Settlement Exhibition | Reykjavik

The Settlement Exhibition is a museum in Reykjavik, Iceland, built around the archaeological remains of one of the oldest human-made structures in the country. It is located in the city center, preserving a Viking Age longhouse and other artifacts.

Visual Characteristics

The exhibition is housed underground beneath a modern building, designed to protect the archaeological site. The primary visual elements are the excavated longhouse ruins, dating from the 9th to 10th centuries, preserved under glass flooring. The display incorporates interactive multimedia exhibits and reconstructions of the early settlement period. The building above ground is contemporary, integrating with the surrounding urban architecture.

Location & Access Logistics

The Settlement Exhibition is located at Aðalstræti 16, 101 Reykjavik. It is approximately 0.2 km from the city center's main square, Austurvöllur. Limited metered street parking is available on surrounding streets. Public transport is accessible via several Strætó bus lines, with stops such as Ráðhúsið or MR within a 5-minute walk.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The exhibition centers on the archaeological excavation of a Viking Age longhouse and a turf wall, believed to be among the earliest evidence of human settlement in Reykjavik. The longhouse dates to approximately 871 AD (+/- 2 years), as determined by tephrochronology (volcanic ash layers