Seltjarnarnes: Reykjavik's Coastal Gem

• HelloHalló
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeBless
  [BLESS]
• YesJá
  [YOW]
• NoNei
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeGjörðu svo vel
  [GYOR-thu SVOH vel]
• Thank youTakk fyrir
  [tahk FEER-ir]
• Excuse me/SorryAfsakið
  [AHV-sah-kidh]
• How are you?Hvernig hefur þú það?
  [KVER-nik HEH-vur THOO thahd]
• Fine. And you?Fínt. Og þú?
  [FINT. Ohg THOO]
• Do you speak English?Talar þú ensku?
  [TAH-lar THOO ENS-koo]
• I don't understandÉg skil ekki
  [yeg SKIL EHK-ki]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg væri til í að sjá matseðilinn, takk
  [yeg VYEH-ri til ee ath syah MAHTH-se-thil-inn, tahk]
• I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt
  [yeg BOR-tha EHK-ki chyot]
• Cheers!Skál!
  [skowl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÉg myndi vilja greiða, takk
  [yeg MUN-dee VIL-ya gray-tha, tahk]

• Help!Hjálp!
  [HYOWLP]
• Go away!Farðu í burtu!
  [FARTH-oo ee BUR-too]
• Call the Police!Hringdu í lögregluna!
  [HRING-doo ee LUR-eg-loo-na]
• Call a doctor!Hringdu í lækninn!
  [HRING-doo ee LIEK-nin]
• I'm lostÉg er týndur
  [yeg air TEE-nthur]
• I'm illÉg er veikur
  [yeg air VAY-kur]

• I'd like to buy...Ég ætla að kaupa...
  [yeg AIT-la ath KOY-pa]
• I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða
  [yeg air BAH-ra ath SKO-tha]
• How much is it?Hvað kostar það?
  [kvath KOS-tar thahd]
• That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt
  [thath air ov DEERT]
• Can you lower the price?Getur þú lækkat verðið?
  [GETH-ur THOO LIE-kat VERTH-ith]

• What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?
  [kvath air KLUH-kahn]
• It's one o'clockKlukkan er eitt
  [KLUH-kahn air ayt]
• Half past (10)Hálf tíu
  [howlf tee-oo]
• MorningMorgunn
  [MOR-gun]
• AfternoonSíðdegis
  [SEETH-deh-gis]
• EveningKvöld
  [kvulth]
• YesterdayÍ gær
  [ee gighr]
• TodayÍ dag
  [ee dahg]
• TomorrowÁ morgun
  [ow MOR-gun]
• 1Eitt
  [ayt]
• 2Tvö
  [tvuh]
• 3Þrjú
  [thryoo]
• 4Fjögur
  [fyuh-kur]
• 5Fimm
  [feem]
• 6Sex
  [sehx]
• 7Sjö
  [syuh]
• 8Átta
  [owt-ta]
• 9Níu
  [nee-uh]
• 10Tíu
  [tee-oo]

• Where's a/the...?Hvar er...
  [kvar air]
• What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?
  [kvath air HAY-mil-is-fan-gith]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Getur þú sýnt mér (á kortinu)?
  [GETH-ur THOO seent mehr (ow KOR-tee-noo)]
• When's the next (bus)?Hvenær kemur næsta (strætisvagn)?
  [KVER-nighr KEH-mur NIGH-sta (strait-is-vahn)]
• A ticket (to ....)Einn miða (til ....)
  [aytn MEETH-a (teel)]

Seltjarnarnes, located just northwest of Reykjavik, has roots that trace back to the Viking Age. The area’s name, which means 'the place of the selkies' in Old Norse, suggests a connection to the sea and marine life. Settlements began to emerge along the coastline, influenced by Norse explorers who established their presence in Iceland around the late 9th century.

In the 18th century, Seltjarnarnes developed as a farming community. The fertile land and favorable climate allowed for agriculture to flourish. Historical records reveal that the area was primarily focused on crop cultivation and livestock, contributing to the local economy and providing sustenance for Reykjavik as it expanded.

In 1943, Seltjarnarnes was officially established as a municipality, separating from the larger Reykjavik area. This transition marked a significant shift in governance and community identity, allowing for the development of local infrastructure and public services, which catered to the growing population and enhanced the quality of life for its residents.

The latter half of the 20th century witnessed rapid urbanization in Seltjarnarnes. As Reykjavik expanded, Seltjarnarnes became known for its residential areas, parks, and recreational facilities. The local government focused on preserving green spaces while developing modern amenities, leading to a harmonious blend of urban living and natural beauty.

Today, Seltjarnarnes is recognized for its vibrant cultural scene, featuring a variety of community events, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals. The neighborhood boasts several historical landmarks, such as the historic Þjóðminjasafn (National Museum of Iceland) and the beautiful coastal pathways that attract both locals and tourists. The area is also known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, reflecting the modern values of Icelandic society.

Seltjarnarnes is located just a short distance from downtown Reykjavik, accessible via public transport. You can take bus number 1 or 11 from various points in Reykjavik, which will take you to Seltjarnarnes in approximately 20-30 minutes. Taxis are also available and will provide a quicker, more direct route, taking around 10 minutes from the city center.

Seltjarnarnes is a compact area, making it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. Public transport options include buses that connect to Reykjavik and nearby neighborhoods. For cyclists, dedicated bike lanes are present along main roads. Car rentals are available but may not be necessary given the area's size.

Seltjarnarnes is considered a very safe area for tourists. Crime rates are low, and serious incidents are rare. However, as with any place, it is wise to remain vigilant, especially in busier areas. There are no known high-crime areas specifically targeting tourists, but standard precautions should always be observed.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The local hospital, Landspítali, is in Reykjavik, a short distance from Seltjarnarnes. It's advisable to carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, and there are pharmacies in the area for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for the weather, as it can be windy and cold. Casual attire is widely accepted. Religion: Do be respectful of local customs, especially if visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to those in need. Don't play loud music or disturb fellow passengers. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hæ' or 'Halló'. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy the local cuisine and try Icelandic specialties. Don’t waste food, as it is highly valued.

To experience Seltjarnarnes like a local, visit the coastal paths for stunning views of the ocean and the Snæfellsjökull glacier. The area is popular for walking, jogging, and cycling. Don’t miss the local geothermal swimming pool, Sundhöll Seltjarnarness, which is a favorite among residents. Engage with locals at the small cafés and community events, which can provide insight into daily life in the neighbourhood.