Kex Hostel celebrates anniversary and starts musician fund
The unique atmosphere and concept of Kex Hostel in downtown Reykjavik has obtained rave reviews in international media. Photo: Börkur Sigþórsson
Our favourite downtown hangout, Kex Hostel, celebrates its fifth anniversary this weekend and have just announced a brand new travel fund to support aspiring Icelandic musicians. This is absolutely in tune with the hostel's philosophy from the start to help promote the Icelandic music scene, with countless concerts having been held there since its opening.
In a press release it states that "The staff of Kex Hostel and Kexland are extremely grateful to have been able to follow the progress of the Icelandic music scene both in Iceland and abroad."
The fund committee consists of Arnar Eggert Thoroddssen, Elísabet Indra Ragnarsdóttir, Ragnheiður Eiríksdóttir, Lárus Bl.Sigurðsson and Benedikt Reynisson.
Applications this year should be admitted before May 15th and in future years the application deadline will be February 28th. A total of one million Icelandic kronas will be awarded to selected applicants.
Five years of Kex Hostel
Kex Hostel has received great accolade from the international press for its unique concept and atmosphere, including articles in the Condé Nast Traveller, Wallpaper, The Wall Street Journal and the National Geographic. The hostel, situated on Skúlagata in an old biscuit factory next to the oceanfront, was one of the first places to bring new life to this part of central Reykjavik.
Apart from being a hostel, restaurant and watering hole, Kex Hostel also hosts a couple of weekly concerts including Kex Jazz every Tuesday night, live broadcasts at the Iceland Airwaves festival hosted by KEXP radio in Seattle, bike contest KEXReið and festivals such as Burns Night, The Annual Beer Festival and KEX Köntrí.
Amongst the myriad of artists to have appeared in concert at Kex Hostel are Of Monsters and Men, Patti Smith, The Vaccines, FM Belfast, Múm, Apparat Organ Quartet and HAM.
Kex Hostel prides itself in hip, thrift-store chic, and a unique, lively atmosphere where music plays a vital role. Photo: Börkur Sigþórsson
Kex Hostel sent out a few fun facts with their anniversary press release including these titbits:
- The person who stayed the longest at Kex Hostel stayed a total of 84 nights and ended up moving to Iceland to work at the hostel!
- 435 thousand beers have been poured from the taps of the in-house restaurant Sæmundur í Sparifötunum.
- Over 60 thousand hamburgers have been served at Sæmundur í Sparifötunum.
- The lost-and-found box has recovered everything from G-strings and viking swords to lost boyfriends.
For bookings and all info about Kex Hostel visit their page HERE.
Icelandic super-group FM Belfast get the crowd dancing at Kex Hostel Photo: Kex Hostel
The outside terrace at Kex Hostel. Photo: Börkur Sigþórsson
The hostel offers both private and shared rooms, catering to all needs. Photo: Börkur Sigþórsson
A shared bedroom featuring utalitarian chic and thrift-store discoveries. Photo: Börkur Sigþórsson
