Árbaer Open Air Museum (Árbaejarsafn)
The basics
Since 1957 this museum has shown visitors how the people of Iceland lived in years past. Explore the site independently to see a turf-roofed church, a quaint house turned into a café, costumed guides, and grazing animals. Visitors can save time by purchasing admission tickets in advance. The museum also participates in Reykjavik City Card (with options for 24, 48, or 72 hours) that offers free admission to several attractions across the city.
Things to know before you go
- The Arbaer Open-Air Folk Museum is a must-see attraction for history buffs and families seeking educational experiences.
- The open space of the museum provides ample space for kids to run around.
- Families may want to seek out the toy exhibition, displaying toys and games from the last century.
- The museum is largely accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but some areas are cobbled or can be impacted by weather conditions.
- Guided tours are available in English daily.
How to get there
The Arbaer Museum is located to the southeast of the Reykjavik city center at Kistuhylur 4. It is accessible by public transportation; take the number 12, 19, or 22 bus. Parking is also available.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The most popular time to visit the Arbaer Museum is during the summer months when weather is most cooperative and extra events fill the calendar including arts-and-crafts demonstrations. Opening hours vary at the museum seasonally with longer hours from June through August and limited hours from September through May.
Origins of the Museum
Where the museum stands today, a working farm once stood. Most of the 20 buildings that today form a village square and small town were preserved and relocated from the center of Reykjavik. They offer a sense of the architecture of Old Reykjavik and form a scenic backdrop for a range of events from vintage car displays to Christmas exhibits.
- Thrihnukagigur Volcano
- Laugardalur
- Sun Voyager (Solfar)
- The Pearl (Perlan)
- Videy Island
- Hofdi House
- Faxaflói Bay
- Imagine Peace Tower
- Landmannalaugar
- Hallgrim's Church (Hallgrímskirkja)
- National Gallery of Iceland
- Harpa (Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre)
- National Museum of Iceland
- Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús
- Volcano House