Back in the first century AD legendary Viking, Ingolfur
Arnarson, named the settlement he founded on a northerly Atlantic
peninsula Reykjavik, meaning 'Smokey Bay'. The smoke he found
wafting over the area, however, had nothing to do with pollution,
but rather the bubbling, boiling natural geysers and geothermal
springs that now underlie the modern capital of Iceland. This
source of heat and water has ensured that Reykjavik has no need to
burn fuels to warm its heart, and the crisp, clean air is as
beguiling as its clear blue skies.
The sky is not always blue, however: the city receives more than
its fair share of rainy weather blown in from the sea, and during
the long, bleak winter its northern latitude ensures that the sun
makes no more than a brief appearance.
Despite this, the capital of Iceland is definitely a hot spot,
renowned for its lively pubs and clubs, which draw hundreds of
merry-making visitors, particularly during the long, light, bright
summer nights. It's growing reputation as a fun tourist destination
is enhanced by its fiery, friendly inhabitants, relaxed pace of
life, many cultural attractions and dozens of opportunities for
fascinating day trips, not to mention the novelty of bathing in one
of the steamy public geothermal swimming baths.
Reykjavik's setting on the southwest corner of Iceland on
Faxaflói Bay is another drawcard. All around are panoramic
views of the majestic Mount Esja, which rises up behind the bay,
and vistas across the Atlantic as far, on a sunny day, as the
crystalline Snaefellsjokull glacier to the west.
The city has a small town atmosphere, its centre easily explored
on foot, the quaint white-washed wooden buildings and colourful
houses interspersed with plenty of open space.
Even those who come to indulge mainly in the hedonistic
nightlife cannot fail to leave Reykjavik feeling refreshed and
rejuvenated.
Back in the first century AD legendary Viking, Ingolfur
Arnarson, named the settlement he founded on a northerly Atlantic
peninsula Reykjavik, meaning 'Smokey Bay'. The smoke he found
wafting over the area, however, had nothing to do with pollution,
but rather the bubbling, boiling natural geysers and geothermal
springs that now underlie the modern capital of Iceland. This
source of heat and water has ensured that Reykjavik has no need to
burn fuels to warm its heart, and the crisp, clean air is as
beguiling as its clear blue skies.
The sky is not always blue, however: the city receives more than
its fair share of rainy weather blown in from the sea, and during
the long, bleak winter its northern latitude ensures that the sun
makes no more than a brief appearance.
Despite this, the capital of Iceland is definitely a hot spot,
renowned for its lively pubs and clubs, which draw hundreds of
merry-making visitors, particularly during the long, light, bright
summer nights. It's growing reputation as a fun tourist destination
is enhanced by its fiery, friendly inhabitants, relaxed pace of
life, many cultural attractions and dozens of opportunities for
fascinating day trips, not to mention the novelty of bathing in one
of the steamy public geothermal swimming baths.
Reykjavik's setting on the southwest corner of Iceland on
Faxaflói Bay is another drawcard. All around are panoramic
views of the majestic Mount Esja, which rises up behind the bay,
and vistas across the Atlantic as far, on a sunny day, as the
crystalline Snaefellsjokull glacier to the west.
The city has a small town atmosphere, its centre easily explored
on foot, the quaint white-washed wooden buildings and colourful
houses interspersed with plenty of open space.
Even those who come to indulge mainly in the hedonistic
nightlife cannot fail to leave Reykjavik feeling refreshed and
rejuvenated.
