Hólavallagarður Cemetery
Reykjavík's oldest cemetery — mossy tombstones, iron crosses, and the resting place of Iceland's founding figures.
About
About Hólavallagarður Cemetery
Reykjavík's oldest cemetery — mossy tombstones, iron crosses, and the resting place of Iceland's founding figures.
Discover one of Iceland's most captivating natural wonders
Tours Near Hólavallagarður Cemetery
Private Reykjavik LGBTQ+ City Walk
Your Friend in Reykjavik · 3 hours
Private Reykjavik City Tour
Icelimo Luxurytravel · 4 hours
Private 3 hour Reykjavik Driving Tour
Your Friend in Reykjavik · 3 hours
Private Reykjavik Shopping & Sightseeing Walking Tour
Your Friend in Reykjavik · 3 hours
Photos
Gallery
Background
History & Background
Established 1838 as the main city cemetery when churchyard burials were banned. Active as the primary Reykjavík cemetery until 1932. Classified as a protected cultural heritage site by the Icelandic government.
Hólavallagarður Cemetery is a remarkable historical in Iceland. Hólavallagarður (also spelled Hólavallagarðurinn) is Reykjavík's oldest cemetery, established in 1838 on the edge of the original town. Located near T... Hólavallagarður was established in 1838 when burials around Dómkirkjan (Reykjavík Cathedral) were no longer permitted due to the growing size of the town. It remained Reykjavík's main burial ground until 1932 when Fossvogskirkjugarður was opened. The. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Iceland's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Hólavallagarður was established in 1838 when burials around Dómkirkjan (Reykjavík Cathedral) were no longer permitted due to the growing size of the town. It remained Reykjavík's main burial ground until 1932 when Fossvogskirkjugarður was opened. The cemetery covers around 3 hectares and contains over 6,000 graves — many featuring intricate stonework, black iron cross markers, and 19th-century sculptural monuments. Notable burials include Jón Sigurðsson (Iceland's independence hero, although his remains are in Copenhagen), Jónas Hallgrímsson (romantic poet and champion of independence), and several bishops of Iceland. Today the cemetery is maintained by the City of Reykjavík and is classified as a protected heritage site.
Did You Know?
Iceland is one of the youngest landmasses on Earth, still being formed by volcanic activity
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Engey
Engey is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Njáls saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Harðar saga og Hólmverja", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Skuggabaldur – The Shadow Creature
Skuggabaldur: A phantom dog guarding forgotten paths.
Höfði House – Reykjavík's Haunted Mansion
Höfði House: Reykjavík's historic mansion with a chilling paranormal past.
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
Historic Graves of Iceland’s Cultural Leaders
Hólavallagarður contains the graves of many of Iceland’s most influential figures, including poets, bishops, politicians, and independence activists. Walking through the cemetery offers a quiet journey through Iceland’s cultural and political history.
It’s one of the best places in Reykjavík to connect with Iceland’s past in a peaceful and reflective setting.
Atmospheric Tree-Shaded Paths
The cemetery’s narrow winding paths pass between centuries-old gravestones, iron crosses, and stone monuments beneath tall, mature trees that create a calm and timeless atmosphere.
Perfect for a quiet walk near the city centre while experiencing one of Reykjavík’s most atmospheric historic spaces.
Reykjavík’s Oldest Cemetery Landscape
Established in 1838, Hólavallagarður preserves one of the oldest surviving historic landscapes in Reykjavík. Its layout and monuments reflect the city’s development before Iceland’s independence.
A unique opportunity to explore an important heritage site often compared to famous historic cemeteries like Père Lachaise in Paris or Highgate Cemetery in London.
Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Location
Discover
Explore Nearby
Places from our database within 5.0 km — all data from Sanity
Loading nearby places…
0 places found within 5.0 km
Plan full itinerary →Explore More