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National Museum of Iceland, Ísland - Things to Do in National Museum of Iceland

Things to Do in National Museum of Iceland

National Museum of Iceland, Ísland - Complete Travel Guide

Reykjavik, Iceland's vibrant capital, is a charming Nordic city that serves as the perfect gateway to the Land of Fire and Ice. Despite being one of the world's northernmost capitals, Reykjavik pulses with creative energy, featuring colorful corrugated-iron houses, cutting-edge architecture, and a thriving arts scene. The city seamlessly blends modern Scandinavian design with rich Viking heritage, offering visitors everything from world-class museums to geothermal pools. The National Museum of Iceland stands as one of Reykjavik's cultural crown jewels, housing the most comprehensive collection of Icelandic artifacts spanning over 1,000 years of history. Located in the heart of the city, this institution offers visitors an immersive journey through Iceland's fascinating past, from the Viking settlement era to modern times, making it an essential stop for understanding the unique culture and heritage of this remarkable island nation.

Top Things to Do in National Museum of Iceland

Explore Viking Heritage at National Museum

Discover Iceland's rich history through extensive collections of medieval manuscripts, Viking artifacts, and traditional crafts. The museum's highlight is the original 12th-century Valþjófsstaður church door, intricately carved with scenes from medieval legend.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 2,000 ISK for adults with discounts for students and seniors. Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds, and allow 2-3 hours for a thorough exploration. Audio guides are available in multiple languages.

Relax at Geothermal Pools

Experience Iceland's famous geothermal culture at local swimming pools and spas throughout the city. These naturally heated pools offer a quintessentially Icelandic experience where locals gather year-round to socialize and unwind.

Booking Tip: Public pools cost 1,000-1,500 ISK while luxury spas like Sky Lagoon cost 8,000-12,000 ISK. Visit early morning or late evening for best experience. Bring your own towel to save rental fees.

Discover Hallgrímskirkja Church

Visit Iceland's most iconic landmark, a striking modernist church inspired by basalt lava flows. Take the elevator to the top of the 74-meter tower for panoramic views over Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains and ocean.

Booking Tip: Tower access costs 1,000 ISK for adults. Best views are during golden hour, about 2 hours before sunset. Book tower tickets in advance during summer months to avoid queues.

Stroll Through Old Harbor

Explore Reykjavik's picturesque harbor area filled with colorful boats, waterfront restaurants, and maritime museums. The harbor serves as departure point for whale watching tours and Northern Lights cruises during appropriate seasons.

Booking Tip: Harbor area is free to explore. Whale watching tours cost 8,000-12,000 ISK and run April-October with best success rates in summer. Book tours with established operators offering wildlife guarantees.

Experience Nordic Cuisine

Sample innovative Nordic cuisine that combines traditional Icelandic ingredients with modern culinary techniques. From fermented shark to fresh langoustine, Reykjavik's food scene offers unique flavors you won't find elsewhere.

Booking Tip: Fine dining restaurants cost 8,000-15,000 ISK per person. Book popular restaurants weeks in advance. Food tours cost 12,000-18,000 ISK and include multiple tastings with cultural context.

Getting There

Keflavík International Airport, located 50km southwest of Reykjavik, serves as Iceland's main international gateway with direct flights from North America and Europe. The Flybus shuttle service connects the airport to Reykjavik city center in about 45 minutes for 3,500 ISK, while rental cars and taxis are also available. Many visitors combine their Iceland trip with stopovers, as Icelandair offers free extended layovers up to 7 days.

Getting Around

Reykjavik's compact city center is easily walkable, with most attractions within a 20-minute walk of each other. The city operates an efficient bus system (Strætó) with day passes costing 1,800 ISK, though many visitors prefer walking or cycling. Taxis are expensive but readily available, while rental cars are recommended for exploring beyond the city. The city center is very pedestrian-friendly with well-marked streets and excellent signage in English.

Where to Stay

101 City Center
Laugavegur Shopping District
Old Harbor Area
Hlemmur Square
Vesturbær West Side
Near Hallgrímskirkja

Food & Dining

Reykjavik's dining scene punches above its weight, offering everything from traditional Icelandic fare to innovative Nordic cuisine. The city center concentrates most restaurants along Laugavegur and surrounding streets, featuring fresh seafood, grass-fed lamb, and unique local ingredients like wild berries and herbs. Budget travelers can find good meals at food trucks and casual spots for 2,000-4,000 ISK, while mid-range restaurants cost 5,000-8,000 ISK per person. Don't miss trying traditional dishes like fish and chips, meat soup, or the famous Icelandic hot dogs from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Reykjavik

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Fiskmarkaðurinn / Fish Market

4.6 /5
(1471 reviews) 4
bar

Sushi Social

4.6 /5
(968 reviews) 3
bar meal_takeaway

Pósthús Food Hall & Bar

4.7 /5
(732 reviews) 2

Grazie Trattoria

4.5 /5
(518 reviews)

Ráðagerði Veitingahús

4.8 /5
(338 reviews) 2
bar cafe

Napoli

4.8 /5
(265 reviews)
meal_takeaway
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When to Visit

Reykjavik can be visited year-round, each season offering distinct experiences. Summer (June-August) provides the warmest weather, midnight sun, and easiest access to highland attractions, though it's also the busiest and most expensive time. Winter (November-March) offers Northern Lights viewing opportunities and a cozy atmosphere, but with limited daylight and unpredictable weather. Spring and fall provide good compromise with fewer crowds, reasonable prices, and decent weather, though some highland roads may be inaccessible.

Insider Tips

Many museums offer free entry with the Reykjavik City Card, which also includes bus transportation and pool access
Icelandic people are extremely friendly and most speak excellent English, so don't hesitate to ask locals for recommendations
Bring layers and waterproof clothing regardless of season, as Reykjavik's weather can change rapidly throughout the day

Explore Activities in National Museum of Iceland