capital-region · Iceland
Whales of Iceland — Europe's Largest Whale Exhibition
Whales of Iceland at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík is Europe's largest whale exhibition, with 23 life-size model whales suspended from the ceiling in a dramatic display. Visitors can walk beneath humpback whales, sperm whales, blue whales and orcas at true scale, understanding these giants for the first time. The exhibition explores whale biology, behaviour and the relationship between Iceland and whales.
About Whales of Iceland — Europe's Largest Whale Exhibition
Whales of Iceland at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík is Europe's largest whale exhibition, with 23 life-size model whales suspended from the ceiling in a dramatic display. Visitors can walk beneath humpback whales, sperm whales, blue whales and orcas at true scale, understanding these giants for the first time. The exhibition explores whale biology, behaviour and the relationship between Iceland and whales.
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.
Did You Know?
- ✔23 life-size whale models, largest is 25m blue whale
- ✔Opened 2014 in converted Old Harbour warehouse
- ✔Located 5 minutes walk from Harpa concert hall
- ✔Europe's largest whale exhibition
- ✔Open daily year-round
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Book NowAbout Whales of Iceland — Europe's Largest Whale Exhibition
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.
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Book NowHistory & 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.
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Book NowStory & Folklore
Nothing prepares you for the scale of a blue whale until you stand beneath one. Whales of Iceland at the Old Harbour solves this problem elegantly — 23 life-size suspended models, perfectly detailed, allow visitors to experience the true dimensions of the world's largest animals for the first time. A 25-metre blue whale — the largest animal that has ever existed on Earth — hangs from the ceiling, so large that your eye struggles to take it in at once. Around it are humpbacks, minkes, sperm whales, orcas and pilot whales, each lit dramatically in the darkened warehouse space. The exhibition is more than impressive spectacle: it contextualises Iceland's complex relationship with whales, from the ancient days of whale-stranding festivals to modern whale watching and the controversial commercial whaling that Iceland still practises. It is thought-provoking as well as awe-inspiring.
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Book NowVisitor Information
Best Time
Opening time (10:00) to avoid school groups
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Access
Fiskislóð 23-25, Old Harbour, Reykjavík
Why Visit
Whales of Iceland at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík is Europe's largest whale exhibition, with 23 life-size model whales suspended from the ceiling in a dramatic display.
Did You Know?
The blue whale is not just the largest animal alive today — it is the largest animal that has ever lived on Earth. Its heart alone weighs about 180kg and is the size of a small car.
Giants of the Deep at Your Feet
For 1,000 years Icelanders have had an ambiguous relationship with whales — sometimes hunting them, sometimes revering them. This museum captures both sides of that story.
Hidden Gems Nearby
The Blue Whale Scale Moment
Stand directly beneath the 25-metre blue whale and look up. Your brain genuinely struggles to process the scale. It's one of the most humbling experiences in Reykjavík.
The Whale Song Room
A dedicated dark room plays the eerie, beautiful songs of humpback whales through surround speakers. Give it 5 minutes and you'll understand why these recordings moved the world in the 1970s.
Practical Information
Best Time
Opening time (10:00) to avoid school groups
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Access
Fiskislóð 23-25, Old Harbour, Reykjavík
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it suitable for children?▾
Very much so — children are usually awestruck by the scale. There are also interactive elements designed for younger visitors.
How far is it from Harpa concert hall?▾
About 5 minutes on foot along the harbour front.