Sculpture/ Statues, Reykjavík Region

In Reykjavik shorefront, not far from the city center -- nothing is far from anything in Reykjavik -- sits a commanding Viking ship statue. Made of metal, this modernised version of the ships Vikings used to conquer a big part of the northern hemisphere back then is a sight worth not missing. The statue, named Sun Voyager, is made by artist Jon Gunnar Arnason.

The ship looks very dramatic, and gives a lot of photo opportunities; either with your family or friends, or just the statue with dramatic Icelandic nature on the background. The best time to visit the status is either early morning or late evening on a clear day, when the last rays of sun make the statue turn reddish. We were not that lucky, so you can enjoy only rainy photo. On the other hand, the small water drops on the metal surface were pretty interesting...

2 more images

If you are taking a walk along the waterfront to the East of the old harbour you will come across the striking Sólfar or Sun Voyager. Reykjavik boasts many sculptures and statues scattered around the city but this is by far my favourite. It was created by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason and unvieled in 1971. The huge shinny steel structure is intended to be an abstract representation of a viking ship.

I think it is a beautiful piece of art. The sharp, symetrical lines of the work contrast nicely with the natural lines of the sea and the mountains of Akrafjall and Esjan in the background. The sculpture is also interactive in that you can climb and walk around 'inside it', and it is very big as you can see with me leaning against it in the photos.

1 more image

Grindavik south on the Reykajnes peninsula (15 minutes from the Blue Lagoon) has an impressive and emotional memorial for those who were left at sea in accidents, and the sculpture depicts those bereaved. A source for afterthought and consideration of the traditional hard life of the Icelanders. Right near the Saltfisktur house and Brim restaurant.
Inside the Brim restaurant are several photos of local fishing vessels in stormy weather.

On the coast, on the side of Klapparstigur near the beach, you can see this sculputer of Gunnar Arnason call SunCraft and it is rappresent a viking boat. But if you see very well it appeare like a big insect with 10 legs. Very very nice :)

The statue of Leifur Eriksson (the Son of Iceland, Discoverer of Vinland) is in front of Hallgrimsskirkja. Created by Alexander Stirling Calder and presented to Iceland by the USA in 1930.