The Saga Museum Reseguide

The Saga Museum is an exhibition that brings Icelandic history to life with life-like figures and sets depicting scenes from the Icelandic Sagas.

The Saga Museum, or "Sögusafnið" in Icelandic, is located in the Grandi area in downtown Reykjavik and is a museum that brings to life the early history of Iceland with detailed wax figures, dynamic scenes, and information about the many historical figures on display. It can easily be reached with a rental car. You can visit as part of a self-drive tour or stop by after a culture tour.

The Saga Museum is one of the top museums in Reykjavik. It's an experience that pairs nicely with a visit to the National Museum of Iceland or the Settlement Exhibition, where you can see the remains of a Viking longhouse. They're both within a 20-minute walk from the Saga Museum and if you have a 24-hour Reykjavik City Card, you can visit them both for free, along with multiple other cultural attractions in the city.

About the Saga Museum

The Saga Museum is dedicated to historical people and events as they're described in the Icelandic Sagas. These epic tales were written in the 12th to 14th centuries but describe events from the late 9th to early 11th centuries that were preserved through oral tradition.

The Icelandic Saga books chronicle events, explorations, vendettas, and the everyday lives of early Icelandic settlers. They are believed to be a mixture of fact and folklore, of historical occurrences and mythological tales, and they have shaped the Icelandic national identity and worldview for centuries.

You'll see many key events and characters from the Icelandic Sagas at the Saga Museum, depicted with 17 life-like figures and scenes. The sets and clothing were all made with traditional methods and from historically accurate materials for authenticity.

As you travel through the exhibition, you'll see the creation of Iceland, the settlement, the foundation of the Alþingi parliament at Thingvellir National Park, the biggest battle in Iceland's history at Orlygsstadir, the effects of the Black Death, and much more.

You'll see depictions of historical figures like Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241), a chieftain and writer of works like the Prose Edda and Heimskringla, and Jón Arason (1484-1550), the last Catholic bishop in Iceland.

Scenes also depict famous Vikings like the first settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, the Celtic princess Melkorka Mýrkjartansdóttir, and Leif the Lucky, son of Erik the Red and the first European in North America.

These scenes provide insight into early life in Iceland, making this a great stop before heading out to explore the countryside. For example, if you're planning a tour of the Golden Circle, a visit will give insight into the historical significance of Thingvellir National Park, one of three stops on the route.

If you plan to visit some of the best museums in Iceland to discover the country's history and culture, a stop at the Saga Museum is a fun way to see it brought to life!

How Long to Stay at the Saga Museum

Walking through the Saga Museum takes between 30 minutes and up to an hour. There are interesting information signs throughout the exhibition which provide insight into Icelandic history. Your visiting time will depend on how much you're interested in reading.

You'll also be provided with an audio guide available in Icelandic, English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish. It takes you around the exhibit within an hour. Afterward, you can dress up like a Viking and get fun photographs, which will expand your visiting time.

The Saga Museum also has a nice souvenir shop, where you can find Viking-inspired jewelry, clothing, decor, and even some Icelandic Sagas in English.

Why Visit the Saga Museum

Visiting the Saga Museum is a fun educational experience for history enthusiasts, families, and travelers keen to delve into Iceland’s past. You gain a new appreciation for Iceland's history when seeing people and events visually represented in life-like scenes.

Exploring Reykjavik and traveling around Iceland may also be more enjoyable if you're familiar with the history of different sites. Additionally, you can get fun photographs in Viking attire! This is a great way to maximize your visit and remember your time in Iceland later on.

There are also many popular attractions in the vicinity of the Saga Museum, so it's worth a stop if you're already in the Grandi area in Reykjavik.

Location and How to Get There

The Saga Museum originally opened in Perlan but is now located at Grandagardur 2 in the Grandi area, close to the city center. The area can easily be reached by a rental car in Reykjavik or by city bus number 14.

Alternatively, you can reach the Saga Museum with a lovely 15-minute walk along the Old Reykjavik Harbor, which is the best option if you're staying in accommodation in Reykjavik. This means it's easy to include a visit among the top things to do in Reykjavik.

Other Attractions Close to the Saga Museum

When planning a visit to the Saga Museum, you can include many other attractions in your itinerary. The museum shares a building with a Michelin-listed restaurant, and you can easily book a table at Matur og Drykkur restaurant and enjoy a wonderful meal afterward.

Just next door, you'll find the Aurora Museum, where you can learn about the science behind the northern lights. It's a great stop before a northern lights tour. You'll also find the Reykjavik Maritime Museum close by, which is one of the six Reykjavik City Museums.

The Whales of Iceland exhibition is within a 10-minute walk from the Saga Museum, where you can find life-size models of the ocean's gentle giants. This is the perfect companion experience for whale watching, like with this combination Whales of Iceland and Reykjavik whale watching tour.

After exploring the underwater world of whales, you can fly up high with the FlyOver Iceland experience. It's a great way to see Iceland's stunning landscapes if you don't have time for a Ring Road tour during your visit.

The Grandi area also boasts great restaurants, the Grandi Food Hall, stores, art exhibitions, cafés, and the popular Valdis ice cream parlor. The walk along the harbor also provides wonderful views of the Harpa concert hall and the picturesque Mt. Esja across the Faxafloi bay.