The 10 Best Historic Sites in Iceland, Iceland

November 28, 2021 Trinity Boughner

Iceland (/ˈaɪslənd/ ( listen); Icelandic: Ísland, pronounced [ˈistlant]) is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic, with a population of 348,580 and an area of 103,000 km (40,000 sq mi), making it the most sparsely populated country in Europe. The capital and largest city is Reykjavík. Reykjavík and the surrounding areas in the southwest of the country are home to over two-thirds of the population.
Restaurants in Iceland

1. Hannesarholt

Grundarstigur 10, Reykjavik 101 Iceland +354 551 1904 [email protected] http://www.hannesarholt.is
Excellent
85%
Good
8%
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8%
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Hannesarholt

HANNESARHOLT is a hidden gem a few blocks from the center of Reykjavik. Historic home of the late Hannes Hafstein, Iceland’s first Minister of State, poet and politician. Built in 1915, and remained a home until 2007, now restored and opened to the public. • Cafe and restaurant in the delightful dining rooms on the first floor • City walks from Hannesarholt of the historic center of town by appointment • Cultural events and musical performances year round in the music hall • Conference rooms – private parties • Historic short doc on Hannes Hafstein and the formative years of the city HANNESARHOLT IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR A NOURISHING VISIT IN A UNIQUE ATMOSPHERE, AT THE GATE BETWEEN THE PAST AND THE PRESENT.

2. Einar Jonsson Museum (Listasafn Einars Jonssonar)

Eiriksgata, Reykjavik 101 Iceland +354 551 3797 [email protected] http://www.lej.is/en
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 399 reviews

Einar Jonsson Museum (Listasafn Einars Jonssonar)

Reviewed By Margo7850p

This sculpture garden and museum is steps away from the landmark Hallgrimskirkja church. It's filled with interesting, thought provoking art. The garden is calm and secluded from the outside noise of tourists visiting the church. One of my favourite places in Reykjavik. This garden with sculptures and the nearby museum have something magical. Free entrance to the garden , so definitely don't miss it.

3. Galgaklettur

Thingvellir 700 Iceland
Excellent
33%
Good
67%
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4.5 based on 3 reviews

Galgaklettur

4. Videy Island

Reykjavik Iceland +354 411 6360 [email protected] http://reykjavikcitymuseum.is/videy-island
Excellent
54%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
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4.5 based on 406 reviews

Videy Island

Viðey Island - Peace, beauty, history An island, where art, history and nature lie just beyond the city shore. The combination of stunning views, historical ruins and contemporary art pieces make Viðey island something special. Just a short boat ride takes you to another world, to be explored in your own time. From nesting birds and panoramic views to Yoko Ono's famous 'Imagine Peace Tower' and Richard Serra's 'Milestones', you'll discover an oasis of peace, beauty and history. Close to shore, but a world away. Daily sailing during the summer but only on weekends during the wintertime. Viðey is part of Reykjavík City Museum: One museum in five unique places.

Reviewed By alice_lenthe - West Chester, United States

A short ferry ride from downtown Reykjavik but find another world on Videy. Easy trails, terrific views of Reykjavik and beaches and ocean too. Definitely worth the time but if you do not have a car, the bus lines do not run to the ferry dock in the winter. We walked from the closest bus stop (about 15 minutes) and were glad we did. The John Lennon Peace Memorial is also there - we went back at night to see it lit (separate review).

5. The Settlement Exhibition

Adalstraeti 16, Reykjavik 101 Iceland +354 411 6370 [email protected] http://reykjavikcitymuseum.is/the-settlement-exhibition
Excellent
51%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 2,995 reviews

The Settlement Exhibition

The Settlement Exhibition - Step into the Viking Age. An open excavation where Viking ruins meet digital technology. Just below ground in downtown Reykjavik, this open excavation uncovers the city's Viking Age history. Discovered during building work, then carefully excavated, these remnants of the past are the earliest evidence of human settlement in the city. Family-friendly, including a children's activity area, this multimedia exhibition uses creative technology to immerse you in the Viking Age. Open daily 09:00-18:00 (9 am - 6 pm). Guided tours in summer on weekdays at 11:00. Address: Tryggvagata 15, 101 Reykjavik The Settlement Exhibition is part of Reykjavik City Museum: One museum in five unique places. Welcome!

Reviewed By keithk837 - Alton, United Kingdom

The Settlement Exhibition takes you right back to the early settlers of Iceland by way of an excavated farmhouse dating back to around 871AD, the use of technology enhances your understanding of the time period and the settlers and like the other museums in Reykjavik it is presented in Icelandic & English with interactive displays and information boards.

6. Eiriksstadir

Eiriksstadir, Budardalur 371 Iceland +354 899 7111 [email protected] http://www.eiriksstadir.is/
Excellent
47%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
18%
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4.5 based on 96 reviews

Eiriksstadir

In Eiríksstadir you can travel a thousand years back in history, hear a story by the long fire and see how people lived in the times of Eric the Red.

Reviewed By 152sigridurs - Reykjavik, Iceland

We vere so very lucky to be able to visit this historical place recently. We got a private tour since they have not officially opened for this summer because of Covid-19. I am icelandic but still had not been here before. This place being the home of the icelandic Vikings, Eiríkur rauði and Leifur Eiríksson is a living museum. The longhouse restored to show us how the Vikings lived. I found it interesting that the beds were small but apparently people slept in a sitting position during these times. Our guide dressed in linien clothes and wool was very knowledgeable both regarding the history and how the Vikings lived. I totally recommend that you visit Eiríksstaðir, their location is just a short distance from Búðardalur and well marked from the main road.

7. Moorudalur Farm

Off of Route 1, Modrudalur 701 Iceland
Excellent
56%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
4%
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4.5 based on 70 reviews

Moorudalur Farm

8. Cemetery Holavallagardur

Sudurgata, Reykjavik Iceland http://www.kirkjugardar.is/sida_en.php
Excellent
45%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
17%
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4.5 based on 203 reviews

Cemetery Holavallagardur

Reviewed By Margo7850p

Holavallagardur, called sometimes also the Old Churchyard was opened in 1838 . It is an amazingly atmospheric graveyard. Holavallagardur is one of the most magical places in Reykjavik. Mossy, narrow paths , the forest-like nature of paths and stone makes it seemed to be a Secret Garden.This is a beautiful resting place. This place is so quiet and lovely and allows for much meditation. If you nearby Tjornin Lake then pay a visit in this beautiful place.

9. Saurbaejarkirkja

Eyafjordur, Akureyri Iceland
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
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4.5 based on 12 reviews

Saurbaejarkirkja

10. Asgrimur Jonsson Collection (Safn Asgrims Jonssonar)

Bergstaoastr. 74, Reykjavik Iceland +354 551 3644 http://www.listasafn.is/english/associated-collections/asgrimur-jonsson-collection
Excellent
17%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
33%
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4.0 based on 6 reviews

Asgrimur Jonsson Collection (Safn Asgrims Jonssonar)

The home and studio of post-Impressionist painter Asgrims Jonssonar is now a museum of his works.

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