The Settlement Exhibition

Reykjavík

Copyright: Szilas/Wikimedia Commons

DESTINATIONS iceland reykjavik Do & See The Settlement Exhibition

The Settlement Exhibition

The Settlement Exhibition is based on the archaeological excavation of the ruin of one of the first houses in Iceland and findings from other excavations in the city centre. These archaeological remains turned out to be the earliest evidence of human settlement in the city, with some dating to before AD 871. It's a comprehensive display that covers Iceland's settling, culture, language and genomics.

Useful Information

Address: Aðalstræti 16, Reykjavík
Phone: +354 411 6370
Opening House: Daily 10am–5pm
More Info: Created by the Reykjavik City Museum

Do & See

Glaciers, geysers, hot springs, and volcanoes are the exotic attractions that have drawn tourists to Iceland for a long time. Reykjavík itself has recently become one of the world’s greatest weekend destinations and hosts visitors from across the world. Reykjavík also offers splendid architecture, fantastic shopping, and a raft of cultural delights with Iceland’s amazing natural wonders just around the corner.

Hallgrímskirkja — The Church of Hallgrímur

Hallgrímskirkja — The Church of Hallgrímur

Hallgrímskirkja is an iconic part of Reykjavík's skyline and at 74.5 metres tall, it is one of the tallest structures in the country. The gigantic church on the hill was a controversial project, but Icelanders have come to embrace their monumental tower in all its brutalist glory. The concrete mountain which took over 40 years …

Harpa

One of Reykjavík's most iconic landmarks and a must-visit while in Iceland is Harpa, the city's concert hall and conference centre, as well as home to the Icelandic Opera and the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra. Located by the old harbour, near the centre of Reykjavík, this striking bit of contemporary architecture boasts a glass facade, which …

Sun Voyager

On the waterfront, only a few minutes from Harpa sits the most famous sculpture in Iceland, the Sólfarið or the Sun Voyager. Made of steel and resembling a Viking ship — although this was not the artist's intention — the Sun Voyager is, according to its creator Jón Gunnar Árnason, an ode to the sun, …

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is, undoubtedly the most well-known geothermal spa in Iceland. The signature milky-blue water makes a stark contrast to the surrounding black lava fields and creeping grey moss. The spa is located in a lava field near Grindavík and is supplied by water used in the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. The …

See Iceland's Northern Lights

See Iceland's Northern Lights

Watching the northern lights or aurora borealis dance across the sky is, without a doubt, on the bucket list of most travellers visiting Iceland. Although there are no guarantees that you will see them on your visit, with luck and some planning, there is a high chance of catching this spectacular display. You can spot …

Take a Walk with a Viking

Take a Walk with a Viking

Walking tours are great options if you want to quickly orient yourself in a new city within 2–3 hours and meet a couple of fellow travellers. Your Viking guide will make sure you don't walk past any hidden gems and tell you stories of the Vikings, elves and modern-day Icelanders. Some tours might include lunch, …

The Golden Circle Route

The Golden Circle Route

Simply put, Iceland’s famous Golden Circle is a popular route between three of the island's most visited attractions. Usually done as a day trip, the route starts in Reykjavík and takes you south and inland, to the Þingvellir National Park. There you enter the Geyser geothermal area with the Strokkur Geyser being the most …

The Icelandic Phallological Museum

The Icelandic Phallological Museum

The Icelandic Phallological Museum houses the world's largest display of penises and penile parts. It's really a one-of-a-kind. It succeeds in striking the fine balance between casual, bawdy fun and the analytical, scientific seriousness of a museum. At times you'll be a little uncomfortable, other times you'll laugh (it's encouraged), but in the end …

Perlan — The Pearl

Perlan — The Pearl

Perlan is an otherworldly creation with a viewing platform and a revolving restaurant on top of water storage tanks. Apart from the glass domed restaurant, the complex hosts an exhibition space, a planetarium and an observation …

Whale Watching

Watch minke, humpback and killer whales, seals and dolphins on one of the many whale-watching tours that depart from Reykjavík. You are not guaranteed a close encounter with these magnificent mammals, but it will be a fun ride either …

Tjörnin — The Lake

Tjörnin — The Lake

Tjörnin is a small lake in the city centre. Most visitors to the city pass along its shore, next to the Reykjavík City Hall and several museums. Locals love coming here to feed ducks and …

Árbær Open Air Museum

Árbær Open Air Museum

Árbæjarsafn is the historical museum of the city of Reykjavík, which aims to give visitors an idea of Icelandic architecture (including the fascinating turf houses) and the lifestyle on the island in the past. If you're lucky, you can catch a free guided tour at 1 …

Reynisfjara Black Beach

Reynisfjara Black Beach

The onyx black sand of Reynisfjara is formed from volcanic activity in Iceland: when lava collides with the ocean, it rapidly cools and shatters into small fragments of basalt. With its enormous basalt stacks (features in Game of Thrones and once believed to be petrified trolls), roaring Atlantic waves and stunning vistas, Reynisfjara is …

Reykjavík Art Museum

Reykjavík Art Museum

Spread over three different buildings, Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, and Ásmundarsafn, the Reykjavík Art Museum focuses on modern and contemporary art, featuring works of some of Iceland's most famous artists. It is also committed to showcasing new talents. *1st location – Hafnarhús: Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavík Open Mon–Wed & Fri–Sun 10am–5pm, Thu 10am–10pm. *2nd location – Kjarvalsstaðir: Flókagata 24, Reykjavík Open daily 10am–5pm. * …

The Settlement Exhibition

The Settlement Exhibition

The Settlement Exhibition is based on the archaeological excavation of the ruin of one of the first houses in Iceland and findings from other excavations in the city centre. These archaeological remains turned out to be the earliest evidence of human settlement in the city, with some dating to before AD 871. It's a …

Reykjavík Park & Zoo

Reykjavík Park & Zoo

Along with some 150 animals from 19 different Icelandic species, including seals, foxes and reindeers, the zoo also features an amusement park with rides and activities, and offers visitors the chance to ride an Icelandic horse. This is the ideal place for a day out with the …

Reykjavík Food Walk

Reykjavík Food Walk

If you don't want to settle on just one restaurant, jump head first into Reykjavík's foodie scene with a food tour. You'll stop by several nice eateries ranging from restaurants to food trucks, and sample a selection of traditional dishes and modern street food. Try local cheeses, lamb, artisanal ice cream, and the famous …

National Museum

National Museum

A comprehensive picture of the Icelandic history from the Settlement to the present day. The museum holds up to three thousand objects. Among them you'll find most of the most treasured objects of the Icelandic …

Skógafoss

The Skógá River, in the south of Iceland, forms one of the country’s biggest and most majestic waterfalls. Flowing directly from two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, Skógafoss has a width of 25 metres (82 feet) and a drop of 60 metres (197 feet). Due to the amount of spray it consistently produces, a rainbow …

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lake

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lake

Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon, bordering Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland. Its still, azure waters are dotted with icebergs. In winter, the fish-filled lagoon hosts hundreds of seals. You can see them gracefully zooming between the ice, while skuas dominate the skies. The Glacier Lagoon flows through a short waterway into the Atlantic Ocean, …

Snæfellsjökull National Park

Snæfellsjökull National Park

Snæfellsjökull National Park is found on the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It is named after its famous, glacier-peaked volcano. Snæfellsjökull's twinpeaks is visible across Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík on clear days. The coastline is also worth a visit. The beaches of Djúpalónssandur and Skarðsvík have mesmerising geology and interesting histories. The Lóndrangar basalt cliffs …

Seljalandsfoss

The Seljaland river originates underneath the Eyjafjallajökull glacier — the same glacier that covers the eponymous volcano that shut down European air travel back in 2010. The river makes a 60-metre drop that creates the spectacular Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall can be fully encircled in the summer and photographed from numerous angles. Seljalandsfoss is also usually …

DC3 Plane Wreck

DC3 Plane Wreck

The Super DC-3 aircraft crashed into Sólheimasandur back in 1973, thankfully leaving its seven crew members unharmed. Since then the empty husk of a plane has been left exposed to the elements, rusting away in constant humidity and cracking from constant freezes and thaws. The wreckage is a particularly beloved spot by local and …

See Puffins in Their Natural Habitat

See Puffins in Their Natural Habitat

Home to the largest puffin population in the world, Iceland is the perfect place to get up close and observe these small, adorable birds in their natural habitat. The best time to spot puffins in Iceland is between May to mid-August, and here are some of the best places to see them in the country: …

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

The Icelandic horses are sturdy and very strong, the direct descendants of the horses first brought to Iceland in the Viking Age. Horse riding tours are available in beautiful nature sites on the lava-laden outskirts of Reykjavík. The trips can be from one hour to a whole day or even …

Thermal pools

Famously, Iceland is the land of ice and fire. The island sits on one of the earth’s 'hot spots,' and the abundant geothermal activity results in numerous waterfalls, lakes, and hot springs all over the island. The Blue Lagoon is the most famous place to lounge around in the hot water, but there are …

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Nauthólsvík and is one of the few places in Iceland where you can take a dip in the sea, which, in most of the other locations, is normally too cold for swimming. Here you can find a thermal beach in a small cove where hot water flows out into the sea and allows Icelanders …

Lake Mývatn

Mývatn is a volcanic lake with an area of 36.5 square kilometres in northern Iceland. Travellers head here to see the unique otherworldly landscape riddled with volcanic craters, natural hot springs (some suitable for bathing), boiling mud pots and fumaroles. The area's wealth of flora and fauna is marvellously picturesque. The only settlement in the …

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