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SIGNY + DAVID ICELAND WEDDING JULY 2019 S+ D

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SIGNY + DAVIDI C E L A N D W E D D I N G J U L Y 2 0 1 9

S+ D

OVERVIEW OF THIS GUIDE

This guide provides an overview of the travel logistics, hotel options, excursions and itinerary for the wedding

festivities. Use this guide to make some decisions on your travel dates, lodging, wedding excursion and additional

travel experiences.

Please choose travel dates and book your flights first if you have not done so already. We have blocked a number

of rooms at a few different hotel options until May so hotel rooms can be booked shortly afterwards. If you have

any questions or need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact David at [email protected] or 647.801.7498

or Signy at [email protected] or 647.338.4134.

We will be circulating a link to a guest survey shortly for all guests to fill in travel information (flight information,

arrival and departure dates), transportation needs and selected excursions. We can assist with booking and

arranging airport transfers (pre-arranged pickup, private car service or group), and once we get numbers firmed up

for excursions we will be able to finalize the bookings. The link to the survey will also be available from our

wedding website below.

We will have a wedding website at www.signyanddavid.com up shortly.

If you are interested in additional excursions separate from the wedding itinerary detailed herein, please see

www.icelandtravel.is or www.nineworlds.is. We have partnered with Nine Worlds travel agency for wedding

logistics, excursions and transportation. For any customized itineraries or additional travel needs, please contact

David or Signy and we will connect you with Nine Worlds directly.

2

THINGS TO KNOW…

High Season

Iceland is becoming an incredibly popular travel destination and we happened to pick our wedding date during the busiest time

of the year. We recommend booking transportation, restaurant reservations, and excursions as early as possible.

Daylight hours & adjusting to the time change

During July in Iceland there will be nearly 24 hours of daylight. There is a 4 hour time change between Toronto and Reykjavik.

The initial flight over is usually overnight with limited ability to sleep so the first day will need to be a recovery day. Please keep

this into consideration when booking.

Temperature this time of year

Due to the gulfstream, Reykjavik never gets that too warm or too cold. At this time of year, the high will likely be around 15-20

degrees during the day and low of 10 degrees. It can be windy and rainy. If you will be traveling inland (on say the Golden Circle

Tour), it can feel colder. Bring layers including sweaters and a waterproof midweight jacket for excursions and evenings.

Dress in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a casual city. With the exception of the wedding ceremony, gentlemen do not need jackets most places and most

restaurants and venues are quite casual.

Arrival & transportation from the airport

The airport is quite far from downtown and taxis are very expensive (~C$200 each way). Many people rent cars in Iceland for

ease of getting around and we can assist with renting cars as needed. We have also arranged lower flat rate private taxi service

from the airport as well as vans / shuttle bus for groups arriving around the same time which is much more economical. Once we

get responses from our guest survey including arrival information we will assist in arranging transportation to and from the

airport as necessary.

…Before you go.

3

THINGS TO KNOW…

Overnight Flight & Time Change

Note that flights from North America are typically overnight and the flight is approximately 5.5hrs with a 4 hour time change. If

you can spare the time, it’s helpful to either come in a day early to allow for additional rest time to get over the jet lag or book a

hotel room the night before so it’s available upon arrival. Otherwise you may arrive very early in the morning and have to wait 5-

6 hours for your hotel room to be ready.

Money & Exchange

Iceland uses the Icelandic Krona. The exchange rate is approximately ISK90 to C$1. Pretty much everywhere, including taxis, all

restaurants, shops, etc. take credit card so you rarely need cash. Service is always included in the price in Iceland and you will

never need to add gratuity.

Bring a Plug Adapter

In Iceland the power plugs and sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You will

need a plug adapter – these are typically sold in convenience stores in Iceland and the hotels frequently have them. However, be

careful with small appliances such as hair curlers and tools as they will blow without a proper voltage converter.

Further Travel Information

For further travel info, please visit the following sites:

- https://visitorsguide.is/

- https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/iceland

- https://www.icelandtravel.is/iceland/

…continued.

4

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Iceland has many beautiful sites to see. We have created a fun itinerary that includes some of the highlights in and around Reykjavik. If you can spare the

time, try to spend more time traveling around Iceland. See the end of this document for some additional suggested excursions and customized itineraries.

DAY 1 – WED 7/10 DAY 2 – THURS 7/11

DAY 3 – FRI 7/12 DAY 4 - SAT 7/13

DAY 5 – SUN 7/14 DAY 6 - MON 7/15Departure Day:

Most guests departing today.

Signy & David wedding photo day to south coast of Iceland

Departure Day:

Remaining guests departing.

Signy & David depart for Honeymoon!

Wedding Day:

3:00-3:45PM: Wedding Ceremony – arrive at Hallgrimkirkja between 2:30 and 2:45

3:45-4:30PM: Optional visit to top of the clock tower at the church; walk over to Harpa

(weather permitting)

4:00-5:00PM: Arrive at Harpa for welcome cocktail at the bar at Kolabrautin Restaurant

6:00PM-Late: Dinner and Party at Kolabrautin Restaurant in Harpa

The Day After:

10:00-12:30 Brunch at convenient location downtown Reykjavik (TBD)

Optional Excursion (Afternoon):

▪ Blue Lagoon Afternoon: Early afternoon departure to Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon.

Approx 4 hours

OR

▪ Reykjavik City Tour: Walking tour of Reykjavik’s downtown. Departure at early

afternoon, approx. 1.5 hours. (Recommended)

Optional Excursion (Evening): Blue Lagoon - Enjoy Iceland’s 24 hour daylight with an

evening at the Blue Lagoon. 6:30PM departure, approx. 4 hours. (Recommended)

Dinner at leisure on your own account

Arrival Day:

Most guests arriving early AM – book airport transfer (transfer options to come), hotel

check-in and rest

Evening:

6:00-10:00PM: Reception at Jamie’s Italian in Hotel Borg

Hotel Borg

Pósthússtræti 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Excursion Options – Explore Iceland:

▪ Golden Circle Tour: 8AM departure to see some of Iceland’s great sights. Includes

transportation and lunch. Approx 6-8 hours. Departs in the AM.

OR

▪ Reykjavik City Tour: Walking tour of Reykjavik’s downtown. Mid-day departure,

approx. 1.5 hours.

Evening:

5:00PM Wedding rehearsal for wedding party Hallgrimskirkja

Dinner at leisure on your own account

5

M A P O F V E N U E L O C A T I O N S

All wedding venues are within a 10-15 min walk of each

other right in the heart of downtown. All hotels we

have chosen are within easy walking distance of each

other. In the case of bad weather, we will have shuttles

running between the locations on wedding day, but if

the weather is nice it makes for an enjoyable walk.

Reykjavik is a very walking friendly city in the downtown

area so walking around late in the evening (say, back to

your hotel after the dinner/party at the Harpa) will be

very safe (it will still be light out also!).

Parking is a hassle downtown and expensive (especially

during high season) so we don’t recommend renting a

car during your stay unless you are planning on touring

around Iceland on your own.

1.3km

(~15 min

walk)

HALLGRIMSKIRKJA

BORG

APOTEK

PLAZA

KLOPP

SKJALDBREID

0.7km

(~8 min walk)

HARPA

1.0km

(~10 min

walk)

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HOTELS

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HOTEL OPTIONS

We have selected several hotels and worked with the hotel managers to book blocks of rooms at the various hotels. It will be easiest to have guests in

central locations for transportation and logistics. If you have any further questions about the hotels, please don’t hesitate to contact David or Signy.

The rooms held under our blocks of rooms will be released May 1st, so please book as soon as you can to lock in the rate and availability. Please book

by contacting the hotel directly via phone or email at the contact information below, and reference Signy & David Wedding as well as the booking

number as applicable. All prices listed below are per night.

HOTEL BORGDignified and imposing, Hotel Borg overlooks the beautiful square of Austurvöllur, in the

heart of Reykjavík, across from Althingi, the Icelandic parliament and the cathedral. One of

Reykjavik’s landmarks, is conveniently located within walking distance of variety of

restaurants, businesses, souvenir shops, art galleries and specialty shops. The hotel is

classic Art Deco style throughout, with elegantly appointed guestrooms and an extensive

array of modern amenities. (located next to hotel Apotek)

Block of rooms reserved.

Website: https://www.keahotels.is/en/hotels/hotel-borg

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/DMy56FFrCb72

Email for booking: [email protected]

Phone: +354 551 1440

Booking number: R-551737

HOTEL APOTEKApotek Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel located right next door to the Hotel Borg. The

historical building formerly housed the pharmacy Reykjavikur Apotek and is widely

considered to be one of the most remarkable buildings in Reykjavik and features modern

and sleek guest rooms, restaurant and amenities.

Block of rooms reserved.

Website: https://www.keahotels.is/en/hotels/apotek-hotel

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/TQdKBCBhuv42

Email for booking: [email protected]

Phone: +354 512 9000

Booking number: R-551098

Refundable Rates Non-Refundable Rates

Borg ISK CAD

Double ISK 46,000 $506

Double Superior ISK 53,300 $586

Double Deluxe ISK 60,200 $662

Junior Suite ISK 83,300 $916

Non-Refundable Rates

Borg ISK CAD

Double ISK 43,800 $482

Double Superior ISK 50,630 $557

Double Deluxe ISK 56,900 $626

Junior Suite ISK 79,130 $870

Refundable Rates Non-Refundable Rates

Apotek ISK CAD

Double ISK 41,500 $457

Double Superior ISK 47,800 $526

Double Deluxe ISK 53,500 $589

Junior Suite ISK 70,800 $779

Non-Refundable Rates

Apotek ISK CAD

Double ISK 40,500 $446

Double Superior ISK 46,650 $513

Double Deluxe ISK 52,000 $572

Junior Suite ISK 60,750 $668

BLOCK OF ROOMS HELD

BLOCK OF ROOMS HELD

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HOTEL OPTIONS

SKJALDBREID KLOPP

PLAZA At hotel Plaza you will find 201 bright and comfortable rooms and a spacious lobby

area with hotel bar where you can relax after an eventful day in Reykjavik. Breakfast

buffet is included and all rooms are equipped with a mini bar, telephone, flat screen

TV, shower, hairdryer and wi-fi.

Block of rooms reserved.

Website: https://www.centerhotels.com/our-hotels-hotel-plaza/

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5P8XnmZCVLn

Email for booking: [email protected]

Price: €215 / night

Phone: +354 595 8550

Quote Signy & David's Wedding at the time of booking

CenterHotel Klopp is right in the city center of Reykjavik, ideally located to explore the

city on foot with a myriad of shops and restaurants all around the hotel. Offering 46

comfortable rooms, breakfast area, hotel bar, free wi-fi, friendly service and a warm

welcoming atmosphere. In the evening the lobby lounge area turns into a nice bar

area where you can relax. Happy Hour is at the bar every day from 16 to 18. Each

room at Klopp has a mini-bar that can be stocked upon request, hairdryer, shower, flat

screen TV and free wi-fi.

Price: 15% off lowest rate from hotel website

Website: https://www.centerhotels.com/our-hotels-hotel-klopp/

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/w2McZcvwb9F2

EMAIL: [email protected]

PHONE +354 595 8520

Quote Signy & David's Wedding at the time of booking

CenterHotel Skjaldbreid is located on an enviable central spot on Laugavegur,

Reykjavik’s main shopping street in close vicinity to cafés, restaurants and the myriad

of colorful happenings that only Laugavegur brings out. Offering 33 warm and

comfortable rooms and breakfast area along with personal and friendly service. Each

room at Skjaldbreid has a mini bar that can be stocked upon request, hairdryer,

shower, flat screen TV, coffee and tea making facilities and wi-fi.

Price: 15% off lowest rate from hotel website

Website: https://www.centerhotels.com/our-hotels-hotel-skjaldbreid/

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UzTeoZT81Ex

EMAIL: [email protected]

PHONE +354 595 8510

Quote Signy & David's Wedding at the time of booking

BLOCK OF ROOMS HELD

9

ITINERARY

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DAY 1WED. JULY 10

Welcome to Reykjavik!

Most guests arriving early AM – book airport

transfer (transfer options to come), hotel

check-in and rest.

Evening:

6:00-10:00PM: Reception at Jamie’s Italian in

Hotel Borg:

Pósthússtræti 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Note: it is very easy to get taxis from the

airport, however a taxi to downtown Reykjavik

will typically cost ~C$200. The public bus

option is much cheaper, however you may end

up walking some distance from the central

drop off locations in Reykjavik.

We have worked with taxi and transportation

companies to provide lower cost options for

our guests. We can offer a discounted private

car service or a shuttle option.

Indicate your preference for a pre-arranged

pickup or group transfer on the guest survey

and we will arrange transportation for you.

11

THURS, JULY 11

DAY 2

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Explore Iceland:

▪ Golden Circle Tour: Early AM departure to see some of Iceland’s great sights. Includes

transportation and lunch. Approx 6-8 hours.

OR

▪ Reykjavik City Tour: Walking tour of Reykjavik’s downtown. Mid-day departure, approx.

1.5hours.

5:00PM Wedding rehearsal for wedding party Hallgrimskirkja

Dinner at leisure on your own account

Restaurant Recommendations:

▪ Forettabarinn – mix with locals at this lively Icelandic restaurant & beer hall

https://www.forrettabarinn.is/

▪ Restaurant Kopal – enjoy views of the harbor from this quaint seafood bistro

https://www.koparrestaurant.is/en/home-2/

▪ Sjavargrillid – high-end seafood restaurant steps from Hallgrimskirkja

https://www.sjavargrillid.is/en/

▪ Kol Restaurant

https://kolrestaurant.is/

▪ Fish Company

https://www.fiskfelagid.is/en/

▪ Grillmarket

http://www.grillmarkadurinn.is/en/

▪ Fish Markt

http://www.fiskmarkadurinn.is/12

DAY 3FRI. JULY 12

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Wedding Day:

3:00-3:45PM: Wedding Ceremony – arrive at church

between 2:30 and 2:45PM

3:45-4:30PM: Optional visit to top of the clock tower at

the church; wedding party photos

4:00-5:00PM: Arrive at Harpa for welcome cocktail at the bar at

Kolabrautin Restaurant

6:00PM-Late: Dinner and Party at Kolabrautin Restaurant in Harpa

Wedding Day Logistics:

Shuttles will be running between Hotel Borg, Hallgrimskirkja and Harpa

regardless of weather conditions for guest that either cannot or do not

wish to walk. Note: The walk up to the Hallgrimskirkja is uphill the

entire way.

The Harpa will be ready to receive guests in the main hall / bar area

outside the restaurant anytime after 4:00PM for drinks and canapes so

feel free to head straight there for a drink, take a leisurely walk over or

stop by your hotel first if needed. The Harpa is a spectacular building so

you may want to spend some time enjoying the architecture before (or

after) proceeding to the bar for a drink.

Signy & David plan to arrive at the Harpa between 5:30 and 6:00PM.

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SAT. JULY 13

DAY 4

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The Day After:

10:00–12:30 Brunch at convenient location downtown Reykjavik

(venue to be determined pending final numbers)

Optional Excursion (Afternoon):

▪ Blue Lagoon Afternoon: Early afternoon departure to Iceland’s

famous Blue Lagoon. Approx. 4 hours.

OR

▪ Reykjavik City Tour: Walking tour of Reykjavik’s downtown.

Departure early afternoon, approx. 1.5 hours.

Optional Excursion (Evening):

▪ Blue Lagoon Evening: Enjoy Iceland’s 24 hour daylight with an

evening at the Blue Lagoon. 6:30PM departure, approx. 4 hours.

(Recommended)

Dinner at leisure on your own account

14

FAQ

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FAQFAQWhen and where should I arrive?

Guests should fly into Keflavik International Airport (airport code KEF), which is just outside Reykjavik. Most guests will be flying overnight on

the evening of July 9th. The overnight flight is very tiring as the flight is approximately 5.5hrs with a 4 hour time change. Therefore flights

departing Toronto at 9PM will arrive at approximately 6:30AM in Reykjavik, with limited time to be able to sleep on the flight. Therefore, the

first day is needed as a recovery day. If you can spare the time, we would recommend flying out on the 6th, 7th or 8th to get some additional

recovery time and take advantage of some of the other wonders Iceland has to offer.

What are the passport requirements: Do I need a visa / travel permit?

Canadian and U.S. passport holders do not require visas.

Attire / Packing suggestions

Make sure to bring layers and waterproof outdoor clothing as the weather in Iceland can be quite variable, especially during excursions when

traveling inland. Comfortable walking shoes are also encouraged.

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GOLDEN

CIRCLE

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GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR

Thingvellir National Park:

• Start with driving to Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO) which is Iceland’s greatest historical site and a jewel of nature. It is the

visible site of the mid-Atlantic Ridge where the N. American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Thingvellir is also where the first

ever parliament was created by the Vikings in the year 930.

Gullfoss:

• A short ride across the fertile farmlands in the south reveals the breathtaking Gullfoss ‘Golden’ Waterfall where traversing a

narrow path provides close-up views of the thundering two-tiered cascade below.

• In Icelandic, Gullfoss means “Golden Waterfall”, because on a sunny day, the water takes on a golden-brown colour. This is due to

the fact that it’s glacial water and therefore carries lots of sediments that glacial ice has carved off the earth throughout the years.

Geysir:

• Nearby you will find the Geysir geothermal area where hot springs are in abundance, geysers explode and boiling pools of mud

bubble.

• Although the great Geysir is not as active these days, its neighbor Strokkur is very active, spouting water 30 meters (100 feet) up

into the air every few minutes in a thrilling display of nature’s forces.

• The area became active more than 1000 years ago and comprises more than a dozen hot water blow holes.

• The great Geysir is the original and lends its name to hot springs all over the world. It was the first geyser described in a printed

source and the first known to modern Europeans.

Duration:

• 6-8hrs total depending on itinerary

For Further Information:

https://www.icelandtravel.is/golden-circle/18

REYKJAVIK

CITY TOUR

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REYKJAVIK CITY TOUR

The Reykjavik Capital Area consists of seven municipalities with approximately 200,000 inhabitants. With an abundance of space, clean air

and natural green energy - Reykjavik clearly revels in its reputation as being one of the most modern, forward thinking societies in Europe.

Walk around Reykjavik with an expert guide, visiting some of the city’s main sites while enjoying fun stops to taste some of the traditional

food items Iceland has to offer. This includes tasting Hakarl and Brennevin (you’ll find out what this is on the tour…you won’t forget it)!

Duration 1.5hrs

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BLUE

LAGOON

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BLUE LAGOON

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa found on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. It is the most popular attraction in Iceland.

History

The Blue Lagoon Spa is renowned for having qualities that heals skin conditions.

The Blue Lagoon started as a pool of wastewater from the Svartsengi geothermal plant in 1976. The first person to bathe there was Valur

Margeirsson in 1981. He was met with some resistance prior to taking the first dip as people thought he was mad for wanting to bath in a "blue

mud pool". He and others soon began to notice the unusual but remarkable healing qualities of the azure waters.

Those with conditions such as psoriasis found the waters immediately soothing for their condition. News quickly spread, and by 1987, the first

swimming facilities were officially opened.

Since then, the establishment has only grown, from an open pool with no surrounding buildings to a luxurious spa, research centre and hotel.

Today

The Blue Lagoon is considered to have such notable regenerative qualities because the water is rich in silica and sulphur. A research and

development facility on site finds cures and remedies for skin ailments, and silica mud is available for free on the sides of the pool for guests to

enjoy a facemask.

The Blue Lagoon also boasts the LAVA Restaurant, the Blue Café and the Lagoon Spa: you can thus enjoy cocktails, health products, delicious

meals and treatments such as massages without leaving the premises. Saunas, steam rooms and a small waterfall are also on site.

Things to Note

The Blue Lagoon Spa is open throughout the year, and popular in every season. Due to the fact it has a maximum capacity for the comfort of its

guests, it is essential that you book several months in advance to ensure your space.

Further Information:

https://www.bluelagoon.com/

https://guidetoiceland.is/best-of-iceland/blue-lagoon-the-ultimate-guide

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HALLGRIMSKIRKJA

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HALLGRIMSKIRKJA

Hallgrímskirkja is a Lutheran (Church of Iceland) parish church in Reykjavík,

Iceland. At 74.5 metres (244 ft) high, it is the largest church in Iceland and

among the tallest structures in the country. The church is named after the

Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614–1674), author of the

Passion Hymns.

Situated in the centre of Reykjavík, it is one of the city's best-known landmarks

and is visible throughout the city. State Architect Guðjón Samúelsson's design

of the church was commissioned in 1937. He is said to have designed it to

resemble the trap rocks, mountains and glaciers of Iceland's landscape.

It took 41 years to build the church: construction started in 1945 and ended in

1986, but the landmark tower being completed long before the whole church

was completed. The crypt beneath the choir was consecrated in 1948, the

steeple and wings were completed in 1974, and the nave was consecrated in

1986. At the time of construction, the building was criticized as too old-

fashioned and as a blend of different architectural styles. The church was

originally intended to be less tall, but the leaders of the Church of Iceland

wanted a large spire so as to outshine Landakotskirkja (Landakot's Church),

which was the cathedral of the Catholic Church in Iceland.

The interior is 1,676 square metres (18,040 sq ft). In 2008, the church

underwent a major restoration of the main tower, and was covered in

scaffolding. In late 2009, restoration was completed and the scaffolding was

removed.

The church is also used as an observation tower. An observer can take a lift up

to the viewing deck and view Reykjavík and the surrounding mountains.

The statue of explorer Leif Erikson (c.970 – c.1020) by Alexander Stirling Calder

in front of the church predates its construction. It was a gift from the United

States in honor of the 1930 Althing Millennial Festival, commemorating the

1000th anniversary of Iceland's parliament at Þingvellir in 930 AD.

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HARPA

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HARPA

Harpa was designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects in co-

operation with Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. The structure

consists of a steel framework clad with geometric shaped glass panels of

different colours. The building was originally part of a redevelopment of

the Austurhöfn area dubbed World Trade Center Reykjavík, which was

partially abandoned when the financial crisis took hold.

Construction started in 2007 but was halted with the start of the 2008

Icelandic financial crisis. The completion of the structure was uncertain

until the government decided in 2008 to fully fund the rest of the

construction costs for the half-built concert hall. For several years it was

the only construction project in existence in Iceland. The building was

given its name on the Day of Icelandic Music on 11 December 2009,

prior to which it was called The Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference

Centre (Icelandic: Tónlistar- og ráðstefnuhúsið í Reykjavík). The building

is the first purpose-built concert hall in Reykjavík and it was developed

in consultation with artistic advisor Vladimir Ashkenazy and international

consultant Jasper Parrott of HarrisonParrott. It houses the Iceland

Symphony Orchestra and the offices of The Icelandic Opera.

In 2013, the building won the European Union’s Mies van der Rohe

award for contemporary architecture.

26

ICELAND

TOURS

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OTHER TOURS

▪ South Coast of Iceland – Waterfalls, Black Sand Beach, Glacier

Lake - https://www.icelandtravel.is/iceland/stunning-south-

coast/

▪ Ice cave exploring - https://www.icelandtravel.is/tours/fast-

track-ice-cave-tour/

▪ Hiking

▪ Horseback Riding

See www.icelandtravel.is for other tour ideas or see

https://nineworlds.is/ for bespoke itineraries

▪ Whale watching

▪ Hot Springs

▪ Hekla Volcano

▪ Helicopter tour

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