The Settlement Exhibition
Reykjavík, Iceland

The Settlement Exhibition in Reykjavík presents the preserved remains of a Viking‑era longhouse, offering a tangible glimpse into Iceland’s first settlement. With an entry fee of 3300 ISK and daily hours from 10 am to 5 pm, it ranks among the city’s top attractions.
Why choose The Settlement Exhibition
You’ll walk through the actual foundations of Reykjavik’s earliest dwellings, a perspective you can’t get from surface‑level museums. The immersive layout lets you feel the scale of the original settlement while learning the story of Iceland’s beginnings.
Best for: History lovers · Architecture · First-timers · Families · Photography
Start your Reykjavik history walk here
Begin at The Settlement Exhibition to see the Viking‑era foundations, then stroll to nearby landmarks for a half‑day of culture.
- Morning — The Settlement Exhibition
- 11:00 — Hallgrimskirkja
- Afternoon — Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Visit tips
- Enter through the main lobby; the exhibition follows a logical path.
- Audio guides are available in English and Icelandic for a deeper context.
- Arrive early to avoid the mid‑day crowd.
- Allow about 1.5 hours for a thorough visit.
Plan your visit
- Recommended duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Best time of day: Early morning, before 10:30
- Hours: 10:00–17:00
- Entry: 3300 ISK
- Booking: not required — tickets at the gate
- Category: attraction
- Rated 4.4 by 1377 reviewers
- Tags: archaeology, historical insight, family friendly, indoor
Nearby attractions
- Hallgrimskirkja — church, 12 min walk
- Sun Voyager — attraction, 12 min walk
- Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre — landmark, 7 min walk
- Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center — cafe, 13 min walk
- The Icelandic Phallological Museum — cafe, 4 min walk
More things to do in Reykjavík
- Hallgrimskirkja
- Sun Voyager
- Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
- Laugavegur
- Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center
- Laugardalslaug
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