Reykjavik – Capital of Iceland
Reykjavik (Rake-ya-vik) is the capital and largest city in Iceland and has one of the highest standards of living in the world. With a population of about 170,000, (about half the Iceland population!) it is the worlds northernmost capital. The name means “Smokey Bay” – after the steam rising from the myriad of hot springs. This geothermal water provides very cheap methods of heating buildings throughout the City.
Reykjavik dates back to the ninth century and has grown steadily despite volcanic eruptions. Nowadays, Reykjavik is among the cleanest, best organised and safest cities in the world.
Worth a look:
Lake Tjkornin – harbour area.
City Hall – modern rectangular concrete, steel, glass and chrome building.
Althing – Parliament Building, home of the worlds oldest legislature.
Lutheran Cathedral – built in 1785.
National Gallery –
Hallgrimskirkja Church – tallest building and spire shaped to give impression of basaltic lava steps.
National Museum and Open Air Museum –
Arnamagnaean Institute – within the University complex, houses the country’s most prized treasure – the saga manuscripts.
Surrounding Area:
Blue Lagoon – geothermal spa set amid a black lava field in the heart of the Icelandic wilderness. (The mineral rich waters are ‘renowned’ for their healing properties).
Hveragerdhi – set on a lava plateau is the home of Iceland’s premier banana farm! In greenhouses heated by geothermal water, melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, grapes and bananas can all flourish.
The most popular tourist excursion is the ‘Golden Circle Tour’ – takes over eight hours, travelling over 300km, to visit Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir.
Thingvellir National Park – Iceland’s most sacred area – original meeting place of the Althing, the Icelandic Parliament. 10th century Icelandic chiefs used to meet here to formalise laws and form a national identity. Located in a rift valley where the Eurasian and North American continental plates are tearing apart – this rift stretches across Iceland and could be a danger to the whole country under cetain volcanic conditions.
Gullfoss Waterfall – double decker waterfall, often seen under a rainbow, set in a lunar like landscape.
Geysir – area of hot springs and mud pools. The original Geysir seldom spouts today but there is a very active one named Strokkur, spouting boiling water up to 35m every six minutes.
Six Sail to Iceland 