"Reykjavík - The Capital of Cool" Reykjavík Region by snorril

Reykjavík Region Travel Guide: 1,672 reviews and 3,681 photos

Hallgrímskirkja by night - Reykjavík Region

Home sweet home

Reykjavík is the northenmost capital in the world and also one of the smallest, with around 160000 inhabitants including suburbs. Still the city has a slight metropolitan feel to it and a great variety of happenings for its size.

Reykjavík is also one of the cleanest capital there is. In Iceland almost all houses are heated with geothermal energy hence no coal or oil burning. However Icelanders are big car-owners, with an average of about 1 car per eligable person, so the city isn't pollution or traffic free. Reykjavík is still relatively clean and I doubt that there are many capitals that boast a salmon river running through its midst.

Downtown

The best part of Reykjavík is its closeness to nature. I love the outdoors and doing walking and hiking trips with my girlfriend and our dog. Reykjavík offers plenty of walks in its vincinity, e.g. Heiðmörk, Mt. Esja, Elliðaárdalur, Ægissíða etc.

It is also lovely walking in the Old town. Icelandic houses differ from houses in most other countries. They are very colorful, particularly the roofs which are all painted in different colours. The downtown area and around Tjörnin (The Pond) is also beautiful in the evenings, with striking sunsets in the summer and dancing Aurora during winters.

However, though Reykjavík is nice it probably isn't the reason you're visiting Iceland. Go out and about and explore the nature of the country. A couple of days in Reykjavík are enough if you haven't got much of a time.

If you are interested I have created more pages about Iceland:
Iceland
Reykjanes
Snæfellsnes
Þingvellir

Intro Updated Jul 20, 2008
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Reviews (15)

My beautiful daughter in Öskjuhlíð - Reykjavík Region

Rotating restaurant Favorites (5)

Perlan is a upper-class restaurant built on top of water storage tanks at Öskjuhlíð hill near downtown Reykjavík.... more travel advice

Tjörnin (The Pond) Favorites (5)

Tjörnin is located in the city center and close by are most of the atractions. The City Hall´s modern architecture makes... more travel advice

Reykjavík's sunset in August - Reykjavík Region

Romantic walking Things to Do (2)

If you happen to be in Reykjavík on one of these few sunny days :) be sure to check out the sunset from the city's... more travel advice

Gaukur á Stöng - from www.hrappur.is - Reykjavík Region

Reykjavík's nighlife Nightlife (1)

Reykjavík is renowned for its nighlife but don't expect the fun to start early. Because of the price of beverages at... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Aug 16, 2003

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History in brief

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Comments (43)

ferdnbean Apr 5, 2005 at 8:35 PM Report Abuse

Great page and photos. I was able to visit Reykjavik and perform at the Hallgrímskirkja church last August. LOved the Blue Lagoon!!! Happy Birthday... Ferd
BROOKS Dec 15, 2004 at 9:07 PM Report Abuse

vERY NICE iCELAND PAGES.
frank_delargy Dec 13, 2004 at 7:43 PM Report Abuse

Heading to Iceland for a very short visit in February. Hoping to see some Northern Lights, but know the chances are slim. You have a wonderful country. Thanks for the tips, they are very helpful. Frank
JLBG Jul 3, 2004 at 9:43 PM Report Abuse

I have tasted skyr plenty of times, but too bad I have not tried rotten shark, sheep faces and ram's testicles. That makes three more reasons to come back to Iceland !
Narviking Jun 19, 2004 at 2:26 AM Report Abuse

Nice info. Bring back good memories from my visit there some years ago. Greetings from Norway !
1Karan Apr 22, 2004 at 5:57 AM Report Abuse

Awesome pages to say the least. Maybe one day i'll make it to Iceland... Cheers from a hot and dusty New Delhi.
joernme Apr 13, 2004 at 4:48 AM Report Abuse

Hey Snorril, top page! Also love that comment about Tinna and other fireworks - can I use it for my wife, too? ;-) Iceland has been on my wish list so long (and your page doesn't really change that ;-) Hope one day I can afford it. Really sympatic page!
muttleymilano Feb 20, 2004 at 6:33 AM Report Abuse

Great pages, good photos! i love your country and i have been there in 1999! i would like to come back! cheers from Milano
awayhome Feb 14, 2004 at 8:41 PM Report Abuse

Great page on your hometown and beautiful pics, Happy travel=))
deeper_blue Sep 13, 2003 at 6:34 PM Report Abuse

Some great pics,I may be in Reykjavik and Tasilaq (Greenland) next year, looks like a great escape.