Old Port

The Old Harbour of Reykjavík, known as Old Harbour or Reykjavík Old Harbour, is a fascinating and historic place that represents the maritime heart of the Icelandic capital. Located just a short walk from the city center, this port has played a crucial role in Reykjavík’s economic and social history since its foundation. Today, the Old Harbour is a vibrant tourist and cultural area, blending the charm of maritime tradition with modern attractions and lively urban life. The port was built in the early decades of the 20th century, at a time when Reykjavík was rapidly growing as the economic and political center of Iceland. Before the construction of the port, maritime activity took place on unprotected beaches, making trade and fishing risky and inefficient. The construction of the port represented a significant improvement for the city, allowing for safer and more organized management of maritime resources. This development was crucial for the growth of the fishing industry, which became the cornerstone of the Icelandic economy for many decades. Today, the Old Harbour is an area rich in attractions that blend the old and the new. One of the main points of interest is the Reykjavík Maritime Museum, located in a former saltfish warehouse. The museum offers a fascinating overview of Iceland’s maritime history, with exhibitions covering everything from ancient Viking ships to modern fishing vessels. Through historical objects, ship models, and personal stories, the museum tells the story of how the sea has shaped the lives and culture of Icelanders. Next to the museum is the modern cultural and entertainment center Harpa, an architecturally stunning building with a glass facade that reflects the surrounding sky and sea. Harpa hosts concerts, theatrical performances, conferences, and various cultural events, and has become a symbol of the new Reykjavík, combining tradition and innovation. The Old Harbour is also the starting point for many of Reykjavík’s main tourist activities. Whale watching excursions are particularly popular, offering visitors the opportunity to see humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins, and orcas up close in the waters off the Icelandic coast. Tour companies operate year-round, although summer is the best season for whale watching due to more favorable weather conditions. Boat tours are not limited to whale watching. Northern lights tours are another major attraction, especially during the winter months. Away from the city lights, the Old Harbour provides a perfect starting point for admiring this extraordinary natural phenomenon. These tours often combine historical and scientific narration with the visual experience, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the northern lights phenomenon. Art has a special place at the Old Harbour. Numerous artistic installations and sculptures decorate the area, adding a touch of creativity and reflection to the maritime landscape. A notable example is the sculpture “Sólfar” (Sun Voyager), a work by Jón Gunnar Árnason representing a stylized Viking ship. This sculpture has become one of Reykjavík’s most recognizable symbols, evoking Iceland’s Viking heritage and its deep connection to the sea. The redevelopment of the Old Harbour reflects Reykjavík’s commitment to sustainable development and the enhancement of cultural heritage. Local authorities have worked to transform the area into a neighborhood that is both functional and aesthetic, balancing the needs of tourism with the preservation of the port’s historical character. Redevelopment efforts have included the renovation of historic buildings, the creation of accessible public spaces, and the promotion of eco-friendly activities. An intriguing anecdote concerns the conversion of old fish storehouses into cultural and commercial spaces. These buildings, once the bustling heart of the Icelandic fishing industry, have been transformed into art galleries, design studios, and boutiques, keeping the historical memory of the area alive while adapting to modern needs.