Reykjavík — Ingólfur Arnarson
The statue of Ingólfur Arnarson on Arnarhóll hill marks where Iceland's first permanent Norse settler made his home in 874 AD, founding what would become Reykja…
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About Reykjavík — Ingólfur Arnarson
The statue of Ingólfur Arnarson on Arnarhóll hill marks where Iceland's first permanent Norse settler made his home in 874 AD, founding what would become Reykjavík.
Tours Near Reykjavík — Ingólfur Arnarson
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
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Ingólfur Arnarson, a Norwegian nobleman fleeing conflict at home, became Iceland's first permanent settler in 874 AD. According to the sagas, he threw his high-seat pillars overboard as he approached Iceland, vowing to settle wherever the gods directed them ashore. They washed up at a bay of steam vents — 'Reykjavík', meaning 'Bay of Smokes'. Ingólfur built his farm on Arnarhóll hill, overlooking what is now Iceland's capital city. The 1924 bronze statue by Einar Jónsson captures him at the moment of arrival, surveying his new land. 1,150 years later, the city he chose has grown to 130,000 people — nearly half the population of Iceland. A free and moving reminder that all of Iceland's history began with one man's brave gamble.
Did You Know?
According to Landnámabók, Ingólfur Arnarson threw his high-seat pillars into the sea and promised to settle wherever they came ashore. When they drifted into the bay of Reykjavík, he chose the site as his home around the year 874—marking the beginning of permanent settlement in Iceland.
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.
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Location
Location
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