Atlantica No. 4, 2010, July-August - Iceland Review

aicelandSpecial promotionHigh FlyingLooking for a new perspective? Iceland’s leading helicopter service Nordurflug takesyou over and above the stunning vistas of Iceland. Nowhere else will you find thenorthern whaling grounds, shining white glaciers, steaming fissures and, the mostrecent addition, red glowing lava, all just a short chopper ride away. Nordurflugflights vary from day trips to 5-minute hops to the top of Reykjavík’s beautiful Mt.Esja. The most popular tour heads to Langjökull glacier, with views of river valleys,hydroelectric power stations, and the world famous sights of Gullfoss waterfall andGeysir, before a stop at the glacier to fill glasses with fresh ice cubes—or you can pushthe adrenaline level even higher with a snowmobile tour at the top of the world. “Wealways try our best to give our passengers a unique experience of Iceland,” says managerBirgir Ómar Haraldsson. In our opinion, they deliver some of the most uniqueexperiences of a lifetime. nordurflug.isThe National gallerySituated by the pond Tjörnin in a former ice storage building, the National Galleryis one of the capital’s must-stop cultural offerings. Originally established in 1884, ithosts an impressive collection of over 10,000 pieces of local and international 19thand 20th-century art. This is the place to see all the key works by Icelandic artists. Thissummer, Untitled Film Stills by American artist Cindy Sherman and prints by EdvardMunch are on display. The museum shop offers a wide range of designer items, booksand postcards—the beautiful tome Icelandic Art Today may just solve your souvenirtroubles. The dot above the i is café Marengs. What better way to end the art afternoonthan in sophisticated indulgence, with a glass of champagne and the signature‘Happy Cloud’ dessert, crowned with candies, berries, whipped cream and candles?Open Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fríkirkjuvegur 7. listasafn.isThe Center of Puppet ArtsIn a cluster of historic buildings in beautiful Borgarnes, world-renowned Germanpuppet maker Bernd Ogrodnik and his wife Hildur welcome you to the Centerof Puppet Arts, a fascinating world of culture and adventure for the entire family.A perfect way to spend the day, here you will find a theater, a puppet museum, agallery and a café in addition to Ogrodnik’s studio, where he crafts his legendarypuppets from wood, bringing fairytales to life. Not your ordinary museum, theCenter of Puppet Arts provides a theatrical experience, guaranteed to thrill guestsof all ages, even allowing children to play with Ogrodnik’s puppets and stage theirown performances. With magnificent views over the fjord, the Center of PuppetArts is situated by the beach, where children can play freely. They are also sure toenjoy the adjacent, full-fledged playground. In the meantime, the older generationscan enjoy wholesome yet delicious refreshments at the café or browse thegift shop, which offers a selection of exquisite objects, designed and handcrafted byOgrodnik himself. The Center of Puppet Arts is open in the summertime from 10a.m. to 10 p.m. On Sundays, children’s puppet-shows begin at 2 p.m. Guided visitsto Ogrodnik’s studio are available upon request. bruduheimar.is72 atlantica