If you’re planning a trip to Reykjavik, one of the sights you won’t want to miss is the iconic Solfar Sun Voyager. This stunning sculpture, named ”Sólfar” in Icelandic, sits on the edge of the sea, and is a striking tribute to Iceland’s spirit of exploration and connection with the sea. Here’s everything you need to know about this modern marvel and why it should be on your Reykjavik itinerary.

The city of Reykjavik has a rich cultural heritage, with a history dating back to the Vikings. The name "Reykjavik" means "smoky bay" in Icelandic, and it was given to the city by the first settlers who saw steam rising from the geothermal springs in the area. Today, the city is known for its colorful culture, stunning views, human rights and general safety.

But for a rather small city on the global scale, Reykjavik is a real overachiever with a long list of records. Some are quirky and fun, others are ambitious and some certainly beg more questions. Here’s a short list of some of Reykjavik’s most interesting fun facts or records if you will.

On August 22, 2024, an eruption began on the Reykjanes Peninsula for the 9th time in three years. It ended 14 days later, on September 5, 2024. As with previous eruptions in the area, the eruption did not disrupt air traffic to and from Iceland. 

The area in question was closed off to traffic and monitored closely by the authorities. With eight previous eruptions in the past three years in this area, the main focus was on safeguarding the infrastructure in the immediate vicinity. Ongoing seismic activity in the area is monitored closely. We’ll cover how this situation might unfold with a bonus insight into the Icelandic psyche when it comes to natural disasters.

Faro, the charming capital of Portugal's Algarve region, is known for its historic Old Town, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. But beyond Faro's city limits lies a treasure trove of day trip possibilities, each offering a unique glimpse into the Algarve's stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you're interested in exploring picturesque coastal villages, soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, or playing a round of golf on world-class courses, Faro is the perfect base for a memorable day trip. Here are some of the best day trips from Faro to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful region.

Iceland, “the land of fire and ice”, is renowned for many things but most prominently, its stunning natural landscapes. A trip to Iceland isn’t complete without experiencing some of these natural scenes first hand and an excursion to countryside is an absolute must.

It’s Iceland’s only city and the world’s northernmost capital. The City of Reykjavik has a population of just over 140,000 while the larger metropolitan area has a population of 250,000*. These numbers may look incredibly small but they are in fact huge when you realize that the total population of Iceland is just over 380,000. That means that approx. 64% of the entire population of Iceland lives in the metropolitan area. The only logical explanation is that Reykjavik is an excellent place to live. 
 *Official numbers from Statistics Iceland in May 2024. 

Why are there so many luxury spas in Iceland? Islands close to Athens? What exactly are northern lights? Let our blog answer questions you never knew you had!

The PLAYful Blog

Noday - Enter Dark Mode in Iceland

The Star of the Show - The Northern Lights

Eruptions in Iceland and what it all means

THE PLAYING FIELD

THE PLAYLIST

GET IN TOUCH

LET'S GET SOCIAL