Scandinavian Christmas 2024

"Laugavegur is the primary commercial artery of downtown Reykjavík, Iceland and one of the oldest shopping streets. The name means "wash road", as it used to lead to the hot springs in Laugardalur where in olden times the women of Reykjavík took their laundry for washing" (Wikipedia).

We have spent A LOT of time on this street, Rainbow Street, and Hverfisgata, which is where the Island Apartments are located.

In 2016, the Iceland Monitor wrote: "Only a few years ago, Hverfisgata in central Reykjavik was run down and gritty and played the part of the poor cousin to Laugavegur, the street which it runs adjacent to.

Whereas Laugavegur, being the main shopping street in Reykjavik had plenty of shops, restaurants and bars to offer, Hverfisgata was grey, dismal and in a state of decay. But in the last couple of years, Hverfisgata has become more and more gentrified, with the street facade slowly getting prettier and more and more cool places opening....Further up the street is the fantastic art house cinema Bíó Paradís which always has a great selection of films, both new and old, as well as a cosy café/bar....The best Indian in town is Aus tur Indía Fjelagið (Hverfisgata 54), an elegant and wildly popular restaurant.'

Our Island Apartment is at Hverfisgata 56. It has been the perfect location for us!Read more