Reykjavik is
Iceland's capital city and largest city. It has been named the most northern capital of a sovereign state in the world because of its latitude at 64°08' N. Reykjavik has a moderately dense population, and has a beautiful location in the southwestern region of Iceland along the south shores of Faxafloi bay.
Reykjavik is said to have been the very first spot in Iceland to have permanent settlement around the 874 AD. The city was officially established in 1785 as a trading center and continued to grow gradually over the decades. Today, Reykjavik is the national commercial, the cultural, governmental, and economic hub of Iceland. The city also prides itself on being one of the safest, cleanest, and greenest cities in the world.
The Viking history of Iceland has been featured in the National Museum as well as in the Saga Museum, with beautiful art and craft pieces from over the years.
The architectural designs of buildings in Reykjavik are a rich blend of the ancient and modern touch and remain colorful in the colored sheets and stones spotting the town. The Hallgrimskirkja Church is one of the most significant landmarks, standing tall in its white marble stones and green roof tiles. From up the rotating glass dome of Perlan, visitors enjoy scenic views of the city, the sea, and the hill range out yonder.
The volcanic activity close to the Grindavik village on the island has been commemorated in the Blue Lagoon Spa, with natural relaxing and curative baths and massages. Visitors also enjoy having their favorite drinks and dancing in the many bars and clubs within the center of Reykjavik. Shopping for various goods and products happens in souvenir shops and stalls, plus the many shopping complexes and boutiques in downtown Reykjavik.
Reykjavik enjoys a subpolar oceanic climate, which has been classified as Cfc under the Köppen climatic classification. There might be a close bordering on the continental subarctic climate of Köppen Dfc, though. Reykjavik enjoys extreme lengths of night and daylight hours, thanks to its 64°N location during the year. The weather is characterized by moderately low-temperature ranges, even during the summer months, when the mercury rarely stretches past 29°C (84.2°F) on average. Although the city lies in the extreme North location, extremely low temperature is rare, barely dropping below -6°C (21.2°F).
Rainfall is moderately ample throughout the year, totaling to 843.3mm (33.2") on average. The rainiest month is
December, with 94.1mm (3.7") in precipitation and approximately fourteen rainy days. The driest month is
June, collecting only 43.8mm (1.7") of rainfall from about eleven days.
The peak of the travel period to Reykjavik is during summer, between June and
August, specifically. Owing to the geographical location of Reykjavik, the city experiences almost no darkness at all, allowing for the perfect time to tour the city in detail. The weather during this period is warm and lovely, and most days are moderately dry, hence minimal weather-related hazards and interruptions.
Some of the commonly attended events in Reykjavik include the
November Iceland Airwaves Music Festival when music bands from Iceland and the rest of the world come together to enjoy music with the people. During winter, too, Reykjavik celebrates the Winter Lights Festival, where stunning illuminations of various landmarks around town and other cultural celebrations are held.