Snartarstaðir Folk Museum
North Þingeyjarsýsla Folk Museum
Snartarstaðir, near Kópasker, is home to the North Þingeyjarsýsla Folk Museum and is located just 1–2 km from the village. The museum is housed in a former local school building and opened in 1991. It contains more than 2,000 artefacts that tell the story of everyday life and traditional livelihoods in the North Þingeyjarsýsla region.
A Unique Collection of Needlework and Handicrafts
The exhibition at Snartarstaðir is renowned for its unique collection of traditional handicrafts. Women in North Þingeyjarsýsla created most of the pieces over the last century. Visitors can admire embroidery, weaving, knitting, and beautiful traditional women’s costumes that reflect exceptional craftsmanship and a rich textile heritage.
The Library of Helgi and Andrea from Leirhöfn
Snartarstaðir also preserves the 9,000-volume library of the couple Helgi Kristjánsson and Andrea Jónsdóttir from Leirhöfn on the Melrakkaslétta. The collection reflects their broad cultural and intellectual interests and serves as an important resource for understanding the region’s literary tastes and cultural heritage.
Artefacts from Iceland’s Farming Past
In addition to handicrafts and books, the museum displays a wide range of cultural artefacts from Iceland’s traditional farming society. Exhibits include blacksmithing and woodworking tools, firearms, household items, homemade toys, and charming carved domestic animal figures. Together, these objects provide visitors with a vivid insight into life and work in Iceland’s north-eastern corner during the 20th century.
Ten Things to Do in North East Iceland
- Be captivated by Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, as well as Goðafoss and Aldeyjarfoss.
- Visit the natural wonder of Mývatn region, renowned for its unique birdlife, the Earth Lagoon, Dimmuborgir, and the geothermal area of Hverir.
- Explore the Diamond Circle and discover Ásbyrgi Canyon, Hljóðaklettar, and the spectacular Jökulsárgljúfur area.
- Visit the Húsavík Whale Museum and join a whale-watching tour from Húsavík. You can also explore the Húsavík Museum Centre.
- Relax in the GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths and visit the Folk Museum at Mánárbakki on the Tjörnes peninsula.
- Follow the Arctic Coast Way and experience the magic of the midnight sun on Melrakkaslétta, Iceland’s northernmost peninsula.
- Visit the Arctic Henge near Raufarhöfn, a remarkable place to enjoy sunrises, sunsets, and the Northern Lights.
- Experience the remote beauty of Langanes and the historic fishing settlement of Skálanes. Also visit Sauðaneshús and The Icelandic Leader Sheep Centre in Þistilfjörður.
- Discover the rich birdlife of North Iceland along the region’s renowned birdwatching routes.
- Connect with nature on a hiking, cycling, or horseback-riding tour in North Iceland. Find routes and inspiration at North Iceland.
For further information, visit northiceland.is.
Stórigarður 17, 640 Húsavík 
safnahus@husmus.is 
www.husmus.is 
(+354) 464 1860
Opening hours: