The Whales of Iceland exhibition is one of the best places in Reykjavik to explore the marine life that thrives in Iceland’s surrounding waters. By booking your admission to Whales of Iceland, you'll be able to step into an immersive world featuring 23 life-size models of different whales and discover their unique behaviors, habitats, and conservation stories.
Whales of Iceland is part of Guide to Iceland’s growing VIP Club network, offering exclusive discounts for Guide to Iceland customers. You can also get a 30% discount on admission by purchasing the 24-hour Reykjavik City Card.
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Located in the Grandi area, a 15-minute walk from downtown Reykjavik, the Whales of Iceland exhibition is within easy reach of various accommodations in Reykjavik. The exhibition is also a short walk from many city landmarks and the Reykjavik harbor, making it an ideal stop for visitors keen to learn about these majestic creatures before setting out on whale-watching tours!
What to Know About Whales of Iceland
The Whales of Iceland exhibition aspires to raise interest in the conservation and protection of whales around Iceland and marine life in general. This is done with exciting exhibition spaces designed with immersive soundscapes and dramatic lighting to recreate the underwater world, making you feel as though you're diving deep into the ocean alongside these majestic creatures.
Through interactive displays, digital exhibits, and informative panels, you'll gain insights into whale behaviors, migration patterns, and conservation efforts, creating a rich and engaging journey into Iceland’s marine life.
The Whales of Iceland exhibition offers informative audio guides that are created by a group of marine biologists and tour guides, giving visitors a deeper look into the natural history and future of Iceland’s whale populations. It's available in more than 12 languages! Additionally, they have live guided tours daily at 11 AM and 3 PM.
Take the time to see the Fin Whale Theatre, which provides further context on the importance of marine conservation. They have a full screening of the documentary Sonic Sea four times daily, at 10:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 2 PM, and 3:45 PM.
This attraction is an ideal stop for all travelers and a memorable experience for any Iceland itinerary. After your informative visit, you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and a treat at the Big Little Whale Café before browsing the locally sourced souvenirs!
Admission to Whales of Iceland
Admission to the Whales of Iceland exhibition costs 4,000 ISK (about 33 USD) for adults and 2,000 ISK (about 17 USD) for ages 7 to 15. Children aged 0 to 6 enter free, as of October 2026. Families in our study of how good Iceland is for kids count it among the indoor stops that rescue a rainy day in Reykjavik.
The Whales of Iceland Exhibition is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Keep in mind that opening hours and prices are subject to change.
How To Get to the Whales of Iceland Exhibition
The Whales of Iceland exhibition is conveniently located in the Grandi area, just a short walk from Reykjavik’s city center. You can enjoy a scenic 15-minute walk along the waterfront, passing through the charming old harbor of Reykjavik on your way. If you have an affordable rental car for your stay in Iceland, the exhibition offers free parking.
You can also take the Straeto city buses to reach the Whales of Iceland. Simply plan your route on the Straeto website and exit at the Grunnslóð bus stop. If you’re using the 24-hour Reykjavik City Card, your bus fare is included, making it even easier to reach the exhibition and other attractions.
Things To Do Around the Whales of Iceland Exhibition
After exploring the Whales of Iceland exhibition, you will find plenty of nearby attractions in Reykjavik’s Grandi area that can enrich your day further!
Just a short walk away is the Maritime Museum of Reykjavik, which delves into Iceland’s deep-sea heritage, showcasing fishing vessels, maritime tools, and stories of Iceland’s connection to the ocean.
For a thrill, try the FlyOver Iceland experience, just next to the Whales of Iceland. This immersive flight simulation ride takes you over Iceland’s stunning landscapes, from glaciers to coastlines, offering a bird’s-eye view of the country’s natural beauty.
Nearby, you can visit the Aurora Museum. It celebrates the magic of the northern lights with interactive exhibits and a simulated display explaining the science behind the auroras. It's a great stop for those hoping to witness this phenomenon.
Lastly, step back into Viking history at the Saga Museum, where lifelike wax figure exhibits bring the legendary Icelandic Sagas to life, showcasing famous figures and events from Iceland’s past.
Whale-watching tours also depart from the nearby Old Harbor, offering a chance to see these animals in their natural habitat after learning about them at the exhibition. Our study of the best whale-watching companies in Iceland provides context on differences between operators.
All of these places create a diverse cultural experience while exploring the Grandi area. Plan a fun day in Reykjavik and combine a visit to the Whales of Iceland exhibition with these other interesting attractions.
