Iceland`s capital of Reykjavik is t he world’s northernmost capital and Europe`s westernmost capital. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Iceland was settled by Norwegian and Celtic immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D. According to the Book of Settlements (Landnamabok), Ingolfur Arnarson – the first settler of Iceland – built his farm on the peninsula where Reykjavik stands today. Old accounts say the ancient gods guided Ingolfur to make his home here. Reykjavik means “Bay of smokes” or “Steamy Bay” and it got its name from the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a profound impression on the original settlers.

Reykjavik has subpolar oceanic climate, it located on the northern edge of the temperate zone. Temperatures in Reykjavik are relatively moderate throughout the year, with average July temperatures around 11°C (51.8°F). The winds are relatively constant and bone-chilling. Being so far north means that daylight hours are wildly different, with only 4 hours daylight in deepest winter but only 4 hours darkness in summer. Reykjavik is also a very wet city, having on average 213 rainy days out of the year, with spring having slightly more sunny days.

Reykjavik has grown immensely in the past twenty years. This growth is mainly because people have been moving from rural areas to the more densely populated areas. Iceland’s economy has expanded and grown immensely in the past ten years and this growth originates in Reykjavik where it has spread to the areas around Reykjavik. The foundation of this growth lays in the Agreement on the European Economic Area a free trade agreement between the EFTA countries and the EU. The growth is also due to the privatization of banks and other companies previously owned by the Icelandic State. The Icelandic government has laid the foundation for a favorable environment for companies to compete both domestically and internationally in the last few years. The Icelandic economy is on a fast-forward track to growth and the signs of that growth are evident in Reykjavik, which is very visibly a city of construction and prosperity.

Reykjavik is quite a compact city and it is easy to navigate by public transport or by car. There is an excellent bus system (Straeto) servicing the capital area. Most buses run every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening and at the weekends. Bicycles are an extremely popular form of transport and the city has a network of cycle lanes. Several taxi companies operate in Reykjavik and it is quite easy to find a taxi on the street or arrange for one by phone from anywhere in the city. Car hire is a recommended option as there is little traffic congestion and local drivers are typically considerate.

Upper secondary education covers four years and is open to anyone who has completed compulsory school. Courses lead to the Studentsprof. Secondary vocational education is offered by the upper secondary comprehensive schools, industrial vocational schools and specialized vocational schools. Students can either train for the certified trades or follow vocational training in such fields as Agriculture, the Fishing Industry, the Food Production Industry or Health and Commerce. Higher education in Iceland is regulated by Law, under the law, the Icelandic term "haskoli" is used to refer to both traditional universities and institutions which do not have research responsibilities. According to the law, the Minister of Education, Science and Culture determines whether and to what extent institutions will engage in research and he is responsible for establishing rules on quality evaluation and recognition of all degrees that are offered.

Hallgrímskirkja (Hallgrim's Church) in Reykjavik is the tallest and most striking church in Iceland. Named after 17th century Icelandic poet, hymn composer and clergyman, Hallrimur Petursson, the church's unusual design represents volcanic basalt columns flanking its towering steeple. At 74.5 metres (244 ft), Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest building in Iceland. It is situated in the city center and has become one of Reykjavik’s best known symbols. In front of the church stands a statue of Leif Eriksson, donated to Iceland by the United States.

Iceland's National Museum was established on 24 February 1863, it is the best place to become acquainted with the folklore, history and culture of this fascinating nation. The National Museum houses more than 2,000 national treasures and those have been combined with conceptual exhibits and artifacts. This museum gives the visitor a great view of Iceland’s extraordinary history and is dedicated to communicating knowledge of Iceland’s cultural heritage from the time of its pioneering settlement in 874 to the present day.

Reykjavik Botanical Gardens were opened on the 18th of August 1961 and they accommodates a good selection of colourful seasonal flowers, Icelandic and foreign plants, clearly marked with their Icelandic and Latin names. Besides walking trails and water features, the gardens have a greenhouse cafe open during the summer months, a children's park and a zoo.

Einar Jonsson was Iceland's foremost sculptor and he himself designed and established this museum, which contains several hundred of his works spanning his 60-year career. The museum building itself is deemed to be Jonsson's largest work, and served as his home, gallery and studio. Reykjavik is already famous for its vibrant culture and nightlife, but certain occasions are particularly special. The city of Reykjavik and its neighbouring towns host numerous festivals throughout the year, including Culture Night in August, the Winter Lights festival in February and the Festival of the Sea in June.