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Parks & gardens

Austurvöllur

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Austurvöllur

Austurvöllur

Austurvöllur is a public square in the center of Reykjavík. It serves as a gathering point for locals and a site for political rallies due to its location next to the Parliament House. Travelers visit the square to observe local life or relax at the surrounding cafés.

Getting There

The square is located within the city center. It is accessible on foot from most central hotels and main shopping streets. Depending on your starting point in the downtown area, it typically takes less than 10 minutes to reach.

Duration of Visit

Since it is an open public space, the time spent here varies. Visitors usually spend between 30 minutes and an hour if they are stopping for a coffee or observing the surroundings.

When to Visit

The square is most active during the day. On sunny days, it is a popular spot for people to sit outdoors. It can become crowded during organized protests or public events. There are no specific seasonal closures as it is an open-air park.

Nearby Attractions

Because of 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.

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Austurvöllur Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Reykjavík Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Reykjavík Cathedral

Reykjavík Cathedral is the principal church of Iceland's Lutheran denomination, standing on Austurvöllur Square in Reykjavík's old town. Next to the parliament building, it is well known for the tradition of holding a mass here each time parliament opens.

0.1 km away

the Settlement Exhibition

Museums & galleries

the Settlement Exhibition

Run by the Reykjavík City Museum, this exhibition displays Iceland's oldest known Viking longhouse ruins right where they were excavated. Other artifacts unearthed around the city are also on display.

0.1 km away

Kolaportið

Shopping & districts

Kolaportið

Kolaportið is a long-running flea market in Reykjavík, Iceland, where vendors sell all kinds of secondhand goods and small items. It's a fun place to browse and hunt for a special souvenir.

0.2 km away

Reykjavik Art Museum

Museums & galleries

Reykjavik Art Museum

The Reykjavik Art Museum is Iceland's largest art museum, spread across three locations in the city. Each space showcases a different range of artworks.

0.2 km away

Icelandic Phallological Museum

Museums & galleries

Icelandic Phallological Museum

A quirky museum in Reykjavik showcasing a diverse collection centered on phallic specimens. Its unusual exhibits make it a fascinating stop for curious travelers.

0.2 km away

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

Museums & galleries

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

This museum holds a collection of about 5 million photographs taken from the 1870s to the present day. Its holdings range from studio portraits to industrial, advertising, and landscape photography.

0.2 km away