What are the opening hours?

Opening hours vary seasonally. Most museums have longer hours in summer (June-August) and reduced hours in winter.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Most Icelandic museums welcome families. Many have interactive exhibits and special programs for children.

Are guided tours available?

Many museums offer guided tours, audio guides, or informational materials in multiple languages.

Iceland/capital-region

National Library of Iceland

Guardian of Iceland's literary heritage — manuscripts, sagas, and 500 years of printed history.

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At a Glance

Visit time

30 minutes–1 hour (for a visit to the public reading room)

Best season

Any time of year — fully indoors

Access

Arngrímsgata 3, Reykjavík. Near the National Museum.

GPS

64.1428, -21.9508

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About

About National Library of Iceland

Guardian of Iceland's literary heritage — manuscripts, sagas, and 500 years of printed history.

Home to irreplaceable medieval manuscripts including illuminated sagas — the written heart of Icelandic civilisation.

Photos

Photo Gallery

Background

History & Background

National Library of Iceland has been a significant site in Iceland's landscape. Throughout the years, this location has played an important role in Icelandic culture and natural history.

National Library of Iceland is a remarkable museum in Iceland. The National Library of Iceland (Þjóðarbókhlöðan) at Arngrímsgata 3 in Reykjavík is Iceland's principal library and the custodian of the country's pri... Iceland has one of the world's highest per-capita reading rates, and the National Library stands at the heart of that culture. The original library was established in Reykjavík in 1818 to serve the newly formed governmental institutions of Iceland. T. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Iceland's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Iceland has one of the world's highest per-capita reading rates, and the National Library stands at the heart of that culture. The original library was established in Reykjavík in 1818 to serve the newly formed governmental institutions of Iceland. The current building on Arngrímsgata, designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson, was completed in 1994 and is a striking example of modernist architecture using Icelandic basalt stone cladding. The library's manuscript collection includes treasures from the Arnamagnaean Collection — Icelandic vellum manuscripts returned from Denmark in the 1970s.

💡 Did You Know?

The library holds over one million items including handwritten manuscripts from the 13th century. Iceland has one of the highest per-capita rates of book publishing in the world.

Local Legend

Legends of null

null has been part of Icelandic folklore for generations. Local tales speak of hidden people (huldufólk) and other supernatural beings who inhabit the area. According to tradition, this place deserves respect and visitors should be mindful of the ancient spirits who call it home.

Experiences

Tours Near National Library of Iceland

Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation

Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike

From $7240

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Private 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights

From $7400

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Culture

Stories & Legends

Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area

icelandic saga

Engey

Engey is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Njáls saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

icelandic saga

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Harðar saga og Hólmverja", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.