All history museums and attractions to visit in Reykjavik

Reykjavik (Iceland) is a good place to visit if you are interested in history. Below we list all 11 history museums in Reykjavik, to lose yourself in the place's cultural heritage and local history.

Are you a real history buff and are you looking for the best history museums to visit in Reykjavik? These are the ones:

  1. The Icelandic Phallological Museum1

    The Icelandic Phallological Museum

     Reykjavik
    The Icelandic Phallological Museum, known in Icelandic as Hið Íslenzka Reðasafn, is a one-of-a-kind institution situated in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. The museum was first established in 1997 in Húsavík, a quaint town on the northern coast of the country, before it was relocated to Reykjavik in 2012.
  2. National Museum of Iceland2

    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.
  3. Reykjavík Maritime Museum3

    Reykjavík Maritime Museum

     Reykjavik
    The Reykjavik Maritime Museum, previously known as the Víkin Maritime Museum, is a maritime museum situated by the old harbour in Reykjavik. The museum is managed by the city of Reykjavik and offers a deep dive into the maritime history of Iceland. Its location by the old harbour adds to the authenticity of the maritime experience it offers.
  4. Whales of Iceland4

    Whales of Iceland

     Reykjavik
    Whales of Iceland is a natural history museum situated in the Grandi harbour district of Reykjavík, Iceland. The museum was first opened to the public in 2015 and is dedicated to educating visitors about the various cetacean species that have been sighted in Icelandic waters throughout recorded history.
  5. Árbær Open Air Museum5

    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.
  6. Hofdi house6

    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.
  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. The Culture House8

    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.
  9. Reykjavik Museum of Photography9

    Reykjavik Museum of Photography

     Reykjavik
    The Reykjavík Museum of Photography, situated in the heart of Reykjavík, Iceland, is home to an extensive collection of about five million photographs. These photographs, captured by both professional and amateur photographers, span from around 1870 to the present century, offering a comprehensive visual history of the region.
  10. Reykjavík Art Museum Ásmundarsafn10

    Reykjavík Art Museum Ásmundarsafn

     Reykjavik
    The Reykjavik Art Museum, established in 1973, is Iceland's largest visual art institution. It is spread across three locations in Reykjavík: Hafnarhús by the old harbour, Kjarvalsstaðir by Klambratún, and Ásmundarsafn in Laugardalur. Each location offers a unique experience, showcasing different aspects of Icelandic art.
  11. 11

    Saga Museum

     Reykjavik