Admission
3,300 ISK
Adult admission checked September 10, 2026. Under 18s enter free
National Museum of Iceland
Iceland's main history museum, covering the nation's story from Viking settlement to the present through over 2,000 artifacts.
Location
Reykjavík
Suðurgata 41 • Near University of Iceland
Quick Answer
The National Museum in Reykjavík traces 1,200 years of Icelandic history from Viking settlement to today. Highlights include a Thor figurine from around 1000 AD.
The National Museum of Iceland (Þjóðminjasafn Íslands) is the country's principal repository of cultural heritage, located on Suðurgata in central Reykjavík near the University of Iceland campus. Founded in 1863, the museum houses a collection spanning from the earliest Norse settlements around 870 AD to the 21st century. The permanent exhibition, "Making of a Nation," guides visitors chronologically through Icelandic history using original artifacts, multimedia displays, and reconstructed environments.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
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Official sources to check
Opening Hours
10:00–17:00
Daily in summer. Reduced hours and closed Mondays in winter
Visit Duration
1.5–2.5 hours
Planning estimate for the permanent exhibition
What to Expect
Viking-Age Artifacts
Swords, jewelry, tools, and household items from the Norse settlement period around 870–1000 AD
Thor Figurine
A rare bronze statuette of the Norse god Thor dating to around 1000 AD, one of the museum's most treasured objects
Valþjófsstaður Door
An intricately carved medieval church door from around 1200 AD depicting the legend of a knight and a lion
Traditional Costumes
Collection of Icelandic national dress and textiles showing the evolution of clothing over centuries
Making of a Nation
The permanent exhibition tracing Iceland's history from Norse settlement through Danish rule to independence
Temporary Exhibitions
Rotating exhibits on specific themes in Icelandic culture, art, and archaeology
Plan your route and leave bags in the cloakroom
The National Museum lists elevators in the lobby and exhibition, wheelchairs at reception, and a basement cloakroom with lockers reachable by elevator or stairs. These details help if you are carrying luggage or need to manage stairs and standing time. Children’s audio guides are available in English and Icelandic.
The operator’s admission information, checked September 10, 2026, lists adults at 3,300 ISK, students and seniors at 1,600 ISK, and free admission for visitors under 18 and people with disabilities. Those categories can change a family’s budget more than a single headline adult price. Check the applicable ticket category when booking.
Getting There
The National Museum is located at Suðurgata 41, a 15-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja or a 10-minute walk from the city centre. Reykjavík city buses stop nearby, and the museum is included in the Reykjavík City Card which also covers bus fare. Limited street parking is available on Suðurgata, with additional parking near the University of Iceland campus.
Best Time to Visit
The museum is open year-round and is a reliable option in any weather. Rainy or windy days are a good time to visit, since everything is indoors. Check the website for any seasonal closures around public holidays.
Planning help
National Museum FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How long does it take to visit the National Museum of Iceland?
Allow 1.5–2.5 hours as a planning estimate, with longer for close reading. The museum lists elevators in the lobby and exhibition, plus a basement cloakroom accessible by elevator or stairs. Use those facilities to plan breaks and where to leave bags.
Is the National Museum suitable for children?
Yes, the museum offers a dedicated children's area with hands-on activities and interactive displays. Children under 18 enter free of charge. The Viking-age artifacts and reconstructed historical objects tend to hold younger visitors' attention.
What is the most important artifact in the museum?
The museum's most prized artifact is a small bronze figure of Thor, dating to around 1000 AD, found at Eyjafjörður in North Iceland. Other highlights include the Valþjófsstaður church door (c. 1200), medieval manuscripts, and a collection of traditional Icelandic costumes.
Can I visit the National Museum with a Reykjavík City Card?
Yes, the Reykjavík City Card includes free admission to the National Museum of Iceland along with many other museums, galleries, and swimming pools in the capital area. The card is available in 24-, 48-, or 72-hour options.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.