Exploring Hlíðar: Reykjavik's Hidden Gem

• HelloHalló
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeBless
  [bless]
• YesJá
  [yow]
• NoNei
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeTakk fyrir
  [tahk FEER-ir]
• Thank youTakk
  [tahk]
• Excuse me/SorryFyrirgefðu
  [FEER-ir-gef-thu]
• How are you?Hvernig hefur þú það?
  [KVER-nihg heh-vur THOO thahth]
• Fine. And you?Í lagi. En þú?
  [EE lah-ghi. en thoo]
• Do you speak English?Talar þú ensku?
  [tah-lahr thoo EHN-skoo]
• I don't understandÉg skil ekki
  [yeg skil EH-kki]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg ætla að sjá matsedilinn, takk
  [yeg EHT-la ath shyah maht-seh-dih-lin, tahk]
• I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt
  [yeg BOHR-tha EH-kki chyot]
• Cheers!Skál!
  [skowl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÉg vildi greiða, takk
  [yeg VIL-dee gray-tha, tahk]

• Help!Hjálp!
  [HYOWL-p]
• Go away!Farðu í burtu!
  [far-thu ee BUR-too]
• Call the Police!Hringdu í lögregluna!
  [hring-thu ee LOH-gre-gluna]
• Call a doctor!Hringdu í lækninn!
  [hring-thu ee laik-nin]
• I'm lostÉg er týndur
  [yeg ehr TEEN-thur]
• I'm illÉg er veikur
  [yeg ehr VAI-kur]

• I'd like to buy...Ég ætla að kaupa...
  [yeg EHT-la ath kow-pa]
• I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða
  [yeg ehr BAH-ra ath skoh-tha]
• How much is it?Hvað kostar það?
  [kva-th KOH-star thahth]
• That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt
  [thahth ehr ohf DEERT]
• Can you lower the price?Getur þú lækkað verðið?
  [geth-ur thoo LEI-kath ver-thith]

• What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?
  [kva-th ehr KLUTK-an]
• It's one o'clockKlukkan er eitt
  [KLUTK-an ehr ayt]
• Half past (10)Hálftíu (10)
  [HOWLFT-ew (tiu)]
• MorningMorgunn
  [MOR-gun]
• AfternoonSíðdegis
  [SEETH-deh-ye]
• EveningKvöld
  [kvulth]
• YesterdayÍ gær
  [ee gai-r]
• TodayÍ dag
  [ee dahg]
• TomorrowÁ morgun
  [ow MOR-gun]
• 1Einn
  [aythn]
• 2Tveir
  [tveyr]
• 3Þrír
  [threer]
• 4Fjórir
  [fyow-reer]
• 5Fimm
  [fimm]
• 6Sex
  [sehx]
• 7Sjö
  [syow]
• 8Átta
  [ow-ta]
• 9Níu
  [nee-uh]
• 10Tíu
  [tee-ew]

• Where's a/the...?Hvar er...
  [kvar ehr]
• What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?
  [kva-th ehr HAY-mil-is-fan-gith]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Getur þú sýnt mér (á kortinu)?
  [geth-ur thoo seent mayr (ow kohrt-inu)]
• When's the next (bus)?Hvenær fer næsti (strætisvagn)?
  [KVER-nihr fehr NAY-sti (straht-is-vahn)]
• A ticket (to ....)Einn miði (til ...)
  [aythn mi-thi (til)]

The Hlíðar neighborhood, one of Reykjavik's oldest residential areas, derives its name from the Old Norse word 'hlíð', meaning 'slope' or 'hill'. The area was initially settled in the late 19th century and saw rapid development as Reykjavik expanded. Its proximity to the city center made it a desirable location for families and individuals seeking a quieter life while remaining close to urban amenities.

Hlíðar became known for its cultural institutions, particularly in the 20th century. The University of Iceland, established in 1911, is located in this area, contributing to the neighborhood's intellectual character. The presence of educational and cultural establishments, including museums and galleries, has fostered a vibrant community that celebrates Icelandic heritage and contemporary art.

Throughout the 20th century, Hlíðar saw a diversity of architectural styles emerge, reflecting the influences of various periods. From early wooden houses to more modernist constructions, the area's architecture tells the story of Reykjavik's evolution. Notable buildings include the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, which, completed in 1986, stands as a symbol of Reykjavik and adds to the skyline of Hlíðar.

During World War II, Reykjavik, including Hlíðar, became a strategic location for Allied forces. The presence of military personnel and infrastructure during this period influenced the local economy and demographics. Post-war, Hlíðar experienced significant growth as returning soldiers and their families settled in the area, leading to a housing boom and the establishment of community services.

In recent years, Hlíðar has embraced a more sustainable approach to urban living. With an emphasis on green spaces, cycling paths, and eco-friendly initiatives, the neighborhood reflects Reykjavik's commitment to environmental stewardship. The community is actively involved in maintaining local parks and promoting sustainable practices, making Hlíðar a model for urban living in Iceland.

Hlíðar is easily accessible from various parts of Reykjavik. From downtown Reykjavik (Miðborg), you can take bus number 12 or 15, which will take you directly to Hlíðar in approximately 10-15 minutes. If you're coming from the BSI Bus Terminal, take bus number 14, which also services the area. Taxis are available and can be a convenient option if you prefer a direct route.

Hlíðar is a compact neighbourhood, making it easy to explore on foot. Public buses are the primary mode of transportation, with several routes connecting you to other parts of Reykjavik. Cycling is also popular, and bike rentals are available from various shops, particularly during the summer months. Be aware that there are no trains in Reykjavik, so buses and bicycles are your best options.

Hlíðar is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, like any urban area, it's advisable to stay vigilant, especially at night. Avoid poorly lit streets and be cautious with your belongings in crowded areas. Although there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists within Hlíðar, it’s always wise to practice common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

In an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance in Iceland. There are hospitals and clinics nearby, with the Landspítali University Hospital being the main medical facility in Reykjavik. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues, and they often have English-speaking staff.

Fashion: Do dress in layers; the weather can change rapidly. Don't wear overly casual clothes if you plan to dine in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to those in need. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Halló' or 'Góðan daginn'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and enjoy a coffee at a café. Don't waste food or refuse offers of hospitality.

To experience Hlíðar like a local, visit the local parks such as Hljómskálagarður and the University of Iceland grounds, which are great for picnics and leisurely strolls. Check out local events, such as outdoor concerts in the summer months. Explore the small cafes and bakeries for authentic Icelandic pastries like kleinur. Engaging with locals in the parks or cafes often leads to interesting conversations and insider tips about the area.