Discover the Charm: Top 8 Fun Facts About Reykjavik You Can't Miss

1. Cat-chella Capital

If you ever find yourself wondering where to hold the ultimate Cat-chella festival, Reykjavik has got you covered: Known as the city of cats, Iceland's capital houses approximately 12,000 of the country's 20,000 feline inhabitants, boasting surprising genetic variations despite their Viking origins.
Source => explorecats.com

2. Toasty Toes & Snow-free Sidewalks

Reykjavik residents can say 'snow thank you' to their toasty toes while wandering the city streets in winter, all thanks to a clever underground system that's practically setting the sidewalk on fire, in the friendliest way possible: Reykjavik boasts an impressive 50,000 m2 snow-melting system under its sidewalks and streets, powered by geothermal energy, primarily from return water of space heating systems which makes it efficient and environmentally friendly.
Source => nea.is

Discover how Iceland takes a unique approach to NATO membership — without any military forces of their own, they still contribute in surprising ways! 🚤🕵️‍♂️🇮🇸

=> Fun Facts about Iceland

3. Souper Soak City

Feeling a tad cold and in need of a "souper soak" in the Land of Fire and Ice? Fret not, for Reykjavik is your very own soupy paradise: boasting a staggering 17 geothermal swimming pools within its borders, you'll find yourself immersed in warm waters, surrounded by various facilities including play parks, bars, and restaurants, while natural hot springs dot the Icelandic landscape for an unparalleled bathing adventure.
Source => re.is

4. Green Energy Powerhouses

Here's a shocking revelation: Icelanders are absolute powerhouses when it comes to green energy! No, seriously: Iceland is the world's largest green energy producer per capita, boasting a whopping 55,000 kWh of electricity produced per person per year. With a 100% renewable electricity grid and 85% of their total primary energy supply sourced domestically, this chilly (but earth-friendly) country relies heavily on geothermal and hydropower. Land howling geysers and raging waterfalls as neighbors, 75% of the electricity is produced by Landsvirkjun, the National Power Company, and 90% of Icelandic homes bask in the warm embrace of geothermal energy for heating.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

5. Björk's Whimsical Hometown

If elves and Björk had a crossover episode, it must have been set in Reykjavik: it's the charming city where this eclectic Icelandic singer, songwriter, and actress spent her whimsical childhood, eventually launching a multi-genre music career that has earned her international fame and a slew of awards.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

6. Smooth-strutting Icelandic Horses

In a land where the ponies don't trot, but simply glide like butter on hot toast, the Icelandic horse reigns supreme with its signature dance move, the tölt: These small but mighty steeds proudly strut their stuff throughout Reykjavik and, contrary to popular belief, are not actually ponies but a distinct and cherished breed, renowned for their gentle demeanor, smooth gait, and exceptional adaptability to Iceland's rugged terrain and frosty winters – just remember to follow equine etiquette by not feeding or pet-snapping them without their owner's permission.
Source => re.is

7. Winter's Lazy Sun & Northern Lights

In Reykjavik, just like those iconic dad jokes that never get old, the sun likes to take a long nap during winter: At most, only 5 hours of daylight grace the city in mid-December due to its high latitude. Fear not, for Christmas lights and candles adorn the city and countryside, making it an idyllic winter wonderland. And if you're as lucky as a lottery-winning leprechaun, the Northern Lights may even photobomb your holiday snapshots!
Source => guidetoiceland.is

8. Comedian-turned-Mayor

Who said politicians can't be funny? From battling giant serpents in ancient poetry to catching criminals on TV, Reykjavik's former mayor had quite the dramatic side-quest before entering office: Jón Gnarr, a Renaissance performer with a knack for comedy and an MFA in performing arts from Iceland University of the Arts, once embodied a character from the Poetic Edda in his graduation piece, starred in multiple popular Icelandic TV series, and nabbed the much-coveted Edda Award for Best Actor of the Year in 2010, before becoming the city's mayor.
Source => en.wikipedia.org