The Many Feline Faces of Reykjavik

When we spent a few days in Iceland’s Reykjavik, we were surprised to find so many cats strolling the streets of the capital. The city, we found out, is a cat lover’s dream! You are likely to spot a cat around any corner at all times of day. These are not stray cats but rather pets allowed to roam free and wander. Some are even residents of stores such as the one we found snoozing at a souvenir shop in town.

Souvenir shop resident kitty

Cats were most likely brought to Iceland by Nordic settlers around the year 870 to 930. At the time, they were popular in keeping mice and rat populations under control and were also valued for their fur! At the time, cat fur, believe it or not, was legal currency that was more valuable than Arctic fox fur.

Spend some time walking the streets of Reykjavik and you will be sure to bump into a cat. Or, visit the first cat cafe in Iceland: Kattakaffihúsið for some coffee, delicious baked treats, and an opportunity to spend some time with a bunch of kitties. If you want to virtually spot some cats, check out the Instagram Cats of Reykjavik @reykjavikcats.