By the 1970s, most houses were heated in this way, leading to some of the lowest water and electricity bills in Europe. The additional benefit, a drastically reduced level of fuel emissions, has made it a very clean city, demonstrated by the deep, cobalt blue of the sky. A by-product of this natural central heating system is the faint odour of hydrogen sulphide that hangs over the city. Situated in the country's southwest corner on Faxafl i Bay, the city has a very wet climate and, with winds and rain blowing in from the sea, kagoules and waterproofs are the mainstays of the city-dweller's wardrobe. Although the climate can be harsh, the Gulf Air Stream prevents it from becoming as cold as its northerly location might suggest.
Winters are long and bleak, with just four hours of daylight on some days.
Summer, by contrast, brings the famous midnight sun with the city's inhabitants at their most colourful and the streets by night taking on a carnival atmosphere. However, the harsh winters have helped create the rich cultural and artistic life the city enjoys and its wealth of art galleries, theatres, ballet and opera means that there's plenty to do and see on even the wettest and coldest days. Terms and Conditions apply.