Saga & Heritage

Something special - Nature and Cultural Walks with a view of Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður Walk - An Interesting Journey Through Time (2 hours)

Our guide, dressed as a woman from the 19th century, and takes you on a walk from our meeting point or from the port through the city and up to the slopes above Ísafjörður. On the way you will visit interesting places, such as historical houses and trade centres from the prime time of Ísafjörður. You will get information on history and learn about the people and their living conditions, their beliefs and their culture, which is reflected in the legends. You will also visit the places the stories are told about. On the way she shares her lunch box with you.

If you like to get an insight into the history of Ísafjörður and hear more tales and stories about the people, ghosts, elves, trolls and other mystical creatures of ancient and modern times Elves, Trolls and Stories (2 hours), would be the right walk for you. Also, the walk goes all time on plane level. 

Geology (3 hours)

Plants or Autumn Colours (3 hours)

Please Taste! (3,5 hours)

Nature Walk (5 hours)

Special tours on request

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.
 

This iconic building on Viðey Island is the former official residence of Treasurer Skúli Magnússon. Upon a visit to the island it is ideal to sit down there and enjoy nice refreshments in this 18th century building filled with history and character.

In summertime Viðeyjarstofa Bistro is open daily from 11:30 - 18:00 with extended opening hours on Tuesdays and during concerts and other events. The menu includes fresh Icelandic ingredients, such as mussels, cured salmon, waffles and more.

In wintertime Viðeyjarstofa café is open from 13:30 - 16:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, with extended opening hours during concerts and other events. The menu includes coffee, hot chocolate and delicious pastries. In the run up to the holiday season there is also a special Christmas Celebration in Viðeyjarstofa with dinner and live music available for individuals and groups.

Viðeyjarstofa restaurant has flexible opening hours for groups all year round. It provides an unforgettable setting for banquets, conferences and other events.

The exhibition focuses on the 1973 volcanic eruption in Vestmannaeyjar, without a doubt one of Iceland´s biggest natural disaster. Visitors get a glimpse into peoples lives on Heimaey before the eruption that would change their lives forever. The people of Heimaey had to leave their homes in the middle of the night and evacuate the island, many of them never saw their homes or any of their belongings ever again.

The eruption started in the early hours of January 23rd 1973 on the island of Heimaey, the only inhabited island of the Vestmannaeyjar islands and it lasted for 5 months. Lava and ash destroyed almost 400 homes and businesses, a third of all buildings on Heimaey. While the eruption lasted no one knew if the island would ever be populated again.

 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!  

The Leif Eiriksson center is an exciting destination for all ages, where stories of the voyages of Erik the Red and his son Leif the Lucky (also called Leifur Eiríksson), discovering parts of Greenland, Canada and the US, are presented in a new exhibition, consisting of works from ten renowned Icelandic visual artists. An audio guide will lead you through the history as you view the magical world of the exhibition. Afterwards you can enjoy a quick bite to eat or some good coffee on the ground floor. 

Open daily from May to October. 

Welcome to Kaffi Klara, a friendly and family operated Cafe and Restaurant in North Iceland. We offer healthy and delicious dishes with focus on local food with an international twist. Our guests are both both local people who socialize at our cafe and enjoy our events, as well as travelers who are discovering the North Iceland area and are following the Arctic Coast Way.

 We welcome groups for a light snack or full course dinner but please book in advance though.

We also offer cooking and tasting events “Arctic Coast Tastes” for groups from 4-12 persons.
Come and discover how to cook traditional Icelandic dishes with local ingredients from the Arctic Coast Way in Iceland. Join us in an adventurous cultural food event in our kitchen in the small village of Ólafsjförður in the North of Iceland. You can contact us to get more information.

Our very own guesthouse upstairs has comfortable rooms in different sizes and is bookable online with breakfast included.

We look forward to seeing you in Ólafsfjörður in North Iceland.

The Commonwealth farm in Þjórsárdalur is one of Iceland's best kept secrets. The farmhouse, built on the site of one of the manor farms of the Age of Settlement, is constructed as experts thought it would have been.
Visitors have the opportunity of acquainting themselves with the buildings the Icelanders' ancestors lived in and of learning about the conditions they lived in and about their daily life.

The Commonwealth farm is based on the ruins of the former manor farm, Stöng in Þjórsárdalur which is considered to have been abandoned after its destruction in the Hekla eruption of the 1104.

Open:
June 1 - August 31: every day 10:00-17:0010:00
Closed during winter.  

Admission:
Adults: 1.000
Senior citizens and handicapped: 750
Free for 16 years and younger

Ólafsdalur by Gilsfjörður, history of 1000 years

Ólafsdalur is a small valley, surrounded by high mountains, where the first acriculture school in Iceland was established in 1880. The beautiful school-building is from 1896. Remains of many other buildings and man made remains from 1880-1900. Recently found remains of a Viking longhouse from 9-10th century. 

Opening hours: 12:00-17:00 from July 25th - August 15th.

Ólafsdalur family festival will be held August 14th.   

In most travel books referred to as the Maritime Museum. Fisheries have always been the most important economic activity in the Westfjords, and the museum gives a unique insight into the rich maritime history and culture of the area.

Open:
15. May - 31. Aug. 10:00-17:00.
1. Sept - 15. Sept. 11:00-15:00.

Admission fee: Adults - ISK. 1.600,-
Seniors    ISK. 1.200,-

In an authentic atmosphere, the Museum opens the exiting world of Icelandic fisheries and costal culture
Iceland´s past, present and future are intimately tied to seafaring. This activity defines the nation’s character, making it difficult indeed to know Iceland and Icelanders without knowing its maritime history.

The Maritime Museum´s exhibitions are insights into Iceland’s relationship with the sea through the centuries. The main exhibitions illustrate the development from rowboats to modern trawlers and cargo vessels, as well as the construction of Reykjavík Harbor. Temporary exhibitions are changed regularly.

Docked to a specially built pier alongside the museum is the Coast Guard Vessel Óðinn.  Óðinn participated in all three Cod Wars against Britain in the latter part of the 20th century. Moreover, it was a highly effective patrol and rescue vessel accredited with saving the crews of grounded or sinking ships, and towed nearly 200 vessels to safety. Guided tours daily, welcome aboard!

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/

1238 The Battle of Iceland is an immersive exhibition incorporating cutting-edge interactive technology that transports you into the past. You can take part and experience Iceland´s most fearful battle; The Battle of Örlygsstaðir.

  Experience the here and now 

Höfn Local Guide is a locally-owned family business in Höfn in Hornafjörður that operates in the field of Slow-Adventure Tourism. The focus is on nourishing experience through moderate movement in beautiful nature and a peaceful environment. 

The fishing village Höfn and its astounding surroundings is an interesting destination close to the Vatnajökull National Park. Dive into the story and culture of this beautiful village in a village walk or take a tour to some of the hidden gems close by with a guide born and raised in Höfn. The guided tours are easy and informative and you can enjoy the magnificent nature and geology of the area on land or on sea. 

With Höfn Local Guide you can experience customized hiking tours, yoga, and mindfulness out in the open, kayak paddling, and get to taste some of the area’s local food out in the open. 

If you are interested in a conscious experience with nature and your fellow travelers in the foreground, a trip with Höfn Local Guide is something for you. 

In the oldest part of Akureyri (known as the Inner town), stands the Akureyri Museum. Here we find many interesting and well set up exhibitions, which we have no hesitation in recommending for adults and children alike. 
Those with a thirst for knowledge, and who wish to find out about Akureyri in a more innovative way, we recommend a visit to the exhibition "Akureyri, the Town by the Pool”. Here you will find a trader’s store, a parlour, a playroom and numerous photographs capturing life in the town throughout the years – and all of which make up an enjoyable tour through Akureyri’s history as a centre of trade and industry. The remains of a burial mound containing boats, mediaeval trading goods, a warp-weighted loom and information on settlement in Eyjafjörður, are among the things of interest to be found on the top floor of the premises, in the exhibition "Eyjafjörður in the Early Period". Each year there is also a summer exhibition. 
Akureyri Museum has on offer historical walks for groups through the old part of town, the Oddeyri and/or Glerárþorp district, as well as soirées in the Museum Church where you are taken on a journey of prose and song into the world of Icelandic music, from the Middle Ages to the present day. 
The garden surrounding Akureyri Museum is more than a century old and makes a pleasant stopping place on your journey round town. Within the garden stands a church built in 1846, which is rented out for various kinds of ceremonies. 

Akureyri Museum was awarded the Icelandic Museum Awards in 2022.

Open:
June 1 - September 30: Daily 10-17
October 1 - May 31: Daily 13-16

Price:
Adults (18 and older): ISK 1800
Children and youth: Free
Senior citizens ISK 900
Handicapped: Free

Pass for 5 museums: ISK 2200

Hotel Heydalur is located in the beautiful valley of Heydalur, around 320 km from Reykjavík and 130 km from Ísafjörður. The hotel offers 59 beds in 19 rooms (all with private WC) as well as three summer cottages.

The hotel restaurant is renowned for its delicious, local food which is served in the old barn.

The hotel also operates a campsite (open from June 1 until the end of October) with warm showers, flushing toilets and ample electricity plugs for RVs and trailers.

Heydalur has recently been nominated as the best bathing site in the Westfjords area.  Near the hotel you will find two outdoor, geothermal hot tubs, as well as a small pool inside a tropical greenhouse. On the other side of the river Heydalsá you will find yet another natural hot tub.

The opportunities for recreation and activities are almost endless. The hotel has a playground for children and youth, but also offers guided kayaking and horse riding tours that are suitable for most people. There are numerous hiking routes available, birdwatching is excellent during summer and freshwater fishing is also possible. During winter, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and, of course, the magic of the northern lights.  

Þingeyrakirkja church is in my opinion one of the most beautiful churches in Iceland. It is located at Þingeyrar in North-Iceland by Húnafjörður bay. 

Þingeyrakirkja church was consecrated in 1877 and is one of Iceland´s few stone churches. The stone in the church was found in the Ásbjarnarnesbjörg, 8 km away from the church.

Open 10-17 every day.

Only opened by arrangement during winter.

Super Jeep Experience is not only committed to providing you with unforgettable and inspiring trips, we’re also committed to ensuring your comfort and safety throughout. When you travel with us, you can feel confident knowing we have staffs on every tour that are available to accommodate your expectations. From the moment you reach out to us and until the end of our tour, we ensure that your journey is seamless, authentic, and beyond what you had imagined.

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. 

From the time of the earliest settlers, history is brought to life in a unique and exciting way. The Saga Museum intimately recreates key moments in Icelandic history, moments that have determined the fate of our people and which gives a compelling view into how Icelanders have lived for more than a millennium.

Throughout the period of settlement, everyday life in Iceland must have been very difficult due to hard circumstances. Eruptions, earthquakes, avalanches and other natural catastrophes are some of the things the Icelanders had to endure. They were also subject to the notorious Black Death that led to the destruction of more than a third of the population. However, none of this deterred those who lived here and they leave behind them a remarkable culture and literature that equals that of any other country in Europe.

Let's Talk Iceland comedy shoew  introduces you to Icelandic history and culture from the Settlement to the present day: Vikings and Icelanders of different eras will guide you through 1100 years.

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.

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.

The Museum of Prophecies

Exhibition, storytelling and fortune telling.

The exhibition focuses on Þórdís the fortune-teller, the first named inhabitant of Skagaströnd, who lived there in the late 10th century. A painted tapestry tells the story of Þórdís. Guides lead visitors through the exhibition which features all kinds of interesting information about prophecies and fortune telling. Visitors can have their fortunes told and their palms read on request. Children can examine Þórdís’s gold chest, where various interesting things are hidden.

We have a great range of Icelandic craft and design.

Opening hours:  June -  Sept.

Tuesday – Sunday

        13:00-18:00

Closed on Mondays.

Opening hours from Sept. – June  by arrangement, please contact us by phone.

tel: 861 5089 / 452 2726 

3rd weekend in July

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.

Want to travel back in time?

At Keldur you can experience how Icelanders lived in the past. The old turf farm at Keldur is the oldest existing farmhouse in Iceland.  

It stands as a testament to the past, being the sole remaining farmhouse of its kind, known as the old passageway type. The structure's wooden frame showcases characteristics reminiscent of Roman style. 

History & heritage

Keldur holds great significance in Icelandic heritage, with its story deeply rooted in the annals of history. Ingjaldur Höskuldsson, the first inhabitant of Keldur, is mentioned in Njál's Saga. 

Constructed from stone, timber, and portions of turf, this ancient farmhouse can be traced back to the late 12th century.  

The old farmhouse is connected to an underground tunnel, believed to have been constructed in the 12th or 13th century, possibly during a period of conflict. 

New research indicates that beneath the fields situated across the riverbank, there are undisclosed ruins waiting to be uncovered. 

Opening hours

June 1st – 31st August:

Open daily from 10:00 am - 17:00 

Guests can visit during opening hours without booking in advance. 

Guided tours and groups

Guided tours daily at 11:00 am & 15:00 pm. Book your guided tour here.  

If you want to book a guided tour for a group, please send an email for further information, keldur@thjodminjasafn.is 

Fossatún  

Location

Fossatún is located in mid-Borgarfjördur 90 km. from Reykjavík by road nr. 50. The Fossatún
restaurant is situated by Troll Falls a beautiful cascade of small waterfalls in Grímsá, one of Iceland’s premier salmon rivers. In July and Agust the salmon is often seen jumping. In a cliff by the restaurant the face of Drífa is visible. Drífa is the main character in the Last Troll, one of several troll books written by Fosston’s proprietor, Steinar Berg.   

Hiking 

The Troll Trail is a short walk marked by signs with information, pictures of trolls and troll statues. Set in a gorgeous natural surrounding and offers a magnificent view over the Borgarfjördur-area and Troll Falls. In winter the trail is a popular spot to see the northern lights. The Love Walk is a nice stroll through beautiful nature and down to the Blundsvatn lake. The trail is marked by signs with unique photographs of Icelandic nature and a poem that Icelanders sing out loud when they become
sentimental. The Warm Brook Bluff hike takes only an hour and leads to great awards in the astonishing view.  

Recreation 

The Troll Games can be played by people of all ages and sizes, as individuals or as a competition between teams. It consists of Troll-golf, Troll-kick, Troll-grip, and many other challenging games. Other outdoor activity is: mini-golf, shuffleboard, skittles, trampolines, outdoor chess, giant play castle and more. After the activity, a dip in the Hot Tub is a good way to relax. Inside at the restaurant Acoustic Iceland can be watched, a program which features Icelandic music and nature or a good music enjoyed from the owners vinyl record collection of 3000 titles. Also local acts pay visits and play from time to time.  

Hafnarfjördur is renowned for having one of Iceland's largest colonies of elves, dwarves and other spiritual beings, which (translating from the Icelandic) are collectively called "Hidden Folk". Centuries-old folklore says that whole families of these beings live in the rocks that are part of the town's centre, and we do not doubt it at all.

The Hidden Worlds tour  takes you to their homesites. It stops at places like Hellisgerdi Park and the base of the cliff, Hamarinn, where it is said the Royal Family of the Hidden Folk lives. Along the way, the guide retells stories about the magical hidden worlds and describes the town's history and its development in harmony with the Hidden Folk.

Local Tours ATV ehf. is a local entertainment company with four ATV quad bikes that can take up to 8 persons and a guide.  

We have a big area that we can travel across and a big possibility to plan a short and long trip for a group of people.  

We can plan a trip on a mountain road, on the beach and along the glacier river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. We count on safe travel for all our customers; safety is essential.  

We offer helmets, overalls and gloves.  

Our motto is to travel safely and provide a memorable trip that all our customerss will remember.  

Visit our Facebook page for more information.  

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.

Reykjanes Art Museum presents several new art exhibitions every year. The museum is located in Duus Museum, the Art and Cultural Center of Reykjanesbær along with Reykjanes Maritime Center and Reykjanes Heritage Museum.

Reykjanes Art Museum presents visual arts through diverse exhibitions, lectures, guidance, publications and their website www.reykjanesbaer.is/listasafn.

The museum is open everyday from 12pm – 5pm.

Hrísbrú is the name of a Viking period farmstead and chiefly residence, located in the Mosfell valley of Iceland a few kilometers from Reykjavik. The site is strategically located on the slope of the northern side of the valley, where residents could see both the central valley and the coastline.

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.

Skógar Museum was founded in 1949 and nowadays hosts a collection of more than 18,000 regional artifacts, exhibited in three different spaces. It is located 150 km east of Reykjavík, just off Ring Road 1, and 30 km west of Vík. The Museum was especially known for the curator Þórður Tómasson.

Skógar Museum is divided into three parts:
-The Folk Museum offers a huge variety of artifacts displayed on three floors: fishing, agriculture, textile, and natural history, as well as artifacts dating back to the Viking Age.
-The Open Air Museum, where visitors can catch the atmosphere of times long gone and experience how Icelanders lived through the centuries in farms made from turf and stone.
-The Technical Museum tells the story of technology and transportation and its development in Iceland in the 19th and 20th century. It also houses a souvenir shop and the Skógakaffi cafeteria.

Guided tours are available upon reservation in English, German and Icelandic for groups of ten people or more. Sometimes there is the possibility to have guided tours in French, Spanish, Norwegian, and Danish.“

Skogar Museum is open 364 days of the year
June - August: 09:00 - 18:00
September - October: 10:00 – 17:00
November – April: 10:00 – 16:00
May: 10:00 – 17:00

Please visit us on Facebook here
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Welcome to Reykjavík Rollers, your premier gateway to experiencing Iceland’s vibrant capital on two wheels. At Reykjavík Rollers, we specialize in unique e-scooter adventures that blend the thrill of exploration with the richness of local culture and cuisine.

Guided E-Scooter Tours: Discover Reykjavík's iconic landmarks, historical sites, and charming neighborhoods with our expert-led guided tours. Our two-hour city tour offers a comprehensive overview of the city, perfect for those looking to maximize their experience in a short amount of time. Each tour is packed with insightful commentary, allowing you to connect deeply with the city's past and present.

Gourmet Food Tours: Dive into the culinary delights of Iceland with our "Food & Scoot" tours. These special excursions include a visit to a secluded spot in the beautiful Öskjuhlíð forest, where you can enjoy traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb soup cooked over an open fire, all while listening to captivating stories of Viking explorers and the early settlers of Iceland.

Private Guided Tours: For those seeking a more personalized experience, our private tours are perfect. Tailor your journey to focus on what interests you most, from Reykjavík’s art and architecture to its hidden culinary gems. These tours are ideal for individuals, couples, families, or groups looking for an exclusive adventure.

E-Scooter Rental: Prefer to explore at your own pace? Our e-scooter rental service lets you craft your own itinerary. Rent by the hour or for a full day and discover Reykjavík’s many treasures on your terms. We provide all the necessary equipment, including safety gear, to ensure a comfortable and secure ride.

At Reykjavík Rollers, we are committed to providing an unforgettable experience as you explore, eat, and enjoy everything this extraordinary city has to offer. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, join us for an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary.

The Herring Era Museum is Iceland’s largest maritime and industrial museum, where visitors have the opportunity to get to know the herring fishery and processing industry that underpinned Iceland’s economy for much of the twentieth century.

Three very different museum buildings provide visitors with an insight into the magnificent and captivating herring industry. The Róaldsbrakki is a Norwegian herring station dating back to 1907. Most of this building is as it was in the past, when herring girls lived in the building throughout the summer. Grána is an example of a small herring factory of the 1930s and visitors can see the workings of the reduction industry, which has long been seen as Iceland’s first major industry. The Boathouse seeks to recreate a portion of a herring port, with the fleet alongside one evening in 1950 and allows visitors to mull over what it must have been like to walk the quaysides around the middle of the last century.
More information: www.herringmuseum.com

Opening hours:
May and September: 13 – 17
June, July, August: 10 – 17
Winter: By arrangement

Siglufjörður is only and hour drive from Akureyri!

The Viking Village is personal family business in the restaurant and hotel business. It is located in Hafnarfjörður a lovely town by the sea and our facilities have ocean front views, delightful sunsets and often in the wintertime we see the Northern Lights in the sky above. It only takes 10-15 minutes to drive to Reykjavík city centrum.

Jóhannes Viðar Bjarnason the owner did open the restaurant 10th of May 1990. He started only with our small Restaurant called Fjaran/Valhalla and has been step by step building it up. Today it is two restaurants that can seat more than 400 people and hotel with 42 rooms and 14 viking cottages. Fjörukráin the viking restaurant is famous for the Viking Feasts that we offer most nights. Then our guest get good food and entertainment at the same time.

We welcome you to our Viking Village

The first church in Vestmannaeyjar was built shortly before the year 1000 by the envoys of King Ólafur Tryggvason of Norway, Hjalti Skeggjason and Gissur Hvíti, on their way to parliament to Christianize the Icelanders. To mark the 1000th anniversary of the conversion to Christianity, Norway presented Vestmannaeyjar with a replica of the Stave Church, which was handed over by the King of Norway in a solemn ceremony on July 30, 2000. This Stave Church, located in the picturesque area of Skansinn, is an ideal destination for historical excursions.Iceland. 

Opening hours:
May 1 - September 30: 10:00 - 17:00 every day

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.

Einar Jónsson (1874-1954) was Iceland´s first sculptor. When The Einar Jónsson Museum opened in 1923 it became the first public art museum in Iceland. The museum´s foundation can be traced back to 1909, when Einar gave his sculptures to the Icelandic nation with a stipulation that a museum be built to display them. Today the building is protected as a listed structure.

Einar was influenced by Nordic symbolism and the museum contains close to 300 of his artwork. At the beginning of his career the artist drew inspiration from folklore and mythology. His introduction to theosophy in 1910 had a great impact on both his life and art.

The museum was also the artist´s studio and home. Einar and Anna, his wife and first director of the museum, lived in the penthouse apartment, now a part of the museum. In the sculpture garden, behind the museum, are 26 bronze casts of Einar’s sculptures. The garden is open all year round and is a popular spot in the city.

Opening Hours
Tuesday–Sunday, 12:00-17:00. Closed on Mondays.
The sculpture garden is always open. 
Guided tours for groups by arrangement. 

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The museum offers a variety of fascinating exhibitions and one permanent display illustrating lavishly the story of Iceland’s past, from the medieval days of Viking settlements to current contemporary culture. The main exhibition has over 2,000 artefacts discovered in various parts of the country. The museum shop offers a stylish and educational atmosphere with custom-made goods and handicrafts amongst a large selection of books on Icelandic language, art and culture. The museum cafe offers light refreshments, quality coffee, and a variety of Icelandic delicacies.

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. 

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.

The main role of The Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland is to assure, so far as practicable, the preservation of cultural heritage in its natural environment, to facilitate and promote public access and knowledge of such heritage.

In 2001 archaeological remains were excavated in Aðalstræti, which turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavík. A wall fragment was found dating before 871 AD. During the excavation a hall or a longhouse was found as well, from the tenth century.  The hall and the wall fragment are now preserved at their original location as the focal point of an exhibition about life in Viking Age Reykjavík called The Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík 871±2

The Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík 871±2 is located in Reykjavík center, Aðalstræti 16.
Opening hours:January 1st - December 31st:
Weekdays: 10:00-17:00
Weekends: 10:00-17:00

In December 2005, a group of enthusiasts of the Icelandic sagas and other historical trails of East Iceland joined together to form an organization. Their main goals were to draw attention to historical importance and events of the Fljótsdalshérað district area especially, as well as persuading other enthusiasts to join them in exploring and expanding the possibilities of organizing and designing suitable opportunities and souvenirs for tourists to the area, both Icelandic and foreign.

The organization has now begun its next step, preparing for further work in other areas of the district with more of the Icelandic sagas as well as ruins and other historical events.

Dagbjört Dúna Rúnarsdóttir is a storyteller and greets guests who want to learn about the mysteries of Snæfellsness Peninsula.

Dagbjört has specialized in stories and tales related to Snæfellsnes, true history, trolls, elves, mythology and more. She takes her guests for a short walk and shares the historical heritage as well as having a conversation with her guests about life in Snæfellsnes. You can visit her in her home- Böðvarsholt, or meet her at one of the wonderful unique places in Snæfellsnes to hear the stories of that area. Dagbjört´s favorite places are Búðir, Arnarstapi, Snæfellsjökull National Park, Lýsulaugar and Bjarnafoss.

Dagbjört welcomes individuals as well as groups!

Contact her directly to book an appointment with a Storyteller in Snæfellsnes.

Horseback riding
Our peaceful farm Lýtingsstaðir is situated in the North of Iceland in Skagafjörður, only 20 km away from road#1.
We offer horseback riding tours (beginner and experienced level) on beautiful trails, in small groups, and away from traffic.
Personal service, experienced guides, excellent riding horses, and maintained equipment ensure a high-quality experience. Available from April-October.

Accommodation
We offer accommodation in three wooden cottages for self-catering.
Enjoy midsummer nights out on the deck or let dancing Northern Lights take your breath away. Take a ride or a walk, watch horses and sheep, explore the surroundings, and enjoy the many activities Skagafjörður has to
offer. Available all year round.

Lýtingsstaðir is a fully licensed riding holiday company, operating since the year 2000, welcoming you with warm hospitality and a personal atmosphere.

The Old Stable
Inspired by the long history of the farm, a horse stable, and a storage room were built in 2015. The two gabled houses combine turf, stones, and wood, and they are masterpieces of traditional, even if nowadays very rare, Icelandic craftsmanship. We want to tell visitors how horses were kept on farms in the old days, and we have a display featuring old tools, tack, and other items connected with horses and farming. Audioguide is available in different languages.
Open daily from May to September, other times of year on request. Entrance fee with audio guide included.

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.

The Merchants House in Eyrarbakki, was built in 1765 when Danish merchants began to overwinter in Iceland. Merchant families lived in the House for two centuries and over that period the House was the center for art and European culture in Iceland; fashion, music and litterature spreading from there throughout the country. Eyrarbakki was at that time one of the largest harbours and trading palces in the country, serving people of South-Iceland. 

Very interesting exhibitons in the center of Eyrarbakki village: The Mercants House, Egg House and Kirkjubær. 

Opening hours:
Open every day at summers 10-17and by arrangement.

Ca. 15 minutes drive eastwards from Krysuvik, by the sea is the old church Strandakirkja in Selvogur. The sea waves there are breathtaking.

This area offers some of the most awe-inspiring breaker waves that you are likely to see. The church itself has been central in Icelandic seamen’s prayers for centuries and is definitely worth a visit.

Reykjavík Museum of Photography is the only independent museum of photography in Iceland. The aim of the museum is to shape a unique vision and to be leading in its field. The museum preserves various photo collections from professional and amateur photographers, around 5 Million photographs from the period around 1870 to 2002. The collection´s themes are diverse. One can find family photographs, photos from portrait studios, industrial- and advertising photographs, press photography, landscape photographs and more.

We are a local family company that has been running trips in southeast Iceland since 1991.

Our Summer Special is the popular Ingólfshöfði Puffin Tour. This adventurous journey starts on a tractor drawn hay cart, traveling 6 km across the black sands flats of the southeast coast. Our destination is the isolated headland and nature reserve, Ingólfshöfði, a home of thousands nesting seabirds, including puffins and the great skuas.

The historical cape is named after the first settler of Iceland Ingólfur Arnarson, who spent his first winter in Iceland at the cape in 874 AD.

For booking and more information, visit www.puffintour.is

We also offer Ingólfshöfði Photo Tour, for serious photographers to photograph puffins in early morning couple of times a week in summer.

Our Winter special is without a doubt, the Ice Cave Tour.

Einar Rúnar Sigurðsson, owner and lead guide of FromCoastToMountains is the pioneer of the ice cave tours in Iceland and has found and named most of the famous ice caves in Vatnajökull glacier.

In the wintertime we organize trips to ice caves ranging from short visit to an easily accessible ice cave or ice tunnel during our Ice Cave Tour, to our two day Ice Cave SleepOver Tour to more remote ice cave.

For booking and more information, visit www.icecaving.is

FromCoastToMountains also organizes various trips in the Vatnajökull region, mostly for individuals and small parties. We offer solutions for people that want to experience the nature and glaciers of southeast Iceland with native mountain guides.

If you would like to know more about our different private or small group tours, please visit: www.fromcoasttomountains.com/our-tours

Our Latest Adventure is our newest product, Café Vatnajökull in Fagurhólsmýri, which our family opened in 2017. This former local grocery store was the heart of our community for almost 40 years, but was closed for a decade until we bought it and converted it to be the base of our operations.

Our Café is an adventure in it self. Here you can meet the locals, see and buy our family products, get fresh Icelandic coffee from and try some of Icelandic special treats. Don´t be a stranger and come to visit us and experience a special atmosphere in the beautiful surrounding of Vatnajökull.

Our photos speak more than words, check out our photo gallery on our web site, www.fromcoasttomountains.com/gallery

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

Horseback ride and dinner with a Viking!

Efri-Úlfsstaðir, our farm, is located right in the center of our greatest Saga: BrennuNjáls Saga. Arriving at our farm, you will be a part of our history, and you should also feel part of it. When we ride our horses, we ride on 1000-year-old tracks that the Vikings used to ride. We drink from the same river and look at the same mountains as the Vikings did. The horses are the foundation of all our tours, but our Saga, food, and insight give you a very special experience not to be found anywhere else.

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.

Highland Base was conceived as the staging ground for epic adventures deep in the highlands of central Iceland. A year-round oasis of warmth and comfort, this remote outpost accommodates all levels of hospitality. With a campground, hostel huts, dormitory beds, upscale rooms, luxury suites, private lodges, thermal baths, and a cozy restaurant, Highland Base is a first-of-its-kind highland resort.

Located at the edge of the majestic Kerlingarfjöll mountain range, the destination is a thrillseeker’s paradise, offering a vast array of guided and unguided adventures. While the experiences are seasonal, the excitement is timeless. In summer, hiking and mountain biking bring you face-to-face with the mountainscape's geothermal valleys and breathtaking panoramas. In winter, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowmobiling set you free to explore the untamed wilderness. And when you return to Highland Base from a day of adventuring, you'll always find a warm and welcoming refuge—a place to relax, reflect, and recharge.

The exhibition, 1238 : The Battle of Iceland, revolves around the most famous part of the Icelandic Sagas - Sturlung Era (1220 - 1264); the bloodiest and most violent era in Icelandic history. Sturlunga is recreated with interactive technology and brings to life, in a fascinating vision, Iceland's most dramatic clash of family clans and the fatal civil war that ended Iceland's independence.

1238 : The Battle of Iceland, is an immersive exhibition that goes a step beyond the regular history museum. The exhibition offers people of all ages to experience history in a very modern and artful interactive installations and to take part in dramatic events through virtual reality. Whether visitors have great or no interest in history the visit is  truly an amazing experience.

Café & Bistro, Souvenir Shop and Tourist Information Office is also located at 1238 : The Battle of Iceland.

Open daily in summertime: 10am – 4pm
Open Monday-Saturdays in wintertime: 10am -4pm

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An impressive Viking-age longhouse stood at Hofsstaðir from the Settlement period (AD 870-930) until the twelfth century.

This historic park aims to give an impression of Hofsstaðir at the time of settlement: turf walls show the outer limits of the longhouse during its final phase, and remains of a large enclosure have been left untouched.

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.

Árbær was an established farm well into the 20th century, and the museum opened there in 1957. Árbær is now an open air museum with more than 20 buildings which form a town square, a village and a farm. Most of the buildings have been relocated from central Reykjavik.

Árbær Open Air Museum tries to give a sense of the architecture and way of life and lifestyles of the past  in Reykjavik and during summer visitors can see domestic animals. There are many exhibitions and events held at the Museum which highlight specific periods in Reykjavik's history. These include craft days, vintage car displays, Christmas exhibitions and much more. There is something for everyone at Árbær Open Air Museum.

LANGANESFERÐIR

We make a visit to Langanes peninsula memorable with our private Land rover tours. A tour for minimum 2 and maximum 6 persons, a unique and exciting experience with our great value one-on-one private tour service.

Langanes is a veritable outdoor paradise teeming with birdlife, great for nature study and hiking as well as some tangible history. A trip to the outlying peninsula is an unforgettable adventure, passing remnants of ancient farms and deserted buildings like Heiði. Below Skoruvík cliffs is Stórikarl rock column, one of Iceland’s largest gannet colonies. Way out on the eastern shore stood village Skálar from 1910-1946.

Departure : Ytra Lón - Landrover tour for 2-6 persons. Pick-up service for Þórshöfn.

Daily summer : May 1st > August 31st

Icelandic Lava Show is the first and only live lava show in the world.
The show is located at Víkurbraut 5 in the beautiful village of Vík on the South Coast, in the heart of Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, surrounded by volcanoes, glaciers, beautiful nature, and black sand beaches. It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive from Reykjavík to Vík without stopping. We recommend that you arrive at the Icelandic Lava Show no later than 15 minutes before the show starts. 

The show begins with a short opening from the show‘s host and then delves into a short educational video about Icelandic volcanism and why Iceland is such an active volcano island. Then Katla UNESCO GEOPARK and the volcanoes surrounding Vík are highlighted with a good explanation of why these volcanoes are considered among the most dangerous on the planet. After that, the show takes the audience 100 years back in time with a dramatic story about the catastrophic Katla volcano eruption in 1918.

The highlight of the show is when everyone is advised to put on their security goggles and the lava starts pouring into the showroom. The bright orange color as the lava starts flowing into the room is like sunrise and as the lava starts gliding over the ice it starts to bubble and crackle. The most surprising aspect, however, is the intense heat that radiates from the lava and the temperature in the showroom quickly rises. For a few moments, the only thing you want to do is sit there transfixed on the lava, mesmerized by the sensory onslaught as you watch the lava cool in front of your eyes, slowly turning from bright orange to grey to black. It is an experience unlike anything else you have ever experienced. 

Soon after the lava flows into the room, the show‘s host starts playing with the lava, explaining the different aspects of it and what it really was that you just witnessed. As the lava continues to cool down, the host is able to demonstrate some really interesting aspects and wonders of lava and encourages the audience into an interactive Q&A session. 

In the end, when the doors to the showroom are opened, it is usually a bright-eyed and flushed group of audience that walks out of the room, still wrapping their heads around the remarkable experience they just had in this wonderland of ice and fire. Most agree that Icelandic Lava Show is a must-see for everyone visiting Iceland.

See our video here  

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

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.