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 Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland with more
than 113,000 inhabitants (2005),
or nearly 40% of the country’s total population. It is
the seat of government, and
most of the government agencies. The Parliament "Althing", which is
considered to be the oldest in the world, assembles in Reykjavik. Even
though the city is spread over a vast area (242 km²) the distances to
reach natural surroundings are short. "Ellidaar", one of the
country’s best salmon rivers, runs right through town and anglers enjoy landing salmon from this clear and
unpolluted river under the bridge of a busy motorway. Iceland’s first settler, Ingolfur Arnarson, made his
permanent residence in Reykjavik in the year 874 and the area has been
inhabited ever since. Upon arrival, Ingolfur
saw steam rising
from hot springs near a
cove and consequently named the bay "Reykjavik" -
The Steamy
Cove.
Numerous wells have been sunk and the hot water is
pumped directly from the ground into all houses in the greater capital area
providing inexpensive central heating resulting in a smoke-free city.
Selfoss
57 km <Reykjavik>
Borgarnes 74 km, Thingvellir
49 km,
Grindavik
52 km, Keflavik
54 km.
.
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Reykjavik Tourist
Information |
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