ABOUT: VPG-DVD-205 - REYKJAVIK Reykjavik is Iceland`s gateway to the world and is one of the smallest metropolises on Earth. Just over a hundred thousand people live in this the northernmost of all cities that is sometimes referred to as Iceland's 'Smokey Bay'. The Hallgrims Kirkja is one of Reykjavik's main landmarks, a Neo Gothic church that was built between 1945 and 1986. It was named after a famous religious minister and poet of the 17th century, Hallgímur Pétursson. Both its design and large dimensions are impressive. Tjörnin is located in the centre of the city, a wonderful small lake surrounded by spacious parks and the new City Hall is also located there. Krists Kirkja is the city's main Catholic church and in 1989 the Pope preached within its walls marking the first visit of the Pontificate to Iceland. Narrow elegant bridges span across the splendid ponds of the Botanical Garden, a popular destination for the inhabitants of Reykjavik. However, small forests of conifers are the only real sign of nature on this remote and barren island. Chimneys are a rarity in Reykjavik. The majority of its houses are heated by geothermic water. Indeed, many of its pavements and streets are heated, a convenient asset that saves much money on snow clearance and makes life a lot easier for the local population. In Iceland the summer months are bright but in spring and autumn there are long periods when there is little daylight. July is the time of the famous midnight sun and thanks to the Gulf Stream the island enjoys a relatively temperate climate with cool summers and quite mild winters. Historic sights, hi-tech buildings and the charm of a small town. All this is Reykjavik, a remote metropolis built on fire and ice!