Saga Museum
Reykjavik’s Saga Museum brings to life the history of Iceland as it was told in the medieval sagas. Unnerving sounds and eerily lifelike silicone figures depict famous scenes from the sagas, such as Leif Erikson’s voyage to Vinland. Spend a few hours at the museum for a compelling view of Iceland’s social history.
The Basics
Explore the Saga Museum using a multilingual audio guide, which recounts legends from the Icelandic sagas and tales of historical figures such as Snorri Sturluson and Ingolfur Arnarson. You’ll also learn about the natural disasters that made life difficult for Icelanders during the period of settlement, as well as the Black Death that led to the loss of more than a third of the population. At the end of the tour, take the opportunity to dress up as a Viking and try out Viking weapons and armor.
To save time at the entrance, buy your admission ticket online in advance.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Saga Museum is a must-do for travelers interested in Icelandic history.
The building is wheelchair-accessible.
Seniors, students, children, and people with disabilities get discounted admission.
Check the museum’s social media feeds for information on upcoming special events.
There’s an on-site gift shop.
How to Get There
Located in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area (Grandi), the Saga Museum is around a 30-minute walk from the center of town. Alternatively, bus 14 stops right outside the building.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The museum is open every day from 10am to 6pm, and often hosts musical performances and other festive events around International Viking Day (May 8).
True-to-Life Displays
The lifelike replicas of historical Icelandic figures displayed in the museum were based on descriptions found in the Icelandic sagas. For added authenticity, artists used traditional methods to construct the clothing, weapons, and everyday objects. The wool and linen articles, for example, were hand-dyed.
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- Skarfabakki Cruise Terminal
- Whales of Iceland
- Volcano House
- Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús
- Harpa (Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre)
- National Gallery of Iceland
- National Museum of Iceland
- Hallgrim's Church (Hallgrímskirkja)
- Landmannalaugar
- Hofdi House
- Akurey Island (Puffin Island)
- Sun Voyager (Solfar)
- The Pearl (Perlan)
- Laugardalur