Saga & Heritage

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 - May: Open daily 11am - 5pm June - August: Open daily 10am - 5pmSeptember - October 13th: Open daily 11am - 5pm    

The Wilderness Center is a peaceful and authentic hideaway on the edge of Northern Europe’s largest wilderness. It offers a unique insight into Iceland’s rural heritage, where history, nature and hospitality come together. Walking through the historic buildings and hearing the stories of the families who once lived here gives a true sense of stepping back in time. The on-site museum adds depth to the experience, with authentic exhibits and an engaging audio-guided tour available in both Icelandic and English. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who once called this remote valley home. The center offers unique accommodation, a relaxing spa and a restaurant serving freshly prepared traditional Icelandic food. Visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks and dinner in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Lunch features traditional Icelandic lamb soup, served alongside the center’s popular homemade cake buffet. For those looking to explore the surrounding landscape, the Wilderness Center offers a range of outdoor experiences. Join a guided hike to an abandoned farm, follow the scenic Waterfall Trail where you can see a traditional cable bridge, explore the wilderness on horseback, or choose a tailor-made adventure for a more personal experience. The Wilderness Center is open year-round for accommodation, the museum and the spa. During the high season, from 15 May to 30 September, selected activities are available daily. Lunch is served between 12:00 and 16:00, while guided tours are offered throughout the day. During the low season, these activities are available upon request.

 East Iceland Heritage Museum (Minjasafn Austurlands)  The East Iceland Heritage Museum preserves and presents the cultural history, traditions, and community life of the region. The museum features two permanent exhibitions: Reindeer in East Iceland and Sustainable Unit. In addition, temporary and smaller thematic exhibitions are hosted throughout the year. The current special exhibition is titled Landnámskonan – The Settlement Woman.  Landnámskonan – The Settlement Woman Two richly adorned women from the Viking Age are the focus of this unique exhibition: One is a chieftainess whose grave was excavated in 2021 at Fjörður, Seyðisfjörður, the other is the mysterious Fjallkonan, whose remains were discovered in a cave at Vestdalsheiði, above Seyðisfjörður, in 2004. Both finds date from around the year 950, suggesting that these women lived at the same time. The exhibition draws on research conducted on these archaeological discoveries to shed light on the lives and work of women during the Settlement period. The exhibition is a collaboration between the East Iceland Heritage Museum, Antikva, the University of Iceland Research Center inEast Iceland, and the National Museum of Iceland.  Reindeer in East Iceland This exhibition explores the life and survival of reindeer in East Iceland, the natural and human-related threats they face, reindeer research, hunting history, and the various uses of reindeer products in food and craft. Visitors can watch the film Á hreindýraslóðum - On the Reindeer Trail by Eðvarð Sigurgeirsson (from the 1940s), hear stories fromreindeer hunters, and view numerous related photographs and artefacts.  Sustainable Unit The exhibition’s title refers to how traditional Icelandic farms had to be self-sufficient—providing food, clothing, tools, and shelter. On display are various objects that tell the story of rural life in East Iceland up to the mid-20th century. A key item is the traditional baðstofa - living and sleeping room from the farm Brekka in Hróarstunga.