The worlds northernmost capital smoke bay
Reykjavík
Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that seamlessly blends modernity with rich cultural heritage. As the northernmost capital in the world, Reykjavík is known for its colorful buildings, thriving arts scene, and stunning natural surroundings. Despite its small size, the city offers a wide range of attractions, from historic sites and museums to trendy restaurants, lively nightlife, and unique boutiques.
Reykjavík is also a gateway to Iceland’s natural wonders. The city is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including mountains, hot springs, and the ocean, making it an ideal base for exploring the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, and other nearby attractions. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply enjoying the vibrant culture, Reykjavík offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Facts & Figures
Reykjavik was founded in 874 AD by Ingólfur Arnarson, an early Norse settler. With an area of 274.5 km², it is the largest city in the country and is the cultural, political, and economic center. It has a population of around 140,000 inhabitants and continues to hold the status of the centerpiece in the Capital Regi
The name of which European city translates to "Smoke Cove"?
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay. Its latitude is 64°08' N, making it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. With a population of around 128,793 (and 228,231 in the Capital Region), it is the center of Iceland's cultural, economic and governmental activity, and is a popular tourist destination.
Steam from hot springs in the region is said to own inspired Reykjavík's name, which loosely translates to Smoke Cove (the city is sometimes referred to as Bay of Smoke or Smoky Bay in English language travel guides). In the latest language, as in English, the word for 'smoke' and the word for fog or steamy vapour are not commonly lost, but this is believed to have been the case in the old language. The imaginative name was Reykjarvík (with an additional "r" representing the usual genitive ending of strong nouns) but this had vanished around 1800.
Reykjavík is believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland, which, according to Landnámabók, was established by Ingólfr Arnarson in AD 874.
Reykjavík
Reykjavík ( RAYK-yə-vik, RAYK-yə-veek; Icelandic: [ˈreiːcaˌviːk]) is the capital and largest city of Iceland. It has a latitude of 64°08' N, making it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state, and is a popular tourist destination. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxa Bay. With a population of around 123 300 (and over 216 940 in the Capital Region), it is the heart of Iceland's cultural, economic and governmental activity.
Reykjavík is believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland, which, according to Ingólfur Arnarson, was established in AD 874. Until the 19th century, there was no urban development in the city location. The city was founded in 1786 as an official trading town and grew steadily over the next decades, as it transformed into a regional and later national centre of commerce, population, and governmental activities. It is among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world.
History
The first permanent settlement in Iceland by Norsemen is believed to have been established at Reykjavík by Ingólfur Arnars
Interesting Iceland
facts and tidbits
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Some more
Iceland facts and tidbits
First human inhabitants
Some scientists believe that they were 9th century Irish monks, not the Vikings, who arrived a half century or so later.
Population today
Iceland has 320,000 residents, 80% of whom live in Greater Reykjavik.
The nation's population density is exceptionally low. It's only three persons per square kilometer (one per square mile).
Wild animals
The Arctic fox (see photo above) was the island's only native animal when the settlers arrived in the 9th century. It had migrated long before from Greenland on ice.
How Iceland was formed
Eons ago, the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates began moving apart. This lessened the distance between the earth's surface and the hot spot magna chambers deep below. This in turn made it easier for the magna's lava to push upward to the surface. Over time, the lava created the Iceland land mass.
Is Iceland on the European
or North American continent?
Geologically, it's on both. Conventionally and culturally, Iceland is thought of being European.
Military
Iceland doesn't have an army, navy, or
Reykjavík (Smoke Bay) is the capital and largest city in Iceland.
Its latitude, at 64°08' N, makes it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay. With a population of around 120,000 (and over 200,000 in the Greater Reykjavík Area), it is the heart of Iceland's economic and governmental activity.
Reykjavík is believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland, which Ingólfur Arnarson is said to have established around 870 C.E. Until the 18th century, there was no urban development in the city location. The city was founded in 1786 as an official trading town and grew steadily over the next decades, as it transformed into a regional and later national centre of commerce, population, andgovernmental activities.
Temperatures very rarely drop below −15 °C (5 °F) in the winter. This is because the Icelandic coastal weather in winter is moderated by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The