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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Sun Voyager Summary
| Opening hours: |
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| Public website: | sunvoyager.is |
Iceland – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type F
Type F:
 Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Icelandic Króna (ISK) £1 ≈ ISK 162 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are highly common in Iceland, especially in cities. Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, including smaller establishments. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are popular.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not common in Iceland and not expected in restaurants. A service charge is usually included in the bill. Tipping taxi drivers or hotel staff is appreciated but not necessary. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed, especially in designated areas during festivals or outdoor events. Alcohol is also available at licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces and on public transport. Designated smoking areas are available outside of many restaurants and public buildings. |
| Icelandic National Day (June) |
Expect parades and celebrations throughout the country. Hotels and tourist spots can get busy. |
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| Christmas (December) |
Christmas is widely celebrated, and it’s a great time to visit for festive markets, but accommodation can be more expensive. |
| Þorrablót Festival (January) |
A festival celebrating Icelandic cuisine, it’s a popular time to visit, though some businesses may have reduced hours. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Hreyfill, Reykjavik Taxi |
| Other: | Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to prepare for sudden changes in climate. Always check weather forecasts before venturing into nature. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Sun Voyager, Iceland
Always open and free, it stands on the waterfront; summer midnight sun and winter aurora both make for popular evening visits
Don't miss
- 📸 Catch stunning sunrise or sunset photos of sculpture
- ⛵ Reflect on the dream boat’s symbolism of hope
- 🚶♂️ Walk the scenic Sæbraut coastal sculpture path
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! The Sun Voyager (Icelandic: Sólfar) is a captivating stainless steel sculpture created by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason in 1990 to commemorate Reykjavik's 200th anniversary. Despite its Viking ship resemblance, the sculpture is intended as a dreamboat embodying hope, progress and the promise of undiscovered lands.
Located on a small headland on Reykjavik’s waterfront, the sculpture gleams beautifully under sunlight, reflecting its surroundings and framing breathtaking views of Faxaflói Bay and Mount Esja. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors to relax, take photos and soak in the inspiring atmosphere.
While it’s easily accessible and free to visit, visitors should dress warmly as Icelandic weather can be unpredictable and windy along the coast. Some may find the sculpture’s abstract design open to interpretation, which may surprise those expecting a traditional Viking monument.
Nevertheless, the Sun Voyager remains a quintessential Reykjavik landmark, perfect for moments of reflection and connecting with Iceland’s spirit of adventure.
Knowledge before you go
- Time your visit for sunset over the ocean.
- Walk from Harpa Concert Hall; it's just a short stroll along the waterfront path.
- Capture photos framing Mount Esja across the bay for stunning scenic backdrops.
- Not a Viking ship but dreamboat by Jón Gunnar Árnason, symbolizing hope and undiscovered horizons.
How to travel to Sun Voyager
The Sun Voyager is easily accessible from central Reykjavik, just a 10-15 minute walk along the scenic waterfront from the city center. From Keflavik International Airport, visitors can take a bus or taxi to Reykjavik and then walk or take local transport to the sculpture’s location on Sæbraut road by the sea.
Access summary
- From Keflavík Airport (KEF): Airport bus or shuttle to Reykjavík, 45–60 minutes.
- From Reykjavík center: 15–25 minutes on foot along the waterfront promenade.
- From Akureyri: 45‑minute domestic flight to Reykjavík, then short bus or taxi.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Sun Voyager
Reykjavik offers a wide range of accommodations from cozy guesthouses to boutique design hotels, many within walking distance of the Sun Voyager and other central attractions, making it a convenient spot for visitors.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Sun Voyager
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🧥
Windproof jacket
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
seasonal
🧤
Warm gloves
seasonal
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 54% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to ISK) is 6% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is more expensive compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Reykjavik’s Sun‑Voyager artwork enjoys a secure setting, with minimal crime and vigilant local authorities ensuring visitor safety. The exhibit is well lit, monitored by CCTV and staffed by trained personnel. Visitors should remain respectful of the art and follow posted guidelines.
Accessibility
Reykjavík’s Sun Voyager sculpture welcomes all visitors: wide, level paths and clear signage make it wheelchair‑friendly, while its open design allows easy access for strollers. However, the surrounding rocks can be uneven, so careful footing is advised near the water’s edge.
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