Árbæjarsafn Open Air Museum

Step back in time

To really get a glimpse of life in Reykjavík’s olden days you must pay a visit to the Árbæjarsafn Open Air Museum. Located in the Árbæjar neighbourhood of Reykjavík, this open air museum is a collection of more than 20 houses arranged throughout a sprawling green space for visitors to explore. The museum is set up to show how life was in villages and the countryside, with traditional turf houses also on display.

To make the experience all the more real, there are often sheep roaming the fields, as well as horses and goats in gated enclosures for guests to feed and interact with.

This family-friendly destination also has a large play area for children and box cars for young visitors to race around the main town square. A café is located in one of the buildings serving light snacks and refreshments.

Árbæjarsafn Open Air Museum is open to visitors 1 June through 31 August daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with a guided tour daily at 13:00. Throughout the rest of the year the museum is open only for guided group tours by appointment. It is located at Kistuhyl, 110 Reykjavík.