Tales from Iceland
Tales from Iceland
5
Speciality Museums • History Museums
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This location was reported permanently closed
About
Dear traveler, we regret to announce that as of March 18, Tales from Iceland will be closed until further notice, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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from $18.47
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- DrowleyHertfordshire, United Kingdom17 contributionsBrilliant!From the outside the museum doesnt look like much, on our second day in Iceland we decided to give it a go. Its brilliant! its a museum with vitual reality experiences on the bottom floor with videos showing different aspects of iceland and history on the second floor. Without even realising we had spent well over and hour in this little jem.Dear DSRowley, thank you for your review. My only worry is, that if you entered this boring-looking place already on your second day in Iceland, that you were not having all the fun you should in Iceland! Except, of course, this was January when all roads out of Reykjavik were closed day in and day out, and there was absolutely nothing to to!!! Well, the fact that time flew by at Tales, if only for an hour, tells me that you really enjoyed your visit. And, truth to be told, I am pretty confident, your Iceland visit was a blast throughout, right?-)Written February 9, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2020Written February 8, 2020
- Paul MRuislip, United Kingdom109 contributionsGlad We DidWalking around the city we was looking for something to kill an hour when we stumbled upon this place we were undecided wether to go in or not but are glad we did. It’s a bit like an interactive tourist centre and it’s like going on a tour of Iceland with a very informative guide. There are approx 20 exhibits over 2 floors which consist of short video info or VR. All only 3 to 4 minutes long. You help yourself toes and coffee and sit in comfy sofas watching the screens. The staff are all very friendly and helpful and it’s very reasonably priced. It’s like being in someone’s house and them teaching you all about Iceland.Dear PaulM439, thank you for your review. We are very happy you stumbled in to our "home" and glad we were able to help you kill time in an entertaining way! An interactive tourist center sounds great, although I probably wouldn't like to live there, - a bit too busy for a home, but just fine and fun for 9 hours a day!Written February 16, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 15, 2020
- fazxcGillingham, United Kingdom137 contributionsReal gem and Excellent value for moneyNot like any other museum. Short videos showing history of Iceland, its people, culture and lots more besides. The virtual reality tours are a fantastic experience. You can take endless backdrop photos for free (unlike other places that have extortionate charges). Props and at least 10 different backdrops. Give yourself at least 2 hours to go round in a relaxed and comfortable manner, whilst enjoying unlimited coffee, hot chocolate, coke, lemonade and choc crispy wafers. The host was great and explained how to use everything. A real go to place not to be missed. One of the very few places in Reykjavik which is definitely real value for money.Dear fazxc, thank you for your review. Yes, I knew it! That one place in Reykjavik, where you get a good deal!-) Ha, ha, ha! Well, as you may know, the standard of living in Iceland is high and wages in absolute (and relative) terms are quite high. Yet, when we locals go abroad to lower priced countries, we are certainly guilty of shouting and screaming when being charged a buck or two for a cup of coffee. I can only imagine how it feels for tourists to visit Iceland and be hit with our price levels. So, thanks again, we're really happy you got a bang for your buck!Written February 15, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 15, 2020
- woodie2Epsom, United Kingdom47 contributionsworth going for 1-2hoursWe went here when a storm was on so was pretty empty. We comfortably spent 90mins here with no waiting for anything. Good history lesson on Iceland and a few interactice things to play with. Green screen makes for fun to get some fun picturesDear NickWood, thank you for your review. During bad weather (very seldom in Iceland ...;-), we strive to keep open to provide an alternative to your hotel room. This time the storm hit so hard that most places shut down and while we remained open only a few heroes like you fought their way in! Glad you did and glad you had fun!Written February 20, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2020Written February 19, 2020
- Phil JNottingham, United Kingdom15 contributionsVaried and amusing exhibits, close to main shopping street.We spent a couple of hours here, with a number of VR experiences and short films running all the time over 2 floors, providing information on all aspects of Iceland's nature and history. Complementary coffee and snacks throughout our visit. Not too crowded, but welcoming and enjoyable.Dear Phil , thank you for your review. Glad you had a good time at Tales, and truth to be told, I'm not feeling terribly bad we managed cut your shopping street tour short. While Laugavegur is a nice walk (I should know, I live close by and stroll it almost daily), one of the relatively few areas (ahem) we Icelanders don't try to claim as world's best, is our shopping. Although, come to think of it ...;-)Written February 15, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2020Written February 15, 2020
- BriLondon, United Kingdom12 contributionsA must do in ReykjavikVery fun and interactive! Two floors with different areas dedicated to specific things about Iceland. Fun virtual reality of the northern lights and view from a helicopter. Also a fun photo box and free coffee/ soft drinks. Super friendly staff and very affordable! We learnt a lot about Iceland and had fun!!!Dear fleurdebri, thank you for your review. I tell you, I counted the word "fun" four times in your review (and what's more, not once did you mention you were bored!-). Ha, ha, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for coming and having all this fun. We never get enough of it at Tales and believe all our treasured guest are entitled to get all the fun they like. I trust you are continuing having fun in Iceland. If not, come back!Written February 18, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 17, 2020
- Jamie80Ballwin, Missouri88 contributionsFun for all ages!This is a fun place to visit especially on a day the weather isn’t nice! You could spend several hours here. Hands on activities and Interesting history. Free refreshments (soda and snacks).Visited November 2019Traveled with friendsWritten September 12, 2020
- Steve H33 contributionsWeekend VisitFound this place accidentally on the map so gave it a go. It was well worth it, a good hour spent. Learnt so much about Iceland from the comfort of chairs and watching various videos and using virtual reality goggles. The complimentary coffee and snacks is a nice touch. The chap on the entrance desk is very helpful and friendly. He is also knowledgeable about Iceland, so don't be afraid to ask him questions!!!Dear Steve, thank you for your review. Just goes to show, sometimes accidents can be a fortunate incident!-) But my compliments to you, while I don't know which map you researched, picking us up on any of those, considering the information and ads packed in, is pretty good detective work! If asked, I'll be happy to do all the research I can for our guests, and if I come up with nothing, I'll "call a friend", Stevlock!-)Written March 7, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten March 7, 2020
- Sharon HLichfield, United Kingdom1 contributionSharonSuch an interesting place to visit! I learned so much about Iceland watching informative videos about a variety of topics. The virtual reality available was amazing! Complimentary non alcoholic drinks and cookies. Toilet facilities very clean. The owner was very welcoming and knowledgeable. Great place to spend an interesting couple of hours.Dear Sharon , thank you for your review. Happy you had a great time. My only concern, is if perhaps we did disappoint you by not offering complimentary alcoholic drinks? Ha, ha, - just kidding, we would go bankrupt before end of day, sourcing alcohol at Icelandic through-the-roof-taxed prices and giving it away. But that's why you *can* beer and light wine at Tales for cost +. And thank you for noticing our toilet hygiene, - very important for us (this time, no kidding!-)Written March 8, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten March 7, 2020
- dajaelerHilton Head, South Carolina24 contributionsFun experienceThis was an interesting experience and I highly recommend it. Frederick (owner, I believe) was very attentive and helpful. A hidden gem for all ages. Older children and teens will thoroughly enjoy this experience. Nice amenities as well - chocolate, hot chocolate and snacks at no additional cost.Dear dajaeler, thank you for your review. Glad you found us interesting and fun. No wonder, since Fridrik (you almost got his name right), nickname Frikki took care of you. Frikki is a gem, certainly not hidden and his great mood comes free-of-charge included in admission to Tales. He is adored by infants, babies, children, teens, older children and very very old children. Thank you for your recommendation!-)Written March 9, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2020Written March 8, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
539 reviews
Excellent
463
Very good
64
Average
6
Poor
5
Terrible
1
woodie2
Epsom, UK47 contributions
Feb 2020
We went here when a storm was on so was pretty empty. We comfortably spent 90mins here with no waiting for anything. Good history lesson on Iceland and a few interactice things to play with. Green screen makes for fun to get some fun pictures
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear NickWood, thank you for your review. During bad weather (very seldom in Iceland ...;-), we strive to keep open to provide an alternative to your hotel room. This time the storm hit so hard that most places shut down and while we remained open only a few heroes like you fought their way in! Glad you did and glad you had fun!
Written February 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Phil J
Nottingham, UK15 contributions
Feb 2020
We spent a couple of hours here, with a number of VR experiences and short films running all the time over 2 floors, providing information on all aspects of Iceland's nature and history. Complementary coffee and snacks throughout our visit. Not too crowded, but welcoming and enjoyable.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Phil , thank you for your review. Glad you had a good time at Tales, and truth to be told, I'm not feeling terribly bad we managed cut your shopping street tour short. While Laugavegur is a nice walk (I should know, I live close by and stroll it almost daily), one of the relatively few areas (ahem) we Icelanders don't try to claim as world's best, is our shopping. Although, come to think of it ...;-)
Written February 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bri
London, UK12 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Very fun and interactive! Two floors with different areas dedicated to specific things about Iceland. Fun virtual reality of the northern lights and view from a helicopter. Also a fun photo box and free coffee/ soft drinks. Super friendly staff and very affordable! We learnt a lot about Iceland and had fun!!!
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear fleurdebri, thank you for your review. I tell you, I counted the word "fun" four times in your review (and what's more, not once did you mention you were bored!-). Ha, ha, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for coming and having all this fun. We never get enough of it at Tales and believe all our treasured guest are entitled to get all the fun they like. I trust you are continuing having fun in Iceland. If not, come back!
Written February 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jamie80
Ballwin, MO88 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
This is a fun place to visit especially on a day the weather isn’t nice! You could spend several hours here. Hands on activities and Interesting history. Free refreshments (soda and snacks).
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve H
33 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Found this place accidentally on the map so gave it a go. It was well worth it, a good hour spent. Learnt so much about Iceland from the comfort of chairs and watching various videos and using virtual reality goggles. The complimentary coffee and snacks is a nice touch. The chap on the entrance desk is very helpful and friendly. He is also knowledgeable about Iceland, so don't be afraid to ask him questions!!!
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Steve, thank you for your review. Just goes to show, sometimes accidents can be a fortunate incident!-) But my compliments to you, while I don't know which map you researched, picking us up on any of those, considering the information and ads packed in, is pretty good detective work! If asked, I'll be happy to do all the research I can for our guests, and if I come up with nothing, I'll "call a friend", Stevlock!-)
Written March 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sharon H
Lichfield, UK1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Couples
Such an interesting place to visit! I learned so much about Iceland watching informative videos about a variety of topics. The virtual reality available was amazing! Complimentary non alcoholic drinks and cookies. Toilet facilities very clean. The owner was very welcoming and knowledgeable. Great place to spend an interesting couple of hours.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sharon , thank you for your review. Happy you had a great time. My only concern, is if perhaps we did disappoint you by not offering complimentary alcoholic drinks? Ha, ha, - just kidding, we would go bankrupt before end of day, sourcing alcohol at Icelandic through-the-roof-taxed prices and giving it away. But that's why you *can* beer and light wine at Tales for cost +. And thank you for noticing our toilet hygiene, - very important for us (this time, no kidding!-)
Written March 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dajaeler
Hilton Head, SC24 contributions
Mar 2020
This was an interesting experience and I highly recommend it. Frederick (owner, I believe) was very attentive and helpful. A hidden gem for all ages. Older children and teens will thoroughly enjoy this experience. Nice amenities as well - chocolate, hot chocolate and snacks at no additional cost.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear dajaeler, thank you for your review. Glad you found us interesting and fun. No wonder, since Fridrik (you almost got his name right), nickname Frikki took care of you. Frikki is a gem, certainly not hidden and his great mood comes free-of-charge included in admission to Tales. He is adored by infants, babies, children, teens, older children and very very old children. Thank you for your recommendation!-)
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sanjeev S
3 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
Just has a bunch of TVs each playing a 3 minute video. No exhibitions, artifacts or art. The videos themselves are mildy interesting. Not even something I would watch at home, let alone while visiting Rekjavik where time is very limited
Written May 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sanjeev, thank you for your review. Managing expectations is important for any service-based business and somehow we failed doing so in your case. Tales from Iceland is a video museum with the majority of our content presented through short video films, and a few exhibitions on the side. I wonder if you perhaps missed out on our second floor? It runs eight screens with films that have been years in the making by our professional filmmakers. Those are made by going through Icelandic news-clips a century back in time, and can not be seen anywhere else, certainly not at home ;-/ In any event, I am very sorry you regret the time you spent with us, but sincerely hope you had a good time visiting Reykjavik.
Written May 31, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Audrey F
kirkcaldy,scotland473 contributions
Mar 2020
Fantastic place! Had a great visit here. We were the only ones in, so had plenty time to see everything. Owner is lovely, very friendly. Nice hot chocolate and Hraum 💟
Written April 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sgreen421
sgreen42144 contributions
Just returned from a family vacation to Reykjavik and had a few hours to kill before our walking city tour. Husband and 1 daughter wanted to relax so my other daughter and I went. Had the whole place to ourselves since it was a little after opening. They suggest to start on the 2nd floor which is full of TV screens with simultaneously timed brief videos about Iceland's history, sports, industry, entertainers and essentially fun facts. The 1st floor where you enter is where they have the virtual reality experiences where you can fly over Iceland or experience the Northern Lights. Nicely done. Fun time taking pictures with the props and green screen. Complimentary soda, coffee, water and treats. Fun and informative, but definitely look for the coupon in the city guide book!
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear sgreen421, thank you for your review. It looks as you had a great time at Tales, and I am confused for why you rated us as "average". I'll just have to guess where we can do better, cross the t's and dot the i's. I hope you had a great time in Iceland and that you are safe and sound back home by now.
Written March 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KStaterWillTravel
Lawrence, KS135 contributions
What age group is this for?
Tales from Iceland was originally thought of for say 16+, however it turns out that kids from 6 years of age, even younger have a good time at Tales, perhaps as our films are all less than 4-min, and as such, within most everybody's attention span. Lately, we have also added a few interactive stops that greatly appeal to the young and youngest generation.
cpoole0727
South Jordan, UT5 contributions
Is your location wheelchair accessible?
Dear cpoole072, thank you for asking. For the last two years we have been renovating our 70 year old building to modern standards. The lower level with about half of the movies is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair accessibility for second level requires two lifts. One has already been installed, the other one will be installed in September. Until then, we gladly assist our guests in getting to the upper level by stairs. If that is not possible, we provide a complimentary access to the lower level.
다이 양
Niagara Falls, Canada6 contributions
Thanks you for comforting
Gunnhildur G
Reykjavik, Iceland4 contributions
Thank you very much for your visit!
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