Reykjavik · MUSEUMS
14 reviewed
Below are the 14 best museum experiences leaving Reykjavik right now: what each one costs, how long it runs, and which kind of traveller it suits. Start at number one; it earned the spot.
Hop on a double-decker bus from Harpa for 24 hours, then use a timed ticket to Perlan’s Wonders of Iceland, with 360 views.
“The Perlan museum is now one of my favorite museums in the world. What an experience! I strongly recommend it.”
Step into Whales of Iceland in Reykjavík for life-size whale models, interactive exhibits, and included documentary screenings in the Fin Whale Theatre.
“Great to see whales in life size - interesting contwnt and a coffee at the end made a well-rounded experience”
Skip-the-line entry to the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik, with an audio guide and a Viking-to-modern timeline.
“Just great. Wonderful exhibits that explained Iceland’s settlement history very well. Necessary for every visitor. Another opportunity to do something meaningful on your schedule.”
Aurora Reykjavík in Reykjavik: 4K timelapse, 7m projections and VR, plus aurora photo simulator tips. Prepaid ticket, ~1 hour.
“The experience was great. We enjoyed seeing the Northern Lights since we may never see them ourselves. I gave it a 4 because it moved and the tickets as well as the literature still had the old address.”
Skip the line in Reykjavik to see 300+ phallus specimens by 120 species, then visit the Phallus Café and Bistro.
Whale watch from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor then the Whales of Iceland museum with 23 life-size models and VR. 3.5 hours, $123.
“The thrill of searching for sea life and then anticipating where you'll see the next whale surface was brilliant. Although we only managed to see a young humpback whale on our trip, our guide was hilarious and kept spirits high with fun facts and information for all. Overalls and refreshments are avaliable on the boat, which is very handy, I would highly recommend this trip as we both enjoyed it.”
Saga Museum in Reykjavik is an audio-guided walk through Icelandic sagas with life-size figures, Viking dress-up, and free parking. $32.
“Interesting tour about the Viking history. The wax figures were so life-like, I expected them to move any second. Good tour for kids.”
Skip-the-line mobile ticket to the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik. Save time, see Iceland’s story, add Safnahus free entry.
“Great history of Iceland. Informative and easy to follow exhibits. Highly recommend.Great for fsmillies”
Explore Iceland’s Hellisheiði Geothermal Energy Exhibition with a self-guided audio tour, interactive exhibits, and a Carbfix stop near Reykjavík.
“Super interesting especially for those who enjoy science and technology. Very informative in a comfortable interactive way. Throughly enjoyable and worth the stop.”
Step into a life-like Viking wax museum in Reykjavik with a 35-minute audio tour, 20 saga scenes, and real Viking dress-up.
“We received a warm welcome. the museum was thoroughly enjoyable and very informative. The figures were very life-like.”
A 1-hour self-guided audio tour at Reykjavik’s Settlement Center, featuring Iceland’s Viking beginnings and Egils Saga with headphones.
“There are two parts to the tour, with an upstairs and downstairs. There’s a very helpful person at the beginning to give you your headphones and an iPod mini that has the tour in many languages. The upper floor with a history of Iceland was interesting but a little difficult to follow. The tour below with the saga was much more dramatic and entertaining. This is a nice stop if you were visiting the country for the first time.”
Reykjavik whale watching from Vesturbugt Harbor plus the Whales of Iceland exhibition, with warm gear, indoor comfort, and scientific exhibits.
“Very cold and the sea was choppy but to be expected in the Atlantic. We go to see whales and dolphins.”
Golden Circle highlights plus Perlan Museum with a real 100m ice cave and Áróra Northern Lights planetarium in one 10-hour day.
“This trip is highly recommended. The pace was not too fast nor too slow. It was a great way to see so much in one day. Our tour guide Mikah was very helpful. Our driver kept us safe. Also do not miss Perlan. Staff were very very nice and the shows were great!”
Reykjavik deluxe whale watching plus free Whales of Iceland museum entry, warm gear, heated cabins, and a repeat option if no sightings.
“Brilliant trip! While we did only see one Whale, we spent lots of time observing it and was given loads of information by the tours host.”
