Ingólfstorg Reykjavík: What to See at Ingólfur Square

Ingólfur Square, also called Ingólfstorg, is a central Reykjavík square associated with the Icelandic settlement story and the place where Reykjavík's saga springs to life. The square represents the traditional account of how Ingólfur Arnarson chose the site where Reykjavík was born.

The story belongs to the year 874. According to Icelandic lore, Ingólfur threw his wooden high-seat pillars into the sea and vowed to settle wherever the currents carried them. After three years of searching, his slaves found the pillars at this spot, and Ingólfur claimed it as his settlement. You can explore this history as stop 2 of 8 on Reykjavík: In the Footsteps of the Vikings.

What is Ingólfur Square in Reykjavík?

Ingólfur Square is a named Reykjavík plaza connected to the traditional founding story of the city. Its significance comes from the claim that the high-seat pillars of Ingólfur Arnarson were found here, giving the settler the sign he had been waiting for and linking this particular spot with Reykjavík's origin.

The square's name also connects to Reykjavík itself. “Reykjavík” means “Smoky Bay”, a name associated with the geothermal steam that once rose from these shores.

What can you see at Ingólfur Square?

Look for the stoic statue of Ingólfur, shown with a spear and overlooking the city associated with his founding story. It gives the square a physical reference point for the settlement tradition rather than leaving the story as something you only read about.

The plaza also contains subtle references to Norse mythology. Runes, carvings and symbols associated with Odin, Thor and Freyja are scattered around Ingólfur Square, so take time to examine the details rather than only looking at the statue. The square's challenge is to find them all; the answer is best left for the experience itself.

Ingólfur Square is not frozen in its settlement-era symbolism. Street musicians, food stalls and occasional Viking reenactors contribute to its present-day activity, placing the old origin story alongside the life of a working Reykjavík plaza.