Reykjavik, Iceland
Sister City since 1986
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 have 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.
Reykjavik has a population of 120,000. It is the northernmost metropolis in the world and the main port and capital of Iceland. In Icelandic, Reykjavik 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 snowcapped mountains, there is easy access to skiing and salmon fishing. The University of Iceland's Arni Magnusson Institute contains priceless manuscripts describing early settlement.
Connect with the Seattle-Reykjavik Sister City Association:
Seattle-Reykjavik SCA Adam Allan-Spencer
adamas@nordicmuseum.org
Council Liaison:
Councilmember Dan Strauss