Saga Museum

Reykjavík


The endearingly bloodthirsty Saga Museum is where Icelandic history is brought to life by eerie silicon models and a multi-language soundtrack featuring the thud of axes and hair-raising screams. Don’t be surprised if you see some of the characters wandering around town, as moulds were taken from Reykjavík residents (the owner's daughters are the Irish princess and the little slave gnawing a fish).

There's also a room for posing in Viking dress and a documentary about the making of the museum (look for Icelandic Idol–winner Kalli Bjarni in the audience).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Reykjavík attractions

1. Aurora Reykjavík

0.02 MILES

Learn about the classical tales explaining the Northern Lights, and the scientific explanation, then watch a 35-minute surround-sound panoramic high…

2. Reykjavík Maritime Museum

0.09 MILES

The crucial role fishing plays in Iceland's economy is celebrated through the imaginative displays in this former fish-freezing plant. The new exhibition…

3. Whales of Iceland

0.2 MILES

Ever strolled beneath a blue whale? This museum houses full-sized models of the 23 species of whale found off Iceland's coast. The largest museum of this…

4. Old Harbour

0.29 MILES

Largely a service harbour until recently, the Old Harbour and the neighbouring Grandi area have blossomed into tourist hot spots, with key art galleries,…

5. i8

0.32 MILES

Displays works by some of the country’s top modern artists, many of whom show overseas as well.

6. Volcano House

0.33 MILES

This modern theatre with a hands-on lava exhibit in the foyer screens a 55-minute pair of films in English (hourly) about the Vestmannaeyjar volcanoes and…

7. Reykjavík Museum of Photography

0.37 MILES

This gallery room, high above Reykjavík City Library, is well worth a visit for its top-notch exhibitions of regional photographers. If you take the lift…

8. Landakotskirkja

0.37 MILES

This working Catholic church was built in 1929 in the Gothic style on a hillock overlooking central Reykjavík. On Saturday the sermon of the 6pm service…