reykjavik
Austurvöllur — Parliament Square
About Austurvöllur — Parliament Square
Austurvöllur ('East Field') is a small rectangular square measuring roughly 50m x 80m, covered in grass and surrounded by low stone walls. The square faces Alþingi (Parliament House) on the north side and Dómkirkja cathedral on the south side. The statue of Jón Sigurðsson (1811–1879) stands in the centre, erected in 1931. Jón was the leader of Iceland's peaceful independence movement and is considered the father of Icelandic sovereignty. He never saw independence — Iceland didn't become fully independent until 1944, 65 years after his death. The square is surrounded by cafés — Café Paris, Grái Kötturinn, Austur — where politicians, journalists and civil servants gather. Major protests in Icelandic history: the 'Pots and Pans Revolution' after the 2008 crash; climate marches; women's rights demonstrations.
🐉 Where the People Speak
In a country where the president answers his own phone and the prime minister bikes to work, Austurvöllur is where the people remind the government who's in charge.
📖 History of Austurvöllur — Parliament Square
Austurvöllur has been the site of Alþingi meetings since the Parliament moved to Reykjavík in 1845. The square became the traditional site for public gatherings, speeches and protests. The Jón Sigurðsson statue was unveiled 1931. The square was renovated in 2008, shortly before becoming the focal point of the post-crash protests.
💡 Did You Know?
During the 2008 financial crash, thousands of Icelanders gathered here weekly banging pots and pans to demand the government resign — it worked.
Key Facts
Directly in front of Alþingi (Parliament)
Statue of Jón Sigurðsson (independence leader) in centre
Site of Iceland's major protests and celebrations
Surrounded by cafés where politicians gather
Tiny — only 50m x 80m
💎 Hidden Gems
Lunchtime Politicians
On weekdays at lunchtime, half the MPs and ministers in Iceland eat at the cafés around Austurvöllur. You'll likely sit next to someone who runs the country.
Winter Protest Nights
When a major protest is called, Austurvöllur fills with thousands of people, torches, drums and chanting. It's Iceland's democracy in action.
🕐 Best Time
Lunchtime for café culture
🚗 Access
Central Reykjavík between Austurvöllur and Pósthússtræti
⏱ Duration
15–30 min
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go inside Parliament?▾
Alþingi offers guided tours when Parliament is not in session — book in advance at althingi.is.
Best café on the square?▾
Café Paris for people-watching; Grái Kötturinn for traditional Icelandic food.
📍 GPS Location
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