Þúfa

Background

History & Background

Þúfa was conceived and created by Icelandic artist Ólöf Nordal and opened to the public in 2013. The project aimed to establish a connection between the city's urban environment and its profound historical ties to the sea and fishing industry. Nordal’s vision was to create a contemplative space that honored traditional Icelandic practices, specifically the ancient method of drying fish in open-air sheds, known as 'hjallur'. The construction involved building a substantial earth mound, carefully shaped and covered with grass, to mimic natural topography. At its apex, a traditional hjallur was erected, serving as both a focal point for the artwork and a functional structure where fish can be dried. This integration of art, nature, and cultural heritage makes Þúfa more than just a sculpture; it’s a living monument that bridges the past with the present, offering locals and visitors alike a unique perspective on Iceland's identity.

Þúfa is a public artwork by Icelandic artist Ólöf Nordal at Grandi in Reykjavík harbour. Commissioned by HB Grandi in 2013, the work is an eight-metre, grass-covered man-made mound with a path spiralling to the summit. A wooden fish-drying structure stands at the top, linking the contemporary installation to the harbour district’s fishing history. The climb is short and gives broad views back across Reykjavík and the waterfront.