National Library of Iceland
Guardian of Iceland's literary heritage — manuscripts, sagas, and 500 years of printed history.
About
About National Library of Iceland
Guardian of Iceland's literary heritage — manuscripts, sagas, and 500 years of printed history.
Home to irreplaceable medieval manuscripts including illuminated sagas — the written heart of Icelandic civilisation.
Tours Near National Library of Iceland
Private City Tour
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Icelandic New Year's Eve Walking Tour
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Private Reykjavik LGBTQ+ City Walk
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Photos
Gallery
Background
History & Background
National Library of Iceland has been a significant site in Iceland's landscape. Throughout the years, this location has played an important role in Icelandic culture and natural history.
National Library of Iceland is a remarkable museum in Iceland. The National Library of Iceland (Þjóðarbókhlöðan) at Arngrímsgata 3 in Reykjavík is Iceland's principal library and the custodian of the country's pri... Iceland has one of the world's highest per-capita reading rates, and the National Library stands at the heart of that culture. The original library was established in Reykjavík in 1818 to serve the newly formed governmental institutions of Iceland. T. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Iceland's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Iceland has one of the world's highest per-capita reading rates, and the National Library stands at the heart of that culture. The original library was established in Reykjavík in 1818 to serve the newly formed governmental institutions of Iceland. The current building on Arngrímsgata, designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson, was completed in 1994 and is a striking example of modernist architecture using Icelandic basalt stone cladding. The library's manuscript collection includes treasures from the Arnamagnaean Collection — Icelandic vellum manuscripts returned from Denmark in the 1970s.
Did You Know?
The library holds over one million items including handwritten manuscripts from the 13th century. Iceland has one of the highest per-capita rates of book publishing in the world.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Engey
Engey is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Njáls saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Harðar saga og Hólmverja", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Skuggabaldur – The Shadow Creature
Skuggabaldur: A phantom dog guarding forgotten paths.
Höfði House – Reykjavík's Haunted Mansion
Höfði House: Reykjavík's historic mansion with a chilling paranormal past.
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Hidden Gems Nearby
Talk to the Staff
Museum staff at National Library of Iceland are often incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their subject.
They can share stories and insights not found in the exhibits, and may point you to related sites in the area.
Gift Shop Treasures
Icelandic museum shops often carry unique locally-made items and books not available elsewhere.
You'll find authentic Icelandic crafts, design items, and publications that make meaningful souvenirs.
Combine with Nearby Sites
Ask about related attractions in the area to create a themed day trip.
Many museums are located near the historical sites or landscapes they document, creating a richer overall experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Location
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