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Saga Museum: Norse History & Wax Figures in Reykjavík
Lifelike wax figures in 17 staged scenes from the Norse sagas and key moments of Icelandic history.
Location
Reykjavík
Grandagarður 2 • Grandi harbor district
Quick Answer
The Saga Museum in Reykjavík recreates 17 scenes from the sagas and Norse history with lifelike wax figures. Audio guides in seven languages; 45-75 minute visit.
The Saga Museum is located at Grandagarður 2 in the Grandi harbor district of Reykjavík. The museum recreates 17 scenes from Icelandic history and the Norse sagas using handmade silicon wax figures, period-accurate costumes, replica weapons, and staged settings with ambient sound and lighting. The scenes run from the first settler Ingólfur Arnarson arriving in Reykjavík around 874 AD to Snorri Sturluson's assassination in 1241.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
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Official sources to check
Opening Hours
10:00–17:00
Visit Reykjavík listing checked September 10, 2026; confirm holiday hours
Visit Duration
45–75 min
17 historical scenes with full audio narration
What to Expect
Ingólfur Arnarson
The first permanent Norse settler in Iceland, depicted arriving at Reykjavík around 874 AD
Leif Eriksson's Voyage
The scene of Leif the Lucky's expedition to Vinland (North America) around 1000 AD
Christianization of Iceland
The moment at Þingvellir when Iceland officially adopted Christianity in 1000 AD
Egill Skallagrímsson
The legendary Viking poet and warrior from one of Iceland's most famous sagas
Snorri Sturluson
The great medieval scholar and author of the Prose Edda, depicted at his hot pool in Reykholt
Period Costumes & Weapons
Dress up in Viking helmets and hold replica swords and shields for photos at the end of the tour
Choose the audio language before you visit
The city’s museum listing names seven audio-guide languages: English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Icelandic. The guide is included with admission. For a group using different languages, this is a useful distinction from a tour delivered to everyone in one language.
The same listing places Saga Museum in the Old Harbor and Grandi district and describes a costume studio. Choose this museum if you want narrated scenes and the optional costume experience. If your main interest is seeing excavated remains in their original setting, compare the Settlement Exhibition before choosing your history stop.
Getting There
The Saga Museum is at Grandagarður 2 in the Grandi harbor district, about a 15-minute walk from the city centre along the Old Harbor waterfront. The area is also home to Whales of Iceland, the Marshall House, and the Maritime Museum. Reykjavík city buses serve the area, and the walk from the city centre follows the harbor front.
Best Time to Visit
The Saga Museum is open year-round and entirely indoors, so it works in any weather. It pairs well with other Grandi-area museums for a full indoor day. The self-paced audio tour means you can visit at any time without worrying about group schedules. Leave enough time for the audio narration rather than treating every scene as a quick photo stop.
Planning help
Saga Museum FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What stories are depicted in the Saga Museum?
The museum features 17 scenes from Icelandic history and the Norse sagas, including the settlement of Iceland by Ingólfur Arnarson, the adoption of Christianity at Þingvellir in 1000 AD, Leif Eriksson's voyage to North America, the saga hero Egill Skallagrímsson, and Snorri Sturluson at his hot pool in Reykholt.
Are the wax figures realistic?
Yes, the silicon wax figures are handcrafted by artists and are highly detailed with realistic facial features, hair, and expressions. They wear period-accurate costumes and are surrounded by replica weapons, tools, and furnishings. The scenes include ambient sounds and staged lighting.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes, audio guides are included with admission and available in Icelandic, English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish. The guide narrates each scene and provides historical context for the events depicted.
Is the Saga Museum appropriate for young children?
The museum depicts historical violence in some scenes, including Viking battles and executions, which may not be suitable for very young or sensitive children. Older children (8+) generally enjoy it. The museum does not impose an age restriction but advises parental discretion.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.