Saga Museum (Grandagardi 2, Reykjavik) – this is perhaps one of the most family-friendly museums in Iceland (this one focusing on the country’s Viking settlement years). To recreate these moments in the most authentic way, life-like replicas of historical Icelandic figures have been created, based on descriptions found in the Viking sagas and chronicles. […]
Reykjavik City Hall (Tjarnargata 11, Reykjavik) — opened in 1992, this building houses the office of the city’s Mayor, as well as other executive government offices. Its ground floor has a information desk for visitors, web access, and a view of the lake at cafe Ondin. Portions of the building are used to host various […]
Reykjavik Art Museum (various locations / Reykjavik) — founded in 1973, the Reykjavík Art Museum is the largest visual art institution in Iceland. The museum is situated at three different locations in the city: Kjarvalsstadir exhibition hall at Miklatún, inaugurated in 1973, where the main emphasis is on paintings and sculpture by well established artists; Hafnarhus, […]
Parlament (Austurvöllur, Reykjavik) – this is the building where the national parliament of Iceland is housed, opened in 1881 (when the first session of this legislative branch – as it’s known today, was held). This structure was made of the dolerite that was found in Skólavörðuholt – just below where Hallgrímskirkja church currently stands. Interestingly, […]
National Museum of Iceland (Suðurgata 41, 101 Reykjavík) – this museum’s goal is to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic nation — from the (Viking) Settlement to the present day. The exhibition includes about 2,000 objects, dating from the Settlement Age to the present, as well as about 1,000 photographs from the 20th […]
National Gallery of Iceland (Fríkirkjuvegi 7, Reykjavik) – this museum’s main emphasis of the collection is on 19th and 20th century Icelandic art, but international art is featured as well. It houses several exhibition halls on three floors, an art store and a café. The National Gallery owns the most valuable collection of works […]
Hofsstaðir Historic Park Viking Longhouse (Kirkjulundur, Reykjavik) — this park is actually a one-time Viking settlement, consisting of a longhouse from that historic period. This site was discovered during the course of construction work in 1986 (with excavations carried out between 1994 and 2000. The remains of the longhouse at this site was the second-largest […]
Höfði House (Borgartun, Reykjavik) — this diplomatically-historic site was the one-time French consul to Iceland. Back in 1986, this was the summit meeting place for U.S. president Ronald Reagan, and Russia’s Mikhail Gorbachev. The sculpture in front of the house depicts pillars from the chieftain’s seat of the first Norwegian settler in Reykjavík. Others who […]
Hellisheiði Power Plant Geothermal Energy Exhibition (Hellisheidi Power Plant, Reykjavik) — for those interested in the vital role that geothermal energy plays in this country, this exhibition space is a good start. The plant is owned by Reykjavík Energy and is a striking example of how geothermal energy is harnessed in a sustainable manner and […]
Harpa Concert and Conference Centre (Austurbakki 2, Reykjavik) — this artistically striking building, opened in 2010 and designed by Henning Larsen Architects (with renowned artists Olafur Eliasson designing its glass facade), houses the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and The Icelandic Opera. Contemporary musical performances are also held here. Visitors and concert attendees also have the option […]