National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik (must see)

The National Museum of Iceland was founded on February 24, 1863, and its first curator was Jón Árnason. This museum housed the Icelandic collection, which had previously been kept in Danish museums. The second curator, Sigurður Guðmundsson, pushed for the establishment of an antiquarian collection. Initially, the museum was known as the Antiquarian Collection, but in 1911, its name was changed to the National Museum of Iceland. It didn't have a permanent location until 1950 when it moved to Suðurgata. Prior to that, it was located in various attics in Reykjavík, including the Culture House attic, where it stayed for 40 years.

The museum's permanent exhibition focuses on Icelandic history and boasts approximately 2,000 artifacts. One standout piece in this exhibition is the Valþjófsstaður door, which features a famous carving depicting a version of the Lion-Knight legend. In this legend, a knight defeats a dragon, ultimately freeing a lion that becomes his loyal companion.

The National Museum of Iceland provides a comprehensive look at Iceland's history, spanning from ancient times to the present day, presented in an engaging and visually appealing manner. The museum's collection includes Viking weaponry, sailing vessels, clothing, religious artifacts, and even a recreated Icelandic house. For those interested in more recent history, there is a collection of modern items, including a copy of Bjork's very first album, recorded when she was just 11 years old. Visitors can also have some fun in the costume room, where they can try on clothing from different periods in Icelandic history.

Tip:
Free entry included with Reykjavik City Card; there are free lockers; set aside 1.5-2.5 hours here.
There are free guided tours at 11am each Saturday, and it is recommended that you join one of these tours to gain a better understanding.