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Sourcebook Iceland

I C E L A N D
  • 101 Hotel

    Hverfisgata 10, Reykjavík
    Contemporary design hotel near main shopping area
    http://www.101hotel.is
  • Babalu

    Skólavördustígur 22A, Reykjavík
    Cozy coffee shop - like being in someone’s living room - timeworn sofas, and shelves overflowing with books and games
    http://www.babalu.is
  • Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

    Kiosk on corner of Tryggvagata and Posthusstraet, Reykjavík
    Outdoor kiosk near Reykjavik's harbor. Worth the wait to stand in the queue - the best hot dogs (some say in the world) ; make sure you have one with all 5 condiments (ketchup, sweet brown mustard, remoulade, fried onions, and raw onions.)
    http://bbp.is/en/
  • Blue Lagoon

    Grindavík
    Geothermal spa in the middle of a lava field. Steam rises from the warm, milky blue water. The outside air temperature was 19˚F when I was there. Heavenly.
    http://www.bluelagoon.com
  • Ella

    Ingolfsstraeti 5, Reykjavík
    Elinrós Líndal presents her couture collection of timeless, tailor-made (the workroom is behind the store) clothing for women in top quality fabrics, including Loro Piana wool, at reasonable prices.
    http://www.ellabyel.com
  • Farmers Market

    Eyjarslóö 9, Reykjavík
    Also sell their collection at Geysir - inspired by traditional design and Icelandic materials, a chic, contemporary clothing and accessories brand
    http://www.farmersmarket.is
  • Forétta Barinn

    Nÿlendugata 14, Reykjavik
    Menu of small plates - Icelandic tapas - next to Netagerdin Work & Shop, and with the same spirit of design
    http://www.forrettabarinn.is
  • Friða Frænka

    Vesturgata 3, Reykjavik
    Floor to ceiling collection of antiques on two levels of a traditional Icelandic home. Mid-century modern ceramics and lighting, vintage silver and porcelain, Victorian sewing machines - a bit of everything.
    http://www.grapevine.is/Shopping/ReadArticle/All-Kinds-of-Everything
  • Geysir

    Skolavörõustigur 16, Reykjavik
    The trendiest of the traditional Icelandic sweater shops
    http://www.geysirshops.is
  • Geysir Geothermal Area


    Boiling mud pits, exploding geysers and the lively Strokkur which spouts water 30 metres (100 ft) into the air every few minutes. The newly opened Geysir Center offers exhibits and informative presentations year round.
    http://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/plan-your-trip/travel-search/details/the-great-geysir?type=place
  • Gullfoss Waterfall (The Golden Falls)


    Iconic waterfall located in South Iceland on the Hvítá (White) river which is fed by Iceland´s second biggest glacier, the Langjökull. The water plummets down 32 meters in two stages into a rugged canyon which walls reach up to 70 meters in height. On a sunny day shimmering rainbows can be seen over the falls.
    http://gullfoss.is/about-gullfoss/
  • Hellisheidavirkjun (Geothermal Power Plant)


    Geothermal Exhibition at Hellisheidi Power Station houses an interactive exhibition centering on the development of geothermal energy in Iceland. Geology, technology and history are represented in an accessible and entertaining way through informative and entertaining multimedia exhibits.
    https://www.geothermalexhibition.com/
  • Hotel Borg

    Pósthússtræti 11, Reykjavík
    Historic art deco hotel renovated for 4-star luxury
    http://www.hotelborg.is
  • Kolaportið Flea Market

    Tryggvagata 19, Reykjavík
    A lively hodge podge: Vintage record albums, hand knit wool mittens, books, antiques, crafts, and clothes, even bulk seafood, with hardly any tourist schlock, in warehouse building on the harbor
    http://www.iheartreykjavik.net/2012/05/kolaportid-flea-market/
  • Kraum

    Aðalstræti 10, Reykjavík
    Expertly curated collection of Icelandic crafts
    http://www.kraum.is
  • Lake Laugarvatn – Vígðalaug pool


    Laugarvatn is a shallow lake, about 2 km2 in size, and is located in the inlands of Árnessýsla, midway between Þingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir, 100 km from Reykjavík. Under its floor there are hot springs heating the lake so it is warm and suitable for bathing all year round. On its bank rests a village of over 300 inhabitants, also named Laugarvatn. One of the hot springs connected to the lake is Vígdalaug. When the Icelandic nation became Christian the pool was consecrated by Norwegian priests and used as a baptism pool.
    https://www.south.is/en/inspiration/towns/laugarvatn
  • Langjökull glacier


    The Long Glacier (1355m) is the second largest in Iceland. For jeep and snowmobile trips, Langjokull is the most popular glacier in Iceland and skiing and hiking is possible as well. **Do not travel alone on Langjokull, as there are many cracks in the glacier. Experience of the area is important.
    https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/langjokull
  • Laundromat Cafe

    Austurstraeti 9, Reykjavik
    Diner-style menu, quirky design
    http://www.thelaundromatcafe.com
  • Netagerdin Work & Shop

    Nylendugata 14, Reykjavík
    Six Icelandic designers and a record label work and sell their fabulous products here
    http://www.netagerdin.is
  • Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)


    The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of Iceland’s most famous attractions. These beautiful green (and sometimes white, pink and purple!) lights dance around the sky in Iceland quite frequently – but can only be seen in the wintertime. The reason: In order to see them it needs to be dark. So even though the Northern Lights occur all year round, you’re unable to see them in the summertime because of the midnight sun. The best time to see the Northern Lights is from September to mid-April.
    https://guidetoiceland.is/book-trips-holiday/nature-tours/northern-lights
  • Steinunn

    Grandagarður 17, Reykjavik
    Designer, Steinunn Sigurdardottir, worked for Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Tom Ford for Gucci, before creating her own stunning clothing brand; beautifully tailored clothing, predominantly black and white, with cutting-edge style.
    http://www.steinunn.com
  • Tíu Dropar

    Laugavegur 27, Reykjavik
    Perfect for a shopping break on the main drag - below the street, tiny rooms crammed with mismatched tables and chairs - try the pancakes (pönnukökur) with rhubarb jam and whipped cream
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/T%C3%ADu-Dropar/133580753900
  • Þingvellir National Park


    UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Þingvellir - literally "Parliament Plains" - the Alþing general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and therefore the place is held in high esteem by all Icelanders. Today Þingvellir is a protected national shrine. According to the law, passed in 1928, the protected area shall always be the property of the Icelandic nation, under the preservation of the Alþing.
    http://www.thingvellir.is/english.aspx
  • Golden Circle : See
  • Geysir Geothermal Area


    Boiling mud pits, exploding geysers and the lively Strokkur which spouts water 30 metres (100 ft) into the air every few minutes. The newly opened Geysir Center offers exhibits and informative presentations year round.
    http://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/plan-your-trip/travel-search/details/the-great-geysir?type=place
  • Gullfoss Waterfall (The Golden Falls)


    Iconic waterfall located in South Iceland on the Hvítá (White) river which is fed by Iceland´s second biggest glacier, the Langjökull. The water plummets down 32 meters in two stages into a rugged canyon which walls reach up to 70 meters in height. On a sunny day shimmering rainbows can be seen over the falls.
    http://gullfoss.is/about-gullfoss/
  • Hellisheidavirkjun (Geothermal Power Plant)


    Geothermal Exhibition at Hellisheidi Power Station houses an interactive exhibition centering on the development of geothermal energy in Iceland. Geology, technology and history are represented in an accessible and entertaining way through informative and entertaining multimedia exhibits.
    https://www.geothermalexhibition.com/
  • Lake Laugarvatn – Vígðalaug pool


    Laugarvatn is a shallow lake, about 2 km2 in size, and is located in the inlands of Árnessýsla, midway between Þingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir, 100 km from Reykjavík. Under its floor there are hot springs heating the lake so it is warm and suitable for bathing all year round. On its bank rests a village of over 300 inhabitants, also named Laugarvatn. One of the hot springs connected to the lake is Vígdalaug. When the Icelandic nation became Christian the pool was consecrated by Norwegian priests and used as a baptism pool.
    https://www.south.is/en/inspiration/towns/laugarvatn
  • Langjökull glacier


    The Long Glacier (1355m) is the second largest in Iceland. For jeep and snowmobile trips, Langjokull is the most popular glacier in Iceland and skiing and hiking is possible as well. **Do not travel alone on Langjokull, as there are many cracks in the glacier. Experience of the area is important.
    https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/langjokull
  • Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)


    The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of Iceland’s most famous attractions. These beautiful green (and sometimes white, pink and purple!) lights dance around the sky in Iceland quite frequently – but can only be seen in the wintertime. The reason: In order to see them it needs to be dark. So even though the Northern Lights occur all year round, you’re unable to see them in the summertime because of the midnight sun. The best time to see the Northern Lights is from September to mid-April.
    https://guidetoiceland.is/book-trips-holiday/nature-tours/northern-lights
  • Þingvellir National Park


    UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Þingvellir - literally "Parliament Plains" - the Alþing general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and therefore the place is held in high esteem by all Icelanders. Today Þingvellir is a protected national shrine. According to the law, passed in 1928, the protected area shall always be the property of the Icelandic nation, under the preservation of the Alþing.
    http://www.thingvellir.is/english.aspx
  • Grindavík : See
  • Blue Lagoon

    Grindavík
    Geothermal spa in the middle of a lava field. Steam rises from the warm, milky blue water. The outside air temperature was 19˚F when I was there. Heavenly.
    http://www.bluelagoon.com
  • Reykjavik : Eat
  • Babalu

    Skólavördustígur 22A, Reykjavík
    Cozy coffee shop - like being in someone’s living room - timeworn sofas, and shelves overflowing with books and games
    http://www.babalu.is
  • Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

    Kiosk on corner of Tryggvagata and Posthusstraet, Reykjavík
    Outdoor kiosk near Reykjavik's harbor. Worth the wait to stand in the queue - the best hot dogs (some say in the world) ; make sure you have one with all 5 condiments (ketchup, sweet brown mustard, remoulade, fried onions, and raw onions.)
    http://bbp.is/en/
  • Forétta Barinn

    Nÿlendugata 14, Reykjavik
    Menu of small plates - Icelandic tapas - next to Netagerdin Work & Shop, and with the same spirit of design
    http://www.forrettabarinn.is
  • Laundromat Cafe

    Austurstraeti 9, Reykjavik
    Diner-style menu, quirky design
    http://www.thelaundromatcafe.com
  • Tíu Dropar

    Laugavegur 27, Reykjavik
    Perfect for a shopping break on the main drag - below the street, tiny rooms crammed with mismatched tables and chairs - try the pancakes (pönnukökur) with rhubarb jam and whipped cream
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/T%C3%ADu-Dropar/133580753900
  • Reykjavik : Shop
  • Ella

    Ingolfsstraeti 5, Reykjavík
    Elinrós Líndal presents her couture collection of timeless, tailor-made (the workroom is behind the store) clothing for women in top quality fabrics, including Loro Piana wool, at reasonable prices.
    http://www.ellabyel.com
  • Farmers Market

    Eyjarslóö 9, Reykjavík
    Also sell their collection at Geysir - inspired by traditional design and Icelandic materials, a chic, contemporary clothing and accessories brand
    http://www.farmersmarket.is
  • Friða Frænka

    Vesturgata 3, Reykjavik
    Floor to ceiling collection of antiques on two levels of a traditional Icelandic home. Mid-century modern ceramics and lighting, vintage silver and porcelain, Victorian sewing machines - a bit of everything.
    http://www.grapevine.is/Shopping/ReadArticle/All-Kinds-of-Everything
  • Geysir

    Skolavörõustigur 16, Reykjavik
    The trendiest of the traditional Icelandic sweater shops
    http://www.geysirshops.is
  • Kolaportið Flea Market

    Tryggvagata 19, Reykjavík
    A lively hodge podge: Vintage record albums, hand knit wool mittens, books, antiques, crafts, and clothes, even bulk seafood, with hardly any tourist schlock, in warehouse building on the harbor
    http://www.iheartreykjavik.net/2012/05/kolaportid-flea-market/
  • Kraum

    Aðalstræti 10, Reykjavík
    Expertly curated collection of Icelandic crafts
    http://www.kraum.is
  • Netagerdin Work & Shop

    Nylendugata 14, Reykjavík
    Six Icelandic designers and a record label work and sell their fabulous products here
    http://www.netagerdin.is
  • Steinunn

    Grandagarður 17, Reykjavik
    Designer, Steinunn Sigurdardottir, worked for Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Tom Ford for Gucci, before creating her own stunning clothing brand; beautifully tailored clothing, predominantly black and white, with cutting-edge style.
    http://www.steinunn.com
  • Reykjavik : Stay
  • 101 Hotel

    Hverfisgata 10, Reykjavík
    Contemporary design hotel near main shopping area
    http://www.101hotel.is
  • Hotel Borg

    Pósthússtræti 11, Reykjavík
    Historic art deco hotel renovated for 4-star luxury
    http://www.hotelborg.is
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    Just One Suitcase

    Hi, I'm Pam Peterson. I am a designer and a writer.

    I’ve been a costume designer for “Saturday Night Live," an Emmy award-winning TV art director for Martha Stewart, art directed shows for Food Network and HGTV—and I design real-life homes not on TV.

    As a writer, I have been a contributor to Huffington Post and Dwell, and write this blog. I've also completed a novel and have two more in the works. I am represented by Ann Leslie Tuttle at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret Literary Agency.

    Oh yeah—and when I'm not designing or writing I travel the world. With just one suitcase.

    Subscribe to my newsletter to receive travel tips, information on places to eat, sleep, stay and see around the world, and news on upcoming book publications.

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