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Austurvöllur

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Austurvöllur

Austurvöllur

Austurvöllur is a central public square in Reykjavík. It serves as a gathering point for locals and is surrounded by streets with various cafés. Because it is located next to the Parliament House, the square is frequently used as a site for political rallies and public demonstrations.

Getting There

The square is located within the city centre. It is accessible by foot from most central hotels and main shopping streets. Depending on your starting point in the downtown area, the walk typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes.

Time to Spend

Visitors generally spend 30 to 60 minutes here. This allows enough time to walk through the square, observe the surrounding architecture, or sit at one of the nearby cafés.

When to Visit

The square is most active during the day. It is particularly popular during the summer months and on days with fine weather when people gather outdoors. It can become crowded during scheduled political protests or national events.

Nearby Attractions

Due to its central location, the square can be combined with several other sites within walking distance:

  • Reykjavík Cathedral: 0.1km
  • The Settlement Exhibition: 0.1km
  • Kolaportið: 0.2km
  • Reykjavik Art Museum: 0.2km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Austurvöllur

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Austurvöllur Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Reykjavík Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Reykjavík Cathedral

Reykjavík Cathedral is a Lutheran cathedral on Austurvöllur square in downtown Reykjavík and serves as the seat of the Bishop of Iceland. It stands right next to the parliament building, making it easy to explore both on a stroll.

0.1 km away

the Settlement Exhibition

Museums & galleries

the Settlement Exhibition

The Settlement Exhibition is a museum in downtown Reykjavík where you can see the oldest known Viking-age house ruins in Iceland preserved right where they were excavated. Artifacts found nearby are also on display, offering a close look at daily life in the early settlement period.

0.1 km away

Kolaportið

Shopping & districts

Kolaportið

Kolaportið is a flea market held in Reykjavík, fun to browse for all kinds of secondhand goods and vintage finds. It originally started in the central bank's underground parking garage before moving to its current location.

0.2 km away

Reykjavik Art Museum

Museums & galleries

Reykjavik Art Museum

Iceland's largest visual arts institution, spread across three exhibition venues. Each space has its own character, including the one near the old harbor, making them enjoyable to explore.

0.2 km away

Icelandic Phallological Museum

Museums & galleries

Icelandic Phallological Museum

The Icelandic Phallological Museum in Kópavogur is an unusual museum known for its unique concept of collecting and displaying phallic specimens. Since it grew out of the founder's personal collection, it's an intriguing stop for travelers looking for something out of the ordinary.

0.2 km away

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

Museums & galleries

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

This museum holds millions of photographs spanning from the late 19th century to today. Its collection ranges from portraits to industrial, advertising, and landscape photography.

0.2 km away