The Sister City program is an outgrowth of the People-to-People exchanges with foreign nations which President Dwight D. Eisenhower initiated in 1956. Seattle and Reykjavik have enjoyed a mutually beneficial Sister City relationship since 1986 when the two city governments agreed to become Sister Cities. THE CITY OF REYKJAVÍK
Reykjavik, Seattle’s sister city and the capital of Iceland, is situate
d in a picturesque bay surrounded by mountains. Located in the North Atlantic, just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is a wonderland of glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs and volcanoes. Due to its name, most people are surprised to learn of its mild climate, which is attributable to the Gulf Stream encircling the island with its friendly warmth. The glorious unending light from late May to early August is a chief characteristic of this jewel of the North. Iceland was discovered by Ingolfur Arnason in the year 874. Reykjavik, or Smokey Bay was mis-named by Arnason and his fellow Vikings. Upon reaching shore they discovered that the smoke clouds were actually steam vapors arising from the many hot springs. A unique feature of the city is that it is completely smokeless and is heated almost exclusively by thermal water from the hot springs. With a population of over 100,000, Reykjavik is a bustling hub of commerce, government, industry, and culture. Reykjavik is a modern city with a high standard of living, and where approximately 40% of Iceland’s population lives. Because of its rich fishing grounds, sea products account for 80% of the country’s exports and constitute the very foundation of Iceland’s economy. Iceland boasts of 100% literacy. Reykjavik is known to have more bookshops per capita than any other city in the world. There are also six daily newspapers. This literacy tradition seems to stem from the 12th and 13th centuries, the Golden Age of Icelandic sagas, when saga writing and saga reading were national pastimes. The youthfulness of Seattle contrasts the with the 1100-year heritage of Reykjavik; however these two dynamic communities have formed a partnership full of vitality and energy, dedicated to preserving their pasts while at the same time firmly committing themselves to present and future endeavors. The object and purpose of the Association is to strengthen the ties between Seattle and Reykjavik and to develop the friendship and understanding between the people of the two cities and countries. THE CITY OF SEATTLE
Aptly named The Emerald City, Seattle is far more than just sensational scenery. Rated by Rand McNally as the nation’s #1 vacation destination, Seattle and King County offer a unique combination of scenic beauty, cultural diversity, outdoor recreation and urban attractions. Sailing, fishing, skiing, hiking, and hunting, with seasonal variations, take full advantage of one of nature’s most outstanding locations. With mountains, rivers, islands, freshwater lakes and the saltwater Puget Sound all at hand or within an hour’s journey, your choices are numerous. Seattle is filled with surprises. If this is your first visit, even a short tour can be richly rewarding. Visit the Pike Place Market, one of the last authentic farmers’ markets in the country, or Pioneer Square for an underground tour of 19th century Seattle. The International District is close by, as well as the waterfront with its trolleys, the Seattle Aquarium, and savory seafood restaurants. Board a ferryboat for a trip across the Sound or a scenic tour of the San Juan Islands. From the Westlake Center downtown mall, ride the Monorail to Seattle Center. Here at the cultural heart of the city, in the shadow of the Space Needle, music, art, dance, science, drama, crafts, and international cuisine flourish in a harmonious setting of fountains, murals, and sculptures. Take time for the Arboretum, the Ballard Locks, the zoo, Snoqualmie Falls, the wineries, downtown shopping… discoveries without end that begin with your visit to Seattle and King County.
