Landnámssýningin

About the museum

The Settlement Exhibition at Aðalstræti 16 is based on the results of scientific archaeological research and sheds light on the lives of Reykjavík's first inhabitants and their relationship with their surroundings in a new land. Its centrepiece is a hall ruin from the 10th century, discovered in 2001 and preserved in its original location. North of the hall a wall fragment, even older, from before 871 was found; it is among the oldest human remains discovered in Iceland.

The exhibition extends underground to Aðalstræti 10, the oldest house in the Kvos, and continues to the present day. Its newer section opened in May 2022 and shows Reykjavík's development from farm to village and from town to city. Visitors can enter through either entrance, Aðalstræti 16 or Aðalstræti 10.

The exhibition is part of the Reykjavík City Museum (Borgarsögusafn Reykjavíkur), which was formed in 2014 when Árbæjarsafn, the Settlement Exhibition, the Reykjavík Maritime Museum, the Reykjavík Museum of Photography and Viðey merged.

Highlights

• A 10th-century hall ruin in its original location
• A wall fragment from before 871, among the oldest human remains in Iceland
• An underground passage between Aðalstræti 16 and Aðalstræti 10, the oldest house in the Kvos
• Multimedia, sound and smell as part of the exhibition
• A family corner and a children's play area

Permanent exhibitions

• Landnámssýningin – An underground exhibition built around a 10th-century hall ruin, showing the lives of Reykjavík's first inhabitants with multimedia and interpretation of archaeological finds.
• Reykjavík frá landnámi til samtímans (Aðalstræti 10) – An exhibition in the oldest house in the Kvos, tracing Reykjavík's development from farm and village to city and showing the daily life of its residents.

Operated by

Borgarsögusafn Reykjavíkur

Admission & discounts

Holders of the Reykjavík City Card and members of ICOM and FÍSOS enter free. The ticket is valid at both Aðalstræti 16 and Aðalstræti 10.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Access for wheelchair users is good. The exhibition is on three floors, and two lifts run between them. A car can stop at both entrances to drop off and pick up passengers. External doors open automatically, and there are no thresholds on the route. One wheelchair and one walking frame are available to borrow at the ticket office at Aðalstræti 16. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are in both parts of the exhibition. In the older part of the exhibition at Aðalstræti 16 the lighting is rather dim and the floor is uneven in places. Two disabled parking spaces are by City Hall. Guide dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area

At Aðalstræti 16 the reception area has a family corner and a children's play area. Two pushchairs can be borrowed at both receptions, but visitors are also welcome to bring their own. Children under 18 enter free.

Getting there & parking

The entrance to Aðalstræti 16 is at the corner of Aðalstræti and Túngata; the entrance to Aðalstræti 10 is from Bröttugata.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

There are shops in both buildings. Neither a picnic area nor a café is available at the museum. Lockers and coat hooks are in the corridor by the toilets at Aðalstræti 16.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit