Is Hólavallagarður Cemetery open to visitors?

Yes, Hólavallagarður Cemetery is open to the public year-round. Visitors are welcome to walk through the peaceful paths and explore the historic surroundings, but it is important to remain respectful as it is still an active cemetery.

Where is Hólavallagarður Cemetery located?

Hólavallagarður Cemetery is located near Tjörnin pond in central Reykjavík, within walking distance of the city centre and many nearby landmarks such as the National Museum of Iceland and the University of Iceland.

Why is Hólavallagarður Cemetery historically important?

Hólavallagarður Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Reykjavík and the resting place of many important figures in Icelandic history, including politicians, poets, bishops, artists, and independence activists. It offers insight into Iceland’s cultural heritage before and after independence.

Iceland/capital-region

Hólavallagarður Cemetery

Reykjavík's oldest cemetery — mossy tombstones, iron crosses, and the resting place of Iceland's founding figures.

At a Glance

Visit time

30–60 minutes

Best season

Spring and summer (June–August) when trees are in leaf. Beautiful in snow.

Access

Central Reykjavík, near Tjörnin lake. Walking distance from all city centre hotels.

GPS

64.1448, -21.9477

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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

Photos

Photo 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

Local Legend

Legends of null

null has been part of Icelandic folklore for generations. Local tales speak of hidden people (huldufólk) and other supernatural beings who inhabit the area. According to tradition, this place deserves respect and visitors should be mindful of the ancient spirits who call it home.

Culture

Stories & Legends

Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area

icelandic saga

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.

icelandic saga

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.

ghost stories

Skuggabaldur – The Shadow Creature

Skuggabaldur: A phantom dog guarding forgotten paths.

haunted places

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.

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