Reykjavík

Reykjavík as seen from the tower of Hallgrímskirkja
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Reykjav%C3%ADk_s%C3%A9%C3%B0_%C3%BAr_Hallgr%C3%ADmskirkju.jpeg
Author: Andreas Tille
Reykjavík is the capital and only city in Iceland. It is also the northernmost national capital in the world. The city covers 274.5 sq km (106 sq mi) within a metropolitan area of 777 sq km (300 sq mi). It has a population of 120,000 (2011 estimate) and a metropolitan population of 202,000. The city observes the Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0)

Reykjavík is the financial and cultural center of Iceland. Home of most of the companies in Iceland, it is also counted as among the richest cities in the world. The city experiences a subpolar oceanic climate moderated by the Gulf Stream. The warmest month is July, when the average high temperature touches 13.3°C (55.9°F). Coldest month is January, when the average low temperature drops to -3°C (26.6°F). Rain is heaviest in October, at 85.6 mm (3.37 in).

Reykjavík is located on the rugged southwestern coast of Iceland. The landscape around the city bears evidence of glacier activities from the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago. The city continues to experience earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The rivers around the city teems with salmon and other fish.

Reykjavík is believed to be the first and oldest settlement in Iceland, which was uninhabited until the Vikings arrived. Led by Ingólfur Arnarson, they established the initial settlement in AD 870, naming it Reykjavik, meaning "smoke cove" after the steam from the surrounding hot springs.

The settlement of Reykjavík remained largely a farming community until the 18th century, when the Danish rulers introduced home-grown industries. This brought about the beginnings of an urbanized society that became the first and only city in Iceland. Reykjavík was officially founded in 1786.

The desire to seek independence from Denmark had its start in Reykjavík. When the Icelandic parliament, called Alþingi, was reestablished in Reykjavík in 1845, the city effectively became the capital of Iceland. Then in 1918 Iceland became a sovereign country within Denmark.

Visiting Reykjavík

Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the gateway to Reykjavík. It receives regular flights from major cities in Europe.

Idnarmannafelagshus, Reykjavík
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Laekjargata14.jpg
Author: Ghislain Mary

Sights & Attractions in Reykjavík

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