A Library of Water
The first of its kind in Iceland (and perhaps in the world), the Library of Water, conceived by the American artist Roni Horn, is found in the town of Stykkishólmur. The library’s three collections—water, words, and weather reports—are housed in a building that stands on a promontory overlooking the ocean and the town. www.libraryofwater.is
The real stars of Game of Thrones
Iceland’s landscape has played a large part in two seasons of the American television show, Game of Thrones. In episode 6 of season 4, viewers watched in horror as a dragon attacked a herd of goats. The scene was filmed near Þórufoss waterfall in Mosfellsdalur valley, which is a thirty-minute drive from Reykjavík. The goats are from Háafell farm in the Borgarfjörður region, West Iceland. Háafell is the only goat farm in the country, and preserves a stock descending from animals that the Vikings brought with them more than 1100 years ago. According to Jóhanna Bergmann, the goat farmer, no goats were harmed during the filming. “I enjoyed how much time they got on screen. The one who got the most screen time is named Gná.” The farm is open for visitors.
Glymur waterfall
The 3 or 4-hour hike (round trip) to one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls is quite difficult. It’s not for those who are afraid of heights, as part of the beautiful trail passes along steep cliffs. Glymur waterfall cascades 198 meters (650 ft) to the bottom of a narrow canyon and is a rewarding sight indeed after the daunting walk.
A Notorious Treat
When visiting the small but wonderful shark museum at Bjarnarhöfn farm, you can taste one of Iceland’s most infamous treats: cured shark meat, prepared by the museum owners. It is sometimes compared to a stinky French cheese. We say that rings true, if the cheese is properly ripened and matured.
See more West Iceland events and activities.
This is the West Iceland section of Best of Iceland This Week, the only Icelandic guide of its kind. New every week.
A Library of Water
The first of its kind in Iceland (and perhaps in the world), the Library of Water, conceived by the American artist Roni Horn, is found in the town of Stykkishólmur. The library’s three collections—water, words, and weather reports—are housed in a building that stands on a promontory overlooking the ocean and the town. www.libraryofwater.is
The real stars of Game of Thrones
Iceland’s landscape has played a large part in two seasons of the American television show, Game of Thrones. In episode 6 of season 4, viewers watched in horror as a dragon attacked a herd of goats. The scene was filmed near Þórufoss waterfall in Mosfellsdalur valley, which is a thirty-minute drive from Reykjavík. The goats are from Háafell farm in the Borgarfjörður region, West Iceland. Háafell is the only goat farm in the country, and preserves a stock descending from animals that the Vikings brought with them more than 1100 years ago. According to Jóhanna Bergmann, the goat farmer, no goats were harmed during the filming. “I enjoyed how much time they got on screen. The one who got the most screen time is named Gná.” The farm is open for visitors.
Glymur waterfall
The 3 or 4-hour hike (round trip) to one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls is quite difficult. It’s not for those who are afraid of heights, as part of the beautiful trail passes along steep cliffs. Glymur waterfall cascades 198 meters (650 ft) to the bottom of a narrow canyon and is a rewarding sight indeed after the daunting walk.
A Notorious Treat
When visiting the small but wonderful shark museum at Bjarnarhöfn farm, you can taste one of Iceland’s most infamous treats: cured shark meat, prepared by the museum owners. It is sometimes compared to a stinky French cheese. We say that rings true, if the cheese is properly ripened and matured.
