The Settlement Exhibition in the center of Reykjavik is a place where Iceland's history literally emerges from the ground. This unusual museum was built around the authentic excavations of a hut from 930 AD - exactly the period when the first parliament was established in nearby Þingvellir. Walking along the glass walkways above the ruins, you can see exactly where the walls of the first Icelandic homes stood, where the hearth burned, and where supplies were stored for the long, cold winter. There is a special interactive zone for children with games and props – they can try on helmets, touch replicas of tools, and understand what everyday life was like for the Vikings. The museum offers free admission for children under 12, making it a great option for families planning a vacation with children. Multimedia exhibitions tell not only about settlement, but also about sagas - those epic stories passed down orally through generations before they were written down on parchment.

Not far from the capital, in Hafnarfjörður, is Víðistaðatún, an open park with reconstructions of Viking huts, which is an ideal place for family outings. This is not a typical museum behind glass—here, children can run freely between buildings, look inside, and feel the atmosphere of a Viking settlement. The park comes alive during the annual Viking festival, when reenactors in full costume appear, demonstrations of combat take place, craft workshops are held, and stories of legendary heroes from the sagas are told. Nearby is Fjörukráin, a restaurant styled as a Viking banquet hall, where you can try traditional Icelandic dishes in an authentic atmosphere. The walls are decorated with shields and swords, and the staff wear Viking-inspired costumes. It's the perfect place to end a day of exploration, enjoying lamb or freshly caught fish prepared according to old recipes.

Viking World in Reykjanesbær, near Keflavík International Airport, is a small but extremely intense museum that should be on the list of every Nordic history lover. The main attraction is a replica of the Íslendingur ship - a full-scale reconstruction of a Viking longship that sailed across the Atlantic from Iceland to New York in 2000, repeating Leif Eriksson's legendary voyage to Vinland around the year 1000. What makes this ship unique? It was built entirely by hand, using traditional methods, without the use of modern tools - exactly as the Norse did over a thousand years ago. Standing next to this impressive piece of craftsmanship, one can understand the courage of the Vikings who sailed the unknown waters of the ocean in such boats. The museum offers four themed exhibitions, including one devoted to everyday life, Norse religions, and the art of navigation. There are interactive stations for children, where they can learn to tie sailing knots or understand how the Vikings navigated by the stars.

Stöng Viking-era Long house in the Þjórsárdalur valley is one of the most authentic places where you can feel the spirit of the Viking era. The original hut in Stöng was destroyed by the eruption of the Hekla volcano in 1104—ash and pumice literally buried the settlement, preserving it like Iceland's Pompeii. The ruins were discovered in the 1930s, and between 1974 and 1977, on the occasion of the 1100th anniversary of the settlement of Iceland, a full-scale reconstruction - Þjóðveldisbærinn - was built a few hundred meters away. This is not a simplified model, but a careful reconstruction of 10th-century huts, based on archaeological research of the original site. Upon entering, you find yourself in a long hall with a central hearth, where smoke rose to the ceiling before escaping through holes in the roof. The walls are covered with peat, a natural insulator that protected against the Arctic cold. For families with children, there is a special attraction: the opportunity to try on authentic replicas of Viking costumes and hold replicas of weapons in their hands. It is an ideal opportunity for family photos and a real immersion in history.

The Þjórsárdalur valley itself is a fascinating place - located along Iceland's longest river, Þjórsá, it offers dramatic landscapes with basalt formations and waterfalls. Not far from Stöng is Hjálparfoss, a double waterfall surrounded by basalt columns, which is a perfect place for a picnic after sightseeing. Stöng's location in the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, allows families to explore in peace in natural surroundings. Children can run around freely, explore the ruins of the original settlement (which are open to visitors), and parents can enjoy the views of the mountains and valley. It is worth planning at least half a day for this place to fully appreciate both the reconstruction and the surrounding nature. The drive from Reykjavik takes about 90 minutes, making Stöng an ideal destination for a day trip, often combined with a visit to Þingvellir, the site of the first Viking parliament.

The Viking Town in Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) is another gem for families looking for authentic experiences related to Norse history. The islands are named after Irish slaves (Westmen) who fled here from the continent during the Viking era. The museum offers reconstructions of buildings and interactive exhibits showing what life was like on these isolated islands during the settlement period. The location is unique—Vestmannaeyjar is a volcanic archipelago where a dramatic eruption in 1973 nearly destroyed the main town. This modern geological history adds an extra dimension to the visit, showing how Icelanders have had to cope with unpredictable nature over the centuries. There are Viking craft workshops for children, where they can try their hand at weaving, working with wool, or making simple tools. Getting to the islands requires a ferry crossing, which is an adventure in itself for younger travelers.

Viking Park Iceland near Vík offers a completely different approach to Viking history – it is a combination of a museum, amusement park, and educational center. Located in southern Iceland, in an area famous for its black beaches and dramatic cliffs, the park uses its natural surroundings to create an immersive experience. The reconstructions include not only residential huts, but also craft workshops, a smithy, and even a small replica ship. Guides in period costumes tell sagas by the fire, demonstrate ancient survival techniques, and teach how the Vikings navigated the seas without a compass. Special educational programs have been prepared for families with children, where younger participants can learn the runic alphabet, try their hand at archery, or learn the secrets of Viking cuisine. The park is open seasonally, mainly during the summer months when the weather is conducive to outdoor activities. It is worth planning a visit for a few hours to take full advantage of all the attractions available.

Kögunarhóll is one of the most mysterious and least known Viking sites in Iceland. It is an archaeological site of a Viking ship burial - an extremely rare type of grave where the deceased was buried with the entire ship, symbolizing his last journey to Valhalla. Although the boat itself has not survived the test of time (the wood has decayed in the acidic soil), the shape of the mound and the archaeological finds confirm that this is where one of the first settlers was laid to rest. The site is not an elaborate museum, but rather a historical landmark in the open landscape, marked with an information board. For families looking for authentic, non-commercial experiences, Kögunarhóll offers the opportunity to contemplate history in peace, away from the crowds of tourists. You can come here for a picnic, let your children run around the meadows and tell them about Viking beliefs about life after death, about Valhalla – the hall of fallen warriors, and about Norse gods such as Odin, Thor and Freyja.

When planning family trips in the footsteps of the Vikings in Iceland, it is worth remembering a few practical aspects. Most places operate seasonally - the full offer is available from June to August, when the days are longest and the weather is most predictable. Some locations, such as Stöng or Viking Park Iceland, may be closed or offer limited access during the off-season. Admission prices vary, from free archaeological sites such as Kögunarhóll, to moderately priced museums such as the Settlement Exhibition, to more expensive complexes such as Viking World. Many places offer family discounts or free admission for children, making the Icelandic countryside accessible to families on a variety of budgets. Logistically, it is best to base yourself in Reykjavik and organize day trips from there – most of the places described are within a 1-2 hour drive of the capital. Combining several attractions into one route (for example, the Settlement Exhibition in the morning, then Víðistaðatún and lunch at Fjörukráin) allows you to make the most of your time and create a complete Viking Iceland experience for the whole family.