Árbær Open Air Museum

Open air museum · Reykjavik

Árbær Open Air Museum

Open air museum · Reykjavik

2

459J+77, Kistuhylur 110, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland

Photos

Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by Photo courtesy of Open Air Museum
Árbær Open Air Museum by Photo courtesy of Open Air Museum
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null
Árbær Open Air Museum by null

Highlights

Árbæjarsafn is Reykjavík’s charming open-air museum showcasing historic farms, relocated buildings, and Icelandic heritage in a quaint village setting.  

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459J+77, Kistuhylur 110, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland Get directions

borgarsogusafn.is
@arbaeropenairmuseum

Information

Static Map

459J+77, Kistuhylur 110, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland Get directions

+354 411 6320
borgarsogusafn.is
@arbaeropenairmuseum

Features

restroom
crowd family friendly
wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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@afar

"This impressive open-air museum was once a functioning farm as well as a popular resting place for people on their way to and from Reykjavík. It was transformed into a museum in the 1950s in an attempt to preserve something of an old Reykjavík that was disappearing quickly due to postwar developments. Today the original farm is supplemented by around 20 buildings, most of which have been relocated from central Reykjavík, including a grass-roofed timber house from the late 19th century. The ensemble forms a small village, complete with a village square. On display are several exhibitions pertaining to older periods of Reykjavík's history, including antique farm machinery and a slew of domestic animals that call the place home. There are also regular events along the same theme."

The Best Things to Do in Iceland
View Postcard for Árbær Open Air Museum
@afar

"This impressive open-air museum was once a functioning farm as well as a popular resting place for people on their way to and from Reykjavík. It was transformed into a museum in the 1950s in an attempt to preserve something of an old Reykjavík that was disappearing quickly due to postwar developments. Today the original farm is supplemented by around 20 buildings, most of which have been relocated from central Reykjavík, including a grass-roofed timber house from the late 19th century. The ensemble forms a small village, complete with a village square. On display are several exhibitions pertaining to older periods of Reykjavík's history, including antique farm machinery and a slew of domestic animals that call the place home. There are also regular events along the same theme."

What to Do in Reykjavik
View Postcard for Árbær Open Air Museum

SVC

Google
Part of Reykjavik city card for us. We got there by bus and we visited the parks below the museum before 10. There are many houses , each with their story. Some exhibitions only in Icelandic. Nice visit.

Dasha Kopulsky

Google
Very nice overall! 90% of everything is in English however, there was one exhibit all in Icelandic so I had to skip that. Some of the houses were under repair so I couldn’t explore but only just a handful. I spent about 1.5 hours there and it was lovely to walk around.

C Neon

Google
A very nice open air museum of the old style farm community in Iceland. These buildings were in the CBD of Reykjavik and was moved here to keep its heritage. We were able to explore the old church, fishing community, a farm house, and shoemaker's house. Overall, it was a good experience.

Dariusz Isanski

Google
It's a wonderful place, particularly for those unfamiliar with Icelandic history. One can observe the daily lives of the locals, and each building offers a unique, historic scent. Guided or self-guided tours are available. I was captivated for three hours without realizing it.

Christoph Mueller

Google
Interesting place to learn about the history of Iceland. Authentic houses with original furniture and tools. You can enter most of the houses. The staff is also very friendly.

Liam Arne

Google
We loved this open air museum! It was great that it spanned many years, even centuries, rather than a specific time. Really fascinating and diverse exhibits too. Excellent choice if you have the Reykjavík Card (which you should get!)

Janusz Szporer

Google
Árbær was a well-developed farm in the beginning of 20th century, and a museum was opened there in 1957. Today, Árbær is an open-air museum with over 20 buildings that make up the town square, fisherman village and farm. Most of the buildings were moved from the centre of Reykjavík. I reccomend to make a guided tour. Local gouides can explain Icelandic history, culture and traditions. Unfortunateely in May coffe shop was closed. The place is well adapted for disabled people and has free parking. Visit can take around 2 hours.

Christopher Reynolds

Google
This is a really great Open Air Museum with staff passionate about the protection of Reykjavik's built heritage. You can visit most of the buildings all year round (when the site is open) and here is information on most of them. The turf house is particularly special.