The Saga Museum at the Grandi harbour district brings the Icelandic sagas to life through 17 life-sized wax figure tableaux depicting key scenes and characters from Iceland's foundational medieval literature — Ingólfur Arnarson (the first permanent settler in 874 AD), Leifur Eiríksson (who reached North America 500 years before Columbus), Snorri Sturluson (the medieval historian and author of the Prose Edda), and the Viking-era witch burnings, raids, and feuds that shape Icelandic self-understanding.
The figures are remarkably detailed (modelled on real contemporary Icelanders, many of whom are relatives of the sculptor), and the audio guide (available in 13 languages) provides enough historical context for the uninitiated. The museum is especially useful for understanding Iceland's medieval literary heritage before visiting Þingvellir or the saga sites in the northern and western parts of the country.
Verified Facts
The museum features 17 life-sized wax figure tableaux
Ingólfur Arnarson was Iceland's first permanent settler in 874 AD
Leifur Eiríksson reached North America 500 years before Columbus
Snorri Sturluson wrote the Prose Edda
Get walking directions
2 Grandagarður, Vesturhöfn, Reykjavík, 101, Iceland
