Although Iceland is proud of its Viking past, it has its eyes on the future and, in fact, Reykjavik, the northernmost capital of Europe, offers to anyone who decides to visit nature in its purest form, adventure, music and art of international prestige and a lively and unbridled nightlife. Of course, you can also disconnect by immersing yourself in its thermal pools or taking a horse ride.
But this land in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, on the edge of the Arctic Glacier Circle, is much more than Reykjavik. It is, for example, one of the happiest countries in the world . In addition, you should know that here you can find dozens of volcanoes, spectacular bays and fjords, glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, a rare but fascinating gastronomy … So that you know more about Iceland, apart from recommending the article that we publish about its traditions , today we are to tell you about its main cities , based, as always, on the number of inhabitants. Would you like to join us?
Reykjavik
How could it be otherwise, let’s start by talking about Reykjavik, the capital and most populous city of Iceland (about 120 thousand inhabitants). Located in an area where geysers abound, very close to the Arctic Circle, in winter it only receives four hours of sunlight a day, while in summer the nights are as clear as day.
Kópavogur
With far fewer inhabitants than the capital, Kópavogur is the second most populous city in Iceland. Specifically, it has a population of 30,000 people. We are talking about a suburb of the Reykjavik metropolitan area. It is known nationally for its cultural offerings. Above all, the Gerðarsafn Museum stands out, exhibiting the work of many Icelandic artists.
Hafnarfjörður
With just over 20,000 inhabitants, the city of Hafnarfjörður is located 10 kilometers from the capital, on the southwestern coast of the country. Specifically, it is found on the lava originated by the Burfell volcano, yes, more than 7,300 years ago. Every year the Viking festival is celebrated here, which lasts for a week.
Akureyri
The fourth most populous city in Iceland is Akureyri (about 19 thousand inhabitants). Located on the coast of the Norðurland Eystra region, it has a relatively more temperate oceanic climate than the rest of the country because it is located in a protected fjord. The Lystigardur Akureyrar botanical garden and church are worth a visit.
Keflavík
With a population of about 14,000, Keflavík is considered the fifth most populous city in the country. It is located on the Reykjanes peninsula, about 40 kilometers from the capital. Thanks to the Keflavík International Airport, built by the United States in the 1940s, it has become an important tourist destination in the country.
Garðabær
We continue our tour of the most important cities in Iceland in the Höfuðborgarsvæðið region, where we find the sixth most populated urban center in the country, with a population of about 9 thousand inhabitants. It is not only surprising for its natural environment, but for its rich historical heritage.
Mosfellsbær
Iceland’s seventh most populous urban center is just a small town on the west coast. We are referring to Mosfellsbær, which is located in the Höfuðborgarsvæðið region, 17 kilometers from Reykjavik, communicating with it through a 5,762-meter-long tunnel .
Akranes
Finally, we have to talk about Akranes, an Icelandic port city with more than 6,500 inhabitants that is located in the Vesturland region. Predictably, the city will grow in the coming years due to industrial growth and improvements in communications with the capital. On the other hand, we want to comment that Akranes has a long soccer tradition.
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