Reykjavic

According to the Book of Icelanders, settlement began in the year 871. Reykjavik began to grow as a small town in the 18th century. Today the population of Iceland is 349,000 and 80% of them live in the Reykjavik area. 

When Iceland became independent from Denmark in 1944 Reykjavik became the world's most northerly capital. 

The city has many museums documenting and preserving the past. It is an easy city to walk and discover its historical sights. 

Hallgrimskirkja, the city's iconic church sits on top of a hill overlooking the city centre. It was built in memory of a hymn writer who died in 1674. 

City views from the top

Parliament building 

The Prime Minister's office. No security needed here. The statue in front is of King Christian of Denmark handing the Icelandic people their constitution. 

 

The city's cathedral 

Solafario, The Sun Voyager - a sculpture in the image of a Viking ship and serves as a reminder of the heritage when the first Viking settlers came to Iceland. 

Looking Seawards - a memorial erected to celebrate the 80th anniversary of national Seaman's Day. 

... they bring wealth to the nation 

food for the child

lay the solid foundation 

where the future is built 

Sculptures and street art

Even car park artwork 

The sign reads, 'A Literary Retreat'. There's a few around town. 

Older houses come under a historical places trust. You can't alter their outward structure, but you can paint them any colour you like. Many of them are covered with corrugated steel which protects the wooden layer underneath. 

The French Hospital, built in 1902 for French seamen fishing for cod off the coast of Iceland. 

Signs around town give information about historical buildings, neighbourhoods, street art, statues and historical events. 

An informative visit to the National Museum. These very old mittens and footwear were made from woven wool. 

Ornate broaches worn by women centuries ago. 

An audio guide at the Saga Museum told tales of heroes and characters from the past. 

Harpa, the impressive concert hall and cultural events centre. 

The city recycling and refuse centre. Drive up the ramp to the elevated parking spot and distribute your rubbish into the appropriate bin. Quick and easy. 

With Iceland being a very active volcanic island which is young and still in formation, the Volcano House showed, with two documentaries, how this island is working at a subterranean level focusing on the two biggest eruptions in recent times. On the small island of Vestmannaeyjar in 1973 and Eyjafjallajokull in 2010, which disrupted flights over Europe for weeks. 

Commercial fishing boats in the harbour. 

Cool bike stands