All historic houses to visit in Iceland

Step into the past at 14 historic houses in Iceland. These preserved homes offer a glimpse into the lives of notable figures and everyday people from different eras.

Are you interested in exploring historic homes? Here are the must-see historic houses in Iceland:

  1. National Museum of Iceland1

    National Museum of Iceland

     Reykjavik
    The main building of the National Museum of Iceland is structured into three floors. The first floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and a café. The two upper floors house the permanent exhibition. The administrative offices of the museum are located in a separate building, just a few meters east of the main building.
  2. Eriksstadir2

    Eriksstadir

     Búðardalur
    Eiríksstaðir, located in the Haukadalur area of the Dalasýsla region in Iceland, is the former homestead of the famous Viking, Eiríkr Þorvaldsson, better known as Erik the Red. This historical site offers a unique insight into the life and times of one of the most renowned figures in Viking history.
  3. Árbær Open Air Museum3

    Árbær Open Air Museum

     Reykjavik
    Árbæjarsafn, also known as Árbær Museum, serves as the historical museum of Reykjavík. It is an open-air museum that provides a glimpse into the past, showcasing the living conditions, work, and recreational activities of the people of Reykjavík in earlier times. As a regional museum, it also holds significant cultural and historical value for the region.
  4. Hofdi house4

    Hofdi house

     Reykjavik
    Höfði is a significant historical site in Reykjavík, Iceland, recognized for hosting the 1986 Reykjavík Summit. This meeting between President Ronald Reagan of the United States and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union marked a crucial step towards the end of the Cold War. The house commemorates this event by cross-hanging the flags of the United States and the Soviet Union.
  5. Glaumbær Farm & Museum5

    Glaumbær Farm & Museum

     Varmahlíð
    This preserved farmhouse from the mid 18th century now serves as an exhibition place - focusing on rural life in Iceland.
  6. The Commonwealth farm6

    The Commonwealth farm

     Þjórsárdalur
    Þjóðveldisbærinn, located in Iceland, is an interpretation center that provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore a reconstructed Viking farm from the 10th or 11th century. This historical site offers a glimpse into the life and culture of the Vikings, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and archaeology.
  7. The Settlement Exhibition7

    The Settlement Exhibition

     Reykjavik
    Reykjavík 871±2 is an exhibition located in the heart of Reykjavik, Iceland. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history and culture of the country, particularly during the Viking era. It is an integral part of the city's cultural landscape and a significant point of interest for visitors.
  8. Nonni's House8

    Nonni's House

     Akureyri
    Nonnahús, located in the Icelandic city of Akureyri, is renowned as the childhood home of the Icelandic author Jón Sveinsson. This historical house offers a glimpse into the early life of the author, providing a unique perspective on his works and the influences that shaped them.
  9. The Culture House9

    The Culture House

     Reykjavik
    The Culture House, locally known as Safnahúsið, is a significant exhibition space located in Reykjavík, Iceland. It is home to the exhibition 'Points of View', which is a collection of pieces from various national museums and other cultural institutions. This exhibition provides a comprehensive insight into the country's rich cultural and historical heritage.
  10. Hafnarfjörður Museum10

    Hafnarfjörður Museum

     Hafnarfjordur
    A diverse museum - there are historic houses a toy exhibition and an exhibition about local history. Third exhibition theme varies around the year.
  11. The Árnesinga Folk Museum11

    The Árnesinga Folk Museum

     Eyrarbakki
    One of Iceland's oldest buildings has been turned into a museum with displays on folk crafts. A great chance to acquaint yourself with the culture.
  12. Húsavík Culture House12

    Húsavík Culture House

     Húsavík
    Safnahúsið, also known as the Culture House, is an exhibition space located in Reykjavík, Iceland. It is a significant cultural institution that houses various exhibitions drawn from national museums and other cultural institutions. It has been part of the National Museum of Iceland since 2013.
  13. 13

    Gljúfrasteinn

     Mosfellsbær
    Gljúfrasteinn, located in Mosfellsdal by the Köldukvísl river, was the home of renowned author Halldór Laxness and his family for more than fifty years. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to the life and works of the author. Visitors can explore the house and gain insights into the life of one of Iceland's most celebrated literary figures.
  14. The Transportation Museum at Ystafell14

    The Transportation Museum at Ystafell

     Húsavík
    The Transportation Museum at Ystafell holds the distinction of being the oldest transportation museum in Iceland. It was established in the year 1998 and officially opened its doors to the public in July 2000. This museum is a testament to the country's rich history in transportation and offers a unique insight into the evolution of transport in Iceland.