City guide · Reykjavík
Reykjavík
'Smoky Bay': a Viking settlement and the world's northernmost capital
Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital and the starting point for exploring Iceland. From here, in a day you can drive the 'Golden Circle' to the parliament plains of Þingvellir, then head south along the coast to the black-sand beach and its basalt columns.
History
Los orígenes de la ciudad
According to Iceland's Book of Settlements, Ingólfur Arnarson from Norway made his home here in 874, beginning the settlement of Iceland; 'Reykjavík' means 'smoky bay'. In 930 Icelanders founded their parliament, the Althing, at Þingvellir to the east, and there in 999 or 1000 the assembly decided the whole country would adopt Christianity. Hallgrímskirkja in the city centre today takes its design from the columnar basalt typical of Iceland.
- 874Ingólfur Arnarson settled in Reykjavík
- 930The Althing was established at Þingvellir
- 1000The Althing decided to adopt Christianity
- 1924The statue of Ingólfur was unveiled in Reykjavík
Stories
Historias de la ciudad
Historia · Þingvellir National Park
A day and a night thinking under a blanket
In 999 or 1000, Iceland's parliament, the Althing, was deadlocked over whether to follow Norse paganism or Christianity. The Christian side's lawspeaker left the decision to the pagan chieftain Þorgeir. He covered himself with a fur cloak and thought silently for a day and a night, then announced that Iceland would convert to Christianity, averting a possible civil war. Legend says that on returning home he threw his statues of the Norse gods into a waterfall, which is why it's called 'Goðafoss', the waterfall of the gods.
Leyenda · Reykjavík
High-seat pillars that let the gods choose the site
According to the 'Book of Settlements', Ingólfr Arnarson and his foster brother Hjörleifr sailed from Norway to Iceland. On sighting land he threw the pillars from either side of his high seat into the sea, vowing to settle wherever the gods let them wash ashore. Two slaves searched the coast for three years before finding the pillars in a small bay — the place that later became Reykjavík.
Must see
Lugares imprescindibles
Black Sand Beach (Reynisfjara)
A black beach with basalt cliffs and the 'petrified troll' sea stacks.
Þingvellir National Park
The site where Icelanders founded their parliament, the Althing, in 930 — one of the oldest surviving parliaments in the world.
Reykjavík
The Arctic capital of the Vikings' descendants, where a basalt-inspired church and elf legends coexist.
Local life
Gastronomía y vida cotidiana
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Before you go
Normas que debe conocer en Reykjavík
Iceland: headlights on all year when driving
- Keep dipped headlights on all year, fit suitable tyres in winter and keep to the speed limit
- Drink-driving (Iceland's limit is stricter than the UK's)
Breaking traffic rules brings heavy fines.
Verificado el 19 oct 2026Fuente: GOV.UK: Iceland travel advice
Iceland: keep away from waves, cliff edges and hot-spring vents
- Stay behind warning lines and tell your hotel your plans or register them with Safe Travel Iceland
- Going near waves, cliff edges and geothermal vents
These are the most common causes of accidents in Iceland.
Verificado el 19 oct 2026Fuente: GOV.UK: Iceland travel advice