The Incredible Allure of Iceland

by Jim Gladstone
Seljalandsfoss, Iceland

The far less trafficked, far more fantastical northeastern route was not just the highlight of my trip last summer, but a highlight of nearly four decades of travel.

Iceland Resources

GENERAL INFORMATION/TOURS
Guide to Iceland. Excellent trip-planning resource with accommodation and tour booking in addition to in depth background info, including a section on LGBTQ travel. www.guidetoiceland.is

Iceland Naturally. Another reference hub with excellent info on culture and arts happenings nationwide. www.icelandnaturally.com

Pink Iceland. Hverfisgata 39, Reykjavik. Tel: 354-562-1919. Gay-owned and focused travel agency that can help arrange and guide tours for queer travelers nationwide. Visitors are welcome to stop by for friendly advice at the Reykjavik office. www.pinkiceland.is

REYKJAVIK
ACCOMMODATIONS
Sif Apartments. Briertartun 9. From $150.00. Tel: 354-550-8900. Beautifully furnished, ultramodern apartments in walking distance of major shopping streets and cultural attractions. www.sifapartments.is

Hotel Odinsve. Thorsgata 1. From $150.00. Tel: 354-511-6200. Chic, minimalist boutique hotel with highly regarded Scandinavian restaurant, Snaps. Excellent central location. www.hotelodinsve.is

Refurrin Reykjavik Guesthouse. Aegisgata 26. From $100. Tel: 354-840-7275. Clean, budget priced guesthouse with shared bathrooms. Charming central location in leafy residential neighborhood. www.refurinn.is

EAT & DRINK
Matur og Drykkur. Grandagarour 2. Tel: 354-571- 8877. This rustic but upscale Michelin pick is perhaps your best choice for sophisticated, authentic Icelandic cooking without touristy gimmicks. Extraordinary. https://www.maturogdrykkur.is/

Café Babalu. Skólavörðustígur 22. Tel: 354- 555-8845. Two-story gay-owned café and restaurant with an outdoor deck and wholesome simple fare, including an excellent tomato soup.
www.facebook.com/Cafe-Babalú-137866499616262/

Grandi Matholl. Grandagarour 16. and Hlemmur Matholl. Laugavegur 107. Lively affordable food halls with stalls, bakeries and sit-down restaurants featuring a range of well-made cuisine and a vibrant social scene. www.grandimatholl.is, www.hlemmurmattholl.is

Kiki Queer Bar. Laugavegar 22. No phone. Drag shows, dancing, and community events. Fun and welcoming. www.kiki.is

Statue on the Northern Coast of Iceland

Hvitserkur is a spectacular rock in the sea on the Northern coast of Iceland. Legends say it is a petrified troll
Photo: Filip Fuxa

STOOVARFJOROUR AND NORTHERN ICELAND
ACCOMMODATIONS
Fosshotel Husavik. Ketilsbraut 22, Husavik. Tel: 354-464-1220. From $75. Contemporary hotel within 5 minutes walk from the whale watching harbor. Ideal midpoint for a two-day driving loop beginning and ending in Egilisstadir. www.islandshotel.is

Kirkubaer Guesthouse. Fjaroarbraut 37a. From $60. Tel: 354-892-3319. A one-of-a-kind converted converted church with 4 double rooms and vista views of the fjord. Full buyout available for groups. Boat and kayak rentals. www.kirkjubaerguesthouse.com

Saxa Guesthouse. Fjaroarbraut 41. From $79. Tel: 354-511-3055. Clean, simple hotel with good breakfast available. www.booking.com

Vogafjos Farm Resort. 660 Myvatnssveit, Myvatn. Tel: 354-464-3800. If you can spare an extra day in the Diamond Circle, this unique hostelry features a breakfast room with sweeping sheepmeadow views and plate glass windows that look directly into a milking barn, so you can see where some of your meal is made! Fantastic location for hiking the lake and the Dimmuborgir rock formations. www.vogafjosfarmresort.is

EAT (AND SHOP)
Brekkan. Fjaroarbraut 44. Tel: 354-475-8939. The only game in town. Friday is pizza night! www.facebook.com/brekkan.stf

VISIT
The Fish Factory Creative Centre. Bankastraeti 1. Tel: 354-537-0711. Drop by to meet resident artists from around the world. Apply for a residency of your own. https://inhere.is

TRANSPORTATION
Egilisstadir Airport
. Miovangur 2. Tel: 354-424- 4000. Gateway to the Eastern Fjords and the Diamond Circle, one hour’s flight from Reykjavik. Rent and return cars from major rental brands here. www.isavia.is/en/egilsstadir-airport

RELATED: Globetrotting Iceland

https://passportmagazine.com/globetrotting-iceland/

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