This walk celebrates the courage and creativity of Icelandic women who, across generations, have fought for equality and reshaped society.

From suffragists like Bríet Bjarnhéðinsdóttir to the Red Stocking feminists, from artists and teachers to athletes and political leaders, women have joined forces to demand change — and to make their voices heard.

Through humor, solidarity, and persistence, they built schools, shelters, and movements that transformed Iceland into a more just and gender-equal nation than before.

The Women’s History Walk invites you to follow their footsteps — and to witness how collective action, vision, and sisterhood can truly change the world.

Click on the dots in the image to get more information about the stations.

Stations open: 13:30 // Stations close: 14:30

Along the walking route on Sóleyjargata (starting from the corner of Sóleyjargata and Njarðargata), there will be several stations highlighting the women and movements that have shaped Iceland’s feminist history. First, we meet Bríet Bjarnhéðinsdóttir, a pioneer of the women’s rights movement, interpreted by actress Sandra Barilli. Then we meet Þórunn, Guðrún, and Katrín, who—along with Bríet—were elected to Reykjavík City Council in 1908. They will perform a rap-inspired protest song about their participation in politics.

The Icelandic Women’s Rights Association and the Icelandic Women’s Federation will also have their own stations; both organizations were founded in the early 20th century. The Women’s Movement of ÖBÍ (the Icelandic Disability Alliance) will be present as well. From the balcony of the Office of the President of Iceland at Sóleyjargata 1, we will pay tribute to Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, and below in the garden everyone will have the opportunity to write her a thank-you message.

Along Sóleyjargata will also be the outdoor art installation SAMTAKA, created by artist Helga Sif Guðmundsdóttir with contributions from many participants. The visual language of the work draws on the ancient textile tradition of fringe (kögur), seen in clothing, furniture, and design. The piece is hung between the trees along Sóleyjargata. The feminine fringe ties together the streetscape and symbolizes the collective strength of women.

Stations open: 13:45 // Stations close: 14:45

Upon reaching Fríkirkjuvegur, the powerful Women’s List (Kvennalistinn) activists will welcome us in Hallargarður Park. There, they will revisit their slogans, struggles, and even re-enact their visual performances. Continuing through the park, we encounter a performance by the Association of Women in Football (Hagsmunasamtök kvenna í knattspyrnu). The route then leads to Kvennaskólinn í Reykjavík (the Reykjavík Women’s School), one of Iceland’s oldest schools, founded to enable women to pursue education. There will be an event in front of the school.

The National Gallery of Iceland will also take part, and the Icelandic Feminist Association will recall its campaigns against gender-based violence and its symbolic “women’s króna.” Along Fríkirkjuvegur, essential female professions will greet us with energy and solidarity. Then, representatives from W.O.M.E.N. – Women of Foreign Origin in Iceland will present a visual piece depicting the burdens carried by immigrant women.

Stöðvar opna: 14:00 // Stöðvar loka: 15:00

Arriving at Lækjargata, we enter the world of activism against gender-based violence. Numerous organizations working in this field will join forces, re-creating past awareness campaigns and performances while inviting walkers to participate. On the grass in front of the Reykjavík Junior College (Menntaskólinn í Reykjavík), one of Iceland’s first all-female bands, Grýlurnar, will be honored with a cover performance by the band Hekla and the Matriarchy collective.

At Bakarabrekka, improvisational actors will perform sketches about the third shift (the invisible labor women do). Nearby, Birna Rún Eiríksdóttir, a mother of two, will perform stand-up comedy about her experiences with parental leave and preschools.

As the walk continues down Lækjargata, we’ll see a re-enactment of the first Pride Parade, viewed from Bankastræti, organized by the younger generation of Samtökin ’78 (the LGBTQ+ Association of Iceland). In front of the Prime Minister’s Office, we will hear from Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, Iceland’s first female Prime Minister, portrayed by actress Arndís Egilsdóttir.

The final stop of the walk at Lækjartorg Square will bring us into the world of the Redstockings Movement (Rauðsokkahreyfingin) and the Women’s Strike of 1975. Artifacts from that era will be displayed, such as the Venus statue and the exhausted housewife sculpture. The famous cow Perla Fáfnisdóttir will, of course, wander around the square. At the end of the historical walk, the Redstockings themselves will arrive, just like they did in 1975.