Reykjavík reopens Naustin as shared street in December

Reykjavík rebuilds Naustin as a shared street opening in December

Reykjavík will reopen Naustin, between Hafnarstræti and Tryggvagata, as a shared street in December 2026 after a joint rebuild with Veitur that renewed pipes, added dual drainage and snow melting, and laid a knitting-pattern surface.

29 October 2026 by Robert Eduard Antal, facts checked automatically against the source · updated 3 November 2026

Key facts

Naustin, which connects Hafnarstræti and Tryggvagata, becomes a shared street in December under the approved traffic plan for the Kvos area.

Utility pipes were renewed and a dual drainage system was installed to help remove surface water during heavy rain.

The street will have planting beds with trees and a small stage that serves as a bench and as a venue for events on public holidays.

Reykjavík will reopen Naustin, a short city-centre street between Hafnarstræti and Tryggvagata, as a shared street in December, in line with the approved traffic plan for the Kvos area. The project, run jointly by the city and the utility Veitur, combines a rebuild of the street surface with an upgrade of the utilities beneath it. The street is planned to be a shared street at first and later a pedestrian street.

What changes on the street

The new step-free surface recalls classic Icelandic knitting and is based on a pattern called “Riddari” designed by Védís Jónsdóttir. The street will have planting beds with trees and varied vegetation, and a small stage that serves both as a bench and as a venue for events on public holidays. The whole street space will be heated with snow melting. Landmótun designed the street space and Lota the lighting, with lamp posts that recall ship masts and spotlights that light the stage during events. The lighting also highlights the pale surface and increases safety for passers-by. VBV handled the engineering design.

Below the surface

Utility pipes were renewed and a dual drainage system was installed, which helps remove surface water from the area in heavy rain. The dual sewer is connected to the existing system in Tryggvagata and Hafnarstræti. The works include new cold water and district heating pipes, and street lighting with new cables, poles and lamps. Car traffic is closed during construction, while pedestrian access to properties and entrances is to be ensured throughout.

Timeline

The estimated construction period runs from May to December 2026.

Month	Step
April	Kick-off meeting on 28 April
June	Fences put up, asphalt removed
August	Main sewer and water pipes laid; hot-water connection days on 27 August and 3 September
September	District heating completed; lamp posts put up
October	Snow melting laid, paving started, work begun on the west side

What happens next

Paving is under way, and the knitting pattern has started to appear on the south side of the street. The city says the work will be completed in December.

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