Kopavogur, Iceland

Capital City

With a population of just over 40,000, Kópavogur is the second-largest municipality in Iceland. While it may be a convenient commuter town adjacent to Reykjavik, the bureaucratic headaches of Icelandic life are ever-present. The town's history as the site of Iceland's incorporation into Denmark-Norway lends it an air of significance, but the lingering presence of urban legends about the huldufólk (hidden people) serves as a reminder that Icelandic mysticism remains a persistent part of the local culture. For those willing to navigate the quirks of Icelandic society, Kópavogur could be a sensible choice, but it is hardly the stuff of storybooks.