Whales of Iceland Museum

The Whales of Iceland museum in the Old Harbour is the largest whale museum in Europe, with more than 25 life-sized whale models hanging overhead. It's a good indoor stop to learn about the species you might see on a whale watching trip, at any time of year.

• More than 25 life-sized whale models, including a full-scale blue whale
• Interactive displays on whale anatomy and behaviour
• A short documentary in the Fin Whale Theatre covering conservation and research
• Audio guides in over 17 languages
• A relaxed, indoor visit that works well on a rainy day or between other stops in Reykjavík

Your day, stop by stop

1EntranceEnter at the Old Harbour location, Fiskislóð 23–25.

The museum is in an old fish factory building at Fiskislóð 23–25, by Reykjavík's Old Harbour. There is free parking and Wi-Fi on site. Live-guided tours in English run at 11:00 and 15:00.

2Whale modelsWalk beneath more than 25 life-sized whale models.

More than 25 life-sized models hang in the hall, including blue whales, sperm whales and the rare North Atlantic right whale. Walking underneath the full-sized blue whale gives a sense of scale. Allow about 45 to 60 minutes, with audio guides in 17+ languages.

Time here · about 45–60 minutesFacilities · audio guides in 17+ languages

3Interactive exhibitsExplore displays on whale anatomy and behaviour.

Hands-on and multimedia exhibits cover whale anatomy and how whales feed, communicate and migrate through Icelandic waters.

4Fin Whale TheatreWatch a short documentary on whale conservation and research.

A short documentary screening in the Fin Whale Theatre on whale conservation and research.

Time here · a short screening

5End of visitFinish at the gift shop; there is no fixed end time.

The visit finishes at the gift shop, and there is no fixed end time. Most visits take about 1.5 hours.

About the Whales of Iceland museum

Set in an old fish factory building by Reykjavík's Old Harbour, this museum hangs life-sized models of the whale species found in Icelandic waters, from the huge blue whale down to smaller dolphins and porpoises. Walking underneath a full-sized blue whale model gives a sense of scale that's hard to get any other way.

Exhibits explain whale anatomy, feeding and migration, and the Fin Whale Theatre shows a short film on whale conservation and research in Icelandic waters. Live-guided tours in English run twice a day, or you can go at your own pace with an audio guide.

It pairs naturally with a whale watching boat trip, either as preparation beforehand or to fill in details afterwards, and works as a stand-alone stop for anyone interested in marine life or travelling with children.

• Entry to the Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights centre

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