Tara Hogan from INK & WIT just got back from Reykjavik and asked if she could share her take on the city with all of us today. I’ve long been fascinated by Iceland, it’s one of those places that I imagine being really hip, really cold, and really well… off the map. We don’t hear about it that much here in America as is the case I think with most countries that are relatively small and peaceful. Tara, the stage is all yours….
A new INK & WIT print inspired by her travels.
Iceland… Geothermal Bliss by Tara Hogan
I recently visited Reykjavik – the capital and largest city of Iceland often referred to as the land of ice and fire. I had been to Iceland before on a layover en route to Helsinki and back en route to JFK. It was pure sadness being trapped in the airport where I could not get out into the geothermal pools or feel the landscape. But, I knew I would be back. Two of my closest friends and I paid Iceland a visit two weeks ago. Geothermal spa soak for three, please?
Please note during this time there is minimum sunlight. The sun rose at 10AM and set at 4PM. However, if you are going to be somewhere dark most of the time this is the place as it never ceases to be beautiful or mysterious. Furthermore, I live in Syracuse, NY currently belted by snow and frigid weather. Iceland is not this cold. Some of my friends thought the weather there would be more extreme than here but this not the case. It was indeed cold at times but mostly where you have no barriers from the wind near waterfalls and state parks. You are in the great wide open. And, really in it. You stand in spots where the earth’s layers were molded by lava pools.
Iceland is relatively small and has a population of about 320,000 and a total area of 103,000 km². It is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland’s landscape is defined by large-scale volcanic and geologic activity.
While this country is sadly going through an economic crisis it did not feel so two weeks ago while I was there soaking up, literally, all it had to offer us. People were pleasant and calm. The issues of economics were blasted all over the papers just like our economic crisis but there was a sense of calm. Maybe it is all the pure water they drink? And, yes, it is the purest in the world.
Nature dictates life in Iceland especially since 25% of the island is active. I think you surrender to nature when you truly understand it is bigger than you. You respect it more. You do not try to control it or run away from it. You simply know you are a part of it, good or bad, like it or not.
There is so much to say about this eco friendly island. The 18th largest island in the world. My grandest memory was our stay at the Blue Lagoon (shown above). The Blue Lagoon is a man made spa but one look at it and you would not even think man made. It appears so natural as it is out in nature and the surrounding architectural structures are so simple and non intrusive to the natural surrounding beauty. That is one of the most amazing design aspects of Iceladn specially Reykjavík. The landscape is the dominant concept. In addition, there is no Starbucks or Sephora to distract you. Well, there is a Sephora at the mall and a LUSH but it is out of view from the greater picture. It is a modern, intelligent place that has respected its resources and evolved from burning coal at one time to utilizing its plentiful geothermal energy. This energy heats 87% of Iceland homes.
Geothermal energy, water, and bathing all go hand in hand in Iceland whether at the Blue Lagoon or in the bathroom. You will smell sulfur in the water everywhere and also find that saunas, relaxing heather pools, geothermal pools, geothermal spa pools, and bathtubs in your hotel room, if lucky, will be present at all times. You can also look forward to several different aromatherapy saunas, power steam rooms, thermal pools, and lap pools at the 5 star Laugar Spa in Reykjavik. A short cab ride from the city center.
For accommodations, allow me to recommend the CenterHotel Thingholt in Reykjavik (above). Think vampire gothic Eames chic. I could have done without all the animal skin products but the place was amazing. My friend and I even ended up getting the upgrade to have the bathtub right in the room. Pure water and a deep well designed bathtub? You cannot go wrong. Nothing bad to say about this place. Actually, if you stay in the city on a weekend plan on going out until 6:30AM because Icelanders know how to party. And, that does not necessarily mean bars and surliness. They just stay out late and have a good time. So, if you cannot beat them join them. We went out dancing until 6:30AM.
Getting to the design scene of things and creative stimulation… well, I guess it depends on how much you love nature. I believe environments shape people. And, if Iceland shapes people then the creative people here are in the middle of a strange, strong, and beautiful scene full of grand volcanic scale and intricate definition of black deserts. Homes are rich in reds, cobalt blue, and sunny yellow. Roofs are red, white, green, yellow and black. I was completely inspired to draw the whole place. People and all. Iceland has a young design scene but it is growing rapidly in its desire to be a eco conscious, critical, and an edgy dot on the map. There is a mysticism and vast open amount of space here that feels it would fuel room for strong concept and fluid design sensibility. I am excited to see what is to come out of the design scene in Iceland.
TIPS: Some designers I came across in my travels: Studio Bility, Ingibjorg Hanna, Helene Magnusson (who also has an Etsy shop with felted lighting), Thora Breidfjord, Katrin Olina (don’t miss the Cristal Bar she recently designed in Hong Kong), Photographer Elsa Prinsessa (also on etsy), and Bjorg Juto. You can find more listed here. Here are some great shops: Kraum, Kisan, and Sirka. Also check out the Icelandic Design Center online. If you’re looking for design bloggers in Iceland Olof Jakobina is a good starting point. If you are visiting Iceland, don’t miss the Reykjaik travel guide at Time Out. For some music out of Iceland, listen to Hjaltalin, Sigur Ros, Maus, Calder, and of course Bjork along with many others that you can find here at the Iceland Music website. Restaurants/Cafes: Greaenn Kostur, Silfur, A Naestu Grosum, Ice Bar at Restaurant Reykjavik, and Vox (they happen to serve high tea, too).
Want to watch a video about Reykjavik? Here’s a great one on You Tube.
- Thank you Tara for the beautiful post featuring Reykjavik! I’m always interested in a good travel post so if you’re a reader heading to a fun city, design event, or anything else you’d like to show us please send me an email (holly AT decor8blog.com) with your story ideas. I’d love to hear from you! – Holly
(images by tara hogan)
Tags: travel
January 30th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Yay for Iceland! I’ve been wanting to visit this intriguing place for so many years now. And for some reason I really want to go when it’s dark all the time. I don’t know why, other than it seems like it’d be quite the experience!
The shop I work part time in gets many shoppers from Iceland, due to our proximity to the airport, and I confirmed with a friendly lady one day that their phone book is organized by first name! The whole country! It’s that fantastic?
Shanons last blog post: My Little Corner of the World
January 30th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I am DYING to go to Iceland – thank you so much Tara for sharing your trip here on decor8. (And thanks to you as well Holly!)
[michele]s last blog post: Preschool
January 30th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I adore Reykjavik! Great post. The first time I went in ’99, we went on a Valentine’s Day long weekend package deal…airfare, hotel, breakfast and one dinner for $299!
Noelles last blog post: ACEO – westwood highlands – California Series
January 30th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Wow! Beautiful!
Please, leave a kiss to Björk for me.
Whateverlyns last blog post: Na minha mão tem a sua e na sua tem o mundo
January 30th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
My husband and I went to Iceland on our honeymoon 6 years ago–it was wonderful! We had no actual connection to the country, it was really all his idea and I just said okay. What a great place to visit! It is so worth visiting as it has a landscape unlike anything I’ve ever seen. When you land at the airport it’s like landing on the moon because you’re surrounded by lava rock (yes, lots of volcanos there!). The Blue Lagoon was wonderful. We are also went snowmobiling and rafting. This was in May so the weather was a lot warmer than now (and I too lived in Syracuse for a few years so I know from cold!). I found everything affordable. ANd the scarves that I bought that are made from Icelandic wool are hands down the warmest I’ve ever had. I know I will go back someday too and can’t wait. Thanks for sharing your memories!
January 30th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
What a wonderful post! My boyfriend and i just bought plane tickets to visit in May and I can hardly wait. Tara’s post is very insightful and inspirational.
Cindys last blog post: Fill in the Blank gallery opening – TONIGHT!
January 30th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
I’ve been dieing to visit Reykjavik for some time now. I saw a special about Iceland (probably on the Discovery Channel) and was really taken by the people who live there. Some fun facts I learned: hot water (heated geothermally) is delivered directly to the homes in Reykjavik and the bit of heat that the pipes that bring the water to the city give off melts the snow on the roads. So smart. Also there’s like no crime. When women go shopping they just leave their baby’s in strollers outside of the store. Every person I tell thinks that is insane. They have no worries about something bad happening to their children and they think being out in the cold is good for them. And I’m pretty sure I recently heard that apparently Icelander’s are the happiest people in the world. Sorry I’m carrying on a bit I’m just fascinated by the country.
michelles last blog post: Some Housekeeping and a Fun Project
January 30th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Wow! I have never felt any desire to visit Iceland until now. Thank you for enlightening me. It has now been pushed close to the top of my long list of places to visit.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
You ladies read my mind! I am dying to go to Iceland, and I just ate up every word of this post and will be bookmarking many of the places mentioned. Have you read “The Geography of Bliss” by Eric Weiner? It is a really interesting and entertaining book, and Iceland (chap. 5) is apparently one of the happiest countries in the world! The author suggests that perhaps it’s because people have to rely on one another and form deep connections since the climate/nature there is so extreme. It also sounds like a highly creative place – and the spas don’t hurt, either! Thank you Tara & Holly!
Lauras last blog post: Thrifty Kids Room Ideas
January 30th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
This is my absolute # 1 place that i want to go… i’m really hoping this is the year! Thanks for the great post & beautiful pictures!
Mias last blog post: Little Village
January 30th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Sigh… this post really made me miss Iceland. We were just there and I miss it already! I remember as I looked out the window on my flight and saw the blue lagoon I gasped. Granted I live slightly more north than Reykjavik (in Norway) I never expected that it would be so different. I always kind of expected it to look like my home but it was so much more beautiful… like a poem you could never fully compose.
Candace Ds last blog post: What’s Next
January 30th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Oh, Tara…color me jealous! Can’t wait to actually read the whole post but gripped by your amazing images of this magical place! That lonely white house looks SO serene and lovely! Thanks for sharing! :)
Have a lovely weekend, Tara and Holly! :)
Uncle Beefys last blog post: Bespoke My Heart
January 30th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
I want to go to the bakery!
January 30th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
We went to Iceland for two and a half week two years ago. We had the oppertunity to stay at my friends appartment. It was really nice to get to know her family and see Iceland through their eyes too! Its a great, warm country. Absolute my favorite vacation ever! We went with our 2 year old girl and she loved it there also, the restaurants were very child friendly, she always got something to play with from the restaurant itself. Besides that every second day we went to one of the swimmingpools every city/village has there! They’re all outside so you gotta run in the cold air and jump in the WARM swimmingpools. The children-pools were even a bit warmer than the regular once. Total new experience to swim in warm water while its quite cold outside. We loved it! It felt really healthy too ;)
Of course you also have the blue lagoon were it gets even hotter and the experience is a bit more intens to be in a more natural surrounding, but I was a bit disgust with the hairs from human at the bottem…. of course being it a natural pool it has no cleaning system. But the Icelandic people are very clean people and every swimmingpool has the requirement to shower and instruction on were to use soap and shampoo :) at the blue lagoon it even was provided free (shampoo and soap flacons at the showers). Be prepared to shower naked though, they aren’t shy there as most european countries, you are required to clean your private parts too!
Anyways, Iceland is really a most go to! I wish I could go again!
January 30th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Thank you Holly for posting my experience about Iceland. Iceland, I miss you.
January 30th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Wow, I’m fascinated by Iceland as well, and I suppose it’s the remoteness and perceived exoticism for me that has such a strong appeal. This is an odd week to look to Iceland as a travel destination or source of inspiration; we’ve heard so many bad news from that country lately. I wish Icelanders all the best, and I really admire the talent that comes from there!
fabframess last blog post: Dog-Crazy in Montgomery
January 30th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
I would love to go to Iceland. We planned to go there this August for my birthday but I am just so nervous with the economic colapse there. It looks beautiful.
rachels last blog post: Chili Parlor Queen Chili
January 31st, 2009 at 9:36 am
I was overwhelming when I suddenly saw pictures of the landscape and houses I know so well here on decor8!!. I´m icelandic and I have lived here most of my life, not in Reykjavík but in a town in north Iceland, Akureyri (only 4.5 hour drive). Decor8 is one of my favorite blogs and I look at it every week :) I must say I´m proud to be Icelandic and I´m happy people enjoy their visit here, but I think Iceland has so much more to offer than just Reykjavík and the Blue Lagoon. For example Akureyri, Ásbyrgi and Mývatn in the north. (Don´t forget to visit Þingvellir close to Reykjavík – beautiful place.) We have beautiful fjords here in the north, west and east, and endless possibilities for tourists. If you are interested here is a link which could be useful http://www.visitakureyri.is/en
A lot has been going on this winter, and finally a new government is taking over (today or tomorrow) and hopefully things will be better for a lot of people. Right now it is not exspensive for americans to come here, 1 dollar equals 113 krónas, but in the summer of 2007, the last time I went to the States the dollar was only 60 krónas! It was very practical for me to go over seas back then but now it is practical for foreigners to come here!
So personally I would suggest anyone who is interested in visiting Iceland to rent a car, take a tent with your or stay at some small hotels, and drive around the country for one or two weeks and get the feeling for the nature first hand. I do that every summer with my husband and 3 children and we just love it.
January 31st, 2009 at 1:55 pm
wow – what a surprise to see a post on Iceland on my favorite design blog !! AND ABOUT DESIGN!!
Being the proud Icelandic that I am, well… it just makes my heart swell… especially because of the economic situation and all the negative talk about it for the last few months.
Really happy :)
TAKK FYRIR (Thank You in Icelandic)
Elisabet
January 31st, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Fascinating. I’ve never been but I wrote about Iceland, its regions and tourist attractions for Planetware.com a few years ago. It sounds like a really interesting and clean place. I wish I could go – maybe with global warming – it would be a good summer destination.
One cute thing I remember researching was the Heimay Puffin release, when little puffins, “pufflings”, get confused by the lights of the town and end up in the parking lots. Kids gather them up in cardboard boxes and release them in the sea.
Gnome folklore is still pretty strong with some contractors going out of their way not to disturb the gnomes underground dwellings!
Hazels last blog post: Paris Walks Part 2 – Two Cafés on the Boulevard Saint Germain
January 31st, 2009 at 2:31 pm
My husband and I took our 18 month old to Iceland in September. It was an amazing vacation and I would definitely recommend it. We also stayed at the CenterHotel Thingholt and the staff were great with our daughter. No one ever believes us when we way that we went there and that is exactly what we wanted.
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Eric Wein, author of, “The Geography of Bliss”, spent some time in Iceland (researching the happiest places on earth) was quite aware of the wealth of creativity there. He attributed it to the fact that the folks of Iceland are not discouraged by failure, and that people there change and crossover career lines frequently. There is also, he noted, a large number of artists and writers there. I would like to hear from the folks in Iceland. Is that true, and why is that?
I had never thought that Iceland could be so beautiful, and that it was just more than a stopover on the way to Europe. Now I will definitely look at visiting!
February 4th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Eee! Iceland! My husband and I had planned to go there for our honeymoon last year, but I realized that I wasn’t going to be able to plan a whole wedding AND a fancy honeymoon and still keep my sanity. (We ended up going to Victoria, B.C., which was also very pretty and awesome, yet a bit closer to home.)
It looks so lovely though, I’m so glad I saw this post!
Meggans last blog post: News on all fronts
February 8th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Thank you so much for this post! Just in time for my little trip to Reykjavík!
emmas last blog post: Just a quickie
August 17th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
Just thought I would drop in even though this post was some time ago. You guys who were interested in this fabulous Reykjavík post may like some of my recent posts on Iceland and Icelandic design on my Lovenordic design blog. I am born of an Icelandic mother and am there as often as possible…it is so great to hear all these lovely comments about my homeland…
Thanks for putting a smile on my face this evening:)
Með Kveðju/best wishes
Samantha Denisdóttir´s last [type] ..Íslensk hönnun Icelandic Design