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5 Ways How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint While in Iceland
Climate change has become a hot topic in recent times, especially since we can see with our own eyes the frightful impact and destruction which we are causing to our one and only planet. The attention has been made more apparent through young activists such as Greta Thunberg who brings the environmental crisis to center stage. We commend such young people for taking such huge strides to combat this dire situation by asking governments, businesses and individuals to take responsibility for the effects we are all having on our plant and to offer ways how to reduce our carbon footprint.
The impact of climate change on Iceland is especially grave and it is possible to see these changes with clarity not as visible in other countries. The seasons in Iceland have changed drastically in the last several years. This past summer of 2019 was the warmest on record (since data started being collected). The ice is melting at alarming rates thereby robbing us of some of Iceland’s most precious resources: glaciers. The Okjökull Glacier, located in the west of Iceland, formerly known as ‘ÖK’, no longer exists. As the Icelandic people, we especially feel this loss. To commemorate this, a funeral and eulogy were held for glacier ÖK in August and a plaque was placed where the magnificent glacier once stood.
Scientists and experts in the field say that this is only the beginning, that there will be many more losses of important natural landmarks in the near future. We have already suffered a 7% loss of glacier volume over the last 20 years and if this tragic trend continues glaciers will cease to exist in 200 years.
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For the Icelanders and the Icelandic economy (including tourism of course), this is already having devastating effects. We have to act now, the time for talking has passed.
Iceland’s government together with the Iceland Tourist board has pledged to make the country carbon neutral by 2040. There are many designated areas where there must be improvements: to reduce the use of fossil fuels, to reduce carbon emissions, and to reduce waste in general.But we also strongly believe that it is the responsibility of each individual, each organization and each business to do its part to help reduce our carbon footprint in any way and to any degree possible. While we might make the effort at home, how can we help when we are off enjoying ourselves on vacation, when taking a trip or when on holiday?
We have a few methods to help those interested in knowing how to reduce their carbon footprint when traveling to Iceland.
5 Methods How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint while travelling on Iceland:
1. Take the Icelandic Pledge:
The Icelandic Pledge is an oath for locals and travelers alike. It is a reminder that while exploring Iceland and appreciating all of its natural beauty there are steps to be taken in order to ensure that those who come after us find those places in the same or better conditions than when we passed by.
In beautifully written prose, it asks that we all walk, hike, sight see, drive, park, sleep and answer the call to nature only on designated paths, roads, and locations (rather than making new ones and thereby destroying a bit more of Mother Nature). In addition, it also asks us to be vigilant of what is around you, for your safety as well as for the safety of Iceland.
You can join the thousands, including ourselves, who have taken the challenge here: https://inspiredbyiceland.com/icelandicpledge.
2. Take the Kranavatn Challenge:
Kranavatn is the Icelandic word for ‘tap water’ and while in some countries it is not advisable to drink water from the tap, the tap water in Iceland is better than most bottled water bought around the world. It is pure spring water, which for centuries has been filtered naturally through lava rock, giving you delicious, clean, crisp water you won’t find anywhere else.
This challenge asks all participants to drink only Kranavatn (tap) water during their time in Iceland and to only use reusable bottles instead of constantly buying new plastic bottles from shops or restaurants. This reduction in plastic bottles and bottled water goes a long way in reducing the need to create more plastic and to dispose of more plastic.
Remember that while recycling is important, it is much better and more efficient to simply consume less and thereby reduce our waste production.
3. Rent an electric car on Iceland:
Some of our car rental providers offer electric cars (the cleanest energy available currently). Choose from a Nissan Leaf, Kia Niro or VW Golf when you go to rent a car and know that you have made the choice to create significantly less CO2 emissions during your trip around Iceland.
There is some debate about the ‘green-ness’ of electric cars. Current models of electric cars are certainly not carbon-free, however they do emit less carbon overall than petrol and diesel engine cars. Electric cars are powered by power grids which can and many times do, get their energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind or water, so in these cases, the source of energy to fuel the electric cars is healthier for the environment. And Iceland is proud to say that they are the only country in the world to use 100% renewable energy sources for electricity and heating, so electric cars in Iceland are using the cleanest energy available.
In addition, as the technology improves in coming years, the manufacturing of electric cars will become more and more efficient and beneficial to the environment.
4. Choose a ‘carbon-neutral’ tour:
We are pleased to be able to announce that some of our providers have been hard at work creating tours which are carbon neutral, meaning that the net total of carbon emissions that occur during the tour or excursion have or will be offset by actions taken by the tour providers, such as planting trees.
We have marked these tours with our special eco-friendly puffin so that you know which tours we are referring to and you can make more education decisions when choosing a tour.
5. Pay to offset your carbon footprint:
You may have seen this offer before when buying a plane ticket, “Pay to offset your carbon footprint” or “Make a donation to reduce your carbon footprint” or “Buy carbon credits here.”
These programs and others like them receive your payments and use them for projects around the globe that are taking steps to reduce our carbon footprints.
One such program is Kolvidur, an Icelandic organization, whose sole purpose is to plant trees around Iceland in order to offset the https://kolvidur.is/carbon-calculator/ carbon emissions from flights, cars and caravans. By simply making a donation of around $2 USD/tree, you can make a world of difference. They even offer you the calculator in order to determine your carbon emissions for traveling to, from and within Iceland.
Check it out, calculate your carbon footprint and make a donation https://kolvidur.is/einstaklingar/ ! Or, when choosing one of our tours or trips, you can choose to buy carbon credits and pay for them while paying for your trip. For a few extra dollars you can plant a few trees and help Mother Nature breath a bit better.
5 More Methods How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint while travelling:
There are many ways in which we can help reduce our carbon footprint no matter where in the world we are, where we travel to or how busy we are in our travels. Below we’ve listed a few more ways in which you can reduce your carbon footprint.
1. Support organizations and companies that fight against the destruction of the planet and support environmentally friendly policy and legislation (and don’t support others i.e. airBnB).
https://noplasticwaste.org/
The EPA started the Water Sense H2otel Challenge where you can learn about which hotels have signed up to participate and learn about methods of reducing water use at hotels.
Don’t stay at golf resorts in the desert. Landscaping uses an enormous amount of water, especially in places such as the desert or other environments which are far from natural water supplies. Golf courses in particular are extremely unsustainable and use an exorbitant amount of water. So if you want to take a vacation to golf, why not go somewhere like Scotland, where there is an average of 200 days of rainfall a year, ensuring that the courses don’t need constant maintenance.
2. Travel by public or shared transportation.
Even when traveling there are options for using public transportation. In fact, sometimes this is one of the most authentic ways to see what life is like in the places you are visiting. Whether it’s the subway through NYC, the underground of London, buses with chickens a top in Bolivia or night trains in northern Vietnam, why not really dive into the local culture and ride along with the locals?
Shared rides are another great option. While carpooling is highly recommended when commuting to and from work, there are similar options when traveling. This could be a platform such as BlaBlacar which is popular in Europe, PopaRide in Canada, sRide in India, and JumpinRides in South Africa.
And of course, there is the age-old method of hitchhiking! While caution should always be taken, this is another very environmentally friendly way of traveling as you don’t add any additional CO2 emissions by taking advantage of drivers already en route to your destination.
3. Bring your own towel (or at least reuse your towels while in one location).
National Geographic reported that in the US, laundry use at hotels and accommodation accounts for 16% of all water usage (second only to toilets and showers--see below about reducing showers). Imagine if you brought your own towel so that valuable resources were not used to wash towels after every guest. You don’t change your towel each day at home, so why do so on the road?
A study done at a high end hotel in the Canaries found that by reminding visitors to reuse their towels, a year of such actions would help reduce water usage by 129,000 liters and therefore reduce carbon emissions from this hotel by 1,676 kg.
4. Travel as much to explore as to help and take care of.
Travel can be many things: an adventure, a new experience, a chance to get away, an escape, a return to nature, a thrill. These are many of the reasons many people, including ourselves travel. But there is also the opportunity to leave an impression wherever you go. Whether this is employing a local tour guide, eating at a local restaurant, donating time and/or money to a local organization or simply picking up a bit of trash you find along the way.
We all have the ability to leave things a bit better than we found them. And this goes for the amazing destinations we are lucky enough to visit.
5. REDUCE, Reuse and Recycle
The order of this well-known campaign is just as important as the words themselves. The first and foremost thing to do is REDUCE!!!!!! If you reduce what you buy, what you use and what you waste, then there will be less need to produce more things for us to consume.
This means buying fewer clothes and opting for clothing that is made to last years, not the next fashion season. Business Insider reports, “The fashion industry produces 10% of all humanity's carbon emissions, is the second-largest consumer of the world's water supply, and pollutes the oceans with microplastics.” And while we can’t go around naked, clothing sales are up 60% since the start of this century.
Buy less things in general. The minimalist movement and Marie Kondo who has a Netflix series "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo," have shown the world that LESS really and truly is MORE. Again, if we need and own fewer things then we’re not adding to the consumerism economy and not creating unnecessary waste when we realize we have too many things in our houses and lives.
Reduce your intake of certain foods such as meat. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization found that animal agriculture contributes 13%-18% of the earth’s total carbon emissions (only behind general energy use and deforestation). You do not have to give up your favorite dish, buy you can reduce the meals that contain meat each week.
Also be aware of how much food you buy and then throw away. The World Wildlife Organization estimates that 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted each year throughout the world, which creates 11% of all greenhouse gas emissions. When traveling, you can always share larger portions among friends (then you all get to try more new dishes), ask the restaurant to pack any leftovers to take for a free lunch the next day, or stay at accommodation with kitchens and shop at local farmers’ markets and enjoy the typical and healthy fruits and vegetables.
Reduce your use of water and electricity. One easy way is to disconnect your chargers or any electrical device when not in use, even the TV or minifridge if you don’t need it during your stay. And that goes for the AC unit as well. If you are gone from your room for most of the day, there is no need to leave it running 10 -14 hours.
Reuse plastic bags, plastic bottles and plastic containers if you do find yourself with them. It’s hard to completely ignore them, but try to be conscious of using them for as long as possible instead of simply throwing them away.
We have all contributed to the current situation of our planet and there won’t be any easy solution, but we can take responsibility for our actions and do whatever is possible to counterbalance our actions on Earth and in Iceland. We hope that you will choose several, or ALL of the above suggestions during your time visiting Iceland and that you bring some of these practices wherever you go next, whether back home or onto some other wild adventure.
We all love and appreciate the beauty and resources this planet has to offer, so we must do our part to ensure that it is still around for future generations.
Responsibility: We ask all guests, visitors, travelers and clients to be responsible tourists and to always respect nature. The beauty that surrounds us on Iceland is becoming more fragile and vulnerable than in other countries and it is impertinent that we treat it with respect and care. ID 761
Golden Circle and South Coast of Iceland in 3-Days
You haven’t seen Iceland till you travel with us. We’ve combined the best and brightest from the Golden Circle and South Coast of Iceland in a convenient and thrilling 3-day tour package. It’s got everything: the Golden Circle, the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls, Vatnajökull Glacier (biggest in Europe), Skaftafell, Diamond Beach, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the scenic coastal town of Vík, Reynisfjara’s black sand beaches, and a glacier hike.
Enjoy the trip from a VIP minibus with free WIFI on board, your personal, experienced and English speaking tour guide, entrance to a natural ice cave, hotel accommodation and breakfast.
You think you've seen it all till you travel with us. Come and be amazed in the Golden Circle and the South Coast.
Now available: carbon offset you trip when you book your trip with us.*
RESERVE YOUR 3-DAY TRIP ON THE GOLDEN CIRCLE AND SOUTH COAST OF ICELAND HERE:
ITINERARY FOR THE 3-DAY GOLDEN CIRCLE-SOUTH COAST OF ICELAND TRIP
There is very good reason why the Golden Circle and the South Coast are the two top tours in Iceland. With so much to see and so little time, we’ve concocted the most loved attractions so you can see it all in our 3-Day Golden Circle / South Coast trip. Allow us to guide you along this magnificent stretch of land, from Reykjavík, past farmlands, glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, into caves, and behind waterfalls.
OVERVIEW:
DAY 1: GOLDEN CIRCLE - THINGVELLIR - GEYSIR - WATERFALLS
DAY 2: SOUTH COAST: REYNISFJARA - JÖKULSÁRLÓN - DIAMOND BEACH - ICE CAVE
DAY 3: GLACIER HIKE ON VATNAYJÖKULL GLACIER
DAY 1: GOLDEN CIRCLE: Þingvellir - Geysir - Gullfoss Waterfall - Seljalandsfoss - Skogafoss - Vik
- Pick-up from your hotel or designated tourist bus stop in Reykjavík (8:00 a.m.**)
- Head east into the Golden Circle (one of the most popular destinations in Iceland).
- 1st Stop: Þingvellir National Park has it all - history, culture, natural beauty and geological significance. Its name derives from the Old Norse word for ‘thing’ or ‘assembly’ and ‘field’ and that is precisely what it is. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for containing the world’s longest continual parliament from 930-1798. It is also a natural beauty, which will become apparent as you arrive and see the gorgeous rocky cliffs, creating sheer walls on either side, rising above the roads and rivers. And to top it off, you can witness with your own eyes, the diversion of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which here form part of the Reykjanes Ridge and more largely, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. (Although you would have to wait a whole year to see the divide reach 2.5 cm or about 1 in.)
- 2nd Stop: the Great Geysir, whose name comes from the Icelandic word for ‘to gush’ went on to ‘name’ all other geysers. As this was the first geyser known in Europe, its name became the name for all spouting hot springs. Although no longer active itself, this area is full of geothermal activity.
- 3rd Stop: Strokkur Geyser is only a few steps away (50 meters to be exact) from the Great Geysir and this one offers a wonderful show which is sure to make all audience members jump back a few feet in surprise. It runs (nearly) like clockwork every 5-10 minutes and usually erupts with boiling water to heights of 20 meters, although it’s possible to reach 40 meters.
- 4th Stop: Gullfoss (Golden) Waterfall, which gets its name from the shade the water turns as it gushes over the lava rocks, is situated in the canyon of the Hvítá River. The water spills down in a dramatic spectacular over 2 rock faces, showcasing Mother Nature’s aquatic power.
- 5th Stop: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall where your waterproof clothing will come in handy when you walk behind the waterfall to an amazing cave.
- 6th Stop: Skógafoss Waterfall which offers impressive views of the surrounding area and the volcano Eyjafjallajökull. The guide will recount stories of ancient tales that are still alive in the minds of the locals in Iceland.
- The night will be spent in Vik, a quaint coastal town, with spectacular views from the Vík í Mýrdal Church. Looking westward, you can see the Reynisfjara Beach and admire the sea stacks from afar. At night we will test our luck at spying the Northern Lights, one of the most magical sights in the world.
DAY 2: SOUTH COAST: Reynisfjara- - Jökulsárlón - Diamond Beach - Ice Cave
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- 1st Stop: Reynisfjara Beach where you can see volcanic created black sand, basalt columns which are all so geometrically exact that they seem to have been carved by man, and rocky sea stacks jutting out of the sea. And if you’re lucky and visiting in the summer months, you might spy puffins nesting in the rocks.
- 2nd Stop: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a true crowd pleaser. Watch in delight as small icebergs sail by, heading to the ocean. Also keep your eyes open for seals as they are sometimes seen in these parts.
- 3rd Stop: Diamond Beach, where some of these icebergs come ashore, making Diamond Beach shimmer and shine against the black sand. It’s no wonder so many Hollywood Blockbusters have chosen to use this area for filming locations (think James Bond and Batman).
- 4th Stop: Natural Ice Cave in Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, which behind the Northern Lights sighting, might be the second most magical sight in Iceland and the whole world. You'll be surrounded by crystal ice walls, ceilings and floors. The blueish-greenish hue of the ice is simply out of this world and something you have to experience for yourself..
- 5th Stop: Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park for the night, where we will once again brave the cold and gaze upward in order to get a chance to see the Northern Lights.
DAY 3: SOUTH COAST GLACIER HIKE: Vatnajökull Glacier - Jökulsárlón
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- 1st Stop: This day has one and only objective - to hike on the Svínafellsjökull Glacier. Follow your guide, strap on your pair of ice crampons, and climb upon an actual glacier! Glaciers are more than huge pieces of ice. They have so many characteristics and traits that can only be admired once upon them. You'll learn about and see crevasses, ice falls, ridges and sinkholes. Also learn about how must climate change has had an impact on the glaciers in Iceland.
- 2nd (possible) Stop: If there is time and the weather permits, there is a possibility to stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon on the way back to Reykjavík.
- Enjoy the ride back to Reykjavík as each second on Iceland is the chance to see something new and wonderful.
Details of the 3-Day Golden Circle to South Coast Trip
Minimum age requirement: 8 years.
What's included: Transportation via minibus w/ pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík, WIFI on board, English speaking guide, guided tour along the Golden Circle and South Coast, hotel accommodation for 2 nights (private), 2breakfast in the hotel, entrance to ice cave, guided glacier hike, necessary safety equipment.
Destinations: Golden Circle, Thingvellir Nat. Park, Great Geysir, Gulfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skogafoss Waterfalls, Vatnajökull Glacier, Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Vík, Reynisfjara, ice cave.
Optional equipment to rent: hiking boots, waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, hiking poles.
Size of group: Up to 18 guests per guide.
What to bring? rainproof jacket and boots, layers of warm clothing of fleece or wool (not cotton), hats, mittens, gloves, scarves.
Important information about the 3-day Golden Circle and South Coast Trip:
Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and a spectacular one at that. However, we cannot guarantee that they will be seen.
*ISLANDICA s.r.o. is proud to offer this (and many other trips) in which it is possible to make your trip with us carbon neutral. You can do so when you purchase a carbon offset voucher upon booking this trip. This money will be donated to an Icelandic organization which plants native trees on Iceland. For more information, please feel free to reach out to us and we’d be happy to answer any questions. Thank you very much.
**Pick-up is available at any of the predetermined tourist bus stops around Reykjavík. Please see our page to find out where and how to use the tourist bus stops. Depending on the number of passengers, the pick-up time may vary, so please be ready and waiting at the appropriate location at 8:00 a.m.
Important Note: All of the activities on the glacier are completed under the responsibility of each client and guest. Neither the provider of the tour, nor ISLANDICA s.r.o. will or can be held responsible in the unlikely event of an accident that could potentially happen during the activities or by an action taken by the guest him/herself. All individuals who partake in these activities accept these conditions. It is possible that there will be additional signature requirements before completing certain activities, declaring that he/she is conscience of these activities that carry with them certain risks. AA-ID757
WONDERS ON THE VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER
-HIKE FROM SKAFTAFELL TO FALLJÖKULL
The Vatnajokull Glacier tour and hike on Skaftafell grant visitors the ability to gaze upon frozen formations, while hidden beneath are volcanes which helped to form the Vatnajokull Glacier as we know it today.
Glaciers are more than bodies of stagnant ice, they are moving, living creatures and your guide will be sure to show you the many wondrous secrets that are only available to visitors who dare to step onto the ice.
BOOK YOUR VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER HIKE AND TOUR HERE:
DETAILS OF THE GLACIER HIKE ON VATNAJÖKULL EXCURSION
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Level of difficulty: Easy (1-2 of 5)
Duration of tour: 3.5 hours including transportation
Place of tour: Vatnajökull Glacier National Park
Included in the price: Transportation to the glacier, guided tour, certified English speaking guide, equipment necessary to hike on the glacier, return transportation to Skaftafell, local taxes.
Dates and times of departure: 5 times daily; please consult the reservation panel, times depend on reservations
Pick-up point: Skaftafell Booking Center, over 300km/205mi from Reykjavík, about 4 hours in car. To arrive, take Highway 1 till Skaftafell.
Minimum Age: 8 years
What to bring: Due to the nature of Iceland's climate, please come prepared with warm clothing, suitable for cold weather. This includes waterproof jackets, pants, hiking boots, hats, gloves, scarves, sunglasses and of course, a camera.
MORE INFORMATION ON THE EXCURSION:
HIKING TOUR ON THE GLACIER
The short but thrilling 3-hour tour will start with a 15-minute car ride in the direction of the Falljökull Glacier. From there, it is a 30 minute hike up to the Falljökull Glacier with wondrous views the whole route, including the highest peak in Iceland: Hvannadalshnúkur. During the climb, your experienced guide will discuss the nature of glaciers and show the ways in which current climate changes have and will and have effected these glaciers. Once you're reached Falljökull, it's time to gear up with crampons and set out on the marvelous and unforgettable experience of walking on the glacier. The hour you spend on the glacier will be something to remember forever as you see first hand how a glacier is always changing and always beautiful.
Important note: All of the activities on the glacier happen according to the full and complete responsibility of the clients. ISLANDICA s.r.o. does not take responsibility for any incidents that occur involving the participants while on the excursion. Any action taken by the participants, is at their own risk and ISLANDICA s.r.o. is not liable for any harm, damage or injuries experienced by the participants. By signing up for and making a reservation for this or any other tour, excursion or outing with ISLANDICA s.r.o. the participants accept these conditions. It is possible that the participants will be asked to sign a waiver to ensure understanding of these conditions, declaring that he or she is conscious of the inherent risks that come with these activities. Code AA:GG-GW. ID735
MAKE A RESERVATION AT ONE OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN REYKJAVÍK
- ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET -
RESTAURANT - BEST SEAFOOD BUFFET IN REYJKAVIK
Would you dream of leaving Iceland without indulging in traditional Icelandic food? Don’t miss out on the best seafood restaurant in Reykjavík. Make a reservation will allows you an “all-you-can-eat” experience from their extensive menu, including a wide variety of fish, duck, seafood, salads, soups, delectable desserts and even a surprise typical of an Icelandic meal. Also included in the meal is glacier water, coffee and tea. Reserve online and guarantee that you will have a beautiful table waiting for you upon arrival. Reservations are available for lunch or dinner (prices differ accordingly and the reservation is only for those who made it). The restaurant is located in the very center of Reykjavík, close to all hotels and accommodations, easy to get to from anywhere. Come to Iceland and taste something new!
MAKE A RESERVATION FOR LUNCH OR DINNER AT THE BEST BUFFET RESTAURANT IN REYKJAVIK:
Information about the best restaurant in Reykjavík
This popular restaurant is found in a beautiful, old building in the downtown area of Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. It provides a relaxed and elegant ambiance, with wonderful service and an “all-you-can-eat” seafood buffet menu full of the best culinary dishes that Iceland has to offer. You can select from seafood, turkey, and fish. Vegetarians and vegans will also delight in the large quantity and quality of the many soups and salads that they offer.
The Lunch Buffet is the perfect option for friends or families who would like to sample many cold fish dishes (marinated herring, smoked salmon, fermented shark are just some of the traditional Icelandic dishes to start with). The menu changes on a daily basis but includes some of the dishes that are served in the dinner buffet. This includes a daily soup with fresh baked bread, a large selection of cold appetizers, a hot main dish, pasta salad, and traditional desserts and Italian gelato to top it all off with.
The Seafood Dinner Buffet is a delicious treat for food lovers of all tastes and palates. Come hungry as the dinner option offers the same dishes as lunch and much MORE! After trying some of the cold starters (marinated, smoked or fermented fishes), you'll get to select from even more hot main dishes such as blue ling with mango and jalapeno sauce, traditional fish stew, and pan fried seafood just to name a few. In between, add some of the sides: spiced rice, sweet potato salad, beetroot and goat cheese salad, and roasted vegetables. And don't forget to leave room for dessert! There are traditional sweets such as rhubarb cake and Skyr mousse (an absolute MUST) as well as some international favorites such as a variety of Italian gelato and chocolate brownies.
Take advantage of your time in Reykjavík to try all the best foods Iceland has to offer in one location, with a great atmosphere and superb service.
DETAILS ABOUT RESERVATIONS
- Reservations:
- It is recommended that you make a reservation ahead of time and online to ensure availability.
Opening hours and time needed: - Open every day for lunch from 11:30 to 15:00 and dinner from 18:00 to 22:00.. "All you can eat"!
- Address of the restaurant:
- Vesturgata 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.
Included in the price: - The reservation includes a table reserved in your name, access to the open "all you can eat" buffet with glacier water, coffee or tea, local iva.
- Food Dishes:
- Soup and bread, cold appetizers, hot dishes, salads, vegetable dishes, cakes, pies, gelato
- Not included:
- Beer, wine, espresso, latte, soft drinks or other drinks not included on the menu.
History of the best buffet restaurant in Reykjavík
The restaurant has quite a history that many guests find fascinating but few are lucky enough to learn about. In 1863, a man named CP A Koch built a house with a pier out front. However, in order to receive the permission to go through with this construction, he needed to agree to create and allow for passage of all people through a corridor in the building.
The Pier House as it came to be called, was at first a warehouse and office for the sea post. Many came to feel that this was the unofficial gateway to Reykjavík. Travelers and merchants arriving would pass from the boats to land through this passageway and those on land would await news of loved ones who had gone abroad from this location.
The pier later became known under the name “Fisher’s Pier” for Waldemar Fischer, a Dutch merchant who used it was a warehouse.
When the Council of Reykjavík mandated the use of housing numbers in 1888, the Pier House was granted the address ‘Vesturgata 2 (West Street 2)’ and it became the first numbered house and the center of the old city.
This establishment became a textile house in 1903. Later still, storage of coal, fishing gear and salt for the H.P. Duus company and subsequently the pier was renamed the Duus Pier.
In 1927 several levels were added so that the building grew from one story to three under the Nathan & Olsen trading company.
This same building became the main office and sales office for Icelandair in 1960; then the premises for Alafoss Wool Factory; then a night club; and finally a restaurant as it is today.
The restaurant in Reykjavík is one of the biggest in the city and definitely one of the most popular.
Note: Please remember that beer, wine, espressos, lattes, soft drinks and other drinks are NOT included in the price of the buffet (lunch or dinner). The reservation is only valid for either the lunch OR the dinner times, according to what you have selected in the booking. ID743.
Volcano helicopter tour in Iceland
Soar in helicopter from Reykjavík above an ancient volcano with geothermal vents
Dare yourself to discover Iceland from the highest point possible by reserving a helicopter tour and ride which passes over one of the most impressive areas of the island, a geothermal zone. Fly above the Hellisheiði Plateau, the geothermal area of Hengill, Nesjavallavirkjun, Hellisheiðarvirkjun, the Bláfjöll mountain range, the lava fields and craters of Kristnitökuhraun and Reykjavik on this awe-inspiring flight in which you will be shown the most volcanic side of Iceland, the Land of Ice and Fire. The tour lasts approximately 50-60 minutes, including a touch down of about 15 minutes in a geothermal zone of an ancient volcano.
Check out this other amazing helicopter ride above and around Reykjavík.
BOOK YOUR HELICOPTER RIDE OVER A VOLCANO:
DETAILS OF THE EXCURSION “VOLCANO HELICOPTER TOUR IN ICELAND”
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Included in the price:
Helicopter excursion of 25-50 minutes with an extra 15-minute landing in the geothermal area of an ancient volcano, local VAT, English-speaking pilot/guide (in one)
Reservations:
It is recommended to reserve your spot online several days ahead of the date you wish to attend, in order to guarantee availability.
Minimum age requirements:
This excursion is apt for all ages. Children ages 2-12 receive a discount.
Place(s) of the excursion:
Departure from the domestic airport in Reykjavík.
Duration:
50-60 minutes in total (25-50 minutes of flight time)
Departures:
There are several scheduled departures in the morning and in the afternoon. The morning departure times vary between 08:00 a 13:00 and the afternoon times between 13:00 a 20:00. Please keep in mind that during the winter months, the operations start earlier due to the fact that there is less light during this time of year which will affect visibility during the flight.
ITINERARY FOR THE EXCURSION “VOLCANO HELICOPTER TOUR IN ICELAND”
On this guided flight, we take off from the domestic airport in Reykjavík and fly above one of the most active volcanic zones on the island, the Hellisheiði Plateau, where you will see the lava fields covered in moss which stretch until the horizon, interwoven with colorful mountains of basalt, misty thermal springs and the very same central geothermal vents that supply heat to Reykjavi.
We will be sure to touchdown outside of the typical tourist routes in order to present firsthand, the most remote side of Iceland. In the geothermal area of Hengill, names as such because of the Hengill Volcano, one can witness the complete nature of Iceland. We will take you to some thermal springs and in the spring you may be surprised with a glimpse of the wild sheep which roam through the valley. But no matter the season, this area offers magical, colorful and beautiful vistas.
On the way back, we will be delighted with a panoramic view above Reykjavik, so that you have the unique sight of the capital of Iceland. The helicopter flight lasts for a total of 25-50 minutes, flying above the various mentioned ‘hotspots’: the Hellisheiði Plateau, the geothermal area of Hengill, Nesjavallavirkjun, Hellisheiðarvirkjun, the Bláfjöll mountain range, Reykjavik, the lava fields of Kristnitökuhraun and the craters. The total duration of the visit is approximately 50-60 minutes as this includes a 15-minute landing in a geothermal area on the ancient volcano.
More information: If the weather conditions do not permit for a helicopter flight, the provider will try to change the time and/or day of the flight. If this is not possible, the total payment will be returned. You can also see this other helicopter ride tour which soars above Reykjavik, showing the goregous landscapes and coastal views.
What you need to bring: We highly recommend that no matter the time of year that you come to visit Iceland, you come prepared for the cold! This means packing and wearing very warm and insulated clothing. We suggest waterproof and windproof jackets, pants and shoes/boots. As well, it is advisable to wear several layers and add a hat, scarf, mittens, gloves and sunglasses and bring a camera.
Important note: All of the activities on the glacier happen according to the full and complete responsibility of the clients. ISLANDICA s.r.o. does not take responsibility for any incidents that occur involving the participants while on the excursion. Any action taken by the participants, is at their own risk and ISLANDICA s.r.o. is not liable for any harm, damage or injuries experienced by the participants. By signing up for and making a reservation for this or any other tour, excursion or outing with ISLANDICA s.r.o. the participants accept these conditions. It is possible that the participants will be asked to sign a waiver to ensure understanding of these conditions, declaring that he or she is conscious of the inherent risks that come with these activities. Code NF. ID727
