Matkaopas: Klambratún-puisto

Klambratun park is one of the largest and most visited public parks in Reykjavik, known for its vast grassy areas and outdoor recreation.

Tourists can visit the park independently or take a Reykjavik tour, such as this four-hour private tour of Reykjavik and this three-hour city walk with a local expert. Another option is purchasing a Reykjavik city card to access the park's museum. 

As Klambratun park features vast open fields, it's a popular place for sports, concerts, and cultural events.

Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Hilmar Thor Johannsson. No edits made.

Location of Klambratun Park

Klambratun park is an outdoor recreational park located near the city center of Iceland's capital, Reykjavik. It lies in the Hlidar district of the city and is bordered by major thoroughfares and streets from Flokagata to Raudararstigur.

Anyone can visit the park easily because of its proximity to the downtown area, whether by foot, private car, or public transportation. Even those arriving from Reykjavik Airport can access the park immediately by traversing two miles (three kilometers) of distance. 

History of Klambratun or Miklatun Park

The Icelandic park shares a deep history tied with the master planning of Reykjavik some decades ago. Although the vast area has been an open space since the early 20th century, it was only in the 1960s that it became a public park.

The park's land used to be part of three different Icelandic towns: Klombur, Hateigur, and Sunnuhvoll. After Reykjavik acquired it, the site underwent several significant developments, starting from the construction of the first school gardens in the city.

Construction for the public park officially began in 1964. A decade later, the Reykjavik Art Museum - Kjarvalsstadir was erected in the area and opened to the public. Throughout the decades, the park added more buildings and sports facilities.

In 2010, the park was officially named Klambratun, as it was formerly called Miklatun park. 

What to See and Do in Klambratun Park

Klambratun is one of the many parks in Reykjavik, but it is also one of the biggest and busiest. The rectangular park covers approximately 25 acres (10 hectares) of land that hundreds of tourists and locals visit daily.

As one of the vast green spaces in the city, Klambratun park has sprawling fields surrounded by gardens and trees. Although it lies along busy thoroughfares, the tree cover of the park creates a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Some trees you'll see here include sitka spruce, rowan, poplar, and birch. 

Anyone looking to enjoy both culture and outdoor physical activity in the city will enjoy spending time at Klambratun. The park's art museum and recreational facilities are its two main drawcards, outlined below.

Reykjavik Art Museum

One of the highlights of this park in Reykjavik is the Reykjavik Art Museum - Kjarvalsstadir. It is one of three locations of the city's leading art museum, which you can visit by purchasing a 48-hour or 72-Hour Reykjavik city card. 

Kjarvalsstadir shares the name of Iceland's beloved and influential painter, Johannes S. Kjarval. The artist is known for mixing different painting styles, sometimes with eclectic elements and often with an abstract style. Some of the best works of Kjdarval, from paintings to personal effects, are housed in one of the museum's permanent exhibitions. 

Apart from Kjarval's artworks, the Kjarvalsstadir art museum features other iconic paintings and sculptures from different local and international artists of varying periods.

The museum's design is an additional reason to visit. Its architecture incorporates Nordic modernist styles, which you can observe from the main structure, windows, and ceilings.

After marveling at fascinating works of art, you may also visit Kjarvalsstadir's cafe and store to buy drinks, souvenirs, and collectibles.

Sports and Recreation in Klambratun Park

The expanse of open lawns and spaces in Klambratun makes it ideal for families, groups, and individuals who want to do recreational activities while surrounded by nature.

The park has one of the busiest frisbee and disc golf courses in Reykjavik, where families can play all day long. It also has basketball and volleyball courts, a soccer field, an athletic field, and a playground for children. 

The park's open space is also excellent for jogging and biking, and overall it's a fantastic place to enjoy nature in the city.

During winter, the park remains available for visitors, and its slopes can be ideal for basic skiing and sledding for kids when thick snow covers it. Cross-country skiers also traverse the terrain, so it's a popular year-round destination.

Attractions Near Klambratun Park

Reykjavik is a spectacular introduction to the diverse beauty of the land of fire and ice. The city is brimming with fascinating attractions and landscapes you can't find anywhere else.

Not far from Klambratun is the most famous and tallest church in Iceland, Hallgrimskirkja. The church towers at 244 feet (75 meters) and offers an unrivaled panoramic view of the city. Hallgrimskirkja church features unique architecture inspired by the basalt columns of Svartifoss waterfall.

Next, you might explore the Laugavegur shopping street to experience the local culture. The main street has an excellent selection of cafes and restaurants serving local and international cuisines. It also has specialty stores where you can shop for souvenirs and boasts top Icelandic hotels you'll want to stay at for days.

At the end of an active day at the park, you might enjoy a soak in the warm waters at the Sundhollin public swimming pool. These swimming baths are loved by locals and feature an open-air rooftop hot tub, plus an indoor lap pool and kids' pool.

If you don't mind going outside the city, take a trip around the Golden Circle, home to three of the most popular attractions in Iceland. The Golden Circle loops 190 miles (300 kilometers) with three stops at Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall. 

You can visit these destinations by joining Icelandic tours like this nine-hour private tour of the Golden Circle with optional activities or this three-day northern lights tour with glacier hiking and the Golden Circle.