OFF-SEASON ICELAND

Reykjavík: Cold, Dark, and Handsome

Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 12:00 AM | Subscribe to the magazine

Rich in salt, silica, and other minerals, the geothermal water of the Blue Lagoon is pumped from deep under the earth. (Jennifer Sabo)
We found affordable meals at Prikið, a café/pub popular with students. (Jennifer Sabo)
We also liked the hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu (above) and the lobster skewers at Sægreifinn. (Jennifer Sabo)
From mid-January to mid-February, the Viking month of Þorri is celebrated with a midwinter feast featuring unusual foods, such as hákarl (putrefied shark meat). You can try hákarl in the fish market for about $2. (Jennifer Sabo)
We went to the club Nasa to see a Scottish group called the Reel Thing and Iva Nova, an all-girl band from Russia. (Jennifer Sabo)
We spent a day exploring the Golden Circle, a trio of natural wonders about an hour outside Reykjavík. One of the sites we visited was Gullfoss (above), a two-tier waterfall between snow-covered cliffs. (Jennifer Sabo)
The theme of this year's Winter Lights Festival was Light in Motion. Over three days, events and activities take place in churches, schools, museums, and clubs. (Jennifer Sabo)
On Ash Wednesday, or Öskudagur, kids in costumes visit stores and sing for treats. (Jennifer Sabo)