Iceland (in the lane "land of ice") - perhaps one of the most mysterious and mysterious countries on earth. This may sound like a hackneyed turn of phrase, but it is: Reykjavik is the capital of the most interesting northern country. Despite the fact that the population of Iceland is small (just over three hundred and twenty thousand people), it does not lack cultural content and attracts hordes of tourists from all over the world year after year.
Despite the fact that the city is considered ideal for car traffic, the Icelandic capital can be explored on foot in half a day. Reykjavik is the capital of pub-scrolling, thanks to the high concentration and variety of cafes and bars. Skip a pint of local beer and move in a fun company to the next institution - the main evening entertainment of tourists and locals.
Climate features
Reykjavik, whose coordinates are close to the Arctic Circle, is located in the southwest of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula. Together with agglomerations, the population of the capital makes up 63% of the entire country. Surprisingly, the average winter temperature of the northernmost capital is comparable to New York. Due to the warm current of the Gulf Stream, it rarelydrops below -10 degrees Celsius.
Origin of the name
Reykjavik - the capital of Iceland - is the northernmost capital on earth. Literally translated from Icelandic, the name of the city means "smoky bay". In fact, the name is in no way connected with either smoke or industry (it simply does not exist on the territory of Reykjavik). It's all about the geysers characteristic of the area, releasing steam columns, which were mistaken for smoke by the first settlers.
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 would be an exaggeration, but it is not very far from the truth.
Popular Icelandic Artists:
- Bjork is a legendary singer and composer, actress, winner and winner of many music awards.
- Sigur Ros is a world famous post-rock quartet from Reykjavik with an amazing and unique melodic minimalist sound.
- Emiliana Torrini - singer, former member of the GusGus band, author of the final song of the film "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers".
- Of Monsters and Man is a fairly young Icelandic indie-folk band. 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 morals. Post of mayoroccupied by Jon Gnarr, the founder of the "Best Party" of the "anarcho-surrealist" persuasion, a bright and odious personality. Despite being a straight man and a father of five, Jon is an active supporter of the LGBT community. On this basis, in the summer of 2013, he initiated the break in sister city relations between Reykjavik and Moscow.
City achievements
- Considered the cleanest city in the world.
- Recognized by UNESCO in 2011 as the most literary city.
- The Economist Group's richest city in 2007.
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, maybe soon it will become the foremost center of Western culture. One thing is clear: as long as Reykjavik grows and develops, the country will prosper.
