Posted on November 07, 2011 by Fiona Hilliard

Wonderfully Weird: Reykjavik

As if spewing volcanoes, a promise of spotting the Northern Lights or the chance to sample the legendary nightlife weren’t reasons enough to visit the Icelandic capital, check out these seven weird and wonderful facts about Reykjavik:

1. There are no trains: So if you’re looking to explore the sights outside of Reykjavik, you’ll find tourist buses are reliable and frequent.  Those with an independent streak might prefer to try Reykjavik car rental for the ultimate adventure, however. Roads vary in their condition, but stick to Highway 1/ Route 1 and you’ll be in for a treat. This highway is a circular road which connects most of the towns on the island including the capital, Reykjavik and passes through spectacular scenery such as fjords, mountains, plateaus and lava fields. In Iceland cars drive on the right hand-side, as in the US and continental Europe.

 2. Iceland has a ‘closed currency’:  This means it cannot be bought or exchanged outside of Iceland. Tourists jetting into Iceland need to purchase their Icelandic Króna (ISK) at banks or currency exchanges within the airport or city and re-exchange any leftovers (including coins) before they leave. Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, even for small purchases such as bottled water or bread.  Shopping is tax-free. Residents from all countries outside of Iceland can claim back tax discounts of 15% on purchases over 4000 ISK (around €25).

3. There is a tiny population of just 320,000: Although Iceland is bigger in landmass than its Atlantic cousin, Ireland, it is home to just a fraction of its population.  This somehow makes the international acclaim of local music artists Bjork and Sigur Rós all the more impressive.  Two thirds of the total population live in the capital city Reykjavik, but it never seems over-crowded. On the contrary, it has a cosy, almost village-like feel to it.

 4. A nation of animal lovers: One of the city’s main landmarks is a lake in the middle of the city called Tjornin, literally translated as ‘the pond’ which attracts geese, swans and ducks.  The lake freezes over in winter and is transformed into an outdoor ice-rink.  City authorities ensure a corner remains heated so that locals can feed their feathered friends bread throughout the coldest months. They may adore their animals but Icelanders don’t let it get in the way of filling their bellies. It’s still very common to see Puffin salad and Minke Whale on traditional menus.

 5. The city smells like sulphur: But you get used to it.  The hot water that comes from the tap is geothermal water that is pulled straight from the earth. Along the way, it loses none of its pungent ‘rotten egg’ scent. The fleeting unpleasantness is a small price to pay for the natural healing qualities offered by the nearby Blue Lagoon or the stunning spectacle of the geysers in Strokkur.

6. Scandinavian knitwear is having a fashion moment: Some say it’s all down to Sarah Lund and her woolly jumpers in cult Danish crime drama, ‘The Killing’, but knitting is big business in Iceland these days.  Given the fact that there are more sheep than people on the island (500,000 vs 320,000), it was bound to happen. Just about everywhere you turn in the city you’ll notice both men and women, young and old, rocking their traditional Lopi jumper or cardigan. If you’re after a wearable souvenir, look for the Farmer’s Market label – the wool is far softer than many of the other brands.

 7. Reykjavik is a celebrity magnet: The peace and tranquillity of Iceland has long attracted jaded film stars and musicians. Eric Clapton loves to fish for salmon close to Reykjavik, while Blur/Gorillaz’s Damon Albarn part-owns a bar in the city. There is an understanding between residents and the press that celebrities and dignitaries should be allowed to go about their lives in peace so don’t expect an entourage or indeed any photographers buzzing around off-duty celebs.