The Statue of Leif Eiriksson

The Statue of Leif Eiriksson is in front of the Hallgrímskirkja church, close to the city centre. It is a point of interest for tourists that visit the church. The statue was a gift from the US government to Iceland, commemorating its parliament's 1000th anniversary.

Leif Eiriksson, also known as Leifur Eiriksson, was a Viking hero who ventured to America. From what the researcher can gather through texts, Eiriksson sailed to America near 1000. Some evidence shows traces of a Norse settlement found in Newfoundland may be from Eiriksson's Norse settlement when he reached America. Visitors can admire the giant statue when they visit the church. The sculpture with the background of the church is a picturesque place overall. The government erected the statue of Leif Eiriksson in 1930, followed by the construction and completion of the church years later. The statue's location and the homeland of Eiriksson sparked some controversies, but ultimately it all got settled. Currently, people can witness the 50-ton statue and photograph it. It is in front of the church and easy to navigate.