Documented history in Iceland begins in 874 AD, which is when the first formal settlement is created.  Next, in 930 AD is when the formal Parliament is founded according to the Landnámabók.  Maybe you’re interested in stepping back in time?  Then during your trip take time to checkout the best Icelandic museums…

Best Icelandic Museums to Visit

Throughout the entire country, you’ll find interesting museums that provide you a little look into what once was.  Likely, if you’ve just begun planning your trip to Iceland, you’re not sure what types institutions there are.  Or where the best Icelandic museums are located.  Today we are happy to educate you on that topic!

Museums in Reykjavik

Within the city limits of Reykjavik there are Icelandic museums to choose from.  From places that feature history to whales and even the one and only penis museum!  Yes you read that correctly.   Maybe before or after your Reykjavik wedding, you’ll want to have a look at one of the options below.  Likely rain or shine you’ll walk away learning something!

• The Perlan comes not only with interesting exhibitions, a restaurant but also amazing city views!
• Árbær Open Air Museum
• Saga Museum allows you to step back to the Viking era.
• The National Museum of Iceland gives you a look into the evolution of the islands culture.
• Whales of Iceland Museum is currently the largest exhibition in the world.
• Love art?  Then do not miss the Reykjavik Art Museum!
• Icelandic Culture House
• The Reykjavik City Museum
• Are you a lover of Icelandic music?  Then stopping by the Icelandic Punk Museum may be a good choice for you!
• Follow Icelandic history through photos via the the Reykjavik Museum of Photography.
• Curious to see the largest collection in the world of different types of penises?  Make sure the Phallological Museum.
• Along the harbor in downtown, you’ll find one of the most exciting Iceland museums, named, the Reykjavík Maritime Museum.

Top Museums in South Iceland

It’s no secret the South of Iceland is rich in dynamic landscapes.  But is there a plethora of museums to hit up while on your journey around the island?  Short answer is yes, but decide for yourself on which Icelandic museums you choose…

• The Merchants House at Eyrarbakki
• LÁ Art Museum
• Stöng, Viking-era Long house
• Icelandic Wonders / Elf Museum
• Stone and Mineral Museum in Hveragerdi
• Bobby Fischer Center in Selfoss pays homage to the famous chess player who lived out the last years of his life in this town.
• Lava Center in Hvolsvöllur
• Skógar Museum
• Eldheimar on the Vestmannaeyjar Islands
• Icelandic Lava Show in Vik
• The Thorbergur Centre

East Iceland Museums to See

If you make your way to East Iceland and want to be immersed into local history and culture via Icelandic Museums, we encourage you to check any or all of the following spots…

• Bustarfell Museum
• East Iceland Heritage Museum in Egilsstaðir
• Maritime Museum in Eskifjörður
• Museum of Natural History in Neskaupstaður
• Sláturhúsið
• Skriðuklaustur
• War Museum in Reyðarfjörður

North Iceland Museums

Heading up to North Iceland, you’ll find the Icelandic Museums are diverse.  However, be aware that many are only open during the summer months.  Therefore, please check before you go.  Anyhow, feel free to use this list of museums in North Iceland during your trip around the island:

• Herring Era Museum in Siglufjordur
• Húsavík Whale Museum
• Transportation Museum in Husavik
• The Exploration Museum in Husavik
• Glaumbaer Museum in Varmahlid
• Aviation Museum in Akureyri
• Folk Music Center in Siglufjordur

Interesting Institutions in West Iceland

Although the West Iceland and the fjords, is not on everyone’s agenda the first time they come to Iceland, it should be!  Well at the very least, the second or third trip around! 😉 For example, one of the most unique Icelandic museums exists here with some scary artifacts like “necropants” within the Witchcraft Museum.  Here’s a short list of some places to checkout:

• Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft Museum in Hólmavík
• Ósvör Maritime Museum in Bolungarvík
• Sheep Farming Museum in Hólmavík
• Westfjords Heritage Museum in Ísafjörður
• Arctic Fox Center in Sudavik
• Settlement Center in Borgarnes
• Samúel Jónsson’s Art Museum
• Soffia’s Toy Museum
• Snorrastofa in Reykholt
• Agricultural Museum of Iceland in Borgarnes
• Norwegian House – Regional Museum in Stykkishólmur,
• Library of Water in Stykkishólmur
• Volcano Museum in Stykkishólmur
• Akranes Folk Museum
• See additional exhibitions on Westfjords.is and on West.is.

In conclusion, we would love to know what museum in the above intrigues you?

Getting Married at a Museum in Iceland

Likely, now you’re wondering whether or not you can be married in one of the above amazing Icelandic Museums, right?  Good question and one our Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons team would love to assist you with.  It is possible to be married inside or outside of the countless museums throughout the Icelandic countryside.  However, it is best to involve a local Iceland wedding planner so that you can get all of the details in a straightforward way.  Lastly, feel free to contact us to get more information.

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