Jenna Gottlieb - Moon Reykjavik

a park near the Alingishsi.

Though Reykjavk is small, its energy mimics that of New York City or Berlin.

Reykjavk residents are known to have two lives: They work by day and become musicians, artists, novelists, or poets by night. While strolling on Reykjavks main street, Laugavegur, youll see street art among the high-end shops, musicians playing impromptu concerts outside coffeehouses, and small art galleries boasting original Icelandic Design. Its undeniably a creative place.

Reykjavks history dates back to AD 874, when Inglfur Arnarson from Norway established the first settlement in Iceland. The city slowly grew over the centuries, and in 1786, Reykjavk was established as an official trading town; 1786 is considered the citys official founding date. Today, Reykjavk has a lot of people, cars, and treesin stark contrast to the rest of Iceland. Roughly 200,000 of Icelands 330,000 residents live in the capital city.

While Reykjavk can seem quite urban with its galleries and restaurants, nature is never too far away. The air is unbelievably clean (unlike in many urban areas), and whales can be seen passing by the harbor during the summer.

Look for S to find recommended sights, activities, dining, and lodging.

S Listasafn Reykjavkur (Reykjavk Art Museum): Its actually three museums in one, with one dedicated to sculpture, one to contemporary art, and one that houses the works of beloved Icelandic artist Jhannes Kjarval. If you buy a ticket to one museum, you can visit the other two on the same day ().

S Hallgrmskirkja: The Church of Hallgrmur is a striking national monument dedicated to Hallgrmur Ptursson, one of Icelands most cherished and celebrated poets. Its tower offers spectacular views ().

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