If you are a fan of Game Of Thrones, then you ought to be familiar with Hafthór Björnsson for his work as Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane. If you are a fan of Strongman-related competitions, then you probably known Björnsson as the current World’s Strongest Man, the first person to win the Arnold Strongman Classic, Europe’s Strongest Man and World’s Strongest Man in the same year.
Yet December 2018 has been full of challenges for Hafthór Björnsson. On December 5th, Björnsson lifted some “krazy” things that consumers are chose through submissions on his and Krazy Glue’s social channels; ultimately, it was proved that Krazy Glue can hold up to 1,000 lbs. with only one drop. Then a few days ago on December 15th, Björnsson aimed to set the all-time “total” record in powerlifting.
I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Hafthór Björnsson about his native Iceland — a popular year-round destination — for A Global Lifestyle. Previously I had the pleasure of interviewing Björnsson for my podcast (the Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz), which will be posting later this week via PureGrainAudio.
What do you wish more people knew about Iceland?
Hafthór Björnsson: We have some of the best food in the world.
If someone had 48 hours to spend in Reykjavik, what are a few of the spots they should check out?
Hafthór Björnsson: If they are interested in training then they should come to my gym, Thor’s Power Gym.
In full seriousness, there are so many great things to do in Reykjavik! All the restaurants, the pools all over Reykjavík with naturally-hot water where you can stay in the jacuzzi and watch the Aurora Borealis in the winter or enjoy the almost 24 hours of daylight in the summertime. There are great clubs and lots of things to do so everyone should find something that would make their trip unforgettable.
What does Reykjavik have to offer that other cities do not?
Hafthór Björnsson: Icelandic food and Icelandic people.
Are there any cities elsewhere in the world that remind you of Reykjavik?
Hafthór Björnsson: Some smaller towns and cities, mostly in Scandinavia.
Is there a second best town or city in Iceland for you?
Hafthór Björnsson: Reykjavík is actually the only city in Iceland but there are several small towns all around Iceland that are very charismatic, you really should go there and find out for yourself.
