By 
Reykjavík has some of the best museums in Iceland. And it’s a good thing too, since most who visit the island will end up spending some time there, whether it forms their base, or it’s just their first stop after they’ve landed at Keflavik Airport. There are plenty of things to do in the capital city, but visiting the museums in Reykjavík should definitely make it onto your trip itinerary.
The one thing you can never accuse Iceland of is boring museums, so you’ll have the time of your life diving into history, and all sorts of other weird and wonderful facts about the island. Here’s what you should know about the museums in Reykjavík.
Are Museums Free in Iceland?
There might be a few exceptions, but the majority of Icelandic museums will charge an entrance fee. Although these entrance fees won’t leave you having to remortgage the house, there are some ways to keep costs to a minimum:
- Contact the museums in Iceland you are planning on visiting during your stay and ask them if they have specific days when they offer free entry into the museum (most museums on the island have such days).
- If you have any children, pensioners, or individuals with disabilities in your group, you might also be eligible for some discounts, so be sure to ask.
- Get the Reykjavik City Card. Buying this card is the most cost-saving solution if you’re planning on staying in the capital for 24 hours or longer. With this card, you’ll be granted free access to many of the museums in Reykjavík, get discounts on others, use the Reykjavík bus service for free, as well as get loads of discounts at other local restaurants and shops.
How Many Museums are There in Reykjavík?
You will find more than 60 museums in the city, so there's plenty to do in Reykjavík when it comes to discovering! So, unless you are planning on spending at least 3 months in the capital, dedicating all your time to museum-hopping, it’s crucial to have someone with some insider knowledge that can highlight some of the best ones. Lucky for you, that’s exactly what we do in this article.
The Top 12 Museums in Reykjavík
The following are what we consider to be some of the best museums in Reykjavík:
Saga Museum
Operating Hours: 10:00 -17:00 (Subject to change according to season)
Entrance Fee: $26 for adults. There are discounted rates for children, pensioners, the disabled, and students with a student card. (Subject to change according to season)
Free Access with a Reykjavík Card? No, but you do get a discount.
Iceland’s Saga Museum is an immersive experience that uses life-sized wax figures and audio guides to take you back in Icelandic history and relive some of the most important moments and stories in the Icelandic culture.
View this post on Instagram
The Culture House
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Subject to change according to season)
Entrance Fee: $16 for adults. There are discounted rates for pensioners and students with a student card. Children under the age of 18 get free access. (Subject to change according to season)
Free Access with a Reykjavík Card? Yes
Reykjavik’s Culture House is exactly what it sounds like; a celebration of Icelandic culture. From archaeology to art and more, you’ll definitely get a new appreciation for our nation. The fact that the building itself is also an architectural gem is an added bonus.
View this post on Instagram
Reykjavík Maritime Museum
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Subject to change according to season)
Entrance Fee: $15 for adults. There are discounted rates for students with a student card. Children under the age of 17 as well as the disabled get free access. (Subject to change according to season)
Free Access with a Reykjavík Card? Yes
If you have a love for boats or the ocean, the Reykjavík Maritime Museum is a must-visit museum. Larger-than-life exhibitions dive into the Icelanders and their close relationship with the ocean. From thousands of years ago to today, the exhibitions run inside as well extend out onto the docks.
View this post on Instagram
The National Museum of Iceland
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Subject to change according to season)
Entrance Fee: $18 for adults. There are discounted rates for pensioners and students with a student card. Children under 18 and the disabled get free access. (Subject to change according to season)
Free Access with a Reykjavík Card? Yes
Iceland’s National Museum does a proper deep dive into everything Iceland. From the island’s history, and its culture, to its wildlife and society – you’ll find 1200+ years’ worth of information here.
View this post on Instagram
Viking World
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 16:00 & 10:00 – 15:00 on Sundays (Subject to change according to season)
Entrance Fee: $15 for all (Subject to change according to season)
Free Access with a Reykjavík Card? No
First, it’s important to mention that Iceland’s Vikings Museum isn’t technically in Reykjavík, but rather on the way from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavík (just 15 minutes). Alternatively, you can also catch a bus from the capital city that will have you there in 45 minutes. Viking World is exactly what it sounds like; a museum where you learn about everything Viking. And it even includes an authentic Viking ship!
View this post on Instagram
The Icelandic Punk Museum
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (Subject to change according to season)
Entrance Fee: $8 for all (Subject to change according to season)
Free Access with a Reykjavík Card? No
If you’re a music lover or a punk fan, this one’s for you. Here, you get to explore Iceland’s punk music scene through the ages inside a museum that also has that underground music-scene vibe.
View this post on Instagram
Aurora Reykjavik – The Northern Lights Center
Operating Hours: 09:00 – 21:00 (Subject to change according to season)
Entrance Fee: $21 for adults. There are discounted rates for pensioners, students with a student card, and children. (Subject to change according to season)
Free Access with a Reykjavík Card? No, but you do get a discount.
At the Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center you’ll learn everything there is to know about this famous natural phenomenon. Whilst this is a must-visit museum any day of the week, it’s especially nice for visitors who come to the island during the summer months, and who will probably not get to experience the Northern Lights for themselves.
View this post on Instagram
The Whales of Iceland
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Subject to change according to season)
Entrance Fee: $28 for adults. $14 for children between 7-15 years of age. Children under 6 get free access. A family of 2 adults and 2 children can also get a family ticket for $56. (Subject to change according to season)
Free Access with a Reykjavík Card? No, but you do get a discount.
The Whales of Iceland is an incredibly impressive museum that not only teaches you everything about the whales (even the migratory ones) calling the Icelandic coast home, but it also includes LIFE-SIZED models of the 23 whale species one can find here.
View this post on Instagram
Reykjavík Art Museum
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Subject to change according to season)
Entrance Fee: $16 for adults. There are discounted rates for students with a student card. Children under the age of 18, as well as the disabled, get free access. (Subject to change according to season)
Free Access with a Reykjavík Card? Yes
You will find all sorts of art here at the Reykjavík Art Museum - from sculptures and drawings to paintings, and modern art installations. So, if you’re an art lover, this museum is not to be missed.
View this post on Instagram
The Iceland Phallological Museum
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 19:00 (Subject to change according to season)
Entrance Fee: $20 for all (Subject to change according to season)
Free Access with a Reykjavík Card? No, but you do get a discount.
This is one of our stranger, but extremely interesting museums here on the island. At the Iceland Phallological Museum, you will find the phallus of every mammal here on the island, and yes, thanks to a body part donated in a will – even that of a man.
View this post on Instagram
Arbærjarsafn Open-air Museum
Operating Hours: 13:00 – 17:00 (Subject to change according to season)
Entrance Fee: $16 for adults. There are discounted rates for students with a student card. Children under the age of 17, as well as the disabled, get free access. (Subject to change according to season)
Free Access with a Reykjavík Card? Yes
Arbærjarsafn Open-Air Museum is a totally immersive experience and allows visitors to travel back in time and experience the way those living in the Reykjavík region used to live. This is an outdoor activity, so keep an eye on the Icelandic weather forecast.
View this post on Instagram
Perlan
Operating Hours: 09:00 – 22:00 (Subject to change according to season)
Entrance Fee: $36 for adults. $22 for children between 6 and 17 years of age. Children under 5 get free access. A family of 2 adults and 2 children can also buy a family ticket for $93. (Subject to change according to season)
Free Access with a Reykjavík Card? No, but you do get a discount.
The Land of Fire and Ice offers breathtakingly beautiful, but completely contrasting terrain and landscapes. Perlan allows those who are unable to explore all the regions of the island, or simply have extremely limited time in Iceland to “travel” throughout the country. So, whether you want to get on a ride that allows you to “fly” over Iceland, or walk through the ice cave (yes, a real one) – you’ll find it and much, much more at Perlan.
View this post on Instagram
Time to Mosey on Down to the Museums in Reykjavík
As you can see, the museums in Reykjavík truly offer unique experiences and are not to be missed. If you’ve got an upcoming trip to the island, use our list of the top 12 museums in Reykjavík to help you compile your trip itinerary. And if you want to expand on your museum visits, simply rent a campervan in Iceland and make a road trip out of it!
