Árbær Open Air Museum

Step back in time at this charming open air museum where kids can explore authentic 19th-century turf-roofed Icelandic houses and interact with costumed interpreters who bring history to life. Children love the hands-on exhibits and the chance to see how Icelandic families lived over a century ago, making it an educational adventure that feels like play rather than a museum visit.

• ✓Exploring authentic turf-roofed houses that look like they belong in a fairy tale
• ✓Meeting costumed interpreters who demonstrate traditional Icelandic crafts and daily tasks
• ✓Interactive exhibits where kids can touch and handle replica historical items
• ✓Seeing how families lived in 19th-century Iceland, including old-fashioned kitchens and workshops
• ✓Beautiful historic buildings and farm animals in summer months

1. 1.Visit on a sunny day if possible, as most exhibits are outdoors. Dress in layers and bring waterproof jackets, as Icelandic weather can change quickly even in summer.
2. 2.Engage with the costumed interpreters who speak English and love answering children's questions about daily life in historic Iceland. They often demonstrate traditional crafts and tasks.
3. 3.The museum is located about 4km from central Reykjavik. Take bus route 12 or 19 from the city center, as parking can be limited during peak times.
4. 4.Allow kids to peek inside the turf houses and touch replica tools and household items. The hands-on approach makes history memorable for young learners.
5. 5.Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Elliðaárdalur valley for a nature walk and playground, making a full afternoon of it.

Visit on weekday afternoons during summer (June through August) when the weather is mildest and special activities are often scheduled. The museum is quieter early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) compared to weekends when local families visit.

Admission is very affordable at around 1,500 ISK for adults (approximately $11 USD), with children 17 and under free. There is no on-site cafe, so bring snacks and water, especially for younger children.

The museum operates year-round with daily hours from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, but visiting in summer (June to August) offers the best experience with longer daylight hours, milder weather, and more special programming. Winter visits are magical with possible snow-covered turf roofs, but dress very warmly and expect shorter outdoor exploration time.

Head back toward central Reykjavik (10 minutes by car) to Grandi Mathöll, a family-friendly food hall with multiple vendors offering everything from pizza to traditional Icelandic fish and chips, or try Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron) for kid-approved lobster soup and fish skewers near the harbor.