Reykjavik, Iceland, located on the southern shore of Faxafloi Bay, is the capital of that country. With a population of 120,000, Reykjavik is also the largest city in Iceland, is the center of the only metropolitan area in Iceland, and is believed to be the oldest permanent settlement in that country as well. Tourists visiting Reykjavik, Iceland have a wide array of choices of places to see and visit. For history lovers, the 19th century Alpingishusio, or Parliament House, stands in the center of the city and is the location of the world?s oldest parliament. The famous Hofoi in Reykjavik, Iceland was the site of the Iceland Summit where Reagan and Gorbachev met in 1986. Those interested in architecture should visit the Hallgrimskirkja, a Lutheran church that was built over the course of 38 years, from 1945 to 1986. At an impressive 244 feet, the Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest church in Iceland. Visitors seeking a visit to a Reykjavik museum should look no further than the National Museum of Iceland. Established in 1863, the museum was held in a variety of locations until it found its permanent home in 1950. The museum has a permanent collection of items marking the history and heritage of Iceland and hosts temporary exhibits of varying nature as well. Another museum well worth visiting is the Arbaejarsafn, an open air museum that attempts to preserve the history of Reykjavik. Arbaejarsafn contains a number of structures that have been restored, including a stable, a church, a blacksmith?s house, the first Boy Scout hut built in Iceland, and many others. The Arbaejarsafn created an exhibition settlement called Reykjavik 871+2, which displays excavated ruins that date as far back as 871. Reykjavik tourists often enjoy visits to Perlan, which contains a viewing deck, winter gardens, a museum, dining, and shops. Others may enjoy the Blue Lagoon, about 24 miles outside of Reykjavik. The Blue lagoon is a geothermal spa with water temperatures that average about 104 F. It is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland. On the south coast of Reykjavik is Nautholsvik, a bathing beach that offers a wide array of entertainment options, both on water and on land. The city is home to four universities: The University of Iceland, Reykjavik University, Iceland University of Education, and Iceland Academy of the Arts. Reykjavik, Iceland is sometimes referred to as ?the nightlife capital of the north,? with over 100 bars and clubs. The city also is celebrated for having a large number of annual events. Some of the most vibrant festivities are city wide parties for New Year?s Eve, Twelfth Night, and Thorrin, in which revellers celebrate the old feast of Thorrablot with singing, dancing, and a traditional Icelandic feast. The Winter Lights Festival, held each February, celebrates the end of the dark days of winter as, due to its location, the shortest days in Iceland?s winters have as few as four hours of daylight. One of the most popular and well known events in Reykjavik is the Reykjavik Art Festival, held each May. June brings both the Festival of the Sea and National Day, and August holds the annual Reykjavik Marathon. For more information on Reykjavik, Iceland visit http://reykjavikmicroblog.com and http://icelandmicroblog.com