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 …
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 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 Sheep Farming Museum
A lively cultural Centre in Sævangur The Sheep Farming Museum in Strandir is a lively cultural centre located in Sævangur by Steingrímsfjörður, founded in 2002. The museum is situated 12 km south of Hólmavík and offers a wide range of activities for the whole family. Sheep and Rural Life Their permanent exhibition, Sheep and Rural Life, explores sheep farming from …
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 …
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 …
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 …
The Wilderness Centre
Living history, nature and culture on the edge of the highlands The Wilderness Centre in Fljótsdalur is a unique destination where history, culture and wilderness meet. Visitors step into the past as they cross the old wooden bridge. Daily life from earlier centuries comes alive through buildings, artefacts and stories linked to Iceland’s remote interior. The exhibition guides guests through …
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 …
The Agricultural Museum of Iceland
Living History of Icelandic Agriculture The Agricultural Museum of Iceland at Hvanneyri sheds light on the history of Icelandic agriculture and its development through the centuries. In the peaceful countryside of Borgarfjörður, visitors can explore the remarkable story of an industry that has shaped Icelandic society, view diverse agricultural tools and see how technological advances transformed farming in the 20th …
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 …
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 …
Sauðanes House
The old stone house at Sauðanes (Sauðaneshús) is an old church estate 7 km north of the village Þórshöfn. The vicarage, which was built in 1879 from grey basalt which originated far from the area, is the region’s oldest stone house. Today it houses an exhibition showcasing how life was in Langanes during the time when Sauðaneshús was inhabited and …
Snartarstaðir Folk Museum
Snartarstaðir, close to the village Kópasker, is the folk museum of Norður – Þingeyjarsýsla county and presents a unique collection of local objects and handicrafts from the 19th and 20th centuries. The exhibition is characterized by two different collections; one is the large amount of all sorts of handicrafts, embroidery, woven items, knitted clothing, and other handicrafts, and the other …
Húsavík Museum
The Þingeyjarsýsla County Culture Center encompasses four different but equally fascinating museums. Husavik Museum (Safnahúsið) has two permanent exhibitions. In the Maritime Museum old boats and tools are on display and visitors can watch a documentary to gain insight into the lives and work of fishermen in centuries past. The second one, “Man and Nature – 100 years in Þingeyjarsýslur”, …
East Iceland Heritage Museum
Since reindeer were imported to Iceland in the late 18th century, they have lived wild in East Iceland and significantly impacted the region’s nature and culture. The exhibition in East Iceland Heritage Museum, “Reindeer in East Iceland”, covers their habitat, biology, behaviour, life-cycle and the hazards they face, as well as research, hunting and reindeer products. Visitors can also watch …
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 …
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. …