The world’s most northerly capital may seem out of mind and out of sight, but Reykjavik couldn’t be livelier. Partying and frequenting nightclubs remain some of the city’s main activities. However, history and culture get in a few words edge-wise in the city. On the southwest corner of Iceland, Reykjavik glows in endless sun during summer and blankets with night in winter. The capital city hosts it all, from parties to paintings, in a striking landscape of glistening bay water and snow covered mountains. Hot springs breathe in the steaming air of Reykjavik, lending the city its name meaning “Smoky Bay”.
Reykjavik may surprise more than disappoint. Its history stretches back to the 9th and 10th centuries A.D. when it served as a Norwegian and Celtic settlement. Viking elements can still be seen about town. The city center flattens with wide streets, dotted with colorful buildings. Bars, cafes, hotels, museums, and art galleries make room in between all of the color. A stroll along the waterfront in the city center of Reykjavik lends views of impressive Mt. Esja.
If you don’t see Hallgrímskirkja from a distance, get up close and personal with the highest and most imposing structure in the city. With an architecture hinting at lava, Hallgrímskirkja gazes out with watchful eyes from its tower. The Perlan, or “The Pearl” as it is referred, dukes Hallgrímskirkja out for the best views of the city. The glass structure contains the Saga Museum, displaying key moments in Icelandic history. What many call an architectural masterpiece boasts idyllic views from its revolving restaurant.
Reykjavik gets drinkers out of the pubs and clubs with its many museums. The National Gallery of Iceland showcases Icelandic and international artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. Most of the works fall in painting or sculpture form. The Reykjavik Art Museum also puts up a wealth of Icelandic culture on its walls.
When the clubs and museums prove redundant, many head outside the city for natural activity. Within Reykjavik, Lake Tjornin finds a small home. Serving as a peaceful oasis, Lake Tjornin heats up with its geothermal water and chatters loudly due to its varied birdlife. Looming over the city like a big brother with watchful eyes, Mount Esja rises to 914 meters above it all. Offering up breathtaking views of the city, hikers invade to get some exercise and eye candy all in one hike. Reykjavik is not finished just yet with providing natural paradises nearby. Just minutes from the city center, Videy Island presents both history and beauty. The Island was originally the site of an Augustine Monastery.
Luckily for visitors, Reykjavik won’t blow its top despite being the “Smoky Bay”. As the steam rises in the city from its hot springs, clubs fill with tourists and locals looking to blow off steam. What a better place to do so. Out of sight and out of mind in the most northern capital in the world.
