Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street)
Reykjavík's famous rainbow street — the colourful uphill road to Hallgrímskirkja, lined with galleries, design shops and cafés.
At a Glance
Visit time
Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour exploring Skólavörðustígur, depending on whether they are shopping, visiting cafés, or taking photos of the famous rainbow street.
Best season
Skólavörðustígur can be visited year-round. Daytime is perfect for exploring local shops, cafés, and taking photos of the colorful rainbow street, while evenings offer a lively atmosphere with nearby restaurants and bars. Summer months are especially popular due to outdoor seating and street life.
Access
Skólavörðustígur is located in downtown Reykjavik and is easily accessible on foot from most hotels, attractions, and shopping streets such as Laugavegur. Visitors can also reach the area by city bus or taxi, and the street is only a short walk from Hallgrímskirkja.
GPS
64.1432, -21.9241
About
About Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street)
Reykjavík's famous rainbow street — the colourful uphill road to Hallgrímskirkja, lined with galleries, design shops and cafés.
Discover one of Iceland's most captivating natural wonders
Photos
Photo Gallery
Background
History & Background
Skólavörðustígur has long been an important street connecting the center of Reykjavik with the hill where Hallgrímskirkja stands. In 2015 the street gained international attention when a section of the road was painted with rainbow colors to celebrate Reykjavik Pride. The project quickly became popular with locals and tourists and is now a permanent feature of the street.
Skólavörðustígur is a popular street in downtown Reykjavik known for its colorful rainbow-painted road leading toward Hallgrímskirkja. The street is a favorite place for visitors who want to explore local shops, cafés, restaurants, and art galleries. During the day the street offers a relaxed atmosphere with boutique stores and coffee houses, while in the evening it becomes lively with restaurants and bars nearby. Because of its iconic rainbow colors and the beautiful view toward Hallgrímskirkja, Skólavörðustígur has become one of the most photographed streets in Reykjavik and a must-see location for visitors exploring the city.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Skólavörðustígur is one of the most charming streets in downtown Reykjavik. The street connects the main shopping street Laugavegur with Hallgrímskirkja, the famous church that towers above the city. In recent years the street became internationally known for its rainbow-painted pavement, symbolizing diversity and inclusion. Today it is a lively place filled with cafés, restaurants, art galleries, and small design shops.
💡 Did You Know?
Iceland is one of the youngest landmasses on Earth, still being formed by volcanic activity
Local Legend
The Rainbow Street of Reykjavik
The rainbow-painted street was created to celebrate diversity and support the LGBTQ+ community in Iceland. It has since become one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable landmarks.
Experiences
Tours Near Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street)
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Engey
Engey is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Njáls saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Harðar saga og Hólmverja", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
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Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
✦ Off-Peak Visit
Visit Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street) during shoulder season (May or September) for a perfect balance of access and solitude.
You'll experience the site without summer crowds while still having good weather and daylight.
✦ Local Flora
Look for the native Icelandic plants growing in the area — Arctic thyme, moss campion, and various lichens.
These resilient plants have adapted to survive harsh conditions and add subtle beauty to the landscape.
✦ Changing Light
Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street) looks dramatically different depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
Cloud shadows, rain showers, and low-angle sunlight can transform the landscape within minutes — Iceland's famous "four seasons in one day."
Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
📍 Location
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