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Reykjavik History & Overview
Reykjavik which translated means the 'bay of smokes' is thought to have been a desert island until the Viking Ingolfur Arnason settled there in 870AD. He chose the name for the settlement after seeing the steam rising from the islands hot springs. For the next nine hundreds years it remained a farming hamlet. In 1752 the Danish Crown handed over the management of Reykjavik to the a Danish business body so that it could developed economically.
This change saw the construction of buildings to house a wool industry and other industries including agriculture fisheries, ship building and sulphur mining. The rights to these trades were dispersed to six areas of the city under leases owned by the Danish Crown in 1786. This arrangement is viewed by historians as the year that Reykjavik gained its present 'city' status. By 1800 the city's population had risen to 600.
In the 19th century the city and the country established its own identity and many of the islanders sought their independence from Danish rule. In 1845 the Alpthin (see the World Heritage note in the Iceland Country Profile) was restablished. In 1874 the Danes transferred some basic powers to Reykjavik and by default this made the city the country's capital. In 1904 the Icelanders were given the authority of Home Rule. In 1918 the country was recognised as 'Iceland' an independent state under the Danish Crown. More
Sightseeing & Attractions In Reykjavik
The Family & Domestic Animals Garden Garden though only open from June to September. The small family fun garden with a paddling pool for young children and adults who are still happy to be alive. Further info and news about special programmes in the Family Garden please phone 00 354 553 7700.
The Domestic Animals Garden features both wild and domestic animals found in Iceland. Its theme is very green combining the preservation of animal and the natural enviroment. Further info and news about special programmes in the Domestic Garden please phone 00 354 575 7800
Reykjaviks Culture House built in 1809 and first used to archive Icelandic records and natural history items is these days a popular venue for short-term and ongoing exhibhitions. It also has meeting rooms conference facilties amnd a book/art shop and cafe. The Reykjavik Open Air History Museum at Arbaer offers visitors an insight into thepast lifestyles of the city's citizens.
Situated in the grounds of the City History Musem the open air exhibition features old wooden houses farms and work places that have been carefully moved from other parts of Reykjavik and resassembled. Only open to tourists in the summer. Korpulfsstadir built in 1922 was a former manor farm for 50 years - with 40 rooms it has a touch of nobilty about it.
Perplan The Pearl built in 1991 has become one of Reykjaviks modern . This distinct 30 metre high glass dome construction supplies electricity heating and water to nearly 75% of Icelands opulation. It has six floors high and offers an amazing all round view of Reykjavik and its neighbouring rural areas. There is also a very hi tech revolving restaurant. Beneath this is a cafetria offering amongst other thing original Italian icecream.
Undereath this are the Winter Gardens which often host exhibitions and cultural events. This building is one of Europes most versatile buildings and aesthetically ok as well. Not so fascinating but far more subtle is the Reykjavik City Hall built in 1992 on the edge of Lake Tjornin. Apartt from being the home of the local government Rekjavik it is a venue for many artistic and cultural events.
The Domkirkjan Lutheran Cathedral was founded in 1788 but had to have its roof replaced 4 years later due to poor workmansip. It was consecrated in 1796, but few Icelanders worshipped there as it damp and not weather tight. By 1815 the church had been condemned by the local authorities and once again it was restored. Between 1838 and 1839 it was given first a font by sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen and then an organ. Several years later it was restored again but by the 1870s it was in need of further repair. In 1879 it was fully restored again this time successfully. In 1999 it was restored again.
The Cabinet House (Stjornarrad) presently the offices of the Primenister began its life in the mid eighteenth century as a prison. Undersubscribed for its intended purpose the ruling Danish authorities converted it in the 1820s as the official home for the Danish Governor. In 1904 It was renamed the Cabinet House when Iceland was given Home Rule under the Danish Crown
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Reykjavik nightclubs and bars during the week close at 1am but the popular venues stay open till 5am Fridays and Sarurdays. This times may seem a little early compared with other European cities but this is a city where beer was illegal until 1989! Dress code is fairly conservative with smart casual being the minium requirement and even then some night clubs may refuse entry to those wearing jeans and / or trainers. At weekends some clubs are quiet until the around 12pm but then can be can become very busy so don't leave it to late. Entrance fees are often charged especially where lbands are performing live. Hotel Ísland's Broadway at Armuli 9. is known as the largest disco club in Iceland, but its a little unpredictable - it will sometimes offer mainstream music but it has a reputation for hosting American style dance shows. Check whats on offer before going in. Attracts all ages. The Hverfisbarinn at Hverfisgötu 20. during the week is a trendy bar during the week becomes a disco club at. weekends. Noted for reasonable prices and attracts a younger crowd. Club Bohem at Grensásvegi 7 Tel. +354 517 3530 is widely promoted as an exclusive night club but it mainly caters for single men looking for female company. 22 at Laugavegur 22. is a cosy little mainstream disco club, tends to be quiet during the week but popular after midnight at weekends.
Gaukur á Ston at Tryggvagata 22. seems to be open every night and always offers live bands. Music tends to be a little retro here every night of the week but this club established for nearly 20 years is well respected. Kapital at Hafnarstraeti 17 playing techno is a favourite haunt of young clubbers. Also popular with Gays at weekends. Thorvaldsen Bar at Austurstræti 8. though serving as a bar weekdays is known for its mix of music from the late 70s to the present at weekends. Very crowded. Pravda, at Austurstræti 22. plays only contemporary music to a crowd of young posers. Very strict dress code.
Irish Bar - The Dubliner
Every city should have one and this establishment epitiamises the traditional Irish bar with its wooden tables Sadly a pint of Gusiness is about 7€ but its decent
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Public Transport In Reykjavik
Public transport in Reykjavik is soley provided by a complex network of 28 bus and coaches routes which operate out of two terminals at Hlemmur and Laekjartorg. These services operate on a local, feeder and express route basis.
Services generally operate weekdays from 7am to midnight every 20 minutes during the day. In the evenings and at weekends service intervals are every 30 minutes. On Sundays the bus services start at 10am and finish at midnight. At weekends there are a few nightbuses from around 2am until 04.00. Late night revellers should note that some bars and clubs stay open to 5am after these services have finished. For more information on bus services in Reykjavik and its suburbs see the Reykjavik Bus Service website
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Restaurants In Reykjavik
Editorial Note: Every year Icelanders celebrate ' Sprengidagur' which translates as Bursting Day and is their name for Shrove Tuesday. In 2008 its on Febuary 5th and visitors to any restaurant may need to make reservations as the traditional way of celebrating this day is to eat salted meat until you are at bursting point.!
Tveir Fiskar Geirsgata 9 Tel: 511 3474 - easily found on the quayside in the harbour is regarded in many quarters as the best seafood restaurant in Reykjavik. One doubts whether you could find any fresher fish in the city but that said the fare which includes dolphin carpaccio, smoked puffin and whale steak is very imaginative as are the garnishes and accompaniments. Very expensive but out on its own in many ways and subject of numerous credits. website
Its quite difficult to find vegatarian restaurants in Reykjavik but one we did come across by accident was the A Naestu Grosum at Laugarvegur 20b I101. Fare not extensive but the emphasis here is on quality rather than quantity included a Thai meal (that apparently alternates with a curry) plus a couple of other main choices choices including pasta. There was a greater choice of deserts than main courses. Beers were available but we were happily tempted by the organic wine. Refreshingly this was one restaurant in Reykjavik which was not expensive. Telephone 552 8410. The Vid Tjornina at Templarasund 3 Reykjavik, 101 is a very small homely fish restaurant including Sashmi Cod and Shark dishes all seemingly equally well prepared.
One of Reykjaviks most impressive restaurants is Laekjarbrekka at Laekargata Bankastraeti 2 Tel: 551 4430. Its fare is traditional Icelandic food in a real 19th century atmosphere which includes Tiffanny lamps, tapestries mounted on its walls and a grandfather clock that occasionally interupts the piano music playing in the backgound. The fare is first class with lobster beiing as suggested the house speciality but the lamb and accompanients were memorable. Expensive but given the quality and service justified. see website.
The Seafood Cellar at Aðalstræti 2 Tel: 511 1212. has become renowned for its success in the imaginative preparation of fish and seafood, combined with more traditional fares such as lamb. It also has a limited choice of vegatarian food. They also have a wine for all dishes. Expensive but supported by good service. website. One restaurant that is regarded as a prestigious place to east is the The Pearl Restaurant in the Perlan building at Perlan, Oskjuhlith Tel: 562 0200. (see also sightseeing and attractions in adjacent column). Not open at lunch time it is a very popular venue for Business dinners and offers diners a panoramic overview of Reykjavik as it revolves 360 degrees in a two hour cycle. The food is very good and cosmopoltian / European but overpriced if you take away the view. website.
The Rauðara Steakhouse at Rauðararstigur 37 Tel: 562 6766. offers two menus. Traditional Icelandic seasonal food including fish horsemeat puffin reindeer and whale. This food though acclaimed by some is expensive. For those on a budget or less adventurous there is a very affordable touristy menu. Either way this is a restaurant that will give you a warm welcxome. website.
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Driving on Reykjavik is very challenging as the local are not the most patient people to share the road with.
Visitors to Reykjavik who intending to drive are advised to read the advice on driving in Iceland in our Iceland Country Profile.
Cycling In Reykjavik
Reykjavik City History Overview (from top)
On May 10th 1940 after the German occupation of Denmark British four warships occupied the harbour at Reykjavík and anchored in the harbour. The Icelandic government who declared their wish to remain 'neutral' in WW2 reluctantly accepted the occupation.
During the occupation the British built Reykjavík Airport, which today, serves domestic flight and the Americans built Keflavík Airport now Iceland's main international airport, situated 50 m from Reykjavík. In 1944 Iceland declared itself a Republic and the office of former kings was replaced by the office of the President.
Postwar Reykjavík flourished as many islanders moved to the city looking for work. The city actively promoted modern industries, including technology and finance amd invested heavily in new housing projects.
Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport Information
Reykjavik (Keflavik) Airport Code - KEF
Website
Useful Telephone No's: Airport Administration Office + 345 425 0680 and Police Office + 354 425 0655 Departures & Arrivals Info + 354 425-0777
Flight Information From Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport:
Flight Arrivals / Flight Departures
International & Domestic Airlines Flying To & From Reykjavik (Keflavik) Airport
Tax & Duty Free Shopping Available on Arrival !
Passengers flying in to the country are able to by make tax and duty free purchases from any of the shops in the lower part of the arrivals hall
The present airport was built by the United States when they and the British occupied the country during WW2. During the war it was used only for military purpose.
In the 1950s it was used for civilian flights - mainly as a refuelling point for cross atlantic flights. By this time it was completely enclosed ny the US Army base and passengers had to undergo military checks when entering or leaving. This situation continued until 1987 when a new civilian terminal was built outside the main base.
In September 2006 the Americans left Iceland and handed over the ownership of the Airport to the Iceland Government. Since then the terminal has been refurbished and expanded to twice its orginal size. The airport has seen an increase in passenger traffic of over 7% in the last year.
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Transfers To Reykjavik Domestic Airport
Passengers wishing to transfer to Reyjavik Domestic Airport which is in Central Reyjavik alongside the Iceland Capital Market should transfer via the BSI Bus Service - see adjacent coloumn. The domestic airport serves mainly Air Iceland Eagle Air and charter services.
Travel From Keflavik Airport to Central / Downtown Reykjavik
The Airport is 50 km southwest of central Reykjavik. The journey by road takes 45 minutes on good conditions. The town of Reykjanesbaer is a 10 minute drive away. There is a 'Flybus' service that connects with all flight arrivals and flight departures.
Connections with Arriving Flights: The Flybus departs from outside the main terminal usually about 30 minutes after the flight has landed. Actual departure times of the bus are displayed in the terminal. The bus stops at the BSI Bus terminal in central Reykjavik. You can then transfer free of charge to the larger hotels, the city's camping area and Youth Hostel.
Connections with Departing Flights: There is a Flybus service from the BSI Bus Terminal for all deparing flights. You should check the departure time the day before you depart. BSI Bus Website. It is advisable to book seats on these departure connections. Most hotels will do this on your behalf. Services To Blue Lagoon: There is a 'Blueline' mini bus service from the airport
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