Hólavallagarður Cemetery
A serene, moss-covered Gothic cemetery in Reykjavik, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into history.
Highlights
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Best Time
Tulips bloom beautifully
Hólavallagarður Cemetery
Best Time
Tulips bloom beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, moss-covered Gothic cemetery in Reykjavik, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into history.
"Such a beautiful, peaceful place. Nice to be among trees and hear the birds, and get away from the crowd for a bit."
🚶♀️ Peaceful Stroll
Wander through the grounds for a tranquil experience away from city crowds. Gates are unlocked.
🐈 Spot the Local Cat
You might be lucky enough to meet the sweet black and white cat that roams here!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gothic Tombstones
Throughout the cemetery
Discover unique, moss-covered Gothic tombstones and structures, many dating back to the 20th century.
The Cemetery Cat
Roaming freely
Keep an eye out for the friendly black and white cat that often roams the grounds, a beloved local resident.
Historical Significance
Near entrance placards
Learn about the cemetery's history, including its growth during the Spanish Flu pandemic.
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I still think about Hólavallagarður Cemetery in Iceland we visited a few years ago, with trees and flowers growing all throughout. A beautiful and stark contrast to the manicured lawn cemeteries that are prevalent where we live.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Stroll
Wander through the grounds for a tranquil experience away from city crowds. Gates are unlocked.
🐈 Spot the Local Cat
You might be lucky enough to meet the sweet black and white cat that roams here!
In Hólavallagarður cemetery, Iceland, it’s said trees are planted on graves as a old Norse tradition. You can touch the trees as a way to connect with the deceased.
Hólavallagarður. Reykjavik, Iceland
🌿 Eerie Beauty
Appreciate the moss-covered trees and headstones for a uniquely atmospheric visit.
🕰️ Historical Insights
Read the placards to learn about the cemetery's fascinating history, including its growth during the Spanish Flu.
Last Day Here Recommendations
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from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Peaceful Stroll
Wander through the grounds for a tranquil experience away from city crowds. Gates are unlocked.
🐈 Spot the Local Cat
You might be lucky enough to meet the sweet black and white cat that roams here!
🌿 Eerie Beauty
Appreciate the moss-covered trees and headstones for a uniquely atmospheric visit.
🕰️ Historical Insights
Read the placards to learn about the cemetery's fascinating history, including its growth during the Spanish Flu.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hólavallagarður Cemetery for its profound peace and unique beauty, describing it as a serene escape from the city bustle. The Gothic tombstones, moss-covered trees, and the chance to spot the resident cat are frequent highlights. While not a typical tourist attraction, its historical significance and tranquil atmosphere make it a highly recommended spot for reflection.
"Such a beautiful, peaceful place. My husband and I walked here four times over the course of our two week stay in Reykjavik. It was nice to be among trees and hear the birds, and get away from the crowd for a bit. We were lucky enough to meet the sweet black+white kitty that roams here twice. Highly recommended."
Beth Buckley
"Holavallgardur was a stop on the Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour with Your Friend in Reykjavik, which was very interesting in itself. The guide informed us of how large the cemetery was originally, and how it unfortunately grew due to the Spanish flu. The majority of the graves are very gothic looking, and then a mix more modern as you make your way through. And the moss that has accumulated on the trees, tomb and head stones, & structures gives it a very eerie feel. But also very peaceful."
Steve H
"Beautiful and peaceful place with trees and headstones from many different years and styles. Well worth a walk through. There are gates at multiple places, just open them to go through, they are not locked"
David Stout
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hólavallagarður Cemetery is easily accessible on foot from downtown Reykjavik, making it a convenient stop for a leisurely walk. It's located near the city center, so you can incorporate it into your exploration of Reykjavik's streets and attractions.
Yes, it's a great option for a short visit. You can easily spend 30-60 minutes here to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and historical tombstones before heading to your next destination or the airport.
While there might be limited street parking nearby, walking is the most recommended way to reach the cemetery from central Reykjavik. This allows you to enjoy the city's ambiance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Hólavallagarður Cemetery is free. It's a public space open for visitors to explore and reflect.
The cemetery is generally open during daylight hours. As it's an outdoor public space, there are no strict opening or closing times, but it's best visited when there's natural light.
No, the gates at multiple places are not locked and can be opened to enter and exit the cemetery.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the unique Gothic tombstones, many covered in moss, and learn about the cemetery's history from informational placards. It's a peaceful place for a quiet walk and reflection.
It's not a major tourist hotspot, which contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. Visitors often find it a welcome respite from busier attractions.
Yes, photography is permitted. Many visitors capture the atmospheric Gothic architecture and the natural beauty of the moss-covered stones.
Absolutely. It's described as a beautiful, peaceful place perfect for a walk and reflection, offering a serene environment.
You'll find historical graves from various years, with a majority being Gothic-looking, mixed with more modern ones as you explore.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the intricate details of the moss-covered Gothic tombstones and the atmospheric pathways. The interplay of nature and history creates unique photographic opportunities.
Yes, its unique Gothic architecture, lush moss, and historical gravestones make it a very photogenic location, offering an eerie yet beautiful aesthetic.
Late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the stones and moss, enhancing the cemetery's atmospheric appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good opportunity to discuss history in a tangible way, perhaps by reading the informational placards about the cemetery's past, including its growth during the Spanish Flu.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors
The cemetery's history, particularly its connection to past epidemics, offers a profound perspective on life and remembrance. Take your time to read the placards and reflect on the stories held within the ancient stones. Keep an eye out for the cemetery's resident cat; its presence can add a touch of unexpected warmth to your solitary exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Peaceful Urban Oasis
The cemetery's history is particularly poignant, with a significant portion of its growth attributed to the Spanish Flu pandemic. Informational placards near the entrance offer insights into this past, detailing how the cemetery expanded to accommodate the deceased.
Beyond its historical and natural elements, Hólavallagarður Cemetery is also known for its charming resident: a black and white cat that frequently roams the grounds.
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