The Icelandic Phallological Museum (Hið Íslenzka Reðasafn) sits at Kalkofnsvegur 2 in central Reykjavík, a short walk from the Harpa concert hall and the old harbour. Founded by teacher Sigurður Hjartarson, whose collection began in 1974 with a bull’s pizzle given to him as a joke, it is the world’s only museum devoted entirely to phallology, with more than 200 specimens from Icelandic land and sea mammals. Travelers come for a curious, humorous and genuinely educational look at zoology, folklore and cultural history.
What to Expect at The Icelandic Phallological Museum
The museum began as a modest private collection, with early donations coming from colleagues who worked at a whaling station. It opened to the public in 1997 in a small downtown space with 62 specimens, and it has since grown into a family-owned, fully independent institution with donations arriving from around the globe. Specimens are preserved in jars of formaldehyde, dried, or mounted, and they cover almost every mammal found in Iceland, from the tiny hamster to the largest whales. Labels give species names and sourcing details, so the tone stays curious and scientific rather than crude.
Beyond the zoological displays, the museum collects art and novelties built around phallic themes, and it recognises donors as Honorary Members for contributing specimens to the collection. The current site is more than a gallery. It also houses a bistro-style cafe and a large gift shop, which makes it an easy stop whether you have thirty minutes or a full hour to spare.
- Icelandic mammal collection: More than 200 specimens representing almost all Icelandic land and sea mammals, including whale, seal, bull and polar bear specimens.
- Founder’s story: The 1974 bull pizzle that started everything, plus the whaling-station donations that shaped the early collection.
- Art and novelties: Phallic artworks, folklore-inspired pieces and curios displayed alongside the biological specimens.
- Cafe and bar: RVK Brewing Company beers, coffee from Kvörn Micro-Roasters pulled on a hand-built Slim Jim machine by Kees van der Westen, and the signature penis waffles.
- Gift shop: Hundreds of themed items, from board games and books to designer pieces and souvenirs.
The Icelandic Phallological Museum at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Kalkofnsvegur 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland |
| Neighborhood / Area | Central Reykjavík (Miðborg), near the harbour |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 10 AM to 7 PM |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid admission ($$); tickets are sold online and on site through the official website |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 75 minutes, plus time for coffee or a beer |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Central city bus stops and paid street or garage parking nearby; easy on foot from the city center |
| Official Website & Phone | phallus.is | +354 561 6663 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
The museum is easiest to reach on foot from downtown Reykjavík, roughly a five-to-ten-minute walk from the main shopping street. Weekday mornings shortly after the 10 AM opening are usually quieter than afternoons, when cruise passengers and tour groups tend to arrive. Tickets can be bought in advance on the official website, which saves time at the door. Parking in the center is metered and limited, so arriving on foot or by city bus is simpler. The museum publishes a dedicated accessibility page covering wheelchair access and other accommodations, so check it ahead of time if you need step-free routes or other support.
Pair the visit with other central Reykjavík sights within a 5 to 15 minute walk. Harpa Concert Hall, with its glass facade by Olafur Eliasson, sits close to the harbour. Laugavegur, the main shopping and dining street, offers plenty of cafes and restaurants, and the waterfront promenade leads to the Sun Voyager sculpture. Together these make a relaxed half-day of central Reykjavík sightseeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit?
The museum is open every day from 10 AM to 7 PM. Early morning and the last hour before closing are typically the calmest times to explore the exhibits without crowds.
How much does it cost and do I need to book?
Admission is paid and sits in the mid-price tier ($$). Tickets are available through the official website, and booking ahead is convenient in summer when visitor numbers peak. Check phallus.is for current ticket prices.
How long should I plan to spend there?
Most visitors need 45 to 75 minutes to read the labels, see the artworks and browse the gift shop. Add extra time if you want to stay for coffee, a craft beer or waffles in the cafe.
Is the museum accessible and suitable for visitors with children?
The museum has an accessibility page on its website with details on wheelchair access and other accommodations. The exhibits are anatomical and humorous in nature, so parents should decide whether the subject matter suits their children’s age and maturity.
When planning your Reykjavik travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Reykjavik, pair this stop with standout local spots including Rainbow Street, KRÖST, Hljómskálagarðurinn, and GK Reykjavík (nearby).
