Editor’s note: The new issue of Iceland Insider's print issue is out and ready to pick up if you are in Iceland or read in a digital format online. Here is my column from the new issue.
Are you on your first visit to Iceland and Reykjavík? Lucky you! You are witnessing the capital’s finest hour. The downtown restaurants are packed, and the streets and sidewalks are full of people during the day and until early morning on the weekends. This is the city’s cultural and culinary hub, where all the can’t-miss watering holes are located.
The reason for this electric atmosphere is the rising influx of travelers from abroad. Iceland used to be almost solely a summer destination. Not so anymore. Although the number peaks during the summer months, we now have a steady stream of visitors throughout the year. And they are transforming the city. Reykjavík’s center, with its colorful, graffitied streets, is changing before our very eyes.
Not all locals are happy. Some believe that the downtown is losing its soul and lament the new economic force of the travel industry. And yes, some parts of Reykjavík’s center are going through a rapid phase of gentrification. New buildings are rising on vacant lots, decrepit houses are being renovated, new life is sweeping into formerly unused shopping spaces, and streets that were deteriorating are suddenly perking up.
The local grievance is mainly caused by some classic NIMBYism*. Construction work close to your home or workplace can be very tiresome indeed. Modern architecture is also a cause for anxiety for some people, but taste is subjective. Some like Beethoven, others the Beastie Boys, and yet others Justin Bieber.
Having lived and played in Reykjavík’s downtown for more than twenty years, I can sincerely say that it’s developing in a healthy way.
Yes, I have cursed some recent explosive work on nearby construction sites that has shaken my building and scared my cats (they got used to it). But I’m happy to see how the area is blossoming after being left behind for two decades when the majority of the city’s shopping moved away to suburban shopping malls.
That said, the rapid changes put huge pressure on the city’s government. Zoning codes must be vigorously enforced and companies that do not respect restrictions should be penalized harshly. The city has to be very careful not to mismanage the situation.
Some dream of stopping the march of time—but that can’t be done. Reykjavík’s historic and oldest neighborhood is buzzing as never before.
*Short for Not In My Back Yard, used to describe people who oppose new buildings, commercial or industrial development in their neighborhood.
Editor’s note: The new issue of Iceland Insider's print issue is out and ready to pick up if you are in Iceland or read in a digital format online. Here is my column from the new issue.
Are you on your first visit to Iceland and Reykjavík? Lucky you! You are witnessing the capital’s finest hour. The downtown restaurants are packed, and the streets and sidewalks are full of people during the day and until early morning on the weekends. This is the city’s cultural and culinary hub, where all the can’t-miss watering holes are located.
The reason for this electric atmosphere is the rising influx of travelers from abroad. Iceland used to be almost solely a summer destination. Not so anymore. Although the number peaks during the summer months, we now have a steady stream of visitors throughout the year. And they are transforming the city. Reykjavík’s center, with its colorful, graffitied streets, is changing before our very eyes.
Not all locals are happy. Some believe that the downtown is losing its soul and lament the new economic force of the travel industry. And yes, some parts of Reykjavík’s center are going through a rapid phase of gentrification. New buildings are rising on vacant lots, decrepit houses are being renovated, new life is sweeping into formerly unused shopping spaces, and streets that were deteriorating are suddenly perking up.
The local grievance is mainly caused by some classic NIMBYism*. Construction work close to your home or workplace can be very tiresome indeed. Modern architecture is also a cause for anxiety for some people, but taste is subjective. Some like Beethoven, others the Beastie Boys, and yet others Justin Bieber.
Having lived and played in Reykjavík’s downtown for more than twenty years, I can sincerely say that it’s developing in a healthy way.
Yes, I have cursed some recent explosive work on nearby construction sites that has shaken my building and scared my cats (they got used to it). But I’m happy to see how the area is blossoming after being left behind for two decades when the majority of the city’s shopping moved away to suburban shopping malls.
That said, the rapid changes put huge pressure on the city’s government. Zoning codes must be vigorously enforced and companies that do not respect restrictions should be penalized harshly. The city has to be very careful not to mismanage the situation.
Some dream of stopping the march of time—but that can’t be done. Reykjavík’s historic and oldest neighborhood is buzzing as never before.
*Short for Not In My Back Yard, used to describe people who oppose new buildings, commercial or industrial development in their neighborhood.
