reykjavik
Reykjavík Zoo & Family Park — Iceland's Farm Animals
About Reykjavík Zoo & Family Park — Iceland's Farm Animals
Reykjavík Zoo & Family Park (Húsdýragarðurinn) opened 1990 in Laugardalur valley. The zoo focuses on Icelandic and Nordic animals rather than exotic species. **Animals:** - **Icelandic Farm Animals:** Horses, sheep, goats, pigs, cows, chickens - **Wild Iceland:** Arctic fox, mink, reindeer - **Seals:** Harbor seals and grey seals (feeding demonstrations) - **Farm Birds:** Ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys - **Small Exotics:** Rabbits, guinea pigs, mice (petting area) - **Aquarium:** Cold-water fish from Icelandic waters **Family Park:** - Outdoor playground with climbing structures, swings - Indoor play area (heated, rainy-day essential) - Summer activities: pony rides, egg collecting, face painting - Café **Hours:** Summer (May–Aug) daily 10:00–18:00, winter 10:00–17:00. Entry ~1,300 ISK adults, ~800 ISK children. Located in Laugardalur next to Botanic Garden, 3 km from downtown.
🐉 Where Children Meet Iceland's Animals
The zoo has no lions or tigers — just the animals Icelandic children grow up with: sheep, horses, Arctic foxes. It's a farm, not a safari, and that's perfect.
📖 History of Reykjavík Zoo & Family Park — Iceland's Farm Animals
Reykjavík Zoo established 1990 in Laugardalur as educational facility for children. Focus on Icelandic and Nordic animals rather than global exotic species. The zoo is part of Reykjavík Parks & Recreation department and serves primarily local families.
💡 Did You Know?
Icelandic horses are the only breed allowed in Iceland — importing horses from abroad is banned to protect the purebred Icelandic stock. The horses at the zoo are true Icelandic horses, genetically isolated for 1,000+ years.
Key Facts
Opened 1990 in Laugardalur
Icelandic farm animals, seals, Arctic fox, reindeer
Indoor play area for rainy days
Aimed at children under 10
Entry ~1,300 ISK adults, ~800 ISK children
💎 Hidden Gems
The Seal Feeding Demonstrations
Seal feeding happens daily (check schedule) — harbor seals and grey seals being fed fish is genuinely entertaining, and the seals perform tricks.
The Arctic Fox Enclosure
Arctic foxes are Iceland's only native land mammal — seeing them prowl their enclosure is the easiest way to observe this elusive species up close.
🕐 Best Time
Mornings for seal feeding; rainy days for indoor play
🚗 Access
Laugardalur — bus routes 2,5,14,15 or 30 min walk from downtown
⏱ Duration
2–3 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth visiting for adults?▾
Only if you're with young children. The zoo is small and aimed at kids under 10.
Can children pet the animals?▾
Yes — petting area with goats, rabbits, guinea pigs. Children can collect eggs from chickens in summer.
📍 GPS Location
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