Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík is among the smallest capital cities in the world. However, it is Iceland’s largest city, with about 60% of the country’s total population. Reykjavík has grown into an important seaport and center of government and education with theatres, museums and observatories. It has the features of a modern, forward-looking society which are complemented by a close connection to beautiful nature right on the city’s doorstep. Interestingly, this modern city still chooses to use water from nearby hot springs to heat all of its buildings.

 

Brief History

Iceland was settled by Norwegian and Celtic immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D. According to the medieval Book of Settlements, Ingolfur Arnarson – the first settler of Iceland – built his farm on the peninsula where Reykjavik stands today. The place was named Reykjavík – “Smoky Bay” - after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a profound impression on the original settlers.

Many centuries later, around the middle of the 18th century, a small town started to grow around the farm of Reykjavík, thanks to Royal Treasurer Skuli Magnusson, known as the Father of Reykjavík, who established wool workshops at Reykjavik as part of his efforts to modernize the Icelandic economy. This led to the beginnings of urban development at Reykjavík. Reykjavík received its town charter in 1786.

After gaining independence from Danish rule, Reykjavík became the capital of Iceland. With the rapid economic progress of the 20th century, Reykjavík grew steadily, but developed especially fast in the second half of the century.