A colourful capital

Like many other Nordic cities, Reykjavik often faces a gloomy and chilly forecast. In winter, sunshine—and daylight in general—rarily appear, counting only a handful of bright days. To fight off the bad mood such weather can bring, Icelanders have come up with a brilliant solution: they painted their houses in bright colours. And I mean lots of them. Most homes in Reykjavik are built with corrugated metal for better insulation, and the locals didn’t hesitate to turn that practical choice into a cheerful one. As you walk through the streets, like the one you’re on right now, you’ll spot houses painted in every shade imaginable—deep reds, forest greens, bright yellows, sky blues, neon pinks—everything is possible. This goes for roofs too. Here, bold colors don’t shock anyone. In fact, some residents take it even further by covering their homes in murals or hand-painted designs, constantly pushing the limits of creativity. Strolling through Reykjavik can sometimes feel like walking through a giant dollhouse neighbourhood. In a way, this colourful tradition, which began in the mid-19th century, is a perfect reflection of the Icelandic spirit. Whether it’s winter or summer, their outlook stays bright. A lesson we could all learn from!