Top Things to do in Reykjavik
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Top 9 History Museums in Reykjavik, Capital Region
Reykjavik bears the distinction of being the world’s northernmost capital, and for many Icelandic visitors it also serves as a gateway to the rugged adventure options beyond. Recharge after outdoor pursuits in one of the many geothermal springs or luxurious indoor spas. We appreciate Reykjavik’s open-minded and energetic culture that includes a hip and internationally recognized music and arts scene, great food and notoriously "enthusiastic" nightlife.
Restaurants in Reykjavik
1. Tales from Iceland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 539 reviews
Dear traveler, we regret to announce that as of March 18, Tales from Iceland will be closed until further notice, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reviewed By tonyh486
If you want to find out about the country in a fantastic way this is a great place to visit. We had a discount on admission as a result of a trip to the golden circle but this is worth the full price of admission. The virtual reality tour of some of the wonderful sight's of this wonderful country is worth it on it's own. A bonus is complimentary hot and cold drinks, and you are not pressured to leave as at the moment there's not too many visitors finding this experience. 10/10
2. Arbaer Open Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 668 reviews
Árbær Open Air Museum - A day out of time Reykjavík's open-air museum, where you can stroll through the past and experience the way we lived. Fun, fascinating and full of surprises, this living museum takes you on a journey through time. Reykjavík's early history is preserved in a series of lovingly-restored homes, where you'll encounter costumed guides, grazing animals and traditional crafts. Exhibitions, demonstrations and tours reveal how Reykjavík came to life, from a few scattered farms to a vibrant capital city. JUNE - AUGUST Open daily 10 AM - 5 PM. SEPTEMBER - MAY Open daily 1 PM - 5 PM. Daily guided tours in English, all year round, at 1 PM - no booking necessary. No guided tours on Dec 25, Jan 1, Good Friday & Easter Sunday. Árbær Open Air Museum is part of Reykjavík City Museum: One museum in five unique places. Welcome!
Reviewed By O3023AWmikes - Swansea, United Kingdom
Like St Fagan's in Wales this venue preserves Iceland's historic buildings and was a lovely place to visit with the fresh snow fall. Staff were very friendly and helpful, chatting about the structures and Icelandic culture, they also kindly gave us free coffee.
3. National Museum of Iceland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,800 reviews
Reviewed By Mjhorns - Bangkok, Thailand
The National Museum of Iceland was a great activity for our first day in Iceland. It runs through the history of the settlement of the country, with lots of interesting artifacts such as swords, broaches, tools, clothing, and more. It's incredible that Icelanders have survived multiple plagues and volcanic eruptions, as well as a famine. Additional highlights were free lockers to store coats, hats, backpacks; a lovely cafe and gift shop; and the ticket price includes entry to another museum in a different part of town, the Culture House. Highly recommend for learning more about this destination.
4. Museu da Cidade de Reykjavik
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reykjavík City Museum engaging journeys through culture, heritage and history. Five unique places that take you beyond the shore and below the ground. Five museum experiences that cover the Settlement to the contemporary moment. And five fun and engaging ways to enjoy Reykjavík’s exciting cultural heritage. The museum sites are: Árbær Open Air Museum, The Settlement Exhibition & Aðalstræti 10, Reykjavík Museum of Photography, Reykjavík Maritime Museum and Viðey Island. All museum sites are family friendly. Four of the museum sites are within walking distance of downtown Reykjavík, while the Árbær Open Air Museum is only a fifteen-minute-drive from the city centre. The ferry to Viðey Island leaves from the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík.
5. The Settlement Exhibition
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,995 reviews
The Settlement Exhibition - Step into the Viking Age. An open excavation where Viking ruins meet digital technology. Just below ground in downtown Reykjavik, this open excavation uncovers the city's Viking Age history. Discovered during building work, then carefully excavated, these remnants of the past are the earliest evidence of human settlement in the city. Family-friendly, including a children's activity area, this multimedia exhibition uses creative technology to immerse you in the Viking Age. Open daily 09:00-18:00 (9 am - 6 pm). Guided tours in summer on weekdays at 11:00. Address: Tryggvagata 15, 101 Reykjavik The Settlement Exhibition is part of Reykjavik City Museum: One museum in five unique places. Welcome!
Reviewed By keithk837 - Alton, United Kingdom
The Settlement Exhibition takes you right back to the early settlers of Iceland by way of an excavated farmhouse dating back to around 871AD, the use of technology enhances your understanding of the time period and the settlers and like the other museums in Reykjavik it is presented in Icelandic & English with interactive displays and information boards.
6. Arni Magnusson Institute (Stofnun Arna Magnussonar)
7. Saga Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,754 reviews
A Viking Museum that intimately recreates key moments in Icelandic early history, moments that have determined the fate of our people and which give a compelling view into how Icelanders have lived for more than a millennium. From the time of the earliest settlers, history is brought to life in a unique and exciting way, with life-like wax figurines. Visitors are guided through the museum with an audio-guide.
Reviewed By Ihl69666 - Reykjavik, Iceland
The visit guides you through an engaging series of historical anecdotes illustrated by scenes with wax figures. The audio guide works great for immersion and the narration is clear and entertaining. Some fascinating first guidelines into Icelandic History if you don't have any knowledge on the subject. If you're interested in wax statues in general, a short documentary is screened at the end of the visit to explain the fabrication process. You can also play viking dress-up and take some pictures, or visit the (actually quite nice) gift shop.
8. Adalstraeti
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By browncondo2102 - Kitchener, Canada
Just a few buildings down the street from the Settlement Exhibition (part of your admission price), is the black house known as Adalstraeti 10. Built in 1762, it is the oldest house in the downtown. There are many great pictures from around the time of the Spanish Flu which wiped out a lot of the population. Lots of old decor in the house.
9. Verold - Vigdis' house
Verold is dedicaded to Vigdis Finnbogadottir, the first woman democratically elected as president of a country. An exhibition on her life, work and causes can be visited. There are also guided tours around the building by appointment. Verold also houses the Vigdis International Centre, a UNESCO World Language Centre, where you can learn about the languages and cultures of the world.
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