Whales of Iceland

Whales of Iceland is an exhibition hall at Fiskislóð 23-25 in the Grandi harbour district of Reykjavik, Iceland, a short distance from the Old Harbour. It displays 23 life-size whale models representing the species recorded in Icelandic waters, from the small harbour porpoise to the blue whale, the largest animal ever to have lived. The models are hung and arranged across a single large hall, so visitors walk beneath and alongside them and can judge their true scale.

Each species is accompanied by information panels, and an audio guide, included with admission, explains the biology, behaviour and migration patterns of the whales found around Iceland. Guided tours run in English at set times, with 11:00 and 15:00 listed, led by staff who add detail on whale watching, conservation and the history of whaling in the North Atlantic. A small café and gift shop are on site, and the hall also has an area for younger visitors.

A visit usually takes about one to one and a half hours. The exhibition is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 and closes on 25 December. Rainy days are a natural fit because the attraction is fully indoors, and the guided tour times are good moments to arrive, though the hall is large enough that it rarely feels crowded. It also works well as a preview or follow-up to a whale watching trip from the Old Harbour, since the models help visitors recognise species they might spot at sea.

Adult admission is ISK 4,000. Children aged 7-15 pay ISK 2,000, those under 7 enter free, and a family ticket for two adults and two children costs ISK 8,000. The walk from Harpa takes about 20 minutes along the harbour, and city buses also serve Grandi. For photography, the best angles are from the floor looking up at the larger models, particularly the blue whale and sperm whale, where the wide hall allows a full-length shot.