Viking Settlement Museum — Reykjavík
Walk over a real 10th-century longhouse and explore the story of Iceland's first Norse settlers
Beneath the streets of central Reykjavík lies one of the most remarkable archaeological finds in Iceland's history: the remains of a Viking Age longhouse, carbon-dated to around 871 AD, making it one of the oldest structures ever discovered in Iceland. The Settlement Exhibition (Landnámssýning) at the National Museum of Iceland and the Saga Museum together bring Iceland's Viking heritage to vivid life — and unlike most Viking history, this is the real thing, built by the actual first settlers.
The Longhouse Discovery
The longhouse now preserved beneath Reykjavík's city centre was discovered during construction work in 2001. Archaeological excavation revealed the remains of a turf-and-timber hall dating to approximately 871 AD, predating the traditional settlement year of 874 AD. This makes it one of the earliest known structures in Iceland.
The building footprint, measuring roughly 80 square metres, is typical of Viking Age Icelandic longhouses. Evidence of a central hearth, animal bones, and household artefacts paint a picture of daily life in Iceland's earliest settled community. The site is now protected beneath a glass floor, allowing visitors to view the original stones and ash layers while walking above them.
The Saga Museum
The Saga Museum, located in the Old Harbour area of Reykjavík, brings Iceland's Viking-era history to life through lifelike silicone figures depicting the major characters and events of the sagas. The figures are created using detailed research into period clothing, tools, and physical characteristics.
Visitors move through dioramas representing key moments in Icelandic history: the arrival of the first settlers, the founding of the Althing at Þingvellir, the conversion to Christianity, and scenes from the most celebrated sagas. The museum is particularly effective for visitors who want a vivid, accessible introduction to saga history before visiting the actual landscape sites.
The National Museum of Iceland
The National Museum of Iceland on Suðurgata tells the story of the country from the first Viking settlers in the 9th century to the modern day. The permanent exhibition, 'Making of a Nation,' is spread across two floors and includes over 2,000 artefacts.
Highlights include a medieval church door carved with a scene of a knight fighting a dragon, Viking-age jewellery and weapons, and exhibits on the development of Icelandic language and culture. The museum does an excellent job of making Iceland's history accessible and engaging, even for visitors with no prior knowledge. Allow at least two hours for a thorough visit.
Planning Your Visit
The three museum sites — the Settlement Exhibition longhouse, the Saga Museum, and the National Museum — can be visited in a single day. All are accessible on foot from central Reykjavík.
The National Museum is closed on Mondays outside the summer season. The Saga Museum is open daily. Admission to each is separate, though combined tickets are sometimes available. Photography is generally permitted without flash in all three venues.
- National Museum admission: ~2,200 ISK
- Saga Museum admission: ~3,400 ISK
- Location: National Museum on Suðurgata; Saga Museum in Old Harbour (Grandi area)
- Recommended time: 2 hours at National Museum, 1 hour at Saga Museum
- Combined half-day: all three Viking heritage sites
Safety Information
The longhouse remains are protected under a glass floor — do not attempt to touch or lean on the glass panels covering the excavated site.