Víkingur
Knattspyrnufélagið Víkingur, commonly known as Víkingur Reykjavík, is a professional Icelandic sports club founded on 21 April 1908 and based in the Fossvogur neighbourhood of Reykjavík. The club currently plays in the top-tier Besta deildin and calls Víkingsvöllur stadium their home ground. As one of Iceland's oldest sports clubs, Víkingur has achieved significant success with eight Icelandic League Championships, five Cup titles, and four Super Cup victories in men's football, while also maintaining successful handball divisions with multiple national championships.
History
Overview
General information about the club
Víkingur Reykjavík is a multi-sport club that operates divisions in football, handball, tennis, table tennis, karate and skiing, with both male and female teams across all sports. The club is based in the Fossvogur neighbourhood of Reykjavík and has been playing at their current facilities at Víkin since 1984. The club's main service area is demarcated by Fossvogsdalur, Kringlumýrarbraut, Miklabraut and Reykjanesbraut.
Most recent season and achievements
The men's football team has won eight Icelandic League Championships, with their most recent titles coming in 2021, 2023, and 2025. The club has also claimed five Icelandic Cup victories, including recent successes in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023, along with four Super Cup titles.
History
Early years
Víkingur Reykjavik was founded on 21 April 1908 with the purpose of financing a ball purchase for a group of boys in a Reykjavik neighborhood to play football. The club's inaugural meeting was held in the basement of Túngata 12 in Reykjavik with 32 boys present. The founding fathers included Axel Andrésson (12 years old) as initial chairman, Emil Thoroddsen (9 years old) as secretary, Davíð Jóhannesson (11 years old) as treasurer, along with Páll Andrésson and Þórður Albertsson.
Successful period
In the first 10 years of Víkingur's history, the team failed to win in only a single match, scoring 58 goals and conceding 16. The club's first Championship match took place on 9 June 1918 with a 5–0 victory over rivals Valur. Their first Championship title came in 1920, followed by a second in 1924. The club achieved notable success during the 1980s, winning consecutive Championship and Super Cup titles in 1981, 1982, and 1983. Their first Icelandic Cup title came in 1971 with a 1–0 victory over UBK Kópavogur.
Crisis and recovery
After a period of struggle and re-organization in the 2012 season, the Víkingur team won promotion to the football Championship in 2013. The team finished 4th place in 2014, achieving the club's highest league position since 1991. In 2015, Víkingur played their first Europa League qualifiers since 1992, suffering a 2–3 aggregate defeat against Slovenian team FC Koper.
Current period
The 2017 season was marked by Miloš Milojević's surprise resignation early in the season, leading to the return of retired championship winner Logi Ólafsson as manager. In 2018, acclaimed Iceland International Sölvi Geir Ottesen made his return to Víkin. At the end of that season, Logi Ólafsson moved back into retirement, passing the managerial position to his assistant and former International Arnar Gunnlaugsson.
Achievements and Honors
Domestic competitions
Men's Football: - Icelandic League Championships (8): 1920, 1924, 1981, 1982, 1991, 2021, 2023, 2025 - First Division Championships (5): 1969, 1971, 1973, 1987, 2010 - Icelandic Cup (5): 1971, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 - Icelandic Super Cup (4): 1982, 1983, 2022, 2024
Men's Handball: - Icelandic League Championships (7): 1975, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1987 - First Division Championships (5): 1961, 1966, 1969, 1997, 1999 - Icelandic Cup Championships (6): 1978, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986
Women's Handball: - Icelandic League Championships (3): 1991, 1992, 1993 - Icelandic Cup Championships (2): 1992, 1994
Continental and global competitions
Víkingur has participated in European competitions, including UEFA Europa League qualifiers. The club played their first Europa League qualifiers since 1992 in the 2015 season and has maintained a presence in European football through their domestic success.
Symbols and Colors
Current logo and logo history
Þorbjörn Þórðarson, who was chairman of Víkingur in 1943–44, designed the original Víkingur badge. The original crest features a brownish 19th century leather ball in the foreground, framed with white badges and red and black stripes in the background.
Traditional home and away kits colors
Víkingur have played in red and black striped outfits since the club's early years, maintaining this traditional color scheme throughout their history.
Traditional club anthem
In celebration of the club's centennial anniversary in 2008, Víkingur supporters club held a competition for a new club anthem to be played at home games. The winning song, "Víkingur – 100 years," or simply "Við viljum sigur í dag Víkingar!" was composed and performed by Stefán Magnússon and Freyr Eyjólfsson.
Traditional Rivals
Valur
Valur is a traditional rival of Víkingur, with their first Championship match taking place against Valur on 9 June 1918, resulting in a 5–0 victory for Víkingur.
Club Traditions and Behind the Scenes
Nicknames
The club is internationally known as Vikingur F.C. and their home ground Víkin is alternatively known as the "Homeground of Happiness."
Ownership and finances
The club operates as a traditional Icelandic sports club with a board structure. The current chairman is Heimir Gunnlaugsson, with Sverrir Geirdal serving as vice chairman.
Traditions and culture
The youth training program at Víkin is notable for its contribution to the Iceland national senior and youth teams, providing players such as Kári Árnason, Sölvi Ottesen, Kolbeinn Sigþórsson, Aron Elís Þrándarson and Óttar Magnús Karlsson. The 2018 season was memorable for lively supporters match day experiences at Víkin.
Stadium
Facilities and home ground are located at Víkin since 1984 when a football pitch was first laid there. The club residence followed in 1988 and indoor facilities were built in 1991. The sports venue Víkingsvöllur was constructed in 2004 and completed in 2005, holding around 2000 spectators at maximum capacity using side-stands. Víkin is located in the district of Fossvogur (Háaleiti & Bústaðir), on the east side of Reykjavík.