Reykjavik Maritime Museum
Explore Iceland's seafaring past at this engaging museum in a former fish factory, featuring historic ships and interactive fishing exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Reykjavik Maritime Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Iceland's seafaring past at this engaging museum in a former fish factory, featuring historic ships and interactive fishing exhibits.
"A surprisingly fun and interactive museum that brings Iceland's maritime history to life for all ages."
🎟️ Get the City Card
Free entry with Reykjavik City Card! Great value if visiting multiple museums.
♿ Ask About Discounts
Disabled visitors may get free entry. Be sure to ask at the counter.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Fishing Exhibits
Second Floor
Explore Iceland's rich fishing history with interactive displays, old equipment, and artifacts.
Full-Size Ship Experience
Outside the Museum
Step aboard a real ship, try on a raincoat, and capture memorable photos by the whale watching docks.
Interactive Displays
Throughout the Museum
Engaging exhibits suitable for all ages, making maritime history fun and accessible.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reykjavik City Card Value
Accessibility & Special Discounts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Question - Reykjavik Museums
🎟️ Get the City Card
Free entry with Reykjavik City Card! Great value if visiting multiple museums.
♿ Ask About Discounts
Disabled visitors may get free entry. Be sure to ask at the counter.
Reykjavik Maritime Museum
🚢 Photo Ops on Deck
Don't miss the chance to wear a raincoat and pose on the real ship outside!
⬆️ Explore the Second Floor
Most of the interactive and engaging exhibits are located upstairs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Get the City Card
Free entry with Reykjavik City Card! Great value if visiting multiple museums.
♿ Ask About Discounts
Disabled visitors may get free entry. Be sure to ask at the counter.
🚢 Photo Ops on Deck
Don't miss the chance to wear a raincoat and pose on the real ship outside!
⬆️ Explore the Second Floor
Most of the interactive and engaging exhibits are located upstairs.
🎣 Learn About Fishing
Discover historical and modern fishing techniques and the labor involved.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Reykjavik Maritime Museum for its educational and interactive exhibits on Iceland's fishing heritage. Many highlight the engaging displays suitable for all ages and the unique opportunity to explore a real ship outside. While some find the admission price a bit high, the value increases significantly with the Reykjavik City Card. Accessibility for disabled visitors is noted, with a reminder to inquire about discounts.
"Got into this museum for free with the Reykjavik City Card. Downstairs is a small temporary exhibition. Upstairs is a very cool exhibition with lots to see about maritime life and history of Iceland with lots of old equipment and artifacts. Definitely recommend a visit with the card"
Nadia
"Very educational. It had information about both historical fishing practices and modern. I used to work on a fish processing mother-ship in the Bering Sea. Some of the videos actually gave me flashbacks that were a little disturbing!
I am disabled. The museum was accessible with accessible bathrooms. It is also free for disabled persons... but you have to ask. They don't seem to offer the discount unless you ask."
Claudia Sundman
"Great displays regarding the history and evolution of fishing techniques, technology and the labor involved. The displays really help put the items use into perspective.
Excellent sections to engage children and teens as well !!"
Pat Burke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located by the whale watching docks in Reykjavik. It's easily accessible by foot from the city center or by local bus routes. Free parking is available at the docks, though spaces can be limited due to construction.
Yes, there is free parking available at the docks near the museum. However, be aware that ongoing construction may limit the number of available spaces.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees apply, but the museum is included with the Reykjavik City Card, offering excellent value. Disabled visitors may also be eligible for free entry upon inquiry.
Yes, the Reykjavik City Card provides free admission. Additionally, disabled visitors should inquire at the counter for potential discounts.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official museum website or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Absolutely! The museum features excellent sections designed to engage children and teens with interactive displays and historical artifacts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find exhibits on Iceland's maritime history, fishing practices (both historical and modern), old equipment, artifacts, and a full-size ship outside. The second floor houses most of the interactive displays.
Yes, the museum is accessible and features accessible bathrooms. Disabled visitors should inquire about potential discounts.
Definitely! You can try on raincoats and take photos on the full-size ship located outside the museum.
The museum is relatively small but packed with information. Plan for about 1-2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and enjoy the interactive elements.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself is primarily an exhibition space and does not typically have a full-service restaurant. However, there are dining options available in the surrounding harbor area.
The harbor area offers various dining experiences, from casual cafes to seafood restaurants, providing a good selection for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use inside the museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits. The outdoor ship offers fantastic photo opportunities.
The full-size ship outside the museum is a prime spot for memorable photos. Inside, the displays of historical equipment and artifacts also make for interesting shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing the Reykjavik City Card to get free admission, which can significantly reduce costs for family outings. The museum's accessible facilities also make it a comfortable visit for families with strollers or young children.
♿ Visitors with Disabilities
The engaging exhibits, particularly on the second floor, offer a rich experience for all visitors, ensuring that accessibility doesn't compromise the quality of the visit. The outdoor ship also provides a unique, albeit potentially more challenging, interactive element.
💰 Budget Travelers
Also, remember to ask about discounts for disabled visitors, which can further reduce costs. The museum's location by the harbor means you can enjoy the scenic views and the outdoor ship experience even if you're just passing by.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Iceland's Maritime Heritage
Beyond the historical context, the museum provides a surprisingly interactive experience. Many displays are designed to engage visitors of all ages, making complex subjects accessible and enjoyable. The second floor is particularly noted for its fun and educational exhibits, ensuring that even those not typically drawn to maritime subjects find something captivating.
One of the most unique aspects is the opportunity to step aboard a full-size ship located outside the museum. This hands-on experience allows visitors to truly connect with the maritime past, offering a tangible sense of what life at sea was like. It's a perfect spot for memorable photos and a deeper appreciation of Iceland's seafaring legacy.
Accessibility and Family-Friendly Features
For families, the museum is a great choice. The interactive displays are particularly well-suited to engage children and teenagers, making learning about maritime history an enjoyable experience for the whole family. The hands-on nature of many exhibits ensures that younger visitors remain captivated and can learn through play and exploration.
Combined with its convenient location near the whale watching docks and the opportunity for outdoor exploration on the ship, the Maritime Museum offers a well-rounded and accessible outing for diverse groups, including families and individuals with mobility needs.
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