Iceland isn’t just about waterfalls, glaciers and hot springs, it’s also a country with rich history, unique culture and fantastic museums that you can easily explore with a cheap rental car from Firefly Iceland. Renting a car gives you the freedom to visit the best museums in Reykjavík and beyond on your own schedule, without waiting for buses or tours.
Here are the 9 best museums in Iceland you shouldn’t miss in your trip!
1. Whales of Iceland Museum
If you’re fascinated by marine life, the Whales of Iceland Museum is an unforgettable stop. This immersive exhibition features life-size models of the whales found in Icelandic waters, along with interactive displays, soundscapes and detailed stories about each species. It’s one of the best museums in Reykjavík for families and anyone interested in Iceland’s marine environment.
- 🗺️ Address: Fiskislóð 23–25, 101 Reykjavík
- 🚗 Parking: There is free parking available right outside the museum, making it very convenient to visit with your Firefly rental car while exploring the Grandi area.
2. National Museum of Iceland – Best Museum for Icelandic History
The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík is the ultimate stop for anyone wanting a deep look into Icelandic heritage. The exhibitions cover everything from the Viking Age to modern Icelandic culture. Expect artifacts, medieval tools, ancient jewelry and interactive displays that explain how Iceland grew from settlement to sovereign nation.
- 🗺️ Address: Suðurgata 41, Reykjavík
- 🚗 Getting there: A quick, easy drive with your Firefly rental car, parking available next to the building
photo from Visit Reykjavik
3. Saga Museum – Step Inside Iceland’s Viking Sagas
Located in Reykjavík Grandi harbour area, the Saga Museum brings Iceland’s famous sagas to life with life-like figures, detailed sound effects and storytelling that feels like stepping into the Viking world.
This museum is especially great for families and anyone curious about Iceland’s dramatic early history.
- 🗺️ Address: Grandagarður 2, Reykjavík
- 🚗 Convenient to reach with your Firefly Iceland car rental.
photo from Saga museum
4. Reykjavík Maritime Museum – Explore Iceland’s Seafaring Past
If you want to understand Iceland, you need to understand the sea. the Reykjavík Maritime Museum highlights fishing culture, the Coast Guard, survival at sea and historic Icelandic vessels.
It’s located right by the old harbor – perfect for combining with a walk around Reykjavík’s waterfronts.
- 🗺️ Address: Grandagarður 8, Reykjavík
- 🚗 Easy parking nearby when you’re on a self-drive Iceland trip with Firefly.
By © Mosbatho, CC BY 4.0
5. Icelandic Phallological Museum – The Most Unique Museum in Iceland
One of Iceland’s quirkiest attractions, the Phallological Museum (also known as the penis museum) is home to a vast collection of specimens from land and sea mammals. It’s educational, weird, and surprisingly popular among visitors.
- 🗺️ Address: Kalkofnsvegur 2, 101 Reykjavík (Hafnartorg area, near the old harbor)
- 🚗 Getting there: Just type “Icelandic Phallological Museum” into your GPS and drive straight there with your Firefly Iceland rental car. There is convenient parking in the Hafnartorg parking facilities
photo from Phallological Museum
6. Icelandic Punk Museum – Reykjavík’s Underground Culture
Hidden inside a former public toilet on Bankastræti, the Icelandic Punk Museum celebrates Iceland’s rebellious music scene. You’ll find instruments, photos, headphones with playlists and fun stories about the punk years in Iceland.
It’s a small but memorable stop, especially if you enjoy local culture and alternative history.
- 🗺️ Address: Bankastræti 0, 101 Reykjavík
- 🚗 Parking: The easiest option is to park Hafnartorg and walk a few minutes up to the museum, perfect when you’re exploring Reykjavík with your Firefly rental car.
Photo from Icelandic PUNK museum
7. Árbær Open Air Museum – Best Museum for Traditional Icelandic Life
Step back in time at the Árbær Open Air Museum, an outdoor village showing how Icelanders lived in the 19th and early-20th centuries. With turf houses, farm buildings, workshops and guided tours, it’s perfect museum for families and anyone interested in traditional Icelandic living.
- 🗺️ Address: Kistuhylur 4
- 🚗 Free parking – easy to reach with Firefly
Photo from Visit Reykjavik
8. Aurora Reykjavík – The Northern Lights Center
For a deeper look into Iceland’s most famous natural wonder, visit Aurora Reykjavík, the Northern Lights Center. This interactive museum explains the science behind the aurora, showcases real northern lights footage and even lets you try photographing the lights indoors. It’s a great stop before heading out on your own northern lights chase in Iceland.
- 🗺️ Address: Fiskislóð 53, 101 Reykjavík
- 🚗 Parking: Free parking is available right outside the building and around the Grandi harbor area – easy and convenient when exploring Reykjavík with your Firefly rental car.
9. Perlan Museum – Ice Cave Exhibition
Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s top attractions thanks to its incredible ice cave, glacier exhibits, volcano displays and 360° observation deck overlooking the city. Walking through the real man-made ice cave is a highlight, especially for families and winter travelers interested in Iceland’s glaciers.
- 🗺️ Address: Varmahlíð 1, 105 Reykjavík
- 🚗 Parking: Perlan has a large on-site paid parking lot, making it simple to visit when you’re driving a Firefly rental car around Reykjavík.
Plan Your Iceland Museum Route with Firefly Iceland Car Rental
Renting a car is the easiest way to explore Reykjavík’s museums and cultural attractions. With a cheap rental car in Iceland, you can:
- Visit multiple museums in one day
- Escape crowded tour buses
- Stop for food, viewpoints or photos whenever you like
- Travel comfortably with kids or luggage
Firefly Iceland offers cheap rental cars, easy pickup at Keflavík Airport (KEF) and flexible booking options, perfect for a self-drive cultural adventure
Tips for Visiting Museums in Iceland
- Go early to avoid crowds.
- Use audio guides – many museums offer them in multiple languages.
- Check opening hours, especially in winter.
- Combine several Reykjavík museums into a single day trip using your Firefly rental car.
- Look out for discounts, Reykjavík City Card deals or seasonal offers.
Tips for a Successful Museum Tour
Here are a few tips to make your museum tour in Iceland a smashing success. First, try to visit museums early in the day to avoid crowds. Second, take advantage of audio guides and interactive displays—they really enhance the experience.
And lastly, check for special offers and discounts with Firefly. Renting a car with us not only makes your travels smoother but can also come with perks like discounted entry to some attractions.
Conclusion
There you have it—a rundown of some of the best museums in Iceland. From the rich history at the National Museum to the quirky exhibits at the Phallological Museum, there’s something for everyone.
And with Firefly Iceland Car Rental, you can make the most of your museum-hopping adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Book your rental car with Firefly, hit the road, and dive into the incredible culture and history that Iceland has to offer.
Ready to start your Icelandic adventure? Visit the Firefly Iceland Car Rental website now to book your affordable rental car.
With a reliable vehicle and the freedom to explore, you’ll have an unforgettable trip. Click here to book your car today or contact our customer support for any questions. Happy travels!
