Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland, the country’s largest municipality, and its only city. It is located on the southwestern coast along Faxaflói Bay and is renowned for its unique blend of nature, culture, and modern urban life.
According to the Book of Settlements, Ingólfur Arnarson, considered the first permanent settler of Iceland, established his farm here around the year 870. He named the area Reykjavík — “Smoky Bay” — after the steam rising from nearby hot springs. Archaeological discoveries in the city centre, particularly in Aðalstræti, Suðurgata, and Kirkjustræti, confirm continuous human settlement dating back to the settlement era.
In the centuries following settlement, farms developed in the surrounding area, including Laugarnes and Nes at Seltjörn. However, Reykjavík did not begin to form as a true town until the 18th century, when early industrial experiments known as the Innrétningar were established with support from the Danish crown.
Reykjavík was granted municipal trading rights in 1786 following the abolition of the Danish trade monopoly. During the 19th century the town expanded rapidly, and in 1845 the Icelandic parliament, Alþingi, was re-established in Reykjavík. The iconic Parliament House was completed in 1881.
At the beginning of the 20th century Reykjavík developed into a modern city. The harbour was constructed between 1913 and 1917, the Elliðaár Hydropower Station began operation in 1921, and in 1908 Páll Einarsson became the city’s first mayor.
Today Reykjavík is the political, cultural, and economic heart of Iceland. The city is home to many of the nation’s most famous landmarks, including Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavík Pond, Sun Voyager, and the geothermal beach at Nauthólsvík.
Reykjavík is also one of the northernmost capital cities in the world. Continuous weather observations have been recorded here since 1920, while the oldest measurements date back to the early 19th century. On January 3rd, 1841, air pressure in the city reached 1058.5 hPa, the highest ever recorded in Iceland.
With a population exceeding 140,000 residents, Reykjavík today stands as a vibrant and creative capital — a place where Viking heritage, innovative culture, and extraordinary Icelandic nature come together.
Source: Wikipedia
Reykjavík er nyrsta höfuðborg heims.