Historic Spots in Reykjavík That You Probably Don't Know About
Reykjavík is studded with monuments and art pieces that either commemorate founders and leaders, or important events in Iceland. Despite this, unless you're sightseeing with a historian or a knowledgeable local, it’s easy to miss the less popular (but totally worth it) historical sights. So to broaden your knowledge of Iceland's history and culture, discover the historic spots in town that you probably have never heard of.
- See also: History of Iceland
Arnarholl Hill & Statue of Ingolfur Arnarson
Image via Flickr by Peter
Arnarhóll is a grassy green hill in Reykjavík. At the top of the hill, the statue of Ingólfur Arnarson commemorates the first permanent Scandinavian settlers in Iceland. Arnarson landed in Iceland with his crew around 874 A.D.
Created by the Icelandic sculptor Einar Jónsson in 1924, Ingólfur Arnarson stands by his high-seat pillar which is decorated with a dragon’s head. He holds his spear in his hand. According to The Icelandic Book of Settlements, when Arnarson saw Iceland, he threw his high-seat overboard for good luck. According to tradition, Arnarson then named the settlement "Reykjavík" or "Smoky Bay" because of all the steam rising from the nearby hot springs.
The Arnarhóll hill is the perfect place to relax for a bit before doing some more sightseeing in Reykjavík. Enjoy the views of the Old Town and marina. Old Town is a small neighborhood in the center of the capital between the harbour and Lake Tjörnin.
Aside from the prominent statue, there are many other important historic buildings nearby including the Central Bank of Iceland, the National Theater, and the Culture House.
Related: 8 Things To Do in Reykjavik For Under $15
Statue of Leif Eriksson
In front of Hallgrímskirkja church stands the first European to arrive in America - Leif Eriksson. Preceding Christopher Columbus’ voyage by 1,000 years, Leif Eriksson is one of the first sons of Iceland to explore the North Americas.
The statue was a gift from the U.S. to celebrate the 1,000 year anniversary of Iceland’s parliament. It's one of the most photographed attractions in Reykjavík. There's an identical statue in Newport News, Virginia. But you can also find other statues of Leif Eriksson across the U.S. in Boston, Seattle, and Milwaukee.
Fun fact, this was the only statue in Reykjavík to have had permanent night guards protecting it. Another fun fact, the Leif Eriksson statue was erected 13 years before construction started for Hallgrímskirkja church.
By the way, the views from the top of Hallgrímskirkja are breathtaking!
Black Cone Monument of Civil Disobedience
Constructed by Spanish artist Santiago Sierra, The Black Cone Monument of Civil Disobedience is a massive six-foot piece of rock that sits right outside of the House of Parliament in Reykjavík.
It has a large crack that runs down the middle. The crack splits the boulder in two.
The monument first premiered in front of the Parliament in January of 2012 where Sierra cracked the rock with a black cone. It commemorates the third anniversary of protests after the economic crash in 2008.
Similar to most monuments that remind people of a nation’s tumultuous past, Sierra’s monument was extremely controversial. Nevertheless, many see it as a positive connection between art and civil disobedience - both necessary for society.
Vikurgardur (a.k.a. Fógetagarður Square or Bæjarfógetagarður)
Image via Flickr by Félix Tungsteno
Despite having multiple names, Fógetagarður Square is named after the “founder of modern Reykjavík, Skúli Magnússon”. This bronze statue depicts a proud Skúli Magnússon holding a rolled up scroll.
Magnússon was the first Icelander to become Treasurer. He also created the wool industry which led to the urban development of Reykjavík.
Fógetagarður Square is rich with history.
This now public space used to be the home of the old Reykjavík church. It was also the site of Reykjavík’s oldest cemetery. The cemetery closed in 1838 and the church was replaced with the Reykjavík Cathedral in 1796. You'll also find the oldest tree in Reykjavík, a Swedish whitebeam here.
Lastly, every Saturday during July and August, the square transforms into the Reykjavík Street Food Market named Krás. Well-known restaurants serve delicious bites and refreshing drinks at the market.
Viðey Island
Just outside of Reykjavík, take a short ferry ride to the island of Viðey.
With over 1,000 years of history, Viðey is a cultural and historical hub - both modern and ancient.
The island houses ancient ruins and one of the oldest churches in the country. You can also find Videyjarstofa, the first stone building in Iceland here. It dates back to 1755. Back in the 18th and 19th century, stone was luxurious in Iceland.
The landmark Imagine Peace Tower is the latest addition to the island by artist Yoko Ono. It’s a beacon of light that celebrates John Lennon. The memorial is lit from October 9th to December 8th (John Lennon’s birthday and death).
Enjoy the island's natural scenery by biking or walking the hiking paths. No matter which path you take, you’ll be blown away by views of the mainland. From Viðey you can even see the outline of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Take the ferry to Viðey Island from Harpa Concert Hall, the Reykjavík Old Harbour or Skarfabakki Pier.
Read more about Iceland's History & Culture here.
他おすすめのブログ
世界の分散型制御システム産業調査、規模、成長、動向レポート、シェア、トップメーカー、洞察分析、2023-2035年予測
分散制御システム 市場分析 分散制御システム (DCS) は、工場、機械、または制御領域内で空間的に分散された制御ループを使用するデジタル自動産業制御システム (ICS) の一種です。DCS の目的は、産業プロセスを制御して、安全性、費用対効果、信頼性を向上させることです。当社の調査によると、分散型制御システム市場の成長を促す主な理由は、エネルギー需要の増加です。住宅と商業用一次エネルギー需要はもっと読む6 Towns You Need To Visit In Iceland
There are a number of small towns in Iceland you need to visit. When I first started planning our trip to Iceland it was really hard to actually narrow it down. While the country itself has seen anもっと読むThe Best Bits Of Reykjavik
Iceland. An incredible place and a beautiful country, the focal point of which is the bustling city of Reykjavik. During my stay in Iceland i spent 4 days in the dainty city and I’m going to share witもっと読む
アイスランド最大の旅行アプリをスマートフォンにダウンロード。旅のすべてを1か所で管理できます。
アイスランド最大の旅行マーケットプレイスをポケットに。スマートフォンのカメラでQRコードを読み取り、表示されるリンクをクリックしてください。電話番号またはメールアドレスを入力すれば、SMSやEメールでもダウンロードリンクを受け取ることができます。