Street Art of Reykjavik
Reykjavik

Street Art of Reykjavik

Posted In: Iceland

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland and the northern most capital city in the world, has a laid-back atmosphere. From great cafes and restaurants to its night life and to its street art, Reykjavik has a quirkiness and uniqueness that is not seen in other national capital cities.

When you take a walk around Reykjavik you cannot miss the murals that adorns many of the city buildings. Whether you call it urban graffiti or street art, it has become a major tourist attraction in the city.

Illegal graffiti remains an issue in Reykjavik, just as it does in many cities around the world. Because of this the city spends a significant amount of money every year to remove illegal graffiti from city buildings, light poles, street signs and other city property. The art that you see on many of the buildings is not illegal graffiti. Street art is legal in Reykjavik if the property owner has given permission for it to be painted on their building.

Street Art of Reykjavik
Location: Laugavegur 66. Art: D*FACE and Agent Fresco inspired by Laxdæla Saga
Street Art of Reykjavik
Location: Laugavegur 35. Art: Elle with Úlfur Úlfur, inspired by the song “Tuttugu og Eitthvað” by Úlfur Úlfur

Where to find the street art

A good place to start to spot street art in Reykjavik is the main tourist street of Laugavegur (as you can see from the above photos).  There are a number of murals painted on walls in the street and in some instances entire buildings have been adorned with artwork. 

The best way to see the street art is to simply explore the city on foot. You will be amazed at the amazing artwork you find.

Street Art of Reykjavik
Now who doesn't love a rainbow unicorn?
Street Art of Reykjavik

Look for Smaller Pieces

Not all of the artworks cover full walls or buildings. While exploring the city, make sure you look for smaller pieces.

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Street Art of Reykjavik
Street Art of Reykjavik
  • Amy
    July 20, 2019

    Wow! Some of these pieces are extraordinary!

    • Lisa
      Amy
      July 21, 2019

      They really are Amy and they just seem to fit the city so well.

  • Kathryn Dickson
    July 22, 2019

    I love that street art is so universal!

    • Lisa
      Kathryn Dickson
      July 24, 2019

      Totally agree Kathryn. We love finding street art where ever we travel.

    • madhu sharma
      Kathryn Dickson
      December 14, 2019

      Wow love those street arts ..hope to see them in person someday

      • Lisa
        madhu sharma
        December 14, 2019

        Hope you get to see it Madhu. Iceland is beautiful.

  • Anita
    July 24, 2019

    Loved street art of Reykjavik. It brings so much color to the city. Thanks for sharing.

    • Lisa
      Anita
      July 24, 2019

      It really is amazing isn’t it Anita

    • Sinjana
      Anita
      November 3, 2019

      The street art here is very innovative I see. This is a wonderful insightful article capturing the street art scene of Reykjavik

      • Lisa
        Sinjana
        November 4, 2019

        Thanks Sinjana. The street art is definitely amazing.

  • Nicky
    November 4, 2019

    Iceland doesn’t really appeal to me, but I could definitely visit for the street art. Stunning examples you’ve highlighted here, bringing a much needed colour burst to the city during the winter months 🙂

    • Lisa
      Nicky
      November 5, 2019

      Reykjavik is definitely a colourful city Nicky!

  • Anna
    December 14, 2019

    Such a cool post! I wasn’t aware Reykjavik also has such a vibrant street art scene. I love Icelandic horses and planning on visiting Iceland at some point for a trail ride trip. Surely will go and have a look at the street art too!

    • Lisa
      Anna
      December 15, 2019

      Iceland is just so amazing Anna. From the street art to the waterfalls and of course the horses. A trail ride trip would be amazing.

  • Ann
    December 14, 2019

    Theres some really beautiful artwork!

    • Lisa
      Ann
      December 15, 2019

      The art work really is beautiful.

  • Loredana
    December 14, 2019

    These are indeed some great places to visit to admire interesting street art. I love the selection! I’ll have to add these to my next visit to Reykjavik .

    • Lisa
      Loredana
      December 15, 2019

      Thanks Loredana. The art is amazing.

  • Bliss Eatts
    December 15, 2019

    I did not know about all of this. What beautiful art.

    • Lisa
      Bliss Eatts
      December 15, 2019

      It is pretty amazing.

  • Bree
    December 15, 2019

    Stunning street art! Its funny years ago it was considered graffiti and everyone would cover it up. Now we love it…there are some amazing street artists around the world xx

    • Lisa
      Bree
      December 15, 2019

      We love finding street art Bree. And totally agree about the whole street art v graffiti. But it really does brighten the city.

  • Emma
    December 15, 2019

    What beautiful street art. This is one of my favorite activities now, looking for cool street art wherever I go. This is stunning. The one that takes over three whole house is spectacular, and you’re right, who doesn’t love a rainbow unicorn?!

    • Lisa
      Emma
      December 15, 2019

      We are the same Emma – finding street art is something we love doing.

  • Elsa
    December 15, 2019

    Amazing street arts! Each has its own fantastic quality..thanks for the inspiration. Keep it up!

    • Lisa
      Elsa
      December 16, 2019

      Thanks Elsa. They are pretty amazing aren’t they.

  • Taylor Deer
    December 16, 2019

    This is so cool! I hope to revisit Reykjavik at some point.

    • Lisa
      Taylor Deer
      December 16, 2019

      It’s very cool Taylor. Reykjavik and Iceland are absolutely amazing to visit.

  • Hannah
    December 16, 2019

    Wow, these are stunning! I didn’t realise there was so much street art to be seen in Reykjavik!

    Hannah | https://getlost.blog/

    • Lisa
      Hannah
      December 16, 2019

      And this is only a small example Hannah.

  • Emma
    December 16, 2019

    Beautiful pictures. I enjoy street art so much – it has the potential to beautify anywhere. I love when the revitalization of an old city/town involves street art.

    • Lisa
      Emma
      December 16, 2019

      Thanks Emma. Reykjavik has definitely done an amazing job with its street art.

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