Region
Southern Peninsula
Part of Reykjanesbaer with Keflavik
Njardvik: Viking World and the Airport Coast
A town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, home to the Viking World museum and a few minutes from Keflavik International Airport.
Population
~4,400
Southern Peninsula • Reykjanesbaer
Quick Answer
Njardvik, part of Reykjanesbaer on the Reykjanes Peninsula, is home to Viking World and its full-scale replica Viking ship, 5 km from Keflavik Airport.
Njardvik is a town on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, part of Reykjanesbaer municipality along with neighboring Keflavik. Its Viking World museum holds a full-scale Viking ship replica, the airport is a few minutes away, and the volcanic landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula begins at the edge of town.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Njardvik works as a first or last stop in Iceland thanks to the nearby airport, with Viking World and geothermal areas close by.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Population
~4,400
Traditional fishing community near the airport
Notable Feature
Viking World
Museum with full-scale Viking ship replica
Top Attractions in Njardvik
Viking World Museum
Full-scale Viking ship replica and Norse history exhibits
Njardvik Harbor
Active fishing harbor
Njardvik Swimming Pool
Geothermally heated pool with hot tubs
Blue Lagoon
Famous geothermal spa, about 15 minutes away
Reykjanes Geopark
UNESCO Global Geopark with volcanic landscapes
Bridge Between Continents
Walk between tectonic plates nearby
How to Get to Njardvik
From Keflavik Airport: Njardvik is only 5 km from the international airport, about 5-7 minutes by car. It suits travelers on arrival or departure days.
From Reykjavik: The drive from Reykjavik takes approximately 40 minutes via Route 41. Airport buses pass through the area, and rental cars are widely available.
Getting around: A car is recommended for exploring Njardvik and the surrounding Reykjanes Peninsula attractions. The town itself is compact and walkable.
Best Time to Visit Njardvik
Summer (June-August): Longest days with midnight sun, and milder weather for the lava fields and coast.
Winter (November-February): Northern Lights season with dark skies. The Blue Lagoon and geothermal areas stay open through winter.
Year-round: Njardvik works well as a first or last night stop because the airport is so close. Viking World museum and the Blue Lagoon are open in any season.
Allow museum time as well as airport time
Viking World’s Islendingur is a modern working replica, not an excavated Viking-age ship. The museum records its voyage from Iceland to New York in 2000. Seeing that full-size vessel is the reason to choose this stop over a general town walk.
The visitor page, checked September 10, 2026, suggests 60–90 minutes inside and lists adult admission at 3,420 ISK, with children under 12 free. Summer hours are 09:00–17:00 and winter hours 10:00–16:00; the page does not specify the changeover dates, so confirm the hours for your visit.
For a flight-day visit, add the journey, rental-car return or onward transfer, and the airline’s airport arrival allowance to that museum time. The museum’s 60–90-minute estimate is not a recommendation for the length of an airport connection.
Planning help
Njardvik FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Njardvik?
Njardvik has approximately 4,400 residents. Together with neighboring Keflavik, it forms the municipality of Reykjanesbaer, the largest town on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
What is Viking World museum?
Viking World (Vikingaheimar) is a museum featuring a full-scale replica of the Gokstad Viking ship called Islendingur. The museum has exhibits on Viking history, exploration, and the settlement of Iceland.
What municipality is Njardvik part of?
Njardvik is part of Reykjanesbaer, alongside neighboring Keflavik. Use the specific museum or hotel address when planning an airport transfer.
How close is Njardvik to Keflavik Airport?
Njardvik is only about 5 km from Keflavik International Airport, one of the closest residential areas to Iceland's main international gateway. The drive takes approximately 5-7 minutes.
What is the difference between Njardvik and Keflavik?
Njardvik and Keflavik are neighboring towns that merged into Reykjanesbaer. Njardvik is smaller and more residential, while Keflavik has more commercial areas and the former US military base. They share services and infrastructure.
What is the weather like in Njardvik?
Njardvik has an oceanic climate with cool summers and mild winters. The area is known for strong winds due to its coastal location on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Temperatures range from -1°C in winter to 12°C in summer.
What is there to do in Njardvik?
Visitors can explore Viking World museum, walk along the harbor, visit local swimming pools, and use Njardvik as a base for exploring Reykjanes Peninsula attractions like the Blue Lagoon, geothermal areas, and lava fields.
What is the history of Njardvik?
Njardvik was traditionally a fishing village that grew alongside the fishing industry. Its development accelerated during the 20th century, particularly with the establishment of the nearby NATO base and international airport.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.