Iceland by Diane Kruger
It's taken me a long time to realize that my own life is far more interesting than any part I'll ever play.
18 February 2021
Diane Kruger
Actress, muse and Oscar contender Diane Kruger on her favorite place, Iceland.
Her new film "Out of Nowhere" is currently being shown in German cinemas. Diane Kruger shot the film with director Fatih Akin in Hamburg and was awarded the prize for best leading actress in Cannes this year. The film has also been nominated for an Oscar.
Actually, the actress is called Diane Heidkrüger, which fell victim to the difficult pronunciation in her adopted country USA. The beautiful and uncomplicated muse of Lagerfeld was born and raised in Algermissen in Lower Saxony.
Already at the age of 15 she decided to become a model, moved to Paris and New York. The great journey was to begin with this...She took acting lessons, moved to Los Angeles and has since starred in many blockbusters. She works hard and is dedicated, this is the praise Diane Kruger gets from the great directing aces Hollywood has to offer.
Traveling is not only part of her job, she loves it and soaks up art and cultures of other countries with enthusiasm. As a new travel buddy, Diane Kruger introduces her cat Fat Hobbes. "In the meantime, though, I often travel with my cat. It sounds like a bad cliché, but after separating from my partner, the cat was our divorce child. Now I'm the 40-year-old actress who drags her cat everywhere."
In the TRAVEL DIARY Diane Kruger talks about her magical place "Reykjavik".
My Iceland and my Reykjavik
Travel for me is either work or personal life.
Both makes me happy. I like to be on tour. For my work I am booked, can not choose where it goes. Nevertheless, I enjoy this privilege to travel. They are not the worst places I get to know. Strangely enough, I have always been drawn to Iceland. This aloofness, these vastness and this quietness made me curious through various movies and books. I'm also really into Icelandic design and art from Iceland!
No sooner said than done, booked, travelled!
But what motivates and inspires me the most is probably my work.
The best hotels
Hotel 101
Borg Hotel
Grand Hotel Reykjavik
The best restaurants
Fish Market
Foodcellar Matarkjallarinn
Snaps
Highlights
The Blue Lagoon
The glass facade of the opera in Reykjavik
Fjallabak Nature Reserve
My thoughts on Reykjavik
What must-see in Reykjavik?
Since the financial crisis (and even before), an incredible creative scene has developed in Reykjavik. And I was there: it really is. You should visit the small galleries in the city center. With unpronounceable names: Tysgalleri, i8 Gallery and the Hverfis Gallery. There are a few others too, but you'll discover them on a walk anyway.
What about Icelandic cuisine?
Once you're in the Fish Market they don't want to go anywhere anyway. All kinds of fish straight from the sea, wonderfully prepared. The interior alone is beautiful. Everything is made of wood and plants everywhere you look. The greenery is a stunning match for the restaurant and food concept. As a German, I also had to go to the Bistro Snaps go: It's the creative scene's favorite place to eat, or so I'm told. Many restaurants focused on traditional Icelandic dishes, which they refine and cook to a gourmet level: Fish and lamb, of course, but also lots of pickled vegetables. I couldn't get too comfortable with súrmjólk, which is soured milk. Not my thing.
Where did you live?
When I was in Iceland for Midsummer's Eve, I was in the 101 Hotel lived in. A small, cute, pretentious hotel in Reykjavik. Funny thing was that all the curtains were sewn with blackout fabrics and there were sleeping goggles in the room so that you can fall asleep. After all, it doesn't get dark on those nights. It was pretty much the coolest thing I've ever experienced. The residents dance and drink all night long. Plus, I can't get over the Hotel Borg recommend, the art deco style from the 1930s fascinates me totally. I would not have expected it in Iceland. It is also a landmark of the city. The breakfast is great.
Where did you have the best party?
Since I like to drink beer, I was in the bunk bar is the best place to be. Their own beer from their own brewery is creepy, but as we all know there are many, many alternatives.
Were you able to make a round trip?
We have come as far as the fjords, a wonderful view. This landscape has something magical. Quite a lot of time I have then in the Blue Lagoon spent. For hours I was in the hot springs and read.
Where else should you go in Iceland?
The classic: Fjallabak. The nature reserve with its rivers and lava areas has certainly been photographed many times. Nevertheless, I am glad for my own photo from there. Magical.
What makes Iceland different from other islands?
Good question, Iceland can't be compared to anything. A place straight out of a storybook. This is the way I always wanted to live when I was a kid. Like a film set. It's not for nothing that there's even a minister for elves.
When are you going back to Iceland?
I would love to have a little house there on a fjord. Wonderful to switch off and read books!
Icelanders beware! I'll be back!
A look into my life
Best moment of the day?
That first moment when you open your eyes and it smells like fresh coffee.
My greatest passion?
My cat named Fat Hobbes. He's a very funny fellow.
What inspires you?
Phew, that's not so easy as it's quite a lot. But what motivates and inspires me the most is probably my work.
How would a good friend describe you?
Shy, fun-loving, familiar
Your lifestyle in 5 words:
Unconventional, classic, charming, individual and sophisticated
Her philosophy of life is:
Being grateful for everything you have and are allowed to have
Traveling means to you:
Luck
This aloofness, these vastness and this silence made me curious.
