Fógetagerður and the oldest tree in reykjavík

In a park in Reykjavík called Fógetagarður (Sheriff’s Park), which takes its name from the statue of Skúli fógeti (Skúli the sheriff) standing in the middle of the park, stands a beautiful and majestic common whitebeam (Sorbus aria), called Silfurreynir (silver rowan) in Icelandic. It exudes a sense of reverence, and one cannot help but respect the wisdom that must lie in its roots. This old tree was planted in 1884 by the Director of Health, at the time the Danish botanical enthusiast Georg Schierbeck. It is considered the oldest imported tree in Iceland.

The common whitebeam is the longest-living rowan species cultivated in Iceland, with the potential to reach ages of 150–200 years. Although it does not live as long as, for example, the sycamore maple, also cultivated in Iceland.  It has a slow growth rate and is tolerant of city pollution, making it a popular tree for planting in urban landscapes.

Fógetagarður, or Víkurgarður, as it has been called for most of its existence, has been home to the whitebeam for over a century. The area used to be the cemetery of Reykjavík for over 800 years. In 1883, Schierbeck acquired the land for botanical experiments, cultivating vegetables, flowers, grains, trees, and shrubs. His efforts left a lasting mark on Icelandic horticulture, symbolized by a memorial unveiled in the garden in 1986. He is remembered as a pioneering figure in Icelandic gardening.

Today, the garden has been transformed into more of a square than a traditional garden, and only a few of the oldest trees remain. Despite environmental changes over the years, this silver rowan has stood the test of time for over a century. It continues to serve as a gentle reminder of the positive impact humans can have on our environment and the respect we should give to the living beings we share the planet with.

In May 2024, we at Grugg & Makk collected a yeast sample from the bark of this whitebeam tree. We hope to honor this tree by capturing the flavor it holds in a bottle. The result was premiered at Skúli craft bar on September 4th, 2025.