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 …
Old Icelandic Books
Unique access to Icelandic ancient books Old Icelandic Books offers a rare cultural experience where guests explore Icelandic ancient books and manuscripts in an intimate and hands-on way. The visit is based on one of the most remarkable private collections in Iceland, giving guests the chance to hold history literally in their own hands. The collector guides guests through 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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
Lava Show in Reykjavík
A Unique Lava Experience in the Heart of Reykjavík Lava Show in Reykjavík offers an extraordinarily close encounter with real molten lava flowing in a safe, controlled environment. The show blends nature, science, and storytelling in a vivid and engaging way, giving visitors insight into Iceland’s volcanic activity and how lava is formed. This is a rare opportunity to experience …
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 …
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, …
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 …
War and Peace Museum
The Story of the Allied Occupation in Hvalfjörður The War and Peace Museum in Hvalfjörður tells the remarkable story of the Allied forces stationed in Iceland during the Second World War, with exhibitions showcasing original artefacts from the period. The museum opened in 2012 and has since become a popular destination for both Icelandic and international visitors. The exhibition traces …
Hnjótur Museum
The Egill Ólafsson Museum at Hnjótur in Örlygshöfn preserves a unique collection of artefacts that offer insight into the history of seafaring, agriculture and daily life in the southern Westfjords. The Hnjótur Museum was founded in 1983 and is today a popular destination for travellers. History and Foundation Egill Ólafsson began collecting objects related to life and work in the …
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 …
The Museum of Sorcery & Witchcraft
The Sorcery Exhibition in Hólmavík – Witch Trials, Folklore and Culture in Strandir At the Sorcery Exhibition in Hólmavík, visitors are introduced to one of the darkest periods in Icelandic history. The story of the 17th‑century witch trials is woven together with folklore and cultural heritage that lived on in people’s minds. More than 200 cases were brought forward in …
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 …
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 …
The Wilderness Center
Visiting The Wilderness Center, in Fljótsdalur valley, is an adventure. As soon as guests park their cars and cross the old wooden bridge at the center, they step into the past. Every detail at the premises has been remade in the original style to make the visitor feel as if taking part in an adventure of the past. The buildings, …
The Institute of Archaeology
The Institute of Archaeology (Instarch) was established 1995. From the start the institute has aimed to provide high quality research and project outputs in Icelandic archaeology. It´s innovative survey technique has proved successful in Iceland by integrating place names, ethnography, historical documents, and archaeological information into a single database, Ísleif. The institute also aim to bridge the research and commercial …
The Wapp – hiking app
The Wapp is a free app with a collection of GPS tracks for hiking, trekking or walking in Iceland with various information on nature, history, folk tales and the environment in general. The tracks are combined with a detailed map and are downloaded beforehand and used offline. The trails are of great variety and the experience meaningful and full of …
The Old Smithy in Þingeyri
The history of The Old Smithy in Þingeyri, as it is now called, can be traced back to the year 1906, when Guðmundur J. Sigurðsson returned from mechanical engineering studies in Denmark. From there he brought new tools that were necessary for workshop operations. In 1913, together with the owner of the Gram-store at site, he founded Guðmundur J. Sigurðsson’s …
Skálinn – Viking Center
In Skálinn – Viking Center, in the village of Þingeyri, you can play settlers and immerse yourself in their daily lives. Dress up in hand-stitched clothing from the Viking Age and bake bread over an open fire. In the reception hall, which has been decorated in Viking style, people have a unique opportunity to get to know the conditions and …
Bustarfell Museum
In the beautiful valley, Hofsárdalur, stands the old family seat of Bustarfell. This sod farm, with its red poles and grassy roof, is one of the oldest and best preserved turf house of its kind in Iceland. In 1532, Árni Brandsson and his wife Úlfheiður bought Bustarfell. Since then, the same family has lived there all along. Emphasis is placed …
Hey Iceland
With over 30 years experience, Hey Iceland is a leading expert in guiding those wanting to travel through the Icelandic countryside. The company offers a range of self-drive packages, guided tours and day tours all year round, as well as a vast network of comfortable accommodation in scenic locations. The travel agency was founded by farmers in 1980, the Icelandic …
Ísafjörður Guide
Ísafjörður walk – a journey through time Ísafjörður, the capital of the Westfjords, has a well-preserved town center with houses from the 19th century that reflect, among other things, the fishing and trading history of the place and the people who lived there. The guide who is dressed like a 19th century fish worker will meet you at the tourist …
The Settlement Exhibition in Aðalstræti
Just below ground in Aðalstræti 16 in downtown Reykjavík, this open excavation uncovers the city’s Viking Age history. Discovered during building work in 2001, these archaeological remains turned out to be the earliest evidence of human settlement in the city, with some dating to before AD 871±2. Careful excavation revealed a 10th-century hall or longhouse, which is now preserved in …
Árbær Open Air Museum
Árbær Open Air Museum in Reykjavík is a museum with about 20 houses from different periods, including the old turf farm Árbær. Together, they form a village and countryside. Visitors learn how Reykjavík developed from a few scattered farms into the capital of Iceland. They can walk around the village and enter the old houses for an insight into the …
Reykjavík Maritime Museum
The Reykjavík Maritime Museum bears witness to the importance of fishing in Icelandic history; the museum building used to be a thriving fish factory. The new permanent and recent exhibition, “Fish & Folk – 150 years of fisheries,” covers fishing off Iceland since rowboats were replaced by large fishing vessels in the last decades of the 19th century and the …
National Museum of Iceland
Discover Iceland’s Cultural Heritage The National Museum of Iceland preserves and communicates 1,200 years of the nation’s history through living exhibitions, artifacts, and narratives that reflect the development of society from the settlement era to the present day. The permanent exhibition „A Nation is Born – Culture and Society over 1,200 Years“ In this popular permanent exhibition, visitors can explore …
Akureyri Museum
The Akureyri Museum is located in a historic building in the oldest part of Akureyri. Outside is an old country church in a beautiful ornamental garden. Various exhibitions are held at the museum to shed light on the town’s history, including its musical heritage. The former homes of the children’s book author and priest Jón Sveinsson (Nonni) and the national …
Skriðuklaustur Cultural Center
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
The Settlement Center
The Settlement Center in Borgarnes takes visitors on a magical journey through Egil’s saga and the story of Iceland’s settlement; two interesting exhibitions. The Egil´s exhibition is dedicated to Egill Skallagrímsson, poet, warrior, and one of the Icelandic sagas’ most colorful characters in the 10th century. The exhibition takes visitors through the magical and mythical storyline of Egil’s saga. Scenes …
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 …
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 …
Snorrastofa in Reykholt
Snorrastofa is an independent research centre established in 1995. The centre is located in Reykholt in western Iceland, the main residence of Iceland’s greatest medieval writer, poet, scholar and statesman, Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241). Its main task is to instigate and conduct research on the medieval period in general, and Snorri and his works in particular. It is one of Iceland’s …