Culture in Iceland is reflected in the many museums, art galleries, music venues and active libraries all over the country. If you are interested in exploring culture in Reykjavik & Iceland, this is the page for you .
Icelandic Literature
The culture of Iceland goes back to the Vikings whose lives were recorded in the sagas of Iceland, one of the most popular being Grettir’s Saga. The Icelandic sagas are an interesting read for all those that are fascinated by our history and old culture in Iceland.
Literacy in Iceland is at 99,9%, taking 3rd place in the world, so it’s no surprise that reading is a popular cultural activity. Iceland has award-winning writers, such as the Nobel prize winner, Halldór Laxness, who is widely read in Iceland and worldwide. Other Icelandic writers on the international bookshelf are mystery novelists Yrsa Sigurðadóttir and Arnaldur Indriðason as well as poet and novelist, Sjón whose works are translated into several different languages. The traditional Christmas gift in Iceland is a book from the vast collection of publications published for the Christmas season.
Icelandic Music
The music scene in Iceland is vibrant and varied and has a few international stars to its name. Björk and Sigurós are world famous, putting Icelandic music onto the global map. Other musicians such as Kaleo, Ásgeir Trausti, Emiliana Torrini, Of Monsters and Men and Mugison have also travelled the world with their Icelandic beats. You can enjoy more Icelandic bands and Icelandic music culture at various festivals in Iceland, such as Reykjavík Blues in March, Reykjavík Jazz in September and Iceland Airwaves in November to name but a few.
Museums & Art Galleries
If you are interested in Icelandic Art, then head for the many galleries in the city centre, such as the National Gallery of Iceland or the Reykjavík Art Museum. The Reykjavík Art Festival in May is a celebration of various art forms making up the art culture in Iceland.
The Icelandic love for all things new can be seen in the interesting architecture of buildings such as Harpa Concert Hall, used by symphonic orchestras and rock bands alike and the Perlan museum with its unique exhibition of glaciers or the City Hall on the edge of the city pond. Unusual museums such as the Whale Museum, the Penis Museum and the Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n Roll are unique to Iceland and well worth a visit.
Culture in the Countryside
Rural Iceland has its own form of art and culture. Wherever you go in the countryside, there will be some museum or gallery celebrating the culture of the area. Museums showing the history and lifestyle of the Icelandic farming/fishing society take on a more personal feel as they are usually private collections of people in the area. A good example of this is Stykkishólmur on Snæfellsnes, West Iceland which is a small fishing village. The Norwegian House and the Volcano Museum are two excellent museums and the Library of Water is an unusual display of water, glass and light.
But you can also experience ultra-modern virtual reality displays of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions at the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur or learn about the sea monsters of Iceland in Bildudalur in the West fjords. Art and handcrafts are also found in the many towns of the Icelandic countryside where talents often go undiscovered. In east Iceland, the art festival LungA attracts young artistic talent from all over the world. Handcraft galleries are a feature of many small villages dotted around the country where, in each woollen jumper or carved wooden figurine, you will realize the ethic of hard work that Icelanders have.
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The Settlement Exhibition
The exhibition gives an insight into the life and work of Iceland´s first settlers. The focus of the exhibition is around the remains of the oldest habitation in Reykjavik.
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Árbær Open Air Museum
Árbærsafn-Reykjavík´s open air museum, where you can stroll through the past and experience the way we lived. The museum is part of Reykjavík City Museum –one museum in five unique places.
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The Cave People
Can you imagine how it is to live in a cave? Less than 100 years ago a normal icelandic family did. Their home was recently renovated and now it looks just like it did when the last cave dwellers in Iceland lived there. We offer 25 min long guided tours where you see how the family lived and we tell you their story i.e. why they lived there, about
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Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘N’ Roll
At the Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll guests can walk through the history of Icelandic pop and rock music throughout the years. Guests can dive deeper into the history of each artist and listen to their music with the help of the Rock ‘n’ Roll app on the iPad guests receive during the visit.
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Whales of Iceland
The largest whale exhibition in Europe, located at Grandi District, about a 15-minute walk from the town centre. The exhibition displays 23 man-made, life size models of the whales.
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Powering the future
Ljósafoss Power Station uses sustainable energy from nature. It is a short drive from Reykjavik and a great place to experience the evolution of electricity. Here you can understand the significant steps the human race has taken to successfully harness this energy source.
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The Design Museum of Iceland
Located in the centre of Garðabær, the museum collects and preserves items in connection with Icelandic design history, from the beginning of the 20th century to present day.
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Reykjavík Art Museum – Ásmundarsafn
The sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893–1982) designed, worked and lived in this beautiful building now serving as a part of Reykjavík Art Museum.
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Aurora Reykjavík
Immerse yourself in the fascinating spectacle of the Northern Lights, discover how cultures around the world perceive them, and learn to adjust your camera’s settings to best capture the auroras.
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Gljúfrasteinn
Gljúfrasteinn, the home of Nobel Prize winner Halldór Laxness, is located in the Mosfellsdalur Valley only 20 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík.
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National Gallery of Iceland
The National Gallery of Iceland was founded in October 1884 in Copenhagen by Björn Bjarnarson (1853–1918), later district commissioner. The founding collection was based on gifts, mainly by Danish artists.
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Húsavík Whale Museum
The Húsavík Whale Museum is a non-profit organization founded in 1997. The aim of the museum is to convey information about whales, marine ecology and the interaction of whales and humans through history in an entertaining and interesting way.
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Reykjavík Museum of Photography
A collection of six million photographs recording the rich history of Reykjavík and contemporary life. Various other exhibitions are held each year.
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National Museum of Iceland
The National Museum gives a comprehensive picture of Iceland's history. Making of a Nation, Heritage and History in Iceland is a permanent exhibition.
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Akureyri Museum
An interesting museum for the entire family. Interesting and unique artifacts can be found in the exhibitions relating to the Viking period, Ages, religion and everyday life in Eyjafjörður and Akureyri in the past.
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Viðey Island
Viðey Island is situated just off the coast of Reykjavík and is set in beautiful natural surroundings. The Island has a rich historical background and is home to the Imagine Peace Tower.
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The Culture House
The Culture House offers the exhibition, Points of View, which takes guests on a journey through the Icelandic visual world of past and present.
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Reykjavik Art Museum
Reykjavik Art Museum is the leading art museum in Iceland and has 3 locations in Reykjavik: Hafnarhus, Kjarvalsstadir and Asmundarsafn.
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Ásgrímur Jónsson Collection
Ásgrímur Jónsson (1876–1958) was one of the pioneers of Icelandic visual art and the first Icelandic painter to make art his main profession.
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Reykjavík Maritime Museum
The Reykjavik Maritime Museum has both permanent and temporary exhibitions depicting the fishing history of Iceland as well as other exhibits pertaining to the ocean. The latest exhibition is Melckmeyt 1659 - Underwater Archaeological Survey.
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KVIKAN – House of Culture and Natural Resources
As you stroll along one of the best harbours in Iceland, you will arrive at the Icelandic Saltfish Museum, where you can learn more about the industry that is an important element in Iceland's economic development and prosperity.
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Snorrastofa in Reykholt
Welcome to Snorrastofa in Reykholt, West Iceland Reykholt in West Iceland is a very important historical site, a cultural centre in past and present. One of the most remarkable Icelanders of all time, historian, scholar and chieftain Snorri Sturluson lived in Reykholt from 1206 until his death in 1241. His works; Heimskringla, Edda and Egil’s Sag
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Harpa Concert Hall
The most distinguished landmark of Reykjavik is the cultural heart of the city. This glass edifice is the main venue for international music concerts and is home to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, and the Opera.
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ELDHEIMAR Volcano Museum
South Iceland +3544882700Volcano museum of remembrance. A unique volcanic and geological exhibition about two of the most spectacular volcanos in Iceland. Surtsey, the island from 1963, listed as a natural wonder on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Heimaey, the dramatic eruption in 1973.
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Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum
The Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum houses sculptures and drawings by sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson, along with sources of information about the artist. It serves as a centre for research on his art.
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The Icelandic Phallological Museum
The internationally renowned penis museum is the only museum in the world which contains a collection of phallic specimens belonging to every species of mammal found in a single country.
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The Sigurgeirs Bird Museum
The Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum at Ytri-Neslönd on the shores of Lake Mývatn is a comprehensive private bird collection resulting from one man’s passion, Sigurgeir Stefánsson.
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Reykjavík Art Museum – Kjarvalsstaðir
Kjarvalsstaðir houses the works of one of Iceland’s most influential and recognised artists, Jóhannes S. Kjarval. The exhibitions at Kjarvalsstaðir focus primarily on paintings and sculptures of the established masters of modern art.
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Reykjavík Art Museum – Hafnarhús
The old harbour warehouse, Hafnarhús, offers a progressive exhibition program with local and international contemporary artists. The work of current notables, art canons and newcomers are presented in six galleries.
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Perlan – Wonders of Iceland
At Perlan you truly get to know Iceland, an island born of fire and ice. Scientific wonders come alive all around you – volcanoes, northern lights, glaciers, oceanic wonders, seabirds & so much more. You explore a real ice cave, sit back in a first-class Planetarium, have fun with interactive spectacles & enjoy views all over Reykjavik.
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Reykjavík Blues Festival
Reykjavik AreaAn annual congregation of blues artists from Iceland and North America creating unique jam sessions in different venues.
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Icelandic Music Experiments
Downtown ReykjavikThis music competition (battle of the bands) has been the main musical outlet for new bands in Iceland since 1982 and a milestone event for many promising new bands in Iceland.
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Bustarfell
East Iceland +354 437 1466Bustarfell on Road 85 is a farm and folk museum with well-preserved turf houses dating back to 1770. Take a step back in time to this ancient manor which makes history come alive.
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Skaftfellingur Museum
South Iceland +354 487 1395The Skaftfellingur Museum is located across the Tourist Information Centre. The museum shows the story about the 100 year old ship, which was used by Icelanders between 1918 and 1974.
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Festival of the Sea
Reykjavik Area +354 696 3984An annual event honoring the lives and livelihoods of the fishermen of Iceland. Festivities include ancient activities and games such as tug of war, races and pillow fights.
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Dark Music Days
Downtown ReykjavikHosted by the Society of Icelandic Composers in collaboration with Iceland’s finest performers.
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Reykjavík Cultural Night
Downtown Reykjavik +354-411-6000The celebration takes place in the city centre with the participation of many artists, cultural institutions, shops and cafés. The evening ends with a big firework display down by the harbour.
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Art without Borders
Reykjavik Area +354 691-8756The aim of the festival is to celebrate diversity and participation of people with disabilities. The festival celebrates mixed media of art, music and theatre.
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Easter
Reykjavik AreaHoly Thursday marks the start of the Easter holidays for Icelanders, who enjoy a 5-day weekend where businesses, banks, government institutions and most shops are closed.
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Eiríksstaðir
West Iceland +354 899 7111Eiriksstaðir is a historical site, a ruin of a 10th-century longhouse and a replica made in the 21st century with only 10th-century technology. You can join us by the fire, hear tales of the original inhabitants of Eiriksstaðir.
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Labour Day (May 1)
Reykjavik AreaLabour Day is on the 1st of May and is a public holiday in Iceland that is celebrated all over the country with a parade and festivities.
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First Day of Summer
Reykjavik AreaThe first Thursday after April 18, is a public holiday celebrating the brightening of the days with parades all around the country.
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Skogar Museum
South Iceland +354 487 8845Skógar Museum was founded in 1949 and now hosts a collection of more than 18,000 regional artifacts, exhibited in 3 Museums. It is located 150 km east from Reykjavík just off Ring Road 1 and 30 km west of Vík.
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Defending the Caveman
Downtown Reykjavik +354 866 9019A fresh Icelandic take on the Broadway’s longest running hit comedy “Defending the Caveman" Following local success with the Icelandic show, and after headlining in Las Vegas earlier this year, Joel Saemundsson takes the stage for a night of laughs and Lager in the English version of the phenomenal hit show, “ Defending The Caveman” .
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Saga-Fotografica
North East Iceland +354 555 1833Photo History Museum. Portrays many photographs by Vigfus Sigurgeirsson, photos taken in Siglufjordur 1929 - 1952. Hundreds of cameras and more items related to early photography era.
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International Organ Summer
Downtown Reykjavik +354 510 1000Every year from June - August. Lunchtime organ concerts on Thursdays at noon at Hallgrímskirkja Church. Various musicians perform different pieces of organ music.
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Settlement Centre
West Iceland +354 437 1600Offering a wealth of information, the Settlement Centre provides a wonderful insight into Iceland’s history. It also gives you the chance to put your visit into the context of the country’s past.
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Salurinn Concert Hall
Reykjavik Area 411 7500Salurinn was the first specially designed concert hall in Iceland and holds a variety of concerts, featuring music from the renaissance period to modern day music.
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At Home Music Festival
Reykjavik AreaA music festival held in private homes in Hafnarfjörður. Guests stroll from house to house enjoying live music and meeting locals in their own homes.
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Reykjavík Marathon
Close to Downtown +354 5353700Thousands of people of all ages from all over the world take part and run through the streets of the city.
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Iceland Airwaves
Reykjavik Area +354 558 4400Iceland Airwaves has come a long way since its inception in an airplane hangar at Reykjavík Airport. Nowadays the festival is regarded as the biggest celebration of music in Iceland and boasts an unrivaled line-up of established and up-and-coming artists.
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Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum
West Iceland +354 438 1581Bjarnarhöfn is a shark farm and private museum depicting the history, hunting and processing of shark. The museum is filled with shark hunting paraphernalia and memorabilia.
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Children’s Cultural Festival
Downtown Reykjavik +34 411 6000One of the largest festivals held by the City of Reykjavík. Participation and interaction is what makes this event particularly appealing to artists in children.
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The Wilderness Centre
East Iceland +354 440 8822The Wilderness Centre, in Fljóts-dalshérað on road 9340, is a museum offering a variety of activities like, riding, fishing, mountain biking, cable bridge adventure and hiking trails.
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Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Downtown Reykjavik (+354) 545 2500The Icelandic Symphony Orchestra is a major orchestra and is renowned for its excellent interpretation of great classical works. The Orchestra has also enjoyed good reviews.
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Tales from Iceland
Downtown Reykjavik +354 518 4000Tales from Iceland is a Video Museum about Iceland and Icelanders. It is a museum like none you’ve ever seen. Our team of producers and cameramen have created numerous short but very informative cinematic features about a multitude of Icelandic topics.
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Tré og List Gallery
South Iceland +354 894 4835Back to Road 1 at Selfoss, and taking a small detour towards the coastline onto Road 305 will not disappoint as it leads to the Tré og List gallery on the farm, Forsæti.
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Museum of Prophecies
North West Iceland +354 861 5089Spákonuhof in Skagaströnd is the Museum of Prophecies where futures, pasts and presents come together. Focusing on Þórdís, the famous soothsayer and first inhabitant of the area.
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Food & Fun Festival
Reykjavik Area +354 822 0220An annual week-long festival featuring well-known foreign chefs visiting Iceland to compete with their counterparts.
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Arnarnes Paradís Álfasetur
North East Iceland +354 894 5358The Perfect Guiding tours Education and healing with elves. Come and learn about elves and other natural creatures, let them give you advice and healing.
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Reykjavík Jazz Festival
Downtown ReykjavikNationally and internationally recognised artists play in different venues across the city.
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Winter Lights Festival
Reykjavik Area +354 411 6000An annual 3-day festival that brightens up the dark winter hours. A family event bringing a mixture of art, sport and technology together to entertain and delight.
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The Color Run
Downtown ReykjavikCome and run with us through five kilometers of exploding coloured powder. The aim of this event is to bring Color Running mania to the world.
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Hafnarborg
Reykjavik Area (+354) 585 5790Hafnarfjörður Culture and Fine Arts Institute features leading artists from Iceland and abroad. The museum has two exhibitions which are both free, one for adults and one for children.
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Reykjavik Pride
Downtown Reykjavik +354 70989Thousands of people gather in a large, international parade to march through the streets of the city to celebrate the diversity of humankind and aims to advance local LGBTIQ culture..
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Byggðasafn Skagfirðinga -Skagafjörður Heritage Museum
North West Iceland +354 453 6173Glaumbær farm and museum offers a wonderful opportunity to experience conditions in a turf home and gain insight into the harsh living conditions of Icelanders in the past.
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Saga Museum
Downtown Reykjavik +354 511 1517The Saga Museum recreates key moments of Icelandic history and brings the sagas to life whilst visitors listen to the audio guide.
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Icelandic Opera
Downtown Reykjavik Tickets (+354) 528 5050 - Office (+354) 511 6400The Icelandic Opera produces a versatile programme each season with the participation of Icelandic artists. The repertoire ranges from classical to new pieces by Icelandic composers.
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The Sheep Farming Museum
The West Fjords +354 451 3324The Sheep Farming Museum is a fun stop for people of all ages. There are various events and displays as well as handcrafts and a coffee shop.
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The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum
The West Fjords +354 456 6666The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum is located in Bíldudalur. Stories of monsters have been around in Iceland for centuries, but now you can get to know them better at this museum. The museum is only open between 15. May til 15. Sept. Admission is 1.250 kr. but only 1.000 kr. per person for groups counting 10 people or more.
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The Icelandic Wartime Museum
East Iceland +354 470 9063The Icelandic Wartime Museum in Reyðarfjörður is a must for anyone interested in war history. The perspective is from soldiers and inhabitants alike and is one of a kind in Iceland.
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The Viking Festival
Reykjavik Area +354 5651213A week long festival, held in and around the Viking Village in Hafnarfjörður. Swordfighting, craftsmen at work, magic, music and real Vikings.
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Secret Solstice
Close to DowntownIceland’s Secret Solstice Festival, the bucket-list event held during 96 hours of straight sunlight, returns to Reykjavik for it’s fifth-year anniversary edition from June 21-24, 2018
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June 17, National Day
Reykjavik AreaThis is the day Icelanders celebrate independence. Parades and festivities for people of all ages all around the country.
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Í Túninu Heima Town Festival
Reykjavik Area +354 6946426Mosfellsbær town festival, Í túninu heima, is held on the last weekend of August each year. It is truly a family festival which spans over three days where everyone should find something they like.
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Reykjavík Arts Festival
Reykjavik AreaA biennial festival with a special focus on new commissions and the creative intersection of the arts. Since its inception in 1970, Reykjavík Arts Festival has invited hundreds of artists from all parts of the globe to perform or exhibit at the festival.
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Skriðuklaustur
East Iceland +354 471 2990Skriðuklaustur was originally the home of Gunnar Gunnarsson, renowned author, but now this unique building houses the Centre of Culture and History in Fljótsdalur.
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Sænautasel
East Iceland +354 853 6491Sænautasel on the Jökulsheiði heath is another turf farm-turned-museum. It was evacuated during the Askja eruption in 1875. This farm has a restaurant in the old sheep cote.
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Þorrablót
Reykjavik AreaFood & drink festivities held in the old winter month of “Þorri”. People gather to sing songs, drink and eat traditional Icelandic food such fermented shark, dried fish and sheep head.
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Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum
Downtown Reykjavik +354 551 3797Sculpture museum and garden dedicated to the works of Einar Jónsson, one of Iceland’s most beloved sculptors.
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Museum of Sorcery & Witchcraft
The West Fjords +354 897 6525The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft is situated in Hólmavík. This area has been associated with witchcraft since the 17th century.
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Gerðarsafn Art Museum
Reykjavik Area +354 570 0440Gerðarsafn is a progressive museum with an emphasis on modern and contemporary art, located in the heart of Kópavogur.
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Ósvör Maritime Museum
The West Fjords +354 892 1616Ósvör Maritime Museum is a replica of the old fishing station from the 19th century and shows very well how fisherman lived and worked in those times.
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Reykjavik International Film Festival
Downtown Reykjavik +354 411 7055RIFF – Reykjavík International Film Festival – is one of the biggest and most diverse cultural events in Iceland. For eleven days every Fall since 2004, Icelandic locals and tourists alike are able to go to the cinema and enjoy the best and freshest of international film making.
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The Nordic House
Downtown Reykjavik +354 551 7030The Nordic house, designed by architectural and design legend Alvar Aalto in 1968, is a cultural institution that organizes a diverse program of cultural events and exhibitions.
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Katla Geopark Exhibition
South Iceland +354 487 1395The Katla Geopark Exhibition is located in the Tourist Information Centre in Vík. It includes information, pictures, maps and history about Katla Geopark, mostly about the volcanoes from the region.
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