WELCOME TO REYKJAVIK

Dear participants in The Nordic - Baltic Choral Festival 2010

It is an honour for our city that you should have chosen Reykjavík as your meeting place in 2010. It will be a pleasure to welcome such a large group from our friends in the Nordic and Baltic countries – not to mention a group that will surely bring a lot of joy and song to Reykjavík.

We think Reykjavík is best described as a young and vibrant city that is characterised by strong contrasts. Conveniently small, clean and safe – a city where everything is within easy reach. Reykjavík really has the best of both worlds; the qualities of a modern, forward-looking society complemented by a close connection to Iceland’s beautiful and unspoilt nature. Sometimes it feels like a cosmopolitan capital and a tiny seaside village – all wrapped up in one.

The Reykjavík experience really can be summed up in two words: Pure Energy!
Iceland has the enviable distinction of having an abundance of renewable sources of clean energy. Reykjavík’s plentiful sources of green, geothermal energy ensure clean air and unpolluted water. The geothermal baths in Reykjavík are great places to go to recharge one’s batteries – as I am sure you shall all experience during your visit. 

But leaving the natural energy aside – Reykjavik’s Pure Energy also refers to the vibrant culture and Reykjavik’s fun filled city festivals. Reykjavík Culture Night on August 21st, is the largest festival in Iceland and with its twinning to the Reykjavík Marathon – brings a significant number of international visitors.  The city will therefore be buzzing with life and great spirits – with your visit to Reykjavík and collaboration with Reykjavík Culture Night - actually resulting in song and singing being a special theme for the festival this year!

This shows you are already making quite an entrance to Reykjavík 2010! I hope you will find much to enjoy in Iceland and leave with fond memories and lasting friendships.

With warm regards,
Svanhildur Konráðsdóttir, Director of Culture and Tourism in Reykjavík