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Aviation services in the Arctic Scheduled flight service to Constable Point / Nerlerit Inaat Charter flights Medevac service with medical staff Survey flights Complete logistical services

www.norlandair.is Tel: +354 414 6960, email: [email protected]

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Nature is Only Minutes Away! Isavia runs an extensive network of airports all around Iceland.

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rom Reykjavík Domestic Airport, located within walking distance of the city center, there are scheduled services to 12 destinations in Iceland, each having their special character. Ruggedly Beautiful .................................................................................................... The Westfjords is a region of extremes. The fjords are surrounded by mountains reaching all the way to the sea. The region has a lot to offer, great hiking trails, amazing views, cultural fishing towns with old timber houses, as well as remote villages that offer incomparable peace and quiet. Látrabjarg, the westernmost point of Europe and home to the largest seabird colony in the North Atlantic, is a great place for hiking and bird watching. The 14-m (46-ft) long and 440-m (1,440ft) high cliff, is emblematic of the Westfjords’ rugged beauty. Culture, Whales and Northern Lights .................................................................................................... North Iceland is an enchanting region. Akureyri, the region’s capital, is a beautiful town with cafés, restaurants and cultural activities, but still small enough to qualify as a quiet countryside resort. The surrounding nature is picturesque in all directions, offering endless opportunities for entertainment and outdoor recreation, such as hiking, diving, skiing, viewing the northern lights, and soaking in geothermal swimming pools and natural hot springs. Sitting on the Arctic Circle, Grímsey island is the northernmost inhabited Icelandic territory. The island is home to 100 people and one million seabirds. Húsavík is a small town on the northeastern coast of Iceland. The town is cherished as the ‘Whale Watching Capital of Europe’ due to the multitude of whales of different species that frequent the Skjálfandi bay. Further to the east lies Langanes, a narrow peninsula with steep sea cliffs, known for its rich birdlife and serene surroundings.

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WESTFJORDS

NORTH ICELAND

EAST ICELAND

SOUTH ICELAND

WESTMAN ISLANDS

Fjords, Glaciers and Reindeer .................................................................................................... East Iceland is a magical region with glaciers, forests, bird cliffs, majestic mountains and narrow fjords. In every valley or fjord you can find cascading waterfalls and mighty rivers. Proud herds of reindeer roam the highlands during the summer but come down from the mountains in winter. East Iceland offers great opportunities for outdoor adventures: skiing, hiking, salmon fishing, bird watching, or just relaxing in a natural hot spring in the wilderness. All year round you can enjoy fine local dining, comfortable and modern hotels and guesthouses, fabulous highland experiences, regional festivals, museums, theater, concerts and other cultural events.

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Volcanic Islands .................................................................................................... The Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) archipelago off South Iceland is comprised of volcanic islands. The only inhabited island, Heimaey, boasts one of the most extraordinary 18-hole golf courses in the world. The Eldheimar Museum is a must-see. The exhibition focuses on one of Iceland’s biggest natural disasters, the 1973 Eldfell volcanic eruption. A rift zone split the ground of Heimaey open and lava and ash destroyed one third of the homes on the island. Now tourists have the unique opportunity to look inside one of the homes, which has been dug out of the ashes. isavia.is





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photos Courtesy of Air Greenland

Access All Greenland

Local Detail, International Service .................................................................................................... Air Greenland is the airline of all Greenlanders. It’s the gateway to the world, from the country’s smallest villages to its biggest towns. There are no roads, so flying is often the only way. Air Greenland also connects Greenland to the outside world, with direct scheduled flights to Iceland, Canada and Denmark and several interline agreements. Flights work both ways, of course, and more and more people are discovering the joys of Greenland as a tourist destination. After all, the world’s largest island is like nowhere else: a jawdropping country of glaciers, icebergs, deep fjords, welcoming people, extreme nature and fascinating culture and history. Tourists are made to feel welcome in Greenland, and Air Greenland has extended that warm hospitality overseas and now has agents working in 12 countries. Their job is to make discovering Greenland as easy as possible, while helping you to get the most out of your trip. Making Things Run Smoothly .................................................................................................... Other recent changes at Air Greenland have all been aimed at making the company more visible and accessible to the whole world. Moving to a new booking system instantly connected the airline to hundreds of travel agencies and ticketing services all over the world, while new interline agreements with SAS and Icelandair allow Air Greenland to expand its reach all over Europe, North America and further afield. Air Greenland relies on a varied and reliable fleet of airplanes and helicopters, which serve practically every settlement in Greenland. Those without an airport are served by helicopter instead. 4



At the top of the world, Greenland is a vast adventurer’s playground where the land is not scarred by roads or railways. And that’s where Air Greenland can help.

The flagship (or ‘flagplane’) of the fleet is an Airbus A330, which is in charge of the longer flights—the distinctive red livery a common sight at Copenhagen Airport, for example. Like many airlines, Air Greenland names its planes, and the Airbus is called Norsaq, after part of a traditional harpoon used to accelerate the throw. The Greenland Experts .................................................................................................... Local touches are what make Air Greenland stand out, and have helped to make the airline part of the fabric of Greenlandic society. As a result, Air Greenland has excellent links to all parts of the tourism sector—and it is only too happy to share. “Even though Air Greenland only sells the flights, we do cooperate with a lot of agents. We also have subsidiaries that supply accommodation, tours, boat trips and the like, and some of them sell these as packages as well,” Air Greenland sales manager Camilla Siezing explains. “Greenland has everything to offer visitors. It depends on what type of trip the visitors are interested in, but we can always guide you with your itineraries.” Some highlights of the Air Greenland tourism calendar include dog sledding and northern lights trips in northern Greenland in the wintertime, as well as heli-skiing charters in the spring. In the summer the focus shifts to whale watching, hiking, wildlife tours, camping and boat trips along the unforgettable fjord, bird and icebergspotted coast. Any time of year is a good time to make cultural visits to small villages or bigger towns, including the capital, Nuuk. Air Greenland also specializes in helicopter trips onto the icecap in some areas and in good weather. Getting to Greenland has never been easier, thanks to Air Greenland—and now they have agents around the world, tailoring great value trips to Greenland for individuals and groups of all types and sizes. When will you go? airgreenland.com

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Greenland Travel Expert For 25 years, Greenland Travel has made dreams come true. The Arctic Specialist .................................................................................................... Boasting 25 years of experience, Greenland Travel has become a specialist in Arctic region travel in summer and winter, offering a wider selection of tours to the world’s largest island than any other travel agency. Collaborating with local tour operators all around the country, Greenland Travel promises a complete travel experience, with tours to Iceland and Swedish and Finnish Lapland also available.

Packages for Groups and Individuals ....................................................................................................

A Company that Cares .......................................................................................................

Greenland Travel receives enquiries from all over the world and tours have been designed to suit various preferences. Demand determines which new travel options become available. For example, combined tours of Greenland and Iceland are particularly popular. Package deals are a favored option, as tourists can choose either to travel with a guide in a group, or alone with support from Greenland Travel’s local partners.

Greenland Travel is a company that cares. Keen to help local tourism initiatives in Greenland grow, the agency supports a range of CRS (corporate social responsibility) projects. Book your dream vacation with Greenland Travel—providing reliable advice and a high standard of service. An enjoyable travel experience is guaranteed. greenland-travel.com

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Countryside Luxury and Adventures

On the banks of a top salmon river in the peaceful South Iceland countryside stands Hotel Rangá, a four-star luxury resort and a great base for exploring the region.

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ith its 51 rooms in various price ranges, including suites themed after the continents and a master royal suite, and outdoor hot tubs, Hotel Rangá is the place for romantic getaways, weddings and honeymoons. Its gourmet restaurant, serving modern Nordic cuisine with a Mediterranean touch, overlooks one of Iceland’s finest salmon fishing rivers, Eystri Rangá. The hotel is also popular for meetings and corporate events.

Northern Lights and Stargazing ....................................................................................................

Far Away, So Close ....................................................................................................

Lack of light pollution makes Hótel Rangá ideal for witnessing the northern lights during the aurora season (September to April every year). When the northern lights put on a show, the hotel’s staff alert guests so that everyone gets a chance to witness the display. Make sure to check out the hotel’s special ‘Age of the Aurora’ offer. The Hotel Rangá Astronomical Observatory, the most advanced in Iceland, with two high quality 11-inch computerized telescopes, is the latest addition to the hotel. Scopes can be turned towards the stars to view the planets of the solar system in amazing detail. During the day and on bright summer nights, the observatory is used for observing the sun. hotelranga.is

While far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the drive from Reykjavík only takes an hour-and-a-half, and Hotel Rangá makes the perfect base for discovering everything South Iceland has to offer: glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, fishing villages, magnificent waterfalls, hot springs and much more. The highlands are also within reach. All year round, the region offers unique experiences, and adventurous tours of all kinds, from bird watching to kayaking, glacier walks, dog sledding and helicopter sightseeing; all can be booked at the hotel. 6









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Welcome to the Wilderness

At the edge of the Icelandic highlands, shaped by fire and ice through the ages, you’ll find the Hrauneyjar Highland Center. Base for Outdoor Adventure ....................................................................................................

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ractically the gateway to Iceland’s interior, the Hrauneyjar Highland Center is at a distance of only 150 km (93 miles) from Reykjavík and is open year-round, apart from Christmas and New Year’s.

The Hrauneyjar Highland Center is in close proximity to many of the most beautiful and popular tourist attractions in the highlands, such as Landmannalaugar, Þjórsárdalur, Hekla, Sprengisandur, Veiðivötn and Fjallabak, which makes it the perfect base for expeditions—the region has endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. The area is also ideal for viewing the spectacular northern lights. At Hotel Highland, guests can request to be woken up if the northern lights come out to play during the night. The lack of human impact on the surrounding environment and the vastness of the highlands truly make it one of the last places in Europe where freedom, natural beauty and solitude are combined in a breathtakingly powerful experience. hotelhighland.is; hrauneyjar.is

Two Accommodation Options .................................................................................................... The Hrauneyjar Highland Center includes the Hrauneyjar Guesthouse, with made-up beds and sleeping bag accommodation, and Hotel Highland, the only three-star hotel in the interior. Hotel Highland features a gourmet restaurant and is a unique location for smaller events, far away from the distractions of the city.

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blue lagoon A World of its Own

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lue Lagoon, emphasizing quality and experience, is one of the 25 wonders of the world, according to National Geographic. In addition to a relaxing soak in alluringly blue geothermal seawater, Blue Lagoon’s guests enjoy the benefits of the water’s active ingredients. Scientific studies have shown that the silica strengthens the skin and the algae have anti-aging properties.

area of the lagoon where the warm geothermal seawater makes for a soothing experience for the body and soul. The Exclusive Lounge, with its private changing rooms, access to a lounge area and private indoor lagoon, is the perfect choice for guests who prefer more privacy. Accommodation is available at Blue Lagoon Clinic, a ten-minute walk from the lagoon. The spacious rooms include a veranda with a view of the distinctive moss-covered lava field.

Exclusive Wellness Experience ....................................................................................................

Nordic Chef of the Year at Lava Restaurant ....................................................................................................

Blue Lagoon has designed a selection of packages with different services. Experience Premium is one of the most popular choices, including entrance to Blue Lagoon, use of towels and bathrobes, and a drink and face mask (volcanic scrub or algae mask) at the spa bar in the lagoon itself. The package also includes a meal at the in-house Lava restaurant. Wellness packages, best described as ‘pure spa indulgence,’ include 30-60-minute in-water treatments. Longer spa treatments are also available, such as silica indulgence, silica salt glow and nourishing algae wrap. The treatments take place in a private 8





Surrounded by lava walls and with a view of the lagoon, is Blue Lagoon’s Lava restaurant. Emphasizing the use of fresh Icelandic ingredients, the menu was inspired by the lagoon and its environment. Viktor Örn Andrésson, one of the restaurant’s head chefs, won the Nordic Chef of the Year competition in 2013. bluelagoon.com





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Iceland at Your Feet

Follow in the footsteps of the Game of Thrones cast and crew, try the exclusive tailor-made Nine World tours, travel by coach or drive yourself—Iceland Travel guarantees a unique experience.

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celand Travel, part of Icelandair Group, is the leading travel company in Iceland. Its well-educated and multi-lingual workforce is constantly coming up with creative new travel options for tourists from all around the world in close collaboration with local tour operators. Socially responsible, Iceland Travel always gives back to the community.

Game of Thrones .................................................................................................... One of Iceland Travel’s most popular tours is Beyond the Wall, taking travelers to the filming locations of Game of Thrones around Lake Mývatn in Northeast Iceland. Local guide Jón Þór Benediktsson, who also guided the crew on set, will lead you to the places where scenes ‘North of the Wall’ in the third series were filmed, telling tales of the ‘Seven Kingdoms’ along the way. Sights include the cave where Jon Snow and Ygritte had their first romantic encounter.

Unique Experiences ....................................................................................................

Nine Worlds ....................................................................................................

As the longest-running guided coach tour company in the country, Iceland Travel offers a wealth of scheduled tours, short breaks and longer tours of different regions. In snow-covered winter landscapes, secluded fjords become all the more serene—not to mention if the northern lights are dancing above. Organized self-drive packages are also popular, as are Iceland Travel’s innovative options for business events, incentive tours and group travel. Shore excursions, cruise services and charter flights are also available.

An exciting new option for the high-end market, Nine Worlds, a boutique brand built on the solid foundation of Iceland Travel, encompasses everything you ever dreamed of experiencing on your Iceland luxury vacation. Nine Worlds offers personal and hand-held service throughout the booking procedure. Experience a unique adventure in the perfect blend of five-star nature and luxury. The core of Nine Worlds is the tailor-made experience in Iceland, offering its clients completely customized luxury with personal services available 24-hours a day. nineworlds.is ICELAND REVIEW





Explore all the different options and get tempted on: icelandtravel.is







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Adventures of a Lifetime

Lax-á Angling Club, one of the most experienced hunting and fishing outfitters in the world, organizes outdoor adventure tours in Iceland, Greenland and beyond.

Greenland – Ultimate Wildlife Experience .................................................................................................

Iceland – Hunting, Fishing and Sightseeing ....................................................................................................

In 2012, Lax-á opened a camp on the coast of Southwest Greenland, comprising of 12 two-person lodges with all the necessary modern conveniences. The camp serves as a base for Lax-á’s trips, organized in cooperation with the Greenland Caribou Company, which holds the exclusive hunting and fishing rights to 50,000 ha (124,000 ac) in the area. The adventure begins with a flight from Reykjavík to Narsarsuaq, where local guides welcome the visitors, followed by a scenic boat ride to the camp. The following days are spent fishing for Arctic char in lakes and rivers near the camp, hunting for big game and sea angling for cod, bullhead and flounder. A visit to local villages, hiking or sightseeing tours can also be arranged.

Fishing enthusiasts visiting Iceland can choose between numerous Arctic salmon, char and trout rivers. Trips can be arranged either for the day or longer. Whatever your requests, Lax-á’s staff make an effort to fulfill your every wish. Accommodation is arranged in lodges in the peaceful countryside. After a long day of fishing, a soak in a hot tub with stunning views is the perfect way to relax. Lax-á offers the option of selfcatering or full-service, all-inclusive lodges. Goose hunting is growing in popularity among Lax-á’s customers in Iceland. Lax-á holds the rights to the largest goose-hunting territories in the country—500 ha (1,240 ac) in the south and west. A range of other tours are available, including sightseeing by jeep, snowmobile and helicopter, horseback riding, whale watching, river rafting, ice climbing, caving and soft survival adventure tours for families. Lax-á also organizes pick-ups and drop-offs at Keflavík International Airport. lax-a.net

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Icelandic Horse Legends Visit Fákasel, Iceland’s only horse theater, for a magical show in a unique environment.

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First-Class Experience ....................................................................................................

ákasel, the Icelandic Horse Park, is one of a kind. In the 45-minute ‘edutainment’ performance the audience is introduced to the history of the trusty and treasured Icelandic horse, highlighting its special qualities, interwoven with scenes from Norse mythology.

To guarantee a pleasurable viewing experience, great resources have been put into creating sound, visuals and special effects. A 40-m (131-foot) long screen serves as a backdrop for the show and an original soundtrack was composed by one of Iceland’s leading musicians and producers, Barði Jóhannsson. Professionals in the field of theater were consulted on everything from lighting to costumes. The 1,600-m2 (1,913-yd2) stage is the biggest in Iceland. A visit to Fákasel is guaranteed fun for visitors of all nationalities, diverse groups and the whole family—entrance is free for children younger than 12 accompanied by parents or legal guardians. The Icelandic Horse Park is also a brilliant idea for organizers of conferences and incentives seeking something different for an evening out. icelandichorsepark.com

Within Reach of Reykjavík .................................................................................................... Fákasel is located near Hveragerði in South Iceland, just 30-40 minutes from Reykjavík. An easy drive takes you there in time for the show at 7 pm. You can also combine it with dinner at the in-house gourmet restaurant or simply drop by during the day for a visit to the stables. Making the visit part of a larger sightseeing tour of the surrounding area is recommended, where popular destinations such as the black-sand beaches of the south, Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot spring are located. Several excursion companies include Fákasel is some of their day tours.

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Room with a Glacial View Located near Höfn in Southeast Iceland, in the ‘Realm of Vatnajökull,’ family-run Hótel Jökull offers a spectacular view of Europe’s largest glacier.

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on its renovation ever since. Hótel Jökull opened up under its current name last year, and has developed from having 31 rooms and sleeping bag accommodation to 41 rooms with bath, and 17 with a washbasin. Hótel Jökull lies in close proximity to many of Iceland’s most popular attractions, including Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, Skaftafell national park, Skálafellsjökull outlet glacier, Geitafell mountain and Lónsöræfi wilderness area. hoteljokull.is

n clear days, guests at Hótel Jökull in Nes, 7 km (4 miles) from Höfn, wake up to arguably one of the most awesome views in the country—if not the continent—of the massive white outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Operated by a small, family-run company, Hótel Jökull was originally a boarding school in winter and a hotel in summer. The school was bought by a local family in 2008, who, in spite of not having any prior experience of the hotel business, have worked

Beautiful Boutique Hotel Hotel Holt, with a unique atmosphere and history, is renowned for its outstanding hospitality and excellent services.

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he 4-star Hotel Holt, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in February next year, is one of Iceland’s oldest and best known hotels. The small, 41-room, privately-owned boutique hotel, is situated in a quiet residential area in Reykjavík city center—a peaceful night’s sleep is guaranteed—only a few minutes’ walk from the main shopping streets, a variety of restaurants, museums and other places of interest. Hotel Holt houses the country’s largest privately-owned art collection, including work by some of the most famous Icelandic artists. The art is displayed all around the hotel and in all the bedrooms. You don’t have to leave the hotel for a delicious meal. The in-house Gallery Restaurant, which opened in 1966, one year after the hotel, is the place to go in Iceland to celebrate special occasions. In a stylish and sophisticated setting, the restaurant offers first-class French cuisine with creative composition of classic dishes. holt.is

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The Sky’s the Limit

For an extraordinary bird’s-eye view of Iceland, jump onboard Helo’s Bell 407 helicopter with floor-to-ceiling windows.

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ou haven’t truly experienced Iceland until you’ve seen it from above. Helo – Helicopter Service of Iceland offers diverse helicopter services and unforgettable sightseeing tours on a Bell 407 with an unobstructed view of spectacular landscapes. Amazing Adventures for All .................................................................................................... Helo’s sightseeing tours range from a 30-minute panoramic view of Reykjavík to a six-hour flight along the south coast to Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. The ‘Golden Experience’ tour is one of the most popular, flying along the Golden Circle above Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir area, escaping the usual crowds, then landing on a glacier. Combinations of helicopter and ground tours are also available, including ski-doo glacier and river jet tours, a once-in-a-lifetime ‘inside the volcano’ experience and a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. Got more ideas? Then opt for Helo’s tailor-made excursions.

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Quality Service Guaranteed .................................................................................................... Helo is the only helicopter service in Iceland operating a luxury helicopter, a Bell 407 – model 2012. Designed for sightseeing from the air with comfortable leather seats, increased cabin space and floor-to-ceiling bubble windows, the helicopter is also known for its outstanding performance and safety. Helo’s team is friendly and flexible, determined to make your Iceland dream come true, and its pilots are excellent guides. Helo is conscious about protecting the fragile Icelandic nature, pointing out that flying is the gentlest way of traveling, leaving no track marks behind in sensitive soil. Join the ranks of Helo’s happy customers and book your dream flight on helo.is





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Ready for a Road Trip?

Enjoy the freedom of discovering Iceland in your own time, and at your own pace, behind the wheel of a trusty four-wheeled travel companion. Nothing but the road ahead, sky above and spectacular landscape all around.

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Celebrating its 35th anniversary .....................................................................

ounded in 1979, Átak is one of the oldest operating car rental companies in Iceland, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. With decades of experience and a high service standard, Átak is car rental you can trust.

For 35 years, Átak has taken great pride in providing excellent and personal service to its customers, along with using only new and nearly-new cars. The car rental also collaborates with travel agencies around the world. This makes Átak the best choice when renting a car in Iceland, as confirmed by the many returning and satisfied customers. Átak’s rental stations are located in Reykjavík and at Keflavík International Airport. The company provides 24-hour service and also a free pick-up service in Keflavík and the greater Reykjavík area.

Vehicles that Meet Every Need ................................................................ Átak have a wide range of vehicles to suit every budget and meet all your driving needs, from small cars to luxury cars, minivans and many types of 4x4 jeeps. Fancy a roundtrip of the country on the Ring Road, short breaks to destinations near the capital or a crossing of the rugged interior? Just let Átak’s friendly staff know what your plan is and they will gladly help you to make your trip in Iceland an experience to treasure.

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All you need to know about travel in Iceland: icelandreview.com

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Travel Mart An Iceland Review publication

Compiled by Eygló Svala Arnarsdóttir and Alëx Elliott. Cover photo by Benedikt Jóhannesson. Other photos courtesy of VNTM exhibitor participants. Design by Erlingur Páll Ingvarsson. Copy editor: Alëx Elliott. Printing: Ísafold. © Heimur Publishing, Borgartún 23, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland, tel: 512-7575, [email protected], icelandreview.com

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