Whales of Iceland Museum Admission
Experience life-size models of 23 different species of whales at Whales of Iceland, the largest whale museum in Europe! This educational and interactive museum is full of underwater sounds, interactive exhibits, and educational information for all ages - a must-do for any nature lover while in Reykjavík!
This unique museum contains more than 25 life-sized whale models, representing every species of whale found in Icelandic waters throughout recorded history. This includes the amazing blue whale, the spectacular sperm whale, and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, just to name a few. See them all in their full size!
The whale models were built and painted by hand with strict attention to detail, so that each model is based on a real individual swimming in the ocean, unique marks and all! They are soft and fun to touch and explore. With an immersive ambient atmosphere, multiple interactive exhibits, informational displays for every species, spectacular footage of whales played on a huge cinema screen, and a strong focus on conservation, Whales of Iceland is truly a BIG experience!
Award-winning documentaries are shown daily in our Fin Whale Theatre, included in the cost of admission. The films variously discuss whale conservation, research, and other fascinating subjects. Visit our website or call us to check the film schedule for the date of your visit. Located inside the theatre is a conservation exhibit designed in cooperation with the International Fund for Animal Welfare and local whale scientists, which highlights five major threats that whales face and what we can do to help.
The latest addition to the museum is a whale research exhibit, where visitors can learn about the different types of whale research being conducted in Iceland, and become a citizen whale scientist by taking part in actual research projects, thanks to a partnership with Zooniverse!
After your visit, sit back and enjoy coffee and a pastry in our Big Little Whale Café, and be sure to check out the souvenir shop, which features a carefully curated variety of gifts and other items, including many by local designers.
Live guided tours are available for free for ticket holders at 11:00 and 15:00 daily.
Free parking & Wi-Fi
Live guided tour of Whales of Iceland daily at 11:00 & 15:00 for all ticket holders.
Audio guide (available in 16+ languages) - we recommend bringing headphones compatible with your smartphone
Headphones
An appetite for knowledge
Whales of Iceland is the largest whale museum in Europe. The museum features life-size models of all 23 whale species found in Iceland's coastal waters, multiple interactive exhibits, a documentary theatre, and a free audio guide in 17 languages. Whales of Iceland is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. It is located right in the heart of Reykjavík’s harbor area. There is no better way to learn about the Whales of Iceland than seeing these giants up close and personal in full-size. They are so large that you will hardly believe your eyes, and you will certainly leave with a new perspective and appreciation for these interesting and beautiful animals. This innovative museum features an interactive minke whale and information stations that enhance and educate visitors about each whale. The exhibition space is stunning where the whales are the centerpiece and the atmosphere is like no other. You may feel like you are walking underwater. The strictest attention to detail and authenticity for the whale models was the foremost concern for Whales of Iceland. A marine biologist was consulted for accurate information and descriptive materials about each whale. The results of this data are beautifully rendered in the life size models that are realistic in size, anatomy and color.