What to do and see in Iceland, Iceland: The Best Natural History Museums

In Pálshús, the new location of the Nature Museum in Ólafsfjördur, a new permanent exhibition called "The Desire to Fly" has been set up. This exhibition covers Icelandic bird flora and examines the human desire to take flight. Pálshús is one of the oldes houses in Ólasfjördur. Exhibition of Magnús Gamalíelsson marine indudstry has also been set up, as he played a large role in the community.

The Húsavík Whale Museum is a non-profit organization established in 1997. The Húsavík Whale Museum is situated in Húsavík, a small town in north east Iceland, on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay, just below the Arctic Circle at 66° N. The museum’s purpose is to educate the public about whales, with emphasis on the species occurring in the North Atlantic. The exhibition provides informative and attractive displays that have the capacity to raise awareness about cetaceans and their environment. The scientific component includes an introduction to the museum’s research, which has been expanding since 2001 and now includes international collaborations and publications. The museum was acknowledged as an educational facility by the Icelandic Ministry of Education in 2007.

Experience Little Grey and Little White’s journey to Iceland and get up close to live puffins and local sea creatures! The Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary is the world's first whale sanctuary, home to two beluga whales; Little White and Little Grey. In spring 2020, the two belugas will move to their sea sanctuary home in nearby Klettsvik Bay. The Sea Life Trust Visitor Centre located in Vestmannaeyjar Harbour opened in April 2019, relocating the former Saeheimar Aquarium and Puffin rescue centre. The centre includes information and displays relating to Little White and Little Grey's epic journey from China to Iceland, as well as a local species aquarium and resident rescued puffins. As a non-profit centre, all ticket sales support the best possible care for Little White and Little Grey and the other animals in our care.

The Snjáfjallasetur Heritage Centre is located in Dalbaeron Snaefjallaströnd coast, on the northern side of Ísafjardardjúp Bay. Snjáfjallasetur helds exhibitions about the region, Drangajökull Glacier and the surroundings. It has also published books on the subject and provides information on the website snjafjallasetur.is

The LAVA centre features an interactive exhibition exploring the art and science of geology and the volcanic systems in Iceland. Information from the past century’s eruptions demonstrate just how strong a presence volcanoes have in contemporary Iceland. Feel the forces of nature as you experience an earthquake and see the Fiery Heart of Iceland, a 12m high structure simulating the Mantle plume and the magma flow underneath Iceland. In an educational learning centre you can explore the wonders of volcanoes and earthquakes through interactive computers and there’s also a cinema auditorium where visitors can see the magnificence of volcanic eruptions in HD 4K. Please note that last entry into the exhibition is at 18:40 and the movie at 19:00. The exhibition closes 19:15.

Into the Arctic is a collection of eleven exhibitions that explore the history of the North in matters and pictures. The exhibitions lead the visitor through various periods in the history of the North and take on many interesting subjects, such as Iceland's settlement, the wildlife of the North, crafts and coastal life to mention a few.