If you spend any amount of time in Djúpivogur, you’ll quickly discover that this quiet East Iceland village holds stories far larger than its size. One of the most remarkable belongs to Hans Jonatan; a man whose journey from enslavement in the Caribbean to a new life in Iceland is unlike anything else in the country’s history. He is known as the man who stole himself.
Today, Hans Jonatan is remembered as the first known person of African descent and black person to settle in Iceland, and his legacy continues to shape the identity of Djúpivogur. His story is not just a historical footnote, it’s a defining piece of the community’s soul.
In this post about a fascinating part of the history of Djúpivogur, we explore who he was, how he arrived here, and why his presence continues to resonate with both locals and visitors.
Who Was Hans Jonatan?
Hans Jonatan was born in 1784 on the island of St. Croix in the former Danish West Indies. His mother, Emilia Regina, was an enslaved woman of West African descent, and his father was likely a Danish man connected to the colonial household that owned them.
At just seven years old, Hans was taken to Copenhagen, where he lived under the control of the Schimmelmann family. As a teenager, he fought in the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801, and although he was promised freedom for his service, a court ruling soon after declared he was still legally enslaved. The court ordered him back to the Caribbean.
He refused.
A Daring Escape and a New Life in Iceland
In a bold act of self-liberation, Hans Jonatan escaped Denmark in 1802, stole himself and travelled north across the sea until he reached one of the most remote corners of Europe: Djúpivogur, Iceland.
Here, far from the reach of colonial authorities, he built a completely new life.
He found work at Langabúð, the town’s historic trading post and one of Iceland’s oldest commercial buildings. Over time, he became a trusted trader, a farmer, and a fully integrated member of the community.
In 1820, he married a local woman Katrín Antoníusdóttir, and together they raised a family whose descendants number in the thousands today.
My husband is a direct descendant of Katríns sister!
Why His Legacy Matters in Djúpivogur
To live in Djúpivogur is to live surrounded by stories of resilience and reinvention. Hans Jonatan’s journey, spanning continents, cultures, and political systems, embodies the spirit of quiet strength that defines the towm even now.
His story represents:
• Freedom and self-determination
Hans Jonatan made an impossible decision: to rewrite his destiny in a place where slavery had never existed.
• Community acceptance
Djúpivogur welcomed him not as an outsider, but as a neighbor, a worker, a husband, and a father.
• Cultural connection
Today, his descendants represent an important thread in Iceland’s evolving identity.
The “Freedom” Sculpture: A Modern Tribute
In 2021, Djúpivogur unveiled “Frelsi” (Freedom), a sculpture by artist Sigurður Guðmundsson dedicated to Hans Jonatan’s life. It stands near Langabúð, the place where he built his new beginning, serving as a quiet and powerful reminder of his journey.
For locals, it’s a source of pride.
For visitors, it’s a moment of reflection.
For Djúpivogur, it’s a story that continues to shape how we understand ourselves.
A Legacy Written in DNA
Hans Jonatan’s story gained worldwide attention when scientists, working with his living descendants in Iceland, reconstructed parts of his genome without any physical remains- a scientific first.
Their work traced his maternal roots to regions in modern-day Nigeria, Benin, and Cameroon, linking the people of Djúpivogur directly to a rich West African heritage.
Why This Story Belongs in Journal About Living in Djúpivogur
Because living here means living in a place where history and modern life sit side by side.
Where the mountains carry stories, the harbor remembers old footsteps, and the present is shaped by people who took bold steps, some across oceans, to make this village their home.
Hans Jonatan’s life is a reminder that this remote Icelandic town has always been connected to the wider world.
His courage and resilience still echo in Djúpivogur’s culture, its conversations, and its sense of community.
Final Thoughts: Inspiration in a Quiet Harbor Town
For those of us who live in Djúpivogur, or dream of it, Hans Jonatan’s legacy is a powerful grounding point.
It reminds us that this place is more than scenery.
It’s a home built by people with extraordinary stories who welcome newcomers.
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