Best Museums & Exhibitions in Iceland — Largest Selection & Cheapest Prices Guaranteed

The best museums in Iceland reflect the country’s dramatic landscapes and fascinating history. From exploring the remains of a Viking longhouse to walking through a glacier inside an exhibition museum and even experiencing the power of volcanic eruptions, these spaces offer truly immersive experiences. 

Beyond Viking heritage and volcanic power, Iceland’s museums push boundaries with exhibits on punk music, cutting-edge art, and even the world’s largest collection of phallic specimens. Interactive escape rooms, immersive wildlife experiences, and northern lights exhibitions add to the mix, offering a blend of adventure and discovery that makes every visit as surprising as it is unforgettable.

Experience Iceland’s must-visit museums, from Reykjavik’s cultural institutions to unique exhibitions across the country. Get insights on top museums, practical details, and tips to make the most of your visit.

The Best History Museums in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is home to some of Iceland’s most important history museums, showcasing the nation’s Viking roots, maritime traditions, and everyday life through engaging exhibits.

• National Museum of Iceland: This is the main history museum in Iceland, housing over 2,000 artifacts, from Viking-age swords to medieval manuscripts, tracing the nation's history from settlement to today.
• Arbaer Open Air Museum: This living museum offers an interactive look at historic turf-roofed homes and daily life, making it a top choice among Reykjavik museums for families.
• The Adalstraeti and Settlement Exhibition: A unique exhibition built around real archaeological Viking ruins. It offers an immersive look at Reykjavik’s earliest settlers to the modern day through excavated relics and multimedia displays.
• Reykjavik Maritime Museum: A top Reykjavik museum exploring Iceland’s seafaring history through exhibits on fishing, maritime traditions, and restored historic vessels.

Best Nature Museums in Reykjavik

Iceland’s natural wonders take center stage in these museums, where you can learn about glaciers, volcanoes, and marine life through immersive exhibitions.

• Perlan Museum: This must-visit museum has different exhibitions dedicated to Icelandic water, glaciers, and volcanos. With admission to the Wonders of Iceland exhibitions, you can visit a recreated ice cave and enjoy views from a 360° observation deck overlooking Reykjavik.

• Whales of Iceland Museum: One of the largest whale exhibition museums in the world, this top Reykjavik attraction lets you walk among life-size whale models while exploring marine life through interactive displays and films. It's a popular location, and you can book your Whales of Iceland admission ahead of time for convenience.

Best Art Musems in Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s art scene is dynamic and diverse, with museums showcasing everything from Icelandic masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works.

• Reykjavik Art Museum: One of the best museums in Iceland, this multi-site exhibition museum showcases unique modern art from renowned local artists like Erró and Jóhannes Kjarval to exciting up-and-comers, reflecting Reykjavik’s artistic innovation.
• National Gallery of Iceland: At Iceland's National Art Museum, you'll see a great number of important artworks from the country's art history. It has two main locations, by the Tjornin pond and in the beautiful House of Collections.

Unique Museums and Experiences in Reykjavik

For those looking for something different, these museums, exhibitions, and experiences offer quirky, thought-provoking, and interactive exhibits.

• Iceland Phallological Museum: One of the most unusual Reykjavik museums, this exhibition presents a vast collection of penises from various species, blending science, folklore, and humor.
• The Icelandic Punk Museum: An interactive underground exhibition showcasing Iceland’s punk rock history through music, memorabilia, and vibrant storytelling.
• Escape Room Adventures in Reykjavik: For a different kind of adventure, plan a visit to an exciting escape room and try to break free before time runs out!
  • 1-hour Taken Escape Room Adventure in Central Reykjavik: A classic 1-hour escape adventure where you solve puzzles and uncover clues.
  • 1-hour Escobar Room Escape Adventure in Reykjavik: Trapped in Pablo Escobar’s hideout, you must decipher codes and find hidden valuables in this thrilling escape room experience.
  • 1-hour Escape Room in Dukkuhusid or the Dollhouse: Solve the eerie mystery of disappearing actors in a haunted movie set, surrounded by creepy dolls and chilling clues.

A Tip For Your Visit: Get A Reykjavik City Card

The Reykjavik City Card provides free access to top museums, galleries, geothermal pools, public transport, and discounts at many locations. Available in 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour options, it’s a flexible and affordable way to explore the best museums in Iceland, particularly those in the capital.

• 24-Hour Reykjavik City Card: This pass offers free entry to Reykjavik museums, galleries, geothermal pools, and public transport, plus discounts at restaurants and shops.

• 48-Hour Reykjavik City Card: A flexible option providing extended access, perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace.

• 72-Hour Reykjavik City Card: Ideal for deeper exploration, this pass grants three days of access to the best museums in Iceland, with many other benefits for travelers.

Other Great Museums and Exhibitions Around Iceland

Beyond Reykjavik, Iceland has fascinating museums covering everything from volcanic eruptions to Viking sagas. These are excellent additions to any self-drive tour itinerary.

• Skyrland Exhibition (Selfoss): A hands-on exhibition museum where visitors can explore the history of Iceland’s iconic dairy product, sample Skyr, and learn about traditional farming methods.
• LAVA Centre (Hvolsvollur): A high-tech exhibition museum where visitors can experience volcanic eruptions and Iceland’s geological forces through immersive displays and dynamic film presentations.
• Settlement & Egils Saga Exhibition (Borgarnes): One of the best saga museums in Iceland for history enthusiasts, bringing to life the legendary warrior-poet Egill Skallagrímsson and the enduring impact of Icelandic sagas.

• The Wilderness Center Exhibition (Eastfjords): An immersive exhibition museum showcasing Iceland’s rugged highlands through guided tours, storytelling, and authentic artifacts that highlight frontier life.

• Glaumbaer Turf Museum (North Iceland): This excellent open-air museum features real turf houses with period furnishings that reveal how Icelanders adapted to their environment.

• Herring Era Museum (Siglufjordur): A fascinating exhibition museum in a restored fishing factory detailing Iceland’s herring boom with vintage boats, historic buildings, and engaging displays.

Combining Museums and Exhibitions with Other Experiences

Pairing museum visits with outdoor adventures adds depth to your Iceland experience. These fun tours take you sightseeing and also include visits to museums, exhibitions, and experiences.

• 10-Hour Golden Circle Sightseeing Tour with FlyOver Iceland Experience: Experience Iceland's Golden Circle highlights, including Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir, followed by the immersive FlyOver Iceland simulation in Reykjavik.

• 4-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour and Whales of Iceland Exhibition with Transfer from Reykjavik: Combine a whale-watching tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour with a visit to the Whales of Iceland exhibition museum, featuring life-size models and interactive displays.

• Reykjavik Northern Lights Cruise & Aurora Exhibition: Sail into Faxafloi bay to chase the auroras, with access to the Aurora Reykjavik exhibition museum for interactive displays and an HD aurora film.

• Small-Group 12-Hour Westman Islands Puffins and Volcano Day Tour from Reykjavik: Visit the Eldheimar exhibition museum, hike Eldfell volcano, and spot puffins on this full-day adventure to Heimaey island in the Westman Island archipelago.

• 9-Hour Westfjords Sightseeing and Culture Tour from Patreksfjordur: Explore the stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique culture of Iceland’s Westfjords on this scenic tour, featuring coastal villages, local folklore, and a relaxing hot spring soak.

Explore Museums in Iceland as Part of a Vacation Package

These fully customizable vacation packages offer the perfect balance of Iceland’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. You can explore stunning landscapes while adding museum experiences like guided tours or admission tickets to some of the best museums in Iceland along the way.

• 5-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland with Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon: Follow a pre-planned itinerary featuring the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, and Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, with the option to add museum visits in Reykjavik.

• 7-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour Through the Golden Circle and South Iceland: Travel the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snaefellsnes Peninsula at your own pace, with the flexibility to stop at exhibition museums like the National Museum or Whales of Iceland.

• 6-Day Northern Lights Adventure Package in Iceland with Ice Caving: Enjoy guided tours and nightly northern lights hunts, with the opportunity to visit Reykjavik museums such as Aurora Reykjavik or Whales of Iceland.

Practical Information About Museums and Exhibitions in Iceland

Iceland’s museums offer fascinating insights into the country’s history, nature, and culture, and they are accessible year-round. They offer informative context to the history of locations you may visit during your time in Iceland and are the perfect activity on a rainy day. Whether you’re interested in Viking history, Icelandic art, or unique natural phenomena, there’s a museum to suit every curiosity.

When planning your visit, keep practical details in mind. Most museums open around 10:00 AM and close by early evening, with some shortening opening hours in winter. Admission fees vary, but discounts and the Reykjavik City Card can help reduce costs. Accessibility is generally good in major museums, and getting around Reykjavik is easy with public transport or on foot. To reach rural exhibitions, renting a car or joining a tour is recommended. Most exhibitions provide texts in Icelandic and English, and audio guides are often available in multiple languages, ensuring an enriching experience for all visitors.