Timeline
10:10
Walk up Arnarhóll before the sun breaks the horizon. The climb is short but steep, and arriving early gives you the best vantage point to watch the light shift over the city.
10:50
Find a clear spot on the hill facing southwest. The sun rises at 10:55 and sets toward the SW, but the early ascent lets you appreciate the quiet, low-angle light that defines the Icelandic winter morning.
11:05
Descend to Sun Voyager. The sculpture sits next to the sea, and by now the morning light is hitting the steel structure, creating a stark contrast against the dark water and the waking city behind it.
11:20
Head to Café Haiti for coffee. This is the place to roast your own beans and get a proper caffeine fix after the cold walk. Note that this is not their original location, but the sign remains on the nearby building.
Local tip
The sun stays low all day in January. Dress warmly for the walk up Arnarhóll and bring a thermos if you prefer, though Café Haiti is open and ready.
Check before you go
- Sunrise is at 10:55 on 15 January.
- Café Haiti has no listed opening hours, so check if they are open for morning service.
- The walk from Arnarhóll to Sun Voyager is short, but the path can be icy in winter.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Reykjavík (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).