CityBuddy
Árbær Open Air Museum
Best time to visit
Heading there mid-morning during summer offers sunny strolls and often fewer crowds than midday. Early autumn brings a colorful backdrop to the historic buildings.
Budget tips
Entry fee is modest but worth it for the immersive experience; Reykjavik City Card offers free access plus other local attractions. Opt for a weekday visit to avoid small weekend surcharges.
Recommended for
History buffs, Families with children, Architecture enthusiasts, Cultural explorers
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: Strolling through over 20 relocated buildings, you can wander villages that capture Iceland's yesteryear charm. Quiet farmsteads and lively workshops showcase everyday life from the 18th to 20th centuries.
Highlights: Step into the kitchen of a 1900s farmhouse where you can see authentic cooking tools and smell the scent of peat fires. The old barn even houses a rare collection of Icelandic turf building materials, a tactile glimpse into past construction techniques.
Insider tips
- Wear sturdy shoes as paths vary from gravel to turf and can be slippery when wet.
- Capture photos early in the day for soft light and fewer visitors in your shots.
- Skip the guided tours if you prefer quiet self-exploration with detailed info boards available.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen; open-air sections offer minimal shade in sunny weather.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Reykjavik, Iceland, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
