Museums of Reykjavík - Mo around the World

Whales of Iceland

I visited the Whales of Icelands exhibition near the harbour at Fiskislóð (Fishing Trail) as I was curious to experience the 26 life-sized models of whales. After paying the 3,900 ISK (£23/€26) entrance fee, you can log on to their WiFi and access an audio guide in various languages via your smartphone. I enjoyed walking through the exhibition bathed in low, blue light, giving it an underwater atmosphere. Being dwarfed by life-sized models of sperm or blue whales was truly impressive, and I learned some new things about those gentle giants in the 40ish minutes I spent there.

The Saga Museum

The Saga Museum is just around the corner at Grandagarður (Grand Garden), so I visited that the same afternoon. For 3,600 ISK (£21/€24), I got an audio guide and a set of headphones and was sent back in time to discover Iceland’s history for at least half an hour. Beginning from its volcanic beginnings, the exhibition moved on to the Vikings who gave this unique island its name and left to those who stayed and created the world’s first parliament, the Alþingi (Althing), which took place in what is now a national park, the Þingvellir (Thingvellir). Moving further in time, I learned a lot about how Vikings lived and which battles they fought. Before you leave, you can dress in traditional Viking clothing and take pictures if you like.

Just behind the Saga Museum is the Aurora Reykjavík, the Northern Lights Center. Unfortunately, they were about to close by the time I got there; otherwise, I would have passed them a visit. You can book Northern Lights Tours there or, if chances to see them live are low, see them at the centre in their movie theatre in 4K quality. Also in that area and on my list for my next visit is the virtual motion-, wind- and smell-infused “Fly over Iceland”.

Also in that area near the harbour and on my list for my next visit is the “Fly over Iceland”. This virtual experience is enhanced by motion, wind, and smell to create the illusion of flying.

National History Museum

If you’re interested in even more history, I recommend you visit the permanent exhibition “Making of a Nation – From Viking Era to Modern Times” at the National History Museum in Reykjavík at Suðurgata (South Street). For 2,500 ISK (£15/€17), you get free WiFi, an audio guide for your smartphone, and a vast collection of exhibits, which takes about two hours to see and absorb. I truly enjoyed it.

Iceland's Punk Museum

Last but not least, I visited Iceland’s Punk Museum in Bankastræti (Bank Street), which occupies a former public toilet and notifies passing tourists of its existence by blasting out punk music at high volume during its opening hours. For only 1,600 ISK (£10/€11), you get to dive into the world of punk and follow historical events told in a humoristic tone. The museum is small but authentic and was created with attention to detail. The various headphones dangling from the ceiling in the last room play different punk albums of Islandic artists. Finally, you’re invited to put on iconic leather jackets and pose for memorable pictures.