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Mosfellsbær Tourist Information 2002-2003.

Welcome to Mosfellsbær, a friendly community where youcan take a short-cut into wild Icelandic nature without evenleaving the Greater Reykjavík Area.Among the town’s many leisure attractions for people stay-ing in Reykjavík, particular favourites are horse riding,golf and hiking. Mosfellsbær already draws thousands of visitors each yearspecifically to call at the Álafoss woollens factory outlet,and will be attracting thousands more from 2003 onwardswhen the house of writer and Nobel laureate HalldórLaxness opens to the public to become a major Icelandiccultural shrine. Marked paths with information signs have been set up allover Mosfellsbær to help those who want to combinesome healthy outdoor activity with insights into the rich his-tory of this community. Most people who visit Iceland pass through Mosfellsbæron their way either to the north and west or to the ancientparliament site of Þingvellir. This booklet is aimed to help visitors find out just whatthey can see and do if they stop over in the town or makea day trip to it from Reykjavík. Besides features on someof the main attractions, it includes maps of the town andwalking/hiking paths in the vicinity, and a list of usefulservices for visitors.

Visitors are welcome to use the tourist information service,currently housed at the municipal library where there isalso free Internet access.

Contents

See art and craft in the making . . . . . . . . . . . .4

The home of Icelandic woollens . . . . . . . . . . . .5

(Horse) back to nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Mosfellsbær services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Buses and Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Map of Mosfellsbær . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Map of Mosfellsdalur Valley and services . . . .10

Village atmosphere at outdoor market . . . . . .11

Two courses to choose from . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

The natural way to work off steam . . . . . . . . .13

Priceless nature and hidden treasure . . . . . . .14

In the footsteps of the Nobel laureate . . . . . . .15

Mother Nature’s big picture . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

A great place for camping . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Variety’s the name of the game . . . . . . . . . . .18

Tourist InformationMosfellsbær Library, 2nd floor, Kjarni, Þverholt 2, 270 Mosfellsbær

(Information stand for tourists and visitors, plus free Internet access)

Tel.: +(354) 566 6822 / +(354) 566 6860 Fax: +(354)566 8114, e-mail: bokasafn@mos.is

Open Mondays-Thursdays 13:00-20:00, Fridays 13:00-18:00

www.mos.is/info

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One of the major attractions in Mosfellsbærfor years has been the Álafoss factory out-let in Álafosskvosin, on the site whereIceland’s woollens industry was launchedmore than a hundred years ago.There’s a huge selection of woollensweaters ranging from traditional styles tohigh fashion, along with accessories suchas gloves, mittens, caps and scarves, andother textile items including blankets andwraps. Prices are ex-factory and thereforeas a rule considerably lower than thosecharged by regular souvenir shops. Andthe service is exceptionally flexible, sincestaff will come and open the shop outsideregular hours, by arrangement.The store is housed in the former factorypremises of Álafoss, which for decades

was the leading manufacturer and exporterof Icelandic woollens and took its namefrom the waterfall on the river that drove itsmills. In homage to this heritage, the storeexhibits an interesting selection of old knit-ting machinery and photographs from the

early days, forming the basis for a museumdedicated to an industry that was once oneof the mainstays of Iceland’s economy.While most of the floor space is devoted tothe woollen goods of today and memora-bilia of yesteryear, ceramics and otherhandicrafts by most of the artists with stu-dios in Álafosskvosin and elsewhere inMosfellsbær are also on display and onsale in a separate section of the store.Álafoss is an ideal place to begin or endan interesting walk along one of themarked routes (see map on centre pages).

Tucked away where the town ofMosfellsbær spreads out into the wilds isa village unto itself, known as “Álafoss-kvosin,” once a major landmark inIceland’s industrial history and now a sep-arate community where artists have theirworkshops and studios. A number of artists have studios in the for-mer premises of the Álafoss wool mill andseveral of them are open to the public –although visitors should always arrangean appointment in advance. One is the studio/workshop of PalliKristjáns, Iceland’s only professional knife-

maker, who usesthe bone and skinof native andother animals andintricate decora-tion, often usingViking Agedesigns. Worksby other crafts-men are also on

show at his studio, including wood carv-ings and turnings, items of silver, silkprints and paintings. Next door is the studio of painter Hildur

Margrétardóttir, who often works usingphotographic-based images. And in thesame row of buildings is the Dieter RothAcademy, an avant-garde gallery and

workshop dedicated to the mem-ory of the Swiss-born artist wholived in Mosfellsbær for manyyears. Other artists opening theirstudios to the public are painterBryndís Brynjarsdóttir andceramicists Helga Jóhannesdóttirand Inga Elín Kristinsdóttir. One section of the Álafoss facto-ry outlet premises is devoted toarts and crafts, with a particularfocus on the works of localartists. However, Álafosskvosin is

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See art and craft in the making

Álafoss-föt beztRestaurant and pub

Ideal place for specialevents on requestOpen from 1.6 - 1.9Mon.-Thu.: from 20:00Fri.-Sun.: from 16:00and on request

Álafoss-föt beztÁlafossvegur 23270 MosfellsbærTel.: +(354) 566 8585Fax: +(354) 566 7868www.alafoss.is

Álafoss factory outlet is open:Mon.-Fri. 9:00 - 18:00Sat. 9:00 - 16:00Other times by arrangement.

Tel. +(354) 566 6303Fax: +(354) 566 8330E-mail: alafoss@isl.is

not the only place to see artists atwork, since ceramicist ÞóraSigurþórsdóttir welcomes visitors toher studio at Hvirfill in Mosfells-dalur valley, and SteinunnMarteinsdóttir invites visitors totake a look at her paintings andceramics at Hulduhólar, just off themain road to Reykjavík. Don’t for-get to phone and arrange appoint-ments in advance.In town, art and handicraft itemsare also on display and sale atHandverkshúsið, Háholt 24.

Álafoss factory outlet:

The home of Icelandic woollens

Arts and handicrafts / Studios and galleries

Artists whose studios are open to the public – by arrangement only, please phone in advance

In Álafosskvosin

Inga Elín Kristinsdóttir, Álafossvegur 18 . . . . . . . . . . . .566 8081

Glass and ceramics

Hildur Margrétardóttir, Álafossvegur 31 . . . . . . . . . . . .566 7818

Painting, multimedia, photography

Helga Jóhannesdóttir, Álafossvegur 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 8228,

Paintings 695 6694

Palli Kristjáns, Álafossvegur 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 7408,

Knife-maker. Wood carvings and turnings, 899 6903

silverwork, silk prints and paintings also on display and sale.

Bryndís Brynjarsdóttir, Álafossvegur 23 . . . . . . . . . . . .659 7392

Paintings, 3-D and sculpture

Elsewhere in Mosfellsbær

Hulduhólar – Steinunn Marteinsdóttir . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 6194

Ceramics and paintings

Hvirfill – Þóra Sigurþórsdóttir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 7098

Ceramics

Handicrafts

Handverkshús, Háholt 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .898 5980

Amateur handicrafts. Daily 14:00-18:00 except Sun.

Ceramics by Helga JóhannesdóttirInga Elín Kristinsdóttir

Hildur Margrétardóttir, Tolli and Palli Kristjáns.

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It’s often said that you’ve never seen Iceland properly untilyou’ve seen it from horseback. And Mosfellsbær gives youplenty of landscape to see and plenty of choices for seeing it,with three separate horse rentals and a major riding club only15 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík city centre.

Hardy but sure-footed and obedient, the Icelandic horse is aparticularly suitable way to explore the land as you’ve neverdone before. Riding centres are more than pleased to intro-duce total beginners to the sport, while experienced horse-men are also offered more challenging and rewarding trips.

Icelandic Travel Horses (Íslenskir ferðahestar) operates inMosfellsbær with tours in Mosfellsdalur valley, and also offersa selection of guided riding tours at the ancient parliamentsite of Þingvellir, which is a national park. These include daytrips, evening trips and a combined riding and sailing tour,with a pickup and return service for guests staying at hotels inReykjavík.

Laxnes horse farm is one of the pioneers of organized horseriding tours in Iceland, established in 1968. Its programmeincludes a three-hour trip (pickup and return from Reykjavíkplus two hours’ riding) in the wilds around the farm, on hors-

es chosen to fit individuals’needs. Laxnes also offers toursof 1-3 days around Þingvellirand longer tours for more expe-rienced equestrians, such as sixdays’ riding on Snæfellsnespeninsula or in the south centralhighlands.

A third horse rental operates inMosfellsbær – Hindisvík, basedin the stables area which is justnorth of the town centre.Hindisvík organizes two-hourguided riding tours in andaround Mosfellsbær every dayif requested in summer and atother times by arrangement.

Horsemanship in Iceland is notjust a sport or hobby, but awhole way of life. Riding clubsplay a strong role in many com-munities, and Hörður, the localclub in Mosfellsbær, is the sec-ond-largest in Iceland with morethan 500 members, includingsome of the country’s leadinghorsemen. Hörður organizes 6-7tournaments each year, thelargest in May and June. Theclub also arranges courses inriding and at its stables are pro-fessional tamers and instructors,as well as people involved inhorse exports.

Riding ToursHorse Trekking

Duration: About 3 hours/2 hours ride • Daily departuresFrom hotels: 9:30 / 13:30 • Fare 3,500 ISK • Family discount

A day at the FarmDuration: About 7 hours • Departures: Daily pick-up at 9:30 amOperates: All year round • Fare 8,000 ISK • Family discount

We also offer day tours to Thingvellir National Parkfor a minimum number of 5 passengers.

Laxnes Horse Farm • 270 MosfellsbærTel.: +(354) 566 6179 • Fax: +(354) 566 6797info@laxnes.is • www.laxnes.is

LaxnesHorse Farm

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Experience the beautiful sceneryof Mosfellsbær from horseback.

Two-hour riding tours onrequest during the summer.Departures from Hindisvík.Price 3,500 ISK. Discount for groups.

Group riding tours followed byBarbeque can be arranged.Please book in advance.Price 5,000 ISK.

Hestamiðstöðin HindisvíkBlíðubakkar, 270 Mosfellsbær

Mobile: +(354) 695 8766 and +(354) 691 2388

Hindisvík Riding Tours

Horse riding:

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Kortagerð: Ólafur Valsson Copyright ©

Kaldakvísl

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BakeryMosfellsbakarí, Urðarholt 2 . . . . . . . . . . .566 6145Award-winning cakes and decorations. Qualitybread and pastries. Seating available for lunchtimesnacks (e.g. soup and bread) and coffee and cakes.www.mosbak.is Mon.-Fri. 6:30-18:30 Sat.-Sun.7:30-17:00

BanksBúnaðarbanki Íslands, Þverholt 1 . . . . . . .580 29009:15-16:00. ATM round the clockÍslandsbanki, Kjarni mall, Þverholt 2 . . . . .560 88809:15-16:00. ATM round the clock

Motoring servicesEsso, Háholt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 6750Full range of motoring services. Filling station.Snacks and necessities in shop. Olís, Langitangi 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 7201Full range of motoring services. Filling station.Snacks and necessities in shop. Bæjardekk, Langitangi 1a . . . . . . . . . . . .566 8188Tyre repair. Oil change. Emergency tel. . .896 0886

AccommodationCampsite by River Varmá . . . . . . . . . . . .566 6754

Healthcare centre and pharmacyHealthcare centre, Þverholt 2 . . . . . . . . .510 0700Pharmacy (Apótek) Þverholt 2 . . . . . . . . .566 7123

PoliceMosfellsbær Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .562 6666893 6722, 112

Emergency services 1 1 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

SupermarketsBónus, Þverholt 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .586 8100Open Mon - Thursd. 12:00 - 18:30, Fri. 10:00 - 19:00,Sat. 10:00 - 16:00 and Sundays 12:00 - 18:00 Nóatún, Þverholt 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 6656Seven days a week 9:00-21:0011-11, Háholt 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 6226Seven days a week 11:00-23:00

Woollens / Souvenir shop / Museum Álafoss factory outlet, Álafossvegur 23 . .566 6303Woollens at bargain prices. Exhibits from the historyof the woollens industry. Art and handicrafts byartists in Álafosskvosin

Leisure activities Swimming pool, Varmá sports centre . . . .566 6754Outdoor swimming pool, separate children's pool,sauna, two hot pots (incl. one jacuzzi). Solarium,children's play area. Summer: weekdays 6:00-21:00, weekends 9-18:00Winter: weekdays 6:30-20:00, weekends 16:00-21:00 Varmá sports centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 6754Halls and courts for hire, soccer pitches, heated running track, play area. Kjölur Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 74159 holes, in LeiruvogurToppform fitness centre . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 6754Fitness centre in sports centre building

Arts and handicrafts / Studios and galleriesArtists whose studios are open to the public – byarrangement only, please phone in advance

In ÁlafosskvosInga Elín Kristinsdóttir, Álafossvegur 18 . . .566 8081

Glass and ceramicsHildur Margrétardóttir, Álafossvegur 31 . . .566 7818,

Painting, multimedia, photography 699 0808Helga Jóhannesdóttir, Álafossvegur 23 . . . .566 8228,

Paintings 695 6694Palli Kristjáns, Álafossvegur 29 . . . . . . . . . . .566 7408,

Knife-maker. Wood carvings and 899 6903turnings, silverwork, silk prints and paintings alsoon display and sale.

Bryndís Brynjarsdóttir, Álafossvegur 23 . . .659 7392Paintings, 3-D and sculpture

Elsewhere in MosfellsbærHulduhólar – Steinunn Marteinsdóttir . . .566 6194Ceramics and paintingsHandverkshúsið, Háholt 24 . . . . . . . . . . .898 5980Amateur handicrafts. Daily 14:00-18:00 except Sun.

Travel guides – experts on MosfellsbærBjarki Bjarnason . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .899 5198Birgir D. Sveinsson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .862 9431 Gunnlaugur D. Ólafsson . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 8587

Horse riding toursHindisvík horse centre, Blíðubakkar 2 . . .695 8766691 2388 Weekends in summer from 14:30 (twohours). Group tours by arrangementHörður Riding Club, Varmárbakkar . . . . .566 8282Organized tournaments and meets in summer.

Transportation and Travel Hópferðabílar Jónatans Þórissonar . . . . . . . .566 7420

Coaches, group toursÆvintýri – Hópferðir, Skeljatangi 33 . . . . . . .893 4246

Coaches, group toursBuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .540 2700

Route no. 25 to and from Ártúnshöfði in Reykjavík Taxi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .588 5522BSÍ (Main coach station), Vatnsmýrarvegur 10,

Reykjavík . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .591 1000BSÍ coaches on all routes north and west fromReykjavík stop in Mosfellsbær – just ask the driver

Tourist informationTown library, 2nd floor, Kjarni mall, . . . . .566 6822Þverholt 2. See advertisement on p. 3

Cafés, pubs and bistrosÁlafoss-föt bezt, Álafossvegur 22 . . . . . .566 8585Ideal for groups, receptions, etc. Please book inadvance. Open June 1 - Sept. 1, weekdays from20:00, weekends from 16:00.Áslákur, Ás . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 6657Genuine country pub. Weekdays 17:00-01:00Fri.-Sat. 15:00-03:00. Seats 10-50 for mealsCafé Krónika, Kjarni mall, Þverholt 2 . . . .566 8822Home cooking at lunchtime. Soups and salads. Coffeeand cakes. Licensed. Open 09:00-19:00 except Sun.Draumakaffi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .586 8040Snacks. Speciality is filled crêpes. Pizzas and ham-burgers. Licensed. Daily 10:00-23:00.

Snack shops / Fast foodBónusvídeó, Þverholt 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 7910Snacks, sweets, etc.Myndbandaleigan 11-11, Háholt 24 . . . .566 6226Snacks, sweets, etc.Grillnesti, Háholt 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 8926Hot and cold snacks. Sandwiches to order. Drive-through, with seating too. Weekdays 8:00-23:30,Sat. 10:00-23:30 and Sun. 11:00-23:30 Kentucky Fried Chicken, Háholt 9 . . . . . .586 8222Chicken meals from the famous brand. A greatplace for children, with giant slide and castleindoors.Snælandsvideó, Háholt 14 . . . . . . . . . . .566 8043Snackbar with tables. Grill, hamburgers, subs, deep-fried fish, sandwiches, ice cream, etc. Weekdays8:00-23:30, Sat. 9:00-23:30, Sun. 10:00-23:30Pizza 67, Háholt 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 6767Takeaway and deliveriesPizzabær, Þverholt 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 8555Cosy pizzeria with tables, plus takeaway anddeliveries. Daily 11:30-23:30, Fri. and Sat. 1:00after midnight.

Other servicesKjarni shopping mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 8822Town centre. Shops include bookstore (which alsosells postage stamps and maps), souvenirs, clothes,cosmetics, handicrafts, florist, photographicdevelopment and food. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alcohol store (ÁTVR), Þverholt 3 . . . . . . .586 8150Mon.-Thur. 14:00-19:00, Fri. 12:00-20:00 and Sat.12:00-16:00 Post office, Háholt 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 6000Weekdays 9-16:30. A letterbox is located at Kjarnimall.

Further information on shops and services inMosfellsbær is available from Tourist informa-tion at the Town Library, tel. . . . . . . .566 6822

Places of InterestÁlafosskvosin – artists' studios and galleriesStekkjarflöt, park/landscaped area with the sculp-ture "House of time – House of the poet" byMagnús Tómasson

Marked paths with information signs extend fromthe boundary between Reykjavík and Mosfellsbærby the River Úlfarsá, along the shore and towardsboth Álafosskvosin and Mosfellsdalur. Signsdescribe local history and nature in Icelandic andEnglish.

Lágafellsklif, on the way to Lágafellskirkja churchand Mt. Lágafell – a unique panoramic view!Lágafellskirkja church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 6165Leiruvogur – protected nature reserve. Rich plant lifeincluding the rare Black Grass (jucus gerardi), andcolourful bird life. Reykjavík Energy geothermal boreholes and pump-ing station supplying hot water to much of theGreater Reykjavík Area

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Part of Mosfellsbær’s appeal is the way it blends the char-acter of town and countryside – perhaps nowhere betterseen than at the outdoor market held in Mosfellsdalurevery Saturday from the end of July to the beginning ofSeptember (weather permitting!). A wide range of locally grown foods are on sale at themarket, in particular vegetables (organically cultivated)and flowers, along with brook trout and trout from LakeÞingvallavatn. There’s a great village feel to these commu-nity gatherings, with home-made food on sale, jam-makingcontests and the like.

Ample geothermal water resources have enabledMosfellsbær to develop extensive market gardening andthe town has become particularly well known for its flow-ers. Reykir had been a large farm for centuries, and in1922-3 Iceland’s first geothermally heated greenhousewas built here. According to tradition, the local clergymanwarned against pumping up hot water from the depths ofthe Earth, since no one could be sure where it really camefrom! In fact there is such a “devilish” amount of hot waterunder the ground in Mosfellsbær that springs and bore-holes at Reykir and in Mosfellsdalur were the main source

of heating for Reykjavík from the time a concrete-casedpipe was laid to carry water to the capital in 1943, untilNesjavellir geothermal power station was opened in1990.

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Mosfellsdalur – ServicesFlorists

Dalsgarður – Gísli Jóhannsson . . . . . . . . .566 7490Roses. Open Sat. 09:00 - 13:00Mosskógar – Jón Jóhannsson . . . . . . . . .566 8121Market vegetables, etc.Gróandi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 7339Trees and plants. Open Mon.-Fri.: 09:00-20.00Sat.-Sun.: 10:00-18:00Garðyrkustöðin Reykjadalur – Erlingur . .566 6235Flowers, Roses. Open Mon.-Fri.: 09:00-12:00or by appointment

Leisure and sports – GolfBakkakot Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 8480

Horse ridingIcelandic Travel Horses, Víðigrund . . . . . .566 7600Daily tours. Also customized tours 894 7200for individuals and groups. Pick-up service. Laxnes Horse Farm, Laxnes . . . . . . . . . . .566 6179Daily tours. Pick-up service.

Places of InterestMosfellskirkja ChurchChurch on the site of the old farm where Sagahero, warrior and poet Egill Skallagrímsson lived inhis old age. He is said to be buried in the church-yard – and his hidden treasure not far away. Mt. Mosfell (276 m) Panoramic viewHelgufoss WaterfallGljúfrasteinn, former home of Nobel laureateHalldór Laxness. Scheduled to open as a museum in2003Hvirfill, studio/workshop of Þóra SigurþórsdóttirCeramics. Visits by prior arrangement . . .566 7098“In the Poet´s footsteps” hiking path.

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Dalsgarður

Laugaból Mosskógar

Reykjadalur 2

HitaveitaDælustöð

Laxnes

Gljúfrasteinn

Helgadalur

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Mosfellsdalur:

Village atmosphere at outdoor market

Roses at Dalsgarður

Ceramicist Þóra Sigurþórsdóttir.

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Non-members can use thecourse for a modest green feefrom 09:00 to 22:00 duringsummer but are advised tobook in advance.

Bakkakot is another nine-holecourse, located in Mosfells-dalur valley on anotherfavourite walking route on thenortheastern edge of town.Visitors are also advised tobook but are welcome to goto the club house wheneverthey please.

Swimming and sports:

The natural wayto work off steamSwimming is often described as Iceland’s nationalsport, and unlikely as it may sound in a place calledIceland, outdoor swimming is the norm – summer andwinter alike.Most communities have good and popular outdoorswimming pools and Mosfellsbær, with its amplegeothermal resources bubbling away under the town,is certainly no exception. Almost all visitors to Icelandmake a special point of taking a dip in water heatedup by Mother Nature herself, and Mosfellsbær pool,located at the town’s sports centre, is both a conven-ient and comfortable place for doing so.Besides the main pool itself, there’s a sauna and twohot pots: one with still water and the other a jacuzzi.A solarium is on the premises and families can relaxknowing that the youngsters have plenty to keep themoccupied, with a separate children’s pool and playarea.Inside the sports centre are squash courts, indoor golfand a fitness centre. Facilities outdoors include pitch-es for ball games, a heated running track and biketrack.

Golf:

Two courses tochoose fromIceland represents a particular challenge forgolfers, with its changeable weather andrugged terrain. Other features such as “breath-takingly” fresh air and virtually round-the-clockdaylight in summer combine to make the golfingexperience in Iceland second to none.

With its spacious natural setting, Mosfellsbær isan ideal place for visiting golfers to practicetheir sport in fine surroundings without havingto go more than a few minutes’ ride fromReykjavík. And visitors can combine a strollaround the town’s natural surroundings with acall at one of its two golf courses, both of whichare on the marked walking routes. Their clubrooms are open to everyone, not just players,for snacks, coffee and the like.

The nine-hole course at Kjölur (opened in 1986)is located down from the town centre, overlook-ing the bay towards Reykjavík. It’s en route forwalkers taking the shoreside path from the

Refreshments on sale in club house Open Mon - Fri. 1st Maí - 1st October

13:00 - 22:00 and weekends 10:00 - 22:00

Green fee at weekends after 14:00 is 2,400 ISK

Welcome

For further information contact the club tel.: + (354) 566-8480 • www.golf.is/gob

Varmá Swimming poolOutdoor swimming pool, separate children's pool,

sauna, two hot pots (incl. one jacuzzi).

Solarium, children's play area.Admission: 110 ISK, children 55 ISK.

Open summer: weekdays 6:00-21:00, weekends 9-18:00winter: weekdays 6:30-20:00, weekends 16:00-21:00

Varmá sports centre • Tel.: +(354) 566 6754

Golfklúbburinn KjölurGreen fee is 2,500 ISK at weekends

for 9 holes after 14:00

Refreshments available. Coffee, snacks, sandwiches, hamburgers and drinks

Open June - September 11:00 - 22:00Open May 14:00 - 22:00

Open weekends 09:00 - 22:00

WelcomeFor further information contact the club Tel.: + (354) 566 7415 • www.golf.is/gkj

Golfklúbburinn

Bakkakot

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Mosfellsbær’s favourite sonbeyond all shadow of a doubt isHalldór Laxness (1902-1998),winner of the Nobel Prize forLiterature in 1955. He was bornin Reykjavík but at the age ofthree moved with his parents tothe farm Laxnes in Mosfellsdalurvalley, where he lived until hepublished his first novel at theage of 17. After more than twodecades of almost continuoustravel and writing under the nomde plume Laxness, which he took in homageto his childhood home, he had a house builtnearby at Gljúfrasteinn, where he livedalmost until his death in 1998. In 1955 Halldór Laxness became the firstIcelander to win the Nobel Prize forLiterature. In his acceptance speech, hethanked his parents and in particular hisgrandmother who lived at their home atLaxnes and “who taught me hundreds of linesof old Icelandic poetry before I ever learnedthe alphabet”. At once a writer of great pathos, lyricism andhumour, Laxness builds on the old Icelandicepic tradition, renewing and modernising it.His characters are typically “independentpeople” (the title of one of his greatestnovels) who fight to preserve their ideals and values in an unsympathetic society. Laxness’ works have been translated into 43languages. Best known among them are thenovels Independent People, Salka Valka,World Light and Atom Station, although inlater life Halldór Laxness turned increasinglyto autobiographical writing, in which thecountryside around Mosfellsbær naturallyfeatures strongly. Information signs have been

set up at certain landmarks associated withLaxness and his books. Part of the humble old farmhouse at Laxnes inwhich the writer was brought up – now theoldest building in Mosfellsbær – remainsintact at what is now a horse farm, but is notopen to the public. However, the eleganthouse at Gljúfrasteinn where he spent almostfifty years has now been bought by the stateand it is planned to open it to the public,unchanged from when the Nobel laureateand honorary citizen of Mosfellsbær livedthere, in 2003.

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Places in and around what is modern-day Mosfellsbær feature widely in theancient sagas and other literary and his-torical sources. According to the Book ofSettlements, the first person to live inMosfell was Þórður Skeggi, who took theland between Leiruvogur bay andÚlfarsá river on the advice of IngólfurArnarson, the first settler of Iceland,probably around 900. Leiruvogur was awell known mooring point for ships inthe 10th-13th centuries, and the settingfor some encounters in the sagas. Helgufoss waterfall at the head ofMosfellsdalur valley – one of severalimpressive waterfalls aroundMosfellsbær – is said to be named afterHelga, the daughter of BárðurSnæfellsás, a half-man and half-giantwho kept guard over Snæfellsnes penin-sula (which can be seen across the bayon a clear day). Other local places areassociated with Helga too. But certainly the best known resident in ancient times was the outrageous Viking

poet Egill Skallagrímsson, who killed hisfirst man at the age of seven and wastoo rowdy to take to a drinking feastwhen he was three. In his old age Egillmoved to Mosfell to live with his step-daughter Þórdís and her husband, andstill kept his wild streak despite beingblind. Originally he planned to throw histreasure – a gift from King Athelstan ofEngland – over Þingvellir to make every-one at the assembly fight over it, butwhen no one would take him there hehad two slaves go with him to bury itsomewhere in the vicinity, then killedthem. According to his saga, Egill wasburied at Mosfell, which has been a

church site since the 12th century. AnAmerican-led team of archaeologistshave been searching for Egill’s giganticand reputedly unbreakable skull in thisarea which – given its history – is aremarkably peaceful place today.

Historical Mosfellsbær:

Priceless nature and hidden treasureHalldór Laxness and Mosfellsbær:

In the footsteps of the Nobel laureateOne of many interesting spotshidden away in the foothills ofMosfellsdalur valley isGuddulaug, a freshwaterspring which is claimed tohave healing properties. In hismemoirs, Laxness wrote: “Myfather believed in this spring. Ibelieved in this spring too.When my father was seriouslyill with pneumonia the firsttime, I was sent to fetch waterfor him from this spring, twicea day, and he got better.When he contracted pneumo-nia again, eight years later, Iwas in the city having Childof Nature [debut novel] print-ed, there was no one to fetchwater for him from the spring,and he died.”

Bookstore • Mosfellsbær • Tel.: +(354) 566 6620

BookstoreKjarni Shopping MalMaps, PostcardsStamps andSouvenirs

Open: Mon.-Fri. 10:00 - 18Sat. 11:00 - 14:00

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Helgufoss waterfall in Mosfellsdalur

Black Grass (Jucus gerardi) in Leiruvogur.

Staying in Mosfellsbær:

A great placefor campingMosfellsbær is a fine place for camping,with a well-equipped campsite in abeautiful riverside setting. It makes a finebase for a more nature-focused stay thancan be had in most of the ReykjavíkArea, and is also a good “wateringplace” en route to the north, west or eastof the country – or back.Located on the banks of the River Varmá,the campsite is within easy walkingdistance of the sports centre and towncentre, where several walking and bikingpaths intersect. The campsite, open from June to Augustinclusive, is equipped with hot and coldrunning water and toilets. Campers aregranted free admission to the swimmingpool at the sports centre (see p. 13) forboth bathing and use of showers.Caravans and camper cars are welcometoo.

Price list for summer 2002Adults: ISK 400 per night per personChildren 12 years and younger: Free Camping cars and caravans: ISK 800 per nightOpen June 1 - August 31. Tel.: +(354) 566 6754 e-mail: sg@mos.is or mos@mos.is Web: www.mos.is/info

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While the whole of the GreaterReykjavík Area is close to nature,Mosfellsbær is right in the front line. Thetown is the last big urban stop beforeboth the main north- and west-boundroad and the east-bound road to Þing-vellir take over. And it’s really the onlypart of the capital area where you findtown and country in harmony and canhead off into the mountains at the dropof a hat.

Mt. Esja, the beautiful mountain that hasbecome an emblem for Reykjavík anddominates the capital skyline, forms onepart of the ridge of mountains thatshelter outlying parts of Mosfellsbærfrom the north winds. Other parts of theridge further inland – Helgafell andMosfell – are easy to ascend by markedpaths for panoramic views over whatlooks like half the world. On the southside of the valley, there is also a markedpath to the viewing dial at the top ofLágafell, above the church which inci-dentally dates in part from the late nine-teenth century.

Summer isn’t the only season for the out-door life in Mosfellsbær. Just outside thetown en route to Þingvellir is Mt.Skálafell, one of the two main ski slopes(including ski lifts) serving the GreaterReykjavík Area. One particularly impressive feature ofMosfellsbær for outdoor leisure is its net-

work of walking, hiking, jogging andbiking paths with information signs atregular intervals to add an educationalelement to the experience of nature. Forenergetic types, the network links all theway up with Reykjavík, but there areenough paths in Mosfellsbær itself toprovide days of discovery and delight.

You don’t have to discover everythingfor yourself either. Three local guides inMosfellsbær organize interesting regularwalking tours to cultural and historical

sites in the vicinity of the town and canarrange guided tours in English and otherlanguages. An example of such a tour isBjarki Bjarnason’s “summer culture walk”through Mosfellsdalur valley, which setsoff every Thursday at 19:30 past Nobellaureate Halldór Laxness’ home for thefreshwater spring Guddulaug, which ismentioned in his books, for a healthydrink. From there, walkers call at ceram-ics artist Þóra Sigurþórsdóttir’s studio,then cross the gully Kýrgil, which is pos-sibly where Egill Skallagrímsson hid hissilver, and finish at Bakkakot golf courseclubhouse.

Supermarket, Háholt 24,

Open seven days a week 11:00-23:00Tel.: +(354) 566 6226

Supermarket, Þverholt 6

Open seven days a week 9:00-21:00

Tel.: +(354) 566 6656

Travel guides – experts onMosfellsbærBjarki Bjarnason . . . . . . . . . . . . .899 5198Birgir D. Sveinsson . . . . . . . . . .566 6174

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .862 9431Gunnlaugur D. Ólafsson . . . . . .566 8587

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“In the Poets´ Footsteps“

Guided walk in Mosfellsdalur Valley every Thursday in summer 2002.

Departure from Gljúfrasteinn at 19:30, past HalldórLaxness´ childhood home at Laxnes and some of theyouthful haunts that appear in his autobiographicalworks, and along a favourite route that he used to

take in search of inspiration.

Price. 500 ISK for adultsBjarki Bjarnason, guide tel.: +(354) 899 519816 17

Many people visit Mosfellsbær just todrop in at one of its distinctive coffeehouses and pubs, or round off a day’soutdoor leisure there. You can find bothcharacter and quality, and a much easi-er-going atmosphere than often in thecity.

Near the bridge at the foot of the hill inÁlafosskvosin is the oddly namedÁlafoss-föt bezt – “Álafoss clothes best.”This slogan dates from when Álafossand Iceland’s woollens industry were intheir heyday, and the café/pub is locat-ed in one of the old buildings in what isnow an artists’ village. It is mainly openin summer (to after midnight), but opensother times by arrangement.

Áslákur, by the side of the main north-bound road, is a genuine country pubwith a cosy and friendly atmosphere. Itis open until 01:00 on weekdays and03:00 at weekends. Groups can easilybe accommodated for meals. In the town centre, Café Krónika isopen during regular hours in the Kjarni

Cafés and pubs:

Variety’s the name of the game

Lunchtime soup,sandwichesand other snacks.Coffee throughoutthe day.

Welcome

Mosfellsbakarí bakerythe country bakery

We specialize in pastries, cakes andimaginative confectionery.

Owner Hafliði Ragnarsson has won Iceland’s PastryChef of the Year award three times.

Open: Mon.-Fri. 6:30-18:30Sat.-Sun. 7:30-17:00

Urðarholt 4 • Tel.: +(354) 566 6145 • www.mosbak.is

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Álafoss-föt bezt in Álafosskvosin.

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mall and besides standard cakes andsnacks is a particularly popular spot atlunchtime for its home cooking. It islicensed to serve alcohol. Draumakaffi isanother central establishment, specializingin filled crêpes but also offering pizzasand hamburgers right through to 23:00.

Another popular café is on the premises ofMosfellsbakarí bakery. Known as thecountry bakery, it specializes in pastries,cakes and imaginative confectionery.Owner Hafliði Ragnarsson has wonIceland’s Pastry Chef of the Year awardthree times. Lunchtime soup, sandwichesand other snacks are particular favouritesbesides coffee throughout the day.

Catering for groups of 10-50 – Pleasephone and make a reservation.

Open: Mon.-Thu.: 17:00-01:00Fri.-Sat.: 15:00-03:00

Welcome to Áslákur Country Pub

Áslákur • Country Pub • Ás • 270 MosfellsbærTel.: +(354) 566 6657 • Mobile: +(354) 892 0005

Country Pub

Restaurant withlight meals, coffee and cakes

Open: Mon. - Fri.: 10:00 - 23:00Sat. - Sun.: 11:00 - 23:00

Háholt 14 • Tel.: +(354) 586 8040

Café Krónika

Icelandic home cooking atlunchtime. Soups and salads,

coffee, cakes and snacks.

Groups should book in advance

Open 9:00 - 19:00 every dayexcept Sundays

Welcome

Tel.: +(354) 566 8822

Kjarni, Shopping Mall

Welcome to Mosfellsbær

Tourist InformationMosfellsbær Library, 2nd floor, Kjarni, Þverholt 2, 270 Mosfellsbær

(Information stand for tourists and visitors, plus free Internet access)

Tel.: +(354) 566 6822 / +(354) 566 6860 Fax: +(354)566 8114, e-mail: bokasafn@mos.is

Open Mondays-Thursdays 13:00-20:00, Fridays 13:00-18:00

www.mos.is/info