Sculpture & Shore Walk Travel Guide

The Sculpture & Shore Walk is a popular walking path in Reykjavik, passing several interesting sculptures along the capital's waterfront and offering stunning views of the nearby landscape.

Stretching roughly 3 miles (5 kilometers), embarking on the Sculpture and Shore Walk is a great way to get acquainted with Reykjavik. As the name suggests, the walk combines cultural with scenic views, making it popular among locals and tourists alike.

The path is not strictly defined but usually starts either from Reykjavik's old harbor area or Harpa  Concert Hall. From there, the path leads east past several points of interest, notably the iconic Sun Voyager Sculpture and the historical house of Höfði, famous for being the meeting point of former presidents Ronald Reagan of the United States and Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union. 

Things to See on the Sculpture and Shore Walk

Here are some of the sights you can see on the Sculpture and Shore Walk.

Harpa Concert Hall: This is one of Reykjavik's most imporant cultural hubs, opened in 2011. It hosts concerts, conferences, and cultural events, serving as a hub for Reykjavik’s vibrant arts scene with breathtaking views of the harbor.

The Sun Voyager: This striking steel sculpture was built by Jón Gunnar Árnason and represents the promise of undiscovered territory. It is a popular photo spot in Reykjavik and offers stunning views of Mount Esja as well as the city's waterfront.

Höfði: Pictured above, this historic house is known for the 1986 Reykjavik Summit between Reagan and Gorbachev, which marked a significant step towards ending the Cold War, making it a notable landmark of Icelandic diplomacy and history.

The Shore Piece: This conceptual art by artist Sigurður Guðmundsson consists of several polished boulders that contrast with the rugged natural rocks surrounding them. It makes for a great place to take a break on your walk and enjoy the view.

Videy Island: In the distance, you will see the island of Videy, a popular spot among locals to spend an afternoon in a tranquil environment. The Reykjavik City Card includes access to the ferry to Videy as well as entrance to the city's museums, public transportation, pools, and more.

Other Places to Go for a Walk in Reykjavik

Apart from the Sculpture and Shore Walk, there are plenty of other great places to go for a walk in Reykjavik and get to know the city better.

Tjornin is the pond that can be found in the heart of downtown Reykjavik and is a popular spot to go birdwatching. The pond stretches into the public park Hljomskalagardurinn, which has several statues, sculptures, and other sites of interest and is a rare green site in the downtown area. Circling Tjornin is a short but charming walk.

Oskjuhlid is a woodland area close to the city center, best known for being the site of one of Iceland's most iconic buildings, Perlan. This area offers great views as well as several walking and biking trails, making it a good place to escape the hubbub of the city.

Ellidaardalur valley is located a bit further away, so you'll likely need access to a rental car or public transportation to get there. The river Ellidaa, which the area is named after, is a popular spot for salmon fishing, but the valley itself has a nice walking trail and is rich in birdlife and nature.