Find Reykjavik’s best street art and murals

Reykjavík’s street art is always evolving, with new work appearing across the city like fresh thoughts scribbled in the margins. One week a blank wall becomes a burst of colour; another, a tiny character appears in a doorway you’ve walked past a hundred times. This guide will take you to some of the best street art and murals in Reykjavík.

Reykjavík street art: The story

Unlike many cities where graffiti is considered vandalism, Reykjavík embraces street art as an integral part of its cultural identity. The capital city, as well as the countryside, has an open-minded approach to public art, and many of its murals are commissioned by local businesses, artists, or cultural organisations. It also changes constantly. Some murals remain for years, while others are painted over, making every visit unique. If you’re in town, make sure to keep your eyes open because new pieces pop up all the time.

1. Laugavegur & Hverfisgata

Drift along Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street and a canvas for street art, then wander into neighbouring Hverfisgata to find even more colour spilled across walls.

Snap these murals:

• Horses in the Night by John Gent can be found behind Hversfigallerí at Hverfisgata 4-6. It features five spirit-like figures riding three horses.
• Behind Hverfisgata 18a, you’ll find the striking Greykjavík mural by Siggi Odds, a designer who goes between New York and Iceland.
• At Laugavegur 22, find the rainbow-wrapped Kiki Queer Bar by Juan Pictures Art.

Top tip: Start at Hlemmur Square and walk down Laugavegur, taking detours into side streets where you’ll find some of the most extraordinary hidden murals.

2. Skólavörðustígur

One of Reykjavík’s most photographed streets, Skólavörðustígur, is home to the iconic rainbow-painted street leading up to Hallgrímskirkja Church. But besides the rainbow road, this area has some incredible street art.

Snap these murals:

• At Skólavörðustígur 12, you can find a colourful mural of a woman wrapped in a feather-like display. The unique street art is by Kristín Morthens and can be found next to Kramhúsið.
• Nearby, the bakery Brauð & Co is one of the most visually stunning buildings downtown, thanks to artist Karl Kristján Youze. You can find it at Frakkastígur 16. 

3. Grandi District

Once a fishing district, Grandi has transformed into one of Reykjavík’s trendiest neighbourhoods, packed with galleries, street art, and cool cafés.

Snap these murals:

• At the end of Grandagarður, 14 is a mural by the Polish artist Tankpetrol inspired by the Icelandic band GusGus and their song “Over.”  The towering piece is mesmerising.
• TelmoMiel: Walk down Grandagarður, turn right at Járnbraut and left onto Eyjarslóð, and you will find a mural by TelmoMiel inspired by the Mercury Rev song Moth Light
• At the crossroads of Seljavegur and Vesturgata, you will find a mural by artist Guido Van Helten. It’s a portrait of the grandfather of the house's owner. It’s a sweet, sentimental work of art.
• On Nýlendugata 30, there is a mural by Herakut, a German artist duo comprised of Hera (Jasmin Siddiqui) and Akut (Falk Lehmann).

Top tip: Walk along the harbour area for stunning views of the ocean and some pretty awesome murals.

4. Old Harbour

Reykjavík’s Old Harbour pairs whale-watching with some of the city’s most striking street art..

Snap these murals:

• Glitter is a mural by Sara Riel on the side of the Fishing Industry Building near Harpa Concert Hall. The movement of the ocean inspires the blue and green mural.
• An impressive mosaic mural by Gerður Helgadóttir dons the old tax building close to the harbour.  

Top tip: Combine your street art tour with a visit to Whales of Iceland, an interactive whale exhibition nearby.