Iceland is famous for its natural beauty, a place where you can spend quality time in the company of mother nature. Wherever you go, a setting of scenic beauty if always in the background. But those obsessed with thriving cities and lively nightlife, Iceland won’t disappoint.
The northernmost capital city of the world is Reykjavik. It is also one of the most happening cities in the European continent in terms of nightlife. But nightlife is not the only thing this beautiful city has to offer. Here are a few things that will absolutely make you fall in love with the Icelandic capital.
REYKJAVIK IS PICTURE PERFECT!
Surrounded by Mount Esja at one side, and the Snæfellsnes glacier on the other and the beautiful downtown harbour in the foreground, every instance of the town looks like it is straight out of a painting.
Also, if you love cats, you are in for a treat! Downtown Reykjavik is stuffed with pet cats that are left to roam the city, so all you cat lovers, show some love for the Icelandic felines!
THERE IS A WHOLE OTHER TOWN BEYOND THE MAIN STREETS
Explore the many aspects of this beautiful city beyond the main streets. You will find warm, welcoming people, awe inspiring street art and all the other little things that bring magic to this picturesque town. You will also find that unlike most major cities, Reykjavik is pretty well planned and everything you find interesting is not more than just a couple kilometres away.
THE FOOD CULTURE
Reykjavik food culture is not contaminated by franchises and food chains. Rather, you would find numerous food stalls and restaurants that serve authentic Icelandic food, which by the way, is beyond delicious.
The country is obsessed with hotdogs, which is the reason why you will find the world’s best classic hotdog in the capital city. You might have to wait around the stalls for your turn, but I assure you, the food is worth the wait.
THE ARCHITECTURE
Be it the Harpa concert hall, or one of the world’s strangest buildings, the Hallgrímskirkja church, Reykjavik is dotted with examples of beautiful nordic architecture. The downtown houses are covered with all the colours the human eye can comprehend.
BECAUSE IT IS SAFE
Saying there is almost no crime in Reykjavik is not an understatement. With under two homicides in a year, it is one of the safest capital cities on the planet.
NORTHERN LIGHTS FROM A GEOTHERMAL HOT TUB
You can really get in touch with nature as you relax in an outdoor natural hot tub while gazing into infinity above the city. If you are lucky, you can even experience the Northern Lights in the winter months.
WINTER SPORTS
The Bláfjöll mountain range is the hub to the most exciting winter sports in the country. Situated to the east of Reykjavik, the range has amazing slopes for skiing or snowboarding. The mountain range also boasts some impressive cross-country skiing slopes. Ski and snowboard rentals are on site and the area usually opens its door between December and stays open till Easter.
CONCLUSION
Reykjavik is not just a city, it is an experience of a lifetime. Try to explore the city like a traveller by hiring a campervan in Iceland and you are sure to find magic brewing at every corner. Oh, and don’t forget the nightlife, summer pub crawls are the new hot trend among Icelanders.
