Austurvöllur Is Reykjavík's Paradise in the Summer

Austurvöllur is Reykjavík's main public square and one of the city's most popular gathering places, framed by Parliament House and the city's oldest church. In summer, the lawn fills with locals eating lunch, children playing, and travelers pausing between sightseeing stops.

A visit to Austurvöllur Square in summer rewards anyone curious about Icelandic history and everyday life in Reykjavík. This guide covers what to see, where to sit, and how the square changes once the sun stays out late.

A Square Built Around Icelandic History

Austurvöllur has been at the heart of Reykjavík's public life since the 19th century. Back then, the area was open farmland stretching toward the coast. Today, the square is bordered by Vallarstræti, Pósthússtræti, Kirkjustræti, and Thorvaldsensstræti. These four short streets trace its original shape.

Three landmarks are located around the perimeter, each shaping the square's character. Alþingishúsið, the Icelandic Parliament's home since 1881, still houses the country's government. Dómkirkjan, the city's oldest church, has hosted national ceremonies since the late 18th century.

Hótel Borg, an Art Deco hotel built in 1930, stands beside Dómkirkjan and completes the row of historic buildings facing the square. The name Austurvöllur means "East Field," reflecting the area's past as open land on the eastern edge of early Reykjavík.

The Statue at the Center of Austurvöllur Square

The square contains a large statue of Jón Sigurðsson, a leader of Iceland's 19th-century independence movement. It replaced an earlier monument to the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, whose name still marks Thorvaldsensstræti along the square's edge.

The statue has become a natural meeting point and a common backdrop for photographs. It has also served as a focal point of protests for over a century. Crowds gathered here for the 1949 protests over NATO membership and again after Iceland's 2008 financial crisis.

What Makes Austurvöllur Square Summer Visits Different

Austurvöllur Square summer days look nothing like its quiet winter mornings. Good weather brings locals outdoors, and daylight lasts for nearly 21 hours by late June.  Average highs hover near 57°F (14°C), mild enough for a light jacket rather than a heavy coat.

During summer, the lawn fills with people enjoying picnics, reading, or taking a break between errands. Visitors are welcome to sit on the grass, making Austurvöllur one of Reykjavík's most relaxed public spaces. More than a sightseeing stop, the square becomes the city's outdoor living room.

Office workers eat lunch here, friends meet after work, and families gather whenever the weather is good. From the square, visitors can also walk to Tjörnin, Harpa Concert Hall, the Old Harbour, and Laugavegur within about 10 minutes.

Travelers who want a slower look at the area can explore Reykjavik on foot beyond the square itself. Austurvöllur also fills with crowds each June 17, Iceland's Independence Day, when speeches and music draw people near the statue.

Where to Sit and Eat Near Austurvöllur Square

The streets around the square, especially Vallarstræti and Pósthússtræti, are home to some of the best cafés in Reykjavík, along with a handful of solid restaurants. On sunny afternoons, outdoor tables fill quickly with locals, tourists, and people enjoying their lunch break.

A few names worth knowing before you go:

• Café Paris, right on the square, serves coffee, crepes, and hearty meals from morning to night. It has been a local favorite for two decades.

• Apotek Kitchen + Bar sits inside a 1917 pharmacy building visible from the square. The menu leans Icelandic with European touches.

• Te & Kaffi Austurstræti offers a cozy spot for coffee and people-watching, with outdoor seating close to the square.

• Skúli tucks into a corner near Austurvöllur and pours a solid range of Icelandic beers on tap.

• Hotel Borg, facing the square directly, has a restaurant and bar suited for a slower, more formal meal.

Kvosin occupies a preserved building from 1900 directly on the square, placing guests within steps of Alþingi and Dómkirkjan. Staying at this boutique hotel in Reykjavik means summer mornings on Austurvöllur require no transport at all.

Tips for Visiting Austurvöllur in Summer

A few simple tips can help you make the most of your visit to Austurvöllur in summer. Planning your visit around the time of day and the weather can make the experience even more enjoyable.

• Visit before 10 a.m. for a quieter lawn and better light for photographs of the statue and Parliament House.

• Head to the southwest corner of the square for one of the best views of Jón Sigurðsson's statue with Parliament House in the background.

• Avoid peak crowds by skipping midday visits, especially on weekends and around June 17.

• Pack light layers, as wind from the harbor can make the temperature feel cooler even on warm days.

• Stay into the evening and pair your visit with a sunset walk in Reykjavik. Around the summer solstice, daylight lingers well past 10 p.m., giving you more time to enjoy the square.

• Use the nearby public restrooms at Reykjavík City Hall, just a short walk from the square.

Why Austurvöllur Square Summer Feels Different

Austurvöllur Square summer afternoons capture something honest about Reykjavík. It is a small public space shaped by parliamentary debates, church bells, and generations of gathered locals. Visiting in summer, when the grass is full and the light lingers late, shows how the city actually lives.

For travelers staying nearby, the square is an easy place to start each day. Guests at Kvosin Hotel step out onto Austurvöllur within moments, since the building sits directly on the square. It is just as easy to return to before the day ends.

FAQs

Can you bring food and drinks to Austurvöllur Square?

Yes, the square welcomes picnics, and many visitors bring coffee or snacks from nearby cafés. Locals commonly relax on the lawn with food during Austurvöllur Square summer afternoons.

Is Austurvöllur Square wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Austurvöllur Square has flat, paved paths suited to wheelchairs and strollers. Nearby cafés and restaurants also provide accessible seating for visitors.

Does Austurvöllur Square host events besides Independence Day?

Yes, the square hosts Reykjavík Culture Night each August, along with seasonal markets. Live music and outdoor gatherings are also common during Austurvöllur Square summer evenings.

Is Austurvöllur Square a good starting point for exploring Reykjavík?

Yes, its central location places Parliament, the cathedral, and Laugavegur within a short walk. Many walking tours of downtown Reykjavík begin directly at Austurvöllur Square.

Are guided walking tours available at Austurvöllur Square?

Yes, several Reykjavík walking tours use Austurvöllur Square as a meeting point or stop. Schedules vary by operator, so check current tour times before visiting.