Iceland: The 8 most breathtaking museums

Iceland has a lot to offer with its unique nature and culture. In the local museums, you can learn all about the country and its history, culture, art and scientific history during a visit. There is a lot to discover there, especially about the local nature and environment. Whether you are interested in the Northern Lights, whales or the history of the Vikings - there is sure to be a museum or two that you would like to visit on your next vacation in Iceland.

1. Inational museum

The National Museum is located in Reykjavík and focuses on the culture and history of the country. The museum is divided into different sections, each covering a period of 200 years. Here you can explore interesting artifacts, works of art and historical objects and learn more about the country.

2. Saga Museum

This museum is also located in Reykjavík. It focuses in an exciting way on realistic wax figures and lifelike scenes to convey important moments in Icelandic history. In this way, Icelandic history is illustrated to visitors in a special way by bringing it to life.

3. Gerðarsafn Kópavogur Art Museum

The museum is located in the suburb of the same name. It exhibits modern art and an impressive collection of Icelandic artworks. The museum was built in honor of the artist Gerður Helgadóttir, who is known for her three-dimensional abstract art and glass art. The collection includes over 1400 of her works. A visit there is therefore an absolute must for all art fans.

4. Árnesinga Folkart Museum

If you want to find out more about the history and rural life of Iceland, this is the place to go. In Árnes, in the southwest of Iceland, this museum impresses with insights into the history and rural life there. Agricultural tools and historic buildings characterize this museum. Before it became a museum, the buildings served as a home for merchant families for over two centuries. The house itself, as well as the inhabitants and life in the small fishing village, are thus thematized.

5. the Perlan

You can get to know the natural wonders of Iceland here, in the country's capital. The geothermal forces are also a theme. One of the special features of this museum is the planetarium. You can also watch a lava show here and learn more about the eruption of Geldingadalir in 2021. Other highlights include the viewing platform and the artificial glacier tunnel with an ice cave.

6th Lava Center

You've probably heard of the volcanoes in Iceland before. The Lava Center is an interactive museum focusing on volcanoes, earthquakes and the country's geological activity. In addition to interactive exhibitions, you can also watch films in the 4D cinema or try out the earthquake simulator. So if you are interested in earthquakes and volcanoes, you should definitely not miss out on a visit here.

7. Húsavík Whale Museum

In the north, in Húsavík, the Whale Museum is dedicated to the exciting world of whales. Here, visitors can learn more about these fascinating marine mammals. The exhibition features 11 whale skeletons of different species. Since 2016, you can also visit the blue whale exhibition. It contains the skeleton of a 25-metre-long female blue whale that beached in Ásbúðir, Skagi in the north of Iceland in 2010.

8. Aurora Reykjavík (Aurora Museum)

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, fascinate people all over the world. A visit to the Aurora Reykjavík gives you the opportunity to experience and understand the Aurora Borealis in a very special way. The museum impresses with an interactive exhibition and a cinema that shows images of the Northern Lights from all over Iceland. You can also learn how to best capture this natural phenomenon with your camera.

Which museum are you going to?

As you can see, the Nordic country has a lot to offer and looks back on a rich history. The museums there reflect the history as well as the cultural diversity and the unique nature and environment of the country. These points make Iceland a special and fascinating country. If you want to find out more about the country, you should definitely not miss out on a visit to one of the museums. With our Iceland Expedition for example, you have the opportunity to see volcanoes and geysers, watch whales and local dishes such as Pylsa or Plokkfiskur.

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