Reykjavik, Iceland & Its Surroundings

Fire and ice. There could not be a better description of Iceland. Smoke and fire shooting high into the air during a volcanic eruption. Massive frozen glaciers that can be found throughout the interior of the country. Reykjavik has been labeled the European City of Culture, and indeed it has become known as one of Europe's hottest nightspots. Tourism, from North America and from Europe, is increasing at an amazing rate. People are anxious to see what all of the excitement is about. The cultural season is considered to run from January through May. The city is on Faxafloi Bay in the southwestern part of the country. When the first Viking settler came ashore there in 874, he called his new home Reykjavik (Steamy Bay) because of all the geothermal steam he saw rising from the ground. That steam is used today to heat the city's buildings and outdoor swimming pools. Because steam is Iceland's primary source of energy, Reykjavik's air is among the cleanest in the world, which is why the Icelandic people enjoy one of the world's highest life expectancy ratings. This is a complete guide to Reykjavik and its surroundings: where to stay & eat, what to see & do, how to get there and how to get around. Filled with photos.