Discover the Best of Reykjavik (Iceland) : 7 Top-Rated historical museums to Visit
Welcome to Reykjavik (Iceland) . Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we have a list of 7 top historical museums you must see. Discover 7 hidden historical museums gems to experience Reykjavik (Iceland) like a local. Get ready to be amazed by 7 incredible historical museums that will leave a lasting impression.
Information about Reykjavik (Iceland)
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland, located in the south of the country on the shores of Vaxavloy Bay, and it is one of the cities rich in scenic natural areas, as you will be able to see many straits, archipelagos, mountains, waterfalls, forests, lakes, and more. And this city has many unique tourist attractions, as it is one of the few cities in the world in which the amazing lights of the Northern Lights can be seen, and it is also one of the few cities in which the sun sets in the summer after 12 am. The city was founded in the year 1786, so it is a relatively modern city, and it is one of the safest cities in the world, and during your wanderings you will find many wonderful monuments, including the Parish Church and the Icelandic National Museum, in which you will learn about the history of the city and the country in detail.
A list of the best Historical museums in Reykjavik
Looking for the best historical museums in Reykjavik (Iceland) ? Look no further than our carefully curated list, selected by our team based on visitor ratings and reviews to help make your trip planning a breeze.
1- Hafnarfjörður Museum
Hafnarfjörður Museum – Hafnarfjordur is a museum of cultural artifacts and photographs of the city of Hafnarfjordur, located near Reykjavík. Its aim is to collect, document, preserve, protect, and study the collections and artefacts from the cultural history of the region and present them to the public. It is worth noting that the cultural area represented in the museum is the city and the surrounding area.
Place address: Vesturgata 6, Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
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2- Saga Museum
Saga Museum – Since the time of the first settlers, history is brought to life in a unique and exciting way; The History Museum closely recreates key moments in Icelandic history, moments that determined the fate of the people and which gives a compelling view of how Icelanders have lived for more than a millennium. Visitors are guided through the museum by an audio guide available in English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Swedish or Icelandic.
Place address: Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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3- National Museum of Iceland
National Museum of Iceland – It was established in 1863 AD, to preserve Icelandic history from the time of the discovery of the region to modern times. The museum contains a large collection of artifacts, numbering approximately 2000 pieces, which were collected from various parts of Iceland present in the exhibition, and there is also a display screen through which films are broadcast The documentaries that explain the historical development of the state and the stages it went through in a smooth and simplified manner, and one of the most important things displayed in the museum is an artifact called Valthjofsstadir, what distinguishes it is its medieval inscriptions, as these inscriptions tell the story of the legendary knights of the century twelveth.
Place address: Þjóðminjasafn Íslands / National Museum of Iceland, Suðurgata 41, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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4- The Settlement Exhibition
The Settlement Exhibition – The exhibition is divided into two parts, one of which is for the archaeological discoveries that date back to the time of the first inhabitants, and the other for the documents preserved from that period in a gesture that is the first of its kind to display the archaeological and literary history of the region. The first inhabitants of the region, where the exhibition gives the individual an inner view of the depth of their lives and how they were able to adapt to their new environment. Most of the national documents are books dating back to the 20th century, but including a group dating back to the year 874 AD. The building surrounds an exciting site dating back to the Scandinavian era, with real archaeological remains from that era.
Place address: Landnámssýningin/The Settlement Exhibition, Aðalstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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5- Einar Jonsson Museum (Listasafn Einars Jonssonar)
Einar Jonsson Museum (Listasafn Einars Jonssonar) – The museum displays the works of the Icelandic artist Einar Johnson, who in 1909 donated all his works to the general public on the condition that a special museum be built for them. This request was not accepted until 1914 AD, as the Icelandic parliament paid 10,000 crowns and collected another 20,000 From a group of donors, in appreciation of the arts of their country, the site was chosen by the artist himself at the highest point of the city on the plateau, and he designed it and helped build it.
Place address: The Einar Jónsson Museum, Eiríksgata, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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6- Tales from Iceland
Tales from Iceland – modern and distinctive national museum that you have never seen before, rich in information, easy, and fun, consisting of two floors in a house in the city center with a very unique idea of displaying video clips about Iceland and its inhabitants. Produced by the museum’s own team of producers and photographers, it will make you happy to watch it. Where the sections include music, fishermen, landscapes, Icelandic history and many other topics, the duration of each section is 3-4 minutes per topic. Taking into account the existing system for displaying high-resolution videos one time at a time, and the visitor must move between the clips in a period of no more than 20 seconds, in total you will spend about an hour and a half watching them all.
Place address: Tales from Iceland, Snorrabraut 37, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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7- Arbaer Open Air Museum
Arbaer Open Air Museum – The museum was opened in 1957 AD, on the land of an old farm dating back to the twentieth century, with the presence of approximately 20 buildings, most of which were moved from the city center. Present in the summer within the gallery, many exhibitions and events are also held within the museum that focus on a specific phase of Reykjavík’s history for example craft days, wine car shows, birthday programs, and much more, in this place there is something for everyone .
Place address: Árbær Open Air Museum, 4, 110, Kistuhylur, Reykjavík, Iceland
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Conclusion
We hope our guide has inspired you to explore the wonders of Reykjavik (Iceland) . Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this amazing region. From stunning natural landscapes to rich cultural heritage, Reykjavik (Iceland) has it all. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us and tag us on social media using #ExploreReykjavik (Iceland) . We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you!