Whales of Iceland is a natural history exhibition in Reykjavík’s Grandi harbour district, at Fiskislóð 23-25. Its 23 handmade, life-size models represent whale and dolphin species found in Icelandic waters, including a 25-metre blue whale. Walk beneath the models to take in their scale, then use the interactive displays and films to learn about whale biology, behaviour and conservation. The subdued lighting and ocean sounds create an underwater atmosphere. It’s a useful stop before or after a whale-watching trip, and families can find activities for children inside.
The exhibition in Grandi
Whales of Iceland is at Fiskislóð 23-25 in the Grandi harbour district. The exhibition is arranged in a large warehouse-like space, where life-size models hang overhead and visitors move among them. The collection represents 23 cetacean species found in Icelandic waters, including whales and dolphins. The models are handmade and painted, with some weighing as much as two tonnes.
The display gives you a way to compare the animals at full scale, from smaller species to the immense blue whale. A model of a humpback whale is positioned so you can walk beneath it. The sheer length of the blue whale model, at 25 metres, makes it a striking reference point as you move through the hall.
Learning about Iceland’s whales
Interactive information displays explain the species’ biology and behaviour, including details such as anatomy, mating habits and swimming patterns. Films and documentaries add another way to learn about the animals, while audio guides provide information as you explore. The exhibition uses dim lighting and ocean sounds to create an underwater feel around the models.
The museum was developed in collaboration with a local whale-watching company and Iceland’s Marine Research Institute. Its focus is on the cetaceans found in the surrounding seas, their behaviour and conservation. The information can help put a whale-watching trip in context: you can learn about the animals on land, then look for them at sea.
Tours and family activities
Guided tours are listed daily at 11 am and 3 pm, with a stated duration of 30 minutes. The tour is included with an entrance ticket. Check the current schedule before your visit, particularly if you want to plan around a specific tour time.
Children have activities of their own, including paper-whale folding and interactive displays. The venue also has a café, restrooms and a gift shop, which can make it easier to fit the exhibition into a family outing. The museum is in walking distance of Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, where many whale-watching trips depart, so it can be combined with a harbour visit.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Whales of Iceland?
The exhibition is at Fiskislóð 23-25 in Reykjavík’s Grandi harbour district, within walking distance of the Old Harbor.
How many whale models are on display?
There are 23 life-size models representing cetacean species found in Icelandic waters.
Are guided tours available?
Guided tours are listed daily at 11 am and 3 pm and last 30 minutes. They are included with an entrance ticket; check the schedule before you go.
Is Whales of Iceland suitable for children?
Yes. The exhibition has child-focused activities, including paper-whale folding and interactive displays.
