Austurvöllur Square, Reykjavik

Austurvöllur Square serves as the main public square in Reykjavík and a focal point of both daily life and national identity. The square took shape in the 18th and 19th centuries as Reykjavík developed into an administrative centre. Originally an open field on the eastern side of the early settlement—reflected in its name, meaning “Eastern Field”—it gradually evolved into a structured space framed by key landmarks, including the Parliament House, Reykjavík Cathedral, and Hotel Borg, along with a concentration of cafés, restaurants, and bars.

At the centre of the square stands a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, unveiled in 1911 to mark the centenary of his birth. Nearby, Hotel Borg adds another historical layer: built in 1930 by Jóhannes Jósefsson, who competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics, the Art Deco building was conceived as a luxury hotel ahead of the 1,000th anniversary of Iceland’s parliament and has since hosted politicians, dignitaries, and celebrities.

Today, Austurvöllur functions as both a gathering place and a social hub. In summer, the square fills with locals and visitors enjoying outdoor cafés and open space, while in winter it takes on a quieter atmosphere, often marked by the presence of a large Christmas tree.