I originally posted this in a thread about renting and driving, but I think we could benefit from a thread where we can post our experiences and suggestions for others - especially for those with broader interests than the Blue Lagoon and Brennivin.
So, to start:
When driving southeast from Reykjavik - Keflavík close by the coast en route toward Skögafoss, Vik and Jökulsárlón, look South toward the Vestmanneyjar / Westman Islands. There’s a frequent mirage where the islands look very close and you can see even such details as structures on the islands. Of course, they’re actually pretty far - and the next time you look they might just be fits in the distance. This is one of those details you probably won’t read about in a guidebook, but IMO it’s an interesting phenomenon in its own right.
Another is a rural traditional rural sod farmhouse, art gallery and friendly café on the road to Vik,
Íslenski bćrinn / Icelandic Turf House) not far from Reykjavik near Selfoss (look for very low profile signage - a bit challenging to find, look for the large modern turf house version gallery off the highway). Austur-Međalholt, Selfoss.
It was fascinating to see how pioneering Icelanders lived and the turf houses that allowed them and their animals to survive the windy, brutal winter weather - our host had lived in this house as a child, prior to moving with his family to Reykjavik. The exhibit hall next door highlights local artists.
Open Sundays, but also by appointment:
Telephones:
+354 694 8108
+354 864 4484
+354 892 2702
Email: islenskibaerinn <at> islenskibaerinn.is
The café, Kaffi Vöđlakot, operated by luthier from Netherlands, 1,500 ISK for coffee, cake, a very pleasant interlude. We listened to some
langspil (traditional Icelandic lute) music, had a very nice home made cake and had to insist on getting a price and paying, as the host was happy to serve and entertain us, but a bit reticent to charge us. No tourists, just a few Icelanders out for a Sunday outing were there. We visited 7 Jul 2016, and the café has changed hands - be prepared to pay, but very reasonable pricing. More information at
Íslenski Bćrinn Turf House. Also on
Facebook. Highly recommended.
But... generally restricted to being open weekends, especially Sunday, during the summer. Contact information on the website and Facebook. Or, for the café,
@vodlakot on Twitter for the Café
Call +354 696 1321
vodlakot <ar> gmail.com
The more known attractions in the Vik area are waterfalls and beaches. You can read about those on Guide to Iceland,
The beautiful Waterfalls of South-Iceland; Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss & Gljúfrabúi, by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir,
here. We also visited these on our southeast I eland visit.
I’ll add some of our experiences and suggestions. Please do add yours.