Árbaer Open Air Museum (Árbaejarsafn)

The basics

Since 1957, this museum has shown visitors how the people of Iceland lived in years past. Explore the site independently to see a turf-roofed church, a quaint house turned into a café, and grazing animals, tended to by costumed guides. Visitors can save time by purchasing admission tickets in advance. The museum also participates in the Reykjavik City Card, which offers free admission to a number of attractions across the city.

Things to know before you go

• The Arbaer Open-Air Folk Museum is a must-see attraction for history buffs and families interested in educational experiences.
• The open setting of the museum provides ample space for kids to run around.
• Families may want to seek out the toy exhibition, displaying toys and games from the last century.
• The museum is largely accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but some areas are cobbled or can be impacted by weather conditions.
• Guided tours are available in English daily.

How to get there

Southeast of the Reykjavik city center at Kistuhylur 4, the Arbaer Museum can be reached on the number 12, 19, or 22 bus. Parking is also available.

When to get there

The most popular time to visit the Arbaer Museum is during the summer months, when extra events fill the calendar, including arts-and-crafts demonstrations. Opening hours vary at the museum seasonally, with longer hours from June through August and limited hours from September through May.

Origins of the museum

Where the museum is set today, a working farm once stood. Most of the 20 buildings that recreate a village square and small town were preserved and relocated from the center of Reykjavik. They offer a sense of the architecture of Old Reykjavik and form a scenic backdrop for a range of events, from vintage car displays to Christmas exhibits.

Ways to explore

If you’re interested in learning about life in 19th and early 20th-century Iceland, there’s lots to see and do at the Árbaer Open Air Museum. Wander around the original Árbaer farmstead and village, and peek inside more than 20 traditional turf and wooden houses.

Admission includes an optional guided tour by costumed guides, and there are often live demonstrations of traditional activities such as wool spinning or cheese-making. Most travelers visit on a side trip from nearby Reykjavik, and free admission is included with the Reykjavik City Card.

Accessibility

Parts of the open-air museum are accessible for wheelchairs and those with limited mobility, but there are narrow passageways and staircases inside some of the historic homes. Footpaths are mostly gravel, and you will need to navigate uneven terrain; two beach wheelchairs are available to borrow, but must be pushed by an adult. Free tours are provided for the visually impaired by prior booking, and service dogs are welcome.

Age limits

The museum is great fun for kids, and children under 17 can visit for free.

What to pack

Your Reykjavik City Card, camera, sunscreen, sunglasses

What to wear

Weather-appropriate clothing, raincoat (even in summer!), comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven ground

Not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, bikes, skateboards, pets except service animals, filming or professional photography (permits required)

Amenities

Café, gift shop, old-style sweet shop, restrooms with baby changing facilities, benches, picnic areas

Address

Árbaer Open Air Museum is located in Árbaer, about 6 miles (9 kilometers) southeast of Reykjavik. You can reach the museum by car, bus, or taxi from the city.

Driving

From Reykjavik city center, head eastbound along Road 49 to Höfðabakki, then follow the signs to Árbaejarsafn. It’s about a 15-minute drive, and free parking is available at the museum.

Public transportation

If you don’t have your own wheels, you can also take bus number 12 from Lækjartorg B in central Reykjavik to Höfðabakki, right outside the museum. Buses typically leave every 10-30 minutes, depending on the day, and it’s about a 50-minute journey.

Best times to visit

The museum is open year-round, but opening hours vary; typical summer opening hours are 10am to 5pm. It’s worth timing your visit to catch the guided tour at 1pm.

Best days to visit

Weekends can get busy with families during the summer, so opt for a weekday visit if you want to avoid the crowds. Note that buses run less frequently on the weekends.

Best months to visit

June through August is peak season in the area, and the museum opens all day with regular demonstrations and live entertainment. The rest of the year, it’s only open in the afternoon.

Special events

The museum regularly hosts craft days and special exhibitions in the summer season, most notably on June 17th, Iceland’s National Day. It’s also known for its festive exhibitions and activities over the Christmas period.