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The City
The guide was updated:
The city of Reykjavík has a fascinating history that stretches back over a thousand years. The site was first inhabited in the eighth century by a band of hardy Norsemen. Since then Vikings, monks, sailors, musicians, fishermen, politicians, writers, artists and all manner of folk have played their part in shaping the rich history and culture that makes Iceland’s capital such a vibrant and fascinating place.
Visitors leave Reykjavík with a renewed sense of vigour that can be attributed to Iceland’s pristine air and unique energy, evident all around the city — from the geothermal vents steaming in the midnight sunshine to the great open spaces that adorn the area with stunning natural landscape. Many year-round activities and events can fill the diary of any interested traveller.
Reykjavík is also home to the world’s oldest parliament — the Alþingi, which was founded in 930 AD. However, today the city is the epitome of a modern European capital with a world-class infrastructure, excellent transport links to Europe and North America, and 200,000 welcoming Icelanders helping you enjoy your stay.
Reykjavík is renowned for an array of features: a big art scene, sightseeing and nightlife; annual film and music festivals; and numerous shops, museums and restaurants. There’s no other city like the world’s most Northerly capital, situated at a relatively short distance from the Arctic Circle.
Iceland is a pretty isolated place, and that makes Reykjavík a fairly expensive place to hang out. The Economist magazine once put it as high as 14th place for its high cost of living. However, if you're coming from New York, Paris, Hong Kong or Tel Aviv — the pain of sticker shock won't bother you.
Visitors from all around the globe also enjoy whale and wildlife watching, relaxing in one of the many thermal spas and pools (such as the famous Blue Lagoon), viewing spectacular sights such as the Imagine Peace Tower (a spectacular tribute to John Lennon) or the Hallgrímskirkja, and touring the amazing countryside — all with the beautiful snow-covered Mount Esja in the background.
Reykjavík is home to some superb hotels, guest houses and other cosy kinds of accommodation for visitors. Information on tours, trips and things to do during your stay can be easily found in this brochure or at the Reykjavík Tourist Information Centre.
However long you stay here, you won’t be short of things to do in Reykjavík.
Visitors leave Reykjavík with a renewed sense of vigour that can be attributed to Iceland’s pristine air and unique energy, evident all around the city — from the geothermal vents steaming in the midnight sunshine to the great open spaces that adorn the area with stunning natural landscape. Many year-round activities and events can fill the diary of any interested traveller.
Reykjavík is also home to the world’s oldest parliament — the Alþingi, which was founded in 930 AD. However, today the city is the epitome of a modern European capital with a world-class infrastructure, excellent transport links to Europe and North America, and 200,000 welcoming Icelanders helping you enjoy your stay.
Reykjavík is renowned for an array of features: a big art scene, sightseeing and nightlife; annual film and music festivals; and numerous shops, museums and restaurants. There’s no other city like the world’s most Northerly capital, situated at a relatively short distance from the Arctic Circle.
Iceland is a pretty isolated place, and that makes Reykjavík a fairly expensive place to hang out. The Economist magazine once put it as high as 14th place for its high cost of living. However, if you're coming from New York, Paris, Hong Kong or Tel Aviv — the pain of sticker shock won't bother you.
Visitors from all around the globe also enjoy whale and wildlife watching, relaxing in one of the many thermal spas and pools (such as the famous Blue Lagoon), viewing spectacular sights such as the Imagine Peace Tower (a spectacular tribute to John Lennon) or the Hallgrímskirkja, and touring the amazing countryside — all with the beautiful snow-covered Mount Esja in the background.
Reykjavík is home to some superb hotels, guest houses and other cosy kinds of accommodation for visitors. Information on tours, trips and things to do during your stay can be easily found in this brochure or at the Reykjavík Tourist Information Centre.
However long you stay here, you won’t be short of things to do in Reykjavík.