The World's Northernmost Capital
Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that seamlessly blends modernity with rich cultural heritage. As the northernmost capital in the world, Reykjavík is known for its colorful buildings, thriving arts scene, and stunning natural surroundings. Despite its small size, the city offers a wide range of attractions, from historic sites and museums to trendy restaurants, lively nightlife, and unique boutiques.
Reykjavík is also a gateway to Iceland’s natural wonders. The city is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including mountains, hot springs, and the ocean, making it an ideal base for exploring the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, and other nearby attractions. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply enjoying the vibrant culture, Reykjavík offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Facts & Figures
Reykjavik was founded in 874 AD by Ingólfur Arnarson, an early Norse settler. With an area of 274.5 km², it is the largest city in the country and is the cultural, political, and economic center. It has a population of around 140,000 inhabitants and continues to hold the status of the centerpiece in the Capital Region, where over 60% of Iceland's population lives. The name Reykjavík means "Bay of Smoke," referring to the steam rising from hot springs in the area, which was apparent to early settlers.
Quick Facts:
- Founded: 874 AD
- Area: 274.5 km²
- Population: Approx. 140,000
- Coordinates: 64.1466° N, 21.9426° W
- Elevation: 15 meters (49 feet) above sea level
The city has a surprising reputation based on its rich history and from its origins with the Vikings to becoming the world's first "Green City." Its relevance further lies in the fact that Reykjavík has large-scale geothermal energy resources, which provide it with clean, renewable energy.
History of Reykjavík
The history of Reykjavík goes back to 874 AD, when a Norse chieftain named Ingólfur Arnarson came to the island to settle down and start the very first permanent settlement in Iceland. He named the area "Reykjavík," meaning "Bay of Smoke," after the steam he saw rising from the nearby hot springs. For many centuries Reykjavík remained an isolated, small farming community, with virtually no development until the late 18th century.
It was until 1786 that Reykjavík was given its town charter, which marked the beginning of Reykjavik becoming Iceland's economic and political center. During the beginning of the 20th century, Reykjavik had emerged as the center of Iceland's fishing industry, one of the highest-topped drivers of its economy and also turned itself into a political center when Iceland sought independence from Denmark. The Alþingi is Iceland's parliament, established in 930 AD at Þingvellir and moved to Reykjavík in the year 1845, which firmly secured the city as the nation's political heart.
During World War II, Reykjavik became a strategic location with the basing of British and later American troops in Iceland. This was the signal for rapid modernization and infrastructure development that was to become the backbone of the city's growth after the war. Reykjavik officially became the capital of the Republic of Iceland in 1944 when Iceland finally came independent from Denmark. The city further grew and modernized, balancing its rich Viking heritage with modernist innovation and ecologically friendly policies.
Historical Sites in Reykjavík
Reykjavik is steeped in history, and many of its buildings are considered important to Icelandic history, offering most visitors a glimpse into its illustrious past. The greatest landmark concerning this, however, is Austurvöllur Square, which houses Alþingi, the very building of Iceland's parliament. Dating back to 930 AD, the Icelandic parliament is one of the oldest parliaments in the world. There’s also Tjornin Pond, a quiet place in the very center of town, used for several centuries as a gathering place with government buildings and the greater part of the city's cultural institutions surrounding it.
Another historical attraction is the Höfði House, quite rightly standing amidst historical importance, as it was the venue of the Reykjavík Summit in 1986 between U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. It was the point that marked the turn toward the end of the Cold War, thus making Höfði House a symbol of peace and diplomacy.
Reykjavík Cathedral is a small church that stands next to the Alþingi and a place which every person interested in early Christian Icelandic history has to see. It was built in 1796, and the venue is still used for numerous national events, including the inauguration of presidents. Not more than a short boat trip from Reykjavík's shoreline lies the island of Viðey, another significant cultural site that contains ruins dating from the 10th century, as well as remnants from a monastery built in the 12th century.
Nature Highlights in Reykjavík
Although Reykjavík is a busy city, it is nonetheless surrounded by magnificent natural beauty, with easy access to some of Iceland's most beautiful and spectacularly wild areas for both locals and visitors alike. Probably the most salient feature within the city is Esja, a high mountain just outside the city limits with a network of popular hiking trails offering breathtaking panoramic views of the capital and surrounding area. The hike to the summit of Esja is extremely popular among locals and visitors, combining both nature and exercise perfectly.
For the lovers of geothermal wonders, Reykjavík has an even more unique experience: the geothermal beach of Nauthólsvík, where warm water nurtured by geothermal springs merges with cold North Atlantic waters, enabling ocean swimming throughout the year, a truly popular activity with locals. Next to the city is the highly toured Reykjanes Peninsula: a realm of bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and surreal landscapes cut out by volcanic pressures.
It is also worth visiting Elliðaárdalur Valley, a big green area that has been designated for hiking, fishing in the Elliðaá River, or just enjoying the peace of the park. Just a short drive from the city, the Heiðmörk Nature Reserve offers even more opportunities for hiking, some very popular bird watching, or even exploring lava formations. This protected area boasts extremely varied flora and fauna and constitutes one of the few areas in Reykjavik that locals visit with the purpose of getting away from the town.
Reykjavík Attractions
Reykjavík is a city that finds itself full of historical and cultural attractions that stand in their own right, blending old tradition and modern ingenuity. Hallgrímskirkja is one of many famous landmarks throughout the city: it's the very large Lutheran church that oversees the Reykjavík skyline. The church stands with a design inspired by Iceland's basalt lava formations in honor of Hallgrímur Pétursson, one of Iceland's most famous poets and a clergyman. People can go up in the elevator to the top of this tower and view great scenes that overlook the city.
Not to be missed, the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center is an icon that alone magnetizes visitors; its glass facade has been inspired by the basalt columns in Icelandic nature. Harpa acts as the center of culture within Reykjavik, playing home to concerts, performances, and events throughout the year.
The Reykjavík Art Museum houses works from various of Iceland's most famous artists, including Erró; thus, it should be enlightening for art lovers. The National Museum of Iceland and the Saga Museum are actually the sort of museum that allows guests the chance to sense a bit more about Iceland's Viking history and culture. The Saga Museum focuses more on the Viking heritage and history whereas the National Museum spans the entire history, including modern day culture.
For something more modern, the Sun Voyager sculpture along the waterfront is a place where many people go for photos and contemplation. The shape of a Viking boat, this modernist steel sculpture represents the dream of a new, unseen land and the freedom of adventure.
Whether one takes a stroll along the Old Harbor, part of Reykjavík Harbor, meanders along the vibrant streets of Laugavegur, or explores Iceland's Viking past, Reykjavik is one of those cities where history and modernity blend so effortlessly that something can be found for any type of traveler.
