Best Museums in Iceland: Top 5 to Visit in Every Region

Iceland has museums, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences in every region, documenting the country's history, culture, art, and dramatic natural forces. This guide covers the best museums in Iceland region by region, so you can add the right cultural stop wherever your itinerary takes you.

As you travel around Iceland, you can get to know the country in many different ways. There are some fantastic museums in Reykjavik that are a must-see, but the countryside is full of heritage sites, turf houses, art collections, and quirky one-of-a-kind exhibitions.

Most sit right off the Ring Road, so they are easy to reach with a rental car or as a day trip from your accommodation. If you want to plan around culture, you can also book museum and exhibition experiences in advance.

This list is not exhaustive. There are far too many museums in Iceland to include every one, but these were chosen for their unique topics, strong visitor experiences, and convenient locations. They are grouped by region, starting with the capital. Read on to discover the best museums in Iceland!

Key Takeaways

• Iceland has more than 35 museums and hands-on experiences spread across every region, including Reykjavik's National Museum of Iceland and remote turf farms in the Westfjords and Eastfjords.

• Reykjavik has the highest concentration of museums. The National Museum of Iceland, Perlan, and the Arbaer Open Air Museum are the best first stops for visitors short on time.

• For folk history and turf houses, don't miss the Skogar Museum in the south, Glaumbaer Open Air Museum in the north, and Eiriksstadir Viking Longhouse in the west.

• Iceland's quirkiest museums include the Icelandic Phallological Museum (Reykjavik), the Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum (west), and the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft (Westfjords).

• Families and volcano enthusiasts can get hands-on at the LAVA Centre, Eldheimar Museum, and Volcano Express, or the VR-powered Battle of Iceland 1238 exhibition.

• Most museums sit just off the Ring Road, so it's easy to build a self-drive itinerary around cultural stops in every region.

• Opening hours and prices listed in this guide were updated in July 2026 and may be subject to change, so it's a good idea to check official museum websites before you visit.

Best Museums in Iceland at a Glance

This guide covers more than 35 museums and cultural experiences across every region of Iceland. The table is ordered to match the sections below, starting with the capital and ending with the best hands-on experiences, so you can find the ones on your route and read on for the full details.

The 5 Best Museums in Reykjavik

Reykjavik has the highest concentration of museums in Iceland, and most sit within the city center or a short drive from downtown. The capital's most visited are the National Museum of Iceland, Perlan, the Arbaer Open Air Museum, and the Icelandic Phallological Museum.

Because Reykjavik has so many things to do, we highlight only the top 5 museum experiences here, but for further suggestions, check out our complete guide to the best museums in Reykjavik, and our guide to Reykjavik's best art museums and photo exhibitions.

• National Museum of Iceland: the largest museum dedicated to Iceland's history, with artifacts from the Viking Age through the modern era, including Viking swords, carved wooden figures, and priceless handwritten chronicles.

• World in Words: a permanent exhibition of Iceland's medieval manuscripts at the Edda building, run by the Arni Magnusson Institute, where you can see original sagas and Eddic texts such as Njal's Saga and the Uppsala-Edda.

• Perlan - Wonders of Iceland: set atop a hill overlooking the city, with nature exhibitions on volcanoes, birds, and the northern lights, a real man-made ice cave, and a 360-degree viewing platform. It is ideal for families.

• Arbaer Open Air Museum: wander through more than 20 historic buildings relocated from around Reykjavik, including a turf farm, church, and timber houses, for a hands-on look at everyday city life from the 18th to the 20th century.

• The Icelandic Phallological Museum: probably the best-known museum in the country, with over 280 specimens! Don't miss the café either, with (arguably) the best waffles in Iceland.

The 5 Best Museums in the Wider Capital Region

Beyond Reykjavik itself, the surrounding Capital Region towns are home to several excellent museums. They're not in the city center, but each is only a short drive from downtown and easy to add to your time in the capital area.

• The Museum of Design and Applied Art: located in Gardabaer, this museum is dedicated to Icelandic design and architecture, with rotating exhibitions tracing local design from historical artifacts to contemporary work.

• Hafnarfjordur Heritage Museum: dive into the history of Hafnarfjordur, a town known for its lava fields and hidden-people folklore, through a collection largely gifted by locals. Access is free.

• Hafnarborg Center of Art and Culture: an art museum and cultural center in the heart of Hafnarfjordur, with a strong contemporary Icelandic collection and a regular program of concerts, lectures, and events. Access to Hafnarborg Center is free year-round.

• Gerdarsafn: in Kopavogur, dedicated to modernist artist Gerður Helgadóttir. Gerdarsafn showcases sculptures, stained glass works, and mosaics alongside temporary exhibitions by established and emerging artists.

• Gljufrasteinn: the preserved former home of Nobel Prize-winning author Halldór Laxness, on the edge of the Capital Region near Mosfellsbaer, offering a glimpse into the writer's life and the era in which he worked. It's located along road 36 to Thingvellir National Park.

The 5 Best Museums in South Iceland

South Iceland is the easiest region for a museum stop, since its sites sit along the Golden Circle and South Coast routes most travelers already drive. Highlights include the vast Skogar folk museum, the volcano-focused Eldheimar and LAVA Centre, and the interactive Skyrland exhibition.

5. The Arnessysla Heritage Museum

If you're planning to explore some of the South Coast during your time in Iceland, a great addition to your journey is the Arnessysla Heritage Museum. It's located in the small village of Eyrarbakki, just an hour's drive outside central Reykjavik and a 14-minute drive outside the area's largest town, Selfoss.

The Arnessysla Heritage Museum is close to the Golden Circle area, so this is a great detour if you want to add a cultural stop to the route. Visiting the lovely village of Eyrarbakki is also a charming day trip from Reykjavik on its own.

This museum is spread over multiple historic houses, with the largest exhibition housed in a former merchant's home, originally built in 1765. Befitting the history of the house, its exhibition documents 200 years of commerce and trade in the area, as Eyrarbakki used to be one of the largest trading centers in Iceland.

You'll also be able to see an exhibit about fishing and Icelanders' historic relationship with the sea, complete with a preserved ship. After you visit, we recommend heading over to the village of Stokkseyri, just a 10-minute drive from Eyrarbakki, where you can find a remade 19th-century fishing station that brings insight into the daily life of fishermen.

Arnessysla Heritage Museum Admission Fee

• Adults: 1,800 ISK (14 USD)

• Children under 18: Free

• Seniors: 1,400 ISK (11 USD)

• People with Disabilities: Free

Arnessysla Heritage Museum Ratings

• Arnessysla Heritage Museum - Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Arnessysla Heritage Museum Opening Hours

• May 1 – September 30: daily 10 AM–5 PM. Other times by arrangement.

Arnessysla Heritage Museum Address

• Eyrargata 50, 820 Eyrarbakki, Iceland

4. The Skyrland Exhibition

Located in Selfoss' Old Dairy Food Hall, the Skyrland Exhibition explores the history of Icelandic skyr, a traditional cultured dairy product. Through interactive displays and historic artifacts, you'll learn how skyr has been made for centuries, from the techniques brought by the Norse settlers to the production methods still used today.

The exhibition also looks at skyr's role in Icelandic history and everyday life. Interactive exhibits let you smell Icelandic herbs and grasses, explore traditional dairy farming, and discover why skyr has remained an important part of the Icelandic diet for more than 1,000 years, ever since the Viking Age.

After your visit, you can stay in the Old Dairy Food Hall, the best place for a meal in Selfoss, before continuing your journey. The exhibition is just off the Ring Road, about 50 minutes from Reykjavik, and makes an easy stop when exploring South Iceland or the Golden Circle. You can book your entrance to the Skyrland Exhibition in advance.

Skyrland Admission Fee

• Adults: 1,990 ISK (16 USD)

• Children under 12: Free

• Seniors: 995 ISK (8 USD)

• People with Disabilities: 995 ISK (8 USD)

Skyrland Ratings

• Skyrland - Google rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Skyrland Opening Hours

• Daily, 10 AM–6 PM.

Skyrland Address

• Eyravegur 1, 800 Selfoss, Iceland

3. LAVA Centre

Iceland's volcanic landscape is one of the country's defining features, making visiting the LAVA Centre in Hvolsvollur a worthwhile stop along the South Coast. This interactive exhibition explains how Iceland's volcanoes and earthquakes have shaped the island, with hands-on exhibits that make the science easy to understand.

You'll learn how volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur, explore Iceland's volcanic history, and watch an educational film in the museum's cinema. Be sure to include the film in your LAVA Centre admission when booking.

The LAVA Centre is about a 1.5-hour drive from Reykjavik and is an easy stop when visiting the South Coast. It's close to attractions such as Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and Hekla Volcano, and you'll have views of the famous Eyjafjallajokull Glacier Volcano, which erupted in 2010.

LAVA Centre Admission Fee

• Full experience: 5,200 ISK (41 USD)

• Cinema only: 2,000 ISK (16 USD)

• Family pack: 12,000 ISK (96 USD)

LAVA Centre Ratings

• LAVA Centre - Google rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

LAVA Centre Opening Hours

• Daily, 8:30 AM–7 PM.

LAVA Centre Address

• Austurvegur 14, 860 Hvolsvöllur, Iceland

2. The Eldheimar Museum

The Eldheimar Museum is located on Heimaey in the Westman Islands, and tells the story of the 1973 volcanic eruption that changed the island forever. The museum is built around the remains of a home buried beneath ash and lava, and documents the eruption of Eldfell Volcano and the overnight evacuation of the island's residents.

Through photographs, personal stories, artifacts, and interactive exhibits, you'll learn how the eruption unfolded and how the community rebuilt after the disaster. It's one of the best places in Iceland to understand the country's volcanic history and how people have adapted to living alongside active volcanoes.

While you're on Heimaey, you can hike Eldfell Volcano, visit the world's largest Atlantic puffin colony during summer, or take a boat tour to see Elephant Rock and the island's sea cliffs.

You can visit Heimaey by taking the Herjolfur ferry with a rental car or as part of guided Westman Islands tours from Reykjavik. If you have time, booking an overnight stay lets you explore all that the area has to offer.

Eldheimar Admission Fee

• Adults: 3,550 ISK (28 USD)

• Families: 7,200 ISK (57 USD)

• Seniors: 2,900 ISK (23 USD)

• Children aged 10-18: 1,900 ISK (15 USD)

• Children under 10: Free

Eldheimar Ratings

• Eldheimar - Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Eldheimar Opening Hours

• Daily, 11 AM–5 PM.

Eldheimar Address

• Gerðisbraut 10, 900 Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

1. The Skogar Museum

The Skogar Museum is one of Iceland's oldest and most comprehensive cultural museums, located right by the Ring Road. It was founded in 1949 and houses more than 18,000 artifacts across three museum areas that explore the country's history, traditions, and everyday life.

Start in the Folk Museum, where you'll find exhibits on farming, fishing, textiles, and natural history, with artifacts ranging from the Viking Age to the 20th century.

Then explore the Skogar Open Air Museum, where traditional turf houses, a church, and a schoolhouse show what life was like in rural Iceland.

Finally, visit the Technical Museum to learn how transportation, fishing, and technology developed as the country modernized.

The Skogar Museum is an easy stop along the South Coast as it's next to the Skogafoss Waterfall. By the museum, you'll also find the trail starting point to Kvernufoss Waterfall, the lesser-known neighbor of Skogafoss.

Skogar Museum Admission Fee

• Adults: 3,000 ISK (24 USD)

• Students and seniors: 2,000 ISK (16 USD)

• Children aged 12-17: 1,600 ISK (13 USD)

• Children under 12: Free

• Family ticket: 6,750 ISK (54 USD)

Skogar Museum Ratings

• Skogar Museum - Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Skogar Museum Opening Hours

• June–August: daily 9 AM–6 PM. September–May: daily 10 AM–5 PM.

Skogar Museum Address

• Safnavegur 1, 861 Skógar, Iceland

The 5 Best Museums in North Iceland

North Iceland rewards a longer stay, with Akureyri as its cultural hub and standout sites like Glaumbaer's turf houses, the Herring Era Museum in Siglufjordur, and the Husavik Whale Museum. Most connect easily to the Ring Road and Diamond Circle route, making them easy additions to your self-drive itinerary.

5. Akureyri Art Museum

Located in central Akureyri, the Akureyri Art Museum is one of the leading art museums in North Iceland. Since opening in 1993, it has become a cultural hub, showcasing rotating exhibitions by both Icelandic and international artists, from contemporary works to pieces that have shaped Icelandic art history.

In addition to its exhibitions, the museum hosts workshops, lectures, and cultural events that make art accessible to visitors and the local community alike. It's an excellent stop for anyone interested in Icelandic art and contemporary culture.

The museum's central location makes it easy to combine with other top Akureyri attractions, including the Akureyri Botanical Garden and Akureyrarkirkja Church. If you're staying a night in town, consider starting your day with a visit to the museum and its popular café, a local favorite spot for brunch in Akureyri. For more art in the region, visit the Icelandic Folk and Outsider Art Museum just across the Eyjafjordur Fjord for some unique exhibits.

Akureyri Art Museum Admission Fee

• Adults: 2,400 ISK (19 USD)

• Seniors and students: 1,200 ISK (10 USD)

• Children under 18: Free

• People with disabilities: Free

• FÍSOS, SÍM, ICOM and the Gil Society members: Free

Akureyri Art Museum Ratings

• Akureyri Art Museum - Google rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Akureyri Art Museum Opening Hours

• September–May: daily 12–5 PM. June–August: daily 10 AM–5 PM.

Akureyri Art Museum Address

• Kaupvangsstræti 8-12, 600 Akureyri, Iceland

4. The Akureyri Museum

If you're visiting North Iceland or driving the Ring Road, make time for the Akureyri Museum, one of the town's top attractions. As Iceland's largest town outside the Capital Region, Akureyri is well worth exploring for its colorful historic houses, beautiful surroundings, and excellent museums.

The Akureyri Museum features five exhibitions that showcase the history and culture of North Iceland. The main exhibition traces Akureyri's development through artifacts, multimedia displays, and artwork. Your ticket also includes multiple other exhibits, such as Nonni's House, dedicated to writer and Jesuit priest Jón Sveinsson ("Nonni"), a historic toy museum, and a traditional wooden church, the museum's largest artifact.

The Akureyri Museum ticket is valid for a whole year, meaning you can visit different parts of the museums on different days during your trip.

One of the museum's highlights is the Schulte Map Collection, featuring around 139 maps of Iceland dating from 1528 to 1847. Many include fascinating depictions of mythical creatures and reveal how Iceland was viewed by the outside world through the centuries.

Admission also includes the Laufas Turf Farm, located across Eyjafjordur Fjord. This beautifully preserved late 19th-century estate includes a mid-19th-century church, while parts of the farm contain timber believed to date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Akureyri Museum is one of the best places to discover the history and heritage of North Iceland, making it a worthwhile stop on any Ring Road itinerary.

Akureyri Museum Admission Fee

• Adults (combined ticket, 7 museums): 2,800 ISK (22 USD)

• Seniors: 2,200 ISK (18 USD)

• Children under 18: Free

Akureyri Museum Ratings

• Akureyri Museum - Google rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Akureyri Museum Opening Hours

• June-September: daily 11 AM–5 PM. October-May: daily 1 PM–4 PM.

Akureyri Museum Address

• Aðalstræti 58, 600 Akureyri, Iceland

3. The Herring Era Museum

Few museums capture Iceland's maritime history as vividly as the Herring Era Museum in Siglufjordur, the northernmost town in Iceland. As the country's largest maritime museum, it explores the herring boom that transformed this small fishing village into Iceland's "Herring Capital" during the early 20th century, before the industry's collapse in the 1960s reshaped the town and the nation's economy.

The museum features five exhibitions spread across four historic buildings. The Boat House recreates a bustling North Icelandic herring harbor from 1938 to 1954, complete with 11 historic fishing boats. Nearby, Grána tells the story of Iceland's fish meal and fish oil production, while the Salting House (Róaldsbakki) brings the traditional herring salting process to life through interactive exhibits and seasonal demonstrations accompanied by music and dancing.

Your visit also includes Njarðarskemma, which traces the technological development of the fishing industry, and the Old Slipway, where historic boats are restored using traditional tools and techniques from around a century ago.

A visit to the Herring Era Museum offers a fascinating look at one of the most important chapters in Iceland's history. It's one of the top attractions in Siglufjordur and well worth adding to any North Iceland itinerary. If you plan to spend the night, be sure to book accommodation in Siglufjordur ahead of time.

Herring Era Museum Admission Fee

• Adults: 2,400 ISK (19 USD)

• Seniors: 1,300 ISK (10 USD)

Herring Era Museum Ratings

• Herring Era Museum - Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Herring Era Museum Opening Hours

• June–August: daily 10 AM–5 PM. May and September: daily 1 PM–5 PM. October-April: by appointment.

Herring Era Museum Address

• Snorragata 10, 580 Siglufjörður, Iceland

2. Glaumbaer Open Air Museum

Step into Iceland's past (literally) at Glaumbaer, one of the country's best-preserved turf farms and part of the Skagafjordur Heritage Museum in North Iceland.

This open-air museum is located just over an hour from Akureyri, a short detour from the Ring Road, and offers an authentic look at traditional Icelandic architecture and rural life.

Although the current turf house dates mainly from the mid-18th to late 19th centuries, the farm itself has been inhabited since the Settlement Age. Like many Icelandic turf farms, it was rebuilt over generations before its last residents moved out in 1947.

Today, visitors can explore 13 interconnected turf buildings and experience what life was like for a prosperous Icelandic farming family in the 19th century. The museum also includes two historic wooden houses, one of which features an exhibition about Monika Helgadóttir (1901-1988), often called the symbol of the Icelandic farm woman, offering insight into everyday farm life in the early 20th century.

Before continuing through Skagafjordur, stop by the museum café for traditional Icelandic pastries or homemade soup, then browse the gift shop for Icelandic souvenirs.

Glaumbaer Turf Farm & Museum Admission Fee

• Adults: 2,200 ISK (18 USD)

• Students, seniors, and people with disabilities: 1,900 ISK (15 USD)

• Children: Free

Glaumbaer Turf Farm & Museum Ratings

• Glaumbaer Turf Farm & Museum - Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Glaumbaer Turf Farm & Museum Opening Hours

• May 20–September 20: daily 10 AM–6 PM.

• September 21–October 20: weekdays 10 AM–4 PM.

• October 21-March 31: by appointment.

• April 1-May 19: Weekdays 10 AM–4 PM.

Glaumbaer Turf Farm & Museum Address

• 561 Glaumbær, Iceland

1. Husavik Whale Museum

A visit to Husavik, Iceland's famous "Whale Watching Capital," isn't complete without stopping at the Husavik Whale Museum. It explores the biology, history, and conservation of the whales that inhabit Icelandic waters.

Since opening in 1997, the Whale Museum has featured impressive whale skeletons from animals that died of natural causes, giving visitors a close look at the size and anatomy of these incredible marine mammals. Informative exhibits explain the different whale species found in the North Atlantic, their behavior, and the conservation challenges they face today.

The museum also examines Iceland's history of whaling and the changing relationship between people and whales over the centuries, providing valuable cultural and historical context.

If you're planning to go see whales in Husavik or joining whale-watching tours elsewhere in Iceland, the Husavik Whale Museum is well worth visiting first. It will deepen your appreciation of the whales you're likely to encounter and enrich your time on the water.

Husavik Whale Museum Admission Fee

• Adults: 2,650 ISK (21 USD)

• Children under 16: Free

Husavik Whale Museum Ratings

• Husavik Whale Museum - Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Husavik Whale Museum Opening Hours

• April-October: daily 9 AM–6 PM. November–March: daily 10 AM–4 PM.

Husavik Whale Museum Address

• Hafnarstétt 1, 640 Húsavík, Iceland

The 5 Best Museums in West Iceland

Beyond its scenic landscapes, West Iceland is home to museums that offer a deeper understanding of Iceland's history and culture. Read on to find out what you can experience at the 5 best West Iceland museums.

5. The War and Peace Museum

For a different perspective on Iceland's history, visit the War and Peace Museum in Hvalfjordur Fjord, about an hour's drive from Reykjavik. The museum explores Iceland's strategic role during World War II, when British and later American forces were stationed on the island throughout the 1940s.

Through artifacts, photographs, and firsthand accounts, you'll learn how the wartime occupation shaped everyday life in Iceland and why the country became an important strategic location in the North Atlantic. The exhibitions also highlight the relationships that developed between locals and foreign soldiers, offering a nuanced look at this pivotal period in Icelandic history.

You'll find World War II remnants throughout Iceland, from abandoned military structures to old roads and bunkers, and the museum provides valuable context for many of these sites.

The Hvalfjordur Fjord is one of the most rewarding detours from the Ring Road. Instead of taking the Hvalfjordur Tunnel, follow the scenic coastal road to enjoy sweeping fjord views, visit the War and Peace Museum, relax at the Hvammsvik Hot Springs, and hike to Glymur Waterfall, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls. It's a slower route, but one that's well worth the extra time.

War and Peace Museum Admission Fee

• Adults: 2,600 ISK (21 USD)

• Seniors and people with disabilities: 2,200 ISK (18 USD)

• Children under 11: Free

War and Peace Museum Ratings

• War and Peace Museum - Google rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

War and Peace Museum Opening Hours

• May 1-August 25: Wednesday-Friday 1 PM-5 PM. Weekends 11 AM-4 PM.

War and Peace Museum Address

• Hvalfjarðarvegur, 301 Akranes, Iceland

4. The Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Chris 73. No edits made.

You may already have heard about some of Iceland's unappetizing traditional food, such as sheepshead and sour ram's testicles, which you can try during a food walk tour in Reykjavik. The most famous dish, however, is the fermented shark, or "hákarl," which you can learn about during a visit to the Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

The Shark Museum is dedicated to the traditional process of fermenting sharks. During a visit, you will learn all about the Greenland shark and its importance throughout Icelandic history from your helpful museum guide. You'll also hear about how they were traditionally caught and prepared.

To complete the experience, you'll be able to taste this dish for yourself during your visit. If you're planning on trying fermented shark while in Iceland, this is really the best place to do so. Afterward, you can also treat yourself to some more typical local seafood in their bistro.

Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum Admission Fee

• Adults: 2,000 ISK (16 USD)

• Children under 12: Free

Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum Ratings

• Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum - Google rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum Opening Hours

• Daily, 10 AM–5 PM.

Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum Address

• 341 Bjarnarhöfn, Iceland

3. The Norwegian House

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Emstrur. No edits made.

The Norwegian House in the town of Stykkisholmur is one of the oldest two-story timber buildings in Iceland and one of the most distinctive museums on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It was built in 1832 using prefabricated timber imported from Norway, and the house is now part of the Snaefellsnes Regional Museum.

It offers a glimpse into life in a prosperous Icelandic trading town during the 19th century. The museum's exhibitions recreate the home's original interiors with period furnishings, household objects, clothing, and imported goods, showing how affluent Icelandic families lived during the era.

Upstairs, rotating exhibitions explore the history and culture of Snaefellsnes, while the surrounding grounds include historic outbuildings and a traditional fishing boat.

A visit to the Norwegian House is a top thing to do in Stykkisholmur. It's easy to combine with a walk around Sugandisey Island and the harbor or with a visit to the town's restaurants and cafés.

Norwegian House Admission Fee

• Adults: 1,800 ISK (14 USD)

• Groups (10+): 1,500 ISK (12 USD)

• Seniors/Students: 1,250 ISK (10 USD)

• 18 and under: Free

Norwegian House Ratings

• Norwegian House - Google rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars

Norwegian House Opening Hours

• Summer: daily 11 AM-5 PM. Winter hours limited.

Norwegian House Address

• Hafnargata 5, 340 Stykkishólmur, Iceland

2. The Settlement Center

The Settlement Center in Borgarnes offers one of the best introductions to Icelandic Vikings and settlement history. It's just an hour's drive from Reykjavik and a fantastic stop for those heading to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or North Iceland.

Its two exhibitions explore the country's first settlers and the story of Egill Skallagrímsson, one of Iceland's most famous Viking poets, warriors, and saga heroes.

Through interactive exhibits, engaging storytelling, and multilingual audio guides, you'll gain insight into the challenges and achievements of the island's earliest inhabitants. You can experience both exhibitions with a 1-hour guided exhibition tour.

The Settlement Center also features a cozy restaurant serving Icelandic cuisine, making it an excellent stop around lunch or dinner time, especially if you're staying a night in Borgarnes.

A visit to the Settlement Center provides valuable context for Iceland's history and culture, making it one of the best museums to visit before exploring the country's historic sites and landscapes.

The Settlement Center Admission Fee

• Adults: 3,900 ISK (31 USD)

• Children aged 6-12: 1,500 ISK (12 USD)

• Seniors and students: 3,500 ISK (28 USD)

• Family pack: 9,100 ISK (72 USD)

The Settlement Center Ratings

• The Settlement Center - Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The Settlement Center Opening Hours

• Daily, year-round, 10 AM–9 PM.

The Settlement Center Address

• Brákarbraut 13-15, 310 Borgarnes, Iceland

1. Eiriksstadir Viking Longhouse

Eiriksstadir is a reconstructed Viking farm in the Dalir region of West Iceland, built on the site where Erik the Red is believed to have lived before his exile to Greenland. According to the Saga of Erik the Red, this was also the childhood home of his son, Leif Erikson, who later became one of the first Europeans to reach North America.

Unlike a traditional museum, Eiriksstadir offers an interactive look at Viking life. The reconstructed longhouse is furnished as it would have been around the year 1000, and knowledgeable guides in period clothing explain how people lived, worked, and traveled during the Viking Age. You'll also have the opportunity to handle replica tools, weapons, and everyday objects, giving you a better understanding of life in medieval Iceland.

A visit to Eiriksstadir adds valuable context to the Icelandic sagas and the country's Viking history. It's a worthwhile stop while exploring West Iceland or traveling toward the Westfjords, especially for anyone interested in Iceland's early settlers and the stories that shaped the nation.

Eiriksstadir Viking Longhouse Admission Fee

• Adults: 2,900 ISK (23 USD)

Eiriksstadir Viking Longhouse Ratings

• Eiriksstadir Viking Longhouse - Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Eiriksstadir Viking Longhouse Opening Hours

• March 15–October 31: daily 10 AM–5 PM.

Eiriksstadir Viking Longhouse Address

• Haukadalsvegur, 371 Búðardalur, Iceland

The 5 Best Museums in the Westfjords

The remote Westfjords hold some of Iceland's most distinctive small museums, including the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft and the reconstructed Osvor fishing station. They reward travelers willing to venture off the Ring Road. Read on for the top spots to include in your itinerary.

5. The Art Farm of Samuel Jonsson

In the remote Westfjords, the Art Farm of Samúel Jónsson is one of Iceland's most unusual museums. It celebrates the life and work of Samúel Jónsson, a self-taught artist who began creating sculptures, paintings, and remarkable buildings after retiring, transforming his remote farm into an extraordinary outdoor gallery.

Visitors can explore Samúel's colorful creations, including his self-built church and his interpretation of the Lion's Fountain at Spain's Alhambra. His imaginative works stand in striking contrast to the surrounding Westfjords landscape, making the museum a memorable stop for anyone interested in folk art or outsider art.

Located about an hour's drive from Bildudalur, the museum is a worthwhile detour for travelers exploring the Westfjords. Its remote setting and one-of-a-kind artworks make it one of Iceland's most distinctive cultural attractions.

Samuel Jonsson's Art Farm Admission Fee

• Admission: Free

Samuel Jonsson's Art Farm Ratings

• Samuel Jonsson's Art Farm - Google rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Samuel Jonsson's Art Farm Opening Hours

• Open 24 hours (outdoor site)

Samuel Jonsson's Art Farm Address

• Unnamed Road, 466 Selárdalur, Iceland

4. Icelandic Sea Monster Museum

Icelandic folklore takes center stage at the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum in Bildudalur, where centuries of legends, eyewitness accounts, and local traditions come together. The museum explores the mysterious creatures that were once said to inhabit Iceland's fjords and coastal waters.

Interactive exhibits introduce visitors to Iceland's most famous sea monsters through stories, illustrations, and multimedia displays, while also examining the role these legends have played in Icelandic folklore and coastal communities. Whether you believe the tales or not, the museum offers a fascinating look at an important part of Iceland's cultural heritage.

The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum is a fun stop for visitors of all ages, especially families traveling in Iceland. It also pairs perfectly with boat tours, kayaking trips, or other coastal adventures, as you never know what might be lurking beneath the waves.

The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum Admission Fee

• Adults: 1,250 ISK (10 USD)

• Children under 10: Free

The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum Ratings

• The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum - Google rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum Opening Hours

• May 15–September 15: daily 10 AM–6 PM. Other times by request.

The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum Address

• Strandgata 7, 465 Bíldudalur, Iceland

3. The Westfjords Heritage Museum

The Westfjords Heritage Museum in Isafjordur offers an excellent introduction to the history, culture, and maritime heritage of Iceland's most remote region. Housed in some of the town's oldest buildings, the museum explores the development of Isafjordur, the growth of the fishing industry, and how life in the Westfjords has changed over the centuries.

Through historic artifacts, photographs, and engaging exhibitions, you'll learn how the sea shaped the livelihoods and traditions of local communities. And if you're lucky, you might even meet the museum's friendly museum cat!

Don't miss out on the Tjöruhúsið restaurant by the museum during your visit. They're open for lunch and dinner, and you'll need to make a reservation, but it's well worth it as it's definitely one of the best fish restaurants in Iceland.

Westfjords Heritage Museum Admission Fee

• Adults: 1,750 ISK (14 USD)

• Seniors, students and people with disabilities: 1,300 ISK (10 USD)

• Children: Free

Westfjords Heritage Museum Ratings

• Westfjords Heritage Museum - Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Westfjords Heritage Museum Opening Hours

• May 16–August 31: daily 9 AM–5 PM.

• September 1–15: daily 9 AM–3 PM.

• September 16–30: daily 11 AM–3 PM.

• Closed or by arrangement the rest of the year.

Westfjords Heritage Museum Address

• 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland

2. The Osvor Maritime Museum

The Osvor Maritime Museum near Bolungarvik offers a fascinating look at Iceland's fishing heritage. This reconstructed 19th-century fishing station, or verbúð, shows how seasonal fishermen lived and worked long before the country's modern fishing industry developed.

This small museum highlights an often-overlooked part of Icelandic history. Until the late 19th century, farming was much more prominent than fishing in Iceland, but those who were able would go themselves or send workers to fishing stations, or "verbúðir." Men, and in some cases women, would row out to sea all around the country in six or eight-seat boats. After a few weeks, they could start the return journey home with their share of the catch.

Osvor faithfully recreates one of these stations, complete with turf buildings, fishermen's living quarters, workspaces, and a preserved 19th-century rowing boat. It's a must-see for anyone interested in getting to know everyday life in Iceland throughout history.

Osvor Maritime Museum Admission Fee

• Adults: 1,700 ISK (14 USD)

• Seniors: 1,500 ISK (12 USD)

• Children under 15: Free

Osvor Maritime Museum Ratings

• Osvor Maritime Museum - Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Osvor Maritime Museum Opening Hours

• June 10–August 20: daily 10 AM–4 PM. Other times by arrangement.

Osvor Maritime Museum Address

• Route 61, 415 Bolungarvík, Iceland

1. Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft

The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft in Holmavik explores one of the darkest chapters of Iceland's history. Dedicated to the history of Icelandic witchcraft and the country's 17th-century witch trials, the museum examines the beliefs, superstitions, and fear that led to the persecution of people accused of practicing magic, particularly in the Westfjords.

Through historic texts, magical staves, ritual objects, and interactive exhibits, visitors gain insight into Icelandic folk magic and the lives of those caught up in the witch hunts. One of the museum's most famous displays is a replica of the legendary nábrók, or necropants, a pair of trousers said to be made from human skin and believed to bring wealth to their owner under specific conditions.

The museum also tells the stories of the 21 people executed for witchcraft in Iceland, placing these events in their historical and cultural context. It's one of the country's most distinctive museums and a must-visit for anyone interested in Icelandic folklore, history, or the supernatural while exploring the Westfjords.

Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft Admission Fee

• Adults: 1,600 ISK (13 USD)

• Students: 1,400 ISK (11 USD)

• Seniors and people with disabilities: 1,300 ISK (10 USD)

• Children under 14: Free

Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft Ratings

• Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft - Google rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft Opening Hours

• Summer opening: daily 10 AM–6 PM.

• Winter opening: daily 12 PM–6 PM.

Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft Address

• Höfðagata 8-10, 510 Hólmavík, Iceland

The 5 Best Museums in East Iceland

East Iceland's museums tell the stories of the people who shaped the remote Eastfjords region, including artists, farmers, and local innovators. These museums are well worth adding to your itinerary.

5. The Bustarfell Turf Farm

Bustarfell Museum in the Vopnafjordur Fjord offers a rare opportunity to visit one of Iceland's best-preserved turf farms. Located about 90 minutes from Egilsstadir, this historic home remained inhabited until 1966, long after most Icelanders had moved into modern houses.

The farm has belonged to the same family since 1532 and provides a glimpse into the transition from traditional to modern living. Bustarfell was equipped with wind-generated electricity, running water, and central heating, demonstrating how Icelandic homes gradually adapted to new technologies while preserving centuries-old building traditions.

The museum traces daily life from the late 18th century to the 1960s through period furnishings, household items, and original interiors. One of its most interesting features is the farm's three kitchens, each reflecting a different stage in the evolution of Icelandic domestic life.

Although it's a detour from the Ring Road, Bustarfell is well worth visiting for anyone exploring the Eastfjords. After your visit, stop at the nearby café and take time to discover the scenic Vopnafjordur area before continuing your journey.

Bustarfell Museum Admission Fee

• Adults: 2,500 ISK (20 USD)

• Students/Seniors: 1,600 ISK (13 USD)

• Children under 18: Free

Bustarfell Museum Ratings

• Bustarfell Museum - Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Bustarfell Museum Opening Hours

• June 1–August 31: daily 10 AM–5 PM.

Bustarfell Museum Address

• Bustarfell, Hofsárdalur, 690 Vopnafjörður, Iceland

4. The Technical Museum of East Iceland

Seydisfjordur is one of the most popular destinations in the Eastfjords, known for its colorful wooden houses, lively arts scene, and blue church. If you're arriving in Iceland on the Norröna ferry, it may even be your first stop in the country.

While you're there, don't miss the Technical Museum of East Iceland, which traces the region's journey from the late 19th century to the modern day.

The museum's collection of machinery, tools, vehicles, and telecommunications equipment showcases the technological advances that transformed everyday life in East Iceland. Alongside its permanent collection, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions exploring different aspects of the region's history.

In 2020, a major landslide damaged a significant portion of the museum's collection, and you can see an interesting exhibition telling the story of the disaster and the nationwide effort to recover, conserve, and restore thousands of historic artifacts.

Technical Museum of East Iceland Admission Fee

• Adults: 1,500 ISK (12 USD)

• Children under 12: Free

• Seniors and students: 1,000 ISK (8 USD)

Technical Museum of East Iceland Ratings

• Technical Museum of East Iceland - Google rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Technical Museum of East Iceland Opening Hours

• May 15–June 30: Monday–Saturday 1 PM–5 PM.

• July 1–August 31: Monday–Saturday 11 AM–5 PM.

• September 1-15: Monday–Saturday 1 PM-5 PM.

• Closed Sundays. Winter by appointment.

Technical Museum of East Iceland Address

• Hafnargata 38b, 710 Seyðisfjörður, Iceland

3. The Heritage Museum of East Iceland

The Heritage Museum of East Iceland in Egilsstadir offers an excellent introduction to the history and culture of the region. As the largest museum in East Iceland's biggest town, it's a worthwhile stop while exploring the Eastfjords, especially if you're staying in accommodation in Egilsstadir.

The museum explores how East Iceland's rugged landscape shaped the lives of the people who settled here, from their homes and traditions to the ways they worked and adapted to the environment. Its two permanent exhibitions focus on everyday life and self-sufficiency in East Iceland, as well as the region's unique reindeer population, which continues to roam the surrounding countryside today.

Alongside the permanent displays, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions highlighting different aspects of East Iceland's history and cultural heritage.

A visit to the Heritage Museum of East Iceland adds valuable context to the sights you'll see throughout the Eastfjords, making it an excellent addition to any road trip through the region.

East Iceland Heritage Museum Admission Fee

• Adults: 1,800 ISK (14 USD)

• Children under 17: Free

• Seniors, students, and people with disabilities: 1,200 ISK (10 USD)

East Iceland Heritage Museum Ratings

• East Iceland Heritage Museum - Google rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

East Iceland Heritage Museum Opening Hours

• June 1–August 31: weekdays 10 AM–5 PM. Saturdays 11 AM-5 PM.

• September 1-August 21:  Tuesdays-Fridays 11 AM-4 PM.

East Iceland Heritage Museum Address

• Laufskógar 1, 700 Egilsstaðir, Iceland

2. The French Museum

The French Museum of Faskrudsfjordur tells the story of the French fishermen who traveled to Icelandic waters each year during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Housed in the beautifully restored French Hospital, which is also home to Fosshotel Eastfjords, the museum explores a little-known chapter of Iceland's maritime history and explains why Faskrudsfjordur became known as the "French town in Iceland."

Through immersive exhibits, historic photographs, artifacts, and reconstructed interiors, you'll learn about the dangerous lives of French sailors, the medical care provided at the hospital, and the close relationships that developed between the visiting crews and local Icelanders.

French influence can still be seen throughout Faskrudsfjordur, from bilingual Icelandic and French street signs to preserved historic buildings. You'll also find reminders of this shared history elsewhere around Iceland, including monuments and cemeteries in coastal towns such as Patreksfjordur, Grundarfjordur, and Reykjavik.

The French Museum Admission Fee

• Adults: 2,330 ISK (19 USD)

• Seniors, students, and people with disabilities: 1,940 ISK (15 USD)

• Members of ICOM – FÍSOS: Free

The ticket is also valid for The Museum House in Neskaupstadur, East Iceland Maritime Museum in Eskifjordur, and The Icelandic Wartime Museum in Reydarfjordur.

The French Museum Ratings

• The French Museum - Google rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

The French Museum Opening Hours

• May 15–September 30: daily 10 AM–6 PM. Other times by appointment.

The French Museum Address

• Hafnargata 12, 750 Fáskrúðsfjörður, Iceland

1. The Wilderness Center

The Wilderness Center is located in a restored farmhouse on the edge of the Icelandic Highlands, about an hour's drive from Egilsstadir. Here, you can visit the Wilderness Center Exhibition, which traces the story of the people who once lived in this remote part of East Iceland.

The story is told through interactive exhibitions, historic artifacts, photographs, films, and reconstructed interiors.

To make the experience even more memorable, you can stay overnight in the center's accommodation. Often described as "staying in a museum," the rooms are furnished to reflect different periods of Icelandic history, from a 19th-century turf house to an early 20th-century farmhouse, and traditional homemade meals are served on site.

There's also plenty to experience outside the museum. You can explore the surrounding landscape on scenic hiking trails, join a horse riding tour through the wilderness, or cross a glacier river in a cable trolley, traveling as Icelanders once did.

Wilderness Center Admission Fee

• Adults: 3,000 ISK (24 USD)

• Seniors and children aged 6-12: 2,160 ISK (17 USD)

• Children under 5: Free

Wilderness Center Ratings

• Wilderness Center - Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Wilderness Center Opening Hours

• May 15–September 15: daily 11 AM–6 PM. Other times by request.

Wilderness Center Address

• Múlavegur í Fljótsdal, 701 Egilsstaðir, Iceland

The 5 Best Educational Experiences in Iceland

Beyond traditional museums, Iceland has a number of hands-on experiences that bring its history, geology, and folklore to life. These are some of the most memorable to add to your trip.

• Lava Show: The Lava Show, with a location in Reykjavik and in Vik on the South Coast, recreates a volcanic eruption in a controlled setting. You can hear, feel, and smell red-hot lava meeting ice while hosts explain Iceland's geological story.

• Caves of Hella: Just over an hour from Reykjavik, the Caves of Hella are among Iceland's oldest man-made sites, with carved crosses and engravings believed to date back around the time of settlement in the 9th century. Four of the twelve caves are open, and you can visit only with this guided Caves of Hella tour.

• Battle of Iceland 1238: In the town of Saudarkrokur, this exhibition recreates the Battle of Orlygsstadir, the largest battle in Icelandic history, fought in 1238 during the turbulent Sturlung Age. Using virtual reality, you can step into the battle itself. It's great for families, with a minimum visitor age of 6.

• Laugarvatnshellar Caves: By Thingvellir National Park in the Golden Circle, these man-made caves housed two families between 1910 and 1921. With a guided cave tour, you can see the home recreated as it looked around 1920. The site is only a 20-minute drive from Thingvellir's main visitor area.

• Volcano Express: Located inside Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Volcano Express combines an immersive volcano exhibition with VR technology to let you experience Iceland's volcanic eruptions up close. Through interactive storytelling and realistic visuals, you'll learn how eruptions shape the island's landscape without stepping onto an active volcano.

Choosing the Right Museums for Your Iceland Trip

Iceland's museums open a window onto the country's history and daily life. Reykjavik's major institutions, remote turf houses, and quirky one-topic exhibitions across the countryside all add depth to a trip.

Whichever region you visit, adding a museum or two will deepen your understanding of Icelandic history, culture, and nature. Use the regional guides above to plan the stops that fit your route, and explore more of Iceland with our guides on the main attractions by the Ring Road and the best things to do in Iceland.