The War & Peace Museum in Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord) opened in 2012. It traces a unique and remarkable history of occupation from 1940 to 1945, a story that transformed a more peaceful countryside into a setting for world events and was crucial to the Allies’ victory during World War II. Here you can see an elaborate collection of monuments and memorabilia related to the history of the occupation of Hvalfjörður during these fateful times of turmoil.

Hvalfjörður played an important role during the second World War II. The Allies had their naval base at the bottom of the fjord, with deep anchorage for their warships. Further towards the sea were more anchorages and a stopping-place for the convoys en route to the Soviet Union from the USA and Great Britain. The world’s largest warships were a common sight here. These vessels protected the convoys from attacks by the German Navy’s battleships, stationed in Norway.

The main topics on display at the War & Peace Museum:

• USA
• Children and Toys
• Britain
• Nursing
• Iceland
• Convenience Store
• The Icelandic Coast Guard (1926-45)
• Security and Defense
• Barber Shop
• Russia
• Nazi Germany

Café and a good campsite open June-August.

Ten ideas for a recreation in Hvalfjörður and nearby:

1. Take a tour to Botnsdalur in Hvalfjörður and hike up to Glymur, the highest waterfall in Iceland (198 m).
2. Visit the recent Hvammsvík Hot Springs on the south side of Hvalfjörður.
3. Relax in Guðlaug, a natural pool by Langisandur shore in Akranes.
4. Visit the Akranes Museum in Garðar and learn about the history of the place over the centuries.
5. Check out Akranes lighthouses and their beautiful surroundings.  They are two, built in 1918 and 1947. The more recent one is open for tourists.
6. Hike up Mt Akrafjall, you won’t be disappointed by the view up there.
7. Visit  the Agricultural Museum of Iceland in Hvanneyri and Ullarselið  (Whool-shop) there and learn about the history of agriculture in Iceland. Lot of old tractors on display.
8. Get to know the Icelandic goat, which is a unique breed, and its products at the goat farm in Háafell in Borgarfjörður.
9. Visit the Icelandic Settlement Centre in Borgarnes and learn about the history of the settlement of Iceland as well as the warrior and poet Egill Skallagrímsson.
10. Soak in the Krauma Spa by Deildartunguhver in Borgarfjörður, the most powerful spring in Europe.

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