National Museum of Iceland Tours

National Museum of Iceland showing heritage elements and interior views
Choose one or more items to build your trip:
From Viking feasts and battles to the independence movement of the 20th century, Iceland’s premier museum preserves every detail of the nation’s history.

The National Museum of Iceland traces the history of Iceland from the early Viking settlements to the present day through over 2,000 artifacts, photographs and multimedia displays. A major overhaul of the building in 2004 has created an interactive, state-of-the-art space, which offers plenty of visitor participation. Pick up a telephone and chat with a medieval chieftain or try on some ancient armor and jewelry. The museum is a wonderful hands-on learning experience for all ages.

Start with the main permanent exhibition, Making of A Nation, which illustrates Iceland’s challenging journey to nationhood. Divided into four sections, the first, Work and the Way of Life, details the resourcefulness and adaptability of Icelanders since settlement in 870. In the second section, learn about the settlement patterns of Iceland. The third section focuses on arts and crafts and the final section explores the social culture and language of Iceland.

Trace Iceland’s political history from early domination by Christian chieftains to Norwegian rule, then Danish rule and finally sovereign statehood as the Republic of Iceland in 1944.

Several artifacts are extremely popular, including a beautifully carved wooden door from the 12th century and the first Bible printed in Iceland in 1584. In addition to the permanent display, there are always several temporary exhibitions covering a wealth of subjects. Don’t miss the National Gallery of Photography on the ground floor, which is free of charge.

The museum has a café and an excellent shop stocked with original gift items. Allow three to four hours to explore the museum in full.

The National Museum of Iceland is a few minutes' walk from the city center and is accessible via several bus routes. It is open all year, with reduced hours during the winter months. Always free for children, it’s also free for adults to visit every Wednesday in winter.

Plan a trip to see National Museum of Iceland

Tower Suites Reykjavik
ODDSSON Hotel
Stay Apartments Einholt
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of National Museum of Iceland

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
200
" "5 - Excellent 58.8235294117647%
4 - Good
101
" "4 - Good 29.705882352941178%
3 - Okay
37
" "3 - Okay 10.882352941176471%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.5882352941176471%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 29, 2019

We were glad we went there on the first day. It gave us the background information that helped us understand the history of the country.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 25, 2019

If you are in town on Wednesday or Saturday, highly recommend going to the free hour plus lecture! One of the highlights of the trip! We learned so much about the history and culture and could really take in the lovely museum afterwards!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
May 11, 2019

Not open on Mondays! This has tripped us up twice now...

5/5 - Excellent

Laurie
Nov 16, 2018

Full of interesting artIfacts.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 24, 2018

If you want to learn about Iceland's history, go here. it is fascinating! Take your time, I spent at least 2 hours here.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Oct 18, 2018

The museum was fine, but not as large or comprehensive as I expected.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near National Museum of Iceland

Center Hotels Plaza
Center Hotels Plaza
3.5 out of 5
Adalstraeti 4, Reykjavik
Center Hotels Plaza
Reykjavik Natura - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Reykjavik Natura - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
4 out of 5
Nautholsvegur 52, Reykjavik
Reykjavik Natura - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Alda Hotel Reykjavik
Alda Hotel Reykjavik
4 out of 5
Laugavegur 66-68, Reykjavik
Alda Hotel Reykjavik
The Reykjavik EDITION
The Reykjavik EDITION
5 out of 5
AUSTURBAKKI 2, Reykjavik
The Reykjavik EDITION
Reykjavik Marina - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Reykjavik Marina - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
4 out of 5
Mýrargata 2, Reykjavik
Reykjavik Marina - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Center Hotels Arnarhvoll
Center Hotels Arnarhvoll
4 out of 5
Ingólfsstræti 1, Reykjavik
Center Hotels Arnarhvoll
Center Hotels Laugavegur
Center Hotels Laugavegur
4 out of 5
95-99 Laugavegur, Reykjavik
Center Hotels Laugavegur
Þingholt by Center Hotels
Þingholt by Center Hotels
4 out of 5
Thingholtsstraeti 3-5, Reykjavik
Þingholt by Center Hotels
Grandi by Center Hotels
Grandi by Center Hotels
4 out of 5
Seljavegur 2, Reykjavik
Grandi by Center Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.