WHY VISIT REYKJAVIK
What comes to mind when you think of Reykjavík? The elves, the singer Bjork, spiteful volcanoes that cover Europe with ashes? Quite right. But it is not enough. Reykjavík, the “smoking bay” founded by the Vikings, is a small and cosmopolitan Iceland‘s capital, boiling and icy at the same time. Here the musical and cultural ferment of theaters, galleries, and design is dissolved in the warm waters of the public geothermal pools: the Icelanders find themselves there to relax and recount the latest gossip, happily soaking in the hot water after a day’s work.
The white snow-covered plateaus that surround the plain where Reykjavík stands as a crown, can not completely cool the city’s climate and spirit. Despite being the northernmost capital of the world, the winter temperatures are higher than Orvieto, Helsinki, and Stockholm, and Reykjavík offers a thousand things to do and see, unsuspected as it is along the streets of downtown at night.
But it is true that it is cold, and therefore houses, shops, and hotels are warm and welcoming, with large windows from which you can glimpse the Icelandic design: essential, sinuous, natural, and irresistibly cool.
WHAT TO SEE IN REYKJAVIK
Top attractions not to be missed are:
- Hallgrimskirkja
- Arbaer Open Air Museum
- Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre
- Icelandic Opera (Islenska Operan)
- Perlan
- Skolavordustigur and Laugavegur streets
- Hateigskirkja Church
Following instead some hidden spots of the city that only locals know!
- Geothermal area krysuvik
WHEN TO GO TO REYKJAVIK
The best period to visit Reykjavík is from June to August.
Following a list of main events and typical festivals and celebrations of Barcellona.
- Reykjavik International Film Festival
- Reykjavik Jazzfestival
- Reykjavik culture night
- Reykjavík Winter Lights Festival
- Northern Lights
HOW TO REACH AND MOVE IN REYKJAVIK
the main airport is the Reykjavík Airport
download the transportation map
download the transportation APP
WHAT TO DO IN REYKJAVIK
typical dishes of Reykjavik are:
- Pylsur: Hot dogs made from lamb, beef, and pork with optional accompaniments of onions, mustard, and tomato ketchup.
- Harðfiskur: A dried fish snack, often cod, haddock or ocean catfish, is usually dipped in salted butter.
- Kjötsúpa: A lamb soup made with cabbage, root vegetables, and occasionally a handful of oats or rice.
- Skyr: A smooth and creamy kind of yogurt made from pasteurized skimmed milk.
- Hangikjöt: Smoked lamb typically served with béchamel sauce at Christmas.
- Svið: A sheep’s head cut in half, singed (to remove the hair), de-brained, and boiled.
- Pönnukökur: Thin pancakes rolled up with jam, powdered sugar, and/or cream.
- Rúgbrauð: A moist and slightly sweet rye bread.
- Brennivin: A potent variation of aquavit made from potatoes.
- Ein með öllu: a pylsa (lamb hot dog) dressed in ketchup, sweet brown mustard, raw onions, fried onions, and remoulade (a sauce made with mayonnaise and relish).
- Skata: skate fish, a delicacy with a sweet taste but a strong, putrified smell, usually served with boiled potatoes and brown rye bread.
- Þorramatur: is a selection of traditional Icelandic food, consisting mainly of meat and fish products cured in a traditional manner, cut into slices or pieces and served with rúgbrauð (dense and dark rye bread), butter and brennivín (an Icelandic akvavit).
typical souvenirs of Reykjavik are:
- Volcano ash or lava jewelry
- Blue lagoon mineral skincare products
- Woolen goods
- Fish leather goods
- Wooden spoons
- Troll figurine
- Viking beer glass
- Licorice, salt, seaweed
- Reyka Vodka, snaps or beer
The Main theatre of Reykjavik is The Icelandic Opera.
