Sun Voyager

The Sun Voyager is a gleaming steel sculpture on the Reykjavik waterfront that resembles a stylised Viking ship, though its creator called it a dreamboat, an ode to the sun and a promise of undiscovered territory. Pointing out across the bay to the mountains, it is one of the most photographed spots in the city, especially at sunrise and sunset.

History

In 1986 the district association of the west of Reykjavík held a competition for an outdoor sculpture to mark the city's 200th anniversary, and Jón Gunnar Árnason's Sun Voyager won; his aluminium model was enlarged in stainless steel under his assistant, the artist Kristinn E. Hrafnsson, and the full-size work was unveiled on Sæbraut on the city's birthday, 18 August 1990 (Wikipedia, The Sun Voyager).

The main sights

• The steel ship sculpture - the gleaming abstract vessel on the shore.
• The mountain view - Mount Esja and the bay beyond.
• Sunrise and sunset - the low sun behind the sculpture, the classic shot.
• The waterfront walk - the seaside path linking it to Harpa.

When to go

Year-round; sunrise and sunset light it beautifully, and in winter the northern lights can appear behind it. It is a quick stop on a waterfront stroll.

Good to know

It is a single sculpture, a five-minute photo stop rather than a long visit. It is popular, so it can be busy at sunset. Best combined with a waterfront walk to Harpa.

Nearby

Harpa concert hall is along the waterfront; the city centre is a short walk.

Key facts