The history of The Old Smithy in Þingeyri, as it is now called, can be traced back to the year 1906, when Guðmundur J. Sigurðsson returned from mechanical engineering studies in Denmark. From there he brought new tools that were necessary for workshop operations. In 1913, together with the owner of the Gram-store at site, he founded Guðmundur J. Sigurðsson’s Smithy & Co. Under the management of Guðmundur and later Matthías, his son, the workshop was to become nationally known for its quality and good service.

Today,  The Old Smithy is a living museum where you can learn about the methods used in the workshop since its inception. Along with the machine smithy, a fire smithy was run in the premises and it is still operating on the same basis as when it was founded. It is a unique experience to visit The Old Smithy, which is now part of the Westfjords Heritage Museum in Ísafjörður.

Ten ideas for recreation in  the the Northern-Westfjords:

1. Visit Skálinn Viking Center in Þingeyri, next door to The Old Smithy,  and learn about the Iceland settlers´way of life in the 9th and 10th century.
2. Taste Belgium waffles in Simbahöllin Restaurant in Þingeyri.
3. Check out the tree and flower park Skrúður in Dýrafjörður, from which other parades in Iceland take their name.
4. Visit the  Westfjords Museum in Ísafjörður and learn more about the history of the region.
5. Check out the view from the new viewing platform on Mt. Bolafjall, if you dare!
6. Scratch with the seaman from ancient times in the Maritime Museum in Ósvör by Bolungarvík.
7. Get to know Iceland’s first settler at The Arctic Fox Center  in Súðavík.
8. Sail to Hornstrandi Nature Reserve or to the island of Vigur in Ísafjörður Bay.
9. Walk along Dynjandi  in Arnafjörður, the biggest and most famous waterfall in the Westfjords.
10. Visit the Sea Monster Museum in Bíldudalur in Arnafjörður.

For further information and ideas go to www.westfjords.is