Short History of Reykjavík

Short History of Reykjavík

Reykjavík may be one of the smallest capital cities in Europe, but it still packs a powerful punch. Visitors can enjoy a lively culture and a multitude of events and festivals all year round.

With a fascinating history, rooted in the Icelandic Sagas, and a unique location, surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Reykjavík manages to combine the hip and the wholesome, without the stress that usually follows a cosmopolitan metropolis.

Whether illuminated by the unending daylight in the summertime or the spectacular Aurora Borealis at winter, Reykjavík is a great alternative travel destination for all seasons, offering a myriad of adventures and a paradise of possibilities for all who visit!

Reykjavík buzzes with creative energy and passion, and the culture is a melting pot of influences, both primal and sophisticated. Whether it’s the city’s unique spirit that enchants you, the crystal-clear drinking water or the city’s proximity to a host of extraordinary natural phenomena – volcanoes, waterfalls and glaciers – one thing’s for sure, once you’ve been introduced, it’s hard to say goodbye.

While Reykjavík’s small population ensures that it maintains its small-town charm, it’s still a modern European capital too, with the added bonus of a unique spa and pool culture. You’ll discover a thriving culinary scene with many outstanding restaurants and a vibrant culture, with a variety of interesting museums, theatres, galleries, and sport facilities. However long you stay, for a weekend or forever, we hope you’ll discover the unique energy of Reykjavík and share your adventures with your family and friends.

A street in the capital. Photo by Olga

A Short History of Reykjavík

According to the Boo of Icelanders, he settlement of Iceland began in the year 871 (give or take a year or two) with the arrival of Ingolfur Arnarson to what is now the capital, Reykjavík. When he arrived, steam rising up from the hot springs promted the name Reykjavík or “Smokey Bay”.

This early period is well documented in the Book of Settlements: however, if you’d like to find out more about why and how Vikings came to Reykjavík, visit the National Museum and/or the Settlement Exhibition (for more information check out the Museum website).

Despite Reykjavík being the first inhabited place in Iceland, it wasn’t until the 18th century that a small town began to grow around Ingolfur’s former homestead. Local hero, Sheriff Skuli Magnusson, sometimes nicknamed the father of Reykjavík, opened wool mils in an effort to modernize the Icelandic economy. It was on the backs of sheep that Reykjavík began its modern urban development.

Even if a town was beginning to form, Reykjavík had no claim as a capital for some years yet, especially since Iceland was still ruled by Denmark at the time. Reykjavík only became the seat of Icelandic legislation when the historic Icelandic Parliament, suspended in 1799 AD, was re-instituted in 1844 with Reykjavík as its seat. When Iceland became independent from the Danes a century later, in 1944, Reykjavík became the country’s capital. Growing steadily ever since, Reykjavík has become the modern capital you know today.

Fortunately, the past isn’t lost. Reykjavík offers some great museums that preserve its colourful past, recreating the Viking heritage and uncovering the lives of everyday Icelanders in years gone by. You can discover the city’s history by taking a tour of the National Museum, the Settlement Exhibition, the Maritime Museum or the Arbaer open air museum. You can also take a walk among Reykjavík’ s historical sights.

Residential building in the capital. Photo by Olga

Reykjavík in Facts & Figures

•     Two thirds of Icelanders live in the capital city or the surrounding suburbs.
•     Reykjavík is the world’s northernmost capital of an independent nation.
•     Reykjavík’l location, just south of the Artctic Circle, means that on the darkest day of the year, Reykjavík only gets 4 hours of sunlight. In the summer, however, there’s sunlight all night long!
•     At the beginning of the 20th century, only about 6000 people lived in Reykjavík. The 2016 census counted just over 120.000, an increase of 2000%, over the course of a century.
•     In 2010, a comedian ran for mayor of Reykjavík. He promised to practice corruption openly, fight for a drug-free parliament and called his party the Best Party. He won by a landslide.
•     There are seven geothermally heated swimming pools in Reykjavík proper and 17 in the larger capital area.
•     Reykjavík was the first permanent settlement in Iceland, the homestead by Ingolfur Arnarson. This earned him the honor of a statue atop Arnorhooll hill in the centre of Reykjavík.
•     While Hallgrimskirkja church is Reykjavík’s tallest building at 74.5 m., nearby municipality Kopavogor has the highest building in Iceland at 77.6 metres.
•     Laugavegur, the city’s center’s main shopping street, started out as a muddy trail for washerwomen carrying heavy loads of laundry to the hot springs of Laugardalur.