Top 5 Museums in Iceland

Erin
Jul 4, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Jul 31

Iceland is the land of mystical experiences, folklore, and myths. There is so much wonder and magic that fills the air when you arrive. From trolls to fairies, there is so much history and culture that your trip will be filled with fascination that will leave you wanting more. One of the most amazing and unique stops in the capital city of Reykjavik is the museums. They come in all styles, topics, and genres and will help fill your time in the capital city.

An expansive, elevated view captures the cityscape of Reykjavik, Iceland, with a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains. In the foreground, numerous houses and buildings with colorful roofs (red, blue, grey) are covered in a light dusting of snow, indicating winter. A prominent white church with a tall spire stands out in the middle of the city. Beyond the city, a large body of water, possibly a bay or fjord, is visible, reflecting the cloudy sky. The majestic mountains in the background are heavily covered in snow, with dark rock visible in places, under a bright but overcast sky. — Reykjavik

Saga Museum

One of the most amazing museums in the city is the Saga Museum. Iceland was settled by Vikings, and the history of the country is known as the Saga. This museum will take you back to when the Vikings first landed on the island and how they lived. You can even learn about the laws and Parliament that were put in place. The Saga Museum is a right of passage for tourists visiting Iceland as it is a great way to learn about the island's history.

Reykjavik Maritime Museum

If anything goes together, it is Iceland and water, which is why the Maritime Museum makes it on the must-visit museums. For much of its history, Reykjavik was a fishing town. The newly renovated floating museum shows insight into the hardships and challenges that the sea imposed. It focuses on the nature and the island nation's relationship with its neighbors. This fascinating museum is home to a Coast Guard vessel that survived three wars between neighboring countries.

A stunning and close-up shot captures the massive fluke (tail) of a whale as it dives into the dark, rippling ocean waters. The whale's tail is predominantly black on its upper side, with distinct white markings on the underside, showcasing its unique pattern. In the background, dark, rolling mountains rise from the distant shoreline, with patches of snow visible on their peaks, all under a soft, cloudy sky tinged with the warm hues of either sunrise or sunset. The image beautifully conveys the majesty of whale watching in Iceland. — Whale Watching In Iceland

Arbaer Open Air Museum

If you are looking to soak in the hours of sunlight, visiting the Arbaer Open Air Museum is right up your alley. This one-of-a-kind interactive museum allows you to tour houses and spaces from throughout the history of Iceland. The museum consists of more than 20 relocated houses to display houses the people of Iceland lived in before the industrial revolution. Each building has its own story, and the guides are dressed in the part fitting to each narrative. You'll see the structures from different eras, from turf houses to WWII houses. This museum has them all.

Whales of Iceland

One of the most popular activities in Iceland is whale watching, and a whole museum is dedicated to these majestic creatures. There are 23 different species of whales that are on display in the large warehouse. What is impressive about this is that each of these whales on exhibit is life-size and feels like they would in real life. You will even be able to hear the noises that these creatures make to communicate with one another.

A mesmerizing night scene over Reykjavik, Iceland, features vibrant green and purple streaks of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dancing across a dark blue, star-speckled sky. Below the celestial display, the city lights illuminate the urban landscape. Buildings with warm yellow and orange glows, along with some with white and blue facades, are clustered together. In the foreground, the rooftops of houses and other structures are visible, some with dark tiles, contrasting with the bright aurora above. — Northern Lights over Reykjavik

Aurora Reykjavik

Known as The Northern Lights Museum, Aurora Reykjavik is one of the newest museums added to Reykjavik. The Northern Lights are one of Iceland's most incredible natural features, and this museum stands up to that. The exhibit features a cultural, historical, and scientific approach to the northern lights. This museum has something for adults and kids alike to explore, discover, and learn.

Bonus: The Phallological Museum

This is one of the more off-the-wall museums in Reykjavik. This is a top destination for many tourists for its odd nature. There is no other museum like it. It is home to more than 200 different types of phallic objects from almost all land and sea mammals in Iceland.

Now that we've explored the museums of Reykjavik schedule a consultation to see what the rest of this incredible city and country has to offer.