December in reykjavík iceland ?? downtown Laugavegur #shorts

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCPSQwSVqIgkRS54eo4J0hg Reykjavik is by far the largest municipality in Iceland and the capital city of the country. The capital area has about a total of 60% of Iceland’s population, which is about 360.000 people. Ingolfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland (according to Landnama, the Book of Settlement), built his farm on the peninsula where the city stands today. The book says that Arnarson decided the location of his settlement using a traditional Norse method. He cast his high seat pillars into the ocean when he saw the coastline, then he settled where the pillars came to shore. The town got its name “Smoky Bay” (Reykjavik) after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a deep impression on the first settlers. In the 18th century, Royal Treasurer Skuli Magnusson, “the Father of Reykjavik”, established wool workshops as part of his effort to modernize the Icelandic economy. This led to the beginning of urban development at Reykjavik. The town received its town charter in 1786 and has grown steadily ever since. The greater Reykjavik area The capital area, has five different municipalities: Reykjavik, Kopavogur, Gardabaer, Mosfellsbaer, and Hafnarfjordur.The city area coastline is characterized by peninsulas, coves, straits, and many small islands, It offers a good natural harbor, and therefore fishing is a huge part of the city. Across the bay, Mount Esja (914 m) rises, the highest mountain in the vicinity of Reykjavik. The northernmost capital in the world Reykjavik is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite the fact that it is not as large as many other capitals, the city is thrumming with life. It has a very interesting art scene, as the many famous Icelandic bands and artists can testify. In addition, there are many superb museums and attractions you can visit. The city is colorful and the people welcoming. How many people live in Reykjavik? Approximately 122.853 people live in Reykjavik proper, but the greater Reykjavik area is home to over 60% of Iceland’s population. Things to do in Reykjavik Sightseeing Museums Art Galleries Restaurants & Bars Concerts Shopping Soak in local swimming pools Whale Watching Whether you visit in summer or winter, there will be so much to do. You can choose from a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses. Whether you’d like to try out Icelandic cuisine, a la carte restaurants, or are in the mood for fast food, you should have no trouble finding a restaurant that suits your needs. But please, don’t forget to stop by the small hot dog stand, called “Bæjarins bestu”, and try out our very special Icelandic hot dog. It’s a treat, we promise. The newest food trend in Iceland happens to be food halls. Our favorite ones downtown are Hlemmur Matholl and the Grandi Matholl in the hipster district Grandi. There are also a few shopping malls if you’re in the mood for shopping, the largest ones being Kringlan and Smaralind. Kringlan is not far from the city center, while Smaralind is in Kopavogur. There you’ll find many popular brands and stores. However, if you are looking to stay in the downtown area the main high street is called Laugavegur and hosts many of the best shops, pubs, bars and restaurants.If you’re traveling with your family, there are so many pools in the city, with geothermal water. Icelanders love to sit in hot tubs and pools, and often you can find lively debates and discussions in the tubs, especially before noon. We also recommend that you take the time to pay a visit to the Blue Lagoon, only a 40-minute bus ride from Reykjavik. Just make sure you book your tickets in advance. Day Tours in Reykjavik Of course, the city is the starting point for many travelers, whether they are going on a simple day tour or a multi-day road trip across Iceland. You can find many activities in Reykjavik, e.g. you could go whale watching and then enjoy a great night on the town.You can also go on many great day tours in Reykjavik that will last a day and take you to the many great places that are near the city. You can go on a Golden Circle tour or visit the South Coast, The Glacial lagoon, The Blue Lagoon, or the Black Sand Beach. Many tourists actually stay in Reykjavik but embark on day tours like these to see the surrounding area.