The stone building at Austurstræti eight features a distinct, steep roof and dark, heavy masonry that sets it apart from the lighter timber structures nearby. Known as the Landsbanki building, it served as the original headquarters for the…
Downtown Feline Lore
This walk takes you through the quiet streets of downtown Reykjavík to meet its most famous feline residents, uncover local cat folklore, and visit cozy cat-themed spaces. It's a whimsical, ground-level look at how free-roaming cats became the undisputed rulers of the Icelandic capital.
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1. Austurstræti 8
2. Lækjartorg
Lækjartorg features a wide, paved square centered around a statue of Hannes Hafstein, Iceland's first minister. It sits where the Lækur stream once flowed toward the harbor, carrying water that powered the city's early development. During…
3. Grái kötturinn
Grái kötturinn sits tucked into a basement level on Hverfisgata, marked by a small, unassuming sign featuring a stylized cat. This cafe occupies a space that once served as a creative incubator for Icelandic writers and musicians. In the…
4. Hjarta Reykjavíkur - The Heart of Reykjavik
A small, bronze plaque set into the pavement marks the Heart of Reykjavík. It sits near the corner of Lækjargata and Austurstræti, a spot where the city pulse feels most concentrated. For the local cat population, this center holds a…
5. Kattakaffihúsið
The Kattakaffihúsið on Bergstaðastræti displays a painted cat mural across its glass facade. This coffee house functions as a permanent home for rescue cats awaiting adoption. It opened in two thousand eighteen after Gígja Svavarsdóttir…
6. Hellusund
A narrow, sloping lane called Hellusund connects the upper town toward the harbor. Locals often pause here to check the stone walls and low windowsills. This particular street earned a reputation among residents for being a prime patrol…
7. Ófelia Cat
A mural of a calico cat stretches across the side of this building, its oversized paws resting near the foundation while its eyes watch over the street. This street art commemorates a real cat named Ofelia who spent her days patrolling…
8. The Einar Jónsson Museum
A stone-faced building housing the Einar Jónsson Museum stands on a hill, guarded by massive bronze statues. Among these heavy, symbolic works, local cats have claimed the Sculpture Garden as their own private hunting ground. While the…