Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, located in the south western part of the country. Adjacent to the city is Faxafloi Bay, a thriving fishing area with numerous small villages along its shores. Most people are surprised at how modern and up to date the city of Reykjavik is considering its relatively small population of just over 200,000 people in the city and the surrounding area. Regardless of size, Reykjavik is a thriving city with a rich history and rapid economic growth. What's more, it is a city that is well known for its commitment to the environment and is recognized as one of the "greenest" in the world. |
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One of the really charming aspects of Reykjavik is that is was not originally built with tourism in mind and is still not focused primarily on attracting tourists. Instead, it developed as the central location for culture, commerce, and arts in Iceland, making it a wonderful place to explore because it's so easy to interact with the people and the real culture of Iceland. Within the city itself it's best to see the sights on foot, in part because they are located within easy walking distance of each other and in part because the city is so lovely. The sidewalks and walkways are set up to be extremely pedestrian friendly, and in general the local drivers are very courteous as well. To get a really complete sense of Reykjavik, make a point of completing the pathway that nearly encircles the city.
Visitors enjoy the sandy beach located in Reykjavik as well as the nearby river that's rich with salmon. While the climate is definitely not suited to sunbathing or swimming at the beach, it's a beautiful place to walk, breathe in the clean air, and enjoy the outdoors. If swimming is something you really want to do, then stop by one of the several hot spring pools situated both indoors and outdoors. Laugardalslaug, Nautholsvik Thermal Beach, Arbaejarlaug, and Sundhollin Swimming Centre are just a few examples of excellent facilities to consider. Most of these pools even offer swimsuits and towels to rent, so there's really no excuse not to enjoy the benefits of the hot springs.
The sights in Reykjavik are varied and plentiful, ranging from the very modern to the very old. For instance, Old Town is an area filled with traditional Icelandic homes, shops, and places to eat; it is a great place to walk around and interact with the friendly people who live and work there. Another interesting stop is Althingi, the Icelandic parliament building. The building itself is quite striking, plus it is adjacent to a lovely park with a pond and walking paths called Tjornin Lake. To get a really close look at Iceland's history and culture, plan to spend time in the National Museum of Iceland.
Iceland is a rugged country, so it's no surprise the Reykjavik is a great place to venture out into the great outdoors. You can go whale watching, deep sea fishing, white water rafting, snowmobiling, horseback riding, dog sledding, and much more. These activities are available seasonally, so if there is a particular outdoor adventure you're interested in be sure to plan your holiday for the appropriate time of year. Remember, too, that Reykjavik is located just slightly below the Arctic Circle so in the summer time there is almost continuous daylight and in the winter time there can be as few as four hours of daylight per day.
Keflavik International Airport is the primary entry point for visitors; it is located about 50 kilometres from Reykjavik. The best way to get from the airport to the city proper is via the FlyBus, which includes a number of stops in the city at various hotels and other popular locations. It is possible to hire a rental car if you want to drive yourself around, but keep in mind that this is the most expensive option; the fees for rental cars are extremely high, as is the price for gasoline. Check with your hotel for more information about their recommendations and to see if they offer a discount shuttle option.
Wiki:- Reykjavik
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