The Reykjavík Maritime Museum bears witness to the importance of fishing in Icelandic history; the museum building used to be a thriving fish factory. The new permanent and recent exhibition, “Fish & Folk – 150 years of fisheries,” covers fishing off Iceland since rowboats were replaced by large fishing vessels in the last decades of the 19th century and the early 20th century. It´s ambitiously designed and varied, so it suits all age groups.

Outside the museum, the old Coast Guard cruiser Óðinn is docked, which you can enter and explore with a guide. During the guided tour, visitors will learn about Óðinn’s history, life on board, and its important role in the so-called cod wars with the Brits. The guided tour takes about 40-60 minutes.

A museum shop is at the entrance floor with various souvenirs related to the ocean.

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