Museums

Wilderness Center of Iceland - Center of Recreation The Wilderness Center is an authentic and peaceful hideaway, located right on the edge of Northern Europe´s most extensive wilderness. One can experience the spirit of the past through a variety of services, such as unique accommodation, local food, exhibitions, horse riding and hiking, stargazing/Aurora station, day tours, escorted tours, super jeep tours, and tailor-made tours. The center's tranquil and pleasant location, as well as the distinct choice of accommodation and unique setting both indoors and out, will draw guests into adventures of the past and offer a unique atmosphere. Delicious food from local ingredients is cooked from scratch in the open home-style kitchen. Cakes and bread are also home-made. The Center offers a variety of activity and services. One can go hiking along waterfalls, cross the river on a cable-bridge, go horseback riding, rent mountain bikes, go fishing, gaze at the stars in the stargazing hut or visit the creative museum about the history of the Icelandic wilderness, where one can walk into the adventures of the Icelandic wilderness and be touched by the dramatic struggle between the forces of nature and the Icelander´s fight to survive. Many different day tours can be made from the Wilderness Center either self-drive or escorted. For example to Hengifoss, Laugarfell hot springs, Snæfell area, Hafrahvammagljúfur canyons and many more. Multi-day, tailormade tours can also be arranged, all year around. MUSEUM - HIKING - RIDING - MOUNTAIN BIKING - FISHING - STARGAZING - ACCOMMODATION - LOCAL FOOD - GUIDED TOURS TEL: +354 440 8822 / info@wilderness.is / www.wilderness.is

Skriðuklaustur is the former home of the famous author Gunnar Gunnarsson (1889-1975). Since 2000 it has been open as a centre of culture & history with various activities and exhibitions. It houses a museum about the author with personal guidance about his life and career as well as the adventure of building a mansion in Fljotsdalur valley in 1939. The house itself is one of Iceland’s most treasured buildings, donated to the Icelandic nation by the author in 1948. It was designed by the German architect Fritz Höger. At Skriðuklaustur, you can also have a look at the ruins of a medieval Augustinian monastery from the 16th century which was excavated at the beginning of the 21st century. The ruins are accessible all year round, close to the author's home. The exhibition about medieval life and the excavation can be found in the cultural centre which also houses the restaurant Klausturkaffi.  Opening hours April: Open daily 12pm - 4pm May: Open daily 11am - 5pm June - August: Open daily 10am - 6pmSeptember - october 17th: Open daily 12am - 5pm    

The centre features an exhibition on the use of drill cores to reveal the hidden depths of Iceland's geology, including the volcanic island of Surtsey and the immense sequence of lavas that make up Eastern Iceland. It also includes rooms dedicated to the legacy of scientists George Walker and Stefán Einarsson. Walker was one of the 20th century's most prominent volcanologists. He conducted trailblazing research on the geological history of East Iceland, mapped ancient volcanoes (including the Breiðdalur Central Volcano) and gathered evidence that supported the then-new theory of plate tectonics. The linguist Stefán Einarsson, a native of the Breiðdalur valley, was a professor of linguistics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, USA. He was a productive scholar across many disciplines, particularly phonetics and literature, and most likely no one has ever introduced Iceland and Icelandic literature as thoroughly to the English-speaking world. Opening hours of the exhibition during summer (June 1st to August 31st): Sunday - Thursday from 12:00 - 16:00 Closed Fridays and Saturdays. Entry is free of charge. Opening hours of the exhibition during winter (September 1st - May 31st) There are no fixed opening hours during winter, but staff members are usually on site between 10 am – 4 pm on weekdays, and visitors are always welcome. Visits can also be arranged in advance by contacting mariahg@hi.is. Please drop by!

At the Icelandic Wartime Museum, you can travel back to the days of the Second World War and the military occupation of Reyðarfjörður. The museum gives a vivid insight into life during the war in a country which has never had an army or been at war - with this one exception. The focus is on the impact of the occupation on the local population. On the first of July, there is a festival in memory of this unique event in Icelandic history.

Randulff´s Sea House is located by the sea in Eskifjördur. It is during the summer months 2011 and Randulff´s restaurant serves dinner according to a traditional local menu in a unique atmosphere. Randulff´s seahouse is also open for groups by arrangement. Randulff's Sea House is open during the summer from 12 - 21 every day of the week. The chefs have made a marvelous menu that focuses on fresh and local ingredients.   Randulff´s Sea House is a beautifully preserved shore-building towards the eastern end of Eskifjörður. Today this fine old house preserves both many artifacts and a lingering atmosphere from the days when the establishment of a herring fishery led to the first real growth of the fjord towns of East Iceland in the late 19th and early 20th century. Built by Norwegian Peter Randulff in 1890, it provided a station for landing and processing herring caught within the fjord through to 1930 when there was no longer sufficient herring coming into the fjord to sustain the fishery. When herring finally returned to the seas off East Iceland in the late 1950s the fishery involved large ships fishing further off-shore and landing their catches at ports like Siglufjörður, Húsavík, and Vopnafjörður in the north. As a result, for the next 75 years, this sturdy old sea-house remained closed. In 1980 The East Iceland Maritime Museum (Sjóminjasafn Austurlands) became a part-owner of Randulff´s sea-house leading to the restoration of both the exterior of the building and the adjoining jetty. In 2003 the society became the sole owner of the house and in 2008 was re-opened in co-operation with the nearby Mjóeyri guesthouse and tourism centre. It has since been available both as an extension of the excellent Eskifjörður maritime museum and as a place where groups are able to sample traditional Icelandic fare in a setting that has changed little in the past one hundred years. It also provides the base from which Mjóeyri guesthouse rents out small boats with outboard motors for recreational fishing within the fjord where cod and haddock are still plentiful. In 1980 The East Iceland Maritime Museum (Sjóminjasafn Austurlands) became a part-owner of Randulff´s sea-house leading to the restoration of both the exterior of the building and the adjoining jetty. In 2003 the society became the sole owner of the house and in 2008 was re-opened in co-operation with the nearby Mjóeyri guesthouse and tourism centre. It has since been available both as an extension of the excellent Eskifjörður maritime museum and as a place where groups are able to sample traditional Icelandic fare in a setting that has changed little in the past one hundred years. It also provides the base from which Mjóeyri guesthouse rents out small boats with outboard motors for recreational fishing within the fiord where cod and haddock are still plentiful.

Ljósbjörg Petra María Sveinsdóttir was interested in stones all her life and started to collect them in earnest in 1946. Most of her stones were found in Stöðvarfjörður and other places in East Iceland because Petra didn´t go much looking for stones in other parts of the country. In 1974, Petra decided to open her home for all those that wished to look at her stones.  Petra´s receives many visitors each year and it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in East Iceland. It´s obvious to all those that visit Petra´s, that she was an efficient stone collector but not many people know that she collected more than stones.  Petra collected marked pens, cups, and numerous other small paraphernalia and for most of her life, she collected eggs, shells, and conches. For sure, Petra´s house has slowly acquired the appearance of a nature museum, but first and foremost, it´s a home. Open from May 1st to October 31st, seven days a week from 09:00 am to 5:00 pm. Kaffi Sunnó In the year 2015, an old dream came true when Kaffi Sunnó was opened. The guests can buy delicious soups and bread, hot and cold drinks and something sweet. Open from May 1st to October 31st, seven days a week from 09:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Skaftfell Center for Visual Art was founded in the year 1998 by a group of art enthusiasts, the Skaftfell Group. The Skaftfell Group was formed by friends of the artist Dieter Roth (1930-1998) who had regularly spent time in Seyðisfjörður during the last decade of his life in Seyðisfjörður and had a strong influence on the town´s artistic life.  The art center is situated in Austurvegur 42 in Seyðisfjörður, in a grand house built in 1907, which was donated to the Skaftfell Group by Garðar Eymundsson and Karólína Þorsteinsdóttir. Today the building contains the Skaftfell gallery and bookshop on the middle floor, an artist residency apartment on the top floor, and the Skaftfell Bistro and library on the ground floor. Skaftfell´s role is to present, discuss and encourage the development of contemporary art. The art center is an importan meeting point for artists and locals, and its activities involve exhibitions and events throughout the year, an international artist residency program and an art education program. Skaftfell is also the guardian of a minuscule house in Seyðisfjörður, Geirahús, previously owned by the local naive artist Ásgeir Emilsson (1931-1999). Now a tiny museum, Geirahús can be visited by appointment. Another artwork to visit is Tvísöngur , a sound sculpture on the hills of the fjord, developed by Lukas Kühne with Skaftfell in 2012.  In 2013 Skaftfell received the Icelandic Eyrarrósin award for outstanding cultural leadership in a rural area. For opening hours please visit our website skaftfell.is   For more information please contact us: skaftfell@skaftfell.is 

The Technical Museum of East Iceland has opened again and with the exhibition Búðareyri: A story of transformations The exhibition explores the history of Búðareyri from 1880 to the present day and the transformations of settlement, industry, society, and nature that have taken place there. These changes tell not only a local story, but also reflect on a much larger history of technological advancements and societal changes in Iceland and beyond over the past 150 years. The exhibition is housed in and around the premises of Vélsmiðja Seyðisfjarðar (Seyðisfjörður Mechanical Shop). After the company ceased operations in 1993, the space has been used for exhibitions by the Technical Museum of East Iceland. The history of Búðareyri is characterized by significant transformations, which are explored through several themes, overlapping with each other: The beginning of settlement The Mechanical Shop Communications and the telegraph The occupation years The harbor and the fjord Trade and commerce Natural conditions and landslides Opening hoursMay - AugustMondays - Saturdays at 10 - 17 Saptember Mondays - Fridays at 10 - 16 October - AprilBy agreement : tekmus@tekmus.is Admission feeAdults: 1500 krChildren: 1500 krPensioners and students: 1000kr

Menningarstofa Fjarðabyggðar (Fjardabyggd Cultural Center) was established in 2017, and its role is to support and promote cultural activities in Fjardabyggð. Menningarstofa works with people in cultural life and helps them and encourages good work. Menningarstofa Fjarðabyggðar is committed to ensuring all residents' access to culture and arts, regardless of residence, origin, and socioeconomic status. Menningarstofa is connected with grassroots organizations in culture, such as amateur theatre companies and choirs, and promotes good access to local housing events.  Menningarstofa connects theatre, primary and music schools, museums, and other municipal institutions with professionals from creative industries. Menningarstofa works to increase access to innovative learning and work in collaboration with educational directors, sports and leisure representatives, and the Fjardabyggð Museum-Institute. Furthermore, the Menningarstofa encourages creative processes in schools, cultural and leisure activities in Fjardabyggð. Tónlistarmiðstöð Austurlands is operated by Menningarstofa Fjarðabyggðar. Its Concert Hall, located in Eskifjörður, is very popular for most types of concerts. The music center is well equipped, and the house's soundtrack is excellent, but the design of a building creates visual and acoustic intimacy between performers and concertgoers. The place is also very convenient for various exhibitions, any conference, and meetings. However, the Events of Tónlistarmiðstöð Austurlands are not confined to the hall in Eskifjörður at all, as Menningarstofa Fjarðabyggðar is responsible for music-related events in all of Fjardabyggð.

The Center for Art and Culture in Fljotsdalsherad (MMF) is located in Slaturhusid, Egilsstadir. As a Center for Performing Arts we are inspired every day to create, share, teach, excite and perform for our community. Although performing arts are our main focus we also host art exhibitions. Director of MMF is Ragnhildur Asvaldsdottir

A new and interesting museum which displays the best of Icelandic nature; Icelandic mammals, shellfish, birds, insects and stone collection as well as specimens from the East Icelandic flora. Hours of Operation: June, July, and August: 13:00 - 17:00 daily or by arrangement with the manager, tel. 470 9063

Langabúð cafe is located in the oldest building in Djupivogur, dating back to 1790. The cafe offers a wide variety of homemade goods such as soups, bread with salmon and smoked lamb, cappuccino, espresso, latte, and delicious cakes. The menu has a variety of vegan and gluten free choices. You can also try out a selection of Icelandic beers and spirits. Langabúð is Djupivogur's cultural center, housing museums and exhibitions, and is the corner stone in the town's culture. The museums exhibit the life and work of Rikardur Jonsson, a sculptor and artist, and a memorial of the politician Eysteinn Jonsson and his wife, Solveig Eyjolfsdottir. The building's loft houses a heritage museum. The cafe offers a wide variety of homemade goods such as soups, bread with salmon and smoked lamb, cappuccino, espresso, latte, and delicious cakes. The menu has a variety of vegan and gluten free choices. You can also try out a selection of Icelandic beers and spirits. Hours of Operation: Summer: May 15th – September 15th, Every day: 11:00-18:00 Winter: Please contact us for opening hours. Admission: ISK 500

The museum mostly exhibits objects and utensils relating to fishing and seafaring in general. It also displays various reminders of local trade, industry, and medicine from times past. The collection is in a commercial building, “Gamla búð”, built in 1816. Hours of Operation: June, July, and August: 13:00 - 17:00 daily or by arrangement with the manager, tel. 470 9063

In a small village on the east coast of Iceland, TheIcelandic House of the Northern Lights opened in May 2016. You can enjoy thenorthern lights exhibition in Wathne´s House (Auroras Iceland). The exhibitionis based on the magnificent photos shot by Jónína and Jóhanna and is called"Dance With the Mountains." The photos are shot in Fáskrúðsfjörðurwhere majestic mountains circle the fjord and make the northern lightsexperience unique. It is open June 15 through August 20, from 12:00 till 18:00and on request other time of the year. Everyone is welcome to enjoy thiswonderful exhibition.           

The museum building "Safnahúsið" in Neskaupsstaður includes 3 museums: Tryggvi CollectionAn impressive introduction to the art of painter Tryggvi Ólafsson from Neskaupstaður.The exhibition offers a cross-section of the well-known artist´s career. Jósafat Hinriksson MuseumExhibition of Jósafat Hinriksson´s collection and maritime and handicraft arts, located in an old graceful warehouse. The Natural History Museum Beautiful collection of Icelandic birds, shellfish and stones.

Bustarfell Museum The Museum, i.e.the relics were given to Vopnafjörður by Elín Methúsalemsdóttir in the year 1982.  The houses, on the other hand, were sold to the Icelandic nation in 1943 by Methúsalem Methúsalemsson and are taken care of and preserved by the Icelandic National Museum. The mud and wood floor house contains many treasure-filled rooms, antiques, and sepia-tone photographs,  fitted with fine furnishings, just the same as when the family house lived in, each room, fronted with a timbered gable and all interconnected by a series of low ceiling passages or hallways often only lit by shark or seal oil brass lamps . The rooms are as such:  badstofa (living room), baejardyr (front hall) skemma or skali (sheds),  stofur (parlours), hlada (storehouse),  a palli hjonahus (upstairs master chambers) bur (pantry)  a few eldhus (kitchens) which each tell a story of hard work and determination while reflecting the stages of modernization through the decades. The sheds usually kept horse bridles and saddlery, along with farm tools, such as turf saddles, spades, forks, hoes, and scythes, for work on the tun (home field) and occasionally animal meal and hay. Pantry walls were lined with tubs, barrels, and casks to store sour milk, skyr, and whey. Kitchens contained open fire rock pits,  bowls, dishes, jugs, pots, pans and pails, and often from the wooden rafters, hung rows of smoked meat. The Museum shows clearly the lifestyle changes that occurred from the time it was rebuilt until the family moved into the "new house".  Guests can follow the difference in the standards for quality, for example when there came running water into the house, and a heating system. But to see it, feel it and since it is always the best experience.  We welcome you for a visit.

The East Iceland Heritage Museum was founded in 1943 and since then its aims has been to preserve the history of East Iceland by collecting and preserving things that reflect the society, culture and everyday life of people in the area, from past to present day.  The museum has two permanent exhibitions, one about the reindeers in East Iceland and one about the old rural household in the region. The museum also has diverse temporary exhibitions through the year.  Reindeer in East IcelandThe East is the only part of Iceland where you will find wild reindeer. They contribute to the unique nature and are strongly connected to the region’s history and culture. The focus of the exhibition is on their nature, characteristics, and survival, as well as reindeer hunting and how reindeer products have contributed to a creative development of fashion design and handcraft.  The old rural household as a self-sufficient entityOn display are items from the historical, rural community in East-Iceland up until the mid-20th century. Some items relate to a practical role in everyday life, while others bear witness to the fact that life was not only about basic survival but also about creating beautiful things for decoration and pleasure. Among things on display is a living room (baðstofa) of an Icelandic turf house.  For more information, please visit www.minjasafn.is

The avant-garde exhibition in The French Museum in Fáskrúðsfjörður is the newest of Fjarðabyggð's museums and collections. This museum is located in two stately buildings, the Doctor's House and the French Hospital as they are called, built by the French fishermen around 1900. However, the main attraction of the exhibition is situated in a tunnel that connects the two buildings. The entrance to the museum is from the hotel reception area in the Doctor's House.  In the museum, the interesting history and legacy of the French sailors in Iceland is shown by means of the latest multimedia technology. The French sailors maintained a station at Fáskrúðsfjörður from the mid-19thcentury till the First World War, with the number of French sailing ships off Iceland peaking at between 200 and 300. However, the history of French cod fishing off Iceland goes back even further, all the way to the 17th century. During this long history, many ships never made it back to their home country. It is estimated that up to 400 of them were lost around Iceland, along with 4,000-5,000 seamen. Down by the French graveyard, a monument has been erected in honour of these heroes of the sea who were subjected to hard work, dampness and cold, not to mention accidents.   Their fishing operations were highly important for villages on the northern French coast; for example, in Dunkerque in the 1860s, approximately 6,000 people were employed in relation to fishing off Iceland. These operations were also significant for other villages, such as Paimpol and Gravelines. The renovation of the French heritage buildings, one of the largest historical restoration outside the capitol area, was finished in the summer of 2014. The five French buildings play a substantial role in local culture and society in Fáskrúðsfjörður. The French Hospital, for example, now serves as a hotel with the restaurant l'Abri on the ground floor. The Chapel is the only building that still maintains its original role and is open for guests of the museum. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (from May to end of August, or by agreement).