If You Like - Iceland - page 31

Dalvík HI Hostel Dalvík's charming, vintage-inspired hostel is like no other we've en-
countered. Budget prices happily belie the boutique decor.
Silfurberg Soak in a glass-dome-enclosed hot-pot at this luxurious boutique guesthouse in
the broad, view-blessed Breiðdalur valley.
Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel Swim in geothermal waters and dine on organic, local fare, be-
fore sleeping in lake-view rooms at this new design hotel.
Skálanes This remote fjordside farm and nature reserve will gladden the heart of retreat-
seeking ecologists and birdwatchers.
Álftavatn The halfway point on the Laugavegurinn hike, this lakeside base is a sight for sore
eyes after a long day of trekking - the remoteness is palpable and there's a great back-
packer vibe.
Architecture & Design
Churches Some of Iceland's most intriguing architectural flourishes are - strangely - its
churches; check them out in Stykkishólmur , Akureyri and, of course, Reykjavík .
Iceland Design Centre An organisation charged with promoting Iceland's designers and ar-
chitects, and the brains behind the annual DesignMarch event.
Harpa Reykjavík's dazzling concert hall and cultural centre glows like the switchboard of an
alien ship after dark.
Turf houses A paradigm of pre-modern Iceland, these hobbit houses are wonderfully whim-
sical and offer an interesting insight into Iceland's past.
Reykjavík design boutiques The vibrant design culture of the capital makes for great shop-
ping, from sleek, fish-skin purses to knitted lopapeysur (Icelandic woollen sweater) and
nature-inspired jewellery.
Þórbergssetur This museum in the southeast honours a beloved local writer and its inspired
exterior (resembling a giant bookshelf) is a traffic-stopper.