Whales of Iceland — Europe's Largest Whale Exhibition

Background

History & Background

Whales have been central to Icelandic life for over 1,000 years — whale strandings were celebrated events that provided communities with food and raw materials for months. Commercial whaling in the 20th century depleted stocks severely. Iceland joined the international moratorium in 1989 but resumed commercial whaling in 2006. Today Iceland is also one of the world's leading whale-watching destinations, creating a complex relationship with these animals.

Opened in 2014 in a converted Old Harbour warehouse, Whales of Iceland has become one of Reykjavík's most-visited attractions — and one of the most genuinely educational. The 23 models represent every species found in Icelandic waters, from the tiny common dolphin to the colossal blue whale (the largest animal ever to have lived on Earth). Each model is built to exact scale based on detailed scientific measurements, with surface textures and markings carefully recreated from photographs and specimens. Interactive exhibits explain whale communication, migration patterns, feeding behaviour and conservation status. Sound recordings allow visitors to hear the haunting songs of humpback whales. The exhibition also addresses the controversial topic of Icelandic whaling with a balanced presentation of different perspectives.