National Museum of Iceland, National Museum in Reykjavík, Iceland
The National Museum of Iceland is a three-story building holding thousands of objects that tell the story of human life on the island across centuries. The collection includes tools, household items, clothing, and artwork that show how people lived in different periods.
The museum was established in 1863 to preserve Iceland's cultural heritage, starting with a collection of antiquities and documents from earlier times. It has grown to become the main place where you can follow how Iceland changed from medieval times to the modern era.
The exhibition reveals how Icelanders understand their own identity through everyday objects, artwork, and personal stories that connect past and present. You can see how people adapted to life on the island and what mattered to them across different periods.
The building has three floors that you can explore on foot with both stairs and elevators available for all visitors. Navigation is straightforward with clear signage, and most descriptions are provided in multiple languages to help you understand the objects.
A medieval carved wooden door called the Valþjófsstaður door displays detailed scenes from an old legend and ranks among the museum's most valuable holdings. It stands as one of the few well-preserved examples of Iceland's medieval woodcarving craft.
Location: Reykjavík
Inception: February 24, 1863
Official opening: February 24, 1863
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Email: thjodminjasafn@thjodminjasafn.is
Website: http://thjodminjasafn.is
GPS coordinates: 64.14190,-21.94811
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
Iceland is an island shaped by ice and fire. Glaciers cover much of the interior while geothermal areas show that something is always happening beneath the surface. The landscapes here look different from most places: black sand beaches formed by volcanic activity, fjords cutting deep into the coast, waterfalls dropping over cliffs and canyons with moss covered walls. Vatnajökull in the southeast is Europe's largest glacier, while smaller ice caps like Snæfellsjökull or Drangajökull have their own character. Reykjavik sits by the ocean and mixes city life with access to nature. The Harpa concert hall stands by the harbor, Hallgrímskirkja church rises above the rooftops, and along the shore you find the Sólfar sculpture. Lake Tjörnin lies in the center of town. Outside the city, routes lead to natural sites: the Blue Lagoon with its milky blue water, Strokkur geyser that erupts every few minutes, Gullfoss waterfall where a river plunges into a canyon. The southern coast shows different faces. Near Vík there is Reynisfjara beach with its basalt columns and black sand, and not far away the cliff at Dyrhólaey. Diamond Beach near Hornafjörður is scattered with ice chunks washed up by the sea. In the north, Lake Mývatn attracts visitors with its volcanic surroundings, while the Westfjords with the Hornstrandir reserve and the red sand of Rauðasandur beach belong to the more remote parts of the country. The Ring Road connects most of these places and circles the entire island.
Hallgrímskirkja
1 km
Icelandic Phallological Museum
945 m
Harpa
1.2 km
National and University Library of Iceland
154 m
Reykjavík Cathedral
679 m
Alþingishúsið
692 m
Statue of Leif Erikson
1 km
Austurvöllur
712 m
KR-völlur
1 km
Landakotskirkja
617 m
Reykjavik Art Museum
880 m
Nordic House
427 m
Culture House
984 m
National Theatre of Iceland
995 m
Reykjavík 871±2
659 m
Ráðhús Reykjavíkur
523 m
Reykjavik Maritime Museum
1.3 km
University of Iceland VR
456 m
Reykjavík Municipal Archives
896 m
Arnarhóll
957 m
Fríkirkjuvegur 11
483 m
Embassy of Germany, Reykjavík
567 m
University of Iceland Main Building
158 m
Sundhöll Reykjavíkur
1.4 km
Hafnarhús
870 m
National Theatre of Iceland
995 m
Icelandic tree of the year 1994
595 m
Icelandic tree of the year 1999
656 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes