Iceland · MUSEUMS
Every trip here has one spare day and too many candidates. These 14 museum experiences justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes.
Hop-on hop-off bus from Harpa plus Perlan entry, with 360 views, ice cave and volcano exhibits, valid 24 hours.
“We enjoyed the bus tour was a great way to get around and the perlan museum was really interesting and have a new lava experience which was very cool aswell as the ice cave which was amazing to see”
See life-size whales in Reykjavík, with 23 species models, interactive exhibits, and included Fin Whale Theatre documentaries plus a free multi-language audio guide.
“Very interesting exhibit that shows you the size and gives you an idea of the whales mass.”
Reykjavik’s National Museum of Iceland brings Viking finds, a Thor figure from around 1000, and modern life into one smart time journey with an audio guide.
“We had such an interesting time in the museum, which covered all the most important aspects of life on Iceland for its people, past and present. It has made us enthusiastic for making a fresh visit to Reykjavik next year. We were very impressed by the pleasant young man, who spoke to us so knowledgeably about the artefacts and other related topics. Being able to talk to someone about the chosen exhibits was so much more engaging than listening to an audio guide, though being English speakers, we were spoiled in that we were able to converse easily with him. Thank you for such a fascinating experience.”
Prepaid Aurora Reykjavik ticket: learn northern lights myths and science, watch 4K timelapse, enjoy 360 VR, and practice aurora photo tips.
“It was an enjoyable and educational experience. One benefit I enjoyed was taking a free picture in front of an aurora and having it sent to my email. Considering I was there when the aurora was not visible, that was fun!”
Skip-line ticket to the Icelandic Phallological Museum in Reykjavik, see 300+ specimens, then enjoy the Phallus Café.
Reykjavik whale watching from Old Harbor plus the Whales of Iceland museum with life-size models, VR, and audio guides.
“The tour guide Jonathan was knowledgeable and was interesting as well.”
Saga Museum Reykjavik ticket with multi-language audio guide, Viking dress-up, life-size saga scenes, and free parking.
“This small museum takes about 45 minutes to tour and offers a great overview of Iceland's early history as captured in the Sagas. There are audio headsets that explain each of the 18 or so static displays that use incredibly lifelike mannequins to demonstrate the scene. We appreciated the humor of the “bonus exhibit” as well. The artists designing the figures are very talented.”
Skip-the-line mobile ticket to Reykjavik’s National Museum. Iceland’s story from early settlers to today, with free Culture House entry.
“None. If the museum is closed or has limited hours that needs to be disclosed before purchase. It was very disappointing.”
A 35-minute, audio-guided wax museum ticket in Reykjavik, covering Iceland’s sagas with realistic scenes and a Viking dress-up area.
“Realistic scenes from the Icelandic past! I liked it very much! later in you can get dressed as a viking and have fun!”
Reykjavik's Settlement Center: admission plus self-guided audio with Egils Saga storytelling across two floors, family-friendly and easy.
“There are two parts to the tour, with an upstairs and downstairs. There’s a very helpful person at the beginning to give you your headphones and an iPod mini that has the tour in many languages. The upper floor with a history of Iceland was interesting but a little difficult to follow. The tour below with the saga was much more dramatic and entertaining. This is a nice stop if you were visiting the country for the first time.”
Sail from Reykjavik to spot whales off Iceland, then visit Whales of Iceland exhibition for close-up learning and viewing.
“Great that we saw humpback whales and dophins and minke whales. Nice refreshments on board. Weather made it, we were lucky with the sunny day. Would recommend, just stay out on deck so you don't feel seasick!”
Golden Circle and Perlan Museum from Reykjavík: Kerið, Strokkur, Gullfoss, Þingvellir, plus Perlan ice cave and Aurora planetarium.
“Great day out (although tiring, unless you’re fit) Tour guide Sonny was awesome, so informative about not only the trip but about Iceland in general! Eugene the driver was very considerate and a generally nice guy. Long day but the sights and information were enough for us! The national park was great with some fabulous views (one couple opted to stay there and not get back on the bus!). Geysir was a fabulous spectacle although trying to get a great picture/ video when it went off was tricky. The waterfall was amazing, truly a sight to see with some fantastic views. Finished at the Perlan museum which was great, we…”
Reykjavik deluxe whale watch plus Whales of Iceland. Warm gear, onboard WiFi, and museum entry included in one 3.5-hour combo.
“The gentleman narrating was knowledgeable but a bit kitschy. We went out to the bay to see the two humpback whales that have been hunting there for past two weeks. Not much action from what another passenger said. Waters were calm but maybe we’d see a bit more out of the bay? The young gentleman taking the tickets was not welcoming bordering on rude. Not a good face for the company. The saving grace were the passengers! I made some good connections!”
A private 7-hour Reykjavik tour pairing Cold War heritage with iconic architecture, a luxury food tasting, and Perlan’s ice cave and aurora show.
“Well worth the $65 Canadian per person. Do not buy tickets in advance of coming. Prices are higher online and from third party vendors. Plus there is no need. When you get there, you can go online. Beautiful volcano, Northern Lights and Ice Cave exhibits. Plus, you can go to the observatory and look out over Reykjavik. There are a lot of other exhibits in the museum worth seeing. We spent 3 hours. I suggest taking a taxi.”
Every kind of day the city sends out, and the best of each.
