Austurvöllur

Reykjavík


Grassy Austurvöllur was once part of first-settler Ingólfur Arnarson’s hay fields. Today it’s a favourite spot for cafe lounging or lunchtime picnics and summer sunbathing next to the Alþingi, and is sometimes used for open-air concerts and political demonstrations. The statue in the centre is of Jón Sigurðsson, who led the campaign for Icelandic independence.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Reykjavík attractions

1. Jón Sigurðsson Statue

The statue in the centre of Austurvöllur park is of Jón Sigurðsson, who led the campaign for Icelandic independence.

2. Alþingi

0.03 MILES

Iceland’s first parliament, the Alþingi, was created at Þingvellir in AD 930. After losing independence in the 13th century, the country gradually won…

3. Dómkirkja

0.03 MILES

Iceland’s main cathedral, Dómkirkja is a modest affair, but it played a vital role in the country’s conversion to Lutheranism. The current building (built…

4. Ingibjörg H Bjarnason Statue

0.03 MILES

Two things set the statue of Ingibjörg H Bjarnason apart from other monuments in the area: it depicts a historical female figure and it is not made by…

5. Old Reykjavík

0.05 MILES

With a series of sights and interesting historic buildings, the area dubbed Old Reykjavík is the heart of the capital, and the focal point of many…

6. Skúli Magnússon Statue

0.07 MILES

This statue represents Skúli Magnússon, the ‘Father of Reykjavík’, who organised the city's early industry.

8. Aðalstræti 10

0.09 MILES

Reykjavík's oldest timber house dates to 1762 and is now home to changing exhibitions charting the course of the city's history.