Reykjavik emerges as a major cultural and artistic hub

Reykjavik is establishing itself as a significant international cultural hub, characterized by a strong literary heritage and a vibrant performing arts scene. Iceland holds a Guinness World Record for having the highest number of writers per capita, a tradition reflected in the annual ‘Jólabókaflóð’ or Christmas book flood.

The city’s musical landscape is centered around the Harpa Concert Hall, which hosts the multi-genre Iceland Airwaves festival every November. The upcoming autumn season features several major events, including the Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF) from September 24 to October 4. This year, RIFF focuses on Nordic and Arctic storytelling, featuring Portugal as the ‘Country in Focus’ and launching the Arctic Script Lab to support Indigenous voices.

Additionally, Iceland’s geothermal bathing culture, recently designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is being highlighted through discussions regarding the 2027 Venice Architecture Pavilion theme, ‘SOAK: Rituals of Collective Belonging’.