Reykjavik

Reykjavik

According to legend, Ingolfur Arnarson threw pillars engraved with images of pagan gods overboard from his Viking ship, vowing to settle wherever the pillars washed ashore. They landed at Smoky Bay where the first settlement of Reykjavik was established around 870 AD. The name Reykjavik, or "Smoky Bay," refers to the numerous geysers emanating from the thermal springs beneath the capital. Today, Reykjavik is a modern city but its past is preserved at many fine museums including the Arbaejarsafn.

Attractions

A trip to Reykjavík would not be complete without a trip to the pools, which are open all year round. The best time of the day to go is definitely in the early morning (between 7 and 8 o'clock), when people gather before going to work to discuss current events. There's no better way to check the pulse of the city and to hear some gossip while you're at it.

Activities

  • For an exciting sea adventure, visitors to Reykjavík are encouraged to try one of the many whale watching tours that operate along the harbour

  • The Blue Lagoon is probably the most recognizable feature of what Iceland has to offer visitors. This beautiful resort is located midway between the Leif Eriksson International Airport and the city of Reykjavik

  • The Culture House contains various exhibitions that cast light on Iceland's history and cultural heritage

  • The Viking Village consists of Fjorukrain and Hotel Viking

  • The Reykjavik Park and Zoo is home to various animals living in Iceland, both domestic and wild. This is the place for children to get to know the animals and experince them like they don't usually get to in the large cities or zoos

  • The Thermal beach is an old dream come true for many of those familiar with the magic of Nauthólsvík

Adventures

  • The most common of outdoor activities in Iceland is the Super Jeep safari, which is a truly unique experience and one which is most certainly an Icelandic invention

  • The Icelandic horse, like the language, has not changed much since the Norse settlers came to Iceland. For many centuries, it was by horseback that people travelled between places in the country and transported goods on the horse's back. As anyone who has been on horseback in the Icelandic countryside can tell you, it is a truly extraordinary way to experience the natural surroundings

  • Since the city airport is so closely integrated with the city itself, it is not uncommon to see one of the many planes taking off or landing at the Reykjavik airport during the day. Some of these planes are special flights for sightseeing

  • There are a few companies that specialize in renting bicycles to visiting travellers and also to people living in Reykjavik. As Reykjavik is one of the cleanest cities in the world, biking is one of the best ways to get around

  • There is a lot of land to explore in the area around Reykjavík and some of it is best covered on foot. Since the climate in Iceland is rather unpredictable and the nature can sometimes be as fierce as it is beautiful, it is recommended for hiking enthusiasts to make use of some of the companies specializing in guided hiking tours of the countryside

Food

Epicures will find plenty to keep them happy when wining and dining in the nation's capital. Icelandic cuisine, like many things in Iceland, benefits from the open-mindedness of the Icelandic people and the willingness of the culture to adapt foreign tastes to its own. Icelanders may be modest about many things, but food is not one of them.

Currency

The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic krona (ISK)


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