Can you go onboard the ship Óðinn?

Yes. Visitors can explore the historic Coast Guard vessel Óðinn located outside the museum.

Is the museum suitable for families?

Yes. Interactive exhibits and ship access make the museum suitable for children and families.

Is Reykjavík Maritime Museum near the city centre?

Yes. It is located in the Old Harbour area within walking distance from central Reykjavík.

Iceland/capital-region

Reykjavík Maritime Museum

Explore Iceland's fishing heritage aboard a real Coast Guard vessel at the old harbour.

At a Glance

Visit time

60–90 minutes

Best season

Open year-round and ideal to visit during cold or rainy weather as an indoor cultural stop.

Access

Located in Reykjavík Old Harbour within walking distance from Harpa Concert Hall and the city centre.

GPS

64.1533, -21.9486

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About

About Reykjavík Maritime Museum

Explore Iceland's fishing heritage aboard a real Coast Guard vessel at the old harbour.

Board the Óðinn coast guard ship — the vessel famously deployed during the Cod Wars with Britain in the 1970s.

Photos

Photo Gallery

Background

History & Background

Reykjavík Maritime Museum opened in 2005 inside a former fish freezing plant in the city’s Old Harbour district. The building itself reflects the importance of the fishing industry in Reykjavík’s development during the 20th century. The museum preserves Iceland’s maritime heritage through exhibitions on fishing technologies, harbour life, and the Cod Wars. A key highlight is the Coast Guard vessel Óðinn, which played a major role in protecting Iceland’s fishing limits during the mid-20th century disputes with the United Kingdom.

Located in the Old Harbour, the museum explores Iceland's strong connection to the sea. Exhibits include fishing vessels, stories of sailors, and the development of the fishing industry.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Reykjavík Maritime Museum is located in the historic Old Harbour district and tells the story of Iceland’s deep connection to the sea. Fishing has shaped the country’s economy, culture, and daily life for centuries, and the museum presents this history through engaging exhibitions and preserved vessels. Visitors can explore displays about the development of Iceland’s fishing industry, the lives of fishermen, and the transformation of Reykjavík from a small coastal settlement into a modern harbour city. One of the museum’s highlights is the Coast Guard vessel Óðinn, which played an important role during the Cod Wars between Iceland and the United Kingdom. The museum offers an authentic look at Iceland’s maritime heritage and provides insight into how the ocean has influenced the nation’s survival and identity throughout history.

💡 Did You Know?

During the 'Cod Wars' (1958–1976) Iceland extended its fishing limits from 4 to 200 nautical miles, a move that fundamentally changed international maritime law and secured Iceland's economic future.

Local Legend

Life Shaped by the Sea

For centuries the ocean has been central to Icelandic survival. Fishing routes, coastal settlements, and maritime traditions shaped the nation’s development. Reykjavík Maritime Museum tells the story of how the sea influenced Iceland’s economy, culture, and identity from early settlement to modern times.

Culture

Stories & Legends

Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area

icelandic saga

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.

icelandic saga

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.