The Settlement Exhibition
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About The Settlement Exhibition
The Settlement Exhibition, also known simply as Aðalstræti, is part of Reykjavík City Museum and sits underground in the city centre at Aðalstræti 16. It is built around the remains of a 10th-century Viking Age longhouse that archaeologists uncovered in 2001 and preserved where it was found.
The longhouse ruin is the centrepiece. North of it lies a wall fragment that is older still, dating from before 871, which makes it one of the oldest archaeological remains in Iceland. Displays around the ruin explain how the first settlers built their homes and lived in the Viking Age.
The exhibition continues underground from Aðalstræti 16 to Aðalstræti 10, built in 1762 as part of the Innréttingar workshops and one of the oldest buildings in Reykjavík. A section opened in May 2022 takes the story from settlement to the present day, following Reykjavík from a farm to a village, a town and then a city. There is a museum shop at Aðalstræti 16.
The museum is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00, so it works well on a rainy day or in winter. Admission has been listed at 2,900 ISK for adults, with free entry for children, seniors, disabled visitors and Reykjavík City Card holders; check the museum's price list before you go. Guided tours are offered, and groups of ten or more can book by arrangement. Most visitors spend about an hour here. It is a short walk from Austurvöllur square, the Parliament House and City Hall.
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Good to know
What is the Settlement Exhibition in Reykjavík?
It is an underground museum at Aðalstræti 16, part of Reykjavík City Museum, built around the ruins of a 10th-century Viking Age longhouse found in 2001.
What are the opening hours of the Settlement Exhibition?
The exhibition is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00.
How much does the Settlement Exhibition cost?
Admission has been listed at 2,900 ISK for adults, with free entry for children, seniors, disabled visitors and Reykjavík City Card holders; check the museum's price list for current fees.
Where is the Settlement Exhibition located?
It is in central Reykjavík at Aðalstræti 16, running underground to Aðalstræti 10, a short walk from Austurvöllur and City Hall.
How long do you need at the Settlement Exhibition?
Around an hour is enough for most visitors to see the longhouse ruin and the newer section on Reykjavík's later history.
Are there guided tours at the Settlement Exhibition?
Yes, guided tours are offered, and groups of ten or more can visit by arrangement.
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