Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
The Settlement Exhibition
★4.4(1,327 reviews)$Museum
🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour👶 Best for ages 6 and up. School-age children with basic reading skills will appreciate the interactive displays and can follow the Viking settlement story, while teenagers enjoy the authentic archaeological context. Younger children (4-5) may find it interesting for 20-30 minutes but might not grasp the historical significance.🧡 Saved by 250+ families
About
The Settlement Exhibition brings Iceland's Viking past to life through authentic archaeological remains and interactive displays that captivate curious young minds. Built around a real 10th-century Viking longhouse discovered beneath downtown Reykjavik, this compact museum offers touchable replicas, multimedia presentations, and fascinating artifacts that make history tangible for children. The manageable size and engaging storytelling make it perfect for families who want an educational experience without overwhelming little ones.
Highlights
- ✓Standing over the actual remains of a 10th-century Viking longhouse with visible walls and floor
- ✓Interactive touchscreens showing how Reykjavik looked during Viking times versus today
- ✓Real Viking-age artifacts including tools, jewelry, and everyday items kids can see up close
- ✓Multimedia presentations with dramatic storytelling about Iceland's first settlers
- ✓Replica items children can touch and handle to understand Viking daily life
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit first thing at 10:00 AM opening time to have the intimate space largely to yourselves, as it gets crowded with tour groups by midday.
- 2.Audio guides are available in English and are excellent for families, providing child-friendly explanations that bring the exhibits to life.
- 3.The museum is compact and can be toured in 45 minutes, making it perfect to combine with nearby Harpa Concert Hall or the Old Harbour waterfront for a full morning.
- 4.Pick up the free family activity sheet at the entrance which includes a Viking-themed scavenger hunt to keep kids engaged throughout the visit.
- 5.The museum is located on Reykjavik's oldest street, so afterwards take a short walk to explore the colorful historic buildings and street art nearby.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings right at opening (10:00 AM) are ideal for avoiding cruise ship tour groups that typically arrive mid-morning to early afternoon. Rainy or windy days are perfect for this indoor attraction, offering a cozy respite from Iceland's unpredictable weather.
What to Know
Budget-friendly single dollar sign pricing with family discounts available. Located in central Reykjavik within easy walking distance of most downtown hotels. No cafe on-site, but numerous family-friendly restaurants within two blocks on Laugavegur shopping street.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours, making it a reliable option regardless of when you visit Iceland. Particularly valuable during winter months (November to March) when daylight is limited and indoor activities are essential.
Nearby Eats
Icelandic Street Food (3-minute walk) serves authentic lamb soup and fish stew in a casual setting kids love. Grai Kotturinn (The Grey Cat) offers affordable burgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs perfect for picky eaters, located just around the corner.
More Activities Near Reykjavik
Museum
Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft
$
This delightfully spooky museum dives into Iceland's fascinating folklore and magical history, featuring unusual artifacts, eerie exhibits, and captivating tales of sorcerers and witchcraft from centuries past. The atmospheric displays and unique cultural stories provide an educational yet entertaining experience that older children and teens find genuinely intriguing, making it a memorable stop in Reykjavik.
Museum
Perlan
★4.5$❤️475
Perlan is a must-visit interactive museum that brings Iceland's natural wonders to life through hands-on exhibits, including a real indoor ice cave that kids can walk through. With planetarium shows, fascinating displays about glaciers, volcanoes, and northern lights, plus an observation deck offering 360-degree views of Reykjavik, it's an educational adventure the whole family will love.
Museum
National Museum of Iceland
★4.5$❤️73
The National Museum of Iceland brings over 1,000 years of Viking and Icelandic history to life through interactive exhibits and child-friendly displays that captivate young minds. Special family guides and hands-on activities make this museum particularly welcoming for children, allowing them to explore Iceland's fascinating past from Norse settlement through modern times in an engaging, accessible way.
Museum
Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús
★4.2$❤️205
The Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús offers families a vibrant introduction to Icelandic contemporary art through colorful exhibitions and hands-on creative activities designed specifically for children. With dedicated family programs, workshops, and interactive spaces, kids can explore their own artistic talents while experiencing Iceland's unique cultural perspective in a welcoming, kid-focused environment.