The Revitalization of the Old Harbor in Reykjavik by a Cultural Economy

Abstract

This article concerns the revitalization of the Old Harbor in Reykjavik, Iceland. The research was conducted from May to July 2014 in Reykjavik. It was based on participant observations, document analyses, and interviews with people involved in the revitalization process. The case study of the Old Harbor in Reykjavik shows that the national heritage—fishing (in both material and intangible terms)——can be transformed in a creative way with regard to the past. This process shows that while preserving the original form of the place, it can be connected with the creation of a new value, helping generate tangible and intangible profits, for both its citizens and tourists, respectively.