Welcome to the Whales of Iceland museum, located in the heart of Reykjavik, Iceland. This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in marine life, especially whales. Here is an in-depth guide to visiting the Whales of Iceland museum, including everything you need to know before you go.
Where is the Whales of Iceland museum and when is it open?
The Whales of Iceland museum is located at Fiskislóð 23-25, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. It is open every day of the week, except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
The museum’s opening hours vary depending on the season. From May 1st to September 30th, the museum is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. From October 1st to April 30th, it is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
What is The Admission Fee?
The admission fee for the Whales of Iceland museum varies depending on the age of the visitor. For adults, the admission fee is 3,400 ISK, and for children between 7 and 15 years old, it is 1,700 ISK. Children under the age of 7 can visit the museum for free. The museum also offers a discount for families, where two adults and two children can visit the museum for 8,500 ISK.
Click here to buy your discounted tickets!
What Exhibits Can Visitors see at the museum?
One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of life-size whale models. These models range from the smallest porpoise to the largest blue whale, and each one is made with great attention to detail and accuracy. The sheer size of the models is awe-inspiring and provides visitors with a unique and immersive experience. Visitors can marvel at the size of the whales and gain a better understanding of their physical features and characteristics.
The museum’s interactive exhibits are equally fascinating, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about whales and their habitat in a fun and engaging way. One such exhibit is the virtual reality experience that simulates swimming with whales in their natural environment. Visitors can put on a headset and experience what it’s like to swim alongside these gentle giants, getting an up-close look at their behavior and movements.
The 360-degree cinema is another must-see exhibit at the museum. Here, visitors can watch a documentary about whales, providing a glimpse into their lives and the challenges they face. The stunning footage and informative commentary offer visitors a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures and the importance of protecting them.
For those who want a more hands-on experience, the touch tank is a perfect exhibit. Here, visitors can touch real whale bones and teeth, getting a feel for their size and texture. The touch tank is a great way to learn about the anatomy of whales and how their unique features help them survive in their environment.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum also has knowledgeable and passionate staff who are on hand to answer any questions visitors may have. The staff is always eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for whales, making the experience even more rewarding.
Are There Guided Tours?
The Whales of Iceland museum offers guided tours for visitors who want to learn more about the exhibits and the history of whale hunting in Iceland. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about marine life and the conservation of whales. The tours are available in English and Icelandic and can be booked in advance on the museum’s website.
What About The Gift Shop?
The museum has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and gifts related to whales and marine life. The gift shop sells a wide variety of items, including books, toys, clothing, and jewelry. The items in the gift shop are made by local Icelandic artists and designers, making them unique and special.
Is The Museum Accessible to Visitors With Disabilities?
The Whales of Iceland museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. The museum has wheelchair ramps, an elevator, and accessible bathrooms. The exhibits are designed to be accessible to visitors with visual impairments, with descriptions in braille and audio guides available.
Interested to Learn More About the Whales of Iceland?
The Whales of Iceland Museum is an excellent place to start your journey into the world of whale watching and marine life in Iceland. However, there is so much more to explore and discover!
For starters, our blog post on “Sustainable Whale Watching in Iceland“ covers the importance of responsible tourism when it comes to whale watching. We believe in preserving the natural environment and the welfare of the whales, which is why we work with only the best whale watching operators in Iceland. In this blog post, we discuss the steps that these operators take to ensure that their tours are sustainable and ethical.
If you’re planning a whale watching trip to Reykjavik, be sure to check out our post on “Whale Watching in Reykjavik“. This post covers the different types of whales you’re likely to see on a tour from Reykjavik, as well as the different operators available and what you can expect from the experience.
Of course, if you’re planning a trip to Iceland specifically for whale watching, you’ll want to know the best time of year to go. Our post on “The Best Time for Whale Watching in Iceland“ provides all the information you need to plan your trip. From the different whale species you’re likely to see during each season to the weather and daylight hours, we’ve got you covered.
Final words
The Whales of Iceland museum is an excellent place to learn about whales and their habitat. With its life-size whale models, interactive exhibits, guided tours, and gift shop, the museum offers visitors a unique and immersive experience. Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast or just looking for a fun and educational activity, the Whales of Iceland museum is definitely worth a visit.