The following description is a compilation of information from several sources:

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland. Its latitude at 64°08' N makes it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay. With a population of around 120,000 (and over 200,000 in the Greater Reykjavík Area) it is the heart of Iceland's economic and governmental activity.

Reykjavík is believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland, which Ingólfur Arnarson is said to have established around 870. Until the 18th century, there was no urban development in the city location. The city was founded in 1786 as an official trading town and grew steadily over the next decades, as it transformed into a regional and later national centre of commerce, population and governmental activities.

As a highly modernized capital of one of the most developed countries in the world, its inhabitants enjoy a first-class welfare system and city infrastructure. Its location, only slightly south of the Arctic Circle, receives only four hours of daylight on the shortest day in the depth of winter; during the summer the nights are almost as bright as the days. It has continued to see population growth in recent years as well as growth in areas of commerce and industry.

 

This stylized Viking boat is located very appropriately on the edge of Reykjavik harbour.

 

As can be seen, it's very impressive! 

  

Reykjavik harbour is stunningly beautiful - an artist's dream!

 

Below is a view of Reykjavik from the Saga Museum overlooking the city.

 

 

 

 

 

 

At left, Leif with his namesake ... Leifur Eiríksson.

 

On the right is a view of the beautiful interior of the Lutheran Church, presently under renovation.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

At left, an amusing oxymoron.

As per the signs, you can get Traditional Icelandic dishes at Tabasco's Mexican Bar!

 

 

 

How about a beer for the boys! Then some incredibly edible fish dishes!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now some street views of this very interesting city .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below is the Saga Museum, a very clever arrangement of city water storage (round extensions) and a fine arts display and museum. The subsequent photos give some idea of the interior of this very modern and extremely interesting building.

 

 

 

I think you will agree with us that Reykjavik is a tourist's delight - so many things to see and do in this far northern city!

Next, some vignettes of our visit. To get there just click on the photo of my rather intimidating ancestor below.

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