Bustarfell Museum
In the beautiful valley, Hofsárdalur, stands the old family seat of Bustarfell. This sod farm, with its red poles and grassy roof, is one of the oldest and best preserved turf house of its kind in Iceland. In 1532, Árni Brandsson and his wife Úlfheiður bought Bustarfell. Since then, the same family has lived there all along.
Emphasis is placed on the display of artefacts being set up in the most realistic way possible, so that visitors can experience the home just as if the residents of the building had woken up for a moment. The uniqueness of the museum lies in how well it conveys the changing farming and lifestyle of people, from around 1770 until the town was abandoned in 1966.
From Bustarfell you can take a easy hike up to Álfkonusteinn (Elf woman stone) and a beautiful waterfall (Þuríðarfoss). It´s also well worth going to the observation deck at the top of Bustarfell hill, which offers a view of the countryside and out to Vopnafjörður.
Café Hjáleigan is a stone’s throw from the old house amd offers delicious cakes and other dishes.
Ten ideas for recreation in Vopnafjörður and East Iceland:
- Visit Múlastofa exhibition in Kaupvangur, the oldest house and cultural center of Vopnafjörður. There you can get to know the life of the popular brothers, play-and songwriters, Jón Múli and Jónas sons of Árni, who grew up in the area.
- Take a bath in the beautiful swimming pool in Selárdalur valley in Vopnafjörður, located on the bank of the salmon river Selá.
- Drive/bike up to the top of Hellisheiði mountain road, where there is a great view of Héráðsflói bay and beyond.
- Visit the village of Borgarfjörður eystri and see puffins up close at the marina.
- Visit the tourist resort of Möðrudalur valley, the church there and a great view of Herðubreið, one of the most beautiful mountains of Iceland.
- New attraction in the east is Vök Baths, unique floating geothermal pools in Urriðavatn lake near Egilsstaðir. Take a dip in the cold lake too, if you dare.
- Stuðlagil canyon in Jökuldalur valley has proven a big hit on Instagram with its distinct basalt columns and striking blue river.
- Walk up to Hengifoss by Lagarfljót lake, one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in the country, which tumbles down impressive striped cliffs.
- Visit the stately manor house and ancient monastery at Skriðuklaustur and then drive on to the Wilderness Center to learn more about life on the edge of the highlands.
- Snæfellsstofa is a visitor center with a fascinating exhibition about Vatnajökull National Park and serves as one of its gateways.
For further information and ideas go to www.vopnafjardarhreppur. is and www.east.is
Bustarfell, 691 Vopnafjörður 
bustarfell@simnet.is 
www.bustarfell.is 
(+354) 855 4511
Opening hours: