Iceland’s incredible museums are the best places to learn more about the country. From the interactive wonders of Perlan to the life-size models of the Whales of Iceland Museum, each exhibition ensures a fascinating, family-friendly day out. You can gain access to these wonderful centers of learning through our website, allowing you to enjoy them without worrying about logistics.
Perlan Museum - Perlan combines fascinating exhibitions, spectacular views over Reykjavik, and one of Iceland’s most iconic structures. The museum’s installations seek to teach visitors about Icelandic nature. Virtual reality and interactive displays enhance the learning experience.
Whales of Iceland Museum – The Whales of Iceland Museum contains 23 life-sized models of the incredible beasts swimming in Iceland’s waters. Each model has been painstakingly hand-painted, allowing you to see what the majestic giants of the deep actually look like. The exhibition includes an 82-ft (25-m) model of a blue whale, a model of a giant sperm whale, and other species such as orcas and the North Atlantic right whale. All the models can be touched and are accompanied by interactive information boards. The exhibit also contains a virtual reality experience that brings you to the bottom of the ocean.
The National Museum of Iceland – The National Museum of Iceland is home to many of Iceland's most famous artifacts, including the Viking ship on which the original settlers arrived. The museum contains various rotating exhibitions as well as the permanent “Making of a Nation” exhibition, which takes you on an epic journey through Iceland's history.
Arbaer Open Air Museum – The Arbaer Open Air Museum offers a fascinating insight into how historic Icelanders lived. More than 20 historical buildings are organized to form a small town, allowing you to see how Icelanders live in the pre-industrial age.
Aurora Museum - This interactive Northern Light museum will get you closer to this incredible phenomenon even if you’re traveling in summer. You’ll learn the science behind the magnificent Aurora Borealis and be able to visit the Aurora photo booth! Get admission to the Aurora Museum early on!
The Settlement Exhibition – The Settlement Exhibition recreates Reykjavik’s early history. Its principal attraction is an original Viking longhouse dating back to the late 10th century. The exhibition also contains interactive boards about how people lived and a panoramic depiction of 10th-century Reykjavik.
Icelandic Phallological Museum – The Iceland Penis Museum contains a huge selection of phallic specimens from various mammals around the world. It's an exhibition as striking as it's memorable! Look out for the 56 specimens from whales, 36 from seals and walruses, a few from land mammals (humans of course), and even one from a polar bear.
Icelandic Lava Show – The Icelandic Lava Show Exhibition is a one-of-a-kind, family-run exhibition that reproduces the awesome power of a volcanic eruption. Lava is produced in a large furnace in the center of a small room, allowing visitors to experience the heat from the lava and see the amazing shapes it forms as it cools.
The Lava Center – The Lava Center contains a set of fascinating exhibitions that explore Iceland’s volcanic forces. All the installations are completely interactive, offering profound insight into how volcanoes work. The Lava Center also contains an earthquake simulator and shows visitors how scientists monitor seismic activity to predict earthquakes.
We offer a great selection of museum tours in Iceland. You’re sure to talk away from each tour with a new appreciation for Icelandic nature and culture.
Perlan Museum – Join us at the Perlan Museum in Reykjavik for a guided tour of one of Iceland’s best museums. Our knowledgeable local guide will take you through the Wonders of Iceland exhibition and share fascinating facts about Icelandic nature. We arrange the entire trip, so all you need to do is find your way there.
Whales of Iceland Museum – See life-size models of Iceland’s whales on this fascinating tour. We arrange admission and meet at Old Reykjavik Harbor. Visitors often like to combine the museum experience with one of our many Reykjavik whale-watching tours.
Aurora Museum - Join us at the interactive Northern Lights museums, and visit the Northern Lights Theatre and Aurora photo booth!
Reykjavik City Card – Enjoy 72 hours of freedom in Reykjavik and access a host of different museums in Reykjavik, including:
Lava Center – Meet us at the Lava Center to see how powerful volcanic forces have shaped Iceland.
Lava Show – A unique lava show in the picturesque village of Vik lets you get up close and personal with a volcanic eruption. The founder has opened the new lava center in Reykjavik, as it's so easy to access now it's a must to visit!
Yes, we arrange admission on each of our museum tours.
No, we do not offer transport. However, most of the museums are easily accessible. Reykjavik museums can be reached via public transport. The South Coast museums are fairly easy to reach if you are in the area.
Perlan – Perlan offers a free shuttle bus service for ticket holders. The bus departs from the BSI bus terminal on the hour. You can also drive to Perlan and take advantage of the free parking. The drive is 7-10 minutes from central Reykjavik.
Whales of Iceland Museum – You can catch the bus from the BSI bus terminal to Old Reykjavik Harbor. The bus ride takes around 10 minutes. You can also take a pleasant stroll through the city to reach the museum.
Reykjavik City Card – The Reykjavik city card grants free public transport while it is valid. Simply hop on a bus to any of the museums and get exploring!
Lava Center – The Lava Center is located about 90 minutes from Reykjavik on Iceland’s South Coast. Drive south on the Ring Road to Austurvegur 14, 860 Hvolsvöllur and follow the signs to the Lava Center.
Lava Show – The Lava Show is located in the picturesque village of Vik on Iceland’s iconic South Coast. If you’re driving from Reykjavik, simply drive south along the Ring Road for 2.5 hours (118 miles), and then follow the signs to Vik. You could also stay in Vik and combine the museum with one of our other meet-on locations.
There is no set equipment or clothing list for a museum tour. However, if you’re visiting Perlan, make sure to dress warmly as the temperatures inside the man-made ice cave are below freezing.
Most of the museums allow you to take photos. However, this may not be the case for every exhibition, so refer to the museum rules for more information.
