled wine.

Reykjavík Christmas market. Ingólfstorg. Open 12-22, and 12-23 on December 23.
Hafnafjörður Christmas market. Take Bus 1 to the center of Hafnarfjörður. Open 12-17 on the weekends, 16-21 weekdays.

Hunt for the Northern Lights

NASA forecasts the brightest northern lights this year since 1958 due to the solar maximum, the peak of sunspot counts during the sun’s 11-year cycle. You need to travel outside of Reykjavík to see the Northern lights, and various tour companies offer guided tours in search of the aurora borealis.

Pink Iceland and Reykjavík Excursions whisk you away by jeep or bus to search for the northern lights outside the city. A more affordable option is offered by Special Tours where you can buy a boat ride and look to the sky out on the North-Atlantic ocean.

You can time your tour by visiting the website of the Icelandic Meteorological Office which forecasts the activity of the aurora borealis.

Feast on Putrified Fish

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Hangikjöt

The traditional Icelandic Christmas meal is hangikjöt, smoked lamb, with bechamel sauce, potatoes and canned peas. You can purchase this traditional Christmas meal in just about every other restaurant in the city center, but GayIceland invites you to try a more exotic alternative, skata, or rotten fish, with mashed potatoes and brennivín, the Icelandic akvavit, a meal traditionally offered on the 23rd of December.

We need to dig deep into the murky past of Iceland to find the roots of this tradition. The last Catholic bishop was beheaded in Iceland in 1550 (along with two of his sons), but Catholicism is alive and well in Iceland one day year, December 23, St. Thorlak’s Day. The day commemorates the only Icelandic Catholic saint, St. Thorlak, who died in 1193 after a vigorous battle to uphold the clerical celibacy in Iceland (a principle which was routinely ignored in Iceland. The last Catholic bishop in Iceland, Jón Arason, had six children with his consort Helga Sigurðardóttir, the daughter of priest, and local legend says that every Icelander are descended from that happy couple).

In the Catholic era, it was traditional to fast until Christmas Eve, eating fish instead of meat. We still eat fish on December 23, where the traditional evening meal is skata, or putrid skate with mashed potatoes. Whole apartment buildings have banned the preparation of skata due to its pungent aroma.

Skata
Skata

Various restaurants in Reykjavík offer skata during lunch hour on December 23. You can dive into this putrid delicacy at the Fish Company, Sjávargrillið, Vox and the Hotel Saga Radisson BLU. Just remember to have plenty of brennivín at hand to wash the taste away.

Quaff Icelandic Christmas Ale

The traditional drink in Iceland over the holidays is jólaöl, or Chrismas Ale. Perhaps not unsurprisingly in a country where beer was illegal until 1989, this “ale” is non-alcoholic, a mixture of orange soda and malt extract. You can buy jólaöl in every grocery store year-round, but the DIY minded can make their own.

Every family has their own recipe of jólaöl. Now, the more boring families follow the basic recipe of 50% Egils Appelsín orange soda and 50% Egils Maltextrakt. The more adventurous of us spice up the drink with a slug of Coca Cola. Various theories abound about which jugs bring out the perfect taste of jólaöl, how many minutes the drink should stand before drinking, and in which order the different ingredients should be poured. For a quick taste, pour the appelsín orange soda before the malt extract, but if you have a couple of minutes, pour in the malt extract, wait five minutes, and then carefully add the appelsín orange soda. Top up with a slug of malt and (gasp) cola. This order will ensure the maximum density and quality of the jólaöl foam.

Visit the Ghost of Christmas Past in the Reykjavík Suburbs

750x400-arbaejarsafn_jol

Árbæjarsafn offers visitors a chance to observe how Icelanders celebrated Christmas in days gone by. Visitors can learn how to make Christmas candles and gorge on traditional Icelandic Christmas bread and ale. There is a guided tour around the museum grounds every day at 1 pm except the 24., 25., 26. and 31st of December.

Árbæjarsafn is located in Ártúnsholt, Reykjavík. Take Bus 19 from Hlemmur and get off at the bus stop Strengur. Other buses which stop near Árbæjarsafn are Bus 12 and Bus 24. See map.

Discover Non-Sigur Rós Icelandic Music (We do love Sigur Rós btw)

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Retro Stefson

Ásgeir Trausti released his first album in 2012 and is now one of the country’s most popular artists. He has just returned back to Iceland after touring Europe with Of Monsters and Men. On December 27 he will play in Gamla Bíó in Reykjavík, along with the Norwegian artist Kari Jahnsen, whose music has been described as a weird blend of Bon Iver, Poliça and Laura Marling. Gamla Bíó. December 27 at 8 pm. 3,500 ISK. Buy tickets here.

Wishing you had chosen to spend Christmas in the Balkans? You can, if only for one night, in Iðnó on December 27. The progressive Balkan folk bands Ophic oxtra and Skuggamyndir frá Býsans transport guests away from the chilly North to the balmy climes of Southeastern Europe. Iðnó. December 27 at 10 pm. 2,000 ISK. Buy tickets here.

Móses Hightower, Ylja and Snorri Helgason are the rising stars of the Icelandic progressive music scene. These bands join together for a special Christmas concert in Gamla bíó on December 28th. Gamla bíó. December 28 at 9 pm. 3,900 ISK. Buy tickets here.

In the mood to dance? Retro Stefson, Sísí Ey and Hermigervill mix it up in a dance party at Vodafonehöllin on December 30. The house opens at 9 pm and the music starts around 10 pm. Vodafonehöllin is an indoor sports arena just outside the city center. It does not offer alcoholic beverages. so remember to remember to show up sloshed. Vodafonehöllin. December 30 at 10 pm. 3,500 ISK. Buy tickets here.

For the fuddy-duddies who like to learn about a country’s history and cultural heritage (you know who you are), Harpa Concert Hall offers a medley showcasing traditional Icelandic music, folk songs, and psalms. The performers are young Icelandic musicians and the programme is annotated in English. You have five chances to catch the Pearls of Icelandic Song, December 28, 29 and 30 and January 2 and 3. Harpa. December 28, 29, 30, January 2, 3 at 5 pm. 3,900 ISK. Buy tickets here.

Attend the LGBTQ Christmas Ball

Samtökin ’78, the heart of the LGBTQ community in Iceland, hosts its annual Christmas ball at Kiki Queer Bar on December 28th. Look out for announcements (with further details) at the webpage of the National Queer Organization (Samtökin ’78).

Oh, and if you’re not really into the jingle bells, then why not check show up for some jazz at Kiki Queer Bar, tonight (Sunday) and next sunday, where hot frontsman Steini Sax and band will be showcasing their talents. No admission and a pint of beer for only 500 ISK.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Bonfires, Fireworks, and Frenzied Dancing

You haven’t really celebrated New Year’s until you’ve partied in Reykjavík. Begin the celebration by visiting one of the numerous bonfires erected in the city. We recommend the bonfire in Laugardalur, close to Laugardalur City Hostel, about a forty minute walk from the center of Reykjavík (or a five minute cab ride). The fire is lit at 8:30 pm and burns out around midnight. Remember to dress warmly, and bring a bottle of whiskey to discreetly warm your bones. See map.

Every household in Reykjavík buys fireworks for tens of thousands of kronas, and sporadic shooting starts early in the evening. Be prepared for a lull in the festivities at 10:30 pm when the Iceland Public Television station offers its annual New Year’s comedy show, but at 11:25 pm the whole population of Reykjavík runs out into the streets and starts shooting. A good place to enjoy the view is next to Hallgrímskirkja in the city center.

Spend the rest of the night wandering between the Reykjavík clubs, all of which open up at midnight (remember to bring enough cash; this is the only evening of the year clubs have a cover charge). The party lasts until the wee hours of New Year’s Day. We recommend Kiki Queer Bar, located on Laugavegur 22. Kiki is tremendously popular, so show up early around midnight to avoid waiting in line.

If you’d like guided tours, you can always join the fabulous Pink Iceland’s bubbly bonfire tour, where the operators worry about all those pesky logistical matters like transportation and cover charges whilst you can relax and enjoy yourself. Be prepared for dinner, a houseparty and some cocktails, besides enjoying a bonfire and some fireworks  The tour starts early evening and ends at 2 am at Kiki Queer Bar where you can mock the poor schmucks still waiting in line, since the Pink Iceland VIP pass gets you to the front of the queue.

Á. Óskarsson
Á. Óskarsson

Á. Óskarsson offers a variety of products and services to sports centers, swimming pools, schools, kindergartens, and the general public. The company specializes in sport-related products, activity-focused games, and a wide range of solutions for sports facilities.

Á. Óskarsson has been involved in numerous big projects related to building sports facilities and has made it their benchmark to offer good quality products and equipment since the company was founded.

See links to social media in the upper left-hand corner

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Á. Óskarsson selur fjölbreytt vöruúrval fyrir íþróttahús, sundlaugar, skóla og leikskóla og einnig ýmsar vörur til einkaafnota. Fyrirtækið selur vörur til íþróttaiðkunnar og leikja ásamt því að bjóða upp á ýmsar lausnir fyrir íþróttamannvirki.

Á. Óskarsson hefur komið að fjölda stórra verkefna við byggingu íþróttamannvirkja og hefur frá stofnun kappkostað að bjóða vandaðar og endingargóðar vörur.

Tenglar á samfélagsmiðla eru í efra horninu vinstra megin.

Webpage/vefsetur

Blush

    Blush was founded in 2011 when it started selling high quality sex products. The goal from the beginning was to change the market and take the discussion about sex products to a higher level. Today Blush provides professional services in a pleasant environment that fulfills different needs, both for individuals and couples. Blush respects diversity and wants to set a good example in all of its messaging to target audiences. Sexual health and equality in sex is important and Blush wants to focus on those issues through education and open discussion. Blush works in a socially responsible manner for society, their customers and the environment.

    Check out Blush’s website: https://blush.is/

    Omnom Chocolate
    - award-winning chocolate maker

      Omnom Chocolate is an Icelandic craft chocolate company based in Reykjavík. We produce handcrafted chocolate from organic cacao beans sourced ethically and sustainably. We’ve developed direct relationships to create premium chocolate with fine flavor cacao beans.

      Our creative flavors are carefully crafted by meticulous chocolate makers. The cacao beans are roasted, winnowed, ground, and refined into melty-smooth chocolate.

      Omnom’s process is one of constant exploration, invention, and experimentation. If it doesn’t please us, if something isn’t absolutely delicious, there’s no reason to be doing it. So, we always start with our taste buds and follow our instincts. Our team searches for the finest ingredients in the world and new ways to improve chocolate. This obsession with knowing where our ingredients come from has led us around the corner to dairy farms in the Icelandic countryside and all the way to rainforest cacao farms of Nicaragua.

      In only a few short years, we’ve grown from our 50 sq. m. petrol station space and become an award-winning chocolate maker. Now, with our headquarters in 101 Reykjavík, our chocolate is sent out around Iceland and all over the world.

      At the end of the day, our goal is to make chocolate.

       

      Nasdaq

         

        Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a global technology company serving the capital markets and other industries. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software and services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence.

        With over 4,300 employees in 39 offices around the world, at Nasdaq we all contribute to the success of the company and its culture, and each one of us has the ability to make a difference. When it comes to our core mission and values, we embrace the role of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) as a fundamental driver of our corporate growth, workplace culture and market development. We strive to create a culture that embraces the power of different perspectives—a culture where people’s unique backgrounds and different experiences helps us fuel innovation and support our clients around the world.

        Our unique position at the center of the capital markets allows us to see firsthand how these values have redefined corporate culture and success, deepening and accelerating our own commitment to champion inclusive growth and prosperity, as we strive to create more equitable opportunities to help people of all backgrounds reach their full potential. Most notably, we published our diversity statistics for the first time in 2020. These metrics serve as a quantitative assessment of where we are today and help determine what strategies we need to adopt to enhance diversity in the workplace. We recognize that we have much work to do, but we are steadfast in our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive culture—one that reflects the communities in which we live, allows all employees to be their true, authentic selves and fosters individual growth and achievement.

        As we move forward together, we will continue advancing diverse ideas and perspectives that help fulfill the promise of a more inclusive and prosperous world. We aim to set the pace for rethinking capital markets and economies anywhere and everywhere. To learn more about the company, technology solutions and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on Twitter @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

        Blue Lagoon
        - One of the 25 Wonders of the World

        Named by National Geographic as one of the 25 Wonders of the World, the Blue Lagoon is a shimmering expanse of warmth, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Its unique geothermal seawater
        comes from 2.000 meters within the earth where seawater and freshwater converge in a tectonic realm of porous lava and searing heat. Propelled by extreme pressure, the water ascends to the earth’s surface, emerging enriched with silica, algae, and minerals—the elements that endow Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater with its radiant, healing properties.

        From its humble beginnings in the shadows of a geothermal power plant, Blue Lagoon has evolved into a world of wonder, now encompassing two hotels, three restaurants, three
        geothermal lagoons, a subterranean spa, a renowned line of skin care, a thriving research center, and a wealth of spa and refreshment facilities.

        Achieving harmony with the volcanic landscape, the lagoon and its surrounding architecture embody the unification of the man-made and the natural, and adhere to the highest principles of sustainability.

        The Blue Lagoon. A wonder of the world. A world of wonder.

        Landsbankinn
        - leading financial institution
        Landsbankinn

        Landsbankinn is a leading Icelandic financial institution. It offers a full range of financial services and is the market leader in the Icelandic financial service sector with the largest branch network.

        The present bank was established on 7 October 2008 but the history of its predecessor dates back to 1886. The bank is owned by the National Treasury of Iceland, which holds 98.2% of its share capital, and other shareholders who own 1.8%.

        Landsbankinn’s strategy is to provide comprehensive financial services that meet customer’s needs. It emphasizes providing exemplary service to customers, developing e-banking for their convenience, increasing the efficiency of support functions, modernizing its technology and ensuring effective utilization of its balance sheet.

        The bank’s vision is to be exemplary and its role is to be a trusted financial partner.

        Special emphasis is placed on promoting a performance-oriented culture in the bank. To follow up on the implementation of this strategy, the bank has defined key goals which are measured regularly to determine progress. These goals include, for example, customer satisfaction and loyalty, profitability, cost efficiency and the correlation between risk appetite and employee satisfaction.

        Landsbankinn wishes to lead the development of a sustainable society in Iceland by integrating economic, social and environmental concerns in its operations. The Bank aims to ensure that both its owners and society at large benefit from its activities.

        It intends to achieve this aim by building solid infrastructure and a strong team of 1.100 employees, by listening to its customers and by respecting and encouraging its employees to actively participate in their community. Landsbankinn was a founding member of Festa, a Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility, and is a member of the UN Global Compact.

        Landsbankinn has been a proud sponsor of the Reykjavik Pride since it was first celebrated in Iceland.

        Dohop
        - get inspired
        Dohop

        Dohop allows people to find the cheapest flights available with just one click. Founded in Reykjavik in 2004, it is the only Icelandic company of its kind and quickly became the go-to tool for finding cheap flights among the locals. Dohop finds the best deals among hundreds of different airlines and online travel agencies, to make sure that the user is getting the cheapest price. Dohop also offers hotel and car rental search engines, so users can make all of their travel bookings from a single website.

        Dohop‘s specialty is finding so-called “self-connect” flight options, which can save travelers money by booking a ticket through two or more different airlines. The ability to look for these self-connect option is what sets Dohop apart from its competition, as it can save people hundreds of dollars on certain routes.

        More recently, Dohop has developed a unique product called Dohop Go!, which allows users to check for the cheapest available flights from their home airport. This tool is perfect for those who are looking for travel inspiration but are not willing to overpay for their flight ticket. Dohop Go! is now available in the Dohop Flights App, both for Android and iOS, along with its traditional flight, hotel, and car search engines. “

        VSÓ Ráðgjöf

           

          VSÓ Ráðgjöf er alhliða ráðgjafar- og verkfræðifyrirtæki sem leggur áherslu á trausta og faglega þjónustu sem tryggir viðskiptavinum hagkvæmustu lausnir hverju sinni, skilar raunverulegum árangri og stuðlar að samkeppnisforskoti.  Á skrifstofum VSÓ í Reykjavík og í Noregi starfar yfir 80 manna samhentur hópur verkfræðinga og annarra tæknimenntaðra starfsmanna.

          Macland
          - for all your Apple needs
          Macland

          From starting out as a proper startup with only a good idea and the need to change things, to becoming an established company with 6 employees. Starting from scratch and expanding organically has allowed us to love our expansion and take our customers on the ride with us.

          Macland is located at Laugavegur 23 (101, Downtown Reykjavik)
          For all your Apple needs. We are here.

          Ísey skyr
          - once tasted never forgotten

          Our Story
          Once upon a time, 1,100 years ago in fact, Nordic settlers began arriving in Iceland. They brought with them the skills and knowledge for producing skyr. As time passed, the know-how and recipe for this nutritious food slowly faded out elsewhere in the Nordic region. Luckily, the Icelandic skyr-making tradition continued.

          For centuries, Icelandic skyr formed a cornerstone of the national diet, helping to keep people strong in living conditions that were often harsh. On family farms countrywide, it was the women who nurtured this dairy and passing on both the recipe and the original Icelandic skyr cultures from mother to daughter.

          Ísey skyr builds on this remarkable legacy. It was some of those very same women, the recipients of their mothers’ expertise, who, around 90 years ago, taught Icelandic dairy scientists the art of skyr-making. The production process is more high-tech these days, and the quality standards more rigorous. However, the basic recipe and the use of original cultures to ferment the skimmed milk remain the same. Protein rich, fat-free, creamy and delicious – Ísey skyr is as relevant to consumers now as it was all those centuries ago.
          This is our secret and you are in on it

          You can read more about Ísey skyr on our website.

          Contact Us


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