Iceland's capital is unlike any other European city. Not only is Reykjavík
('Smoky Bay') the world's northernmost capital, it's also one of the
newest, having established itself only in the la
May 19, 2006 (Press Release) --
Iceland's capital is unlike any other European city. Not only is Reykjavík
('Smoky Bay') the world's northernmost capital, it's also one of the
newest, having established itself only in the late 19th century. Despite
its name, it is now known as the 'smokeless city' thanks to its incessant
winds and reliance on geothermal heat. Reykjavík boasts all the trappings
of a modern European city as well as an interesting old town, white-washed
wooden buildings, and rows of brightly painted concrete houses. Nearly
everything of interest is within walking distance of the old settlement.
The Old Town, the city's hub, is a rustic area of grassy parks, lakes,
markets and museums. Anyone remotely interested in Norse and Icelandic
culture should head for the National Museum, which houses exhibits of
religious and folk relics, and tools dating from the period of Settlement.
The most renowned is a church door, carved around 1200, which depicts a
Norse battle scene, while residing in the basement are nautical and
agricultural tools and models of early fishing boats and ingenious farm
implements. Immediately behind the museum is the Árni Magnússon Institute,
a must-see for Saga buffs. The building contains a famous collection of
works, including the Landnámabók and Njáls Saga, which were returned from
Denmark to independent Iceland.
Modern Reykjavík sprawls eastward from the Old Town, and features several
worthwhile attractions such as Hallgrímskirkja, an imposing church
designed to resemble a mountain of lava. Although the word 'tacky' may
spring to mind, it's easily the city's most memorable structure. Begun in
the late 1940s and completed in 1974, the church is named after Iceland's
best-known poet, Hallgrímur Pétursson. You can wander its stark, light-
filled interior, then take a lift to the top of a 75m-high (246ft) tower
which offers superb views of the city. On the lawn is a statue of Leif
Eriksson, triumphantly identified as the 'Son of Iceland, Discoverer of
Vinland' (believed to be Newfoundland or Labrador).
Another place with an outwardly tacky appearance is the Volcano Show.
Again, don't be put off by the design; this theatre offers invaluable
insights into the volcanic spectre under (or over) which Icelanders live.
Here you can see dramatic film of some of the country's greatest volcanic
eruptions, including one award-winning film of the birth of Surtsey, which
belched and spewed its way - Exorcist-like - out of the sea in 1963. Other
sights include a pleasant botanic garden, a popular recreational park and
a number of museums dedicated to the works of Iceland's leading artists.
Budget accommodation, cheap eats and bargain shopping are found in or just
east of the Old Town. For entertainment, there's cinema (films are
screened in their original language with Icelandic subtitles), cultural
performances (theatre, opera, symphony, and dance) and light shows (sagas,
Settlement and Viking extravaganzas). Runtur is a bit of a Reykjavík
institution, which involves trawling through the city's hip bars, live
music venues and discos to make sure no-one's missing the best action.
Source: http://www.yahoo.com
('Smoky Bay') the world's northernmost capital, it's also one of the
newest, having established itself only in the late 19th century. Despite
its name, it is now known as the 'smokeless city' thanks to its incessant
winds and reliance on geothermal heat. Reykjavík boasts all the trappings
of a modern European city as well as an interesting old town, white-washed
wooden buildings, and rows of brightly painted concrete houses. Nearly
everything of interest is within walking distance of the old settlement.
The Old Town, the city's hub, is a rustic area of grassy parks, lakes,
markets and museums. Anyone remotely interested in Norse and Icelandic
culture should head for the National Museum, which houses exhibits of
religious and folk relics, and tools dating from the period of Settlement.
The most renowned is a church door, carved around 1200, which depicts a
Norse battle scene, while residing in the basement are nautical and
agricultural tools and models of early fishing boats and ingenious farm
implements. Immediately behind the museum is the Árni Magnússon Institute,
a must-see for Saga buffs. The building contains a famous collection of
works, including the Landnámabók and Njáls Saga, which were returned from
Denmark to independent Iceland.
Modern Reykjavík sprawls eastward from the Old Town, and features several
worthwhile attractions such as Hallgrímskirkja, an imposing church
designed to resemble a mountain of lava. Although the word 'tacky' may
spring to mind, it's easily the city's most memorable structure. Begun in
the late 1940s and completed in 1974, the church is named after Iceland's
best-known poet, Hallgrímur Pétursson. You can wander its stark, light-
filled interior, then take a lift to the top of a 75m-high (246ft) tower
which offers superb views of the city. On the lawn is a statue of Leif
Eriksson, triumphantly identified as the 'Son of Iceland, Discoverer of
Vinland' (believed to be Newfoundland or Labrador).
Another place with an outwardly tacky appearance is the Volcano Show.
Again, don't be put off by the design; this theatre offers invaluable
insights into the volcanic spectre under (or over) which Icelanders live.
Here you can see dramatic film of some of the country's greatest volcanic
eruptions, including one award-winning film of the birth of Surtsey, which
belched and spewed its way - Exorcist-like - out of the sea in 1963. Other
sights include a pleasant botanic garden, a popular recreational park and
a number of museums dedicated to the works of Iceland's leading artists.
Budget accommodation, cheap eats and bargain shopping are found in or just
east of the Old Town. For entertainment, there's cinema (films are
screened in their original language with Icelandic subtitles), cultural
performances (theatre, opera, symphony, and dance) and light shows (sagas,
Settlement and Viking extravaganzas). Runtur is a bit of a Reykjavík
institution, which involves trawling through the city's hip bars, live
music venues and discos to make sure no-one's missing the best action.
Source: http://www.yahoo.com
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