The touchscreen displays let you delve deep into the Viking Culture by providing some of the rare information that cant be found anywhere else. It is possible to see the turbines from above. Perlan, or the Pearl, is one of Reykjaviks landmark buildings that serves many purposes. What tours visit Gullfoss? Really enjoyed this museum. This one is no different, offering a good introduction to Iceland history and culture. Definitely worth a visit. Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm with special hours between Christmas Eve and New Years. 2 hour trip with ~15 minute hail storm, half hour of high winds at the end. Highly Recommended. Very informative but a bit short for the price. Vik to Selfoss: Top Sights and Stops | kimkim This was a nice history lesson and I would recommend it. The closest settlement is Hvolsvllur about 13 kilometers (8 mi) away and the second closest is Selfoss 37 kilometers (22,7 mi) away. The stunning Hallgrimskirkja Church that stands at the end of the Skolavordustigur shopping street is a photographers dream. Took about 3.5 hours total. Very much worth the walk down to the waters edge. Gift shop is available right at the Entrance/Exit, and is a great one for shop for everything phallological! Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Awesome day 1 first pit stop. Was very windy but very funny experience. You have different parking lots. The National Museum of Iceland tells the history of the great nation, going back its origins in the Medieval days with the viking settlements. They have a very cool photo area where you can wear different Viking props and take photos. Its the largest church and the sixth tallest architectural structure in Iceland. Package: 2-person, 2 hour, lava tour. To get up to speed on Icelands 1,200 years of human history theres only one place to go. As the name suggests, this Museum is dedicated to the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights, this is one of the top museums in Iceland. Located in Reykjavik, tourists can peruse thousands of photographs, artifacts, paintings, and displays that tell the tale of Iceland's history, from the 16th century to modern times. Reykjavik to Selfoss: Routes, Travel Tips, & More | Bookmundi In 2001, archaeological remains of a hall from the age of settlement were excavated and The Settlement Exhibition is built around these findings. Built in 1863, the National Museum of Iceland is the ultimate destination to delve into the history and heritage of Icelandic culture. With three floors of artifacts dating back to Viking times, the galleries offer a great insight into times gone by. However, as the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon it is unfortunately not always possible to see them. Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital, has recently become a super trendy hotspot, and although a small city, there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik in the summer! We enjoyed our visit a lot and learned something about the northern lights. Below are many of the highlights in order as you would approach them driving west from Vik towards Reykjavik. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Selfoss - Tripadvisor You get in the water and you'll instantly feel how cold is it but again, you get used to it fast. Plan some 40-60 minutes. Visitors will see wax figures of these fierce people as well as see costumed Norsemen, perhaps looking for havoc to wreak, wandering the grounds with staffs in hand. Another of Reykjaviks most striking landmarks is known as the Sun Voyager. A long, steep hike which we didnt complete due to the deteriorating weather. Actually a very informative museum. Hallgrmskirkja church is one of Reykjavks most iconic buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Photo : Waterfront sculpture called the "Sun voyager" or Slfar in Icelandic. The Settlement Exhibition is an underground museum that has a dark and mysterious ambience. As opposed to the many hyper-specific museums in Reykjavik, this one has a little bit of everything from medieval Viking settlements to contemporary art. I recommend even a short visit just to admire the architecture. Take a journey back in time at the Saga Museum, as you delve into the old Norse sagas that are so entwined with Icelandic history. Its steeple rises nearly 246 feet, making the church one of the tallest buildings in Iceland. Well maintained buildings in a scenic location We were staying in a rather remote place near Thingvellir National Park where interesting, geeky educational experiences (which is what we like to do when traveling) were not something in great supply. The church tower offers a fantastic view of the city. Its underground because this is where the archeological finds are the museum is built around a 9th-century Viking longhouse, which is thought to be the oldest evidence of human habitation in Reykjavik. But it would be a shame to come all the way to this country and totally skip out on Reykjavik. Bus Tours. The national museum of Iceland is nothing but an engaging thoughtful and informative collection of Icelandic cultural treasures. There are plenty of Reykjavik attractions to occupy your time, from Icelandic wildlife experiences to admiring unique architecture to dining on world-class cuisine to hunting for street art across the city. Locals especially love the attention to details, as a number of the full sized replicas of important historical figures are based on tales taken out of Viking sagas aRead more. The Icelandic Phallological Museum is easily the most bizarre museum in Reykjavik. Cool place but winter isn't the time to visit as the colors are masked by snow. Places to Visit in Reykjavik - Tripadvisor In the museum, you will find a permanent exhibition of objects that provide insight into Icelandic history and culture as well as temporary exhibitions highlighting specific eras or aspects of Icelandic cultural heritage. The Settlement Exhibition draws focus on the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavk, with some of the fragments found dating before 871 AD. Seljavallalaug Hot Pool If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path alternative to the Blue Lagoon, a great option is to visit Seljavallalaug hot pools. This is the largest collection of such items in the world. Here in 1991 a set of six cylindrical hot water tanks were incorporated into an awesome new building, all topped with a reflective dome. The drive from Reykjavik to Selfoss is 36.7 miles (59 km). 12th-century Protestant church overlooking the ocean, with an annual fishermans Mass. A truly personal and family run business where nothing was too much trouble. It serves as reminder of when the first settlers came sailing to Iceland. All the sights, sounds and smells of Iceland, up close and personal! Don't know if you could get inside, but nevertheless very pretty church. Learn where to eat, where to say, and whether a self-drive tour or guided tour is better for you. This museum, also known by its Icelandic name, Landnmssningin, really will take you back into the Viking Age. Thats because Reykjavik is believed to have been settled in 871 AD plus or minus two years. Choose the best route for your visit with our Golden Circle itineraries and maps. To get to the geothermal pools, you'll have to do a short hike. Lockers for coats and bags or jus let a coat rack too. $195. The National Museum of Iceland will lead you into the origin and evolution of Icelandic culture through the centuries. Highly recommend! Save all the best places to visit with Wanderlog, Download the travel planning app everyone's been raving about, GJ Travel | Travel to Iceland and Greenland, https://reykjavikcitymuseum.is/the-settlement-exhibition, https://www.olfus.is/is/mannlif/gestir-og-gangandi/ahugaverdir-stadir/selvogur-og-strandarkirkja, https://www.horseback-riding-iceland.com/, https://adventures.is/iceland/day-tours/snorkeling-and-diving/. Great attraction and museum close to downtown Reykjavik, Iceland with views of the city and area. Exhibits include artefacts from archaeological excavations in central Reykjavk. Reykjadalur Hot Spring. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Conceived in the early-1940s by Gujn Samelsson, the church was 41 years in the making and was finally consecrated in 1986. The glass-domed top is a different matter. The museum tells the story of the nation from when the Norse settlers first arrived, It covers cultures, costumes, trade, religious beliefs, and of course the Vikings. Good chilled weather + nice scenery view of lake + gradual slope to stroll + mini waterfall. 100% recommend! History and beauty on the beach. Don't miss it! Went paddling with my 3 teenagers (13, 15 and 15) and we had so much fun! I give it a 5 star but it is more like 4.5. In contrast to the high drama outside, the Lutheran churchs interior is quite plain. As you walk around, you will find lots of interesting exhibits detailing how the Vikings once lived. With an observation platform located in a glass, dome-shaped building, Perlan, or The Pearl, offers one of the best panoramic views of Reykjavk and beyond. Remnants of 10th-century Viking settlements in Reykjavik are preserved in this interactive museum. Flanking the 74.5-metre tower are cascading columns intended to evoke Icelands basalt landscapes, all giving the impression of a rocket taking off. This one is mostly for our little archeologist fans as the exhibit focuses on what life was in that excavated longhouse during the citys Settlement Age between 930 and 1000AD. The museum is largely organized chronologically, so you can walk through the history of the country. Around 200 penises or penis-parts, belonging to almost every land and sea creature which can be found in Iceland, are on show. To survive the cold, they took the old turf roof concept and built on it, encasing not only the roofs but the walls of their birch-framed homes in layers of living, insulating soil. Things to Do in Selfoss Popular things to do 4WD Tours Bus Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Day Trips & Excursions Cultural & Theme Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Sporting Events Multi-day & Extended Tours Likely to Sell Out Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions Ports of Call Tours Walking Tours Food, Wine & Nightlife With a convenient parking lot leading to a quick hike up to the falls, it provided ease of accessibility especially on a rainy day like when I had visited to minimize the time spent moving from point to point. Background: 1 brand new rider; 1 beginner rider. The National Museum of Iceland is a must for anybody interested in Icelandic history, culture and heritage. After we returned, Magnus brewed us a fresh pot of coffee to warm up, paired with cookies and laughter about the brief bout of hail. Even for atheists, the church is a must-see landmark with its modernistic design in Icelands capital, as it spires high into the sky. The main goal of the National Museum of Iceland is to tell the story of the nation itself, and that means tracing the islands history back to the medieval-era, when Norse settlers first arrived. 25 Best Things to Do in Reykjavk, Iceland + Map - Capture the Atlas This unique museum houses a huge collection of penises, and it's actually very well done. 2) Icelandic horses are also known for their intelligence--and being stubborn. This museum offers a Northern Lights planetarium, a Reykjavik observation deck, an underwater exhibit and interactive exhibits relating to the geologic components of Iceland. Skip to main content. Hallgrimskirkja, white concrete church and tourists.| Rob Crandall / Alamy Stock Photo. Its a popular place to come and enjoy the views out over the city. Visitors can learn more about the Norsemen, not the most peaceful of warriors, and their impact on Icelandic history at the Saga Museum. Yes, the driving distance between Selfoss to Reykjavk is 55 km. This special nature exploratorium features a host of fascinating exhibitions pertaining to Icelands natural world. Norther lights experience pretty good but couldn't understand it as no English version.