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“Interesting university, but not worth going out of your way to visit”

Oct 2018

Unless your a hardcore academic, you probably won’t find the national university to be that interesting. While it’s the largest university in Iceland, there’s not much to explore. It’s next to the National Museum of Iceland, so if you have a few extra minutes its worth walking around the campus a bit.

By Helen C

“A working environment”

Mar 2016

I went in here one windy afternoon. I didn’t wander around it too much as it was more a working environment and I was very conscious of that. I didn’t manage to get on the wifi, I’m not sure there is free wifi unless you are a student. There are lots of tables where you can work. It would be nice to go back, and explore more of the library.

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

4.0

8 reviews

Excellent

1

Very good

5

Average

2

Poor

0

Terrible

0

Enid K

Boston, MA240 contributions

Charming and helpful library - and cafe!

Jun 2014 • Couples

Being a librarian and general library nerd, I can't help but want to check out libraries in cities and towns I visit. Some are tiny and quaint, some are grand and historic. The National and University Library of Iceland is somewhere in between, but has its own unique features which would make it a nice quick stop. Of course, if you have serious academic research to do, you will want to stay much longer.

The Library was formed by the merger of the National Library and the library for the University of Iceland. It is also open to the public, and provides the electronic resources to the entire country - and a pretty decent suite of them!

The building is fascinating; a modern interpretation of a castle in stark red and white, complete with a moat and earthen fortifications. It is located just a little west of the pond (Tjörnin).

The main floor has the reference area and some art exhibits (including a huge tapestry which was a gift from Norway and stained glass panels representing Iceland's past, present and future. The Reference Librarian was most helpful and recommended we check out the Greenland style kayak on the lower floor by the Archives, It was well worth seeing, complete with gear of all sorts.

The cafe serves tasty and reasonable (for Iceland) coffee and snacks and light meals. Well worth a quick stop.

Written July 12, 2014

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.

Postcards4Clarabelle

Arlington, VA102 contributions

Interesting university, but not worth going out of your way to visit

Oct 2018 • Solo

Unless your a hardcore academic, you probably won’t find the national university to be that interesting. While it’s the largest university in Iceland, there’s not much to explore. It’s next to the National Museum of Iceland, so if you have a few extra minutes its worth walking around the campus a bit.

Written November 15, 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.

Helen C

Kingston-upon-Hull, UK834 contributions

A working environment

Mar 2016 • Solo

I went in here one windy afternoon. I didn’t wander around it too much as it was more a working environment and I was very conscious of that. I didn’t manage to get on the wifi, I’m not sure there is free wifi unless you are a student. There are lots of tables where you can work. It would be nice to go back, and explore more of the library.

Written April 1, 2016

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.

Joyce K

Phoenix, AZ13 contributions

Beautiful comprehensive library

May 2015 • Friends

Great destination for the traveler who'd rather feel like a native than a tourist. Easy walk-to location on the beautiful campus of the University of Iceland.

Written July 24, 2015

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.

Ashton S

Boulder, CO81 contributions

Not a Must-See But a Neat Stop

Mar 2015 • Solo

We ventured here after our visit to a local church. Beautiful library if you're looking for another place to wander in Reykjavik. Not a must-see, but definitely worth it if you happen to wander here.

Written April 1, 2015

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.