The Nature Museum of Kópavogur

The Natural History Museum of Kópavogur focuses on collecting, preserving, and exhibiting natural specimens while supporting education, research, and environmental conservation. Its origins trace back to Jón Bogason’s shell collection, later expanded under the first director Árni Waage with a notable bird collection and, more recently, an extensive range of rocks and minerals. Owned and operated by the Municipality of Kópavogur, the museum highlights diverse aspects of Iceland’s natural world. Exhibits include around 30 bird species, such as the coot, once native to Iceland, alongside mounted fish like cod, lemon sole, and deep-sea species.

The museum also displays Iceland’s terrestrial mammals, including the Arctic fox (the only native species), American mink, and wood mouse, as well as notable specimens like an orca skeleton and a fin whale bone. Its collections extend to arthropods - crustaceans, insects, and arachnids - which make up the majority of animal species worldwide. A major highlight is the mollusc collection based on Jón Bogason’s work, considered one of Iceland’s most comprehensive. The geology section further introduces Iceland’s landscape through a wide array of rocks, minerals, and fossils.

Free admission.