Austurvöllur Square
Reykjavík's vibrant central square, flanked by Parliament and the Cathedral, offering a green respite and a hub for city life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy pleasant weather and greenery
Austurvöllur Square
Best Time
Enjoy pleasant weather and greenery
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Reykjavík's vibrant central square, flanked by Parliament and the Cathedral, offering a green respite and a hub for city life.
"A lovely little park in central Reykjavík with access to some of downtown’s main streets."
☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby
Many cafes surround the square, perfect for a break and people-watching. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Stroll Through
It's a lovely spot for a leisurely walk, especially when the weather is nice. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Parliament Building
North side of the square
Admire the historic seat of Icelandic government, a striking architectural presence.
Reykjavík Cathedral
East side of the square
Visit the iconic Domkirkjan, a beautiful landmark with a rich history.
Jon Sigurdsson Statue
Center of the square
See the prominent statue honoring the leader of Iceland's 19th-century independence movement.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Heart of Reykjavík
Seasonal Surprises
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby
Many cafes surround the square, perfect for a break and people-watching. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Stroll Through
It's a lovely spot for a leisurely walk, especially when the weather is nice. :walking:
Check for Events
Exhibitions or protests can happen here, adding to the square's dynamic atmosphere. :mega:
Winter Footwear
Snow boots or yaktrax are helpful in winter for well-maintained but potentially slick paths. :boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby
Many cafes surround the square, perfect for a break and people-watching. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Stroll Through
It's a lovely spot for a leisurely walk, especially when the weather is nice. :walking:
Check for Events
Exhibitions or protests can happen here, adding to the square's dynamic atmosphere. :mega:
Winter Footwear
Snow boots or yaktrax are helpful in winter for well-maintained but potentially slick paths. :boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Austurvöllur Square is a charming, central green space in Reykjavík, praised for its well-maintained gardens and proximity to key landmarks like Parliament and the Cathedral. Visitors enjoy it as a pleasant spot for relaxation and people-watching, with seasonal highlights like a Christmas tree adding to its appeal. Some reviews mention occasional litter, but overall it's seen as a lovely, accessible city square.
"A beautifully maintained park situated directly in front of Iceland’s Parliament building, conveniently located in the heart of Reykjavík at the intersection of Austurstræti and Kirkjustræti streets."
Playmo Billy
"We walked past this multiple times today and every time it made me happy. There are weird plants growing along the path though... Are those collared greens?? But regardless, the botanists know what they're doing. The colorful pop in front of a dreary color palette background was nice to be around.
There was some exhibition going on today, but we didn't have time to stop and investigate.
Along one side was an "American Bar" next to an "English pub". The American bar had a neon sign and the English pub had proper lettering with serifs. Very on brand."
John Carpenter
"It’s a lovely little park in central Reykjavík with access to some of downtown’s main streets. At the time, there was a gorgeous Christmas tree here which looked beautiful when surrounded by snow. It’s not a very large city square but there are benches here with some shade. During the winter, the footpaths are generally well-maintained post-snow but no harm wearing snow boots or yaktrax if walking around here. A lot of nearby cafés too!"
Jordan Kevin Magtaan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Austurvöllur Square is located in the heart of downtown Reykjavík, easily accessible by foot from most central accommodations. It's at the intersection of Austurstræti and Kirkjustræti streets. If arriving by bus, many routes stop nearby.
Street parking is available in the surrounding areas, but can be limited and metered. Several parking garages are also within walking distance, such as the one at Laugavegur 7 or behind the Harpa Concert Hall.
Absolutely! It's a central landmark surrounded by shops, restaurants, and other attractions like Hallgrímskirkja church and the Old Harbour, making it an ideal starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Austurvöllur Square is a public space and is free to enter and explore at any time.
As an outdoor public square, Austurvöllur is accessible 24/7. However, surrounding buildings like the Parliament and Cathedral have their own visiting hours.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. However, please be mindful of keeping the area clean, as some visitors have noted litter issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the Parliament building, Reykjavík Cathedral, and the statue of Jon Sigurdsson. It's also a great spot for people-watching, relaxing on benches, and enjoying the city atmosphere.
The paths within the square are generally well-maintained, making it reasonably accessible. However, some areas might have uneven surfaces, especially after inclement weather.
Public restrooms are not directly located within the square itself. You'll likely need to use facilities at nearby cafes, restaurants, or public buildings.
The square features various plants and greenery, with some visitors noting unusual or 'weird' plants. The botanists maintain the garden, adding pops of color.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the Parliament building and Cathedral, especially during golden hour. The Jon Sigurdsson statue is also a central photographic element. The seasonal decorations, like the Christmas tree, offer unique shots.
Yes, the backdrop of historic buildings and the greenery can make for lovely portraits. Consider the lighting throughout the day for the best results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Reykjavík's Social Scene
Beyond its civic importance, the square is appreciated for its well-maintained greenery, which provides a welcome splash of color against the often muted Icelandic palette. While some have observed litter, the general sentiment is that the botanists do a commendable job. It's a place to sit, observe, and feel connected to the city's daily life, whether you're enjoying a quiet moment or witnessing a local event.
Seasonal Transformations
As spring and summer arrive, the square transforms into a leafy oasis. The 'weird plants' mentioned by some visitors are part of its unique botanical charm, offering vibrant pops of color. This makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a moment of relaxation amidst the city bustle. The well-maintained paths ensure accessibility, though appropriate footwear is recommended in winter.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit