Reykjavík
Reykjavík marine exhibition

Visiting Whales of Iceland in Reykjavík

Discover a giant marine-life exhibition featuring life-size cetacean models.

NatureScienceLocal heritage

Explore a dedicated exhibition showcasing the whales of Iceland. Visitors can browse interactive exhibits, arrange group visits, and book combined whale watching tours.

An immersive exhibition in Iceland showcasing marine life through detailed exhibits, group activities, and combined whale watching tours.

Whales of Iceland
About the Whales of Iceland Exhibition

Located in Reykjavík, Whales of Iceland offers an in-depth exhibition experience focused on the majestic marine mammals found in the region's waters. The venue features detailed displays and exhibits that allow visitors to discover the world of these ocean giants. This educational center also coordinates with local operators to pair the indoor experience with live whale watching tours.

Blue industrial building with large 'Whales of Iceland' signage and whale murals on the facade under a bright blue sky
Whales of Iceland opening hours in Reykjavík

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Whales of Iceland. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Reykjavík.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
Whales of Iceland Admission and Tickets

Admission to the Whales of Iceland exhibition in Reykjavik is based on a structured ticketing system. Standard tickets are available for adults, alongside reduced rates for children aged 7 to 15, while children aged 6 and under enter for free. Families can purchase a combined ticket for two adults and two children. Additionally, student and senior discounts are offered for onsite bookings with a valid ID.

Adults
ISK 4,300.00
Children (ages 7–15)
ISK 2,150.00
Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 kids)
ISK 8,600.00

Includes 2 adults and 2 children

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

Whales of Iceland provides a range of facilities designed to ensure a comfortable and inclusive visitor experience. The exhibition space is fully step-free and wheelchair accessible, with additional support provided through audio guides, subtitles, and printed transcripts for diverse needs. Practical amenities, including accessible parking and restrooms, are available on-site to assist guests throughout their visit.

Accessible parking spaces

Available

Accessible restroom

Available

Step-free exhibition

Available

Subtitles and printed transcripts

Available
Family visits at Whales of Iceland

Families can explore life-size models of Icelandic whale species within an accessible exhibition space. An educational audio tour is available to enhance the experience, providing deeper insight into marine life through a smartphone interface. Please consult the dedicated family page for further information regarding ticket options and visitor planning.

Families can explore life-size whale models and enjoy educational audio tours at this accessible exhibition.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Life-size models of Icelandic whale species
  • Smartphone-based educational audio tour
  • Accessible exhibition space
  • Family ticket options for groups of four

Activities and resources for children

Kids audio guide

Educational Audio Guide

30–30 minFree

A 30-minute smartphone audio tour available in multiple languages.

Family tour

Daily Live Guided Tours

Paid

Guided tours are offered daily for visitors to learn about the exhibits.

Museum pass access at Whales of Iceland

Visitors exploring the immersive exhibits at Whales of Iceland in Reykjavik can utilize select museum passes to enhance their experience. Holders of valid passes may receive a discount on their entry, providing a practical way to discover the life-size whale models and marine-life displays featured throughout the exhibition space.

Location of Whales of Iceland in Reykjavík

Whales of Iceland is located at Fiskislóð 23-25 in the harbor area of Reykjavík. Positioned in the Capital Region, this immersive exhibition serves as an ideal starting point for visitors looking to combine an educational indoor experience with live whale watching tours departing nearby. Its coastal placement perfectly complements the marine life displays found inside the venue.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Fiskislóð 23-25

101 Reykjavík

Capital Region, IS

The Whales of Iceland Exhibition Experience

The Whales of Iceland exhibition in Reykjavík offers an immersive look into the majestic marine mammals of the region. Visitors enter a vast exhibition space designed to surround them with detailed displays, ambient sounds, and educational films detailing various cetacean species. This unique museum experience focuses on science and local heritage, providing rich educational resources through its spacious galleries. To enhance the adventure, guests can pair this indoor visit with active outdoor whale watching excursions. It remains an engaging experience for families and groups alike.

Large life-size whale models hanging from the ceiling in a dimly lit exhibition hall with blue ambient lighting and a polished floor

History and Background of Whales of Iceland

Established in February 2015 in the Grandi harbour district of Reykjavík, Whales of Iceland was founded by entrepreneur Hörður Bender. The venue, which stands as the **largest museum of its kind in Europe**, showcases 23 life-sized cetacean models. In December 2017, ownership transferred to Special Tours Wildlife Adventures. To expand its educational reach, the exhibition partnered with the International Fund for Animal Welfare to open a conservation exhibit in June 2019.

  • Founded in 2015

    2015Founding

    The museum was founded by Icelandic entrepreneur Hörður Bender following two years of extensive preparation and a total investment of 100 million ISK.

  • Opened to the public in February 2015

    2015Opening

    The museum officially opened its doors to the public in February 2015, located in the Grandi harbour district of Reykjavík. It features life-sized models of 23 cetacean species that have been historically sighted in Icelandic waters.

  • Acquisition by Special Tours Wildlife Adventures

    2017Ownership

    In December 2017, the museum was purchased by Special Tours Wildlife Adventures, a whale watching company based in Reykjavík, which took over the operation of the facility.

  • Hosting of Whale Day celebrations

    2018-2019Milestone

    In 2018 and 2019, the museum partnered with local businesses and whale watching companies to host celebrations for Whale Day, an initiative aimed at fostering local appreciation of whale species.

  • Opening of whale conservation exhibit

    2019Collection

    A new exhibit focused on whale conservation was developed and opened in June 2019 in partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

  • Largest European museum of its kind

    Cultural significance

    The institution claims the distinction of being the largest museum of its kind in Europe, focusing on the display of life-sized cetacean models and educational materials related to whale life history.

Whales of Iceland FAQ: What to Know Before You Dive In

Wondering if you need to speak fluent blue whale to enjoy Whales of Iceland in Reykjavík? Don't worry, their free audio guide comes in 16 human languages, and pint-sized explorers aged 0 to 6 can marvel at the giant life-size models entirely for free.

What is the phone number for Whales of Iceland?

A direct customer service phone number for Whales of Iceland is not currently available in our official database.

How do I contact Whales of Iceland?

You can contact Whales of Iceland by email, but the specific email address and estimated response times are not provided in our current records.

What is the admission ticket price for Whales of Iceland?

Standard adult admission to Whales of Iceland is 4,300 ISK. Children between the ages of 7 and 15 cost 2,150 ISK, and children aged 0 to 6 enter for free.

Does Whales of Iceland offer free entry?

Whales of Iceland does not offer general free entry, but admission is entirely free for children aged 0 to 6.

Planning Your Visit to Whales of Iceland

When preparing for your visit to Whales of Iceland in Reykjavik, keeping a few practical tips in mind can help ensure a seamless experience. The entire exhibition is designed on a single floor with a step-free layout, making it fully wheelchair accessible with loaner wheelchairs available on-site if needed. Visitors requiring accessible amenities will also find dedicated parking spaces right outside the entrance alongside accessible restroom facilities inside. To enhance your exploration of the life-size models, take advantage of the free descriptive audio guide, which is offered in 16 languages and features printed transcripts at the front desk. Additionally, all video presentations and documentaries shown throughout the space include subtitles to assist all visitors during the experience.

Whales of Iceland Visitor Experience and Accessibility

The Whales of Iceland exhibition in Reykjavík is well-suited for families, kids, and tour groups looking to explore regional marine life through nature and science-focused displays. Visitors with mobility needs will find a highly accommodating environment, as the entire space features a step-free layout, wheelchair-accessible facilities, and designated accessible parking directly outside. Additionally, the museum supports diverse language and sensory preferences by offering a free audio guide in sixteen languages, printed script copies, and fully subtitled videos. This immersive indoor setting provides a comfortable and educational experience for guests of all ages and physical abilities.

Visual Preview of Whales of Iceland

Preview your visit to Whales of Iceland with images showcasing the exhibition's distinctive blue building facade, marked by vibrant whale murals and outdoor sculptures in Iceland. These photos capture the venue's unique exterior and welcoming signage, hinting at the immersive educational marine-life displays waiting inside.

Large life-size whale models hanging from the ceiling in a dimly lit exhibition hall with blue ambient lighting and a polished floor
Blue industrial building with large 'Whales of Iceland' signage and whale murals on the facade under a bright blue sky
Exterior of the Whales of Iceland exhibition building with large GEYMSLUR signage, a whale banner, and a blue entrance sign, surrounded by snow and parked cars
Reykjavík

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