Reykjavik - the capital of Iceland

Iceland (in the "country of ice") is perhaps one of the most mysterious and mysterious countries on earth. This may sound like a jammed speech, but it's true: Reykjavik is the capital of the most interesting northern country. Despite the fact that the population of Iceland is small (a little over three hundred twenty thousand people), it does not experience a lack of cultural content and attracts hordes of tourists from around the world year after year.

Despite the fact that the city is considered ideal for road traffic, the Icelandic capital can be walked around for half a day. Reykjavik is the capital of pub-scrolling, this is facilitated by the high concentration and variety of cafes and bars. Skip a pint of local beer and move the merry company to the next institution - the main evening entertainment of tourists and local residents.

Features of climate

Reykjavik, whose coordinates are close to the polar circle, is located in the south-west of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula. Together with agglomerations the population of the capital makes up 63% of the whole country. Surprisingly, the average winter temperature of the northernmost capital is comparable to that in New York. Because of the warm current of the Gulf Stream, it rarely falls below -10 degrees Celsius.

origin of name

Reykjavik - the capital of Iceland - is the most northern capital on earth. In literal translation from Icelandic, the name of the city means "smoky bay". In fact, the name is in no way connected either with smoke or with industry (it's simply not in Reykjavik). It's all about the typical geysers that produce steam poles that were taken by the first settlers for smoke.

Music industry

Separately, I would like to note the high level of musical culture in Iceland. Of course, to say that Reykjavik is the capital of Scandinavian music will be an exaggeration, but it is not very far from the truth.

Popular Icelandic performers:

• Bjork is a legendary singer and songwriter, actress, winner and laureate of many music awards.
• Sigur Ros is a world-famous post-rock quartet originally from Reykjavik, with an amazing and unique melodic minimalist sound.
• Emiliana Torrini is a singer, former participant of GusGus, the author of the final song of the film "The Lord of the Rings: Two Fortresses".
• Of Monsters and Man - a fairly young Icelandic collective performing in the genre of indie folk. Already in the second year of its existence the group managed to become famous in the States and become a welcome resident of all European indie festivals.

Jon Gnarr

Reykjavik is the capital of free mores. The post of the head of the city is taken by Jon Gnarr, the founder of the "Best Party" of the "anarcho-surrealist" type, the personality is bright and odious. Despite the fact that he is straight and the father of five children, Jon shows active support to representatives of the LGBT community. On this basis, in summer 2013, he initiated the rupture of twin-city relations between Reykjavik and Moscow.

Achievements of the city

• It is considered the purest city in the world.
• It was recognized by UNESCO in 2011 as the most literary city.
• The richest city in 2007, according to The Economist Group.

The Land of Ice is an original and at the same time very developed corner of the planet. Combining local flavor and a high level of culture, Iceland attracts many creative and unusual people to its lands. Who knows, perhaps soon it will become the foremost center of Western culture. One thing is clear: while Reykjavik will grow and develop, the country will prosper.