Ingólfstorg Square - a rainy day in a large city with lots of buildings
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Ingólfstorg Square

4.5
·1k reviews·Reykjavík, Iceland

A vibrant Reykjavik square known for its iconic polar bear vs. puffin mural and lively community events, especially its winter ice rink.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Always a vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Ingólfstorg Square - a rainy day in a large city with lots of buildings

Ingólfstorg Square

Best Time

Anytime

Always a vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant Reykjavik square known for its iconic polar bear vs. puffin mural and lively community events, especially its winter ice rink.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"Cool square with nice artwork and lots of places to eat & drink."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Snap the Mural

The polar bear vs. puffin mural is a fantastic photo backdrop! :camerawithflash:

🍦 Treat Yourself

Try the gelato from the shop opposite the square – highly recommended! :ice_cream:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Polar Bear vs. Puffin Mural

Polar Bear vs. Puffin Mural

A vibrant and iconic street art piece that's a must-see for photos and a symbol of Icelandic nature.

Community Gatherings

Community Gatherings

Experience local life with impromptu performances, especially during traditional events like Peysufatadagur.

Cozy Eateries

Cozy Eateries

Surrounded by charming cafes and restaurants, perfect for a coffee break or a delicious meal.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Vibe

Ingólfstorg Square is a lively hub, perfect for soaking in Reykjavik's atmosphere. Keep an eye out for spontaneous performances and community events, especially during traditional holidays. It's a great spot to start exploring the city's shops and eateries.

Art & Souvenirs

Don't miss the striking polar bear vs. puffin mural – a unique photo op! While the square itself is paved, nearby streets offer souvenir shops. Be prepared for Iceland's typical prices, but you can find some unique treasures.

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Always a vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter evenings
Why
Magical ice rink ambiance
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Performance in Ingólfur Square - information?

📸 Snap the Mural

The polar bear vs. puffin mural is a fantastic photo backdrop! :camerawithflash:

🍦 Treat Yourself

Try the gelato from the shop opposite the square – highly recommended! :ice_cream:

reddit.com

Ice skating?

reddit.com

Night Life In Reykjavik

🛍️ Souvenir Hunt

Look for unique souvenirs in the surrounding streets, but expect higher prices. :moneybag:

🎭 Catch a Performance

Keep an eye out for spontaneous music and dance performances, especially during local festivals. :performing_arts:

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Snap the Mural

The polar bear vs. puffin mural is a fantastic photo backdrop! :camerawithflash:

🍦 Treat Yourself

Try the gelato from the shop opposite the square – highly recommended! :ice_cream:

🛍️ Souvenir Hunt

Look for unique souvenirs in the surrounding streets, but expect higher prices. :moneybag:

🎭 Catch a Performance

Keep an eye out for spontaneous music and dance performances, especially during local festivals. :performing_arts:

⛸️ Winter Ice Rink

During winter, the square transforms into a charming ice rink – perfect for festive fun! :christmas_tree:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ingólfstorg Square is appreciated for its central location and the striking polar bear vs. puffin mural. Visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere, the surrounding eateries, and the seasonal ice rink. Some note that the square is paved rather than green, and souvenir prices can be high.

"Great place to walk around for free! You’ll find the polar bear vs. puffin mural here. Also has some restaurants and small shops to check out!"

Alexandra Nusawardhana

"Cool square with nice artwork.
Lot of places to eat & drink. Try the gelato store opposite.

Must visit in Iceland 🇮🇸"

Scarlett M Rose

"Nice open space but not green like shown on maps, it’s all paved. Excellent wall mural of polar bear and puffin."

will mcmurtrie

What People Like

Iconic mural art
Central location
Lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Paved, not green
High souvenir prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ingólfstorg Square is centrally located in Reykjavik, making it easily accessible on foot from most downtown hotels. If you're coming from further afield, local buses stop frequently nearby. It's a popular landmark, so asking locals for directions is also an option.

Absolutely! Ingólfstorg Square is a great starting point or stop-off point for exploring Reykjavik. It's within easy walking distance of the Harpa Concert Hall, Laugavegur shopping street, and the Old Harbour.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Ingólfstorg Square is a public space and is completely free to enter and explore. You can wander around, admire the art, and soak in the atmosphere without any cost.

As an outdoor public square, Ingólfstorg is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding shops and eateries will have their own operating hours, typically from morning to late evening.

Most events at Ingólfstorg Square are spontaneous or part of public festivals and don't require pre-booked tickets. For specific organized events, especially during winter holidays, it's best to check local event listings.

📸 📸 Photography

The most popular photo spot is undoubtedly the striking polar bear vs. puffin mural on one of the buildings. The square itself offers a good vantage point for capturing the surrounding architecture and street life.

Yes, it's very easy to take photos. The square is open and generally not overcrowded, allowing for unobstructed shots of the mural and the general ambiance. Be mindful of people enjoying the space.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Ingólfstorg Square is surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering a variety of cuisines. You'll find everything from casual cafes to more upscale dining options.

Travelers often recommend the gelato shop directly opposite the square. Beyond that, explore the diverse options for Icelandic specialties, international dishes, and coffee.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ingólfstorg Square offers a pleasant, open space for families. The polar bear vs. puffin mural is a guaranteed hit with children, providing a fun and colorful photo opportunity. Reddit During winter, the ice rink is a fantastic family activity, offering a chance for everyone to enjoy some festive fun. TikTok The surrounding area also has plenty of casual eateries, making it easy to find kid-friendly food options.

🛍️ Budget Travelers

Ingólfstorg Square itself is a free attraction, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers. You can enjoy the vibrant mural and the general atmosphere without spending a dime. Reddit While souvenir shops are nearby, be aware that prices in Iceland are generally high. Reddit Look for affordable cafes for a coffee or a light snack rather than full meals to manage costs.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Ingólfstorg

Ingólfstorg Square might be paved, but it's far from bare. The most prominent feature is the impressive mural depicting a polar bear confronting a puffin. This artwork adds a splash of color and a touch of Icelandic wildlife to the urban landscape, making it a popular spot for photos and a conversation starter about the country's natural inhabitants. Reddit

Beyond the mural, the square often serves as a canvas for community expression. Keep an eye out for spontaneous performances, especially during traditional Icelandic holidays. One Reddit user mentioned witnessing a vibrant display of music and dance in traditional clothing, identified as part of 'Peysufatadagur' (traditional clothing day) from the local women's school. Reddit These events offer a genuine glimpse into local culture and traditions.

Winter Magic: The Ice Rink

During the winter months, Ingólfstorg Square undergoes a charming transformation. It becomes the site of a popular outdoor ice rink, drawing locals and tourists alike for festive fun. The atmosphere is often described as magical, with twinkling lights and the buzz of skaters. TikTok

This seasonal addition makes the square a must-visit during the holiday period. It's a perfect place to enjoy a classic winter activity, grab a warm drink from a nearby vendor, and soak in the festive spirit of Reykjavik. Be prepared for higher crowds during this time, as it's a beloved local attraction.

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