Sólfar

Do you see yourself as a globe-trotter? Well, you’re in good company—here’s someone, or rather something, that fully earns that title. The Sun Voyager, or Sólfar in Icelandic, is Reykjavik’s most iconic sculpture. People come from all over the world to admire it—but especially to photograph it. What makes it so popular? The magic lies in a simple combination: a breathtaking natural background paired with a striking and unusual piece of art. One is a gift from Mother Nature; the other is the creation of man— Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. A local of reykjavik, he designed the sculpture in the mid-1980s after winning a local contest to mark the bicentennial of the capital’s founding. At first glance, most passersby may think of a Viking ship ready to set sail across Nordic waters. And fair enough—this is Iceland, after all. Though in reality, the meaning behind is quite different. The artists’ reall intention was to create an ode to the sun and exploration. Standing beside it and looking at the sea’s horizon, you can slowly feel the urge for adventure, a longing to move forward, and a deep curiosity for the unknown. That’s exactly what Jón Gunnar hoped people would experience. Sadly, he never got to see its impact, as he passed away a year before its unveiling. That’s why Sólfar is more than just a sculpture — it’s a dream come true, leaving behind a legacy. A message cast in steel on Reykjavik’s waterfront. And one more thing: if you’re here at night, look to your right toward Viðey Island. The light in the sky belongs to the “Imagine Peace” tower, another powerful symbol in this city of stories.