The Heritage Museum on Garðskagi (Byggðasafnið á Garðskaga) is located in a beautiful museum area by Garðskagaviti Lighthouse in Suðurnesjabær, on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the unique Reykjanes Geopark. There is a panoramic view in all directions, hiking trails by the shore, diverse bird life and the sea in its ever-changing form and whales often seen close to the shore.

The motorboat Hólmsteinn GK20, a 43ton wooden boat, stands by the museum. The impressive collection of several dozens of engines and motors, all in working condition, is nowhere to be found but here along with a GMC called the Truck with its long working history. The Clinker boat named Fram, built in 1887, is preserved in the museum.  In December 2021 Nordic Clinker boats were added to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. In the museum are 14 models of old houses since before 1940.  Recently, a museum reception and shop were opened, with the original store counter and interior from 1921.

Ten ideas for recreation on Reykjanes peninsula:

1. You’ve heard of the Golden Circle, but what about the Blue Diamond? Tailor the tour of Reykjanes peninsula’s highlights to your own needs, from an hour’s drive to multi-day tour, right on the doorstep of Keflavík Airport.
2. Viking World is located in a beautiful see-through building. Its centerpiece is the Viking ship Íslendingur (Icelander), which sailed from Iceland to New York in the year 2000. It´s a replica of the Gokstad ship discovered in Norway in 1880.
3. Walk across the Bridge Between Continents; it has never been easier to travel between Europe and North America!
4. Discover geological wonders in Reykjanes Geopark, the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible above sea level. Walk up to Fagridalur lave filed, the newest lava in Iceland (from 2021), explore beautiful lava caves etc.
5. Visit Reykjanesviti lighthouse and the geothermal area nearby. Down by the sea, a statue of the Great Auk faces Eldey island, where the last bird was killed in 1844.
6. At the Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll, only 6 km from Keflavik Airport, you can walk through the history of Icelandic pop and rock music throughout the years.
7. Take a dip in one of the region’s swimming pools and bathing hotspots. Vatnaveröld (Water-world) in Keflavík is perfect for families and don’t forget the world-famous Blue Lagoon.
8. Marvel at the colorful Seltún Geothermal Area, see the hot springs and clay pools bubble, watch the steam rise from the hot ground and smell the sulphur in the air.
9. Fortunately, there are also thriving bird colonies on Reykjanes. Krýsuvíkurbjarg is the peninsula’s largest bird cliff with approximately 60,000 nesting birds in the summer.
10. Walk along the eerie Kleifarvatn Lake’s black beach, the “Draining Lake” from crime author Arnaldur Indriðason’s eponymous book.

Find more information and tips here: www.reykjanes.is