Immerse yourself in the fascinating maritime history of Iceland and its deep connection to the ocean that surrounds it.
The Reykjavík Maritime Museum is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00 and is located in the Old Harbour area, specifically at Grandagarður 8. It is very easy to reach on foot from the city center or by taking bus number 14. You can check for updates on its official website.
General adult admission is around 2,350 ISK, but it is completely free if you have the Reykjavík City Card. Children under 18 and people with disabilities also enter free, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
To explore the main exhibition comfortably, I recommend setting aside between 60 and 90 minutes. If you plan to take the guided tour of the coast guard ship Óðinn, add an extra hour to your itinerary.
This museum is essential because Iceland’s survival has historically depended on fishing; here you will discover how the country transformed a traditional craft industry into a technological powerhouse. The building itself is a former fish freezing plant, which adds an extra layer of cultural authenticity.
As an indoor activity, it is perfect for rainy or very windy days, which are common in Iceland throughout the year. I recommend going first thing in the morning (10:00) to avoid large groups and enjoy the interactive exhibits with more space.
The museum’s main building is accessible and has elevators and ramps for wheelchairs. However, please note that access inside the coast guard ship Óðinn is not possible for people with reduced mobility due to its narrow and steep stairs.
You are in the trendy Grandi district; right next door you have the Whales of Iceland exhibition and the famous FlyOver Iceland. You can also take the opportunity to eat at Grandi Mathöll, a food hall just a few steps away.
If you want to board the Óðinn ship, check the guided tour schedules (generally at 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00) as spaces are limited. And remember to bring our audio guide to dive deeper into the fishermen’s stories that are not always fully explained on the display panels.
¿Prefieres escuchar en español?
🇪🇸 Escucha la audioguía de the Reykjavík Maritime Museum en español