Parks in Reykjavík

Parks in Reykjavík

Parks in the city center

From tiny little green oases surrounded by pavement and concrete, to airy green open spaces, the city centre has some lovely and historic parks. On a sunny day, there’s nothing better than to take a picnic out to any of these spots or get an ice cream and go for a walk.

Austubvöllur Park

Arguably the true heart of the city, Austurvöllur park is where the locals flock to soak up the sun when the weather is nice. It’s also where the locals gather to bang pots and pans and hurl skyr at parliament in protest when they’re not happy with the government’s actions.

Tryggvalgardur Garden

Named for Tryggvi Gunnarsson (1835 – 1917), a renowned entrepreneur, this garden dates back to 1893. It’s known as a place where the nation’s leaders come to make important decisions since it’s located directly behind the House of Parliament. The garden remains virtually unchanged since its first days, although the trees are a little bit bigger than they used to be.

Fogetagardurinn Park

The site of Reykjavík’s first cemetery dating back to the time of Iceland’s s settlement, used for over 800 years. It is believed to contain the remains of 30 generations of Icelanders. Spreading its limbs across the park is Reykjavík’s oldest tree: a rowan tree dating back to 1884. Close by is the Settlement exhibition, where you can see remains of buildings from the 10th century, recently excavated.

A canyon. Photo by Olga

Holavallagardur Cemetery

The green space on the west side of the pond is a cemetery. It was first used in 1838 and for a long time it was the main cemetery of Reykjavík. Many of Reykjavík’s most famous sons and daughters were laid to their final rest here, most notably Jon Sigurdson, a national hero for his part in Iceland’s fight for independence. June 17th, Iceland’s Independence Day, is Jon’s birth day and each year, the day’s celebration’s start with the mayor leaving a wreath of flowers at his grave.

The Lakeside

The past meets the present on the banks of lake Tjörnin where Reykjavík’s modern palace of a city hall is flanked by some of the city’s loveliest houses from the turn of the century on both sided of the lake. If you’re feeling pensive, have a seat on the bench on the west side of the pond, next to the statue of Reykjavík poet Tomas Gudmundsson and you’ll be sure to feel inspired.

Bjarkagata Grove

In 1914, there were 400 birch trees planted on this spot, marking Iceland’s first effort towards reforesting the island. As you might have noticed, they still have a long way to go. According to ancient manuscripts, Iceland was covered in forests when the first settlers arrived but climate changes and the livestock that the settlers brought changed Iceland’s nature to what it is today.

Pavilion Park

(Hljomskalagardurinn). With a cinderellaesque rags-to-riches transformation, what used to be the city dump for the most part of the 19th century is now a popular place to picnic by the lakeside. The park is named for the octagonal, tower-like structure, built in 1923 to house the Reykjavík marching band.

Court Garden

(Hallargardyrinn). Originally a private garden, in 1955 it became the first large recreation area in Iceland to be specifically designed by a landscape architect. The house in the park was built by famed businessman Thor Jensen and is considered by many among the most beautiful buildings in Reykjavík.

Mother’s Park

(Maedragardurinn). One of the city’s first playgrounds. In 1925, the area was declared a public park and dedicated to mothers with young children, hence the statue of a mother with a child. The statue is by famed Icelandic sculptor Nina Saemundsson, whose work « The Spirit of Achievement » adorns the Waldorf Astoria in New York.

Arnarholl Hill

This grassy hill in the middle of the city has narrowly escaped building plans through the years. It serves as a gathering spot for the people of Reykjavík on celebrations such as June 17th and the Gay pride festival. On the top of the hill is a statue of Ingolfur Arnarson, the first permanent settler of Iceland. He built his farm in Reykjavík.

Einar Jonsson Sculpture Garden

Behind the Einar Jonsson Museum is a garden exhibiting casts of Einar’s sculptures. The fierce Icelandic national spirit is captured in these boldly rendered, allegorical figures. The museum building is the first purpose-built museum in Iceland and also housed the artists’s apartment and studio. In exchange, Einar donated all his works to the Icelandic nation