The true spirit of Iceland’s past and vibrant heritage lies within its history and culture, and the best way to explore that is through its many great museums!
In this article, we’ll share the top 13 Iceland Museums, where the past comes alive with historical accounts of Vikings, intriguing mystical witchcraft, and an unusual homage to the male anatomy unfolds, providing an intriguing insight into the heart and soul of the Icelandic people.
Are Museums Free in Iceland?
Museums in Iceland typically come with an entrance fee, but there are ways to explore cultural treasures without breaking the bank! The Reykjavik City Card, opens doors to entry at museums and galleries in the Iceland capital, making it an excellent option for visitors who want to see as many of Iceland’s museums as possible.
Also, several museums offer complimentary admission on specific days of the week or during current times of the year. Families can also take advantage of the fact that many museums provide free entry for children aged 17 and under, and seniors (67+) can access a 50% discount on admission.
1. In Reykjavik Iceland: Icelandic Phallological Museum (Penis Museum)
- Address: Kalkofnsvegur 2, 101 Reykjavík
- Official website: https://www.phallus.is/
- Opening time: Daily from 10am to 7pm
The Icelandic Phallological Museum, commonly known as the Penis Museum, is a unique and eccentric attraction that was founded in 1997 by now-retired teacher Sigurður Hjartarson. This one-of-a-kind museum showcases an extensive collection of phallic specimens from various species, aiming to explore the cultural and scientific aspects of human and animal sexuality.
The scientific interest in phalluses and the mating habits of various animals are part of the museum’s tours, along with many specimens preserved in formaldehyde. Seeking a lighthearted adventure or a genuinely educational encounter? The Icelandic Phallological Museum promises an unforgettable exploration into the intriguing world of reproductive anatomy.
2. Saga Museum in Reykjavik: Where You Can See Vikings
- Address: Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík
- Official website: https://sagamuseum.is/
- Opening time: Daily from 10am to 5pm, modified hours during holidays
The Saga Museum, an exploration of Viking heritage, hosts authentic recreations of historical moments based on Viking Icelandic sagas and chronicles. Here, you can experience a journey through time as you learn about Iceland’s medieval past. The museum offers an immersive experience where lifelike wax figures, meticulously crafted artifacts, and detailed exhibits bring the Viking stories to life.
Audio guides are available in Icelandic, English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish, and visitors are welcome to take photographs. Visitors will get the chance to observe weapons that are handmade, using traditional methods passed down through generations, along with wool and linen items which are all hand-dyed. The Saga Museum is a great destination to seek a deeper understanding of the history of Vikings in Iceland.
3. National Museum of Iceland
Photo by Szilas/Wikimedia
- Address: Suðurgatu 41, 102 Reykjavík
- Official website: https://www.thjodminjasafn.is/
- Opening time: Daily from 10am to 5pm
The Icelandic national museum was established on February 24, 1863, with the name the Antiquarian Collection, which remained until 1911. The museum houses over 20,000, up to 1,200 years old, including Viking-age relics, artifacts, and manuscripts.
The comprehensive guided tour available at the museum covers Icelandic history and culture, science, and innovations from the past, and present and also a look into the future. In addition to the museum’s permanent exhibits, it also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, from art and photography to history and Icelandic culture. Best of all, this museum is free to enter and great for visitors of all ages!
4. Perlan Museum: Experience All Iceland’s Wonders in One Place
- Address: Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík
- Official website: https://perlan.is/
- Opening time: Daily from 9am to 10pm
The Perlan Museum offers the experience of being inside a glacial ice cave, geysers, volcanoes, and waterfalls, where Iceland’s natural wonders unite in one extraordinary place. You can explore the mysteries of the northern lights in Iceland as part of the museum’s state-of-the-art planetarium, with interactive displays of the many geological and natural marvels of Iceland.
The Perlan also has a café, restaurant, bar, and ice cream parlor on-site and provides a panoramic view of the city. This location in Reykjavik serves as a great hub to learn about Iceland’s natural wonders before heading out to see them in person on an Iceland itinerary. The museum is easily accessible if you’re staying in central Reykjavik, especially if you have a rental car.
5. The Icelandic Punk Museum
- Address: Bankastræti 2 101 Reykjavík
- Official website: https://m.facebook.com/Bankastraeti0/
- Opening time: Daily from 10am – 6pm
The Icelandic Punk Museum pays tribute to the rebellious spirit of the Icelandic punk movement and the new wave scene that started in Iceland in 1978. This interesting museum is located in a repurposed public restroom from the 1930s, and provides an authentic look into Iceland’s offbeat punk music scene.
The exhibits are presented within the original bathroom stalls and washbasins, featuring punk rock artifacts, including photos and posters, instruments and stage equipment, vintage clothing, and a collection of video footage from the 70s and 80s. A visit to the Icelandic Punk Museum promises a tour of a countercultural phenomenon that has had a long-lasting impact on Icelandic society, with many punk artists coming out of the Iceland music scene.
Other worth visiting museums in Reykjavik
Among the array of museums in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, here are a few worth visiting:
- Settlement Exhibition: Discover Iceland’s early history at this museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits from the country’s Viking past. Learn about the settlement of Reykjavik and its ancient inhabitants.
- Reykjavik Maritime Museum: Dive into Iceland’s seafaring heritage at this museum dedicated to the country’s maritime history. Explore exhibits on fishing, shipbuilding, and the importance of the ocean to Icelandic culture.
- Open Air Museum: Step back in time at this outdoor museum, where you can explore traditional Icelandic buildings and learn about daily life in the past. Experience firsthand how Icelanders lived, worked, and interacted with their environment centuries ago.
- Whales of Iceland: Explore the fascinating world of whales at this museum, where life-size models and interactive exhibits bring these majestic creatures to life. Learn about Iceland’s rich marine life and the importance of whale conservation efforts.
6. The Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll: Close to KEF Airport
- Address: Hjallavegur 2 260 Reykjanesbær
- Official website: https://www.rokksafn.is/
- Opening time: Daily 11am to 6pm, excluding holidays
Another stop for music lovers is The Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll, which is a tribute to Iceland’s musical evolution, exploring the nation’s rock and pop history. From iconic performances to interactive displays featuring legendary artists, the museum provides a comprehensive account of the country’s musical progression.
You can also explore the Sound Lab, where you can access the karaoke booth or channel your inner rocker by experimenting with an electric drum kit, guitar, and bass! A visit here promises to be an engaging and educational experience that celebrates the impact of music on Icelandic culture and its identity. This museum is great if you’re only visiting for an Iceland stopover, thanks to its close proximity to the Keflavik airport.
7. Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum: Snaefellsnes Peninsula
- Address: 341 Bjarnarhöfn
- Official website: https://bjarnarhofn.is/shark-museum/
- Opening time: Open from April to October on Mondays from 11am to 4pm
The Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum is a family-run museum that looks at Iceland’s maritime traditions and its strong connection to the Greenland Shark. Visitors can learn about the process of shark fishing and preservation that Icelanders have been practicing for centuries, along with its cultural significance to the region.
Located on Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum provides an educational experience where you’ll be able to see the drying house, where shark meat is hung, and even try a sample of the traditional Icelandic food, Hákarl, which is a fermented shark dish.
8. LAVA Centre: South Iceland’s Lava Museum
- Address: Austurvegur 14, 860 Hvolsvöllur
- Official website: https://lavacentre.is/
- Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm
The LAVA Centre is an interactive exhibition that explores Iceland’s volcanoes and earthquakes, with exhibits on the history of volcanic eruptions, the science of volcanoes, and how they impact the natural environment. Located in the town of Hvolsvöllur, in South Iceland, visitors can experience an earthquake simulator and see a film about the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010.
9. Húsavík Whale Museum: North Iceland
- Address: Hafnarstétt 1, 640 Húsavík
- Official website: https://www.hvalasafn.is/
- Opening time:
- Daily 10am to 4pm November – March
- Daily 9am to 6pm April – October
The Húsavík Whale Museum was established in 1997 and is a tribute to the majestic giants that inhabit the region’s waters. With over 12 different types of whales that thrive in the waters off the coast of North Iceland, Husavik serves as the perfect place for this museum. Visitors can learn all about whales, their habitats, and the importance of whale conservation.
You’ll be able to see whale skeletons, interactive exhibits about whale biology and behavior, the history of whaling in the country, and artistic expressions inspired by whales. The museum has 8 exhibition rooms total and 11 whale skeletons, one of which is a 25 m-long blue whale. And after a visit to the museum, you can head out whale watching with a newfound understanding and appreciation for whales.
10. Turf Houses – Glaumbær Farm & Museum: North Iceland
- Address: 561 Glaumbær
- Official website: https://www.glaumbaer.is/
- Opening time:
- May 20 to September 20 – Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm
- September 21 to October 20 – Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm
Glaumbær Farm & Museum was established in 1952 and features 13 traditional Icelandic turf houses, which were built between the 18th and 19th centuries and inhabited by families up until 1947. Step back in time and experience the history of rural life in Iceland as you explore the museum’s exhibits.
Each of the houses is unique, with stone and turf walls and grass-covered roots, which provided insulation from the cold Icelandic climate. Some of the houses have exhibits focusing on the families that may have inhabited the houses, including their possessions, clothing, and other everyday objects.
11. The Herring Era Museum: North Fjord Area
- Address: Snorragata 10, 580 Siglufjörður
- Official website: http://www.sild.is/
- Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm June – August
- Daily 1pm to 5pm May – September
The Herring Era Museum in North Iceland explores the previous significance of the herring industry for Iceland, especially during the Great Depression. The museum is housed in three restored buildings that were previously part of the herring industry, including a 1907 salting station and bunkhouse, with features live salting demonstrations and accordion dances.
There is also a 1930s-era fishmeal and oil factory, displaying machinery and production practices, and a boathouse, representing the town’s bustling harbor from the 1950s, complete with old fishing boats on display. The Herring Era Museum tells the story of the herring industry, from its boom in the early 20th century to its decline in the late 1960s as a result of overfishing.
12. Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft: Westfjords, Holmavik Town
- Address: 8, 10 holmacove IS, Höfðagata 8-10, 510 Hólmavík
- Official website: https://galdrasyning.is/
- Opening time: Daily 12pm to 6pm
The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft, also known as Galdrasafnið, showcases the ancient folklore and magic of Iceland, offering a look into the beliefs and practices of the past. Located in the Westfjords, in the small town of Hólmavík, the museum’s exhibits feature artifacts, replicas, and even a reconstructed sorcerer’s cottage. Learn about the witch trials and executions that took place in Iceland from the 17th to 19th centuries, along with stories of trolls, sorcerers, and necromancy.
13. The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum: Westfjords, Bíldudalur Town
- Address: Strandgata 7, 465 Bíldudalur
- Official website: http://skrimsli.is/
- Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm, from May 15 to September 15
Also located in the Westfjords, The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum is an ode to the maritime mysteries that have captured imaginations for generations! Set against the shores of the Arnarfjörður fjord, the museum looks at the rich folklore surrounding sea monsters in Iceland, with stories and sightings presented through interactive touchscreen exhibits, multimedia displays, along with relics and artifacts like model ships and artwork.
You’ll also learn about academic theories and different perspectives on creatures like “Hafgufa” (the sea monster with nine arms) and “Nykur” (the water horse).
What is the Best Way and Time to Visit Museums in Iceland?
The best time to explore museums in Iceland largely depends on the region. The museums in Reykjavik are open year-round for visitors, however, if you are planning to venture into more remote areas like the Westfjords and North, summertime proves to be the ideal time to visit. During this season, roads are more accessible, making the drive less challenging.
To make the most of your travels while exploring the Museums, renting a car and embarking on a self-drive excursion is highly recommended. This transportation option not only provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, but also allows access to unexpected sights to stop and see along the way. For a seamless road trip, we encourage you to visit our essential car rental tips to guide you on choosing the best type of car to reach your destination safely.
The Best Iceland Museums
Discover Iceland’s rich history, culture, traditions, and tales while exploring the best 13 museums featuring Vikings, witchcraft, and the unique penis museum! Enhance your trip with a memorable self-drive adventure, uncovering numerous hidden gems across Iceland’s scenic landscapes. Book your rental car online and in advance with Hertz Iceland for a smooth and secure driving experience on all your travels.
