The Settlement Exhibition was created purely by chance. In 2001, construction on Reykjavík’s Aðalstræti street, in the city center, uncovered archaeological ruins, the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavík. Digging exposed a wall fragment dating from roughly 871 AD and a longhouse from the 10th century.
The discovery shocked the construction workers. Eventually, the city built a museum around the discovery. A detailed exhibition on Reykjavík’s Viking Age history was born.
The careful excavation preserved the ruins and serves as the Settlement Exhibition&#8217;s primary focus. It’s pretty remarkable that visitors can learn about Reykjavik’s long history just below the surface, in the middle of downtown Reykjavík.
Settlers inhabited the longhouse from 930-1000, making it one of the oldest man-made structures found in Iceland. Also on display at the Settlement Exhibition are objects from the Viking age found in Reykjavík and the island of Víðey, just off the coast.
Multimedia technology accompanies the structures, allowing visitors to see what life was like for Reykjavík’s first settlers. Additionally, information is included on how Viking Age structures were built.
Indeed, there’s a three-dimensional image of what the longhouse may have looked like hundreds of years ago. Two interactive touch screens give information about the history of the Vikings’ expansion and how they settled new countries.
<h2>Family-friendly fun at Settlement Exhibition</h2>
This multimedia Settlement Exhibition is great for kids and includes a children’s activity area with toys similar to those during Iceland’s early days of settlement.
Furthermore, the Settlement Exhibition expanded in 2022 with a new display where visitors get insight into the complex history and culture of Reykjavík. Guests can visit the oldest house in the city centre at Aðalstræti 10, just steps away from the main museum.
Moreover, guided tours are available from June to August at 11:00 am Monday-Friday. Audio guides are available free of charge for visitors in English, French, Norwegian and German.
Opening hours of The Settlement Exhibition 
Open daily 10:00 am -17:00 (5 pm)
GPS: 64.147294 N, -21.942687 W

The Settlement Exhibition

Safety & Responsibility

Check the weather forecast and road conditions every day.

Weather can be unpredictable

Put litter in the bin and recycle when possible.

Help keep Iceland clean

Follow the Icelandic road rules, and remember that off-roading is strictly forbidden as it damages natural landscapes.

Safe roads, safe people

Keep to marked trails and read any warning and safety signs. If in doubt, use common sense or turn back.

The Settlement Exhibition

Photo Gallery