An exhibition dedicated to Iceland’s national dog The Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Centre is a lively and educational exhibition that highlights the history, role and unique character of this remarkable breed. Its aim is to preserve the cultural heritage connected to the Icelandic sheepdog and make it accessible to visitors of all ages. The story is told in a warm, visual …
Þrístapar Memory Site
Historic execution site Þrístapar consists of three small hills on the western side of Vatnsdalshólar, just north of Route 1. The site is known for the last public execution in Iceland in 1830, connected to the Illugastaðir murder case. The hills stand as a stark reminder of a dramatic event that has shaped the legal and cultural history of North …
Vatnsdalur and Þingeyri
History, nature and cultural heritage Vatnsdalur and Þingeyri offer a unique connection to nature, history and culture – ideal for anyone interested in Icelandic heritage. Vatnsdalur – natural gem and setting of an Icelandic saga Vatnsdalur is a 25 km long valley in Húnaþing vestra, known for its diverse landscape and historical significance. According to Landnámabók, Ingimundur the Old Þorsteinsson …
The Textile Museum
Icelandic wool, embroidery and national costumes The Textile Museum in Blönduós preserves the forgotten crafts of past and present. The museum offers insight into the textile work carried out by women and men in Icelandic homes, which played a major role in daily life. This handcraft tradition was an export industry for centuries – the “heavy industry of its time” …
The Leader Sheep Centre
Heritage and Knowledge The Leader Sheep Centre opened in 2014 in the old community house at Svalbarð in Þistilfjörður. The exhibition offers rich information about Icelandic leader sheep and their role in Icelandic agriculture. Visitors learn how this unique breed has been part of the nation’s culture and farming traditions for centuries. Characteristics of Icelandic Leader Sheep Icelandic sheep are …
The Herring Era Museum
The largest maritime and industrial museum in Iceland The Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður is Iceland’s largest maritime and industrial museum. Across three distinct museum buildings, visitors discover the story of herring fishing and processing – the “silver of the sea” that shaped Iceland’s destiny in the twentieth century. The herring industry was so significant that people spoke of it …
The Icelandic Emigration Centre
The story of Icelandic emigration The Icelandic Emigration Centre in Hofsós was founded in 1996. Its purpose is to honour Icelanders who emigrated to North America between 1850 and 1914. The centre tells their story, preserves their memory and strengthens ties between their descendants abroad and relatives in Iceland. It operates in three historical buildings and offers four exhibitions, genealogy …
Hólar in Hjaltadalur
A Historic Cultural Centre for Nearly a Thousand Years Hólar in Hjaltadalur is one of Iceland’s most significant historical sites, surrounded by majestic mountains and peaceful nature. For almost a millennium, Hólar has served as a centre of culture and education and was the seat of the bishopric from 1106 to 1798. Today, Hólar in Hjaltadalur is home to Hólar …
Laufás Turf Farm in Eyjafjörður
Historic Clerical Estate in Eyjafjörður Laufás Turf Farm in Eyjafjörður is one of Iceland’s most important former clerical estates and has been lived in since Christianity was adopted. Visitors can see how daily life developed over the centuries and how the homestead and community were closely connected. The oldest part of the farmstead dates back to the 16th and 17th …
Akureyri Museum
History and Role of the Museum Akureyri Museum is a diverse cultural institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Eyjafjörður. It includes exhibitions, education and research. The museum is housed in an elegant residential building dating from 1934, alongside exhibition halls built in 1978. Visitors can explore artefacts and stories that shed light on everyday life, culture …
Saudaneshus District Cultural Centre
A Historic Church Site on Iceland’s North-East Coast Sauðaneshús stands at one of the most significant historic church sites in the region, approximately 7 km north of Þórshöfn on the Langanes peninsula. The site has been inhabited since early times and has played an important role in the local community for centuries. The Oldest Stone House in Þingeyjarsýsla Built in …
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 …
Grenjaðarstaður Turf Farm
A Magnificent Turf Farm in the Heart of Aðaldalur Grenjaðarstaður in Aðaldalur is one of Iceland’s largest turf farms and stands on a historic estate that once served as both a church site and a vicarage. The oldest part of the farmhouse dates to 1865, and people lived there until 1949. As a settlement-era farm, it played an important role …
Húsavík Museum
The Cultural Heart of Þingeyjar District in Húsavík Húsavík Museum is a vibrant cultural centre where the diverse collections and heritage of the Þingeyjar district come together. The museum houses permanent exhibitions, temporary displays, and several important cultural institutions that serve the region. The Maritime Museum – The Story of Seafaring in Skjálfandi Bay The museum is home to the …
Kakalaskáli in Skagafjörður
Experience the Age of the Sturlungs through the history and art exhibition in Kakalaskáli in Skagafjörður. The so-called Age of the Sturlungs was a period of repeated armed struggles between the main ruling clans in Iceland who fought for power. Travel back to the civil war in 13th century Iceland and picture the ruling clans clashing at Haugsnes in North Iceland …
Museum of Prophecies
What does the future behold? Have your fortune told at the Museum of Prophecies in Skagaströnd in Northwest Iceland and learn about Þórdís the fortune-teller, the place’s first named inhabitant. Þórdís was not only known for her supernatural abilities, but she was also the foster mother of Þorvaldur the far traveller, Iceland’s first missionary, and her name appears in a …
Glaumbær Museum
According to sources, a farm has existed on the land of Glaumbær since the Age of Settlement around 900 AD. One of its most famous residents was Snorri Þorfinnsson, the first European to be born in North America, around 1000. The present buildings vary in age; the most recent addition was built 1876-79 and the oldest in the mid-18th century. …
1238: The Battle of Iceland
Visit 1238 – The Battle of Iceland Virtual and Augmented Reality Museum, and participate in the largest battle in Iceland’s history. Step into history and participate in the Battle of Örlygsstaðir immersive exhibition that takes you through some dramatic and violent Icelandic Sagas in a new and exciting way! The VR museum is located in Sauðárkrókur in North Iceland, close …