4 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.

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.