Reykjavik: The Gateway to Iceland's Natural Wonders

• HelloHalló
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeBless
  [bles]
• YesJá
  [ya]
• NoNei
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeGjörðu svo vel
  [GYOR-thu svo vel]
• Thank youTakk
  [tahk]
• Excuse me/SorryFyrirgefðu
  [FEER-ir-gef-thu]
• How are you?Hvað segirðu gott?
  [kvath SEY-ir-thu got]
• Fine. And you?Fínt. En þú?
  [feent. en thu]
• Do you speak English?Talar þú ensku?
  [TAH-lar thu ENSK-u]
• I don't understandÉg skil ekki
  [yeg skil EHK-ki]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg myndi vilja sjá matseðilinn, takk
  [yeg MUN-dee VIL-ya syow MATH-se-thil-inn, tahk]
• I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt
  [yeg BOR-tha EHK-ki chyot]
• Cheers!Skál!
  [skowl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÉg myndi vilja greiða, takk
  [yeg MUN-dee VIL-ya gray-tha, tahk]

• Help!Hjálp!
  [HYAULP]
• Go away!Farðu í burtu!
  [far-thu ih BUR-too]
• Call the Police!Hringdu í lögregluna!
  [hring-thu ih LOG-ray-loo-na]
• Call a doctor!Hringdu í lækninn!
  [hring-thu ih lighk-nin]
• I'm lostÉg er týndur
  [yeg er teen-thur]
• I'm illÉg er veikur
  [yeg er vay-kur]

• I'd like to buy...Ég myndi vilja kaupa...
  [yeg MUN-dee VIL-ya KOW-pa]
• I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða
  [yeg er BA-ra ath SKO-tha]
• How much is it?Hvað kostar það?
  [kvath KOS-tar thah]
• That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt
  [thath er ov DEER-t]
• Can you lower the price?Getur þú lækkað verðið?
  [GHE-tur thu ligh-KATH VER-thith]

• What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?
  [kvath er KLOO-kahn]
• It's one o'clockKlukkan er eitt
  [KLOO-kahn er eyt]
• Half past (10)Hálf tíu
  [howlf tee-oo]
• MorningMorgunn
  [mor-gun]
• AfternoonSíðdegis
  [seed-thay-iss]
• EveningKvöld
  [kwuld]
• YesterdayÍ gær
  [ee gai]
• TodayÍ dag
  [ee thak]
• TomorrowÁ morgun
  [ow mor-gun]
• 1Einn
  [ayth]
• 2Tveir
  [tayr]
• 3þrír
  [threer]
• 4Fjórir
  [fyow-rir]
• 5Fimm
  [fim]
• 6Sex
  [sehx]
• 7Sjö
  [syow]
• 8Átta
  [ow-tha]
• 9Níu
  [nyew]
• 10Tíu
  [tee-oo]

• Where's a/the...?Hvar er ...?
  [kvar er]
• What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?
  [kvath er HAY-mil-is-fang-ith]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Getur þú sýnt mér (á kortinu)?
  [GHE-tur thu seent mair (ow KOR-tinu)]
• When's the next (bus)?Hvenær fer næsta (strætisvagn)?
  [kven-ayr fer NIE-sta (strait-is-vahn)]
• A ticket (to ....)Einn miða (til ....)
  [ayth MI-tha (til)]

Reykjavik, the capital and largest city of Iceland, was settled in 874 AD by the Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson. According to the Landnámabók (Book of Settlements), he named the place Reykjavik, meaning 'Smoky Bay', due to the steam rising from the hot springs in the area. This marked the beginning of permanent human settlement in Iceland.

From the 9th to the 13th century, Reykjavik was part of the broader narrative of the Icelandic sagas. These medieval literature pieces recount the history of the early settlers, their feuds, and their lives. While Reykjavik itself wasn't a central location in these tales, it was part of the backdrop of the broader Icelandic landscape that shaped the sagas.

In 1602, Denmark imposed a trade monopoly on Iceland, significantly affecting Reykjavik's development. Reykjavik remained a small trading post until the monopoly was lifted in 1786, which is also the year Reykjavik was officially granted municipal status, marking the beginning of its transformation into an urban area.

The 19th century brought significant changes as Reykjavik began to modernize. The Alþingi, Iceland's parliament, was reestablished in Reykjavik in 1845 after being dissolved in 1800. This relocation was pivotal in making Reykjavik the political center of Iceland. The city also saw the construction of important buildings like the Reykjavik Cathedral and various schools.

Reykjavik played a crucial role in Iceland's fight for independence from Denmark. In the early 20th century, the city was the heart of the independence movement. In 1918, Iceland became a sovereign state under the Danish Crown with the signing of the Danish-Icelandic Act of Union. Reykjavik subsequently became the capital of the newly sovereign state.

During World War II, British and later American forces occupied Reykjavik to prevent a possible German invasion. This occupation brought significant economic benefits to the city through the construction of infrastructure and increased employment. The presence of Allied forces also introduced modern amenities and cultural influences that shaped post-war Reykjavik.

Following World War II, Reykjavik experienced rapid growth and modernization, transitioning from a modest town to a bustling city. Iceland formally became a republic in 1944, with Reykjavik as its capital. The post-war period saw the construction of modern buildings, improved infrastructure, and the establishment of cultural institutions, solidifying Reykjavik's status as the heart of Iceland.

In recent decades, Reykjavik has blossomed into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city known for its unique blend of modern and traditional culture. It has become a hub for tourism, arts, and innovation, hosting numerous international events and festivals. Landmarks like the Hallgrímskirkja church, the Harpa Concert Hall, and the Sun Voyager sculpture have become iconic symbols of the city's dynamic spirit.

Reykjavik is accessible via Keflavik International Airport (KEF), located about 50 kilometers southwest of the city. Direct flights are available from major cities in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world. From the airport, you can take the Flybus or airport taxis to reach the city center. Alternatively, car rentals are available at the airport for those who prefer to drive.

Reykjavik has a well-organized public transport system, primarily consisting of buses operated by Strætó. Tickets can be purchased via the Strætó app, at bus terminals, or directly from the bus driver (cash only). Taxis are also available but can be expensive. Cycling is popular, and bike rentals are available throughout the city. For exploring beyond Reykjavik, renting a car is recommended due to the limited public transport options in rural areas.

The official currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and many places prefer card payments over cash. ATMs are readily available throughout Reykjavik. It is advisable to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.

Reykjavik is considered one of the safest cities in the world, with very low crime rates. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. There are no specific neighborhoods in Reykjavik known for high crime rates targeting tourists.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, and medical assistance. Reykjavik has modern medical facilities, including the Landspítali University Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies (Apótek) are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Don’t wear shoes indoors when visiting Icelandic homes. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Don’t speak loudly in churches. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly or disabled passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Don’t be overly formal; Icelanders are generally casual. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like lamb soup and skyr. Don’t tip, as it is not customary in Iceland.

To experience Reykjavik like a local, visit the Kolaportið Flea Market for unique Icelandic goods and the Reykjavik Roasters for some of the best coffee in town. Take a stroll along Laugavegur, the main shopping street, and explore the vibrant street art scene. Join locals in one of the city's many geothermal pools, such as the Blue Lagoon or the Laugardalslaug pool, for a quintessential Icelandic experience.