In the Nordic countries, the weather is known to be fickle. "If you don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes," the locals are fond of saying. Luckily for you, the visitor, there's plenty going on indoors to keep entertained.
In a region known for Vikings, Arctic wildlife, design innovation, mythical creatures like elves and trolls, unique natural phenomena and royal dynasties, there is a fascinating array of museums to choose from. Sweden has over 400 museums, Denmark has over 700. Even in Iceland, with its small population of under 340,000 inhabitants, the number is impressive. So, where to go?
For help with this question, we asked the well-travelled staff of Nordic Visitor about their favourite museums for a rainy day. Read below what they recommend for you.
Kjarvalstaðir Art Museum - Reykjavik, Iceland
"There are usually really good exhibitions going on, and always one area dedicated to Kjarval, the great icelandic painter. There's also an area for kids to play, draw or look through art books. Plus a café and a nice garden surrounding the museum." - Linda, Marketing
For more information: Kjarvalsstaðir
Fotografiska Photography Museum - Stockholm, Sweden
"This is a wonderful museum of photography in Stockholm. The museum is located by the harbor and on the top floor you will find the cafe and bar with a great view of the Stockholm inlet, the island of Skeppsholmen and the Old Town." - Irja, Sales
For more information: Fotografiska
Skógar Folk Museum - rural South Iceland
"This is a interesting place because you can see some things from the farmers, fishermen and handicraftsmen of the local area from the old days. There you can also go inside a turf church, turf house and other farm buildings from over 100 years ago. It is very close to the Skógafoss waterfall, so the location is very convenient." - Águsta, Finance
For more information: Skogar Museum
Hafnarhúsið Art Museum - Reykjavik, Iceland
"It doesn't get much more centrally located than Hafnarhúsið in downtown Reykjavik, and there are always some nice exhibitions there. It also has a permanent collection of works by the Icelandic pop artist Erró, which are very interesting. Nice place to have coffee too overlooking over the old harbour." - Hjalti, Marketing
For more information: Hafnarhús
Eldheimar Volcano Museum - Heimaey, Iceland
"One of the top museums in Iceland! It's an amazing place to experience the great 1973 eruption on the Westman Islands, and the multi-media interactive displays are great for people of all ages and nationalities. It gives you a great feeling not only of the eruption but how it affected the local inhabitants' way of life." - María, Sales
For more information: Eldheimar
Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art in Helsinki, Finland
"It's a cool modern building -- a good representation of Finnish architecture -- that displays interesting, conceptual exhibits, both from local and international artists and designers. It's also easy to find as it's really close to the Helsinki Central Station, and inside is a nice cafe and gift shop." - Jessica, Marketing
For more information: Kiasma
Get your Nordic culture on with one of Nordic Visitor's Culture & History Tours in Scandinavia.
