History and Role of the Museum

Akureyri Museum is a diverse cultural institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Eyjafjörður. It includes exhibitions, education and research. The museum is housed in an elegant residential building dating from 1934, alongside exhibition halls built in 1978. Visitors can explore artefacts and stories that shed light on everyday life, culture and society in earlier times.

A Historic Garden and Church Managed by Akureyri Museum

Within the museum grounds stands a black-tarred wooden church, the museum’s largest artefact. Built at Svalbarð in 1846, it is an excellent example of a nineteenth-century Icelandic rural church. The garden itself is also remarkable. It is one of only a handful of preserved Icelandic ornamental gardens from around 1900 and is considered a museum artefact in its own right.

Writers’ Homes Associated with Akureyri Museum

The museum is also responsible for two writers’ homes. Nonnahús, built in 1849, was the childhood home of Jón Sveinsson, author of the popular children’s books about Nonni and Manni. Davíðshús was the home of the poet Davíð Stefánsson frá Fagraskógi and became a museum in 1965. Guided tours provide insight into the poet’s life and literary works.

Additional Exhibitions and Historic Buildings

The museum also manages Laufás Turf Farm, located on the other side of the fjord south of Grenivík. This historic turf farm forms part of the building collection of the National Museum of Iceland. Visitors can experience traditional Icelandic architecture and past ways of life in an authentic setting. For families and children, the Toy Museum is a popular stop and an enjoyable addition to a visit to the area.

An Experience for All Ages

Akureyri Museum combines historic surroundings, varied exhibitions and engaging storytelling. It is an ideal destination for visitors wishing to discover the culture and history of North Iceland in an accessible and informative way. Here, both major historical events and personal memories come together to tell the story of the communities of Eyjafjörður.

Ten Things to Do in Eyjafjörður and the Surrounding Area

1. Explore inspiring and diverse art collections at Akureyri Art Museum, then visit Icelandic Aviation Museum and Icelandic Motorcycle Museum.
2. Akureyri Swimming Pool is a water paradise for the whole family, with two 25-metre pools, three water slides and Iceland’s longest waterslide.
3. Take a stroll through the colourful Akureyri Botanical Garden, open during the summer months and home to an impressive collection of plants.
4. Try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or other water sports around Akureyri harbour. A great choice for combining outdoor activity and adventure.
5. Drive into Eyjafjarðarsveit and visit the Christmas House, the Museum of Everyday Objects, local churches and other attractions in the countryside.
6. Relax at Forest Lagoon near Akureyri or visit the Beer Spa at Árskógssandur and sample locally brewed KALDI beer.
7. Visit in winter and enjoy the ski resorts of Akureyri, Ólafsfjörður, Dalvík and Siglufjörður. Helicopter skiing tours are also available from Svarfaðardalur.
8. Go whale watching from Akureyri, Hauganes or Árskógssandur and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Eyjafjörður along the way.
9. Experience the tranquillity of Hrísey. Visit the home of Hákarl-Jörundur, learn about Greenland shark fishing, enjoy a swim in Hrísey Swimming Pool and explore the island, renowned for its rich birdlife and vegetation.
10. Visit the mountain town of Siglufjörður, home to the Herring Era Museum and excellent restaurants known for their cultural atmosphere and local cuisine.

Further information can be found at Visit Akureyri.