The Upper Árnessýsla Region is a place where nature, culture and adventure meet. Here you will find famous highlights and lesser-known gems, diverse activities and unique experiences suitable for all ages. Nature, culture and adventure Welcome to the Upper Árnessýsla Region, where natural beauty blends with captivating culture and unforgettable adventures. The area offers numerous interesting places to visit – …
The Lava Tunnel
Walk inside a lava tube Just 30 minutes from Reykjavík, The Lava Tunnel offers a rare chance to step into one of Iceland’s longest and best‑known lava tubes, Raufarhólshellir. Open all year, it is easily reached from the city yet feels like a journey deep into the volcanic heart of the country. An impressive underground world Raufarhólshellir stretches for about …
Lava Show in Vík
The Original Lava Show in Vík Lava Show in Vík is the first experience of its kind in Iceland, giving visitors the rare chance to watch real molten lava flow in a safe and controlled environment. Here, Iceland’s volcanic activity is brought to life as glowing lava runs across the stage, demonstrating how powerful natural forces shape the landscape. The …
Herjólfstown Westman Islands
A living Viking story in Herjólfsdalur Herjólfstown Westman Islands is a reconstructed turf farm and a living exhibition. Visitors experience everyday Viking life around the year 900. The exhibition is based on archaeological findings, historical research and accounts from Landnámabók. It combines culture, craftsmanship and nature in a unique experience. About the exhibition and the reconstructed farm Herjólfstown Westman Islands …
Keldur Medieval Turf Farm
A historic manor in South Iceland Keldur in Rangárvellir is a major historical site in South Iceland. It is the only large turf farm preserved in the region. It was once the manor of the Oddi chieftains. Jón Loftsson, their leader, spent his final years here. The old farm and its surroundings show settlement, power and daily life from the …
Caves of Hella
A unique world of ancient man-made caves in South Iceland The Caves of Hella are among the most remarkable man-made caves in Iceland. They form a unique world of mystery in South Iceland. On the farm Ægissíða, twelve ancient caves have been found, and four of them are open to visitors. All tours are guided. The caves are protected and …
Oddi in Rangárvellir
Historic site, church centre and chieftain’s seat Oddi in Rangárvellir is one of Iceland’s most significant historical sites. It has been a church site since the early Christian period. It was also the ancient seat of the Oddi chieftains and scholars. The farm stands on a green point between Ytri-Rangá, Eystri-Rangá and Þverá. For centuries it was a major estate …
Skyrland in Selfoss
The Story and Experience of Iceland’s National Dairy Tradition Skyrland in Selfoss is an immersive exhibition that explores skyr’s history from the settlement era to today. Skyr has nourished and strengthened Icelanders for centuries and has in recent years become a recognised superfood around the world. The exhibition is located in the Old Dairy House in the new town centre of …
Skansinn Westman Islands
Historic Cannon Fort and Defensive Stronghold Skansinn in Vestmannaeyjar was originally built as a cannon fort by the King of Denmark to defend the islands from foreign merchants. After the Turkish Raid of 1627, armed guards were stationed there, and the site played an important role in defending the Westman Islands. Today, Skansinn is one of the town’s most significant …
Eldheimar – Volcano Museum
Imagine what it was like waking up in the middle of the night to a volcanic eruption in your town! Eldheimar, a volcano museum of remembrance in Westman-Islands, traces the story of the 1973 eruption with a powerful and moving interactive exhibition. Almost all the inhabitants of Heimaey, over 5.000 people, had to leave their homes in the middle of …
Sagnheimar, Westman Islands
Sagnheimar is a complex of museums scattered around town, including a folk museum and natural history museum. Inside the folk museum there is a pier where visitors can listen to stories of sea accidents, search and rescue, sailor songs, and observe a bait shed and a bird hunters’ hut. The museum gives a good insight into the unique history of …
Hornafjörður Museums
Within the Hornafjörður Cultural Center, there are the museums of the Municipality of Hornafjörður: the regional, maritime, and natural history museum, Svavarssafn- Art Museum, library and the district archives. Svavarssafn – Art museum. Svavar Guðnason, an abstract painter, was born in Höfn in Hornafjörður in 1909. He is considered one of the most important painters in Iceland in the 20th …
Thorbergur Museum in Hali
The Thorbergur Museum (Þórbergssetur) is dedicated to one of Iceland’s most prominent authors in the 20st century, Þórbergur Þórðarson (1888-1974). The centre is dedicated to his life and work, is easily recognizable due to the gigantic books that adorn one of its outside walls. It’s an adventurous place to visit for travellers of all ages. In addition to providing an …
Kirkjubaejarklaustur
In 1186 a nunnery was founded by the Benedictine Order in Kirkjubær, now called Kirkjubæjarklaustur, and it was active until 1554. German legend tells of disobedient nuns who were supposed to have been burned at the top of Systrastapi. Lake Systravatn and the Systrafoss waterfall above the building are also named after these sisters. In 1995-2006, archaeological excavations were carried …
Skógar Museum
Skógar Museum actually includes three museum: Folk Museum, Open Air Museum and Technical Museum. The Open Air Museum has a large site, which includes examples of many periods of Icelandic architectural history. It´s forming a village, including an ancient turf farm, a school from the early 20th century and other historic houses. The diverse exhibitions inside the Folk Museum help visitors …
The Commonwealth Farm
The stately farm Stöng used to stand in the fertile Þjórsárdalur valley, until a disastrous eruption from volcano Hekla in 1104 destroyed it. However, the longhouse was preserved under layers of ash. When it was excavated and studied by archaeologists, it provided valuable historical information about life during the Icelandic Commonwealth in 11th–century Iceland. The Commonwealth Farm which is located …
Árnessýsla Heritage Museum
History comes to life at Árnessýsla Heritage Museum’s diverse exhibitions in Eyrarbakki, Southwest Iceland. The Museum is made up of different historical houses which tell the story of Eyrarbakki’s inhabitants. Eyrarbakki is on the edge of the Golden Circle. Húsið, or “The House,” earned this simple title because when it was constructed in 1765, it towered above the surrounding huts …
Skálholt
Experience Skálholt’s 1000-year history. Skálholt is Iceland’s first episcopal established in 1056. Skálholt served as the country’s capital for 750 years. It was a centre of administrative power, higher education and culture. Around the year 1200, over 100 people lived in Skálholt, making it the country’s first population centre. In the cathedral basement is an exhibition on Skálholt’s history by …
The Cave People
Laugarvatnshellar are manmade caves between Þingvellir National Park and Laugarvatn Lake on the Golden Circle. Their origin is somewhat of a mystery. They were possibly made by the Irish monks (called Papar) who lived in Iceland before the Norse settlers arrived in late 9th century. About 100 years ago, a young couple lived in the caves with their two children …
Thingvellir National Park
A Historic Heart of the Icelandic Nation Thingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most important historical sites. Here, the story of the nation and the land comes together in a unique way. The Alþingi, Iceland’s national assembly, was founded at Thingvellir in the year 930 and met here for nearly nine centuries. Many key events in Icelandic history took …