Atmospheric waxwork museum dramatising key scenes from the Icelandic sagas with life-size figures and dramatic lighting. Ideal for understanding the Viking age period before visiting historical sites.
The Saga Museum, located in the Perlan building in Reykjavik, presents Iceland's medieval history and saga literature through life-size silicone figures set in dramatically lit tableaux depicting pivotal scenes from the Icelandic sagas and settlement-era history. Scenes include Ingólfr Arnarson's landing in Iceland around 874 AD, the killing of Snorri Sturluson at Reykholt in 1241, and episodes from Njáls saga and the Sturlungaöld civil war period, each staged with hand-made costumes, weapons, and props researched for historical accuracy. The figures were created by sculptor Guðjón Ingi Sigurðsson over several years, using historical sources and archaeological findings to inform clothing, hairstyles, and material culture of the Viking and medieval periods. Unlike object-based museums, the Saga Museum's approach is immersive and narrative-led, guiding visitors through a chronological sequence of dramatized scenes accompanied by an audio guide that narrates each saga episode in first-person voices. The museum does not display original artefacts; its purpose is interpretive and educational, intended to make the sagas accessible to visitors unfamiliar with Old Norse literature before they visit sites such as Þingvellir, Reykholt, or the Settlement Exhibition. A costume area near the exit allows visitors to try on reproduction Viking-age clothing and chainmail.
| Admission | $22 adult |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Highlights
- Life-size silicone tableaux depicting scenes from the Icelandic sagas
- Dramatization of Ingólfr Arnarson's 874 AD landing and Snorri Sturluson's assassination
- Included audio guide narrating each saga scene
- Reproduction Viking-age costume area for photos
Tips for visiting
- Use the included audio guide fully; the scenes are designed to be experienced in sequence with narration.
- Visit before travelling to Þingvellir or Reykholt to get useful background on the sagas referenced at those sites.
- The museum is compact; a full visit with audio guide takes about an hour.
- Lighting is deliberately dim and some scenes depict violence, which may unsettle very young children.
Accessibility
The museum is on a single accessible level within the Perlan building, with wheelchair access via lift from the main entrance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Saga Museum suitable for English-speaking visitors?
Yes, the audio guide and all exhibition text are available in English.
How long does a visit to the Saga Museum take?
A full visit with the audio guide takes approximately 60 minutes.
Is the Saga Museum appropriate for children?
Older children generally enjoy the dramatized scenes, though some depictions of violence and dim lighting may not suit very young or sensitive children.