Árbær Open Air Museum in Reykjavík is a museum with about 20 houses from different periods, including the old turf farm Árbær. Together, they form a village and countryside. Visitors learn how Reykjavík developed from a few scattered farms into the capital of Iceland. They can walk around the village and enter the old houses for an insight into the architecture and ways of life in Reykjavík of times past.

There are many interesting exhibitions in the museum, such as the exhibition Consumption – Reykjavík in the 20th Century about the rapid changes that took place in consumption patterns in Reykjavík during that period;  a lovely toy exhibition where kids can actually play, and an exhibition about archaeological excavations on site, etc.  In the summer, domestic animals graze outside. During the summer, various events are held to demonstrate traditional practices, such as wool spinning, haymaking, and saltfish processing.

There is a good museum shop in the ticket office, and during the summer, they also run a traditional old candy shop.

Ten ideas for recreation in and around Reykjavík:

1. Book a boat tour from the Reykjavík marina to watch the whales, puffins or northern lights, go sea angling or on a trip to Viðey Island.
2. Explore the vibrant Grandi harbour area with its fascinating museums, art galleries, speciality shops, a wide range of restaurants, ice cream parlours and a chocolate factory.
3. If you’re in Iceland just for a city break, don’t miss FlyOver Iceland, where you soar across the country’s most spectacular scenery in a simulator.
4. Go on a walking tour of Reykjavík and discover historical buildings, cultural heritage sites, outdoor art, famous landmarks and architectural gems like Hallgrím’s Church, Harpa (concert hall) and Reykjavík City Hall.
5. Go for a walk on the forested Öskjuhlíð Hill around Perlan before exploring the glass dome building and its fascinating nature exhibition, ice cave and planetarium.
6. Go on a cycling tour to discover beautiful nature all around the capital area, including the beach and lighthouse on Grótta and the lush Fossvogsdalur and Elliðaárdalur valleys.
7. Be cultural! Visit the Iceland National Museum, the Saga Museum, the Settlement Exhibition, the National Gallery of Iceland, Reykjavík Art Museum exhibitions and private galleries in the capital.
8. Go swimming! Try the public thermal pools in the capital, soak in the hot tubs and rush down the slides. If you’re feeling brave, try sea swimming at thermal beach Nauthólsvík, too! Chills guaranteed!
9. Go hiking! All around the capital are mountains for various adventure levels, from the easy Úlfarsfell, Mosfell and Helgafell to the more challenging peaks on Esja and Vífilsfell.
10. If you’re visiting in winter, visit ski resorts Bláfjöll and Skálafell, 30 minutes outside Reykjavík with prime slopes and facilities for snowboarding, alpine and cross-country skiing.

For more information and travel tips, go to www.visitreykjavik.is