Klambratún

About Klambratún

Klambratún is one of the larger public parks in Reykjavík. It greatly influences the character of the Hlíðar neighborhood. Klambratún, also known as Miklatún, is bordered by Hringbraut, Rauðarárstígur, Flókagata and Langahlíð. The area is named after the farm Klambrar.

Klambratún is one of the largest public parks specifically designed as part of the City's municipal plan. Its design began in the early 1960s. The park features large grass areas, groves, and play and sports areas. It is now a popular outdoor recreation area. Kjarvalsstaðir, which houses an exhibition space for the Reykjavík Art Museum, is located at the northern end of Klambratún.

Basic information

Age: Klambratún has been an open space within the city ever since Norðurmýri and Hlíðar were built up in the early 20th century, but it did not formally become a public park until the sixties.

Size: Klambratún is about 10 hectares.

Transportation:

• Parking by Kjarvalsstaðir, Rauðarárstígur, and Flókagata.
• Public bus routes: 1-3-6-13. Stops: Klambratún (1-3-6), Kjarvalsstaðir (13).

You can find: Museum - Café - Artwork - Benches - Gardening - Playground - Soccer field - Disc golf course - Basketball court - Beach volleyball court - Architecture.

History

• Klambratún was once part of three farms: Háteigur, Sunnuhvoll and Klömbrur.
• The first school gardens in Reykjavík operated at Klambratún in the mid-20th century.
• Development of the public park at Klambratún began in 1964. Landscape architect Reynir Vilhjálmsson was the lead designer.
• Kjarvalsstaðir Museum was built from 1971-1972. Architect Hannes Kr. Davíðsson designed the building.
• Artworks at Klambratún include "Rek" (1990) by Kristin E. Hrafnsson and "Reykjavíkurvarðan" (1970) by Jóhann Eyfells.
• The park is named after the farm Klambrar, with the name Klambrar coming from the Icelandic word 'klömbur' meaning narrowness or throngs. Klambratún was named Miklatún in the fall of 1964 and kept this name until 2010 when the name Klambratún was once again commonly used.

References

• Bragi Bergsson. 2012. Public parks in Iceland. Master's thesis. University of Iceland, School of Humanities.
• Edvald B. Malmquist. 1953. "School Gardens" in Morgunblaðið's Reader, October 11, 1953.