KEFLAVIK (KEF) Airport, Reykjavik, has launched the world’s first on-site airport tour programme – its very own series of guided tours designed to offer visitors another view of Iceland before departing.
KEF Airport, located in a UNESCO Global Geopark, is surrounded by Iceland’s dramatic, volcanic, and lunar-like lava landscapes on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
The Bless Programme (bless translating as ‘goodbye’ in Icelandic) has been created to shine a light on Icelandic culture and traditions – a great ‘add on’ to any break to the country. From sampling local food and exploring Icelandic art to learning rhythms from an Icelandic drummer, each (complimentary, lasting 30-45mins) tour offers a quick but memorable taste of Icelandic culture.
Iceland through Art . This tour discovers works of art and design around the airport. There are more than 20 pieces of art by some of the most renown Icelandic artists within and in the surrounding grounds of the airport and some of the most prominent Icelandic design brands and designers are represented here. Expect hand-painted ceramic murals, magnificent stained-glass artworks, stories on Icelandic designs and the people behind all of this and their inspiration – rooted in local landscapes and scenery. • Hosted by Hlin Helga Gudlaugsdottir:Head of a curated design series in Iceland called DesignTalks as well as an experienced designer, exhibition curator and consultant to companies on design thinking, innovation and creative leadership.
Iceland through Food. This tour will take guests on an exploration through various restaurants at the airport, meeting chefs and tasting produce such as Icelandic lamb, fresh Icelandic fish, skyr and hot dogs from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which have been described as some of the best in the world. • Hosted by Hafliði Halldórsson – Cooking and promoting Icelandic food at home and abroad for the president of Iceland and training young chefs in the culinary team.
Iceland through Music will host guests on a sound journey, listening to Icelandic musing ranging from rock to classical including bands you all know, but didn´t necessarily know they were from Iceland.• Hosted by Sigtryggur Baldursson – Former drummer of The Sugarcubes and a passionate promoter of Icelandic music.
Iceland through Drinks. Hosted at various bars at the airport, this liquid discovery will give guests the chance to sample local favorites that Icelanders have come to love and cherish. Be ready to hear stories and sample Icelandic Brennivín snaps, award winning gin and Icelandic red wine, via France. • Hosted by Georg Leite – Icelandic-based bartender who has owned, managed and worked at the best bars in Reykjavík for the last 28 years. If someone knows the secrets of Icelandic beverages, Georg is the man.
Grétar Garðarsson, Director of Airlines and Marketing at Keflavik Airport, said: “As the main hub for international travellers to Iceland, KEF Airport has always strived to ensure that visitors are welcomed with unrivalled Icelandic charm that leaves passengers not wanting to say goodbye.”
“Our guests are always wanting to get under the skin of a location but might find themselves unable to fit everything into their trip – we don’t want anyone to feel as if they’ve missed out. The Bless Programme has therefore been designed specifically to offer insight into our world here in Iceland, curating experiences that incorporate our wonderful bars, restaurants and other spaces that really showcase Iceland’s character through food, drink, art and music.“
“For the series, we are collaborating with some exceptional individuals who are world-class experts in their craft, so we’re excited about the ability for more people to come away from Iceland having had a really unique experience.”
The 'Travel' Life of Brian 