Viking History and Seafaring Traditions

Viking World on the Reykjanes Peninsula is an impressive, educational museum where visitors can explore Viking history, the seafaring traditions of the Norse people and their culture through engaging visual exhibitions. The museum’s centrepiece is the Viking ship Íslendingur, built by master craftsman Gunnar Marel Eggertsson from the Westman Islands. The ship gained international attention in 2000 when Gunnar sailed it from Iceland to Greenland, Newfoundland and New York with an eight‑person crew to commemorate Leifur Eiríksson’s voyage to North America a thousand years earlier.

Íslendingur – a Precise Replica of the Gokstad Ship

The Viking ship Íslendingur is a reconstruction of the ancient Gokstad ship, discovered during an excavation in Vestfold, Norway, in 1880. It clearly demonstrates Viking craftsmanship and how Norse sailors crossed the open oceans during the Viking Age. At Viking World, visitors can view the ship at full scale and learn about both its construction and the remarkable history it represents.

Engaging Exhibitions at Viking World

Viking World hosts three major, well‑curated exhibitions that shed light on the history, culture and beliefs of the Norse people:

Vikings of the North Atlantic

This exhibition explores Norse seafaring and settlement and their role in the discovery of North America. Visitors learn how Vikings crossed the oceans, what equipment they used and how they established communities in new lands.

The Settlement of Iceland

This exhibition focuses on archaeological finds from the Suðurnes region and artefacts connected to the earliest habitation on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It offers insight into the daily life of the first settlers and how they adapted to a new land and environment.

Fate of the Gods

This exhibition presents Norse mythology, its stories and the principal gods of the Viking Age. Here visitors can explore the world of Óðinn, Þór, Freyja and other deities who shaped Norse belief and culture for centuries.

Living History and Educational Experiences

Viking World offers a wide range of educational activities for all ages, including guided tours, events and special exhibitions. It is an excellent destination for families, school groups and anyone interested in experiencing the Viking Age in an engaging and visual way. History, craftsmanship, archaeology and mythology come together here in one comprehensive experience.

Things to Do on the Reykjanes Peninsula

The Reykjanes Peninsula offers a variety of activities that pair well with a visit to Viking World. Below are ten ideas showcasing what the region has to offer:

1. The peninsula has many beautiful hiking routes. For great views, consider hiking Keilir or Þorbjörn near Grindavík.
2. Visit the charming Grímur’s Boat Museum (model boats), art exhibitions and displays on seafaring at Duus Museum in Keflavík.
3. Rock music lives on in Reykjanesbær! Explore the Icelandic Museum of Rock ’n’ Roll in Hljómahöll.
4. Enjoy one of the region’s swimming pools or spas. Waterworld in Keflavík is ideal for families, and the world‑famous Blue Lagoon is not to be missed.
5. If travelling after dark, keep an eye on the northern lights forecast. In clear weather, the view from
   Garðskagi Lighthouse is stunning. The surf can also be spectacular in windy conditions.
6. Walk across the Bridge Between Continents; nowhere is it easier to step from Europe to North America!
7. Explore other sites on the peninsula, such as the new Fagradalshraun lava field in Geldingadalir, beautiful lava caves in older flows, Gunnuhver or Brimketill.
8. Admire the colourful geothermal area at Seltún near Krýsuvík and watch the steam rise with its distinctive sulphur scent.
9. Visit the impressive Reykjanesviti, Iceland’s first lighthouse from 1908. Nearby stands a statue of the last Great Auk, with views towards Eldey.
10. The peninsula is also home to thriving bird colonies. Krýsuvíkurbjarg is the largest cliff, with around 60,000 nesting birds in summer.

More information about the region can be found at www.reykjanes.is.