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Discover Reykjavik by Hire Car

Reykjavik is a major city in Iceland with a population of 120,000 in an area of 175 square kilometres.

It is not only the capital of the country, but also at the same time, the northernmost capital in the world and the northernmost major city in Western Europe.

Translated, Reykjavik means “smoke bay” and presumably refers to the numerous hot springs that surround the city and make it partially disappear in the mist, or “smoke”.

History of Reykjavik

Picturesque Reykjavik lies at the foot of the 900-metre-high Esja on Faxaflói Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. Archaeological excavations show that Vikings settled here as early as the ninth century.

Until the 18th century, however, Reykjavik was little more than a collection of small farms. Through wool and fishing, however, Reykjavik’s economic importance grew and eventually the town also became the seat of the Al?ingi, the Icelandic parliament, which at the time, however, had only an advisory role vis-à-vis Denmark.

In 1944, the independent Republic of Iceland was finally proclaimed here.

Sights in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a place of sagas, myths and legends. In addition to warnings about elves and trolls, some city maps even feature the homes of trolls.

You can get a good look at Icelandic culture at the Reykjavik Museum House, built in 1906. At the same time, it serves cultural events. Since 2004, the National Museum has also been reopened with numerous works of art and everyday objects from Iceland.

A showpiece of modern architecture in Reykjavik is the Hallgrimskirkja. The almost whimsical church is also considered a landmark of the city and is one of the tallest buildings in the country. From the 74.5 meter high tower you have a fantastic view of Reykjavik, which is best explored with a hire car.