Árbær Open Air Museum

Just over five miles outside the center of Reykjavik is a piece of land that looks like an odd assortment of buildings and lodgings. On closer inspection, one will find themselves transported back to the 1800s. This stretch of land was once a farm, but now is home to more than nearly three dozen structures. The Árbær Open Air Museum was opened in 1957 and now gives modern-day visitors a chance to see how Icelanders of the past once lived.

The park is divided into serval sections, from a town square to a small village to an area dedicated to country living. This breakdown helps illustrate the various architectural styles spanning the 19th to 20th centuries. During the summer months, costumed actors assist in showing visitors, through demonstrations, what life was like during these times in Reykjavík’s history.

One is free to roam this municipal park, including access to the interior of many of the buildings. This includes such structures as a church, school, and a general store. In the summer, the lot comes to life with meandering live animals.