MAIN Travel Tourist Attractions Iceland Reykjavik

Reykjavik is one of those places that millions have been to as a stop over on a flight, but few have taken the time to explore. The next chance you get to visit - leave the airport and plan on spending at least a few days discovering the wonders of sightseeing in and around Reykjavik.

You may be surprised that although Reykjavik is a seaport, the land is hilly. Snowcapped mountains can be seen as a backdrop panorama through most of the year. The mountains are close enough to enjoy a day tour to the waterfalls and other attractions. Most of the must see sights in Iceland are in Reykjavik or within range of a day trip.

A Norwegian Viking, Ingolfur Arnarson, first settled the area in 874. The thermal springs then were untamed so the area was named Reykjavik, or Steamy Bay. In time it became the capital city, the home of the Lutheran Cathedral and a bustling seaport.

In more recent years, the city has developed into one of the trendiest tourist stops with a thriving arts and cultural scene. Reykjavik has earned a reputation for clean air, fine food and a wild night life.

Although the weather can be chilly, the warm waters of the Gulf Stream keep the worst of the Arctic blasts from visitors and summer temperatures are pleasant while the sun is up - which is almost always! The steaming thermal pools that gave the city its name now provide swimming and relaxing in heated indoor and outdoor pools - a favorite Icelandic activity all year long.

From the East Coast of the USA or Western Europe, this friendly island city is just a short trip and perfect for a weekend visit. All Icelandic flights stop in Iceland and the airport is just a short bus ride from Reykjavik. The same bus that brings you to your hotel offers a selection of tours that start at the door of your hotel after breakfast and drop you back off in time for dinner.

You can choose to wander through the city center. The main shopping street is well marked and that is where you'll find the fashions, crafts shops and artist's studios, restaurants and casinos to explore. Reykjavik is well known for its nightlife. The clubs on the main street get busy near midnight with Icelanders partying until the early morning. Most of the clubs remain open until 4 or 5 AM.

Restaurants close much earlier and it's a good idea to make reservations at the best places. While prices are not inexpensive, eating at the top restaurants will probably be less than you expect. With a multi course full dinner, dessert and an excellent wine, the cost should be in the US$100 per person range - and tipping is not expected in Iceland. Many good restaurants are much less expensive - and there are quite a few to choose from.

The ultramodern City Hall sits at the end of an enormous pool, the Tjorn, that is home to an amazing variety of ducks, swans and sea birds. The scenic area is perfect for strolling, but bring along some treats for the birds who are very forward when it comes to asking for a meal. This is the older part of the city and the harbor is not far off, but the bustle of commerce seems very far away as you rest on a bench surrounded by the graceful and colorful water fowl.

A walk around the pool will take you to the Lutheran Cathedral, the Dómkirkjan - not to be confused with Hallgrimskirkja. The National Gallery of Iceland is nearby at 7 Frikirkjuvegur.

Another place you'll want to see is the Einar Jonsson Museum. Exhibitions of the sculptor's works are housed in the gallery and there is a fee to get in, but the outdoor sculpture garden is free and open all year. You may also want to schedule a tour through the home to see the surroundings of one of the world's most renowned artists.

The Icelandic language is difficult for foreigners to master and you'll find that the majority of the friendly Icelanders you'll meet speak fluent English with just a soft trace of an accent. Most also speak a third language - usually German, French or another Scandinavian language.

They don't use the Euro in Iceland, so be ready to count in krona, plural kronur, when you make purchases. Credit cards are accepted just about everywhere and actually save money by avoiding fees for exchanging currency.

If you've been warned about the cost of eating and shopping in Iceland - you'll be pleasantly surprised that the prices for fashions and dining are a bit lower than you'll find in Paris, Rome or New York.

Pick up a "Reykjavik Card" for riding the buses and easy admission to many of the most popular attractions in the city including many galleries, museums and exhibitions. This card also allows you to visit the zoo and gain admission to soak in any one of Reykjavik's seven geothermal pools. The price is extremely reasonable - 24 hours for Ikr. 1200 (13 Euro), 48 hours for Ikr. 1700 (19 Euro) or 72 hours Ikr. 2200 (25 Euro).

Sightseeing in Reykjavik - Shopping, culture, wining & dining in Reykjavik, yellow page listings, complete set of maps.

Visit Reykjavik - Focus articles on what's going on, info on accommodations, wining and dining, things to do, arts and entertainment listings, tips on getting around, a section with an overview about Reykjavik, Virtual Reykjavik and plenty of other practical information.

What's Doing In Reykjavik - A New York Times travel article from August 13, 2000 has a good run down of things to do and see during your visit, but check prices since they are probably a bit higher now.

Hallgrímskirkja - The Church of Hallgrimur - The crown jewel of Reykjavik is the sweeping structure of the Hallgrímskirkja named in honor of Rev. Hallgrimur Petursson. The design, by Gudjon Samuelsson, is based on the rugged snow capped mountains of Iceland although many see the abstract image of lava pouring down the sides of volcano - the force that shaped the land. This caused quite a bit of controversy when the design was first made public.

From the top of the bell tower you'll get one of the best panoramic views of Reykjavik... the harbor, the University and the nearby countryside. If you are in luck, you may get to hear the 5000 piped organ playing.

A statue of Leifur Eiriksson, the Viking explorer who landed in North America several hundred years before Columbus stands in front of the church...a gift from the USA.

Turn here Video Guide to Reykjavik - Filmmaker Steve Janas and friends say, "Despite its name, Iceland is a hot and happenin' place" — then they show their high quality video to prove it. Check out the other videos on this new travel site -- many other destinations are represented. A great idea for Web travel info.