Iceland's major towns

One of the best things about travelling round Iceland in the summer is driving through complete wilderness, being amazed by all the empty space and incredible scenery around you. However, at some point on your trip you will probably pass through some of Iceland's major towns — which are more or less the size of your cornershop back home, only with slightly fewer people in them.

Reykjavík, City of Fear
Population 190,000
The world's northernmost capital. Quite possibly the best city in the whole world in terms of sheer fun. I call it the City of Fear in a purely ironic way; there's really nothing to be scared of. Although, if you spend any time in Iceland's near-empty countryside, it can seem a bit daunting on your return, like Rio maybe, or London.

Borgarnes, City of Near
Population 1800
The first town you hit on the way into the countryside. It is compulsory to stop here for a hot dog and a Coke. You can have Kókómjólk instead if you like, but only if you don't have the hot dog. If you have the hot dog, then you have to have Coke. That's just the way it is: learn not to argue.

Akureyri, City of Tears
Population 16,000
If you get to Akureyri, Iceland's beautiful second city in the north, you will inevitably end up in floods of tears. Like the hot dog and the Coke, this is just the way it is. Research shows that every road trip I've ever been on has resulted in at least one of my friends breaking down as we reached the town's border. Personally I cried because I'd had my heart ripped from my chest and jumped up and down on while I looked on helplessly. But anyway, I also like to refer to this town as "Akkó", much to the despair of my Icelandic friends — especially Lára, who comes from the City of Tears itself.

Egilsstaðir, City of Beer
Population 1600
Just one bit of advice: don't end up stuck here without any beer. You will kill yourself.

Höfn, City That Doesn't Rhyme With Anything
Population 1700
The trickiest town for tourists to pronounce. Try thinking of the "ö" as a "u" and the "fn" as a "p" and then say it really fast as if you don't have much breath left. Odd, I know, but as soon as you start sounding like you're trying to get a dog to jump through a hoop, you're winning.

Keflavík, City of Get Me Out of Here
Population rapidly decreasing
The only reason you should have for visitng Keflavík is the airport.