Top 100 best museums in Iceland

Perlan, also known as The Pearl, is a natural history museum located in Reykjavík, Iceland. It is uniquely situated on the top of Öskjuhlíð hill, providing visitors with a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The museum was initially a cluster of hot water tanks, but it was opened to the public on June 21st, 1991. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of exhibits and attractions.

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.

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.

Come here to see great exhibitions on seals and other Icelandic animals. It also serves as a Tourist Info Center.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Herring Era Museum, known as Síldarminjasafn Íslands in Icelandic, is one of the largest museums in the country. It offers visitors a glimpse into the significant role herring played in transforming Iceland from a nation of long-standing poverty to modern prosperity. The museum stands as a testament to this remarkable period in Iceland's history.

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.

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

The Hellisheiði Power Plant is a geothermal power plant situated on the Hellisheiði plateau in the southwest of Iceland. It is located in the area of the Hengill volcanic system, between Reykjavík and Hveragerði. This location offers a unique opportunity to witness the power of geothermal energy in a stunning natural setting.

This farm produces hákarl, which is fermented shark meat, a traditional local dish.

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.

Petra Sveinsdóttir's huge stone and mineral collection is the place not to miss if you are a real rock fan.

Einar Jónsson, born in 1874 and passed away in 1954, was the first Icelandic sculptor who spent the majority of his career in Reykjavík. His art was deeply influenced by Norse mythology and spirituality, and each of his works carries a philosophical message. This unique blend of mythology, spirituality, and philosophy makes his works stand out and provides a deep insight into his thought process and the cultural context of his time.

This place presents the history of Iceland and heroes of the Icelandic Sagas.

The National Gallery of Iceland, located in Reykjavík, is an art museum that houses a collection of Icelandic art. This collection includes works from renowned Icelandic artists and pieces that provide insight into traditional Icelandic culture.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the enchanting world of the Northern Lights at Aurora Reykjavík, Iceland's Northern Lights Center. Open year-round, this museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the Aurora Borealis. Begin your visit with an exploration of Arctic cultures and the folklore surrounding the Northern L

A diverse museum - there are historic houses a toy exhibition and an exhibition about local history. Third exhibition theme varies around the year.

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.

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.

The Fjölskyldu- og húsdýragarðurinn, also known as the Family and Pet Zoo, is a combination of an amusement park and a small zoo. It is situated in Laugardalur, a district in Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland. This location offers a unique blend of fun and educational experiences for families and individuals alike.

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.

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.

Fuglasafn Sigurgeirs, also known as Sigurgeir's Bird Museum, is a natural history museum situated in Ytri-Neslöndum, Mývatnssveit. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of Iceland's birdlife in a serene and picturesque setting.

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.

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.

Volcano House is a geology exhibition situated in Reykjavík, Iceland, specifically at Tryggvagata 11. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the geological history and volcanic systems of Iceland.

Gerðarsafn is the art museum of Kópavogur, situated in the area of Hamraborg. It is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore a diverse range of contemporary and modern art.