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Iceland´s capital of Reykjavik is t he world’s northernmost capital and Europe´s westernmost capital. The population is growing quite rapidly since people are increasingly moving to the capital area from the countryside. Almost 2/3 of Iceland´s total population of 300.000 people lives in the south-west part of Iceland, mostly in or around Reykjavik. Currently around 175.000 people live in the greater Reykjavik area. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The city is quite spread and covers an area of more than 240 km² and is constantly spreading out so you´ll see building cranes everywhere in the outskirts. Iceland is the least densely populated country in Europe with only 3 people per square kilometer. Perhaps it´s this all the space that makes us build the city so spread. The distances to reach natural surroundings are however short and it´s easy to “get away”. Even in the middle of the city there is a salmon fishing river, Ellidaar, which runs right through town and anglers enjoy landing salmon from this clear an d unpolluted river under the bridge of a busy motorway. There are parks, beaches and green areas within walking distance from most places in the Reykjavik. In mid June, you can sit by the harbour at midnight and watch the sun dip slightly below the horizon before it makes its way up again where as the winter is quite dark and daylight is scarce.
Iceland was settled by Norwegian and Celtic immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D. According to the Book of Settlements (Landnamabok), Ingolfur Arnarson – the first settler of Iceland – built his farm on the peninsula where Reykjavik stands today. Old accounts say the ancient gods guided Ingolfur to make his home here. Reykjavik means “Bay of smokes” or “ Steamy Bay” and it got its name from the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a profound impression on the original settlers. The Icelandic parliament, Althingi, was founded in the 930 AD at Thingvellir in the southwest. In 1798 the Althingi moved from Thingvellir to Reykjavik, where the country’s government and administration are now located. Reykjavik is very young city and only received its town charter in 1786. The Royal Treasurer Skuli Magnusson, is known as the Father of Reykjavik. Skuli established wool workshops at Reykjavik as part of his efforts to modernise the Icelandic economy. This led to the beginnings of urban development at Reykjavik. In time, when Iceland gained Home Rule and later independence from Danish rule, Reykjavik became the capital of Iceland. For a living view of Reykjavik's history, visit the Arbaer outdoor museum, located in the eastern part of the capital.
A full range of accommodations is available in Reykjavik, from international-standard hotels with good conference facilities, through smaller hotels and cozy guesthouses, to a campsite in the city’s biggest park. You can find every hotel and guesthouse here on Iceland on the web, just choose the category Accommodation.
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