Atlantica - 01.02.2002, Síða 22

20 A T L A N T I C A
Visiting the northernmost capital of the world in the mid-
dle of winter? No, you’re not insane, but following a
flux of tourists streaming to, what is reputed to be, the
most fashionable destination in Europe. Whereas the
Icelandic summer is mild and in a state of permanent day-
light, winters can be tempestuous and the sun famously only
makes the briefest of appearances.
When you fly in, there will probably be a blizzard and you
won’t see a thing, or if you’re lucky, you’ll see a white
expanse stretched out as far as the eye can see. It may be bar-
ren, but it’s breathtakingly beautiful and probably unlike any-
thing you’ve ever experienced. Driving from the airport to
Reykjavík, you’ll probably wonder whether anyone lives in
this dark, deserted place as you see the lava fields glide past
your window. But then suburbia takes over and before you
know it you’re in the bright lights of the city.
I moved back to this strange place, my homeland, three
years ago following a long stint abroad. Since then, I have
had people visiting from all corners of the globe and have
had to come up with various itineraries for different tastes.
Most people seem to come here for a weekend break – a
weekend not so much dedicated to seeing the beautiful
Icelandic countryside, but to experiencing the reputed
Reykjavík nightlife. Mind you I’ve had some odd visitors. I’ll
never forget the French guys who turned up in the country for
the sole purpose of meeting attractive blondes. “It’s not like
Sweden,” they sulked. “The women aren’t very friendly.”
Another visiting Frenchman kept missing his trip on the
‘Golden Circle’ tour because he was too inebriated, but man-
aged, however, to drive up the one-way main street at three
o’clock in the morning, without getting caught by the police.
A Korean friend spent all his days wandering around the
streets alone, repeating, “Wow, wow, amazing, amazing,”
and ended up looking for UFOs on Snæfellsnes peninsula.
One description I have heard of Iceland is that it made the per-
fect residence for James Bond villains: lunar landscapes,
beautiful women and strange buildings to hide out in.
101 REYKJAVÍK
Anyway, back to the perfect Reykjavík weekend. You’ve
arrived and you’re rearing to go. First we go for a walk down
Laugavegur, the main shopping street, taking us down to the
town centre. Don’t be put off by the slow pace of early evening
because Icelanders are night owls and don’t get going until
midnight. It’s eight o’clock and we go for a drink at the inti-
Reykjavík is touted as the hottest place to go for a city break,
even in the middle of winter.
Anna Margrét Björnsson looked at the perfect way to spend a
weekend in what is literally the capital of cool.
PERMANENT MIDNIGHT
020-026 ATL601 Reykjavík 14.12.2001 15:33 Page 20