Hólavallagarður Cemetery
Hólavallagarður (also spelled Hólavallagarðurinn) is Reykjavík's oldest cemetery, established in 1838 on the edge of the original town. Located near Tjörnin pon…
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About Hólavallagarður Cemetery
Hólavallagarður (also spelled Hólavallagarðurinn) is Reykjavík's oldest cemetery, established in 1838 on the edge of the original town. Located near Tjörnin pond in the city centre, it is a place of extraordinary atmosphere — shaded by old trees, its paths wind among centuries-old headstones, iron crosses, and stone monuments that tell the story of Icelandic society from before independence. The cemetery contains the graves of many of Iceland's most important historical figures, including politicians, bishops, poets, artists, and independence activists. It is considered one of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in Reykjavík, often compared to Père Lachaise in Paris or Highgate Cemetery in London as a cultural and artistic heritage site.
Discover one of Iceland's most captivating natural wonders
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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.
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.
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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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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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