Recognized as one of the most significant landmarks in Reykjavik, the Sun Voyager sculpture was created by Icelandic sculptor Jón Gunnar Árnason. In 1990, the statue stood out to mark the capital’s 200th anniversary.
The statue is situated near Reykjavik’s city center, a couple of minutes to the East by foot from the famous Harpa Concert Hall.
Full address: Sæbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.
It takes less than an hour to reach the Sun Voyager sculpture if you go straight from the Keflavík International Airport by car as the distance between these two places is just 51 kilometers. If you’re curious to know how long it would take you to reach it from the city center – it’s a 40-minute walk or an 8-minute car ride.
The story of this remarkable piece of art started back in 1986 when Icelanders were celebrating the 200-year anniversary of the capital. This is when it was decided to have an art contest to encourage artists to create something beautiful to later decorate the city. The winner of this competition was Jón Gunnar Árnason. His created prototype from aluminum was gifted to the city. In 1990, a year after the artist’s death, the sculpture was displayed as we find it today. And even though the creator hadn’t seen the finished masterpiece, he gave the green light to place it in the agreed location. The headland at Sæbraut is where the Sun Voyager stands.
Art is supposed to encourage people to think and bring their interpretations to the table. At least, this is what happened with Árnason’s sculpture. For many, the Sun Voyager reminded them of a Viking ship. But the idea represented through the statue was that it’s a boat of dreams, a symbol of sun, light, and hope.
The famous Sun Voyager isn’t the only attraction worth visiting in the area. Here are a few more places you shouldn’t miss:
Take your time exploring the area near the Sun Voyager. For your adventure to be smoother and more comfortable, here are some places to stay near the attraction:
Hotels
Hostels
Guesthouses
