Why Birds Flock to Iceland The North Prepares for ... - Land og saga

Experience ExcellenceHótel Lundi brings eco-aware service to south IcelandLocated in the heart of Vík, surroundedby beautiful landscape, Hotel Lundi isa jewel about 10 minutes walk from Vík’sfamous black sand beaches. A cosy little hotel,its goal is to ensure you enjoy your stay.Hotel Lundi provides excellentservice and a lovely atmosphere. Aneco-conscious hotel, they respectnature and follow environmentallyfriendly standards in both the hotel andrestaurant. Of the 22 double ensuiterooms, twelve were built in 2011,spacious and beautifully decorated withreference to the astonishing landscapeof Vík village and its surroundings. Freewi-fi is available for guests.The restaurant serves outstanding mealsfor both lunch and dinner, using only freshIcelandic fish, eggs, dairy and other highquality ingredients from local farmers. Theoutcome is delicious traditional Icelandicfood with a modern touch.The restaurant seats up to 75 peopleand, during high season (June-August),offers an excellent á la carte menu. Duringlow season, a solid selection of homecooked meals is provided. Group menusare available on request all year round,provided they are ordered in advance.All local services, such as supermarket,swimming pool, information centre and bank,are within walking distance of the hotel.Hótel Lundi–sPVíkurbraut 26 • 871 Vík+354 487 1212hotellundi@islandia.iswww.hotelpuffin.isÁsólfsskáli Farm HolidaysLiving under Eyjafjallajökull VolcanoIt’s one of those places that is easyto miss if you are rushing along thering road on Iceland’s majestic southcoast. Sharing the peaceful location justbelow Eyjafjallajökull with a handful ofother farms, Ásólfsskáli Farm seems tomagically come into focus in a way thatyou might not expect.It won the 2011 award for being themost beautiful farm in Rangárthing-eystracounty and the honour is wholly fitting forthis neat and tidy dairy farm that openedits doors to travellers in 1991.There are two self-contained cottagesthat can sleep up to 6 people each andcome complete with jacuzzi and gasbarbecue, making it an ideal retreatin a picture post-card perfect setting.Visitors are welcome to watch themilking of Ásólfsskáli’s 50 cows, hikethe foothills along marked trails or visitthe picturesque 19 th century Ásólfsskálichurch that presides over the landscape.Ásólfsskáli–EMVÁsólfsskála • 861 Hvolsvelli+354 487 8989asolfsskali@simnet.iswww.asolfsskali.isRefreshing VíkHalldór’s Café satisfi es Locals and Travellers alikeGuests at Halldór’s Café are greetedby the scent of steaming soup andfreshly baked bread as they walk throughthe door. Across from Vík’s shorelinewith its black sand beaches, Halldór’sCafé serves up small dishes like soup ofthe day or salads with tuna, chicken orjust feta along with bigger meals of fish,lamb or chicken. Originally, Halldór’sCafé was a general store, built in 1831to meet all of the needs of Vík. Today, itcontinues to satisfy patrons with its menuwhich has something for every taste.Halldór’s Café supports artists with arotating display of local talent featuredon its walls, and serves up steaming cupsof coffee and cake, ideal for meeting andgreeting old friends or new acquaintances.Halldór’s Café opens in the middle of Apriland closes for the season in the middle ofSeptember. Its hours are 11:00 to 22:00 or23:00, but Fridays can turn into late nights,with the cafe remaining open until 1:00am with its fully stocked bar providing alate night place to grab a drink.Halldórskaffi–KBVíkurbraut 28 • 870 Vík+354 847 8844halldorskaffi@gmail.comwww.halldorskaffi.isThe Old Cowhouse Restaurantsitting Pretty on Iceland’s south CoastLocation wise, The Old CowhouseRestaurant couldn’t be in a moreperfect position for feasting your eyesupwards to the misty, craggy, moss-coveredpeaks of Eyjafjallajökull. It’s a welcomeaddition to Iceland’s ever-growing list ofnew amenities that have been popping upall over the country.The remodelled former barn easily seats50 to 60 dinner guests while retaining itsunpretentious character and sweet bovinesimplicity, making this a thoroughlyenjoyable place to stop for lunch or dinnerwhile travelling the south coast.The menu boasts grass-fed beef, as is thenorm in Iceland, coming straight fromrestaurant’s own cattle herds. A hearty andwarming meat soup called Volcano Soup,served with homemade bread, is a favourite.Open year-round, the Old Cowhouseplans monthly events including an Octoberevening of traditional food, a Novemberevening of game (reindeer and geese), aDecember buffet of traditional Christmasdishes, as well as musical evenings ofIcelandic folk music at various timesthroughout the year.For opening hours in winter, pleasecontact The Old Cowhouse Restaurantdirectly. Large and small groups welcome.Gamla Fjósið–EMVHvassafell • 860 Hvolsvelli+354 487 7788oldcowhouse@gmail.comfacebook.com/oldcowhouse100 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com 101