National Museum of Iceland

Ron first got a taxi to Tjörnin’s western edge, and a bit beyond, to his next destination: the National Museum (Þjóðminjasafn Íslands; Ikr600), which had many artifacts from Icelandic and Norse history. This superb museum displays artifacts from Settlement to the modern age. Exhibits give an excellent overview of Iceland’s history and culture. The strongest section described the Settlement Era – including how the chieftains ruled and the introduction of Christianity – and features swords, drinking horns, silver hoards and a powerful little bronze figure of Thor. The priceless 13th-century Valþjófsstaðir church door was carved with the story of a knight, his faithful lion and a passel of dragons. It featured a battle scene.
Upstairs, Ron saw collections spanning from 1600 to today which gave a clear sense of how Iceland struggled under foreign rule and finally gained independence. Simple, homely objects utilized every scrap; he checked out the gaming pieces made from cod ear bones, and the wooden doll that doubled as a kitchen utensil.
Free English tours ran at 11am on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from mid-May to September, so he was out of luck, since it was Tuesday. Nonetheless, most things were explained in English as well as Icelandic. He enjoyed his visit.Read more