It’s been called Europe’s hottest capital. Slick
advertising campaigns have championed the city’s famed
nightlife. But there is more to Reykjavik than pubs and
clubs. Reykjavik held the prestigious title European City
of Culture in the year 2000, a welcome recognition of the
energetic and colourful cultural life of Reykjavik.

Reykjavik has the best of both worlds: the qualities of
a modern, forward-looking society are complemented by a
close connection to the beautiful and unspoilt nature in
the city’s vicinity. The world’s northernmost capital is
framed by the majestic Mt. Esja, which keeps a watchful eye
on the city, and the blue waters of Faxafloi Bay. On a
sunny day, the mystical Snaefellsjokull glacier appears
crystal-like and baby blue on the western horizon, as the
mountainous moonscapes spread to the southeast.

Reykjavik is a great place to visit, whether for a
restful relaxation, a spot of unbridled fun or generally to
recharge one’s batteries: energy, safety, health and
wellness – Reykjavik is indeed Europe’s hottest
capital.

Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula whit a panoramic
view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all
sides. In the summer, you can sit by the harbour at
midnight and watch the sun dip slightly below the horizon
before it makes its way up again.

The population of the city is about 170,000 when you
include the outlying areas and smaller boroughs surrounding
the capital. One gets a general feeling of cosmopolitan
sophistication built on rock solid foundations.

Ása Kolka Haraldsdóttir works for the Reykjavik tourist
board and can be contacted on: asakolka@visitreykjavik.is