Reykjavik Iceland Hotels

At a latitude of 64°08' N, Iceland's premier city, Reykjavik, is the world's most northerly capital. Located on the south shore of Faxafloi Bay in the island's southwest, Reykjavik has a population of around 120,000 and is the heart of Iceland's economic, governmental, cultural and tourist activity. Iceland is famous for its geysers and geothermal landscape. The country is also noted for being one of the most expensive countries in Europe and when visiting Reykjavik Iceland hotels are expensive, though luxurious. Despite the expense, a short trip is highly recommended and as a city which truly blends natural beauty with modern convenience, Reykjavik will not disappoint.

The city's character makes up for its modest size, as modern, bold architecture complements the backdrop of snow-dusted mountains. The city's refreshing sea air, sparklingly clean streets and gardens and low crime rate make it very inviting. When you come to Reykjavik Iceland hotels are available to match your needs, whether you come for the night-life, the geology or simply for business.

Car rental services are available right across Iceland and while this is the best way to see the Icelandic countryside, hiring a car is not necessary if you intend to stay in the capital. Within Reykjavik Iceland hotels are located in easy walking distance of the main attractions and there is an excellent bus system within the city. In fact, walking is a highly recommended way to see the city. The pathways and sidewalks are well maintained and local drivers are generally very friendly and sometimes stop to let you cross the road even if there is no crossing facility. There is a long, scenic walk and cycle way circling most of the city, which leads passed a salmon river, a sandy beach, a golf course and an outdoor swimming pool.

Reykjavik's Old Town is a wonderful place to wander around. The houses have very distinct features and are characterized by brightly colored corrugated metal roofs. The Perlan offers fantastic views of the city and has a viewing platform and a rotating restaurant on top of its water towers. Though very small, the National Cathedral is well worth a visit. Tjornin Lake, also known as Reykjavik Pond, provides an opportunity to feed the ducks. The parliament buildings, Albingi, are located in the middle of downtown close to the lake. The Imagine Peace Tower, projecting a tower of light into the sky, is Yoko Ono's memorial to John Lennon. The Hallgrimskirkja church towers over the city from its hilltop location. It, together with the 1930 statue of the Viking explorer Leif Ericsson outside, is not to be missed.

Like other historic European capitals, Reykjavik has an array of museums. The National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik Museum of Photography, Reykjavik Open Air Museum and Reykjavik Art Museum are all located within the city limits. The Culture House is home to one of the world's most important medieval manuscript collections as well as impressive interactive geological exhibition about the volcanic island of Surtsey. Reykjavik 871±2 is an exhibition of an archaeological excavation of a circa 930 AD Viking longhouse.

Hiking and mountain climbing are popular activities in Iceland and the mountains in the city's immediate vicinity offer a wonderful venue to get involved in the national hobby. Mt Esja, which overlooks the city, is particularly popular. It is a relatively easy hike and at almost 3,000ft high, offers stunning views of the area. Horse riding on the Icelandic Horse is also a great way to explore the surrounding countryside. Whale, dolphin and puffin sightings are frequent around the city and trips can be booked from the harbor. White water rafting and other watersports are available during the summer months and snowmobiling and dog sledding are popular in the winter.

Outdoor Geo-Thermal Swimming Pools are a popular place for Icelanders to relax. In fact, because it is so expensive to drink in Iceland, it is proposed that these hot-pots serve the same purpose as bars and pubs elsewhere in Europe!

Despite the cost of alcohol, Island is considered to have the best nightlife in Europe and a number of celebrities come here specifically to party. Bars stay open until about 7am at the weekends and live music is common. Restaurant Reykjavik's ice bar, with its furniture and bar made from glacial ice, is a novel experience, despite the expensive entry fee.

The city wasn't built around tourism, so visitors here can get a view of the attractions and at the same time experience how Icelanders live their lives. Iceland is full of surprises and a trip to 'the nightlife capital of the north' is highly recommended.

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