Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Discover
Places to see
Iceland
Reykjavík

The Unknown Bureaucrat

Highlight • Monument

The Unknown Bureaucrat

Recommended for

Hiking

Cycling

by 82 explorers out of 86

Save

Share

  • More

  • Add komoot as a preferred source in your Google results

    Add now

    Loading

    Location: Reykjavík, Iceland

    Save

    Share

  • More

  • Take Me There

    Tips

    July 6, 2021

    Hiking

    A bureaucrat from a completely different point of view - the sculpture by Magnús Tómasson from 1973 was originally carefully hidden in a backyard, because this location was intended to …
    Translated by

    May 31, 2024

    Hiking

    The statue Óþekkti Embættismaðurinn, or the Unknown Official, is an iconic work of art in Reykjavik. It was created in 1994 by local sculptor Magnús Tómasson. The statue shows a man in a suit with a briefcase, whose upper body is covered with a large piece of Icelandic volcanic basalt. It is a satirical tribute to the country's numerous bureaucrats who serve their country and keep it running. The statue, originally placed in a backyard, has now been moved to a prominent location in front of the Iðnó and the City Hall.
    Translated by

    October 5, 2023

    Hiking

    A man with a huge boulder that stands in place of his head. A creation by the artist Magnús Tómasson from 1973: the Óþekkti Embættismaðurinn, the "unknown bureaucrat".

    The original location of this sculpture - hidden in a backyard - testifies to a subtle humor that addresses the often invisible and yet so present existence of bureaucracy. This game of hide-and-seek was ended when the unknown bureaucrat was given its current prominent place, where he silently observes the passers-by, his face hidden behind the massive rock.
    Translated by

    Sign up for a free komoot account to get 7 more insider tips and takes.

    Sign up for free

    Routes here

    Best routes to The Unknown Bureaucrat

    4.4

    (31)

    156

    hikers

    1. Harpa Concert Hall – Sun Voyager (Sólfar) Sculpture loop from Hlemmur

    20.1km

    05:09

    80m

    80m

    Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Navigate

    Send to Phone

    Hard

    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Moderate

    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Easy

    Details

    Informations

    Elevation 70 m

    Weather

    Powered by Foreca

    Today

    Friday 6 February

    4°C

    -2°C

    26 %

    Additional weather tips

    Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

    Most visited during

    January

    February

    March

    April

    May

    June

    July

    August

    September

    October

    November

    December

    Add komoot as a preferred source in your Google results

    Add now

    Loading

    Location: Reykjavík, Iceland

    Other Popular Places to Check Out

    Fálkahús (Falcon House) – Hafnarstræti

    Explore
    RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepacking
    Download the app
    Follow Us on Socials

    © komoot GmbH

    Privacy Policy