Office of Intergovernmental Relations
600 Fourth Avenue, 5th Floor
P.O. Box 94746
Seattle, WA   98124-4746
(206) 684-8055

Seattle International Sister City:
Reykjavik, Iceland
(Sister City established in 1986)

Population: 120,000
Religion: Lutheran
Language: Icelandic
Industry: Seafood processing, Aluminum, Shipbuilding, Textiles
Exports: Seafood, Wool
Climate: Moderate

Reykjavik, the northernmost metropolis in the world, is the main port and capital of Iceland. Reykjavik in Icelandic means "Smoky Bay," so-called by Norse settlers because of the steam rising from thermal springs which today provides heat and hot water for homes and buildings. Its chief exports are fish and fish products.

Reykjavik has all the amenities of a modern city but maintains "old country" hospitality. Located at the edge of Faxa Bay and surrounded by snow capped mountains, there is easy access to skiing and salmon fishing. The University of Iceland's Arni Magnusson Institute contains priceless manuscripts describing early settlement.

The sister city agreement between Seattle and Reykjavik was signed in 1986, the year of Reykjavik's bicentennial anniversary. Seattle has the largest Icelandic community in the United States, and cultural and educational exchanges had taken place for many years. The association helped sponsor two Icelandic artists at Pacific Lutheran University and participated in the completion of the Icelandic Room at the Nordic Heritage Museum. In 1987 there was a Seattle delegation trip to Reykjavik, and in 1990 the association participated in the ceremony for the delivery of the first Boeing 767 to Iceland.

Related Links:

City of Reykjavík Web Site (Iclandic)

City of Reykjavík Web Site (English)

Sister City Association Contact Info:
Arnfridur Sigurdardottir, President
2751 NW 67th
Seattle, WA 98117
(425) 503-2185
board@seattle-reykjavik.org
Seattle-Reykjavík Sister City Association

Content contact: Kristine Kertson

Page last updated: December 15, 2005