Whales of Iceland Exhibition, Reykjavik (must see)

Whales of Iceland Exhibition is a modern museum dedicated to the marine giants that inhabit the waters around Iceland. Opened in 2015 in the Grandi harbour district, the exhibition was created to bring together scientific knowledge, conservation awareness, and visual storytelling in a single indoor space.

The exhibition is best known for its 23 full-scale whale models, representing every whale species found in Icelandic waters. Suspended within a large, dimly lit hall, these life-size replicas include a 25-meter-long blue whale, alongside species such as the humpback whale, sperm whale, orca, and the critically endangered Atlantic right whale.

Unlike traditional displays, the models are designed to be touched, with soft, flexible surfaces that allow visitors to better understand the size and texture of these animals. Informational panels and interactive stands provide clear explanations of anatomy, behavior, migration patterns, and feeding habits, encouraging visitors of all ages to engage more deeply.

Beyond the visual impact, the exhibition incorporates sound and atmosphere to recreate an underwater environment. Gentle ambient lighting, paired with recorded whale calls, creates a calm setting, while the black-and-yellow floor reflects Iceland’s coastal landscape. Interactive elements explore communication, echolocation, and conservation challenges, while also addressing the history of whaling in Iceland.

Visitors can use virtual reality glasses to explore an underwater world, simulating a walk along the seafloor among whales while learning about different species. An audio guide, available in English, German, and Icelandic, and daily guided tours are included at no extra cost.