Whales of Iceland

The Basics

Whales of Iceland is an innovative exhibition space. To save time, book your admission ticket online in advance, then check out the interactive media displays for an in-depth understanding of the majestic mammals. For the fullest experience, book a tour that combines a visit to the exhibition with a whale-watching cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Whales of Iceland is a must-visit for travelers interested in marine life.

• The exhibition is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

• Admission is discounted for children under 15.

• A free audio guide is available to download.

• Free Wi-Fi is available in the building.

• There’s a café and souvenir shop on-site.

How to Get There

Located in the Grandi area at Fiskislod 23, Whales of Iceland is about a 15-minute walk from the Reykjavik city center. Hop-on hop-off buses and public bus number 14 stop at the exhibition building.

When to Get There

Whales of Iceland is open year-round, every day except December 25. Opening hours are generally from 10am to 5pm, and admission includes a guided tour in the afternoon.

Grandi

Formerly the center of Reykjavik’s fishing industry, Grandi (the Old Harbor) is becoming one of the city’s trendiest areas—sometimes known as the “fishpacking district,” a nod to Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, which underwent a similar transformation. Here you’ll find popular restaurants, cafés, and Icelandic design stores, as well as a variety of museums, including the Maritime Museum and the Saga Museum.

Ways to explore

Plan an hour or two to explore the Whales of Iceland permanent exhibition, which includes an audio guide narrated by marine biologists. Get up close to the soft and tactile life-sized whale models and learn all about these unique marine creatures. One exhibit lets you follow the whales that were GPS-monitored around Iceland, and you can watch whale-themed documentaries at the Fin Whale Theatre.

For the full experience, join one of the twice-daily guided tours (included) or book a combo tour that includes museum access and a whale-watching cruise. Hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop at Whales of Iceland.

Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers; amenities include accessible restrooms, a wheelchair to borrow, 16-language audio guides, subtitled videos, and printed transcripts of the audio guide

Age limits

The museum is great fun for kids; reduced-rate tickets are available for children aged 7–15; children under 6 visit for free

What to pack

Camera, smartphone and headphones (to access the audio guide), reusable water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable clothes and shoes to fully enjoy the interactive exhibitions

Not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, pets

Amenities

Café, gift shop, multi-language audio guides, free Wi-Fi, free parking

Address

Whales of Iceland is located in the Grandi area at the north end of the Old Harbour. It’s about a 15-minute walk from downtown Reykjavik and can be reached by car, public transport, or hop-on hop-off bus.

Driving

Reykjavik’s compact city center is easy to get around without a car, but there is free parking at the Whales of Iceland museum. From downtown, take Road 41 westbound along the waterfront until you reach the Old Harbour; at the north end of the wharf, turn right onto Fiskislóð following signs for the museum.

Public transportation

Public bus No. 14 will drop you off outside the museum.

Best times to visit

The museum is open from 10am to 5pm. Mornings are usually quietest, but it’s worth timing your visit to catch one of the included guided tours, held at 11am and 3pm.

Best days to visit

The museum is open daily year-round except for Christmas Day. Choose a weekday to visit if possible, especially in the peak months of July and August.

Best months to visit

Reykjavik is the only place in Iceland where whale-watching cruises run year-round, but sightings are more likely in summer. Time your trip for May through September to combine the museum with a whale-watching tour.