Across Reykjavik, buildings, walls, and even tucked-away alleyways showcase an impressive range of artistic styles. From playful, cartoon-like characters to breathtakingly photorealistic pieces, the sheer breadth of artworks will leave travelers in awe. The modern city has fully embraced this flourishing art form, its public spaces transformed into an open-air gallery.
The nature of street art—free, accessible, and constantly changing—turns urban sightseeing into an exciting, continuous discovery. Walking tours of Reykjavik feel like a continuous scavenger hunt, where murals are always popping in and out of city walls. This ever-evolving canvas ensures there's always something new to see on every visit.
History of Reykjavik Street Art
Reykjavik's street art scene, while seemingly a modern explosion of color, has roots that trace back to earlier forms of urban expression. Like many cities, graffiti and tagging were present in Reykjavik in the 1990s and early 2000s, but it was often seen as acts of rebellion or territorial marking.
The shift towards the more artistic and large-scale muralism we see today began to gain momentum in the late 2000s and early 2010s. This period saw a growing acceptance and even encouragement of street art as a way to revitalize urban spaces and inject creativity into the city's fabric.
Several factors contributed to the flourishing of Reykjavik city murals and street art, with the 2015 Wall Poetry project acting as a major catalyst. Local artists, alongside the influx of international talent drawn by such projects and independent endeavors, began using public walls as their canvases, pushing the boundaries of what urban art could be.
Today, Reykjavik's street art continues to evolve, with new murals constantly appearing and transforming the cityscape. While some pieces may be temporary, painted over by new creations, others, including many from the Wall Poetry era, have become iconic landmarks.
Key Areas: Where to See Reykjavik Street Art
Embarking on a quest for captivating street art is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik for free, especially for art lovers. And while the murals can pop up anywhere, certain areas feature a higher concentration of street art. Each locale offers a unique perspective, too.
For instance, the Reykjavik city center (Midborg) pulsates with artistic energy, a hub for large-scale murals and diverse street art. As you navigate main streets like Laugavegur, towering artworks command attention. Local businesses have even commissioned artists to paint their storefronts, like the Braud & Co bakery’s facade, which offers an explosion of color.
Towards the Grandi Harbour District, the street art takes on a grittier vibe. Here, the backdrop of warehouses and maritime activity sets the stage for often bolder and more experimental works. The ultra-photorealistic works of Guido Van Helten stand out as a stark contrast to the more playful murals you’ll see in the city center.
While Midborg and Grandi are key hotspots for Reykjavik city murals, don't limit your exploration. The city’s artistic spirit isn’t confined to specific zones, and even in quieter neighborhoods, there’s a big chance of stumbling upon remarkable pieces. Make exploring these street art hubs a priority on your Reykjavik itinerary for a unique artistic experience.
Must-See Reykjavik City Murals and Artists
Photo by Bryan Alexander, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.
While the beauty of Reykjavik's street art lies in its spontaneous discoveries, several key murals and artists consistently capture attention and offer a taste of the scene's brilliance. Keep an eye out for some of the murals around the city that have earned acclaim.
“Officially Nobody” by INO
"Officially Nobody," created by Greek artist INO for the 2016 Wall Poetry event, is a thought-provoking mural in his signature grayscale palette with touches of light blue.
The artwork depicts a formally dressed man, yet his face is conspicuously erased, and his tie appears to be dissolving. It serves as a poignant commentary on the erosion of individuality in an increasingly homogenized world.
“Wolf” by Elle
Look out for the striking "Wolf" mural by the acclaimed American artist Elle during your Reykjavik explorations in the city center. Known for her large-scale, vibrant, and often surreal depictions of powerful female figures and intertwined natural elements, Elle brings her signature bold style to this depiction of a wolf.
“Horses in the Night” by John Gent
Photo by Rob Oo, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.
Located on Hverfisgata, "Horses in the Night" by British artist John Gent is a mesmerizing mural born from the 2015 Wall Poetry project. The artwork possesses a distinctly magical and surreal quality, depicting five ghostly figures astride horses against a stark black background.
The ethereal depiction of the riders evokes a sense of otherworldliness, perfectly capturing the haunting atmosphere of its song inspiration: John Grant's "Pale Green Ghost."
“Ode to Mother” by Caratoes
Photo by Viv Lynch, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via Flickr.
Painted on the facade of the Mjuk Iceland shop in the city center, "Ode to Mother" is a captivating mural by Belgian artist Caratoes. The piece was a part of the Wall Poetry project in 2015 and was directly inspired by the Icelandic band Ylja's song of the same name.
“Vampire” by *FACE and Agent Fresco
Located on Laugavegur, right in the heart of the city center, the mural "Vampire" is a captivating collaboration between the artist *FACE and the Icelandic band Agent Fresco. Inspired by the medieval Icelandic saga, Laxdaela Saga, this artwork likely interprets a dramatic or mysterious element from the tale through *FACE's distinctive artistic lens.
“Phoenix” (“Fonix”) by Sara Riel
Photo by Rob Oo, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.
Located near the harbor at Forrettabarinn in Nylendugata, "Phoenix" (or "Fonix" in Icelandic) is a bright mural by prolific street artist Sara Riel. This eye-catching artwork is part of her series on the natural world, and embodies the potent symbolism of the mythical phoenix.
Riel's rendition captures the essence of this creature of rebirth. Here, you’ll see both the nest and bird are consumed by flames, only to give rise to a new egg, signifying the cycles of destruction and renewal.
“No Exit” by Guido van Helten
Photo by orangemania, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.
Guido van Helten's thought-provoking work, "No Exit," is a striking triptych painted on the Loftkastalinn building, a former theater space in Reykjavik. This mural concept was directly inspired by still photographs taken by Andres Kolbeinsson of the 1968 Jean-Paul Sartre play of the same name.
Van Helten masterfully translates the play's existential themes onto the three walls, using his signature photorealistic grayscale style to capture the raw emotion in Sartre's narrative.
How To Get to the Reykjavik City Murals
Getting to Reykjavik and then navigating its lively street art scene is relatively straightforward. Most international visitors will arrive via flights to Reykjavik, landing at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), which is about a 45-minute drive from the city center. From the airport, you can easily reach Reykjavik by airport transfer bus, taxi, or car rentals in Iceland.
Having a car offers flexibility for exploring areas beyond the immediate city center, including the Grandi Harbour District and venturing to more far-flung murals. However, Reykjavik itself is quite walkable, and the main areas for street art in Miðborg are easily accessible on foot once you've settled into your Reykjavik accommodations.
Plan a Tour of the Reykjavik City Murals and Street Art
There's a real charm to unexpectedly encountering Reykjavik's street art, but for those wanting a deeper dive or a more structured approach, guided tours are a great option. Several local operators offer walks focused on the Reykjavik city murals, often led by locals who share the context and history of this dynamic art form.
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Private 2-Hour Reykjavik Street Art Walking Tour with Local Guide: Enjoy this two-hour exploration that will take you to the colorful Reykjavik city murals, graffiti, and street art gems on Laugavegur Street and beyond.
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Small Group 2-Hour Street Art & Photo Walking Tour of Reykjavik: Discover the flourishing street art scene in Reykjavik on this guided excursion led by an expert English-speaking guide.
