Indonesians In Reykjavik – A Guided Tour Of The City

Ten years ago, if you’d asked an Icelander what they thought of Indonesian food, they probably wouldn’t have much to say. Nowadays, however, you can get Indonesian food at most of the city’s restaurants and the locals are becoming increasingly enamoured with the country’s cuisine. If you’re visiting Reykjavik as an Indonesian tourist, here are some bits of travel information to keep in mind on your guided tour of Iceland’s capital.

Indonesians in Reykjavik – A Guided Tour of the City

About Iceland

Iceland is a remote island country situated to the North-west of Europe with about 320,000 inhabitants. Today, more than half of Icelanders live in or around its capital city – Reykjavik. The local language is Icelandic (derived from old Norse) and most locals are bilingual (they speak English too). But those who don’t speak either language are likely to understand it, due to extensive TV and radio broadcasting from abroad. Contrary to popular belief Iceland isn’t one big ice-sculpture: you’ll find warm grasslands and forests covered with moss as well as lakes, rivers and hot springs.

Getting There

Iceland is a remote island and there are limited options for transport. In general, you’ll want to fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From there, it’s just a 20-minute drive to downtown Reykjavík. The first stop on our tour will be Hallgrimskirkja Church, which houses a beautiful pipe organ and has breathtaking views of the city. Next we’ll stop at Tjoruhusid – an old warehouse building that now houses several galleries and artist studios – then you’ll walk around Laugavegur street looking at some of the most amazing architecture you would have ever seen.

Settling In

Once you’ve moved to Iceland, you will quickly notice that shopping isn’t nearly as diverse as it is in Indonesia. This can be frustrating when your recipes require ingredients that you simply cannot find. The good news is, adapting Indonesian recipes for an Icelandic kitchen is fairly simple. And if you go to the local stores you are sure to find ingredients that will make your food even more delicious.

Where to Eat, Shop, and Relax

Once you’ve arrived, try local favourites like lamb, fish, and dairy (not necessarily on the same plate) to get a sense of Iceland’s unique cuisine. Several restaurants can be found along Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main street. For more personal service and upscale dining, head to Restaurant Row, which is located near downtown Tjörnin Lake. The restaurant scene includes everything from French-inspired cuisine to local classics. You can also shop at some of the main shopping streets and find tours in Reykjavik that help you really understand the culture.

What To Do

There are many things you can do while visiting Iceland’s capital city, but here are a few highlights. If you want to learn more about its history, start at The Settlement Exhibition in Höfði House. Built by Ingólfur Arnarson, founder of Reykjavík, it is one of only two remaining buildings from Iceland’s earliest settlement. Learn about Viking life at The National Museum and see collections from archaeological sites throughout Iceland. If you’re interested in art and culture, visit Ásmundarsafn, which features works by 19th-century Icelandic artists and hosts local art exhibitions.

Back to Indonesia

Many Indonesians who have lived abroad for a while are returning to their home country, thanks to Indonesia’s renewed focus on tourism, investment, and infrastructure. One easy way for tourists in Iceland to learn about Indonesia is by joining a tour around some of Reykjavik’s best spots for traditional Indonesian street food. Going back to Indonesia you will recognise that a lot of your culture is present in Iceland.