CITIES
Reykjavik is the capital of the country. The city was founded in 874. In 2000, UNESCO awarded Reykjavik the status of “Cultural Capital of the World”. The city’s name means “smoky bay” in Icelandic. Reykjavik is located on a peninsula, to the east of it rise mountain ranges, among which Mount Esja stands out. The city center is located between the Tjornin pond and the Faxafløy city bay. The Parliament building, which was built in the 19th century, rises on Austurvalur Square. Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral is the main symbol of Reykjavik.. It was built in 1974. The cathedral has a 75-meter bell tower, which can be seen from the outskirts of the city. At the entrance to the cathedral stands a monument to the discoverer of America, the famous Viking Leifur Errikson. This is a US gift to Iceland in honor of the 1000th anniversary of the Icelandic Althing Parliament. If you climb the bell tower, you can see the whole of Reykjavik and the surrounding area.
According to Top-mba-universities, the pedestrian street Austurstraiti is famous for its souvenir shops. There are many bars, restaurants and discos in Reykjavik, where tourists can relax at night, not for nothing that in 2001 Reykjavik was recognized as the hottest European capital. Right in the center of Reykjavik the popular bar “Kaffi Reykjavik” is located. The whole room is built from solid ice blocks, and drinks are chilled to the maximum – because they are served in ice glasses.
In the west of Iceland lies the small town of Reykholt. It is located among the hills and hot springs. The greatest medieval Icelandic poet Snorri Sturluson lived here, his monument stands in the center of the city. In honor of the poet, an artificial reservoir is named, which is a round pool lined with stones, with a diameter of about 4 m. It is filled with water from a hot spring located 100 meters from here.
Isafjordur is the capital of the Westfjords region. The city stands on the shallows and is surrounded by water on three sides. The main attraction of Isafjordur – Westfjords Maritime Museum. The museum complex consists of several old houses, which display maritime exhibits and photographs of the region. Very interesting city park. The entrance to it is decorated with an arch made of a whale’s jaw.
Akureyri is the largest city in the northern region of Iceland. It is located in the depths of the Eyyafjordur fjord. Akureyri is located just 40 km from the Arctic Circle. Despite such a northern position, the city has a lot of trees, for which it is often called “green”, there is even a Kjarnaskigur forest park here. Along the main pedestrian street, Hapnarstraiti, there are residential wooden houses from the 19th century. Walking down the street to Akureyrakirkya Cathedral with two towers. Its interior is very interesting, especially the stained-glass window above the altar. It was brought from the British Coventry Cathedral, which was destroyed during the Second World War. By ferry or plane from Akureyri, one can reach the northernmost point of Iceland – the island of Grimsey .
The town of Grimsey is on Grimsey Island, whose northernmost point lies on the Arctic Circle. Having been here, you will receive a certificate of crossing the Arctic Circle. The city has an arctic botanical garden, the world’s northernmost botanical garden, with about 400 species of arctic flora.
Husavik is also located in the northern Iceland, this is the first known settlement of the island. This is a great place for whale watching. There are daily boat trips. The city also has a whale center where you can see the skeletons of these mammals and many other exhibits related to ocean fishing.
In eastern Iceland, the city of Egilsstadir is interesting. It is considered the main city of the eastern region, located far from the sea on Lake Legurinn. Its length is 35 km, and its area is 52 sq. km. According to legend, the underwater monster Legarfleetsormurin lives there, similar to Nessie from Loch Ness in Scotland. Also called a pleasure boat, which runs daily on the lake.
In the city of Seydisfjordur the Norron ferry terminal is located, linking Iceland with the Faroe Islands and Norway. Seydisfjordur is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and its fourth side looks at the expanses of the eponymous fjord, 16 kilometers long.
The city of Vik is the southernmost city of the island. There is a very interesting church here – the building itself is white, and the roof is red. Reynisdrangar rocks can be seen not far from the city. They are called “needles” due to the fact that they are sharp and grow straight out of the water, reaching a height of 66 meters.
In southern Iceland, it is worth visiting the village of Skogar. Local houses are built of wood, and their roofs are covered with green grass. There is a museum here, the exposition of which includes interesting items of Icelandic life.
In the central part of Iceland, the city of Hveragerdi is interesting, which is located near a mountain in an area abounding in small hot springs. Not far from the city there is a mini-geyser Grita, throwing out small columns of water several times a minute. In the city itself, be sure to visit the Eden greenhouse, where exotic fruits and plants are grown all year round.
