The most interesting museums in the Reykjavik area

Árbæjarsafn museum

This museum isn’t downtown, but up in Árbær, a few minutes’ drive. It’s absolutely worth the trip if you want to see how Icelanders lived in the old days. You´ll see quaint little houses, turf houses, old toys and lots more.

Þjóðminjasafnið – The National museum of Iceland

A large museum (on an Icelandic scale, at least), where you´ll see various archaeological items recovered from since Iceland was settled.

Saga museum

Who doesn’t love a good wax museum? This one’s extra fun because it takes your through the settlement of Iceland and various historical events like the Black death and the Reformation. You get an audio-guide and listen to the stories as you walk through.

The Settlement exhibition

Back in 2001 when the street Aðalstræti in downtown Reykjavík was being excavated, remains of early human habitation in Reykjavík was discovered. The site was preserved and turned into a museum with an exhibition of life in Viking times, and of course remains of the house that was excavated. 

Maritime museum

If you’re strolling through the old harbor area in Reykjavík, the Maritime museum is an excellent stop. You´ll see how Iceland’s fishing industry has developed from early times, and can even go on a guided tour of an old Coast guard ship.

Perlan museum

If you want to know what it’s like to walk through an ice cave, you don’t have to leave the city. Just head over to the Perlan museum (the spaceship-looking building on top of the water tanks of Öskjuhlíð) and see their new ice cave exhibition.

The Punk museum

For something a bit different, check out the Punk museum, situated in the former public toilet tunnels in Bankastræti. Enough said.  

The Northern lights center (Aurora museum)

A wonderful stop, whether you’re in Reykjavík during summer or winter. Learn everything you need to know about the Northern lights and enjoy watching a film featuring the Aurora Borealis.