Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland, its largest city, and the world's most northern national capital (its latitude being 64°08' N, not far from the Arctic Circle). It receives only four hours of daylight per day in the depth of winter, and during the summer the nights are almost as bright as the days. The city is the heart of the Greater Reykjavík Area. Abundant water and volcanic activity in Iceland have provided Reykjavík with a unique opportunity. Most houses in Reykjavík use the geothermal heating system. It is the largest system of this kind in the world.
Walking in Reykjavík is highly recommended, as many attractions are within walking distance from the hotel area. The city is very beautiful, and the sidewalk and pathway system is first-rate. Reykjavík also has a fairly extensive network of bicycle paths. Unknown to many tourists a very long and scenic pathway for walking and cycling circles almost the whole city. A good starting point is anywhere where the city touches the sea.
Places to visit include the Old City (the houses in Reykjavík have very distinct features: bright colour roofs), Perlan (the rotating restaurant on top of the water towers-great views), the National Cathedral and the National Museum of Iceland. Other attractions are Hallgrímskirkja (the largest church in Iceland, this must see attraction towers over the city on top of a hill), the Culture House and the Reykjavík Domestic Animal Zoo. For a quiet respite visit the Reykjavík Pond and Althingi, a green spot in the middle of downtown Reykjavík close to the pond. You might also take in the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
Activities, in and around Reykjavík, include horseback riding, whale watching, white water rafting and snowmobiling or dog sledding.
Things to see outside of Reykjavik include Gullfoss (a magnificient 32m high double waterfall on the White River), Geysir (the hot spring that is the namesake for all geysers in the world) and the Blue Lagoon (a famous geothermal spa south of Reykjavík). You should visit Þingvellir National Park, located to the east of Reykjavik. It is also home to the original AlÞing (Parliament) and several other cultural treasures. These factors have seen it added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
