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Whales of Iceland Exhibition, Ísland - Things to Do in Whales of Iceland Exhibition

Whales of Iceland Exhibition

Whales of Iceland Exhibition, Ísland - Complete Travel Guide

Reykjavik, Iceland's busy capital, serves as the gateway to the land of fire and ice, where the Whales of Iceland Exhibition stands as one of the city's most fascinating attractions. This compact Nordic city perfectly balances urban sophistication with raw natural beauty, offering visitors a unique blend of colorful architecture, rich Viking heritage, and modern Scandinavian culture. The city's proximity to dramatic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and marine life makes it an ideal base for exploring Iceland's natural treasures. The Whales of Iceland Exhibition itself represents the country's deep connection to marine life, showcasing life-sized models of the 23 whale species found in Icelandic waters. Located in Reykjavik's old harbor area, this world-class museum provides an immersive experience that complements the city's broader appeal as a destination where visitors can witness the Northern Lights, explore geysers and waterfalls, and experience the warmth of Icelandic hospitality against the backdrop of impressive Arctic landscapes.

Top Whales of Iceland Exhibition

Whale Watching Tours

Experience Iceland's incredible marine life firsthand with whale watching excursions from Reykjavik's Old Harbor. These tours offer excellent chances to spot minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises in their natural habitat. The tours typically last 3-4 hours and provide expert commentary about marine biology and conservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Book tours for summer months (April-October) for best whale spotting chances, with prices ranging from $60-90 per adult. Choose operators offering warm overalls and seasickness guarantees, and book morning tours for calmer seas.

Golden Circle Day Trip

Explore Iceland's most famous natural attractions including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. This classic route showcases Iceland's geological wonders, from continental drift evidence to explosive geysers and thundering waterfalls. Most tours include stops at local farms or greenhouses utilizing geothermal energy.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $50-80 and run year-round, though winter tours have shorter daylight hours. Small group tours (8-19 people) offer better experiences than large buses, and combination tours with Northern Lights viewing provide excellent value in winter.

Northern Lights Hunting

Chase the magical Aurora Borealis on guided tours that take you away from city lights to optimal viewing locations. Expert guides use weather forecasting and aurora activity predictions to maximize your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon. Tours often include hot chocolate and traditional Icelandic stories while waiting for the lights to appear.

Booking Tip: Available September through March, tours cost $40-70 and offer free rebooking if lights aren't visible. Choose operators with small groups and heated vehicles, and dress warmly as you'll spend time outdoors in sub-zero temperatures.

Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa

Relax in Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, featuring milky blue waters rich in silica and minerals. Located in a dramatic lava field, the this destination offers a surreal bathing experience with water temperatures around 37-39°C year-round. The facility includes saunas, steam rooms, and in-water massage treatments.

Booking Tip: Advance booking essential with entry fees from $60-150 depending on package level. Comfort packages include towels and drinks, while premium options add bathrobes and skincare products. Book early morning or late afternoon slots to avoid crowds.

Reykjavik Food Walking Tour

Discover Iceland's unique culinary scene through guided tastings of traditional and modern Icelandic cuisine. Sample fermented shark, fresh seafood, artisanal chocolates, and local spirits while learning about food culture and history. Tours typically visit 6-8 local establishments including restaurants, cafes, and specialty food shops.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $80-120 and last 3-4 hours, running year-round with multiple daily departures. Book tours that include both traditional foods and modern Nordic cuisine, and inform guides of dietary restrictions in advance as substitutions can be arranged.

Getting There

Keflavik International Airport (KEF) serves as Iceland's main international gateway, located 50km southwest of Reykjavik with direct flights from major European and North American cities. The Flybus and Airport Express provide regular shuttle services to downtown Reykjavik for around $25-30, taking 45-50 minutes. Rental cars are available at the airport, though many visitors find them unnecessary for exploring Reykjavik itself, and taxis cost approximately $130-150 for the airport transfer.

Getting Around

Reykjavik's compact city center is highly walkable, with most attractions within easy walking distance of each other. The city operates an efficient bus system (Strætó) with day passes costing around $8, though many visitors prefer walking due to the short distances. For excursions outside the city, numerous tour operators offer pickup services from hotels, while rental cars provide flexibility for self-guided exploration of the countryside and are recommended for multi-day stays wanting to explore beyond the capital.

Where to Stay

City Center/Downtown
Old Harbor District
Laugavegur Shopping Street Area
Hlemmur/Bus Terminal Area
Perlan/Oskjuhlid Hill
Seltjarnarnes Peninsula

Food & Dining

Reykjavik's dining scene expertly blends traditional Icelandic ingredients with modern Nordic cuisine, featuring exceptional seafood, lamb, and innovative uses of local herbs and vegetables. The city offers everything from high-end restaurants serving creative interpretations of Icelandic classics to casual spots where you can try traditional dishes like fermented shark, whale, and fresh langoustine. Don't miss the famous Icelandic hot dogs from street vendors, artisanal ice cream shops, and the growing craft beer scene, while many restaurants offer excellent value lunch menus compared to dinner prices.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Reykjavik

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

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Fiskmarkaðurinn / Fish Market

4.6 /5
(1471 reviews) 4

Sushi Social

4.6 /5
(968 reviews) 3
Montenegro 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
Montenegro cafe

Napoli

4.8 /5
(265 reviews)
meal_takeaway

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather, midnight sun, and optimal conditions for whale watching and outdoor activities, though it's also the most crowded and expensive period. Winter (November-March) provides the best chances for Northern Lights viewing, fewer crowds, and lower prices, but brings limited daylight and harsh weather conditions. Shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October offer mild weather, moderate prices, and good chances for both whale watching and Northern Lights, making them ideal for visitors wanting to experience multiple aspects of Iceland.

Insider Tips

Download the Reykjavik City Card app for discounts on attractions, free bus transport, and museum entries - it pays for itself with just 2-3 activities
Many restaurants offer significantly cheaper lunch menus (often half the dinner price) with similar quality, making lunch your main meal a smart budget strategy
Pack layers and waterproof clothing regardless of season, as Icelandic weather can change rapidly, and always carry a warm hat and gloves even in summer

Activities in Whales of Iceland Exhibition