The Statue of Leif Eiriksson in Reykjavik

Positioned in front of the iconic Hallgrímskirkja in the city centre of Reykjavik, is arguably the most impressive statue of Leif Eiriksson in the world. The statue was a gift from the US congress in 1930 to celebrate the 1,000 year anniversary of the Icelandic government, also known as the Alþingi.

Who is Leif Eiriksson?

Leif Eiriksson, also known as Leif the Lucky, was a Norse explorer from Iceland. He is famous across the world for his voyage across the sea, blown off course by strong winds on his way to Norway to Greenland. His father was Erik the Red, the founder of the first Norse settlement in Greenland. His distant relative, an explorer named Naddodd, is the discoverer of Iceland!

Leif Eiriksson (also spelt Leif Erikson, Leiv Eiriksson, or Leif Ericson). Born in 970 CE, is well known for his famous voyage to North America – making him the first European to ever walk on American soil! Christopher Columbus is often referred to as doing something similar, but it’s theorised that Eiriksson arrived half a millennium prior to Columbus. This statue is an iconic part of Reykjavik’s history, well worth checking out on your next trip!

  •  Entry: Free
  •  Open 24/7

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