Unique Reykjavik
Pure Energy

The capital city of Reykjavik, with its 180,000 inhabitants, is probably one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world. Its plentiful resources of geothermal energy ensure clean air and unpolluted water giving both citizens and visitors a unique sense of liveliness and contentment. Reykjavik has become recognized for its pure energy, thriving culture, sparkling nightlife and creative atmosphere.

These streets were made for walking
One of the benefits of visiting a small city is that you never have to walk very far to get to where you’re going. With its long easy-going main street (Laugavegur), Reykjavik offers diversity to tourists at a friendly pace with quaint boutiques, book stores, galleries, delis, cafes and restaurants dotting the historic downtown area.

City by the sea
The old harbor area of downtown Reykjavik has recently developed into a cultural hub of enterprise. It is increasingly being used as an arena for events and fun-filled activities. New restaurants and galleries are opening up and the construction of a new music hall, scheduled to open in 2006, will confirm the harbor’s unique status in the arts.

Culture is in our nature
The cultural scene in Reykjavik is renowned for its vibrant, energetic character. Many musicians, young artists, designers and entrepreneurs give the city a true sense of living creativity. With a packed program of metropolitan delights from art museums, theaters, an opera house, a symphony orchestra and live music concerts, Reykjavik has art for every taste.

Gourmet Vikings
Visitors are amazed at the range of restaurants available in Reykjavik. You could take an epicurean tour of the world without leaving the downtown area, including sushi, tapas, Indian, French, Mexican, Italian, Thai and American. Whether you’re dining on international fare or traditional Icelandic cuisine it’s always purely natural food imaginatively served to delight the most discerning of diners.

The city that never sleeps
Reykjavik’s nightlife has become the stuff of legends — and certainly lives up to its reputation. From trendy dance clubs to elegant piano bars, everything is available in the northernmost capital of the world — whatever suits your mood. The most exciting aspect of going out in Reykjavik is the beautiful crowd of welldressed Icelanders who fill the streets well into the evening, especially in summer. This revelry is a one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed.

Music scene
Reykjavik has a very happening music scene and it goes far beyond what you might have heard about Bjork and Sigur Ros. The scene is made up of a large number of genres with everything from hardcore punk rock and indie to chamber music and hip-hop. International celebrities and many top artists from around the world make a point of including Iceland’s capital on their itineraries creating a packed program of live performance throughout the year.

Spa city
A great way to recharge the batteries is to take a relaxing dip in one of the many geothermally-heated pools around Reykjavik. This ultimate relaxation technique is very inexpensive and a fantastic way to meet Icelanders. Research has shown that swimming and bathing outdoors in hot, thermal water, while breathing in clean, fresh air has a positive effect on the heart and respiratory system. No wonder Icelanders live so long!

Next door to nature
Despite the lure of the city, it’s nearly impossible not to feel the closeness of nature as you glimpse views of the azure-blue ocean and Mt. Esja looms so close that it’s almost possible to reach out and touch her. A beautiful salmon river also flows through Reykjavik and places for horse trekking, hiking and snow fun are only a short drive away.

Family fun
Reykjavik is a great place for kids especially when you consider the Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park in Laugardalur. Situated next to the city’s botanical gardens, this area makes for an entire day out for the whole family. After spotting seals and arctic foxes, children can also take a ride on the Viking carousel, or race around the mini-car tracks and even rent small boats.

Right outside Reykjavik
But the capital area is more than just Reykjavik. Adjoining it is the town of Kopavogur, with its new concert hall, art museum, and sports arena. A little farther down the road, the town of Hafnarfjordur nestles in a lava field and offers tourists both traditional and offbeat attractions — including Viking feasts, elfspotting tours, whale watching and horseback riding.

Pretty city
A tour on foot through downtown Reykjavik is like taking a walk through a painting. The mosaic of brightly colored houses, neighboring historic buildings and grassy piazzas make for eye-catching scenery. The ears are also pleased, given that external annoyances such as traffic jams and noise pollution are at a bare minimum. So enjoy your trip to Reykjavik, the city whose natural strengths make it a distinctive tourist destination.