When 9th century Vikings sailed into this natural harbor, steam rising from its waters appeared to be smoke, and the name Reykjavik ('smoky bay') is now somewhat misleading.

One of the world’s cleanest capitals and virtually pollution-free, Reykjavik is a thoroughly modern city enhanced by picturesque and historic buildings, a city-center lake and even a salmon river, all surrounded by mountains and the sea.

A cosmopolitan array of museums, art galleries, theatre, opera and an excellent symphony orchestra set the cultural scene, while restaurants, cafes, pubs and nightclubs augment the teeming social life that has made it one of the most popular cities in Europe.