Volume I: Reykjavík
Introducing the KREWE Travel Guide—our series that traces the journeys we take and the places that shape our inspiration.
From the places we stay to the tables we gather around, these are the moments and spaces that shape our work and remind us why we travel: to be surprised, to be inspired, and to feel at home somewhere new.
For our first volume, we headed north to Reykjavík, where fire meets ice, daylight lingers near midnight, and hospitality is found in unexpected corners.
This restaurant came highly recommend and did not disappoint. We ordered shrimp served in the shell—a little nod to New Orleans’ love of prawns—and rounded it out with a creamy vinaigrette salad and beef tartare.
INSTAGRAM GOOGLE MAPSOne of the oldest bakeries in Iceland, Sandholt has been family-run for four generations The shelves don’t stay full for long, so if you want the best breads and pastries, get there early.
INSTAGRAM GOOGLE MAPSTucked on a quiet residential block, this spot felt like a true find. We started with basil gimlets and an espresso martini, then ordered the mac and cheese, baked brie, and confit tomatoes.
INSTAGRAM GOOGLE MAPSA tried-and-true dinner spot with classic cocktails and hearty portions—we ordered Arctic char with shared starters, and braved a Brennivín cocktail (Iceland’s moonshine) that packed a punch.
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This small café has a full menu, but the move is to grab pastries, sandwiches, and coffee to go—then find a bench outside and enjoy the city.
INSTAGRAM GOOGLE MAPSA cozy café filled with eclectic vintage furniture—the perfect spot to relax and plan your day ahead over a precisely pulled espresso.
INSTAGRAM GOOGLE MAPSBy far our favorite spot in Reykjavík—casual and cozy, with wines poured by the glass and plenty of room to taste before choosing. Dinner was just as memorable: manchego cheese, tinned fish, and perfectly crisp sourdough.
INSTAGRAM GOOGLE MAPSA cocktail bar with outdoor seating facing Austurvöllur Park—perfect for an afternoon drink before dinner. And just like every al fresco setup needs a good glass of wine, it also calls for a good pair of frames—you can’t go wrong with DYLAN.
INSTAGRAM GOOGLE MAPSA cocktail bar known for both classic and experimental creations, tucked in a moody basement space that’s perfect for a late-night drink.
INSTAGRAM GOOGLE MAPSSouthern Peninsula District
Just a short drive from Reykjavík, this geothermal field bubbles with mud pots, steaming vents, and sulfur-stained earth in shades of rust, ochre, and slate blue—a striking reminder of Iceland’s ever-shifting landscape.
GOOGLE MAPSA true hidden gem perched in the tall grasses on the side of a mountain—perfect for a picnic with sandwiches and coffee from Sandholt.
GOOGLE MAPSThe South
An open-air museum set against southern cliffs, with turf-roofed houses, wooden chapels, and farm buildings that offer a cinematic glimpse into early Icelandic life.
WEBSITE GOOGLE MAPSJust a 15-minute hike behind Skógar Museum, this “not-so-secret” waterfall still feels like a hidden treasure—tucked in a quiet valley, with a trail that even lets you walk behind the crashing water. For fellow adventure seekers, the COLEMAN BLINKER makes the ideal hiking companion.
GOOGLE MAPSThermal Baths
Perched where the ocean meets the sky, this spa feels otherworldly—especially its 7-step ritual of steam, scrubs, and saunas. The highlight: slipping into the infinity pool at sunset, cocktail in hand, as the sun disappears.
WEBSITE GOOGLE MAPSFamous for its milky-blue waters and clay masks, this geothermal retreat is worth the hype—we recommend starting your day early to avoid the crowds. When the sun breaks through, reach for ZANDER FOLD—its polarized lenses cut the glare from the water.
WEBSITE GOOGLE MAPSBuilt in 1923, this hidden hot spring pool sits in a quiet valley off the Ring Road—worth the short walk for a soak surrounded by cliffs and silence.
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Iceland’s oldest shop, founded in 1914, now has a Reykjavík outpost—shelves lined with old books, fountain pens, and timeless desk accessories.
INSTAGRAM GOOGLE MAPSA Reykjavík favorite, this specialty food shop offers a beautifully curated mix of candy, tinned fish, salts, soaps, and other small delights—perfect for bringing home something unique without it feeling like a souvenir.
INSTAGRAM GOOGLE MAPSA minimalist take on Icelandic wool, offering timeless knits for women and children that feel more like heirlooms than souvenirs—crafted with quality, sustainability, and care.
INSTAGRAM GOOGLE MAPSTwo beautiful studios in Reykjavík showcase handmade cups, vases, and tableware: Inga Elín Gallerí & Kaolin Keramik Galleri.
(1) Inga Elín GalleríINSTAGRAM GOOGLE MAPS
(2) Kaolin Keramik Galleri
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Fall (September–October): Cooler air, longer nights, and your best chance to catch the Northern Lights. Rain picks up, so layers and waterproofs are non-negotiable.




























