Fun Facts

Reykjavik is, like the rest of Iceland, very unpredictable. The weather changes from harsh and cold to beautifully sunny when you least expect it. Tourists are often overwhelmed by the mosaic that nature and the varied cultural life provide.

Country: Iceland

Reykjavik by the numbers:

Population: Approximately 180,000

Land Area: 275 sq km., 106 sq miles

Average midsummer temperature: 10C (50C)

Average midwinter temperature: -1C (30F)

Average annual rainfall: 31 inches

Quick Facts:

Major Industry: Fishing, Tourism
Electricity: 220V 50hzhz; standard two pin plug
Time zone: GMT/UTC + 1 ()
Country Dialing Code: +354

Did you know?

• The name Reykjavik means ‘Smoky Bay’. It was named so because of the smoke rising from the geo-thermal water bodies and hot springs. Reykjavik has 16 pure thermal water pools which are great for your health. It is a spa junkie’s paradise!
• Contributing to the fact that it is one of the cleanest cities in the world, the whole of Reykjavik is heated purely with the heat generated by underwater springs!
• Slatur (sheep blood pudding rolled in lard) and goat testicles are considered delicacies here. It must help to have a strong Viking’s stomach!
• Winters in Reykjavik are a vampire’s delight; they experience just about two hours of sunlight a day in December!
• A bonus for shopaholics: Visitors enjoy tax-free shopping!
• Icelanders still speak the language spoken by their 9th century ancestors.
• Icelanders seem to be an intelligent bunch; they have a literacy rate of 100%!

Orientation:

Reykjavik lies at the north of Iceland. In fact it is the northern most capital of the world, located just a few degrees below the Arctic Circle.

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