Reykjavik Maritime Museum (Víkin)

The Reykjavik Maritime Museum (Víkin) at Grandagarður 8 on the Old Harbour tells the story of Iceland's fishing and seafaring, which drove the country's economy from the 19th century into the modern era. The museum occupies a former fish-processing building in the harbour district and is run by the Reykjavik City Museum (Borgarsögusafn). Its main exhibition, Fish and Folk, traces the shift from small rowing boats and open-sea fishing in the early 19th century to mechanised trawlers in the 20th century, which helped transform Iceland from a poor agrarian society into a modern one. Displays include historic boats, fishing equipment, models of vessels, photographs, and personal stories of fishermen and processing workers. The museum also covers the Cod Wars, the disputes between Iceland and the United Kingdom between 1958 and 1976 over fishing limits, which ended with Iceland extending its exclusive zone to 200 nautical miles. A highlight is the guided visit aboard Óðinn, a former coast guard vessel that took part in the Cod Wars and is moored beside the museum; tours run at set times and show the bridge, cabins, and engine areas. The museum's approach is thematic and immersive, with audio guides, touch screens, and reconstructed work environments. The building was renovated for museum use, and the vessel is maintained as a floating exhibit. The Old Harbour area around the museum has been redeveloped with restaurants, whale-watching departures, and shops, so a visit fits easily into a harbour walk. Information in English is provided throughout. Ticket details and tour times for Óðinn are published at borgarsogusafn.is.