Reykjavik
The Capital of Iceland
General Information
Other Name: The Nightlife Capital Of The North, District: NA, State: Capital Region, Iceland
Area: 0
Languages Spoken: Icelandic
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: -
Best Time to Visit: June to August and -
International Access: -Description
Reykjavik is where the majority of the Icelandic government and official institutions are. The Icelandic Parliament is in Reykjavik, the majority of public service institutions, the main hospital of Iceland, the second largest airport, the University of Iceland, the national museum of Iceland and much more.Reykjavik has grown from being almost a small town to a full-fledged city offering shopping malls, exciting nightlife, traffic jams, interesting museums, emerging culture and arts, rock, food and fun festivals and the financial sector of Reykjavik has also grown enormously.Reykjavik in itself is a tourist attraction.Reykjavík was recently ranked first on Grist Magazine`s "15 Greenest Cities" list.Location
-Climate
Subpolar oceanic
The Arbær Folk Museum is Iceland’s biggest open-air museum. It traces the development of society in Reykjavik and Iceland from their beginnings to the present day. There are over 27 buildings in the museum.
Visible from over 20km/15mi away is Reykjavík''s highest and most imposing structure, Hallgrímskirkja. The church was completed in 1974 after 30 years of construction.Apart from its stark, light-filled interior and architectural resemblance to basaltic lava, there is the chance to view the city from its tower.
Lake Tjornin, located in the centre of Reykjavik, is a birdwatchers paradise and an ideal location for a quite stroll. It is full of artic bird life especially in spring when you can spot the Artic Terns returning for the summer.
is a leafy hillside located near the Pearl observatory. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and is a haven for walkers. From here you can visit Nautholsvik beach where you can take pleasure in natural hot water running into the sea. Walk the beach or cycle along the southern shoreline that stretches all the way from the Seltjarnarnes headland to the Heidmörk nature reserve.
Reykjavik is surrounded by the ocean, and the waterfront paths are perfect for a relaxing stroll, some jogging, cycling or rollerblading. The city''s northern waterfront is a popular area, with a view of Reykjavik''s landmark mountain, Mt. Esja. The striking sculpture Sun Voyager by Jon Gunnar Arnason stands here. It is a massive steel sculpture in the shape of a Viking ship. Stand by this sculpture during sunrise or sunset, at any time of the year, and enjoy an unforgettable moment.
It is the National Park where the Althing an open air assembly, which represented the whole of Iceland was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798. Over two weeks a year, the assembly set laws seen as a covenant between free men and settled disputes. The Althing has deep historical and symbolic associations for the people of Iceland. Located on an active volcanic site, the property includes the Þingvellir National Park and the remains of the Althing itself: fragments of around 50 booths built of turf and stone. Remains from the 10th century are thought to be buried underground. The site also includes remains of agricultural use from 18th and 19th centuries, the Thingvellir Church and adjacent farm, and the population of arctic char in Lake Thingvallavatn. The park shows evidence of the way the landscape was husbanded over 1,000 years.
The Perlan is probably Reykjavik’s most recognisable landmark. It is a spectacularly designed multi-functional building, which serves as an observatory, restaurant, conference centre and visitor attraction. Check out the great views from the revolving gourmet restaurant which sits on top of the four gigantic tanks which hold the city''s hot water after it is pumped from geothermal wells outside of town.
Videy Island is just a five-minute boat trip from northern Reykjavik. It is a wild island paradise of birds and flowers. Videy was inhabited until the 1940s and it is here that you can find Videyjarstofa, the oldest stone building in Iceland built for the High Sheriff in 1752. There is also a church dating from the same period and a very interesting sculpture by renowned sculptor Richard Serra.