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National Museum of Iceland

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National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)

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The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík was established in February 1863 and has a comprehensive journey through the nation's history from the Settlement Age to the modern era. The museum's current main building on Suðurgata was opened in 1950 and underwent a major renovation in 2004 to incorporate modern exhibition techniques. The permanent exhibition, 'Making of a Nation', showcases over 2,000 artifacts, including the famous 13th-century Valthjófsstadur church door, which depicts scenes from a knight's legend. Visitors can trace Iceland’s cultural evolution through Viking-age jewelry, religious art, and everyday tools used by early farmers and fishermen. The museum also serves as a research institution for Icelandic archaeology and cultural heritage preservation. Its educational programs play a vital role in sustaining Icelandic identity and language for future generations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík is open to visitors year-round. The main exhibition displays Iceland's cultural history from settlement to modern times in climate-controlled indoor galleries.
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Typical hours
Museums in Iceland typically have extended hours from May to September and shorter hours in winter. Typical opening hours are around 10:00 to 17:00, but it is wise to check current times in advance.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the exhibition halls without flash or tripod. Please note the signs on display cases - some objects must be photographed without flash for conservation reasons.
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Time needed
Allow at least two hours for a thorough tour of the main exhibition. Those interested in temporary exhibits or the museum building itself should plan for three hours.
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Combine with
The museum is located in central Reykjavík, near Hallgrímskirkja and the Icelandic Culture House. The nearby Icelandic Settlement Centre is also worth a visit.
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Getting there
The National Museum is easily reached on foot from the city centre in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, bus lines 1, 3, 4, 6, 11 and 13 stop nearby at „Þjóðminjasafn“.
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Insider tip
Combine your visit with the nearby Icelandic café „Café Loki“ for traditional cuisine. Make use of the museum shop for high-quality Icelandic handicraft gifts.

Geography

Coordinates
64.14200, -21.94720

Facts

  • The museum was officially founded on February 24, 1863.
  • Its most prized item is a carved church door from around 1200.
  • The museum's collection totals about 100,000 distinct items.
  • The photographic archive contains over 4 million images.
  • The building was closed for renovation from 1998 to 2004.
  • It features a dedicated section for silver artifacts from the Viking age.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tjornin Lake BirdlifeTjornin Lake Birdlife<1 km · NEExplore →
PerlanPerlan2 km · SEExplore →
Höfði HouseHöfði House2 km · EExplore →
SeltjarnarnesSeltjarnarnes3 km · NWExplore →
Reykjavik Botanical GardenReykjavik Botanical Garden4 km · EExplore →
KópavogurKópavogur4 km · SEExplore →
Grótta LighthouseGrótta Lighthouse4 km · NWExplore →
BessastaðirBessastaðir5 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town National Museum of Iceland (10)

National Museum of Iceland🏛 museum

The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík presents the country's history.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-17:00♿

Tónlistarsafn Íslands🏛 museum

Icelandic Music Museum in Reykjavík.

Hljomskalagardurinn Park🌳 park

Park in the Capital Region of Iceland, in Reykjavík.

National Gallery of Iceland🏛 museum

Art museum in Reykjavík, Iceland, featuring Icelandic and international art.

Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík

Church in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Tjarnarbíó

Theatre in Reykjavík.

Neskirkja

Church building in Iceland, in Reykjavík.

Reykjavik City Hall

City hall of Reykjavík.

Junior Chamber Island

Cultural centre of Junior Chamber Iceland in Reykjavík.

Garðahlynur

An attraction in Reykjavík.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the National Museum?
The history of Iceland from the Viking settlement to modern times.
Are there audio guides in English?
Yes, audio guides are available in several languages, including English.
What is the most valuable exhibit?
The famous 13th-century Valthjófsstadur church door with medieval carvings.
How much time should I plan for the visit?
You should plan for about 2 to 3 hours to see all floors comfortably.
Are there discounts for students or seniors?
Yes, there are discounted prices for seniors over 67 and students with a valid ID.
National Museum of Iceland: where is it located?
National Museum of Iceland is located in Iceland.
National Museum of Iceland: what is there to see?
Highlights include National Museum of Iceland, Tónlistarsafn Íslands, Hljomskalagardurinn Park.
National Museum of Iceland: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
National Museum of Iceland: why is it worth visiting?
The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík was established in February 1863 and has a comprehensive journey through the nation's history from the Settlement Age to the modern era.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
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Nearby cities

Reykjavík — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.
Kópavogur — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Kópavogur
Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.
Hafnarfjörður — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Hafnarfjörður
Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.
Hafnarfjörður — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Hafnarfjörður
A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.
Keflavík — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Keflavík
Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.
Mosfellsbær — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Mosfellsbær
Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.
Garðabær — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Garðabær
Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.
Selfoss — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Selfoss
Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.
Akranes — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Akranes
Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.
Seltjarnarnes — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Seltjarnarnes
Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.
Vestmannaeyjar — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.
Blue Lagoon (Grindavík) — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)
Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.
Grindavík — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Grindavík
Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Hveragerði — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Hveragerði
Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.
Hveragerði — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Hveragerði
Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Reykjavík City Hall
Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.
Hvolsvöllur — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Hvolsvöllur
A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.

Nature

Tjornin Lake Birdlife — National Museum of Iceland (Iceland)
Tjornin Lake Birdlife
Reykjavik's central lake is a vital habitat for over 40 bird species right in the city center.