Reykjavík

Reykjavik Area

The world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state sits on Faxaflói bay in southwest Iceland, home to around 139,000 people in the city proper and roughly 253,000 in the wider capital region — about 64% of Iceland's entire population in one compact, walkable city. The old core runs along Laugavegur, the main shopping street, whose name recalls the route Reykjavík women once walked to do laundry in geothermal springs up the valley. Hallgrímskirkja church dominates the skyline; its tower lift gives views over the city and bay. On the waterfront, Harpa concert hall — opened in 2011 with a geometric glass facade by Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen — hosts the Iceland Symphony Orchestra year-round. Geothermal swimming pools are where locals actually spend leisure time. Summer brings the midnight sun and major music and culture festivals; winter brings northern lights visible from the outskirts. The Golden Circle — Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss — is under two hours by car, making Reykjavík a practical base for day trips across the country.

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