Reykjavik - Iceland’s capital
Popular with the tourists for its delightful thermal pools, artistic events, safety, cleanliness and crisp, healthy air, Rejkjavik is not only a great holiday location, but also has the fun of being a little off the beaten track. Perhaps this is why tourists and travelers are becoming increasingly interested in visiting this beautiful unspoilt capital city. The only metropolitan area of Iceland, Reykjavik is just south of the Arctic Circle, and is on the south-west coast, on the beautiful blue Faxafloi Bay. Its northerly location means that in summer the nights are almost as bright as the days. With a population of only around 200,000, Reykjavik has a feeling of spaciousness, and if you go only a very short distance out of the city you can find yourself in the natural environment. From the city itself you can see the beautiful Mount Esja, and within the Reykjavik itself you can enjoy Lake Tjornin, which is a small lake right in the city center.
Iceland lies on the mid-Atlantic ridge, at the juncture of the Amercan and Eurasian tectonic plates, which endows it with many interesting features, such as geysers and a huge number of hot springs, some with wonderful thermal pools and spas for people to enjoy. From Reykjavik there are many interesting places to visit, and also activities available such as hiking, horse riding, whale watching and boat trips.
Hallgrimskirkja, the largest church in the whole of Iceland, is one of Reykjavik’s main landmarks, and its tower can be seen all over the city.
In May and June there is the Reykjavik Arts Festival, and then in August there is Reykjavik Culture Night, which is Iceland’s largest cultural event, and offers hundreds of different events including art, music, theater, dancing, food, fashion and sporting activities. Reykjavik has an abundance of chic, stylish bars and clubs, but drinks are somewhat expensive, which is probably why people tend to go out fairly late.
For the food lovers there is plenty of fresh fish and other seafoods, organic lamb and wild game, which all tastes excellent with plenty of fresh vegetables. There are also a number of restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.
There is a variety of accommodation available in Reykjavik, from inexpensive travelers’ hostels to upmarket hotels. Probably the best value for money will be a package deal.
If you are fond of outdoor activities, spas, culture and good food, Reykjavik deserves to be on your list of places to see.
Filed under: Art, Culture, Iceland, Nordic countries, Nightlife, Music, Food, Religious Sights
[…] Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland - in fact Iceland’s only city - is a marvellous holiday location, and an excellent place from which to go off touring this island with its fantastic landscape, hot springs, and geysers. But for the budget traveler, there is one drawback – Reykjavik is expensive. However there is a way round this – here are some top tips for surviving on a budget in Reykjavik: […]