reykjavik
Whales of Iceland — Life-Size Whale Exhibition
About Whales of Iceland — Life-Size Whale Exhibition
Whales of Iceland opened 2014 in a 1,500 m² warehouse at the Old Harbour. The exhibition features 23 life-size whale models (1:1 scale) suspended from ceiling, created from scientific measurements and photographs. **Species Included:** - **Blue Whale:** 25m — largest animal ever (larger than any dinosaur) - **Fin Whale:** 22m — second largest - **Sperm Whale:** 16m — largest toothed whale - **Humpback Whale:** 15m — famous for breaching and song - **Orca (Killer Whale):** 8m — apex predator - **Minke Whale, Sei Whale, Pilot Whale, Beluga, Narwhal** and others **Interactive Exhibits:** - Whale biology and anatomy - Echolocation and underwater sound - Migration patterns across oceans - Conservation threats (ship strikes, entanglement, pollution, climate change) - Iceland's whaling history and current policy **Audio Guide:** Included in admission, available in 11 languages. **Hours:** Daily 10:00–17:00. Entry ~3,500 ISK adults, ~1,500 ISK children. Located at Fiskislóð 23-25, Old Harbour Grandi district.
🐉 Walk Beneath the Largest Animal Ever
Blue whales are larger than any dinosaur that ever lived — and at Whales of Iceland you can walk directly beneath a life-size model and feel tiny.
📖 History of Whales of Iceland — Life-Size Whale Exhibition
Exhibition opened 2014 by Whales of Iceland ehf. The models were created based on scientific measurements of actual whales found in Icelandic waters. Iceland has controversial whaling history: commercial whaling 1935–1989, moratorium 1989–2003, resumed 2003 with quotas for minke and fin whales. Opposition from conservation groups continues. Most Icelanders don't eat whale meat (tourism consumes most catch).
💡 Did You Know?
The blue whale's heart is the size of a small car, and its blood vessels are wide enough for a human child to swim through. The life-size model at Whales of Iceland makes you believe it.
Key Facts
Opened 2014
23 life-size whale models (1:1 scale)
Blue whale model 25m — largest animal ever
Interactive exhibits on biology, echolocation, conservation
Entry ~3,500 ISK adults
💎 Hidden Gems
The Blue Whale Underbelly View
Stand directly beneath the blue whale model and look up — the sheer scale of the largest animal ever to exist is almost incomprehensible.
The Whale Song Audio
The exhibition plays recordings of humpback whale songs — eerie, haunting, beautiful. Whales sing to communicate across ocean basins.
🕐 Best Time
Mornings for fewer crowds
🚗 Access
Fiskislóð 23-25, Old Harbour Grandi
⏱ Duration
1.5–2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the models to scale?▾
Yes — 1:1 scale based on scientific measurements. The blue whale is actually 25 metres long.
Does Iceland still hunt whales?▾
Yes — limited commercial whaling of minke and fin whales continues despite international opposition. Most Icelanders don't eat whale meat; tourism consumes most catch.
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