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Take a Break at the WaterfallGullfoss Kaffi is the place to stop for refreshmentsSet in the midst of a farming community,the spectacular Gullfoss waterfallwas enjoyed by just a few. As Iceland wasdiscovered as a tourist location, so itswonders began to be recognised as treasuresto share with the world.Travelling to the waterfall was, nonetheless,still quite a long trip from Reykjavik andvisitors longed for some refreshments, soin 1994, one of the enterprising farmingfamilies set up a tent and offered delicious,traditional Icelandic food.Some three years later, that tent becamea large summerhouse, offering morecomfort and facilities until another threeyears later, the current centre was built,providing all the facilities travellers andsightseers alike could appreciate. In 2004,a large seating area was added.Gullfoss kaffi gained immediatepopularity and whole bus loads of visitorsdescended on it. With seating for 450 gueststo eat in comfort, looking out to a beautifulview of the nature and such friendly, fastservice, no-one was left dissatisfied.Feeding the hungryThere were more reasons for the kaffi’spopularity than just its proximity to thebest known waterfall in Iceland. They donot just serve delicious, high quality coffeein all its styles and many flavours. By thetime people reached Gullfoss, they werehungry and there can be little better than agenuine Icelandic lamb soup, with its freshingredients garnered from the surroundingarea, to satisfy the largest appetite. Whilstthe soup is probably what the kaffi is bestknown for, they also have a small á la cartemenu for diners offering options of lamb orfresh salmon. For those who want somethingwith their coffee, there is a range of pastriesand cakes, freshly baked on the spot that aremore than just tempting!Warm clothing and souvenirsGullfoss is on the main route throughthe highland interior that is becomingan increasingly popular way to reach thenorth, so it is a natural stopping point for abreak. The highlands, of course, can be a lotcooler and the kaffi has a range of clothing,including handmade Icelandic woolsweaters, hats, gloves and scarves, as well asother useful clothing. This is all part of thehandcrafts section of the shop where visitorscan browse a wide selection of souvenirs andlocally-made crafts where the skill of theVikings once again becomes apparent in thequality of the various products.–asfGullfoss kaffi801 Selfoss Bláskógabyggð+354 486 6500gullfoss@gullfoss.iswww.gullfoss.isSlakki Zoo & play centreWhere Children and Animals Get to Know One AnotherSummer is here. The newborn lambsare skipping and jumping in the fields.The flowers are blooming in all their gloryand Iceland has turned green once again.The volcanic eruptions have only servedto fertilise the grass and the blue skies areencouraging everyone to get out into thecountryside once again.Of course, the countryside is synonymouswith animals. In Laugarás, close to Skálholtcathedral is the Slakki Zoo and Play Centre,which is one of the country’s most popularanimal centres. It would be a mistake tothink this was just for children, however.It has activities for all the family, adultsincluded and it makes a great day out in aplace where the simple joys of life can beindulged in by everyone.For the children to be able to experienceanimals close up, to be able to touch andhold many of them, is such a treat nowadays.They love the opportunity to play withanimals of all kinds and to look at the birdsand fish in their own environments.A Safe and Fun Activity DayThere are animals of all sizes from horsesto mice, pigs to ponies and everything inbetween. Some are inside and others canbe enjoyed in the gardens. The kittens, forexample, are a favourite inside their ownlittle house, where children can hold andpet them for as long as they wish - and thatcan be a long time.This is a safe environment where parentscan relax, knowing their children will beenjoying themselves without harm. Familiesoften make a day of it, as there is plenty to do.Besides the animals, there is a large aquariumand many different species of birds to enjoy.Even farmers come with their families - oftenwondering why their children love it so muchwhen they have animals at home!It’s not just the animals, though.There are other games to playwhich unite the family in a funentertainment such as the puttinggreen and crazy golf.Relax in the RestaurantNaturally, when you’re stayingall day in a centre such as Slakki,refreshments are very important andhere you will find a restaurantand café filled with homemadesnacks, includingdelicious hamburgerswith salad and applecakes with cream.The café is in a smallturf house, with plenty ofseating outside where you can enjoy the sunand the yummy, locally-made Kjöris icecream.Stuffed animals may be fine at home,but nothing can replace the experience ofholding or playing with live animals. Nocomputer or TV can take their place, either,so it’s no surprise that many families returnagain and again.Slakki’s indoor zoo is open every daythroughout the summer months until theend of August. It is one of Iceland’ssecrets that is being revealedon the Internet, withpictures and videosbeing posted bysatisfied customersand their happychildren. If you’re drivingthe Golden Circle trip, seefor yourself. It’s only a fewminutes off the main roadto Geysir.Slakki–asfLaunrétt I • 801 Selfossi+354 486 8783136 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com 137helgi@slakki.iswww.slakki.is