University of Iceland, Reykjavik

University of Iceland, Reykjavik

The University of Iceland, located in Reykjavík, is the oldest and largest public research institution in the country. Established in 1911, it has evolved significantly over the years, transforming from a small civil servants' school into a modern comprehensive university. Currently, it serves approximately 14,000 students across 25 different faculties, covering a wide range of subjects, including social sciences, humanities, medicine, natural sciences, engineering, and teacher education. The university's main campus is situated along Suðurgata street in central Reykjavík, with additional facilities in nearby areas and rural settings.

The university's origins trace back to June 17, 1911, when it was founded by the National Parliament of Iceland (Alþingi). This establishment brought together three former post-secondary institutions: Theology (Prestaskólinn), Medicine (Læknaskólinn), and law (Lagaskólinn). Initially, the university focused on these three fields, along with a faculty dedicated to humanities. In its inaugural year, the university enrolled 45 students. For nearly three decades, it operated out of the Icelandic Parliament building (Alþingishúsið) in central Reykjavík.

In 1933, the university obtained a special license from the National Parliament of Iceland to run a cash-prize lottery (Happdrætti Háskólans). In 1940, the university relocated to its current main building, designed by Icelandic state architect Guðjón Samúelsson. This main building now serves as the central hub of the university campus on Suðurgata, housing many of its key facilities. In recent times, the university has undergone significant restructuring, culminating in its division into five distinct schools in 2008.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Reykjavik. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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University of Iceland on Map

Sight Name: University of Iceland
Sight Location: Reykjavik, Iceland (See walking tours in Reykjavik)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Reykjavik, Iceland

Create Your Own Walk in Reykjavik

Create Your Own Walk in Reykjavik

Creating your own self-guided walk in Reykjavik is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Reykjavik Historical Buildings Tour

Reykjavik Historical Buildings Tour

Reykjavik, although primarily famous as a base from which to explore the rest of Iceland, is surprisingly full of unique historic locations, many of which are off the beaten path and thus not overrun with tourists. In fact, unless you're accompanied by a historian or knowledgeable local, you can easily walk right past them and not realize their historical importance.

Relatively small in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Reykjavik Introduction Walking Tour

Reykjavik Introduction Walking Tour

Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland. Located close to the Arctic Circle, it is the world's northernmost capital. This charming, eclectic destination is the center of Iceland's economy, culture, and government.

Reykjavík is considered to be Iceland's first settlement. According to ancient texts, Norseman Ingolfr Arnarson was drawn to Reykjavík's natural harbor and...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles