At the height of the Age of the Sturlungs, chieftain Gissur Þorvaldsson raises his axe, ready to kill his arch enemy, Sturla Sighvatsson. With a crazed look in her eyes, explorer Freydís Eiríksdóttir slaps a sword against her naked breast to scare hostile “barbarians” in Vinland away. Law-speaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði lies under his fur blanket, racking his brain for a peaceful solution to the struggle between pagan and Christian Icelanders…

Learn about Iceland’s history like never before! At the Saga Museum, some of the most notable Icelanders jump off the pages of the Icelandic sagas and history books as wax figures in handmade clothing. The staged historical settings reflect not just the Viking Era but also other periods, including the Reformation with the execution of Iceland’s last Catholic bishop and Black Death, which wiped out half the nation.

Visitors are  guided through the museum with an audio device and can choose between Icelandic, English, French, German, Russian, Spanish and Swedish. Theyr are also welcome to try costumes and weapons for a very special photo-op!

Good museum shop. The popular restaurant Matur og Drykkur (Food & Drink) is at the same floor as well.

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 a 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 Iceland National Museum, the Saga Museum, National Gallerie 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