The Sorcery Exhibition in Hólmavík – Witch Trials, Folklore and Culture in Strandir

At the Sorcery Exhibition in Hólmavík, visitors are introduced to one of the darkest periods in Icelandic history. The story of the 17th‑century witch trials is woven together with folklore and cultural heritage that lived on in people’s minds. More than 200 cases were brought forward in Iceland during this time, and 21 individuals were sentenced to death for sorcery. The exhibition sheds light on this dramatic history and shows how Icelandic magic differed from practices known elsewhere in Europe.

What is on display?

Visitors can view copies of spell books, magical staves and objects connected to the trials. The upper floor explores the accusers and judges involved in the cases, as well as presenting the most notable trials. The exhibition is a vivid narrative of how people imagined supernatural powers could be used to influence everyday life.

Location and accessibility

The Sorcery Exhibition is housed in a black building by the harbour in the old part of Hólmavík, at Höfðagata 8–10. Parking is plentiful, and one designated space is located directly at the entrance for disabled visitors. Accessibility is good on the ground floor, where most of the exhibition and the restaurant are located, but unfortunately not on the upper floor. Wheelchair users receive free admission.

Galdur Restaurant

In the same building you will find Galdur, a restaurant offering delicious dishes made from local ingredients. The menu also includes vegetarian options. Guests can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, pastries and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Museum Shop and Souvenirs

The museum shop offers a wide selection of books on magic, runes and folklore. You will also find souvenirs inspired by magical staves, available for purchase on site. It is an ideal place to take home a memento from your visit.

The Sorcery Field and Events

Next to the museum is a grassy area where visitors can enjoy peace and views over the harbour. Various events have been held here, including Galdraleikar (Magic Games) inspired by ideas from the Harry Potter books. The field also features a statue of Klemus Bjarnason, the last man sentenced to be burned for sorcery in Iceland, although the sentence was later changed to exile. The work, created by Arngrímur Sigurðsson, serves as a reminder of the history reflected in the exhibition.

Ten ideas for things to do in Hólmavík and nearby areas:

1. Go whale watching from Hólmavík with Láki Tours.
2. Take a dip in the swimming pool in Hólmavík or Drangsnes.
3. Visit the Sheep Farming Museum and learn all about sheep in Iceland.
4. Explore the Sorcerer’s Cottage in Bjarnarfjörður and then enjoy a swim at Laugarhóll.
5. Visit the small village of Drangsnes and take a boat trip to Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður, home to a large puffin colony.
6. Travel north to Árneshreppur and explore the history of herring in Djúpavík and Ingólfsfjörður, visit Hvalárfoss in Ófeigsfjörður, and relax in the geothermal pool at Krossneslaug.
7. Drive across Steingrímsfjörður heath and visit Heydalur in Mjóifjörður and a nearby natural pool.
8. Visit the Boat and Gift of Nature Exhibition at Reykhólar.
9. Visit Ólafsdalur in Gilsfjörður, where Iceland’s first agricultural school was founded in 1880, and walk to the Viking longhouse discovered in 2017.
10. In the Dalir district, visit the zoo at Hólar Petting Farm, the Leifur Eiriksson Center in Búðardalur, and Eiríksstaðir in Haukadalur.

For further information, visit www.westfjords.is