Local Travel Agency Fantastic Fjords is a local Travel Agency in Ísafjörður. After many years in the Travel and Service industry, both in Reykjavik and New York, we decided to move to the Westfjords of Iceland and start our own company in early 2016. Focus on Soft Travel with culinary touch, history and culture and mix and mingle with the …
The Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Centre
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 …
Your Friend in Reykjavik
Personal and informative walking tours in Reykjavík Your Friend in Reykjavik offers personal and informative walking tours in the heart of Iceland’s capital, where stories, music, folklore and everyday city life blend with good atmosphere, food and Icelandic hospitality. The guides are true local experts – lively storytellers who make the city experience engaging, accessible and enjoyable. Expert guiding with …
Upper Árnessýsla Region
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 – …
CityWalk Reykjavík
CityWalk offers daily walking tours in Reykjavík where history, culture and fun come together. The company is well known for its free guided tours and customised experiences for groups. Daily walking tours in downtown Reykjavík CityWalk provides daily guided walking tours in Reykjavík for travellers and private groups. The company was founded in 2014 by Marteinn Briem and has from …
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 Geothermal Exhibition
Experience the power of geothermal energy The Geothermal Exhibition at Hellisheiði Power Plant invites visitors to discover how renewable energy is created. Here you can see how Iceland’s largest geothermal power station produces electricity and hot water for the capital area. The exhibition is a vivid example of sustainable energy utilisation in action. Visible geothermal energy – from power to …
Elliðaá Power Station
A living destination of energy and nature Elliðaá Power Station is a unique blend of history, nature and innovation in the heart of Reykjavík. Set within Elliðaárdalur valley, one of the city’s most beloved outdoor areas, the station highlights how water power once electrified Reykjavík and how creativity and knowledge continue to drive the community today. Elliðaárdalur – a natural …
Gljúfrasteinn – Laxness Museum
The Nobel Prize Winner Halldór Laxness (1902–1998) was the leading Icelandic author of the 20th century. During his lifetime, he witnessed the greatest social changes in Iceland’s history, from a traditional farming society to modern life. When he received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1955, the nation united around him as a symbol of Icelandic culture and literature. Today, …
The Akranes Folk Museum
Living Cultural Heritage of Akranes The Akranes Folk Museum at Garðar has in recent years become one of the town’s main attractions. The museum offers a unique experience for everyone – even for those who do not usually consider themselves museum enthusiasts. Here, the history of settlement, industry and daily life south of Skarðsheiði is brought vividly to life. Main …
The French Museum in Iceland
The French Fishermen in Icelandic Waters Museum is a new highlight in Fjarðabyggð. It is housed in two impressive buildings from around 1900: the Doctor’s House and the French Hospital. The main exhibition sits in the underground tunnels that link the buildings and create a unique visitor experience. The History of French Fishermen in Icelandic Waters The French began fishing …
The Akranes Lighthouse
A Symbol of West Iceland The Akranes Lighthouse stands at the western tip of Akranes and is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks. There are two lighthouses: the older one was built in 1918 on Suðurflös, designed by Thorvald Krabbe, and is one of Iceland’s oldest concrete lighthouses. It is square, painted white and 10 metres tall. Its original …
Ósvör Maritime Museum
A living memory of traditional seafaring in Bolungarvík Ósvör Maritime Museum stands at the eastern edge of Bolungarvík and is one of the area’s most important cultural landmarks. The museum recreates the working and living conditions of seasonal fishermen in the 19th century, giving visitors a unique insight into Iceland’s maritime history. Boathouse, salt shed and fish-drying area The museum …
Litlibær in Skötufjörður
Historic Turf House Litlibær in Skötufjörður is a historic turf house from 1895, restored and open to visitors with a small café serving cakes and cream waffles. This charming little house is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the Westfjords, attracting both travellers and locals who wish to experience the region’s history and culture. Construction and Settlement Litlibær was …
Bessastaðir Presidental Residence
The Heart of Icelandic History Bessastaðir on Álftanes has been a key site in Icelandic history for centuries. Settlement here began in the Viking Age, and the place has remained important ever since. It has shaped Iceland’s governance, education, and cultural life from early times to today. From Settlement to the Commonwealth Archaeological research shows that people settled at Bessastaðir …
The Maritime Museum at Hellissandur
In the Fishermen’s Garden at Sandahraun is a Maritime Museum – a living reminder of traditional seafaring and life beneath the glacier. Here you can see unique artefacts that tell the story of rowing boats, fishing culture, and everyday life in past centuries. The Rowing Boats Bliki and Ólafur Skagfjörð The Maritime Museum at Hellissandur preserves two remarkable rowing boats: …
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 …
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 …
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 …
The Institute of Archaeology
Research, documentation and education in Icelandic archaeology The Institute of Archaeology is a leading organisation in Icelandic archaeology. It has always emphasised high‑quality research, strong collaboration and clear communication. The Institute aims to deepen understanding of Iceland’s cultural heritage through scientific methods, transparency and steady development of the discipline. Archaeological surveys and excavations across Iceland Since 1993, the Institute has …
World in Words – Manuscript Exhibition at Edda
Experience the Middle Ages At the exhibition World in Words – Manuscript Exhibition at Edda, visitors can explore Icelandic medieval manuscripts that preserve a remarkable cultural heritage. These works contain stories, poems, and diverse texts reflecting how earlier generations understood life and society. The exhibition places particular emphasis on the manuscripts’ content and their connection to Iceland’s history. The Árni …
The Cultural Heritage Agency
The Role of the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland The Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland is the national authority for cultural heritage. It operates under the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate. The agency carries out heritage protection in line with the 2013 Cultural Heritage Act. It aims to safeguard the nation’s cultural and historical heritage. It works to …
The Old Blacksmiths Workshop in Þingeyri
A Westfjords Industrial Landmark The Old Blacksmiths Workshop in Þingeyri, also known as the Old Smithy, has a long and remarkable history. Its origins trace back to 1906, when Guðmundur J. Sigurðsson returned from mechanical training in Denmark. He brought new tools and knowledge that laid the foundation for the workshop. In 1913, he and Gramsverslun established the Guðmundur J. …
Viking World
Viking History and Seafaring Traditions Viking World on the Reykjanes Peninsula is an impressive, educational museum where visitors can explore Viking history, the seafaring traditions of the Norse people and their culture through engaging visual exhibitions. The museum’s centrepiece is the Viking ship Íslendingur, built by master craftsman Gunnar Marel Eggertsson from the Westman Islands. The ship gained international attention …
The Heritage Museum at Garðskagi
History, Cultural Heritage and Nature at Garðskagi The Heritage Museum at Garðskagi, founded in 1995, stands on a beautiful museum site beside Garðskagi Lighthouse in Suðurnesjabær. The area is part of the Reykjanes Geopark, listed by UNESCO for its geological significance and its focus on conservation, education and sustainable development. From here, there is a wide‑open view in all directions, …
Bustarfell Museum
A Turf Farm, Family Estate and Living Cultural Heritage in Hofsárdalur In the beautiful valley of Hofsárdalur stands the old family estate Bustarfell. It is one of Iceland’s best‑preserved turf farms. The red gables and grass‑covered roof make it easy to recognise. The same family owned the farm from 1532 until 1966. Today, the turf farm is part of the …
Múlastofa in Vopnafjörður
Kaupvangur, the Oldest House in Town Múlastofa in Vopnafjörður is located in the town’s oldest building, Kaupvangur (built in 1884), which also serves as the local cultural centre. Here, visitors can learn about the well‑known brothers Jón Múli and Jónas Árnason, who were born at Kirkjuból in Vopnafjörður. The Brothers Jón Múli and Jónas Árnason Jón Múli (1921–2002) was known …
Jón Sigurðsson Museum at Hrafnseyri
The story of the leader of the 19th‑century Icelandic independence movement The Jón Sigurðsson Museum at Hrafnseyri is a unique destination where visitors learn about the life, work and legacy of Jón Sigurðsson, the leader of the 19th‑century Icelandic independence movement. At Hrafnseyri in Arnarfjörður, nature, history and culture meet to create a living whole that helps guests understand Iceland’s …
Westfjords Heritage Museum
The Oldest Building Cluster in Neðstikaupstaður The Westfjords Heritage Museum stands in Neðstikaupstaður in Ísafjörður. Here you find Iceland’s oldest building cluster from the late 18th century. The cluster includes Faktorshús, Krambúð, Turnhús and Tjöruhús. Danish monopoly traders built all four houses. Today, Faktorshús and Krambúð serve as homes. Turnhús houses the maritime museum. Tjöruhús offers year‑round space for meetings …
Ísafjörður Guide
A Journey Through Time Ísafjörður Guide is a family‑run company offering personal, high‑quality guiding in Ísafjörður and nearby areas. Ísafjörður is the capital of the Westfjords, known for its well‑preserved town centre with 19th‑century houses. These buildings reflect the region’s fishing and trading history. On the Ísafjörður Walk, guests explore local history and enjoy views over the fjord and the landscape …
Hafnarfjörður Museum
Living Town History – Exhibitions Reflecting Culture and Community Life Hafnarfjörður Museum preserves and presents the cultural history of the town through diverse exhibitions that reflect the lives, work and community of the people of Hafnarfjörður from the 19th century to today. Across seven exhibition sites, visitors can experience both everyday life and the stories of influential figures who shaped …
Árbær Open Air Museum
Historic Houses and a Living Heritage Site Árbæjarsafn is an open‑air museum in Reykjavík where around twenty historic buildings and the turf farm Árbær create a charming setting reminiscent of a town square, a village and rural Iceland. Visitors can walk through the houses and explore architecture, daily life and the living conditions of people in old Reykjavík. Exhibitions That …
Duus Museum in Reykjanesbær
Discover Culture and History at Duus Museum in Reykjanesbær Duus Museum is a unique cultural centre on the waterfront in Reykjanesbær. History, art and nature come together in one location. The buildings once housed trading operations and fish processing facilities. Today, they reflect the area’s rich heritage. They also illustrate the development of fishing and everyday life on the Reykjanes …
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 …
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 …
Skriðuklaustur Cultural Centre
Archaeology and a Medieval Monastery Skriðuklaustur is a remarkable historical site in Fljótsdalur where the ruins of a 16th-century monastery have been uncovered through one of Iceland’s most extensive archaeological excavations. The Augustinian monastery operated from 1493 until the Reformation and served as a refuge for the sick and poor. The archaeological site is open year-round, allowing visitors to explore …
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 …
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 …
Teigarhorn – Zeolite Exhibition
Teigarhorn farm near Djúpivogur is one of the world’s most renowned zeolite spots. Natural conditions provide exceptional opportunities to examine and study the mineral and its three-dimensional crystal structure. Various museums in Iceland and abroad, including the Natural History Museum in London, have some unique zeolites from Teigarhorn. The old house at Teigarhorn was built in 1880-1882 by Niels Weywadt, …
Langabúð in Djúpivogur
Built in 1790 (the northern part in 1850), Langabúð is the oldest house in Djúpivogur and one of the country’s oldest standing commercial buildings. The present building was erected on older foundations which were located where the Djúpivogur trading post had always been since it was opened by German merchants in 1589. Langabúð now facilitates an interesting heritage museum, and …
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 …
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 …
Eiríksstaðir
Warm yourself up by the long fire in the reconstructed longhouse in Eiríksstaðir and listen to a storyteller in Viking clothing tell about the inhabitants. The place can be called the „cradle of new worlds“ because it was here that Eirik The Red built a farm and started a family with his wife Þjóðhildur. Eirik was later the first Norseman to settle …
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. …
Snorrastofa in Reykholt
A Cultural Centre on a Historic Site Snorrastofa in Reykholt is a cultural and medieval research centre dedicated to the legacy of Snorri Sturluson. The centre stands on one of Iceland’s most important historical sites and connects visitors with medieval culture, storytelling traditions and local heritage. Snorrastofa in Reykholt aims to make history and research accessible to all who visit …