Whales of Iceland
Museum · Reykjavik ·

Whales of Iceland

Museum · Reykjavik ·

Life-size whale replicas, educational films, and conservation exhibits

whale conservation
gift shop
interactive exhibits
documentary movies
natural history museum
family friendly
wheelchair accessible
expensive
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by Jaszmina Szendrey (Atlas Obscura User)
Whales of Iceland by Whales of Iceland
Whales of Iceland by brazellrobert (Atlas Obscura User)
Whales of Iceland by Whales of Iceland
Whales of Iceland by Dr Alan P Newman (Atlas Obscura User)
Whales of Iceland by Whales of Iceland
Whales of Iceland by DaytonDUI (Atlas Obscura User)
Whales of Iceland by brazellrobert (Atlas Obscura User)
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null
Whales of Iceland by null

Information

Fiskislóð 23-25, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland Get directions

Restroom
Family friendly
Free Wi-Fi
LGBTQ friendly
Trans safe

Information

Static Map

Fiskislóð 23-25, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland Get directions

+354 571 0077
whalesoficeland.is
@whalesoficeland
𝕏
@whalesoficeland

Features

•Restroom
•Family friendly
•Free Wi-Fi
•LGBTQ friendly
•Trans safe
•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot
•Wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Jan 15, 2026

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10 Wondrous, Waterless Whales

"Iceland has a rich history with the giants of the sea, and while visitors to the country can sign up for a variety of whale watching tours, the only way to really take in the full scope and beauty of the country’s whales is in the massive Whales of Iceland museum, which may be the largest of its kind in the world.  Opened in February of 2014, the huge exhibition is designed to recreate a stroll through a peaceful underwater wonderland right alongside life-size replicas of some of the largest animals on the planet (that we know of). In fact there are 23 foam and steel giants hanging from the walls and ceilings of the museum, each depicted in an accurate-as-possible 1:1 scale. The collection includes a variety of species including oversized dolphins such as the Beluga whale and the Orca, as well as massive baleen varieties such as Bowhead, Humpback, and Blue whales. Each specimen is bathed in a haunting blue light and aquatic sounds that sells the sensationalized illusion of seeing the beasts in their natural habitat. Each of the peaceful animals is accompanied by an information stand that gives visitors information about what makes each species unique. The Whales of Iceland exhibition was explicitly created to cater to the growing tourist population in Reykjavik but it is also devoted to educating visitors about the country’s conservation efforts, hoping to escape their image as a whaling nation. If getting up close to the fake titans is still not enough whale, the museum also partners with local whale-watching tours that can take you out to see a little bit of the real thing." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/waterless-whales
Whales of Iceland
Whales of Iceland

Mandy Gettler B.

Google
My kids and I loved this museum. It was amazing to get a sense of scale and how large these beautiful creatures really are. We love learning about animals and natural history, and we learned a ton about whale species that we were unfamiliar with. We made cute origami whales that are the perfect souvenir.

Nadia

Google
It's very expensive for what it is. 30 euros is insane for one large room with a model of each kind of whale and a few lines of info about them. We spent a rainy day there because it has 2 movies on show. One is 50 mins and one is 1hr. The longer one isn't suitable necessarily for young children. The 2016 noise movie; would be nice to see an updated movie about what has changed since then. There's a cafe and a store. The staff were very nice. We went for free after doing Special Tours rib tour but you get a discount from doing any tour.

shamsan A.

Google
Discover the Whales of Iceland Museum: A Unique Journey Through Marine Majesty Dive into the mesmerizing world of marine life at the Whales of Iceland Museum, a captivating destination that stands out as a celebration of Iceland’s rich whale heritage and the wonders of the North Atlantic Ocean. Located in the heart of Reykjavík, this extraordinary museum not only showcases the incredible diversity of whale species but also highlights the importance of marine conservation and respect for these magnificent creatures. Most Important Features: Life-Size Models: The museum is home to the largest collection of whale models in the world, featuring 23 life-size replicas of various species, including the majestic blue whale and the mysterious orca. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring an awe-inspiring experience for visitors. Interactive Exhibits: Engage with captivating multimedia installations and touch screens that offer educational insights into whale behavior, biology, and ecology. Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive displays that connect them with the marine environment and the ecosystems surrounding Iceland. Whale Conservation Education: The Whales of Iceland Museum places a strong emphasis on conservation efforts, educating guests about the challenges faced by whales and the importance of protecting their habitats. Through informative talks and exhibits, visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the need for sustainable practices that help preserve marine life. Stunning Artwork : The museum's art exhibits feature breathtaking marine-themed artwork, combining science with artistic expression. This creates a unique ambiance that engages the senses and promotes a greater appreciation for the beauty of our oceans. Activities: Guided Tours: Join knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories and insights about Iceland's marine wildlife, enriching your visit and providing a deeper appreciation for these gentle giants. Interactive Learning Zones: Spend time in designated learning zones where families can engage in hands-on activities designed to enhance their understanding of marine conservation and the wonders of whale life. Whale Watching Excursions: After your museum visit, opt for fantastic whale-watching tours departing from Reykjavík. Experience the thrill of spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Whether you are a marine enthusiast, a family looking for an educational outing, or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, the Whales of Iceland Museum is a must-visit destination that promises an unforgettable exploration of the ocean’s most enigmatic inhabitants.

L L.

Google
This is incredibly informative and engaging. I highly recommend checking out the theater exhibit and watching it. As someone who loves whales, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this museum!

Radu V.

Google
It's a good place to learn some basic things about whales and dolphins. It could useful to have more information about the exhibition and to have it more interactive. I liked that somehow they tried to raise awareness in regards to the climate changes and the harmful impact of human kind on whales and dolphins.

Victor

Google
Worth a visit. The whale models are true to their size, and it's impressive to see them displayed. Gives you a great sense of their real size. There is also a small theater that runs great documentary movies for anyone curious. The giftshop also had some very cool items to pick up.

Vivi

Google
Cute little museum about the whales of Iceland, where the life size models can be viewed. They had a cool documentary about whales on a big screen which was really interesting. The gift shop is really nice and they have plenty of things to purchase.

Niall M.

Google
An interesting and insightful way to spend an hour or two. I think the best experience is to read the detailed information about the various species of whale, which might make it more suitable for older children.