Reykjavík - the friendly capital
Visitors to Reykjavik experience easily the pure energy at the heart of Iceland's capital city - whether from the boiling thermal energy underground, the natural green energy within the city and around it, or the lively culture and fun-filled nightlife.
Think of the qualities of a great city - fun, space, clean air, nature, culture - and Reykjavik has them in spades. It has the features of a modern, forward-looking society which are complemented by a close connection to beautiful nature.
The population of the Reykjavik Capital Area is about 200,000. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with 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 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 on the western horizon, while mountainous moonscapes spread to the southeast.
Reykjavik is a great place to visit, whether for some cultural nourishment, a spot of unbridled fun or to recharge your batteries. Think of the ideal city break and you'll think of Reykjavik.
Thorri Feast ‘Þorrablót’: 19 January - 18 February 2007
At the end of January, the festivities of traditional Icelandic food, hymns singing and dancing are on-going. Why not try out some of the traditional food of the Vikings such as smoked lamb, singed sheep heads, pickled ram’s testicles, rye bread steamed in hot springs and the Icelandic schnapps ‘Brennivín’?
Dark Music Days: 2 February - 10 February
Taking place in odd-numbered years, this festival, organised by the Composers' Society, has its emphasis on new Icelandic music.
Food and Fun: 21 February - 25 February 2007
Chefs from around the world arrive to participate in this festival. Each chef is assigned a participating restaurant and their task is to create a meal from Icelandic ingredients only which is featured on the menu throughout the week. On the last day of the festival the chefs compete in making a three course meal from Icelandic ingredients with 30 minutes to shop for produce and 3 hours to prepare it. For further information visit the website, www.foodandfun.is.
Winter Lights Festival: 22 - 25 February 2007
The Icelandic winter celebration of increasing light, after a long period of darkness, fills the city with added life as all major cultural institutions, galleries, shops and artists join in on the fun. Restaurants join in with special ‘Food and Fun’ festivities, highlighting pure Icelandic ingredients including lamb and fish, prepared by acclaimed chefs from around the globe. ‘Gourmet Dinner Nights’ include signature dishes and special menus at some of the finest restaurants in Reykjavík.
Beer Day: 1 March 2007
Beer Day marks the abolishment of the 75 year prohibition on beer in 1989. Celebrations are held around Reykjavik in clubs, restaurants and bars. Join in the festivities and sample the local beers on hand.
Reykjavík Blues Festival: 3 - 6 April 2007
The annual Reykjavík Blues Festival offers a colourful program of blues, performed by Icelandic and international artists. For further information visit the website, www.blues.is.
First Day of Summer: 20 April 2007
The First Day of Summer is widely celebrated throughout Iceland to mark the reappearance of the sun and long sun-filled days and nights after a dark winter. Celebrations include parades, entertainment, food and drink.
Easter: 13 - 17 April 2007
Some of the highlights of the musical year are introduced with classical programs. The Easter season is a time for relaxation, smoked lamb and lots of chocolate! This is also usually the best season for skiing in the mountains surrounding Reykjavík.
Reykjavík Arts Festival: 10 - 26 May 2007
This festival is a celebration of Icelandic culture from the past and present as well as international performances. Events include performances in theater, music, dance, visual arts, concerts and more. For further information visit the website, www.artfest.is.
Festival of the Sea: 10 June - 11 June
The first weekend in June is a very special day in Iceland reminding how important the sea and its sailors are to Icelandic history economy and people. It’s the only day when every ship in Iceland is in harbour, and all the sailors have a day off. Boats and ships of all sizes come into port carrying sailors eager to try their hands at strongman competitions and rowing competitions between ship crews and companies. Sailor’s day is a light hearted occasion with lots of fun for the whole family.
Independence Day: 17 June 2007
Iceland declared independence from Denmark on 17 June 1944, the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson. This day is commemorated all around Iceland with parades, street theatre and music, shows and dances.
Summer Solstice Festival: 21 June 2007
This ancient Solstice Festival from the times of the Vikings is celebrated at the end of June, in the midnight sun. This longest day of the year celebrates the ancient Viking age with gatherings, craft market, song, dance, midnight walks and of course, food and drink.
Gay Pride Festival: 9 – 12 August 2007
This weekend fills the city centre with colours, parties, parades and entertainment as thousands of people join the weekend festivities with the gay community in Reykjavík. For further information visit the website, www.gaypride.is.
Reykjavík Culture Night: 18 August 2007
The Culture Night is filled with life, events, musical performances and culture. Shops, bars, nightclubs, churches and galleries extend their open hours well into the night, while a number of exhibitions and happenings make downtown Reykjavík a hotbed of activities.
Reykjavík Marathon: 18 August 2007
Thousand of participants from all over the world visit Iceland each year for the annual Reykjavík Marathon. The race options include a half marathon, fun run (7 km) and marathon proper. For further information visit the website, www.marathon.is.
Reykjavík Jazz Festival: 26 September – 1 October 2007
Over a period of five days, many acclaimed Icelandic and international Jazz musicians perform all over Reykjavík city. The Jazz Festival has been held annually since 1991, growing in size and stature with each year.
Reykjavik International Film Festival: September - October
Reykjavik International Film Festival, launched in 2004, holds in many respects a unique position among film festivals organized around the world. How often are festival-goers given the chance to catch the cream of recent festival films, see dozens of amazing flicks from the world’s youngest and most talented directors, meet foreign film pioneers, see the shimmering Northern lights, enjoy a glacier-trip, attend informative seminars and symposiums, experience the wildest nightlife north of Rio and kick back in the Blue Lagoon – all during the same festival? For further information visit the website, www.filmfest.is.
Iceland Airwaves: October
Iceland Airwaves is an annual music festival held in Iceland in late October each year over the course of four days. The main focus of the festival is showcasing new music, Icelandic and international. The festival gets its name from its main sponsor, Icelandair. For further information visit the website, www.icelandairwaves.com.
Young Art Festival (Unglist): 3 November - 12 November
Unglist the Art festival of young people will take place every evening in Tjarnabíó from 3rd of November to 12th of November. Unglist has been a yearly event in Reykjavik since 1992. The festival week is packed with a multitude of performers and spectators. The program consists of music, dance, design, fashion, photography, paintings and theatre just to mention a few. The festival has reflected the major trends that have been current in young people''s art. There are free entrance to all the events.
Top Ten Things to do in Reykjavik
- Stroll around the city centre, admire the colorful old houses and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere by Tjornin Lake.
- Soak your stress away in one of the city’s relaxing thermal pools.
- Climb up Hallgrimskirkja Church tower for a panoramic view of the city.
- Indulge your interest in Iceland’s fascinating cultural heritage or cutting edge art at one of the city’s many museum and galleries.
- Shop for some quirky Icelandic designed art, clothing or jewelry.
- Take a day tour and view the magnificent landscape surrounding the city.
- Test your stamina with a night on the town “Reykjavik style”
- Visit the Pearl – an otherworldly creation with a viewing platform and a revolving restaurant on top of hot water storage tanks.
- Give your taste buds a real treat by dining at one of Reykjavik’s many excellent seafood restaurants.
- Be amazed by the sight of whales and dolphins on a whale-watching tour.
For further information about Reykjavik visit the website, www.visitreykjavik.is.
Visit Reykjavík
Adalstraeti 2
101 Reykjavik
Iceland
Tel. +354 590 1500
Fax. +354 590 1501
E-mail: info@visitreykjavik.is
Website: www.visitreykjavik.is
