The Sun Voyager (Solfar)

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.

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Where is the Sun Voyager located?

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.

How to get to the Sun Voyager?

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.

General information about the Sun Voyager:

Size: 9 m × 7 m × 18 m
Material: Stainless steel/granite foundation
The concept of the Sun Voyager was first presented in 1986
The statue was unveiled to the public in 1990

History of the Sun Voyager

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.

Meaning behind the Sun Voyager

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.

Attractions nearby the Sun Voyager

The famous Sun Voyager isn’t the only attraction worth visiting in the area. Here are a few more places you shouldn’t miss:

Partnership sculpture – The harpoon-shaped sculpture by Pétur Bjarnason was created to honor the 50-year relationship between Iceland and the USA.
Harpa Concert Hall – is not only Reykjavik’s concert hall and conference center but also a breathtaking architectural piece that opened in 2011.
Höfði House – a building that marks the end of the Cold War. This is where, in 1986, met U.S. President Ronald Reagan and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev. The occasion is also known as the Reykjavik Summit.
Reykjavik City Hall – an intricate building that stores Iceland’s 3D map on its ground floor.
Hallgrímskirkja – The largest church in Iceland, 74.5 meters tall, it’s also known as one of the distinct buildings in Iceland due to its side wings.
Perlan – “The Pearl” museum is situated on top of Öskjuhlíð Hill and lures people to come closer due to its interesting shape and glass dome.

Where to stay near the Sun Voyager

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:

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