CityBuddy
National Museum of Iceland
Best time to visit
Late mornings on weekdays offer fewer crowds and better light for photography of the indoor exhibits. Winters provide a cozy experience with less tourist traffic, while summer opens longer hours.
Budget tips
Standard entry is affordable, with discounts for students and seniors; Reykjavik city card offers free entry and public transport savings. Free admission occurs on certain cultural days annually.
Recommended for
History buffs, Families, Cultural explorers, Educational trips
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: The collection showcases over 2 million artifacts that tell Iceland's history from the Viking age to the modern era. Some exhibits include ancient tools and medieval manuscripts that reveal daily life and culture through centuries.
Highlights: An impressive treasure is the Árbæjartorg collection featuring a reconstructed medieval farmstead, where you can walk through turf houses as they were in centuries past. Experience a rare blend of archaeology and folklore with artifacts like the Greenlandic sword said to be over 1,000 years old.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on turf paths in the outdoor farmstead area.
- Photography is allowed without flash; capture the recreated medieval farmstead early to avoid crowds.
- Skip the gift shop first and explore the exhibits to keep your focus on history.
- Visit the museum café for a break with local Icelandic treats after exploring.
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.
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