Is the Sun Voyager a Viking ship?

No, despite its boat-like form, the Sun Voyager is not a Viking ship. Artist Jón Gunnar Árnason described it as a dreamboat, an ode to the sun symbolizing hope, progress, freedom, and the promise of undiscovered territory. Its abstract form is deliberately open to interpretation.

Who created the Sun Voyager?

Jón Gunnar Árnason (1931–1989) created the Sun Voyager. The sculpture was unveiled on August 18, 1990, to mark the 200th anniversary of Reykjavik's city charter. Árnason died of leukemia before seeing the sculpture installed. He was a prominent Icelandic artist known for his abstract metal works.

When is the best time to photograph the Sun Voyager?

Sunset is widely considered the best time for photography, as the sculpture faces northwest toward the setting sun (in summer). The stainless steel catches the warm light well. Winter sunrises also light the sculpture from a low angle. The midnight sun in June gives hours of good light.

What else is near the Sun Voyager?

The Sun Voyager sits on Sæbraut, the coastal road. Within walking distance you will find Harpa Concert Hall (10 minutes west), the Old Harbour area, and the Höfði House where the 1986 Reagan–Gorbachev summit took place. The waterfront path is popular for walks with views of Mount Esja.

Sólfar (Sun Voyager): Reykjavik's Waterfront Sculpture

A stainless steel dreamboat sculpture on Reykjavik's waterfront and one of Iceland's most photographed artworks.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel TeamEditorial policy

Location

Sæbraut Waterfront

Reykjavik • Free outdoor access 24/7

Sólfar (Sun Voyager) is a stainless steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, situated on the Sæbraut waterfront in Reykjavik with Mount Esja rising across the bay. Unveiled on August 18, 1990, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Reykjavik's city charter, the sculpture is often mistaken for a Viking longship. In reality, Árnason described it as a dreamboat, an ode to the sun representing hope, progress, and the promise of undiscovered lands. The skeletal form catches sunlight on its polished steel surfaces, and at sunset it appears to sail into the light. It has become one of Iceland's most photographed artworks.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Unveiled

1990

Commemorating 200 years of Reykjavik's city charter

Artist

Jón Gunnar Árnason

Icelandic sculptor (1931–1989); the work was installed posthumously

Access

Free, 24/7

Open-air sculpture on the Sæbraut coastal path

What to Expect

Stainless Steel Form

A skeletal boat-like structure in polished stainless steel; it reflects light and changes appearance with the weather and time of day

Mount Esja Backdrop

The sculpture faces northwest across the bay toward Mount Esja, which forms the backdrop in most photos

Sunset Photography

The sculpture faces northwest, so the setting sun lights the steel directly; most photographers come at that hour

Waterfront Path

Part of Reykjavik's popular coastal walking path along Sæbraut, connecting to the Old Harbour and Harpa

Year-Round Access

An open-air sculpture accessible 24 hours a day, free of charge, in any season or weather

Midnight Sun Views

During June, the midnight sun keeps low light on the bay and mountain for hours

Getting There

The Sun Voyager is located on Sæbraut, the waterfront road east of Reykjavik's city center. It is about a 15-minute walk east from Harpa Concert Hall along the coastal path, or a 10-minute walk north from Laugavegur. Limited street parking is available on Sæbraut. The sculpture is an outdoor installation accessible at all times with no admission charge.

Best Time to Visit

The Sun Voyager is accessible year-round, but the light matters for photography. At sunset in summer the sculpture appears to sail into the setting sun, the shot most people are after. During June's midnight sun, the golden hour stretches on for hours. In winter, sunrise and the low arc of the sun also work well. A clear day with Mount Esja visible is best.

Planning help

Sun Voyager FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

Back to Landmarks