Gauti Kristmannsson is an associate professor of translation studies at the University of Iceland. He is the author of "Literary Diplomacy I/II," a book about the influence of translation on national literature in Britain and Germany.

Shane Thomas Mcmillan/Associated Press

From Reykjavik, at the westernmost periphery of Europe, most cities look exciting. However, we Icelanders do detect a difference among the great cities of Europe.

Paris, London, Rome and Vienna remain in our minds exalted, but then again, they are like a very interesting museum. Their splendid old buildings and statues commemorate former greatness and underline past achievement.

The feeling is that something significant will happen there.

Of course, they have built their skyscrapers and museums of modern art, but somehow, the potential seems to be gone. This potential may be linked to political power. People of talent and influence are very often attracted to power since it is the greatest source of funds and acknowledgement. There is also the potential of the unknown and yet-to-be uncovered, which also attracts active minds. The European city to offer this now, in my opinion, is Berlin.

I hear from Icelandic writers and artists that Berlin is the place to be, or at least visit for a while. Berlin has potential, power and something of the terra incognita. The feeling is that something significant will happen there.

Berlin's recent history was certainly eventful. And now it is the capital of the financially most powerful country in Europe. Even if Paris or London attracts plenty of movers and shakers, Berlin has got more potential.