History and Foundation

Egill Ólafsson began collecting objects related to life and work in the Westfjords at a young age. With dedication and foresight, he and his wife, Ragnheiður Magnúsdóttir, built up the museum. It was later donated to the municipalities of the West Barðaströnd district.

Rowing Boats and Seafaring

The Egill Ólafsson Museum holds a wide range of items connected to traditional rowing‑boat fishing and the early years of mechanisation in Icelandic fisheries. Some artefacts are unique and preserved only at Hnjótur. Drawings by the painter Bjarni Jónsson depicting vanished ways of life, help visitors understand a bygone era.

The Rescue at Látrabjarg

A special exhibition tells the story of the 1947 rescue at Látrabjarg, when Icelandic fishermen saved the crews of ships in great distress.

Services and Opening Hours

Along with its collection of artefacts, the museum also includes a café, a souvenir shop and a regional information centre. It is open daily from 1 May to 30 September, 10:00–18:00. Visits outside opening hours can be arranged by emailing museum@hnjotur.is or calling (354) 456‑1511. The museum’s website is currently being developed at www.hnjotur.is.

Ten ideas for recreation in the Westfjords (from Barðaströnd to Önundarfjörður)

1. Visit Látrabjarg, Iceland’s largest bird cliff – an unforgettable experience.
2. Take a short trip to Rauðisandur and explore its striking light‑coloured sandy beach.
3. Explore the nature reserve in Vatnsfjörður on Barðaströnd, where beauty meets you at every step.
4. Visit the Sea Monster Museum in Bíldudal, recommended for the brave.
5. Explore the Samúel Jónsson Art Museum in Selárdal by Arnarfjörður; he was often called “the artist with the child’s heart”.
6. Walk up to Dynjandi, the most famous waterfall in the Westfjords.
7. Visit Hrafnseyri, the birthplace of Jón Sigurðsson.
8. See the Old Blacksmith’s Workshop in Þingeyri from 1913, where all the machines still work.
9. Visit the Skrúður botanical garden in Dýrafjörður, the namesake of other gardens in Iceland.
10. Stop by the Old Bookstore in Flateyri, a charming and eclectic local landmark.

Further information at www.westfjords.is