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, …
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 …
Reykjavík Maritime Museum
The Story of Iceland’s Fishing Industry in a Living Setting The museum is housed in a building that once accommodated a thriving fish processing plant. Its exhibitions explore the importance of fishing in Iceland’s history. Visitors can discover the lives of people who lived by the sea and learn how the fishing industry has shaped Icelandic society. Fish & Folk …
Skriðuklaustur Cultural Centre
The drive along Fljótsdalur (“river valley”) is a bit like travelling back in time. Skriðuklaustur in Fljótsdalur valley is a historical site with the ruins of a 16th century monastery which was revealed in an archaeological excavation in the years 2002-2012. It was an Augustinian cloister, established around 1493 and in function until the reformation in 1550. The cloister was …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …