Few people ask where Reykjavík is located – on the island of Iceland, of course! Although it is located in the southwestern part of the island on the Seltyarnarnarnes Peninsula, Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital in the world. The population of Reykjavík is 118,814 if you don’t count the residents of the satellite towns. And if you take into account, it turns out that 63% of the population of the entire country lives around the capital.
Reykjavík is believed to have been founded in 874, when a certain farmer-settler laid out a dwelling on the site. The area is rich in hot springs that burst forth columns of steam. This was very impressive to the Celtic and Norwegian settlers, who nicknamed it “Smoky Bay” – Icelandic for “Reykjavik”.
By 1262, all taxes and tribute levied across the country flowed into the city. International trade with the Hanseatic League, England, and Norway flourished here. The city reached its maximum economic and political importance after it was taken over by Denmark in 1395. In 1627, it fell into decline after being ravaged by Berber pirates.
Remembrances of Rijk’javik
After the informative walks through the museums, you’ll probably want to just walk around the city. And you won’t be disappointed if you do:
Blakitnae Lagoon
It takes about 40 minutes to get to it from the center of Reyk’javik, but it’s worth it. The water of the geothermal pool really has a blakitny color and merges with the incredible Icelandic sky. Due to its unique natural composition, disease-causing microbes die. So bring your swimsuit and a bathing gown and enjoy your bathing.
Cultural Center “Perlan”
The history of this building, which has become one of the symbols of Reyk’javik, began in 1991, when the current mayor decided to turn the boiler house into an art object. And he succeeded! Now there are regular exhibitions, concerts, performances under the glass dome of “Perlina”, and wild bohemians and tourists wander around. And the boiler house, which utilizes the energy of underground sources, is still in operation!
Hudlgrimskirkju
The building looks more like a set for a sci-fi movie than the Lutheran church it is. Moreover, it was built for 38 years, starting in 1945.
The Sun Voyager monument
It was erected in honor of the 200th anniversary of Reyk’javik on the waterfront of the city. It reminds of the frame of a Viking chovn, moreover, not only the view, but also decent dimensions: 4 meters long and 3 meters high. It seems that the most hilarious photos of the “Sleepy Mandrovnik” are taken at the end of the day, when the sun descends into the sea waters. Check it out!
“Imagine Peace Tower.”
Light Tower was designed by Yoko Ono herself – Lennon’s widow. Great lichthars, which operate on the energy of hot energy sources, pierce the evening sky of Rijek’javik. The pedestal itself is decorated with the words in different languages “Imagine Peace”, as an extension of the famous song “Imagine Peace” by the Beatles. The monument, as Yoko intended, symbolizes the desire for love, peace and harmony in all their manifestations.
And only a part of the beauty that awaits you in Rijk’javik.
And only in the middle of the XVIII century the town began to gradually revive, when a certain royal treasurer Skuli Magnusson opened here workshops for the production of wool. And by August 1786 the settlement received the official status of a town. In 1845 the administration of the country was already located here.