The Settlement Exhibition on Postcard

"Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík’s Settlement Museum was established in 2001 after archaeological remains were discovered during an excavation. Said remains turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in the city, with some fragments dating to before 871 C.E. Today the museum hasmany of those finds on display, including the largest element from the historic haul, parts of a 10th-century longhouse, whose main hall and wall fragment form the focal point of a compelling exhibition about the nature oflocal life during Viking times. Mixing multimedia technology such as holographic dioramas with original artifacts from various excavations around the city (farming implements, sacrificial cow bones), the exhibition does a great job of bringing the Viking era to life."

The Best Things to Do in Iceland

test

@afar

"Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík’s Settlement Museum was established in 2001 after archaeological remains were discovered during an excavation. Said remains turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in the city, with some fragments dating to before 871 C.E. Today the museum hasmany of those finds on display, including the largest element from the historic haul, parts of a 10th-century longhouse, whose main hall and wall fragment form the focal point of a compelling exhibition about the nature oflocal life during Viking times. Mixing multimedia technology such as holographic dioramas with original artifacts from various excavations around the city (farming implements, sacrificial cow bones), the exhibition does a great job of bringing the Viking era to life."

What to Do in Reykjavik

test

Chris Daniel

Google

A hidden gem—often overlooked (our party of nine skipped it in general but my son and I took a chance); this exhibit and museum is WORTH it. It is an excavation of an original Viking settlement right here in Reykjavik. You get to see the entire thing for cheap and exit at an exhibit of what they city was like in 1906. It is part of a 5 location tandem exhibit overall and there are passes to see all 5. It is incredible to see the foundation and layout as is and not just a model or 3-D video.

Courtney George-Jones

Google

This museum was AMAZING! Honestly couldn't believe it and nearly didn't go. But don't make that mistake. It is the best museum in Reykjavik by farrrr (we went to the others too). Can't speak highly enough about it.

Stacey Bretherton

Google

As someone who loves to read and is really interested in history and culture, this place was really informative from the very first moment the Vikings arrived and how they decided where to settle to the changes over the years right up to 2020. Lots of pictures and is bigger than you think with an actual living quarters in the museum itself. We spent a good couple of hours here and there are toilet facilities. The only drawback was that there is nowhere to sit and eat/ buy drinks from, but they do allow you to come and go and are situated just by a square with the original pillars. With plenty of options to purchase food.

Mary Warren

Google

It's difficult to describe the feeling of being in the presence of the remains of a Norse long hall dating to the 800s. Awestruck. Solemn. Reverent. Iceland began as a community of 80 rugged Norse men & Celtic women. The exhibit goes on to detail the timeline of the growth & development of Reykjavik. The entire exhibit is amazing and depicts the historical significance of three distinct time periodd. Well-curated. Highly recommend!

Beth Delaney

Google

Great museum devoted to the settlement of Reykjavik. Includes an excavated Viking long house. Lots of interesting history and information.

Chris Jeffery

Google

A really interesting exhibition with more to see than I initially expected. Really enjoyed my visit.

Dudley Nelson

Google

Museum detailing the history of the town and the local area. Starts in the 800s and goes up to the modern era. In the first room is a massive long house and around it is all sorts of information about how life was for people living in the area from 800 to 1800. Very interesting if you're into history. Later rooms detail later eras, including lots of old photos.

Dylan Filkins

Google

I'd recommend this museum if you bought the Iceland tourist card which is included in the price. As others have said, the museum is somewhat small if you only stay in the settlement area. If you track yourself towards the back you can unlock the other levels of the museum. I think the settlement portion could use an update on the information surrounding it. The concept and the ability to see the settlement is fun and interesting. Though if you go to the other levels you can see more of an interactive interesting portion. They even have an old map of the city in which the binoculars you look through gives you a visual effect. VERY COOL!

Chris Daniel

Google

A hidden gem—often overlooked (our party of nine skipped it in general but my son and I took a chance); this exhibit and museum is WORTH it. It is an excavation of an original Viking settlement right here in Reykjavik. You get to see the entire thing for cheap and exit at an exhibit of what they city was like in 1906. It is part of a 5 location tandem exhibit overall and there are passes to see all 5. It is incredible to see the foundation and layout as is and not just a model or 3-D video.

Courtney George-Jones

Google

This museum was AMAZING! Honestly couldn't believe it and nearly didn't go. But don't make that mistake. It is the best museum in Reykjavik by farrrr (we went to the others too). Can't speak highly enough about it.

Stacey Bretherton

Google

As someone who loves to read and is really interested in history and culture, this place was really informative from the very first moment the Vikings arrived and how they decided where to settle to the changes over the years right up to 2020. Lots of pictures and is bigger than you think with an actual living quarters in the museum itself. We spent a good couple of hours here and there are toilet facilities. The only drawback was that there is nowhere to sit and eat/ buy drinks from, but they do allow you to come and go and are situated just by a square with the original pillars. With plenty of options to purchase food.

Mary Warren

Google

It's difficult to describe the feeling of being in the presence of the remains of a Norse long hall dating to the 800s. Awestruck. Solemn. Reverent. Iceland began as a community of 80 rugged Norse men & Celtic women. The exhibit goes on to detail the timeline of the growth & development of Reykjavik. The entire exhibit is amazing and depicts the historical significance of three distinct time periodd. Well-curated. Highly recommend!

Beth Delaney

Google

Great museum devoted to the settlement of Reykjavik. Includes an excavated Viking long house. Lots of interesting history and information.

Chris Jeffery

Google

A really interesting exhibition with more to see than I initially expected. Really enjoyed my visit.

Dudley Nelson

Google

Museum detailing the history of the town and the local area. Starts in the 800s and goes up to the modern era. In the first room is a massive long house and around it is all sorts of information about how life was for people living in the area from 800 to 1800. Very interesting if you're into history. Later rooms detail later eras, including lots of old photos.

Dylan Filkins

Google

I'd recommend this museum if you bought the Iceland tourist card which is included in the price. As others have said, the museum is somewhat small if you only stay in the settlement area. If you track yourself towards the back you can unlock the other levels of the museum. I think the settlement portion could use an update on the information surrounding it. The concept and the ability to see the settlement is fun and interesting. Though if you go to the other levels you can see more of an interactive interesting portion. They even have an old map of the city in which the binoculars you look through gives you a visual effect. VERY COOL!

The Settlement Exhibition

The Settlement Exhibition

Photos

Highlights

You might also like