Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavík at a Glance
With its population of about 170,000, Reykjavík is rather small for American standards. However, there's so much to see and do that it's nearly impossible to be bored. Being the world's most northerly capital, Reykjavík boasts a vibrant art and music scene, movie theaters, an opera, a dance company, a symphony orchestra, museums and galleries, where you can soak up and get completely immersed into the Icelandic culture.
Furthermore, there are plenty of stylish bars, cafés and everything from exclusive fine dining establishments to affordable fast food restaurants. During the bright summer nights, Reykjavík is transformed into a lively party town, the streets being packed with young partygoers spilling out from the clubs and bars.
The setting is also superb. The city is spread out along a small peninsula, framed by the majestic Mt. Esja and the blue waters of Faxaflói Bay. On a clear day, the view over the bay to the ice-capped Snæfellsjökull glacier on the western horizon is just amazing. At a summer night, one can sit at the harbor and watch the midnight sun dip slightly below the horizon before it reappears shortly thereafter.