The Cultural Heart of Þingeyjar District in Húsavík

Húsavík Museum is a vibrant cultural centre where the diverse collections and heritage of the Þingeyjar district come together. The museum houses permanent exhibitions, temporary displays, and several important cultural institutions that serve the region.

The Maritime Museum – The Story of Seafaring in Skjálfandi Bay

The museum is home to the Maritime Museum, where visitors can explore the development of fishing and boatbuilding in the region, from the age of open rowing boats to the era of mechanised fishing vessels. The exhibition features a variety of fishing equipment, maritime artefacts and Hrafninn, a traditional ten-oared boat presented to Húsavík by Norway in 1974. Also on display is the Grímsey Polar Bear, the largest polar bear ever recorded on Icelandic shores.

People and Nature – One Hundred Years in Þingeyjar District

Another permanent exhibition, “People and Nature – One Hundred Years in Þingeyjar District”, combines cultural artefacts and natural history specimens to tell the story of life between 1850 and 1950. The exhibition is divided into geology, wildlife and plant life, while personal accounts from local residents guide visitors through a period when the relationship between people and nature formed the foundation of everyday life.

Art, Photography and Historical Archives

Húsavík Museum preserves the collections of the Þingeyjar District Art Museum and the Þingeyjar District Photographic Archive, featuring artworks and photographs that reflect the cultural and artistic history of the region. The Þingeyjar District Archive is also located within the museum and safeguards important historical records relating to the area’s past.

Exhibition Galleries and Cultural Events Throughout the Year

The upper floors of the building contain two exhibition galleries that host a varied programme of art and history exhibitions throughout the year. The museum also serves as a venue for concerts, lectures and cultural events, making it a lively meeting place for both local residents and visitors.

Ten Things to Do in North Iceland

1. Be captivated by Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, as well as Goðafoss and Aldeyjarfoss.
2. Visit the Mývatn region, home to the spectacular Earth Lagoon, Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Hverir.
3. Explore the Diamond Circle and discover Ásbyrgi Canyon, Hljóðaklettar and the dramatic landscapes of Jökulsárgljúfur in Vatnajökull National Park.
4. Visit the Whale Museum and join a whale-watching tour from Húsavík.
5. Relax at GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths and visit the Mánárbakki Folk Museum on the Tjörnes peninsula.
6. Follow the Arctic Coast Way and experience the midnight sun on Melrakkaslétta. Visit the Snartarstaðir Folk Museum and the Earthquake Centre in Kópasker.
7. Visit the Arctic Henge at Raufarhöfn, a remarkable place to enjoy sunrises, sunsets and the Northern Lights.
8. Experience the remote beauty of Langanes and the historic fishing settlement of Skálanes. Visit Sauðaneshús District Cultural Centre and the Icelandic Leader Sheep Centre in Þistilfjörður.
9. During summer, North Iceland is alive with birdlife. Discover the region’s birdwatching opportunities at Birding Trail Iceland.
10. Connect with nature on a hiking, cycling or horseback-riding adventure in North Iceland.

For further information, visit northiceland.is.