10 Best Sights in Old Harbor and Vesturbær, Reykjavík

The history of Iceland is on display in this expansive museum. Walking through the exhibitions takes visitors from the Viking ages through to agrarian times and the struggle for independence. It is an afternoon well spent, especially when capped off by a visit to the gift shop and café on the first floor.

In addition to exhibits that explore important moments throughout Iceland's history, this museum also lets you try on clothing from Viking times. The wax models illustrating events of the Sagas are oddly endearing.

This fascinating permanent exhibit within the EDDA Research Center at the University of Iceland showcases—for the first time ever—over 20 medieval Icelandic manuscripts, including the Codex Regius and Flateyjarbók. These texts, inscribed between the 12th and 19th centuries, illuminate Iceland's rich literary and cultural heritage. The exhibition employs interactive multimedia to engage visitors in exploring themes of mythology, history, and language.

An absolute must-see for northern lights seekers, here visitors get to play with technology simulating the intensity and color spectrum of the auroras while panels explain the physical variations. A high-definition movie of the extraordinary lights in action over Iceland is the highlight of the exhibition, but perhaps even more useful is the practice booth where you can (with the help of detailed instructions) learn the exact settings required to successfully photograph the northern lights.

Experience a simulated flight experience over Iceland's stunning landscapes, including glaciers, volcanoes, and fjords. Guests are suspended with feet dangling before a 65-foot spherical screen, enhanced by special effects like wind, mist, and scents. The experience includes pre-ride shows that delve into Iceland's history and mythology, guided by a storyteller and the resident troll, Sú Vitra.

The University of Iceland is the country's oldest and largest institution of higher education. The campus is known for a statue of Sæmundur Fróði, a symbol of learning. Legend has it that after studying abroad, Sæmundur made a pact with the devil to get himself home, promising his soul if he arrived without getting wet. The devil changed into a seal to carry him home. Just as they arrived, Sæmundur hit the seal on the head with his Psalter, got his coattails wet, and escaped with soul intact.

This immersive experience lets visitors feel the heat of molten lava reaching temperatures up to 2,000ºF as it flows in a simulated indoor eruption. The guided hour-long experience imparts knowledge about volcanic eruptions and Iceland's explosive nature due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Also known as the Living Art Museum, Nýló is located inside the Marshall House and displays some of the more experimental works by local artists. Media range from paint and plant-flavored ice cream to video and sculpture.

Housed in an old fish freezing plant with great views of the harbor, the city's maritime museum offers a maze of interactive exhibits that the whole family will love. Who knew learning about Icelandic fisheries and trading vessels could be this much fun? There's also a whole Coast Guard vessel that can be explored.

Blue whales, fin whales, humpbacks, and belugas are just some of the 23 different species featured in this great pod of life-size models at the Whales of Iceland exhibition. Located in an old industrial area close to Grandi Harbor—an area undergoing revitalization by an influx of thriving culture—this family-friendly exhibition, which claims to be "the largest whale exhibition in Europe and perhaps even the world," is designed to both educate and foster support of whale tourism, as opposed to whale hunting.