Cultural Centres

Reykholt is one of Iceland's most renowned historical sites where some of the finest works of Old Icelandic literature were written.

Snorrastofa, a cultural - and medieval centre, founded in memory of Snorri Sturluson,and situated in his ancient homestead at Reykholt. Snorrastofa manages various research projects and provides reception and information for travelers, historical exhibitions, guided tours and lectures. Books on history and culture, Icelandic handicraft and souvenirs are available in the shop.

Guest accommodation for scholars and facilities for conferences and gatherings

Concerts in the church of Reykholt. 

 HÆLIÐ the great White Plague center.

A visual exhibition about loss, sorrow and despair but also about hope, serenity and lust for life.

Opening hours:
June-August: Daily 13:00-18:00
May and September: Saturdays and Sundays 14:00-17:00
Also open for groups upon request.

The centre features an exhibition on the use of drill cores to reveal the hidden depths of Iceland's geology, including the volcanic island of Surtsey and the immense sequence of lavas that make up Eastern Iceland. It also includes rooms dedicated to the legacy of scientists George Walker and Stefán Einarsson.

Walker was one of the 20th century's most prominent volcanologists. He conducted trailblazing research on the geological history of East Iceland, mapped ancient volcanoes (including the Breiðdalur Central Volcano) and gathered evidence that supported the then-new theory of plate tectonics. The linguist Stefán Einarsson, a native of the Breiðdalur valley, was a professor of linguistics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, USA. He was a productive scholar across many disciplines, particularly phonetics and literature, and most likely no one has ever introduced Iceland and Icelandic literature as thoroughly to the English-speaking world.

Opening hours of the exhibition during summer (June 1st to August 31st):

Sunday - Thursday from 12:00 - 16:00

Closed Fridays and Saturdays. Entry is free of charge.

Opening hours of the exhibition during winter (September 1st - May 31st)

There are no fixed opening hours during winter, but staff members are usually on site between 10 am – 4 pm on weekdays, and visitors are always welcome. Visits can also be arranged in advance by contacting mariahg@hi.is. Please drop by!

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.

Leirubakki is an old manor farm in South Iceland, only 100 kilometres from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. Today the farm boasts a new hotel and an outstanding restaurant, in addition to facilities for meetings and conferences.  It is also an information centre for tourists and hosts the Hekla Centre, where one can enjoy an innovative and stylish exhibition on Iceland’s most famous and active volcano, Hekla.

Hekla is a massive, lofty mountain, 1,491 metres high, towering over the district to which Leirubakki belongs.

Leirubakki also has a camping ground and horse rentals, arranging horseback-riding trips lasting from one hour up to many days.  It is possible to purchase fishing permits at Leirubakki: the farm is located on the Ytri Rangá river, one of the main salmon rivers in Iceland, where over 14,000 salmon are caught each summer.

A wide variety of other services are available for purchase at Leirubakki, and the staff of Hotel Leirubakki can readily make additional arrangements depending on the needs and wishes of one and all.

Camping site is open from May until the end of September.

The Comedytheatre is the first and only professional theatre in the Westfjords, founded in 1997. The theatre has hosted 45 plays, which usually reflect the history of the Westfjords in one way or another. The Comedytheatre has focused on solo performances that have attracted considerable attention.  

Find us on Facebook here.

Accommodation at Hólar:
Various accommodation options meet various needs:
- Apartments with bedroom, living room, private bathroom. 2  persons. Made up beds.
- Cottages with bedroom and private bathroom. 2-3 persons. Made up beds.
- Cottages with 2-6 bedrooms and shared bathroom. 2-12 persons.  Made up beds.
- Sleeping bag accommodation.

 Please contact for prices and booking information.  Dogs are allowed on the camping ground.

Exhibition and study centre on the nature, history and culture of the region.

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.

Kvikan is the cultural house of Grindavík. Diverse cultural activities take place in Kvikan e.g., events, performances, lectures, choir rehearsals and so much more. Kvikan announces its events on its Facebook page.

On the second floor of the building is the exhibition “Saltfish in the history of the nation”. The exhibition should be interesting for foreign tourists, informative for schoolers, and enjoyable for all who want to know about the industry here.

As the 18th century progressed, and deck ships began to replace rowing ships, salted cod became Iceland's main export. Until then, wading and crawling had been the basis of foreign trade. With the advent of trawlers, salted cod processing became an important industry, and salted cod has ever since played a very significant role in the economy's performance. The exhibition takes you through the history of the salted cod and lets you experience the journey of all the stages involved to make and transport the product.

Informative:

• Texts in the exhibition are in both Icelandic and English
• Coffee and tea (including bathroom fee) – 250 kr.
• Bathroom fee – 100 kr.
• No entry fee for the exhibition

Opening hours

15. May – 31. August      Every day from 11:00am – 17:00pm

1. September – 14. May Everyday but Sunday from 11:00am – 17:00pm

It is also possible for groups to come outside of opening hours by arangement.

The Nordic House is an icon of aesthetics, a cultural institution and an architectural gem situated in a bird sanctuary, only a 10-minute walk from the Reykjavík city centre.

The Nordic House has exhibition areas showcasing Nordic art, a boutique with Nordic design , a beautiful Nordic library with a children's library and a playing area for families and AALTO Bistro, one of Reykjavik’s best restaurants.

Wither you fancy a nice lunch with a great view ore want to enjoy quality events, architecture or Nordic design, The Nordic House is definitely a place to visit.

AALTO Bistro is run by the renowned chef Sveinn Kjartansson, which has been showing viewers of Icelandic television how to make the most of the country’s natural food sources, especially its impressive range of seafood. Now, visitors to the Nordic House can sample for themselves the work of this creative genius, in the form of delicious smørrebrød (open sandwiches), delightful fresh lunch specials and, over the weekends, a delicately constructed dinner menu. Naturally, the fruits of the sea feature prominently, although meat and vegan options are also on offer.

Visit Aalto Bistro website. www.aalto.is

Here is an idea how to enjoy the Nordic House (2 hours)
Audio tour. Start your visit at The Nordic House by taking an audio tour of the house. The tour is free and available at the reception.

Exhibition. After a being inspired by the history and architecture of the Nordic House, visit the Atrium or exhibition rooms on the lower floor.

Dinner. Enjoy a leisurely meal at the AALTO Bistro, with an amazing view of Reykjavík and the Vatnsmýri Nature Reserve.The food at the AALTO Bistro draws on fresh, local and healthy ingredients, with vegan options. 

Check out the event calendar https://nordichouse.is/en/event/

EVENTS
The Nordic House organizes a diverse program of cultural events and exhibitions and is a venue for front row activities in the Icelandic cultural calendar. A full event and ticketing service can be found in English at www.nordichouse.is

For a complete list of events, visit The Nordic House's event calendar. https://nordichouse.is/en/event/

Opening hours: 

The Nordic House
Open daily: 10:00 – 17:00 

Reception
Open daily: 10:00 – 17:00 

The Library
Open daily: 10:00 – 17:00
tel: +354 551 7090 

AALTO Bistro
Sun - Tue: 11:30 - 17:00
Wed - Sat: 11:30 - 21:30
tel. +354 551 0200

The Icelandic Seal Center in Hvammstangi is a research and exhibition center investigating and detailing the lives of seals found in and around Iceland and also the Tourist Information Center for Húnaþing-vestra, Iceland's number one seal and wildlife watching destination.

In the center you will learn about the different species of seals found along the shores of Iceland, their lives and habits and how to distinguish them apart from one another when you are out on a self or guided seal watching tour. You will also find information on the wildlife of the area, including the notorious Arctic Fox, Eider Duck, famous Puffins, Whales and the abundant sea and inland bird life of the area.
You can watch our scientists at work in our lab, learn about the research that is being done on seals and even help us by collecting data on your travels around the area!
Finally in our "Seal Cinema" you can watch a documentary on the seals found in Iceland and specifaclly in the area around The Icelandic Seal Center

From the Tourist Information Center you will be advised of the best ways and locations to see seals and other wildlife in their natural environment around the beautiful Vatnsnes peninsula and Húnaþing-vestra, as well as information on the other amazing sights, including the famous 15m giant troll Hvítserkur, turned to stone just meters from the coast, the beautiful Kólafossar waterfalls and canyon and Bjarg the birth and burial place of Grettir The Strong, strongest of all the vikings! You will also find details of all the hiking, riding and horse trails in the region and the plentiful accommodations where you can spend the night. 

 Outvert Art Space is a non-profit organization and a dynamic, contemporary cultural arts space where varied
perspectives and issues are explored through visual arts, music, performance and other forms of media.

Outvert Art Space (Gallerí Úthverfa) was founded in 2013 by Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir and Gunnar Jónsson, and collaborates closely with ArtsIceland programs.

ArtsIceland and Outvert Art Space are particularly interested in helping artists and curators achieve projects that have significant cultural impact but would be impossible to realize in a traditional gallery or museum setting. 

Opening hours: Thursday - Saturday 4 – 6 pm and by appointment.  

 Outvert Art Space is supported by the Westfjord Cultural Fund & the Municipality of Ísafjörður.  

The Folk Music Centre brings Icelandic folk music to life. People from all over Iceland can be seen singing folk songs, playing traditional instru­ments and performing folk dances.

The Folk Music Center is situated in the house of Rev. Bjarni Thorsteins­ son, who’s famous collection of Icelandic folk songs, from the end of the 19th century, was published in 1906.

Aðgangseyrir/Entrance fee:
Adults: 1400 ISK
Seniors & students: 900 ISK
Children up to 16: ókeypis/free
Combined ticket with the Herring Era Museum ISK 2400/1300

Groups (8+ guests):
Museum entry: 1200 ISK á mann/per person
Museum visit with guided tour: 1200 ISK per person + 8000 ISK guided tour

Opnunartímar/Opening Hours:
Summer: June 1 – August 31, 11 am – 5 pm
Winter: September – May: by arrangement

Sviðið is a new event location, placed in the new downtown Selfoss. The place is especially designed for concerts but its also suitable for parties, meetings and conferences. we can greet 100 to 260 people, depending on purpose. In addition to Sviðið we have two other venues. Risið and Miðbar. Please contact us for further information

The Freezer is an award winning social hostel, situated inside a renovated and recycled fish factory in the tiny fishing village of Rif on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. 

At our place, Icelandic arts, culture and local hospitality come together to create unforgettable memories for those looking for the completely unique Icelandic experience. We offer beds in themed dorms, artsy private rooms, camping spaces, as well as five amazing apartments for those looking for the tranquility of true Icelandic country living. 

The Arctic Fox Centre is a non-profit research and exhibition center, focusing on the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) - the only native terrestrial mammal in Iceland.

The Arctic Fox Centre was established on September 15th 2007 in Sudavik Westfjords. Founders were 42, mostly local people, tourist operators and municipalities in the Westfjords. All of which share their interest in the arctic foxes and believe in increasing ecotourism in Iceland. The idea of the Arctic Fox Centre comes from prof. Pall Hersteinsson, University of Iceland and he serves as a quality witness for the center.

The long term aim is to collect all available knowledge and material relevant to the arctic fox in past and presence. 

We house an exhibition focusing on educating material: 

• About biology and history of the arctic foxes as a species.
• About the war that has been waged between the man and the arctic fox, since the early settlement of humans in Iceland (1100 years).
• About the status and specialities of the Arctic Foxes in Iceland and other regions of its distributional range.
• About fox hunting as the oldest paid operation in Iceland, methods and materials, stories and descriptions.
• About fox farming activities and it´s consequences for the wild population throughout the decades.

We emphasize on:

• Participate in and promote research programs on Icelandic arctic fox populations, in collaboration with academic and research centers.
• Participate in developing sustainable wildlife torism in Iceland, in collaboration with the authorities and other interested parties.
• Stimulate development and manufacturing on handicraft and souvenirs, specialized for The Arctic Fox Center.

Open:

• May: 10:00-16:00
• June - July: 09:00-18:00
• September: 10:00-16:00 
• Oct 01 - May 14: Upon request

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

Cafe Dunhagi is a restaurant specializes in local cuisine. Fresh local fish, Icelandic lamb, vegetarian specials and homemade breads and desserts to die for. We use local herbs and spices from the fjord and serve a wonderful selection of wine and beer for your pleasure.

A place of story telling. I have put together a wonderful collection of old photographs of the people that settled this beautiful fjord. The photos tell a remarkable story of survival, adverse conditions and a colorful culture that has shaped Iceland to what it is today.

The Cafe is located in one of the oldest buildings in the fjord. When you walk through the door you'll take a step into the past. You can browse the collection of historic photos assembled by the native owner while dining on local cuisine in the warm and cozy interior.
Aside from her skills as a chef, the owner is known for her atmospheric music as well as her knack for storytelling. In the summer months, you can take in Icelandic culture at Dunhagi´s weekly events, which include author readings, concerts, and plays.

Our goal; To create a memorable event for our customers in a place where you can enjoy thoughtful food, beautiful wines while being surrounded by untouched nature and unprecedented bird colonies a footstep away.

Ísafjörður Culture House is open as follows:
- Weekdays 12:00 - 18:00
- Saturdays 13:00 - 16:00

The Culture House is the home to the local library, archives, arts collection and photo collection. For further information please contact:

Ísafjörður Library, tel. (+354) 450-8220 bokasafn@isafjordur.is
Ísafjörður Archives, tel. (+354) 450-8226  skjalasafn@isafjordur.is
Ísafjörður Arts Collection, tel. (+354) 450-8225  listasafn@isafjordur.is
Ísafjörður Photo Collection, tel. (+354) 450-8228 myndasafn@isafjordur.is  

The aim of the centre is to collect, categorize and preserve legends, rhymes, pictures and any remains connected to the settlement in the Snæfjallahreppur and Grunnavíkurhreppur parishes by making exhibitions, publishing, making a website and with conferences and various events.

Hours of Operation: Summer: July 12 - August 05

Deiglan is a multi-purpose exhibition space, ideal for art and music run by The Gil Society. The facilities used to belong to the old dairy factories as well as most of the buildings in the Art Street. We also run an artist residency, a studio and apartment in the same building where international artists get a chance to work and exhibit in Deiglan. 

Possible events include art exhibitions, performances, concerts and markets.
Opening hours vary depending on events, please visit our website for more information.

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/

The Saga Centre is a pioneer of historical and cultural tourism in Iceland. Unique Njal´s Saga Exhibition in several languages, Art Gallerí, Saga Hall - replica of an old Viking Hall with historical refreshments, Model of Thingvellir AD 1000, Co-Op Museum, Njal´s Saga Tapestry in progress (everybody can take part) and an elegant Souvenir Shop with local Art and learned books. Viking-costumes and weapons for kids to play with. Guided tours around Njal´s Saga region avilable.

Skaftfell Center for Visual Art was founded in the year 1998 by a group of art enthusiasts, the Skaftfell Group. The Skaftfell Group was formed by friends of the artist Dieter Roth (1930-1998) who had regularly spent time in Seyðisfjörður during the last decade of his life in Seyðisfjörður and had a strong influence on the town´s artistic life. 

The art center is situated in Austurvegur 42 in Seyðisfjörður, in a grand house built in 1907, which was donated to the Skaftfell Group by Garðar Eymundsson and Karólína Þorsteinsdóttir. Today the building contains the Skaftfell gallery and bookshop on the middle floor, an artist residency apartment on the top floor, and the Skaftfell Bistro and library on the ground floor.

Skaftfell´s role is to present, discuss and encourage the development of contemporary art. The art center is an importan meeting point for artists and locals, and its activities involve exhibitions and events throughout the year, an international artist residency program and an art education program. Skaftfell is also the guardian of a minuscule house in Seyðisfjörður, Geirahús, previously owned by the local naive artist Ásgeir Emilsson (1931-1999). Now a tiny museum, Geirahús can be visited by appointment. Another artwork to visit is Tvísöngur , a sound sculpture on the hills of the fjord, developed by Lukas Kühne with Skaftfell in 2012. 

In 2013 Skaftfell received the Icelandic Eyrarrósin award for outstanding cultural leadership in a rural area.

For opening hours please visit our website skaftfell.is  

For more information please contact us: skaftfell@skaftfell.is 

The East Iceland Emigration Center is located at Kaupvangur Cultural Center.

The East Iceland Emigration Center is an organization of volunteers interested in re-establishing contact with the descendants of the people who left East and Northeast Iceland (primarily Vopnafjörður, North- and South-Múlasýsla, Þistilfjörður) after the eruption of Askja in 1875.

Genealogical services are offered where people receive help with searching for relatives and seek connections to the present. Assistance is also offered in preparing a visit to Iceland where people can meet their relatives here and get to their ancestral sites.

Every year, Western Icelanders from Canada and the United States - sometimes even from Brazil - come to Vopnafjörður and other places in Austurland. People get the feeling that they are returning home. Standing in their area of origin, they look at the environment, mountains, rivers, and lakes, often with tears in their eyes. People either come alone or in small groups, generally well-informed and often with family history, genealogies, and family photos in their possession.

Opening hours:
Monday and Thursday: 10-17
Other times: We will gladly meet visitors upon request

This summer’s exhibit: “Sails, Rails, Rivers and Trails” - “Sigld, gengið, riðið og rúllað í lest” is  open from May 25 until the end of August. The subject is the journey of the emigrants - how did they get from Iceland to North America, not to mention Brazil? Visitors are invited to experience this journey for themselves - in the form of images and text focusing on the ships, the trains, even larger ships over the Atlantic, and again the trains, wagons and even by walking as they made their way to Curitiba, Utah, Minnesota, North Dakota, Manitoba and north to New Iceland. 

The Icelandic Emigration Center was founded in 1996 and dedicated to commemorate Icelandic emigrants to North America and to promote connections between their descendants and the people of Iceland. The Center now offers four exhibits in three separate buildings, as well as a genealogical information service and library facilities.

Cultural house Berg is in the town centre of Dalvík. The Public Library is located there and a Coffie House. Art performances, concerts, conferences and cultural tourism also have their place in the house and a multi-purpose hall is availble. Various events are scheduled all year round. Further information at www.dalvikurbyggd.is/berg

Open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00, Saturdays from 13:00 to 16:00, Sundays 12:00-16:00.

The library is open 10:00 to 17:00 (Monday-Friday) and 13:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays.  Closed on Sundays.

Here is our facebook page

The cultural center has six museums as well as a research department that operates across the units. The museums are regional, maritime, natural history, art, book, district archives, natural history, and maritime museums.

Exhibitions organized by the museums are an important part of the museum's work, and here we emphasize the uniqueness of Hornafjörður and the community that is and was. Today, exhibitions are open in the library, Verbúðin in Miklagarður and Svavarssafn, and admission to the Cultural Center's exhibitions is free.

The Icelandic Eider Center is a modern museum and knowledge center which invites visitors to learn about the eider duck and the fascinating methods of eiderdown farming in the past and present.  Located in the town of Stykkishólmur on Breiðafjörður bay, home of large Eider duck breeding grounds and the most extensive eider farming world wide. You can enjoy a hot cup of coffee while visiting. 

Opening hours:
Summer: daily 13:00-17:00
Winter: open for groups upon agreement. Please book in advance.

Icelandic Culture Center Bakkastofa welcomes guests with stories and music, where the history and culture of the nation is in focus.

Short video introduction about us :)  

The Center for Art and Culture in Fljotsdalsherad (MMF) is located in Slaturhusid, Egilsstadir. As a Center for Performing Arts we are inspired every day to create, share, teach, excite and perform for our community. Although performing arts are our main focus we also host art exhibitions.

Director of MMF is Ragnhildur Asvaldsdottir

 In the old heart of Vík, you will find the historical Brydebúð building, housing the Katla Visitor Centre. 

Encounter the geology of the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark in the Katla exhibition. Feel the various textures of local minerals, including volcanic ash dating back to 1860, and learn about volcanic eruptions in the infamous Katla volcano. 

Discover the history of shipwrecks and disasters on the black beaches of South Iceland and get to know the lucky ship Skaftfellingur at the Hafnleysa Maritime Museum. Put yourselves in the shoes of fishermen fighting the waves of the harbourless south coast. 

Learn how best to experience Vík and the Mýrdalur region at our information centre. Shop local produce and explore Vík by participating in the Vík Treasure Quest or tour the Vík Culture Walk. Maps of the area with all its exciting outdoor opportunities are available here!  

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.

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.

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

This centre houses memorabilia of the 11th World Chess Champion BOBBY FISCHER and the Selfoss Chess Club. The American Bobby Fischer became the World Chess Champion when he defeated the Soviet grandmaster and reigning World Champion  Boris Spassky in Reykjavík in the summer of 1972.  The match is generally referred to as the Match of the Century. It took place at the height of the Cold War, mirroring the tense relations between the two superpowers, the United States of America and the Soviet Union. Since 1948 Soviet chess players had held the World Championship title - uninterrupted for 25 years. On display at the Bobby Fischer centre in  Selfoss are among other things  Spassky´s and Fischer´s scoresheets, a printout from the radiation measurements demanded by Spassky´s delegation after the 17th game and a replica of the chessboard used during the match, which was staged in Laugardalshöll in Reykjavík.  In addition, there are many curious items related to Bobby Fischer‘s stay in Iceland during his last years (2005-2008), for example, his chair from the antiquarian bookshop Bókin in Reykjavík. He died on 17th January 2008 at the age of 64.  Bobby Fischer´s final resting place is at Laugardælir cemetery, a few hundred metres away from the Bobby Fischer centre.

Open from 13:00-17:00 every day, from 1 June to 22 August.

Menningarstofa Fjarðabyggðar (Fjardabyggd Cultural Center) was established in 2017, and its role is to support and promote cultural activities in Fjarðabyggð. Menningarstofa workss with people in cultural life and helps them and encourages good work.

Menningarstofa Fjarðabyggðar is committed to ensuring all residents´access to culture and arts, regardless of residence, origin, and socioeconomic status. Menningarstofa is connected with grassroots organizations in culture, such as amateur theatre companies and choirs, and promotes good access to local housing events.

Menningarstofa connects theatre, primary and music schools, museums, and other municipal institutions with professionals from creative industries. Menningarstofa works to increase access to innovative learning and work in collaboration with educational directors, sports and leisure representatives, and the Fjarðabyggð Museum-Institute. Furthermore, the Menningarstofa encourages creative processes in schools, cultural and leisure activities in Fjarðabyggð.

Tónlistarmiðstöð Austurlands is operated by Menningarstofa Fjarðabyggðar. Its Concert Hall, located in Eskifjörður, is very popular for most types of concerts. The music center is well equipped, and the house´s soundtrack is excellent. but the design of the building creates visual and acoustic intimacy between performers and concert goers.

The place is also very convenient for various exhibitions, any conference, and meetings. However, the Events of Tónlistarmiðstöð Austurlands are not confined to the hall in Eskifjörður at all, as Menningarstofa Fjarðabyggðar is responsible for music-related events in all of Fjarðabyggð.

Saltport is a Workshop / Residency offering artists facilities for creating and making art in an inspiring surroundings. Located in a renovated old fish factory in a small fishing village in Iceland. Great place for all kinds of sculptors, offering also an outdoor space for i.e. creating sculptures. The house is located on the edge of the seafront which gives truly an inspiring atmosphere and inspiration. Accommodation is located in another house next to the workshop "Ártún" 80 meters away. Great place for Sculptors / Photography / Cinema / Music / Acting / Painting / Writing / Bird watching etc. Duration of stay is 1 or 2 months.

In the Vestmannaeyjar Culture House or Safnahús Vestmannaeyja, you can find a large and varied collection of museums and departments. The museum is located at Ráðhúströð and houses a library, regional archive, art museum, photography museum and Sagnheimar folk museum, as well as a special exhibition space.

Opening hours:
May 1st - September 30th: Every day from 10:00-17:00
October 1st - April 30th: Saturday from 12:00-15:00, other days closed (open upon arrangement) 

The Leader Sheep Centre in Þistilfjörður North-Iceland is unique. It is impossible to find a similar museum as Iceland is the only country in the world where Leader Sheep exists. You find collections of pictures, stories, and information about the Leader Sheep.

Besides information, we run a small shop with handmade goods produced from wool, horns, bones, and skins of the Leader Sheep. The Leader Sheep Center has received an award from the Farmers Association for use of wool, skins, and horns.

"If you wear clothes made of wool of Leader Sheep then you always find your way.”

We have a small Café where we serve a special blend of coffee and good cakes.

One art exhibition is here every summer in our small gallery and is booked next consecutive 10 years.

We run small and cozy guesthouse, THISTLE GUESTHOUSE, with 12 beds. There is a kitchen available and all the other needed facilities.

Open from 11am to 6pm, July-Agust and by appointment in other months.

The municipal museum in Garðskagi is located in a natural paradise, which blends the beauty of the landscape with its rich animal and birdlife.

The museum was first opened in November 1995 in the old processing houses in Garður. The museum has both a Folk and Maritime Museum. It has an outstanding engine collection of Guðni Ingimundarson. There are over 60 engines on display and almost every one of them is functional. Many important items from the municipal history of Garður are located in the museum, items which were essential for the livelihood on both land and sea The Museum is a great point of interest for visitors as it tells the story of how fishing developed and the history of the people who lived and worked in the community. A restaurant and camping site with facilities is on-site and if you are lucky you might see dolphins and whales near the shore from the terrace of the restaurant.

Summer opening is 10-17 From the 1st May - 30. Sept.

From October the Museum can be booked for groups.

Cutural center, French library and French language school

Open / ouvert:
Mon - Fri: 13:00-18:00
Sat: 10:00-12:00

Come and join us in the 10th century. Let's sit by the fire and meet storytellers, telling renowned tales of the 10th century Iceland. You can try real Viking tools and get to know the craftsmanship, architecture, and Viking clothing, all made by hand with original tools and methods. 

Our storytellers are well-versed in the history of the farm, its inhabitants, and the Viking age. Tours are ongoing throughout the day, you can pop in at any time. 

Open every day 10 am to 5 pm, from the 1st of May to the 31st of October.
 

Langabúð cafe is located in the oldest building in Djupivogur, dating back to 1790. The cafe offers a wide variety of homemade goods such as soups, bread with salmon and smoked lamb, cappuccino, espresso, latte, and delicious cakes. The menu has a variety of vegan and gluten free choices. You can also try out a selection of Icelandic beers and spirits.

Langabúð is Djupivogur's cultural center, housing museums and exhibitions, and is the corner stone in the town's culture. The museums exhibit the life and work of Rikardur Jonsson, a sculptor and artist, and a memorial of the politician Eysteinn Jonsson and his wife, Solveig Eyjolfsdottir. The building's loft houses a heritage museum.

The cafe offers a wide variety of homemade goods such as soups, bread with salmon and smoked lamb, cappuccino, espresso, latte, and delicious cakes. The menu has a variety of vegan and gluten free choices. You can also try out a selection of Icelandic beers and spirits.

Hours of Operation: 
Summer: May 15th – September 15th, Every day: 11:00-18:00 Winter: Please contact us for opening hours. 
Admission: ISK 500

Twelve man-made caves have been discovered on the land of Ægissíða by Hella on the South Coast of Iceland. Four of them have been open to the public. The historical site is Iceland's oldest still standing archaeological remains. Some believe the caves to date even further back than the settlement of the Nordic Vikings.  

The wonders of the Caves of Hella include ancient crosses, wall carvings, and carved seats.

Mystery surrounds the caves and for centuries people have wondered:

• Are the caves the handiwork of the Celts?
• Were the caves a place of ancient worship?

Caves of Hella offer a great opportunity to explore these historic caves in Iceland. Join us to discover the secrets they hold and experience the magical Underworld of the South.

The Caves are located right next to Route 1 (the Ring Road), an approximately hour drive from Reykjavik. 

Inaugurated June 2007, Edinborg offers excellent facilities for events of various kinds, including conferences, meetings, receptions, parties and exhibitions.
Edinborg´s fully appointed service centre offers comprehensive services, including photocopying, computers, network connection and telephones. 

On the ground floor we have Edinborg- Bistro - Cafe - Bar whether you want a taste of the Icelandic food culture, get some coffee and cake, or simply enjoying a cold one on the side. Then Edinburgh Bistro - Cafe - Bar is the place to enjoy. 

In the corridor we have a exhibition space called Slunkaríki which is an artist run gallery that has been run by the art club in Ísafjörður since 1985. 

On the ground floor you will find Edinborgarsal the main hall of the building and accommodates 200 guests in seats or 300 guests for theater,221 m2. We can combine it with the side hall (Bryggjusal) which is 119m2. Edinborgarsalur offers good facilities for theater, concerts, conferences, meetings, seminars, fairs and more. The hall is technically complete with sound system, teleconference and lighting.

There are also several other smaller meeting rooms in the building. Bryggjusalur on the ground floor can be connected to the main hall of the building has a soundproof folding doors which will turn it into independent Hall, and accommodates 100 guests in seats . Bryggjusalur is ideal for medium-size meetings and gatherings.
Rögnvaldarsalur in the second floor is 114 m2 with two rooms (55 and 45 m2). In addition to being suitable for art school training centers it is suitable for meetings in its widest definition.
The third floor or Attic will have two rooms a total of 141 m2 space. The interior is very nice as it is a cozy attic. Being ideal for small meetings and gatherings in addition we have the possibility for companies to have facilities for its activities. Attic is under construction and will be ready in the next few months.

The Tourist Information is located in the building. The Tourist Office friendly employees provide information, tips and details that are useful during your stay in Ísafjörður and surrounding areas. The travel agency West tours is located next to the tourist office. 

Offering a wealth of information, the Settlement Center provides a wonderful insight into Iceland’s history. It also gives you the chance to put your visit into the context of the country’s past. The exhibitions recreate the fascinating drama of the sagas and the birth of this island nation. They also bring to life one of Iceland’s most important cultural treasures, Egils Saga.

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. 

Summer opening, 14-18 everyday. Free entrance.

The Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll (Rokksafn Íslands) is a new museum about the history of popular music in Iceland. The museum was opened in 2014 and is located in Keflavik in Reykjanesbær, only a 5-minute drive away from Keflavik International airport.

The museum’s main attraction is a timeline of Iceland’s popular music history. Visitors who would like to dive deeper into the history can get an iPad guided tour to read more and listen to the music throughout Iceland’s history. Other attractions include the very popular sound lab where guests can try instruments such as an electric drum kit, electric guitar and electric bass. There’s also a karaoke singing booth where guests have the possibility to sing and record video of the themselves and send it directly to their email address or social media. Guests can also visit the museums’ cinema where documentaries about Icelandic music run all day long, try out interactive solutions to dive deeper into the history of featured artists such as Björk, Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men, Kaleo and many more, get an insight into what it is like to be an audio engineer on a mixing desk that features Icelandic music and visit the gift shop where there are books, DVD, CD’s and LP’s with Icelandic music along with various museum merchandise. At the museum guests can sit down, listen to the music and have a cup of coffee... or tea... or hot chocolate, whichever sounds good. The museum café offers coffee from Kaffitár which is a local roasterie, specializing in importing, roasting and serving the finest Arabica coffee beans.

The Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll is for everyone. For those who love Icelandic music and those who want to discover Icelandic Music.  

Children find the sound lab particularly interesting along with the interactive parts of the museum.

The museum is open daily all year round except for New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Opening times are 11am-6pm daily.

“The Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll is as eccentric in its telling as the tale it celebrates.” David Fricke, Rolling Stone. 

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.

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.

At the Akranes Folk Museum, you can learn about the history of Akranes and its surroundings. The museum was founded and opened in the year 1959 and can be found at Garðaholt 3.

Opening hours:

Summer: May 15th - September 14th: every day from 11:00-17:00
Winter: September 15th - May 14th: Saturdays 13:00-17:00, or upon request

Hægt er að leigja stúkuhúsið undir fundarhöld. 

Hljómahöll is a cultural and conference center in Reykjanesbær. An important forum has been created for conferences, meetings and all kinds of cultural events. The historical community house Stapi is a part of Hljómahöll which is still in full use. The Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll is a big part of the house (Hljómahöll) and is a great attraction for tourists all over the world who want to learn about the history of pop and rock in Iceland. The museum offers various ways to learn about this remarkable history; documentary films, music, souvenirs, an app and guests can actively involve them selves by trying out f.ex. drums, bass and guitars. In Hljómahöllin the Music School in Reykjanesbær has a new and great space for teaching and learning. With the advent of Hljómahöll we hope to see more possibilities for cultural and creative work in Reykjanes.

Halls

Hljómahöll’s halls are great for various occasions, such as conferences, meetings, dance’s, birthdays, annuals, receptions after funerals etc. Please send us an e-mail and we will answer all hall related questions.

The Ghost Centre is located in the same building as the Icelandic Wonders museum. It features all of Iceland’s most famous ghosts. Ghost appearances are frequently mentioned in the sagas, dating back to the beginning of Icelandic history.  Ghosts can appear in all living shapes or forms and some of these are still around today. Upon entry, guests are provided with an Ipod to guide them through the 24 ghost stories. Guests walk through the ghost-maze, where they will experience the stories in the environment where the spooky tales actually happened. The stories can be listened to in Chinese,  English, German, French, Scandinavian, Japanese, Russian and Icelandic. In the reception area guests will find our Ghost Bar with drinks and a fabulous view of the ocean.

In the Ghost Bar guests are joined by a few ghosts, one of which, the Brennivínsdrauginn (alcohol ghost), sits in a corner watching over guests while they visit. This ghost is quite kind, of Danish blood, and likes the taste of liquor.

Information about opening hours on the Ghost Centre webpage.

The Þórbergur Centre was established in memory of the famous Icelandic writer Þórbergur Þórðarsson (1888 – 1974), who was born in Hali in Suðursveit. The centre includes a heritage museum and unique exhibitions of the district Sudursveit and the writer Þórbergur Þórðarson, his life and work. The Thorbergur Centre is by road number 1, the Ring Road. only 13 km further east from Jökulsárlón.

Open all year round, every day from 8-21.

Our restaurant offers local food from the farm and the Vatnajökull region.