The Settlement Exhibition

Overview

The Settlement Exhibition (Landnámssýningin) stands above one of Iceland's most significant archaeological discoveries—a Viking-age longhouse dating from the 10th century, unearthed beneath Aðalstræti in central Reykjavík. This remarkable museum, built directly over the excavated remains, offers visitors an intimate glimpse into Iceland's earliest settlement period through immersive displays, authentic artefacts, and the preserved foundations of what may be Iceland's oldest house.

Discovered during renovation work in 2001, the longhouse remains represent a rare opportunity to experience the daily life of Iceland's first inhabitants. The museum combines cutting-edge archaeological presentation with interactive technology, allowing visitors to walk on glass floors above the actual excavation site while multimedia displays recreate the sights, sounds, and smells of a millennium-old homestead. What makes this exhibition particularly compelling is its location—visitors literally stand above the spot where Reykjavík's story began, with the ancient turf walls and hearth stones preserved exactly where archaeologists found them.

The exhibition contextualises the longhouse within Iceland's broader settlement narrative, featuring artefacts from across the country that illustrate how Norse settlers adapted to their new environment. From gaming pieces and jewellery to farming tools and cooking vessels, these carefully curated objects tell the story of a society in transition, making The Settlement Exhibition an essential stop for understanding Iceland's transformation from uninhabited island to thriving medieval society.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 64.1461°N, 21.9403°W

**Entry Fee:** Adults 2,000 ISK (€14), seniors/students 1,600 ISK (€11), children under 18 free

**Opening Hours:** Daily 9:00-20:00 (May-September), 10:00-17:00 (October-April)

**Best Time to Visit:** Year-round; October-March for fewer crowds

**Access Level:** Fully accessible, suitable for all mobility levels

**Location:** Central Reykjavík, Aðalstræti 16

**Visit Duration:** 1-2 hours recommended

How to Get There

Driving

From anywhere in Reykjavík, navigate to the city centre and follow signs for "Miðborg" (city centre). Take Lækjargata east from Tjörnin pond, then turn right onto Austurstræti. Continue 200 metres and turn left onto Aðalstræti. The Settlement Exhibition sits at number 16, easily identifiable by its modern glass facade integrated into historic buildings.

Parking

Street parking is available on Aðalstræti (200 ISK per hour, maximum 2 hours weekdays 9:00-18:00, free evenings and weekends). The Kolaportið car park on Tryggvagata offers longer-term parking (250 ISK per hour) with a 3-minute walk to the museum. The BSÍ Coach Terminal car park provides all-day parking (1,500 ISK) with a 10-minute walk via Laugavegur.

Access

The museum entrance is at street level with automatic doors and full wheelchair accessibility. A lift provides access to all exhibition levels, and the glass walkways above the excavation accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs. Audio guides are available in eight languages, with special children's versions featuring interactive elements.

What to See and Do

The museum's centrepiece is the perfectly preserved 10th-century longhouse, viewed through glass floors that allow visitors to walk directly above the excavated remains. The original turf walls, central hearth, and post holes remain exactly as archaeologists uncovered them, creating an unparalleled connection to Iceland's earliest inhabitants. Interactive displays use augmented reality to show how the house would have appeared when occupied, complete with reconstructed furniture, textiles, and daily objects.

The artefact collection spans Iceland's settlement period (870-930 AD) and includes exceptionally preserved organic materials rarely found in archaeological contexts. Highlights include carved wooden bowls, leather shoes, and textile fragments that survived in Iceland's unique preservation conditions. A particularly striking display features a complete set of gaming pieces—evidence that Iceland's first settlers brought their entertainment culture from Scandinavia.

The multimedia experience recreates a day in the longhouse through carefully researched soundscapes, lighting changes, and even scent reproduction. Visitors can hear the crackle of the central fire, smell the peat smoke, and watch projections that show seasonal changes in medieval Reykjavík. Touch-screen stations allow deeper exploration of individual artefacts, with detailed photography and archaeological context.

Children particularly enjoy the interactive stations where they can try on replica Viking-age clothing, handle reproduction tools, and participate in archaeological investigation activities. The museum shop features high-quality reproductions of exhibited artefacts alongside scholarly publications about Iceland's settlement period.

Best Time to Visit

**May-September:** Peak season brings longer opening hours and full programming, including special exhibitions and evening events. Crowds are heaviest during cruise ship season (June-August), particularly between 10:00-16:00. Book online to guarantee entry during summer months.

**October-April:** Reduced crowds make for a more contemplative experience, though shorter daylight hours mean many visitors combine the exhibition with other indoor Reykjavík attractions. Winter months often feature special lectures and archaeological presentations.

**Weekly patterns:** Weekday mornings (particularly Tuesday-Thursday 10:00-12:00) offer the quietest viewing conditions. Weekend afternoons see increased local visitor numbers. Cruise ship schedules significantly impact summer crowd levels, with Tuesday and Wednesday typically busiest.

The museum's indoor nature means weather has minimal impact on the visiting experience, making it an excellent rainy-day activity year-round. However, the contemplative atmosphere is best appreciated during quieter periods when visitors can spend extended time above the excavation without feeling rushed.

Safety

The Settlement Exhibition presents minimal safety risks due to its controlled indoor environment and professional museum standards. The glass floors are constructed to museum specifications with non-slip surfaces and safety barriers. Visitors with vertigo should note that the glass walkways are clearly transparent and positioned directly above the excavation, though handrails provide security.

Emergency exits are clearly marked and accessible from all exhibition areas. The building meets all Icelandic fire safety requirements with sprinkler systems and evacuation procedures posted in multiple languages. Photography is permitted throughout, but flash photography may be restricted near light-sensitive artefacts.

Nearby Places

**Hafnarfjörður Museum (15km southeast):** Houses extensive Viking-age collections in a series of historic buildings, complementing The Settlement Exhibition's focus with broader material culture displays.

**National Museum of Iceland (2km east):** Iceland's premier cultural institution features comprehensive settlement-period exhibits, including the famous Þjóðveldisbaukur silver arm ring and extensive saga-age artefacts.

**Reykjavík City Museum (400m northeast):** The Árbær Open Air Museum recreates Icelandic domestic life from medieval times through the 20th century, providing context for how building traditions evolved from the longhouse period.

**Perlan Museum (3km south):** While focused on natural history, Perlan's "Wonders of Iceland" exhibition includes geological context for understanding why early settlers chose particular locations for their farms.

**Hallgrímskirkja (800m east):** Iceland's iconic church offers panoramic views over modern Reykjavík from its tower, providing perspective on how the settlement area has evolved since Viking times.

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