Record-Breaker Reykjavik
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.
The Northernmost Capital of the World
Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is a place of many wonders. Located at 64.13° N latitude, Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world, closer to the Arctic Circle than any other capital on the planet. And when it comes to the northern lights, this is a huge plus. Despite its northerly location, the city enjoys a relatively mild climate thanks to the Gulf Stream, which brings warm water from the tropics up to the North Atlantic Ocean.
World's Most Peaceful Capital
According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland ranks as the world's most peaceful country, 14 years in a row actually, with a very low crime rate and a great amount of societal safety. The Global Peace Index is made up of several ranking factors, such as level of domestic and international conflict, militarization, and societal safety and security. Iceland, and Reykjavik along with it, ranks consistently well across the board, making Reykjavik in effect the capital of the world’s safest country.
World’s Best Hot Dog Stand
Reykjavik is home to the famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a hot dog stand often named as the best hot dog venue in the world. This may sound like we're just adding this for comic relief but we're only half-kidding here. The hot dog stand has been in continuous operation by the same family since 1937 and while the chain of stands now has numerous locations in Reykjavik (and one at Keflavik Airport actually) the original hot dog stand in Tryggvagata is a huge part of the cityscape and Icelanders kind of love it like a family friend. It has also been named as the record holder of highest hot dog sales per capita. Whatever your opinion on hot dogs, we encourage you to try these out as they really are delicious and are frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Largest geothermal heating system
Reykjavik is also home to the largest municipal geothermal heating service in the world. The system, which was first built in the 1930s, harnesses the power of the earth's natural heat to provide hot water and central heating to the city's residents. Around 90% of the buildings in Reykjavik are heated by geothermal energy, making it one of the greenest cities in the world. The city also has a strong commitment to sustainability, including its efforts to reduce waste and emissions, promote green spaces, and encourage the use of public transportation.
The most eco-friendly city in the world
In 2011, Reykjavik was recognized as the most eco-friendly city in the world by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives. The city was recognized for its commitment to sustainability, including its use of renewable energy, its efforts to reduce waste and emissions, and its promotion of green spaces and public transportation. It frequently tops charts of greenest cities in the world due to its geothermal energy, its air quality and ambitious environmental goals.
World's firsts
Reykjavik is also home to the world's first and largest penis museum, the Icelandic Phallological MuseumLink opens in a new tab. The museum, which opened in 1997, houses approx. 300 penises and penile parts from a variety of mammals, including whales, seals, and yes, even a human. The museum has become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors from around the world coming to see its unique collection.
Reykjavik is home to the world's first openly gay prime minister and head of government, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir. Sigurðardóttir served as Iceland's prime minister from 2009 to 2013 after the 2008 collapse of the Icelandic banks and the subsequent financial crisis. The 2008 bank collapse was actually the largest in economic history if the size of the economy is taken into account but that's a record we'd rather forget.
Reykjavik is also home to the world's first parliament, Alþingi (Althing). The Althing was established in 930 AD and is the oldest existing parliamentary institution in the world. Today, visitors can tour the original site at Thingvellir (Þingvellir) and learn about the history of Icelandic democracy. Whilst there, you can also scuba dive in the beautiful fissure Silfra, between the two tectonic plates or tour the filming locations of the Game of Thrones. Thingvellir is part of the popular Golden Circle in Iceland and an absolute must for first-time visitors.
On October 24, 1975, Iceland hosted the world’s first “Women’s Strike” or women’s day off with the epicenter of events unfolding in Reykjavik. The strike was organized by women’s organizations and activists across the country to demonstrate the unpaid labor and efforts of women in the workplace and at home. At the time, women who worked outside the home earned less than 60% of what men earned and to further demonstrate this, women stopped working at 2:05 pm that day, as they would technically not be paid for the rest of the workday. It is estimated that 90% of Icelandic women went on strike that day and marched for equal rights. They certainly made progress, pushing for legal reforms and paving the way for the election of a female president. But 30 years later, in 2005, women stopped working at 2:08 p.m. With increased strikes in subsequent years, women left work at 2:25 p.m. in 2010 and in 2016 at 2:38 p.m.
Honorable mentions
The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, having held records in the past such as more bars and nightclubs per capita than any other city in Europe. Reykjavik's nightlife scene has become a major draw for tourists, with visitors from around the world flocking to the city's bars and clubs to experience its unique blend of music, culture, and fun.
We'll argue that Reykjavik is the best city (certainly capital) in the world to see northern lights due to its northern location and unlit areas in its immediate vicinity. You can also easily find a dark spot within the city's parks or seafront areas if you don't have a car. If the northern lights are very active and you’ve got clear skies, head out to the darker patches of the city such as Grótta, the downtown harbor, or Ægisíða waterfront where you can get away from the city light pollution for some great views.
Iceland has the most swimming pools per capita so it's safe to assume Reykjavik, with its numerous pools, has a lot. Whether it's a record or not, we highly encourage you to check out some of the many wonderful public pools of Reykjavik. There's a reason the locals love them.
Conclusion
Reykjavik is a city of many records and a great many superlatives, from its unique museums and street art to its natural wonders and political history. It's a city that celebrates its diversity and inclusivity, and offers visitors a chance to experience something truly unique and unforgettable. Check out a trip to Reykjavik for your next vacation and let this unique and welcoming city impress you with its friendly extremes.
