Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik

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About Reykjavik

About Reykjavik

Why Visit Reykjavik

Due to its rather young age and very rapid growth, Reykjavik differs a lot from the other Nordic capitals. Its an incredible city with one-of-a-kind nature and a unique charm.

The history says that it all started with Ingolfr Arnarson, his wife, and brother. According to the Icelandic Book of Settlements, they were the first ones to build a homestead in the place they later named Reykjavik. Despite being quite a mouthful (as most of the Icelandic names), the name of this incredible city literally means "The Bay of Smoke" after Iceland's hot springs known all around the globe. To marvel at this incredible natural phenomenon, you might want to explore the amazing Golden Circle during your Reykjavik tour. It's one of the most popular routes in Iceland, offering to wonder at the Geysir, the oldest geyser on Earth, the magnificent Golden Falls waterfall, and the Thingvellir National Park, a unique place where the Eurasian and American tectonic plates are pulling apart for a couple of centimeters every year.

An important thing to keep in mind if you are planning a trip to Reykjavik (aka the northernmost capital of the world) is that there are no promises when it comes to Reykjavik's weather. A beautiful sunny day can turn into a raging storm in a matter of minutes. During the summer months, the city bathes in sunlight for almost 24 hours straight while for several days in winter the citizens barely have 4 hours to enjoy the warmth.

Despite your mind probably picturing grandiose snow blocks and the untouched white lands when you think of Iceland, the country is actually defined by water. Exploring the island, you can find hot streams, wild rivers, beautiful lakes (not to mention the two oceans washing upon the shores), so it's not a surprise that the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's gems. The water there never gets lower than 37°C (98.6°F), offering a brief escape from the cold. If you are traveling with kids, undoubtedly they will love to spend a day having fun in the pools (there are 18 of them only in the Reykjavik area alone).

Whale watching is also among the most popular tourist attractions. Icelandic waters are home to various different creatures, including more than 20 species of whales.

Best Things to Do in Reykjavik, Iceland

  • Enjoy the warm high-mineral waters of the Blue Lagoon
  • Marvel at the incredible architecture of the Hallgrimskirkja Church
  • Take a picture with the Sun Voyager, the well-known Viking ship sculpture
 

Another reason to add Reykjavik to your must-see list are the Northern Lights. This breathtaking natural phenomenon, appearing in hundreds of colors and shapes, might not be a big deal for the citizens of the region but for the travelers, Aurora Borealis chasing is the main reason to visit scenic Reykjavik during the wintertime.

So, have you packed for your great Reykjavik adventure already?

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