Crafts & Design

Our company KIDKA is one of the biggest knitting factories in Iceland and its name stands for beautiful and high-quality wool products, which are fashionable, comfortable and genuine Icelandic.

You can find our products in shops all over Iceland. Our factory is situated in the beautiful Miðfjörður area, in the small town Hvammstangi, halfway between Reykjavík and Akureyri, just 5 min from the main Road 1.

KIDKA sweaters, cardigans, and accessories are knitted by knitting machines. If you stop by in Hvammstangi you are welcome to take a look at our factory and see it yourself.  A visit to the KIDKA Wool factory provides a unique insight into the genuine Icelandic way of knitwear production. We like to show you how your sweater is made.
In our cozy factory shop, you can purchase our KIDKA wool products or buy some hand-knitted wool products for a good price.

We are also in Reykjavík:

KIDKA Wool Factory Shop
Höfðabraut 34, 530 Hvammstangi
kidka@kidka.com
www.kidka.com

Vikingaheimar is the home of the Viking Ship Íslendingur (the Icelander). Built in 1996, Icelander is an exact replica of the famous Gokstad
ship, a remarkable archaeological find of an almost completely intact Viking ship, excavated in Norway in 1882.
Captain Gunnar Marel Eggertsson was inspired to build a replica of this beautiful ship based on his own background as shipbuilder and sailor. He copied the original nail for nail. In the year 2000, with a grant from the Leifur Eiríksson Commission of Iceland, he sailed from Iceland to New York, a journey of 4200 nautical miles. His voyage brought world-wide attention to Leif Eiriksson's and Bjarni Herjólfsson's discovery of America, dated, according to the Icelandic sagas, to exactly 1000 A.D.
Building Icelander was an extraordinary achievement;at 23 metres long, 5.25 meters wide and with a holding capacity of 80 tons (by modern standards), it took 2 years of effort.

The sail is 130 square meters and the mast is 18 meters in length. Made from pine and oak, scholars believe this was the most common type of ship in use during the Viking Age.
Vikingaheimar is also a home to the exhibition The North Atlantic
Viking Saga, originally shown at the Smithsonian Institution during the summer of 2000. Launched in Washington D.C. by King Hakon of Norway, and with a State Dinner at the White House, it then traveling to 6 other cities throughout North America. This exhibition, like the sailing of Icelander, celebrated the millennium anniversary of the Viking discovery of North America, shedding light on the latest scholarly research into the Norse settlement and explorations of unknown lands.
Gunnar Marel and his crew of 8 left Iceland on Icelandic Independence day, the 17th of June, with a send off from the Prime Minister of Iceland. When it finally arrived in New York on October 5th-where it was greeted by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and Mayor Rudolf Guiliani--the ship had made stops at 22 harbors. In addition to the festivities with kings, queens, presidents and mayors, when the ship arrived, visitors also streamed to see it while it was docked at each location, all told about 450,000 people came on board.
These two fine projects, both celebrating Iceland's central role in the discovery of North America 1000 years ago by the Norse Vikings, have now found a permanent home in Vikinga Aldan (Viking Wave), the central building on the Vikingaheimar grounds. A spectacular modern building, it also offers beautiful views of the surrounding bay, Faxaflói.

These two fine projects, both celebrating Iceland's central role in the discovery of North America 1000 years ago by the Norse Vikings, have now found a permanent home in Vikinga Aldan (Viking Wave), the central building on the Vikingaheimar grounds. A spectacular modern building, it also offers beautiful views of the surrounding bay, Faxaflói.

The woman’s college heritage centre was founded by the friends of the woman’s college with support from the local culture fund. The aim of the heritage center is to preserve the history and artifacts from the college that was run for almost a hundred years, from 1879 until 1978. About 3500 girls attended the college and parts of the building have been restored to its original state. Most of the items found in the collection were donated by former students as well as the relatives of Elín Briem who was the colleges first principal. Guided tours of the house and exhibitions are available.

Hours of Operation: 13-17 weekdays in July. Also on request for groups. 
Admission: ISK 700 kr. 

Thingborg Wool shop is located 8 km east of Selfoss, in an old community center and a schoolhouse built-in 1927. A unique wool shop selling handmade quality crafts. The Icelandic sweater is our focus point, a great selection of sweaters and other knitted garments, sheepskins, blankets, naturally colored and hand-dyed yarn, and Lopi from a specially selected lambswool. A shop run by locals since 1991. 

Information regarding opening hours on www.thingborg.is 

Sossa is an Icelandic painter and Fulbright Scholar. She’s a graduate from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts as well as a Master of Fine Arts from Tufts University and School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. 

Her paintings have been exhibited in numerous galleries and at international art exhibitions throughout Europe, North America, and Asia including: 

The International Beijing Biennale in China, Koppelman Gallery in Massachusetts, Galleri Sct. Gertrud in Copenhagen, Mac Gowan Fine Art in the United States, Aalborg Art Association in Denmark, Galeria de Arte in Portugal, at the Danish Ministries Art Association, Florence Biennale in Italy, Art Apart Fair in Singapore, and at Gallerí Fold in Reykjavik Iceland.

Gjóska is an Icelandic design company run by the teacher and textile designer Birna Kristín Friðriksdóttir and her husband the farmer Guðbergur Egill Eyjólfsson. They live on the Farm Brúnagerði in North Iceland, where Gjóska‘s workshop is located but they also run a shop on Skólavörðustígur 20, downtown Reykjavík.

On the farm they run a petting zoo where guests can enjoy Icelandic farm animals like horses, sheeps, puppies, kittens, goats, geese, ducks, and chickens and more.

Also small cafe with emphasis on products from the farm.

Unique ceramic design by the well known ceramics artist Kogga and painter Magnus Kjartansson. Placed in the middle of old town Reykjavík, near the harbour.

The Pakkhús in Olafsvik is an old trading store, built in 1844. It is a national monument and the Regional Museum of Snæfellsbær town is located on the second and third floors of the building.

A shop selling wool products, local handcraft and Icelandic design is located on the ground floor. 

Open weekdays from 11:00 to 17:00 and weekends 11:00-16:00.

Art gallery and creative team building workshops for companies, clubs & families.

Engage in a powerful artistic journey conductive to profound self expression that promotes and hones collaborative and team building skills. Our emphasis is on group process and creating conditions conductive to self expression and catharsis. You will be guided through a variety of tactile and tonal experiences. This playful environment is designed for you to access your flow state of mind.

Whether you are a team of employees, on a family reunion, or a club looking for an activity to strengthen communication, this experience is a stepping stone to forging bonds and honing your imagination.

Michelle Bird is passionate about art. She specialises in creating environments that evoke unique artistic expression. For decades she has taught creative team building workshops around the world to companies, middle schools, high schools and colleges, associations, clubs and yoga retreats.  

The Museum of Design and Applies Art is a dynamic museum that enhances awareness, inspires and creates opportunities related to Icelandic design by collecting, archiving and sharing Icelandic design from the year 1900 to the present day. The museum serves as a platform for a community that is involved in these mattes and utilizes access to the knowledge and facilities of the museum. This community actively participates in shaping the museum along with our guest and staff.  

Items in the museum store are related to the museum´s collection, exhibitions and events. Here you will find a great collection of work by Icelandic designers. 

Hours of Operation: Open Tue. - Sun. 12-5pm. 
Closed on Mon. Direction from Reykjavik: To Keflavik Airport and the Blue Lagoon Access by car: Route 40 and 41. Bus: # 1, stop: „Ásgarður“
Admission:
Adults: 1000 kr 
Senior citizens: 500 kr 
Disabled: Free 
Students: Free
Free for children 16 years and younger and ICOM members.

The Hús Handanna Shop is to find at the most trafficked crossroads in Eastern Iceland and in the heart of Egilsstadir town.

The shop was established in 2010 and from the first day the main focus has been on representing Icelandic / East-Icelandic goods founded on our culture and our lifestyle.

The Hús Handanna Shop is environmentally friendly and an artistic life-style-shop, offering a wide variety of Icelandic product design, art crafts, clothing design, art creative writing etc.

Our special emphasis is on offering goods that benefit our environment and ourselves. We even have some gourmet specialities from the local community.

At Hús Handanna Shop among other items, you will find shampoo in a travel kit, waxed napkins for the sandwiches, warm stockings - or even a good book.

And of course your own personal souvenir from your travel. 

You are always Welcome!  

FOK is a design boutique shop in the shopping centre Hyrnutorg in Borgarnes.

Folk artist with an open workshop and gallery.

Open all year round daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

In November 1977, a group of people, mainly women, founded The Handknitting Association of Iceland.

Their aim was to increase their income by knitting and selling sweaters and other garments from the unique wool characterstic of the Icelandic sheep.

All our handmade products are knitted in Iceland by members of The Handknitting Association of Iceland.

Ceramic gallery 

Summer hours: July 1 - August 20, Mondays to Fridays 13:00 - 17:00. 

Eldstó Art Café Restaurant
Eldstó Art Café is an artistic café/restaurant where all tableware is handmade on the premises by the owners G.Helga Ingadóttir (pottery artist, singer) and Þór Sveinsson (pottery master).
The coffee we serve is of an exquisite quality and our bread, soups and various dishes are homemade as well. Eldstó serves traditional dishes of seafood and lamb, burgers, soups, salads and more.  

Eldstó Art Gallery
The couple Thor Sveinsson, potter and G. Helga Ingadóttir singer/pottery artist are the proud creators of the pottery used and sold in Eldstó. Their ceramic art creations are glazed with volcanic glaze, made from the volcanic substances of Mount Hekla and Búðardalur earth materials. On our big screen you can see video clips of the artists at work designing and creating original Icelandic handiwork.

Hólabak Gift Shop is located on a farm in the midst of the beautiful countryside of North West Iceland. We produce our own textile and gift products and offer a carefully picked selection of local handicrafts and souvenirs. Our product range is inspired by Icelandic nature and the farm’s surroundings. We offer a truly unique shopping experience.

Ljómalind is a local market, offering food and quality crafts. The emphasis is on food directly from the farm and crafts are made by local people. A wide variety of products are available: fresh beef, fresh fish, cow and goat cheeses, ice cream, jams, pottery, jewelry, wooden and horn items, hand-knitted wool products, handspun and dyed yarn and much more. 

Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.   

On June 1, 2010, twelve women from South–Iceland joined together and founded this handcraft- organization. Today the group consists of 8 women and we produce all our products under the name of each woman, and all our products are handmade.  

Opening hours all year round:
Tue. - Fri  13:00-18:00
Sat. 11:00-15:00
Sun. Closed

Find us on Facebook here.

We are 7 people in this group. We are selling handmade local product such as wool sweaters, mittens, caps, socks, jewellery, ceramics, and lots and lots of other beautiful handmade things. All our product is made with love and we offer good price and friendly admosphere.

4 person, 6 person, 8 person and 10 person houses. Cooking facilities and bathrooms.

Sunsets, white beaches and rich birdlife.

Opening hours in Gallery Gullhóll is 9:00-22:00.

Harpa - Reykjavík's latest landmark

Harpa opened its doors in May 2011 and is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. Harpa also hosts a wide range of concerts, spanning all musical genres, and numerous events, meetings and conferences.

Harpa’s glass façade is designed by renowned artist Olafur Eliasson, in cooperation with Henning Larsen Architects. The design is based on a geometric principle, realised in two and three dimensions. Reminiscent of the crystallised basalt columns commonly found in Iceland, the southern facades create kaleidoscopic reflections of the city and the striking surrounding landscape.

Opening hours:

Winter (October 1 - May 31) 
10:00 – 22:00

Summer (June 1 –  September 30)
09:00 – 22:00

Local handicrafts. Variety of products: Icelandic sweaters, hats, jewellery, wood products and more. Open daily from 12:30 to 18:00, from approximately May 5 to September 25 each year. Also open upon request.

Duus Handverk is a little store of handmade gift products of wool, glass, and more beautiful things from a group of 20 local artists. A better selection is hard to find anywhere else in Iceland but in Duus Handverk.

Take a walk by the small boat pier in Keflavík, Duusgata 12 Keflavík, where you can find something at a reasonable price for yourself or as a unique gift from Iceland.

Duus Handverk will welcome you with coffee, a copy atmosphere, and love of colors.

A visit to The Christmas Garden will transport you into the realms of Christmas – only a 10 minute drive from Akureyri. Here you will find countless items connected to the festive season from all parts of the world. Of course, Icelandic Christmas traditions are given priority, such as legs of smoked lamb hanging from a beam and the decorative “leaf bread” in many patterns, as well as the Yuletide Lads and their parents, who play such an important role in the Icelandic Christmas celebrations. Quality handwork, crafted by many artists from all parts of the country deck the shelves, making this a place which appeals to all the family. 

Opening Hours:

June to August 10:00 to 18:00

September to December 12:00 to 18:00

January to May 14:00 to 18:00

The museum collects and celebrates work by artists who have been seen as outside the cultural mainstream, often described as naïve artists who have a real and direct connection to an original creative spirit. The collection consists of artworks by over 300 people, dating from the mid-19th century to the present. The museum hosts annual exhibitions of this rich part of Icelandic art and facilitates events, publications and research.

The museum is located on the North Atlantic Way, in Eyjafjörður, about 10 minutes’ drive from the town of Akureyri.

Opening hours: 10am – 5pm from the second Sunday in May until the second Sunday in September and otherwise by appointment.

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Our unique and private museum loft apartment is in a traditional wooden house, adjacent to the Icelandic Folk and Outsider Art Museum. There is one private bedroom with a double bed, and an open space with twin single beds beside the dining room. The loft has a spacious dining area, a writing desk, a kitchenette, and a bathroom for private use. The apartment is a self-contained unit, guests have full access with a private entrance and private parking.

The apartment is furnished and decorated with objects from the collection of the folk museum, which gives a cozy and unique living experience. Next to the apartment, crossing a small stream by footbridge, there is a public birch forest with picnic facilities, which our guests are welcome to enjoy.

The apartment is open for bookings year-round.

Local handicrafts. Products from wool, hand carved wood, bone crafts, ceramics and much more.

During summer open daily from 11:00 to 17:00. Other times open on request.

Sillukot ehf is a small family company located in Gunnarsstaðir in Þistilfjörður that produces, handmade soaps, candles and lip balm as well as runs a sheep farm. Emphasis is placed on using natural and good raw materials in the production. 

Alongside soap and candle making, there is a small gallery in Gunnarsstaðir and an online store that sells the company's products

Gallerí Jökull in Ólafsvík has handmade handicrafts, all made by local people, to offer. There can be found wool sweaters, hats, mittens and socks among other handmade products. We also have products made from wood, pottery, jewelry, croched small animals for children and many other things. 

Open daily from 12:00 to 17:00.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Listakot Dóru studio and gallery on the farm Vatnsdalshólar. 

Theme exhibitions in the summer where artists from the north-west take on folklore, antiquities or places. The artist who runs the gallery paints oil paintings - cards and candles. She makes gifts according to personal wishes. She also makes works of art that fall under the cycle system.

Shop for a unique selection of Icelandic wool sweaters and other products made of Icelandic wool such as Icelandic wool blankets. Whether shopping for gifts to take home, Icelandic souvenirs, or clo thing to keep you warm during your travels you'll find what you need at a great price. This big market offers a wide selection of woollen products, traditional Icelandic sweaters, souvenirs and outdoor clothing. 

Icewear offers quality items, designed and weather tested in Iceland, to keep you warm and comfortable. 

Be warm, be well 

Tales of sea monsters have played a colourful role in Icelandic folk culture for centuries, and several written accounts of them can be found all around the country. Today, these elusive creatures have been given a worthy home at the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum, located in the village of Bildudalur on the shores of Arnarfjörður fjord, said to be one of the most prolific centres of monster activity in the country.

Visitors to the Sea Monster Museum watch these remarkable creatures brought to life through a lively mix of words, images and videos, an action-packed multimedia display that culminates in a spectacular interactive plinth, the first of its kind in Iceland.

First-hand accounts from eye-witnesses are joined on-screen by academic theories on the nature of sea monsters, while a variety of relics and artefacts relating to this mysterious branch of zoology appear throughout the museum as tangible evidence for their existence.

And to feed monster appetites, the museum cafeteria offers a range of light refreshments and snacks.

Smávinir ( Small Friends ) is an open woodcraft studio. The artist, Lára Gunnarsdóttir, carves and shapes Icelandic birch and produces birds, angels and various small items.

For many years Kristinsson has given homes charm with his high-quality interior and furniture made of unadulterated wood straight from nature. His store and workshop are housed in a beautiful old fashion house that Kristinsson built himself, located in the heart of Grindavík at Stamphólsvegur 1. 

How about getting something pretty in your home that always reminds you of Iceland?

See also www.facebook.com/dyngjanlisthus  

The Old Bookstore in Flateyri is the oldest original store in Iceland, fourth generation family business since 1914. In this uniq store you will find all of the best products and books from the Westfjords, combined with high quality products from brands that are at least 100 years old from all around the world. 

At the Bookstore you will also find the merchant apartment of the founder of the Bookstore. Nothing has been change since 1950, when Jón, the founder of the Bookstore past away. – It is a truly an unforgettable experience to take a step into the past, by visiting the old apartment in the Old Bookstore.

But if you truly want to experience the real history of the Old Bookstore and the family you can stay at their home, above the Old bookstore. 

See: https://bookstore.is/

Kört is a small museum in Trékyllisvík in Strandir. There you can find an impressive display of old artifacts from the area, as well as local arts and crafts for sale. The house is situated in the beautiful creek Trékyllisvík where it is surrounded by mountains, sea, birds, seals and a rocky coast. The owner Valgeir Benediktsson built the house out of driftwood from the coast over his collection of old things from the area in 1997. He is an artist and uses driftwood and other Icelandic wood in his pieces that are sold in Kört along with art and craft from local people. Kört also offers guided tours in and around Trékyllisvík. Coffee and light refreshments are available. Open 11 to 17 hrs. every day from 1st of June until 31st of August.

VIGT is an interior design studio formed by a mother and three daughters. Our common interest is derived

from our experience in the interior furnishings and construction industry. We have all worked for the

family company, Grindin, which has built a number of houses and furnished them since 1979.

The majority of our products are made in our workshop. We carefully choose the manufacturers that we

collaborate with, whether in Iceland or abroad.

Our workshop and store are located in the house where the fishermen used to come by to weigh their

catch. The house has a special meaning to us, it was built by our grandfather.

We seek inspiration in each other and our background and origin, wood

100% Icelandic Yarn made at Uppspuni MiniMill

We are proud to be the very first Mini Mill in Iceland. We have twelve different machines to fully process an extraordinary soft yarn from our own sheep and our neighbors. The yarn we provide is  spun from 100% Icelandic local fiber in the natural colors of the sheep. It comes in different weight that fits different knitting projects. Other colors like blue or yellow, we either get by dyeing with plants or dyeing powder.

The Yarn Shop above the Mill

Housed in our beautiful cozy loft space are unique gifts and Icelandic items handmade by local craftsmen, as well as a large selection of our Uppspuni yarn and spinning fiber. We welcome you to visit our shop during regular opening hours. We produce few types of yarn in our Mini Mill. The name of the yarn we find in our legendary Icelandic Folk Tales. For example; Hulduband (the hidden woman yarn. Dvergaband (the dwarf yarn). Dís (The fairy). Tröllaband (Trollband).

The elves and the hidden people in Iceland are said to live in rocks and mountains. We feel their spirit linger in the strings of the yarn, since the sheep that provide the wool are kept in the magnificent mountains that circle our horizon, for nearly 3 months before shearing. The active volcano Hekla being the closest one to their whereabouts.

Guided Tours

We welcome you on a personalized tour to see how we turn some of Iceland‘s finest wool into yarn. For a nominal fee and by appointment you may enjoy an educational tour of our mill. To schedule please contact us by phone at +354-846-7199, or by email: huldauppspuni@gmail.com. Your tour can take place during our regular opening hours as well as after hours. Tours are offered in English or Icelandic, but if needed we speak German and Swedish as well.

Included in our prepared presentation are:

• the history of Icelandic sheep in Iceland (since 874), as well as the history of knitting in our country.
• The story of Uppspuni‘s founding and the products we make at the mill.
• A view of machine operation and an explanation of our wool processes.
• A stop at the loft which houses our shop.

About Us

The owners, Hulda Brynjólfsdóttir and Tyrfingur Sveinsson, are farmers in an acricultural area in the South of Iceland. They run a farm that has been in the same family for three generations, and farm with sheep and beef cattle.

They began their process on 1^st of July 2017 and during the weekend 17^th  and 18^th  of March 2018 there was a formal opening of the Mini Mill and Yarn Store. Since then it has been an adventurous journey where people have shown great interest in the work and many happy customers have visited the Mini Mill.

Location

Uppspuni is situated just by Road 1 in the South of Iceland, close to the bridge over the river Þjórsá and very close to Urriðafoss, surrounded by the great volcanos; Hekla, Eyjafjallajökull and some other authentic mountains at the horizon. After crossing the river Þjórsá on road 1, turn right on road 288. You will find our opening hours on our website uppspuni.is and Facebook page. You can also find us on Google Maps.

Products available: Smoked lamb.

Please contact for further information.

LÁ Art Museum (Listasafn Árnesinga) welcomes you. It runs ambitious and various shows of contemporary as well as modern art in its four spacious exhibitions rooms. The exhibitions reflect our cultural heritage and our contemporary change.

The bright seating area offers visitors the chance to relax in a peaceful setting whilst browsing through art related reading material supplied. The Museum also houses a small café and the children´s corner gives the museum´s younger visitors a chance to enjoy themselves.

The Museum is owned by the eight Municipalities in Árnesinga County and supported by the Museum Council of Iceland. 

LÁ Art Museum on Facebook

Opening hours:

May - August – every day: 12:00-17:00
September - April – every day except Monday: 12:00-17:00

Woolmill at a farm where you get to see the process of spinning wool from sheep into woolen garments.
Farmshop is closed during autumn and winter months.
Farmshop is located at entrance of woolmill where you can access our and local products. and light refreshment.
Pure undye Icelandic wool, locally sourced from farmers, spun in natural icelandic sheep colors in small woolmill at the farm. The icelandic wool has unique properties that shines through in our yarn and fully knitted garments.
The woolyarn is undyed and is in natural colours of the icelandic sheep.
The connection with nature is strong and you can enjoy the stillness surrounding the farm.
(over winter months we recommend to get in touch about road condition and opening hours)

East Iceland Heritage Museum (Minjasafn Austurlands)

The East Iceland Heritage Museum preserves and presents the cultural history, traditions, and community life of the region. The museum features two permanent exhibitions: Reindeer in East Iceland and Sustainable Unit. In addition, temporary and smaller thematic exhibitions are hosted throughout the year. The current special exhibition is titled Landnámskonan – The Settlement Woman. 

Landnámskonan – The Settlement Woman

Two richly adorned women from the Viking Age are the focus of this unique exhibition: One is a chieftainess whose grave was excavated in 2021 at Fjörður, Seyðisfjörður, the other is the mysterious Fjallkonan, whose remains were discovered in a cave at Vestdalsheiði, above Seyðisfjörður, in 2004. Both finds date from around the year 950, suggesting that these women lived at the same time. The exhibition draws on research conducted on these archaeological discoveries to shed light on the lives and work of women during the Settlement period. The exhibition is a collaboration between the East Iceland Heritage Museum, Antikva, the University of Iceland Research Center in
East Iceland, and the National Museum of Iceland. 

Reindeer in East Iceland

This exhibition explores the life and survival of reindeer in East Iceland, the natural and human-related threats they face, reindeer research, hunting history, and the various uses of reindeer products in food and craft. Visitors can watch the film Á hreindýraslóðum - On the Reindeer Trail by Eðvarð Sigurgeirsson (from the 1940s), hear stories from
reindeer hunters, and view numerous related photographs and artefacts. 

Sustainable Unit

The exhibition’s title refers to how traditional Icelandic farms had to be self-sufficient—providing food, clothing, tools, and shelter. On display are various objects that tell the story of rural life in East Iceland up to the mid-20th century. A key item is the traditional baðstofa - living and sleeping room from the farm Brekka in Hróarstunga. 

Opening Hours 

September – May 

Tuesday to Friday: 11:00–16:00 

June – August 

Monday to Saturday: 10:00–18:00 

From June 25 to July 31, 2025, the museum will stay open until 20:00 on Wednesdays, offering live music and local tastings. 

Visits outside regular hours can be arranged upon request.  

Krums is a home based designer studio in Grundarfjörður, Snæfellsnes. Krums design varies from handbags, pillows, table runners, t-shirts among other things. Our design is mainly based on old Icelandic tradition, like the famous wool sweater and needle craft from 18th and 19th century and of course our beautyful Icelandic languages.

Open all year round on weekdays from 14:00 to 18:00.

Curriculum Vitae: Dýrfinna Torfadóttir was born in 1955 in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. She was brought up in Ísafjörður, North-west Iceland, and lived there after finishing her studies.

In 2001 she moved to Akranes, a town adjacent to Reykjavík, and in Akranes she operates a small studio-workshop and gallery.

 Ms Torfadóttir pursued her goldsmithing studies in Akureyri, North-Iceland, and in Valdres, Norway, and obtained her certificate as master goldsmith in 1983. That same year she opened a studio and a giftshop in Ísafjörður, the latter of which she still runs there with handcrafted jewellery and giftware on offer.

Ms Torfadóttir has participated in a number of private and group exhibitions and has received various prizes and awards. She was, for instance, awarded the First prize for the Iceland Fashion Piece of Jewellery in the years of 1997, 1998, and 1999.

Jewellery and other creations of Dýrfinna Torfadóttir can be found and bought in the airport shop in Keflavík (Flugstöð Leifs Eiríkssonar), at Hotel Saga (in Reykjavik), in Epal Design (Reykjavik), in Listhús Ófeigs (Reykjavik) and in Gullauga (Ísafjörður).
A few words about Ms Torfadóttir’s work and characteristics as a goldsmith and designer.
Dýrfinna Torfadóttir has developed a distinct, personal style as a designer of jewellery, characterized by an original and often non-conventional use of materials and a daring execution. Icelandic nature is a notable influence in most of her work, and she is considered among the most significant goldsmiths and designers of jewellery in Iceland.

Norwegian house: The regional museum  of Snæfellsnes

The Norwegian house, built in 1832, was the first wood-frame residence with two full-sized storeys in Iceland. The wood was imported from Norway hence the name. It was the home of Árni Ó. Thorlacius (1802–1891) and Anna M. Steenback (1807–1894) and has been renovated partially back to its original style. The Norwegian house serves as the regional museum for the Snæfellsnes area with an open storage on the top floor and 
rotating exhibitions on the lower level as well as a museum shop with handicraft, sweets and products from the area.

 Opening hours:

June 1st - August 31st: Every day from 11-17.

May: Every day from 13-16.

Stykkishólmur Museum Pass - Norwegian House and Water Library:

Adults ISK 2.080,-

Tickets for the Library of Water are sold at the Norwegian House.

The oldest stone house in Þingeyjar Counties, Sauðaneshús, is located 7 km´s north of the town of Þórshöfn. Today, it serves as the home of the region’s folk museum, which tells the story of life in Langanes Peninsula and how its residents have used their prosperous surroundings to endure through the ages in this unforgiving yet spectacular environment. A new exhibition opened in 2022, curated by two Icelandic artists who are the caretakers at Sauðaneshús during the summer as well.

Open from 15th of June to 15th of August, 13-17. Closed on Mondays. 

Entrance fee

Admission: 1.500 ISK

Pensioners/Students*: 1.100 ISK

Disabled*/Children: Free

Members of ICOM*: Free

Groups (10+): 1.300 ISK

*ID required

It is also possible to buy an entry ticket (2.200 ISK) that gives you access to The Husavik Museum - Safnahúsið, Grenjaðarstaður - The Old Turf House, Snartarstaðir - District Folk Museum & Sauðaneshús - District Folk Museum once during the calendar year 2024. 

Urta Islandica’s Gourmet Local Products Family company that produces delightful teas, syrups, salts, and jams. Urta Islandica is a family-run business that specializes in producing and selling artisan products made from local Icelandic ingredients. The products, which are sold at retailers around the country, offers unique herbal salts, teas and syrups, along with jams and gift boxes. 

At Básvegur, Keflavik, Urta has set up perfect production and packing area for their goods. There they produce many varieties of delicious salts, syrups and jams. There is also a store where you can purchase all the goods and take a look into the production line.

Café - flowers - gift shop.

Open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10:00 to 18:00 and Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Local hand craft for sale.  Natural Icelandic materials from Skagafjörður, leather, fish leather, hides and wool.

Brúnir Horse organises professional shows where the Icelandic horse is introduced in its natural environment and its history and unique qualities are brought to life with emphasis on the horse‘s multiple skills and diversity.

Our guests can enjoy local cuisine on the premises, made primarily with fresh ingredients from our region. Brúnir Horse also houses a studio and an art gallery where guests can view the farmer‘s artwork that is on show and for sale.

The art gallery also hosts other local artists‘ exhibitions from time to time.

For opening hours, please see www.brunirhorse.is

Find us by GPS: N65° 34' 0.392" W18° 3' 51.597"

Hespuhúsið is an open plant dyeing studio where guests are welcome to visit the studio, look into the dye-pots and get information about the old coloring tradition. In the seating area, there is a mini-museum with old things related to handcraft. Plant dyed Icelandic wool is for sale with patterns for various projects. Opening hours are on the website and guests are welcome at any time on request.  

Útgerðin is a design store in Hellissandur, a small fishing village on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Útgerðin focuses on promoting Icelandic design, local handcraft and selected Scandinavian design. 

For opening hours please visit social media. 

Vala Shop and Art BoutiqueThe shopping center of Sólheimar provides its residents and visitors with their major necessities.  The shop focuses on offering organic products, especially from the bakery, food processing and greenhouses located at Sólheimar.
The Sólheimar Art Boutique is housed in the same building as the Vala shop.  The gallery displays and sells crafts made by Sólheimar residents from six different workshops located in Solheimar such as ceramics, woodcrafts, weaving, candles, paintings and cosmetics.
Sólheimar is considered the oldest eco-village in the world. Sólheimar was established as a children’s home 80 years ago, but today Sólheimar focuses on offering people with special needs varied and creative employment opportunities, jobs in organic horticulture and forestry in a close-knit community that focuses on environmental issues and vivid cultural life. Sólheimar workplaces include six creative art workshops, Nærandi - an organic bakery and food processing unit, Ölur - organic forestry, Sunna – organic horticulture, Guesthouse Sesseljuhus, and Græna Kannan – an organic café. All products are sold in the Vala grocery store and art gallery.

is considered the oldest eco-village in the world. Sólheimar was established as a children’s home 80 years ago, but today Sólheimar focuses on offering people with special needs varied and creative employment opportunities, jobs in organic horticulture and forestry in a close-knit community that focuses on environmental issues and vivid cultural life. Sólheimar workplaces include six creative art workshops, Nærandi - an organic bakery and food processing unit, Ölur - organic forestry, Sunna – organic horticulture, Guesthouse Sesseljuhus, and Græna Kannan – an organic café. All products are sold in the Vala grocery store and art gallery.

Our guesthouse stands in the heart of Grimsey island. We are located just above the harbor with amazing views thereover. Our house is 3 stories high and the top two stories host the guesthouse while the bottom floor hosts our small handicraft store and café.

The guesthouse offers 6 rooms:

3 single bedrooms

Two rooms with 120cm beds (For 1-2 people)

One room with two single sized beds.

We also offer a toddler travel bed available for our guests free of charge.

Our bathroom is on the top floor and is shared by all guests.

Free WIFI is included for all guests.

We exclusively offer made up beds with high-quality sheets and two pillows for each guest.

Each guest also gets a big towel and a washcloth to use during their stay. More offered for longer stays if requested.

We have a fully prepared kitchen which can be shared and used by all of our guests.

The kitchen includes a fridge, stovetop, oven, microwave, coffee maker, sandwich maker, toaster, tea kettle and more appliances.

Our kitchen table seats 8 people and furthermore next to the kitchen is the living room with a couch and two lounge chairs as well as a tv and a little bookcase.

On the first floor of the house through a separate entrance, we have a split space with both a little coffee house offering waffles with whipped cream, chocolate, and home-made jam as well as tea, coffee, and hot cocoa. The other side has a little handicraft store with Grímsey island made handcrafted things like wool sweaters, gloves, and hats. Also, we offer souvenirs and a document stating you‘ve crossed over the arctic circle.

For bookings and other information visit our website www.gullsol.is or send us an email at gullsol@gullsol.is

Only 5 minutes drive from the ring road.

History and Art Exhibition about the turmoils of 13th century Iceland: The exhibition gives insight into the tumultuous 13th century Iceland, focusing on the story of the Sturlungar clan chieftain Thordur kakali. The art exhibition is the fruit of on-site work by 14 artists from 10 countries, uniquely portraying the events of the era. Audio guides are available in several languages.

The Staging of the Battle of Haugsnes (The Stone Army) - large scale outdoor installation: The bloodiest battle in the history of Iceland is undoubtedly the Battle of Haugsnes, April 19th 1246, which claimed 111 lives. The battle occurred during times of great turmoil in 13th century Iceland, as told by the Sturlunga Saga. The owner of Kakalaskáli and history enthusiast, Sigurður Hansen, has arranged 1320 rocks, a total of 600 tons, each representing a warrior on the fateful morning of the battle, moments before the two feuding clans clashed. Those who died in battle and the following days are marked wiht crosses.

María's Workshop and Antiques Shop: Situated at Kakalaskáli and open during the same hours.

Open Daily from June 1st. - August 31st. Hrs: 13-17 except on Mondays. Other times open by appointment.

Please call +354 670-8822 for further information.

Flóra culture house is located in a green oasis in Akureyri city center in one of North Icelands oldest cultural gem Sigurhæðir. 

Shows - Shop - Studios

Combining old and new in a curious way. Flóra is a cultural spot working with artists, designers, farmers and other creative minds offering studios in the house Sigurhæðir, doing events and cultural project and selling and showing artists works and items.

Open at request at other times. Information in tel: +354 869 6327

Bardúsa, a crafts hop, offers very ambitious and equally beautiful handcrafted goods. 

The Husavik Museum celebrates the vibrant and progressive history of the Þingeyjar Counties and is run by the District Cultural Center. The permanent exhibition “Daily Life and Nature” examines a century in the history of people whose relationship with nature was immediate and intimate in the years 1850-1950. Natural objects and man-made artefacts are displayed along with contemporary personal accounts by local people. The museum's other permanent exhibition is the Maritime Museum, which provides an insight into the evolution of fishing and boat building in the area, from the time of the rowboat to the age of the motorboat. A myriad of artefacts and a variety of boats are on display, many of which were built in Husavik. In 2021, UNESCO inscribed the Nordic clinker boat traditions on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and here you can view the craftsmanship involved in this tradition. 

Additionally, there are two galleries that hold a diverse range of multi-annual art exhibitions. The building is also home to the District Archives as well as a large collection of art and photography. 

The Husavik Museum is open to visitors all year round. 

15 May - 31 August: Every day 11-17 

1 September -14 May: Tue-Fri 13-16 and Sat 11-16

Entrance fee

Admission: 2.200 ISK

Pensioners/Students*: 1.700 ISK

Disabled*/Children: Free

Members of ICOM*: Free

Groups (10+): 1.900 ISK

*ID required

A single entry ticket gives you access to The Husavik Museum - Safnahúsið, Grenjaðarstaður - The Old Turf House, Snartarstaðir - District Folk Museum & Sauðanes - District Folk Museum once during the calendar year 2024.

Hnjótur Museum in Örlygshöfn in Patreksfjörður, displays a unique collection of old items from the Southern Westfjords.

The museum shows the history of fishing, farming and everyday life in the area.

At the museum is an exhibition about the rescue of the British trawler Dhoon that stranded at Látrabjarg cliffs in 1947.

At the museum is an attractive cafeteria, souvenir shop and information center.

Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 - 18:00, May 1st to September 30th.

Please contact for visits outside scheduled opening hours (museum@hnjotur.is or 456 1511)

3rd weekend in July

Gallery Flói is an artisan-run studio and store where the local artisan Fanndís works with glass, melts and forms it over a open flame into glass beads and other objects of art. 

Fanndís also works with ceramics, drawings, paintings, silver and other materials in her art creations. Fanndís specializes in making historical replicas of glass beads found from the Viking period in Iceland as well as her own modern designs. Everything in Gallery Flói is handmade, unique and worked on site from quality material and using as much local ingredients as possible.

Ullarselið is a store set up by individuals interested in the utilisation of wool and other natural Icelandic material. The new and old ways of handling this material are used, especially techniques of processing wool by hand. The shop selection places emphasis on a variety of hand-made items, e.g. articles which have been combed, spun, knitted, matted, woven, and check-woven.

Opening hours from 15th May - 15th September: 11:00-17:00

During winter the Wool Hut is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 13:00 to 17:00.

Giljar is a farm in Borgarbyggð, West Iceland, and located 12 km from Reykholt towards Húsafell.

We offer easy riding tours in the beautiful surroundings of our farm. There are daily trips during the summer ranging from 1 – 3 hours. Both beginners and experienced riders are welcome.

Please book in advance. We look forward to hearing from you! :-)

Hof Cultural Centre is located in downtown Akureyri and is one of the greatest landmarks of the town. With the circular building’s exterior being inspired by the Icelandic columnar igneous rocks, the building makes a clear and deserved mark on the town and attracts a number of guests all year round. Hof is an information centre for travellers and is therefore a popular destination for tourists visiting Akureyri. The majestic design of the building’s exterior as well as interior creates a welcoming atmosphere and is admired by both guests and those just passing by. 

Hof Cultural Centre is the heart of northern Icelandic culture and provides services across the entire north-east corner of the country with a great variety of events. So including foreign travellers the centre attracts thousands of guests from all over the country annually with it’s great melange of cultural and artistic events, concerts, conferences, meetings and so on and so forth.  

The operations of Hof Cultural Centre is in the hands of Akureyri Culture Company, which also oversees the production and project co-ordination of most of the events that take place both at Hof and Samkomuhúsið. Besides that the ACC also oversees the renting out of Hof’s many halls and spaces for all kinds of events and thus contributes to the growing supply of a diverse cultural input in the North. 

Arnarnes paradis - An organic experience with endless sunsets in the summer and gorgeous Northern lights in the winter

The hosts, Eyglo and Josavin have lived in Arnarnes since 1981. For the first 18 years they were traditional farmers with cows, sheep and horses but have stopped farming altogether. Now they run a small B&B with a small restaurant and gallery. Their hobbies are many; Eyglo likes painting and practices alternative medicine, Josavin is a carpenter and does all carpentry work and building projects in Arnarnes along with turning wood in his little work shop.

Arnarnes paradis  aims to maintain and preserve the nature. They are a part of the project Responsible tourism, a declaration endorsed by leaders from over 250 companies at Reykjavik University on January 10 2017 in the presence of the President of Iceland, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, who is also patron of the project.

Eygló is a yoga instructor, Reiki master and has finished studies in holistic medicine. During the winter season they offer a weekend health package where participants enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, yoga, organic meals and introduction on healthy lifestyle.

Arnarnes paradis aims to make your breakfast as organic as possible. The tea is from the wild herbs from the grounds and all sugar added to the jams is organic. The salad and the vegetables come from the greenhouse. What they can’t grow or produce themselves they buy from a certified local supplier of organic produce.

They also aim to make your sleeping experience as organic as possible. All linen is made from organic cotton and with fair trade commitment. It is also manufactured in Iceland .

gps 65°51'48.2"N 18°13'53.6"W

Note: During summer we also offer sleepingbags accommodation in 2 RVs and one camper.