Can I stay?

www.skaftfell.is

 Skaftfell is a center for visual arts frequently hosting exhibitions on an international level. The bistro in the basement is also an attraction all by itself. The menu varies focusing on simple dishes made from local ingredients according to the chefs daily whims. The pizzas in this place are also amazing with a reputation of being better than most in the area. Talking a walk after your meal along the beach to see if you can spot any whales would be a good choice from early spring all through the summer.

Seyðisfjörður is by definition a small fishing town on the east coast of Iceland, population around 700, it is just so much more. A cultural hotspot from the late 1800´s. A modern day haven for artists and an all around hipster mecca complete with an art school and summer festivals. Skaftfell is a center for visual arts and its basement there is the Bistro. The setting between the high mountain peaks, the hundreds of waterfalls and lovely old houses should be reason enough to at least stay for a drink. The place is raw, cement floor and concrete walls. But at the same time warm, full of creativity and dreams. They often have fresh fish straight off the small boats docking close by as well as greens from the organic farm of Vallanes. Usually I would not talk about pizza but in this case they are worth the trip. Try the langoustine special or parma and rucola or just whatever you may fancy, they are all good. What has always struck me about this place is that it could so easily be a kneipe in old East Berlin or a tapas place in suburban Madrid. Some how down home local and cosmopolitan at the same time. The laid back atmosphere, the good beer on tab and the guitar hanging on the wall . I have seen award winning authors and Hollywood celebrity sit around these tables, worked up some sizeable bar bills and enjoyed some seriously good grubs, but also been told tall tales by a four year old over a cup of hot chocolate. This is a place that I hope will always exist in one form or another since just by being there it makes the world a better place.