The Colorful Canvas of Reykjavík: A Journey Through the City's Vibrant Street Art Scene

Reykjavík, Iceland’s dynamic capital, is as famous for its vibrant street art as it is for its stunning natural landscapes. Strolling through the city’s streets is like wandering through a sprawling open-air gallery, with every corner revealing colorful, thought-provoking, and often massive murals. Reykjavík’s street art movement is a unique blend of local talent, international collaborations, and festival-driven creations that have transformed the city's walls into stories, expressions, and an integral part of its cultural landscape.

A Brief History of Reykjavík's Street Art

Street art in Reykjavík is a relatively new phenomenon, emerging as a significant form of public expression only in the last few decades. In its early days, graffiti was treated like vandalism, with artists forced to paint under the cover of night and their work often removed or painted over by the city. However, attitudes have shifted in recent years as both residents and officials began to see the artistic and cultural value of street art. Today, the city openly celebrates its street artists, even commissioning works and offering walls as canvases.

The turning point came with the introduction of festivals like Iceland Airwaves, which, alongside Urban Nation—a Berlin-based museum for urban contemporary art—invited international street artists to collaborate with Icelandic musicians. This pairing of music and visual art led to a powerful explosion of murals across Reykjavík, each inspired by a song or album. It marked the beginning of a new era for Reykjavík's street art scene, one where art became a part of the city's personality and a must-see attraction for tourists.

Highlights of Reykjavík's Street Art

Heavy Stones Fear No Weather by Wes21 and Onur

Just a few steps down from Phlegm’s mural, you’ll encounter a powerful collaboration between Swiss artists Wes21 and Onur. Their mural, titled “Heavy Stones Fear No Weather”, was inspired by the music of Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men. This striking piece depicts a surreal landscape where elements of nature and humanity merge in a dreamlike scene. The mural’s name reflects both the harsh beauty of Iceland’s weather and the resilience of its people, perfectly blending the spirit of Iceland with these artists' unique styles.

Wes21 (Remo Leinhard) and Onur Dinc are both prominent figures in the European graffiti scene. Wes21's background in graphic design and graffiti informs his surreal landscapes, while Onur’s experience as a theater painter and graphic designer adds a layer of theatricality to their work, giving the mural an almost cinematic feel.

Girl with the Cello by Herakut

Further along Nýlendugata, you’ll find a mural that brings a gentle, melancholic touch to the streets: “Girl with the Cello” by the German duo Herakut. 

Located at Nýlendugata 30, this piece shows a young girl cradling a cello, her expression pensive and reflective. Herakut, consisting of Jasmin Siddiqui (Hera) and Falk Lehmann (Akut), are known for combining Hera’s illustrative, emotion-driven characters with Akut’s photorealistic graffiti style. Their work often delves into human vulnerability, and this mural is no exception, evoking themes of solitude and introspection.

Herakut’s pieces resonate with viewers, as they often touch on universal emotions, showing characters that seem wise beyond their years. This mural is a quiet yet powerful piece, a contrast to the busy streets and bustling harbor nearby, and reminds passersby of the introspective side of art.

The Deacon of Myrká by Aaron Li-Hill

This ghostly mural on the side of an old Reykjavík building draws viewers into the eerie world of Icelandic folklore. Aaron Li-Hill, a Canadian/American artist based in Brooklyn, painted this work as part of the Iceland Airwaves and Urban Nation collaboration. Inspired by the song “Pale Green Ghosts” by John Grant, the mural depicts “The Deacon of Myrká”, a famous Icelandic ghost story. Li-Hill’s background in Fine Arts and his experience with graffiti are evident in the painting’s haunting atmosphere and meticulous details.

In the story, the Deacon of Myrká is a restless spirit who haunts the village after a tragic accident leaves him unable to rest in peace. Li-Hill captures this tragic tale with swirling shapes and spectral figures, casting an ethereal glow that feels almost otherworldly—a fitting tribute to Iceland’s rich folklore.

Ode to Mother by Caratoes

As you head towards Kaffibrennslan, a well-known local coffee spot, you’ll spot a massive mural that completely covers a building’s façade. This mural, titled “Ode to Mothe”, was created by Hong Kong-based artist Caratoes in collaboration with Icelandic band Ylja. Inspired by their song “Óður til móður” (Ode to Mother), Caratoes’s artwork is a vibrant celebration of femininity and nature. It’s rich in color, with surreal, organic shapes that feel both inviting and mysterious.

Caratoes, born Cara To, is known for her bold use of color and detailed, expressive figures. Her work often aims to add beauty and serenity to its surroundings, and this mural is no exception, as it brings warmth and vitality to the streets of Reykjavík, reflecting themes of nature, heritage, and family.

Brauð og Co by Kailash Youze

As you make your way up the hill towards the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, don’t miss the unique artwork at Frakkastígur 16, where the famous bakery Brauð og Co. (Bread and Company) is located. Icelandic artist Kailash Youze has transformed this building into a colorful marvel. The mural features vibrant hues and whimsical patterns, turning the bakery into a neighborhood gem that stands out from the traditional Nordic architecture surrounding it.

Brauð og Co is popular for its fresh pastries and artisan breads, and Kailash Youze’s lively mural seems to embody the bakery’s creativity and joy. This artwork has become an unofficial landmark, and tourists and locals alike stop here for photos.

The Mermaid by Mæja Sif

On the side of house number 22, near the harbor, you’ll find a smaller yet captivating mural of a mermaid by Icelandic artist Mæja Sif. This piece is more modest in size but adds a touch of Icelandic mythology to the city’s landscape. The mermaid is depicted as delicate and dreamlike, with flowing hair and an expression that seems to watch over the sea.

Mæja Sif’s work is rooted in themes of mythology and femininity, and this mermaid piece is no exception. It’s a gentle reminder of Iceland’s deep connection to the ocean and its mythical creatures, a quiet and reflective piece that seems to blend seamlessly with the city’s misty harbor.

Man of the House by Guido Van Helten

At the crossroads of Seljavegur and Vesturgata, Australian artist Guido Van Helten created a deeply personal mural known as “Man of the House.” This large-scale portrait depicts the grandfather of the building’s owner, an image that brings an intimate and human touch to the city’s street art scene. Van Helten, celebrated for his photorealistic portraits, has a background in visual arts and is a well-known figure in the global muralism movement.

In “Man of the House”, Van Helten captures the warmth and resilience of Reykjavík’s people, transforming the ordinary into something profoundly beautiful. His attention to detail and mastery of light and shadow make this piece feel like a memory come to life, preserving the past in the present for all to see.

Exploring Reykjavík’s Street Art

Reykjavík’s street art scene is ever-evolving, with new murals and works appearing throughout the city. Whether it’s an intricate mural telling the tale of Iceland’s folklore, a colorful abstract piece by an up-and-coming artist, or a portrait that speaks to the city’s heritage, each piece adds a unique voice to Reykjavík’s streets.

This walking tour highlights just a handful of the city’s stunning works. However, there are countless more to discover, each with its story, style, and message. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a curious traveler, Reykjavík’s street art will undoubtedly leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the city’s creative soul.