Welcome to Reykjavík, “the bay of smokes”! A visit to the Icelandic capital is always an unforgettable experience. Not far from the Arctic Circle, the city and its breath-taking natural surroundings act as an introduction to the island itself: a potent blend of water, fire and ice.
Nature‘s presence is felt constantly, with a dramatic landscape of volcanoes and fjords providing the backdrop for a thriving cultural hub with world-famous nightlife. Reykjavík is a firm favourite with walkers and fans of outdoor pursuits.
Reykjavík is Europe‘s northernmost capital city, located
on the south-west coast of Iceland in the bay of Faxaflói. Inhabited since 874,
but only officially founded as a city in 1784, Reykjavík became the capital of
the Danish colony of Iceland, later becoming the centre of government after
independence in 1944. With just over 320,000 inhabitants and a population
density of 2.9 residents per square kilometre, Iceland is a country of wide
open spaces. The capital also has a great sense of space and nature, with the
picturesque Lake Tjörnin at its heart. Thanks to the Gulf Stream Reykjavík
enjoys a relatively mild climate, with average temperatures of around 0°C in
winter and 10-13° in the summer. Another interesting feature of Iceland is the
great seasonal variations in daylight, with very long nights in winter (only 4
hours of daylight per day) and two months without darkness in the summer. The
Icelandic capital is also a resolutely green destination, with geothermal energy
supplying all of the city’s heating needs, use of hydroelectricity and tests on
a new fleet of hydrogen-powered buses.
“Pure energy”, the slogan adopted by Reykjavik, perfectly encapsulates the influence that Iceland’s seasons and dramatic landscapes have on the lives of the locals. The principal attractions and sites of interest are dotted around the banks of Lake Tjörnin, including the city hall, the white cathedral of Domkirkja and the city’s oldest houses. From the port, you can set sail on a whale safari. The imposing, 75m-tall Hallgrimskirkja church can be seen from anywhere in the city, and is intended to echo the lava flows which have shaped the landscape. 40km outside the city, the huge Blue Lagoon artificial lake is maintained at a temperature of 39° all year round, for a relaxing dip. There are also plenty of pools and thermal baths in the city itself. For night owls, Reykjavík is a real treat: the city’s trendy bars and clubs are internationally renowned for their all-night parties and great atmosphere. Food-lovers will be spoiled too, with wonderful seafood, tender lamb and the unique national liqueur Brennivín all highly recommended. And if you’re lucky, you may just catch the Northern Lights in all their glory!
- Time difference: -1h00
- Currency: Couronne Islandaise
Français
Reykjavik
Coming soon 