While exploring historic sites in Iceland can be challenging for visitors with disabilities and mobility needs, more and more sites are making real efforts to welcome all visitors. From the fully accessible exhibitions in Reykjavík to the paved paths at Þingvellir and Reykholt, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with Iceland’s past without feeling excluded. On this page you will find information about the accessibility of the major historic sites in Iceland.
- Ricky Menzies
- Last Checked and/or Updated 24 September 2025
- Iceland
Icelandic landscapes are often represented with dramatic photographs of tourists dressed in hiking gear trekking across rugged terrain, to see volcanoes and lava flows, as well as geysers, glaciers and waterfalls. For travellers with accessibility needs, these natural wonders can obviously be difficult to experience. What is talked about even less, however, are Iceland’s historic and cultural sites: museums, churches, and heritage landscapes, many of which have taken steps to welcome all visitors.
Knowing what to expect is key when travelling with disabilities. With this in mind, I have put together a set of recommendations on how to navigate Iceland and what to expect at some of Iceland’s most accessible historic sites. While I focus primarily on wheelchair-friendly locations, I also note features for visitors who are hard of hearing, blind or neurodivergent. Although this is not an exhaustive list, and it certainly does not cover every disability, I have tried to be as inclusive as possible based on my own experiences visiting these sites, as well as the information available. Of course, I will update this article with new information, and we welcome comments from our readers.
Thingvellir (Þingvellir)
Þingvellir is one of Iceland’s most significant historic places and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was here, in 930 AD, that the world’s oldest parliament, the Alþingi, was established. The site is also remarkable for its geology, as it sits on the fault line between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Today it is a highlight of the Golden Circle route, and visitors often spend up to three hours exploring its landscapes and heritage. Find more information about visiting Þingvellir, and the facilities at the site.
Accessibility at Thingvellir
● Parking: If driving yourself, avoid the free P3 car park. The canyon path from here is steep, rocky, and unsuitable for wheelchairs. Instead, use car parks P1, P2, P4 or P5, which connect to gravel and wooden trails.
● Toilets: Accessible toilets are available at each car park except P3.
● Paths: The main trails around Þingvellir are wheelchair accessible, leading to highlights such as the Almannagjá rift valley, Hakið Visitor Centre, Þingvellir Church, and the archaeological booths. The path to Öxarárfoss waterfall is also accessible, though terrain may vary with weather conditions.
● Languages: There are information signs all around the site in English and Icelandic.
● Neurodiversity: This site can become quite busy but there is plenty of space to be alone. As this is an outdoor site the weather can be quite over stimulating at times.
● Other features: The visitor centre’s exhibition on the natural and human history of the National Park is fully accessible and includes interactive features.
The Settlement Exhibition 871±2, Reykjavík
For those interested in the Viking Age, the Settlement Exhibition is one of Iceland’s must-see museums. Built around the excavated remains of a longhouse preserved in situ, it offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the first settlers. The exhibition also includes artifacts discovered in Reykjavík, reconstructed landscapes, and interactive displays that bring the early medieval world to life.
The centrepiece is the foundation of a turf house, which visitors follow along a circular path. Information boards and multimedia installations provide context, while one of the highlights is the oldest known structure in Iceland, the remains of a turf boundary wall dated to 871±2
AD, just before the official settlement date that gives the exhibition its name. A second section of the museum explores the later history of Reykjavík up to the present day, making this one of the most comprehensive historic sites in the capital.
Accessibility at the Settlement Exhibition
● Entry: Although the museum is underground, a wheelchair lift brings visitors down to the exhibition level.
● Layout: The main exhibition is entirely on one level, with ramps where inclines occur. Circulation around the longhouse remains and the boundary wall is step-free.
● Displays: Information boards, display cases, and interactive installations are all accessible from the main route.
● Neurodiversity: Although the museum is not small, during busy times it can feel cramped which may cause anxiety for sensitive people. The main exhibition is displayed in low light but artifacts and installations can be quite bright.
● Later history section: Some displays return to street level, but a wheelchair elevator ensures access.
● Facilities: Accessible toilets are available throughout the museum.
● Overall: The exhibition is designed with accessibility in mind and is one of Reykjavík’s most wheelchair-friendly archaeological sites.
World in Words Manuscript Exhibition
Housed in the Edda Building near the University of Iceland, the Manuscript Exhibition is one of the most important centres for medieval studies in the country, and arguably the world. It is home to the Árni Magnússon Institute, which preserves half of the famed Árni Magnússon collection of Old Norse manuscripts. Among its treasures is the Codex Regius, which contains the Poetic Edda, our most important source for Norse mythology. Read my review of the Manuscript Exhibition to see if this is one you would like to visit.
Accessibility at the Manuscript Exhibition
● Parking: Disabled parking is available directly in front of the Edda Building, with additional spaces nearby. During school hours the car park can be busy.
● Building access: The exhibition is on the ground floor. Accessible toilets and lockers are available downstairs and can be reached by lift. A café on the same level makes for a convenient stop before or after your visit.
● For hard-of-hearing visitors: Video mini-lectures include English subtitles.
● Languages: The exhibition is currently only in Icelandic and English.
● Neurodiversity: The exhibition is in low light with brighter display cases. There is an animated wall on one side. It is a small exhibition room which may feel crowded during busy times.
● Admission: Entry is free for disabled visitors (as well as for children under 18).
National Museum of Iceland (Þjóðminjasafn Íslands)
Accessibility at the National Museum of Iceland
● Entry & admission: Free for visitors with disabilities. Disabled parking is available close to the entrance.
● Building layout: The exhibitions span two floors, both accessible by lift. Ramps are available throughout.
● Facilities: Accessible toilets are provided. An evacuation chair is on hand for emergencies. Strollers for children can be borrowed.
● Interpretation: Audio guides are available in 10 languages. Braille maps and signage are distributed throughout the exhibition.
● Overall: Thoughtfully designed for inclusive access, the National Museum is one of Reykjavík’s most accessible and rewarding cultural attractions.
Hallgrímskirkja
Accessibility at Hallgrímskirkja
● Church interior: The main nave is accessible to wheelchair users, allowing full access to the interior and organ area.
● Tower access: The elevator to the tower is small and generally only accommodates standard manual wheelchairs. Large or electric wheelchairs may not fit. There are two viewing levels: the second level is reachable with a smaller wheelchair, but the very top requires stairs and is not accessible.
● Overall: While the tower has limitations, the church itself is accessible and well worth visiting as a cultural and architectural symbol of Iceland.
Snorri Sturluson’s Home, Reykholt
Reykholt, in Borgarfjörður, is one of Iceland’s most important medieval sites and the former home of Snorri Sturluson (1179–1241). He was a chieftain, poet, historian, and author of the Prose Edda and Heimskringla. Often described as the most significant cultural site in Iceland
after Þingvellir, Reykholt connects directly to the literary tradition that has preserved Norse mythology and early Scandinavian history. You can read more about this in my article here.
The site includes Snorralaug, a small geothermal pool said to have been used by Snorri himself; a statue commemorating him; and Snorrastofa, a cultural and research centre with a museum dedicated to his life and works. The modern church nearby continues Reykholt’s long religious tradition. The village lies about 90 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík, and some “Silver Circle” tours include it as a stop. Read my article, with interactive map, about Reykholt and Snorrastofa, and what there is to see.
Accessibility in Reykholt
● Outdoor areas: Snorri’s Pool and the statue are accessible via paved paths around Snorrastofa. These can become very slippery in winter and are rarely gritted. Hiking trails in the area are not wheelchair-friendly.
● Snorrastofa Museum: Accessible via a ramp leading down into the building. Once inside, the exhibition and gift shop are all on one level.
● Languages: Live lectures are given in different languages including Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, English, and German.
● Guided tours: Available and emphasise a personalised service.
● Church: The modern church is less accessible because the main entrance has steps, and the interior is narrow with limited turning space for wheelchairs.
● Transport: A car or organised tour is necessary to reach Reykholt. There is no public transport to the site. It is worth calling ahead to confirm whether there are any accessible Silver Circle tours before booking.
● Parking: There is parking directly outside the entrance to Snorrastofa.
● Overall: With accessible paths to its main historic features and a step-free museum, Reykholt is visitable for wheelchair users, though care is needed in winter.
Reykjavík Harbour & Öskjuhlíð Hill
The Second World War had a major impact on Iceland, and two sites in Reykjavík still bear witness to that chapter of history.
On 10 May 1940, British forces launched Operation Fork, the invasion and occupation of Iceland. Four British ships landed at Reykjavík Harbour, which was undefended at the time. Today, signs at the harbour recount the story of the invasion. Visitors can look out over the same waterfront where the events unfolded, now home to fishing vessels, ferries, and the Icelandic Coast Guard.
Nearby Perlan, Öskjuhlíð Hill became a key defensive point for the Allied forces. With its commanding view of Reykjavík Bay, it was fortified with bunkers, pillboxes, and other military structures. Many of these ruins remain scattered across the wooded hillside, accompanied by interpretive signs that explain their role during the war.
Read more about visiting WWII sites and museums in Iceland.
Accessibility at Reykjavík Harbour & Öskjuhlíð Hill
● Reykjavík Harbour: Fully accessible, as it is part of the city’s street network. Viewing areas are level and suitable for wheelchairs.
● Öskjuhlíð Hill: A well-maintained gravel path allows wheelchair users to explore the site and reach key information signs. Some ruins off the main path may be less accessible due to uneven ground.
● Transport: The hill is reachable by public transport heading toward Perlan. Bus routes 13 and 18 stop nearby, with a journey time of about 30 minutes from central Reykjavík. From the bus stop, however, expect a 15-minute walk to the Perlan centre and the start of the paths.
● Interpretation: Both sites feature signs in Icelandic and English that provide historical context; these are generally readable without needing to enter inaccessible areas.
Blue Lagoon & Sky Lagoon
Bathing in geothermal water is one of Iceland’s oldest traditions, stretching back to the settlement period. What began as natural hot springs has developed into a cornerstone of local culture, with neighbourhood swimming pools still serving as social hubs today.
For visitors, however, it is the spa-style lagoons that have become iconic. The Blue Lagoon, which opened in 1987, grew out of geothermal runoff and has since become one of Iceland’s best-known landmarks. The newer Sky Lagoon, located just outside Reykjavík, was designed to echo the country’s heritage, its turf-house sauna and Seven-Step Ritual draw inspiration from traditional Icelandic bathing practices. Both sites combine history and modern wellness, and both are among the most accessible experiences in Iceland.
Accessibility at Blue Lagoon
● Parking: Currently unpaved due to volcanic activity, which may be difficult for wheelchair users. Staff can assist, and it’s recommended to contact the service centre in advance.
● Wheelchair availability: Lagoon-accessible wheelchairs are available, as well as standard wheelchairs from reception or the luggage storage area.
● Building access: Fully accessible with elevators and electric door openers.
● Personal assistant: Disabled visitors may bring a personal assistant free of charge.
● Changing rooms: A spacious accessible changing room with an adjoining toilet is available on the ground floor. Shower chairs can be requested.
● Lagoon access and safety: Guests can enter the lagoon directly with accessible wheelchairs. Depth varies with a maximum of 1.4m, and the uneven floor requires caution.
● Neurodiversity: A quiet phone-free zone is available. Although extremely popular, the lagoon is very large, allowing plenty of space between people. The changing rooms can get quite busy and may feel chaotic. The water can vary in temperature throughout the pool and may be over stimulating if in there for too long. There is plenty of seating outside of the pool either inside the café area or outside at the poolside to cool off. The facemasks can feel drying on the skin if left for too long.
Accessibility at Sky Lagoon
● Accessibility suite: A private accessible changing area with six lockable closets, wide manoeuvring space, a safety bell, moveable shower chair, grab bars, a large bench, an accessible toilet, and more.
● Lagoon entry: An accessible lagoon chair lift is available for entering and exiting the water.
● Ritual access: A chair lift also connects the lagoon to the cold plunge and the turf house, allowing wheelchair users to take part in the Seven-Step Ritual. An on-site wheelchair is provided for the turf house.
● Staff support: Staff are equipped with walkie-talkies to coordinate assistance. Guests can notify them before entering the lagoon to ensure lifts or wheelchairs are ready.
● Neurodiversity: There are plenty of places to sit while in the pool that gives you space away from people. Leaving the pool is less straightforward than Blue Lagoon as you have to backtrack through the short trail. None of the steps in the Seven Step Ritual are mandatory. Some people find the cold plunges and cold mist to be over stimulating but generally most people are fine. The salt balm may leave skin feeling itchy for those who are sensitive. Some people have reported that the skin feels slightly tight or itchy after leaving the warm pool into the cold air.
General Accessibility Tips for Reykjavik & Iceland
Ramp Up Iceland is an initiative working to install portable ramps and make as many venues as possible wheelchair-friendly. So far, they’ve improved access to more than 1,700 places. You can learn more and support their mission on their website.
Getting to Reykjavik from the Airport
Reykjavík’s main international gateway is Keflavík Airport, about 45 minutes from the capital. Unfortunately, the popular airport shuttle service, Flybus, is not wheelchair accessible. Some travellers with foldable chairs have managed, but it’s generally not recommended.
For visitors using electric wheelchairs, the most reliable option is a taxi. The company Hreyfill offers accessible vehicles and can be booked at the airport, online, or by phone: +354 5 88 55 22. The downside is the price: a transfer costs around 22,500 ISK (about 160€), which is expensive but often the only workable choice. Renting a wheelchair-adapted car is another possibility if you plan to travel more widely.
Getting Around Reykjavik
Once in the city, accessibility improves. The capital’s public buses are wheelchair-friendly, with ramps that drivers can assist with. There’s a wheelchair button on the outside of the bus to request ramp use, and another inside near the designated space to signal when you want to get off.
Still, Reykjavík has its quirks. Many curbs are not dropped, making some crossings awkward. A number of shops and cafés also have steps at the entrance, which limits spontaneity. This is because the law that requires accessibility in the planning of new buildings only covers buildings from 2012 onwards, but many buildings in Reykjavik are much older. While travelling with friends or companions can help, it does mean advance planning goes a long way.
Getting Beyond Reykjavik
Many of Iceland’s most important historic sites lie outside the capital, so transport quickly becomes a key consideration. Public buses between towns are limited and often not wheelchair accessible, especially in rural areas, which makes having your own vehicle the most practical option.
The most flexible choice is to rent a wheelchair-adapted vehicle in Reykjavík. A handful of companies offer vans with lifts or hand controls, though availability is limited and advance booking is essential. For those who prefer not to drive, some tour operators run accessible day trips to major heritage stops on the Golden Circle and South Coast. These can be a good way to see the highlights without worrying about logistics. However, they tend to focus on natural landmarks rather than historic sites, and there are currently no tours dedicated solely to Iceland’s heritage.
Road conditions are generally good in summer, but winter can be challenging, even with an adapted vehicle. At turf houses, open-air museums, or rural churches, expect gravel paths or uneven ground, and accessibility standards can vary widely. It’s always worth contacting sites ahead of time to confirm details before setting out.
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Create Itineraries & Travel Lists for Iceland
Create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and an itinerary for your Iceland visit. These can also be shared with your friends and on social media. You can see how this is done by watching our Using the Itinerary video on YouTube, or reading the Using the Itinerary page.
Iceland Travel Guide: Vikings, Saga Sites & More
With Europe’s largest glacier and the World’s most active volcanoes it is not surprising that Iceland is known as ‘the land of fire and ice.’ Today visitors are drawn to these primal elements, as well as the dramatic waterfalls in vast landscapes and northern lights that dance across winter skies. Besides the breathtaking natural features of Iceland, the archaeology and history is just as fascinating. People have been coming to this island for well over a thousand years, the earliest around 870 AD. Iceland is just as much a land of Vikings as it is of volcanoes and lights, glaciers and waterfalls.
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