What are the opening hours?

Opening hours vary seasonally. Most museums have longer hours in summer (June-August) and reduced hours in winter.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Most Icelandic museums welcome families. Many have interactive exhibits and special programs for children.

Are guided tours available?

Many museums offer guided tours, audio guides, or informational materials in multiple languages.

Iceland/capital-region

The Settlement Exhibition – Reykjavík 871±2

Archaeological remains of Viking longhouse

At a Glance

Visit time

1-2 hours

Best season

Year-round; check seasonal opening hours

Access

Located in towns with easy access. Most are wheelchair accessible.

GPS

64.1477, -21.9410

Plan Trip Navigate

About

About The Settlement Exhibition – Reykjavík 871±2

Archaeological remains of Viking longhouse

Built around excavation of 10th century settlement

Background

History & Background

The Settlement Exhibition – Reykjavík 871±2 has been a significant site in Iceland's landscape. Dating back to ancient times, this location has played an important role in Icelandic culture and natural history.

The Settlement Exhibition is centered around archaeological remains from the Viking Age. It provides insight into the earliest days of Reykjavík through interactive displays.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Landnámssýningin opened in 2006, built around the excavated remains of a Viking-age longhouse discovered under what is now the Tjarnargata area. The exhibition surrounds the ancient ruins with clever multimedia storytelling — projected animations recreate the longhouse interior as it would have looked in 900 AD. You learn about the first settler Ingólfur Arnarson and the Norse families who sailed from Norway to this empty, volcanic island. It is one of the most memorable 'archaeology as theatre' experiences in Scandinavia.

💡 Did You Know?

Discovered accidentally during construction in 2001

Local Legend

Legends of Settlement Exhibition

Settlement Exhibition has been part of Icelandic folklore for generations. Local tales speak of hidden people (huldufólk) and other supernatural beings who inhabit the area. According to tradition, this place deserves respect and visitors should be mindful of the ancient spirits who call it home.

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.