Just below ground in Aðalstræti 16 in downtown Reykjavík, this open excavation uncovers the city’s Viking Age history.  Discovered during building work in 2001, these archaeological remains turned out to be the earliest evidence of human settlement in the city, with some dating to before AD 871±2. Careful excavation revealed a 10th-century hall or longhouse, which is now preserved in its original location as the exhibition’s focal point. Interactive technology immerses you in the world of the Reykjavík farm at the time of the first settlers, including how Viking Age buildings were constructed and what life was like in the hall.  

The Settlement Exhibition includes a family-friendly children’s activity area. It offers a variety of fun games and toys based on those used during Iceland’s age of settlement. One can also learn many interesting facts about life in the Viking Age.

The exhibition shop offers a wide selection of custom-made souvenirs related to the settlement period/Viking times and various crafts, designs and books.

The new addition ‘Reykjavík… the story continues’, which opened in the summer of 2022, stretches underground from the Settlement Exhibition at Aðalstræti 16 to Reykjavík’s oldest house at Aðalstræti 10. It is a family-friendly and informative exhibition about the development of Reykjavík from a farm to a city.  Emphasis is placed on highlighting aspects of Reykjavík’s history, shedding light on the daily life of the residents and the spirit of the times throughout the ages.  The exhibition is intended to arouse interest and questions – and to surprise with diverse communication and experiences.

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 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, only a 30-minute drive 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