Exhibitions

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 yearJune - August: 09:00 - 18:00September - October: 10:00 – 17:00November – April: 10:00 – 16:00May: 10:00 – 17:00 Please visit us on Facebook herePlease visit us on Instagram here

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

Svavarssafn (The museum of Svavar Guðnason) is a vibrant, contemporary artmuseum at Höfn in Hornafjordur. The museum hosts various Icelandic exhibitions over the year, emphasizing artists with a connection to the area. Hornafjordur is a large region known for its spectacular landscape and glacial light, not easily found anywhere else. The museum offers a space to contemplate art inspired by this landscape that many Icelandic artists have tried to capture. The museum was founded in honor of Svavar Guðnason (1909-1988), the first Icelandic abstract painter. Svavar was born in Höfn and became one of the most influential leaders of the Icelandic avant-garde during the middle of the 20th century. One of few Icelandic artists of that period to have an international following. The museum was founded when Hornafjordur received from Ásta Eiríksdóttir, the widow of the artist, several important works by Svavar, and today the museum owns about 500 works by him and other artists from the area. On average, three exhibitions are held each year that combine works by contemporary artists and works from the collection. The museum is open all year round and located in the city hall. The museum is free of charge. Winter openingNovember 1st - February 28thWorkdays: 9:00-15:00 Summer opening March 1st - October 31stWorkdays: 9:00-17:00Weekends: 13:00-17:00 

 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 Geothermal Exhibition is situated inside of Iceland’s largest geothermal power plant: the Hellisheiði Geothermal Plant (Hellisheiðarvirkjun), owned and operated by ON Power. This power plant produces electricity for Iceland’snational grid and hot water for the capital region. When combined with the other geothermal plants in Iceland, geothermal power supplies 30% of all electricity and 90% of all space heating on the island. Geothermal resourceshave been intertwined with Iceland’s culture, history, and heritage for over 1000 years and the renewable energy that they provide today is an important part of this continuous timeline.  Visitors see into an operational power plant and learn all about the geothermal production and distribution of the plant. The exhibition also features information, exhibits, and displays about Iceland’s unique geology, history,art, and the many exciting innovation projects happening in and around the power plant, including Carbfix, where CO₂ is turned into stone.   The Geothermal Exhibition is open every day of the year except December 25 and January 1.  Winter opening hours: November 1 - March 31: 09:00-16:00.  Summer opening hours: April 1 - October 31: 09:00 - 17:00.  We invite you to experience our world-leading green power production up close and personal. Feel the engine room humming with energy, learn about geothermal ingenuity, and experience the sights, sounds, and even smells behind the power of Mother Nature.   The exhibition is interactive and based on multimedia technology, allowing guests to explore and experience among other things:  Visual explanation of the process of geothermal energy production and distribution   The history of geothermal energy in Iceland  A view into our turbine halls  The Carbfix method – we turn CO₂ into stone  Insight into the Geothermal Culture of the island  An Icelandic rocks & minerals collection  Our Curiosity Corner – where visitors of all ages can explore the geothermal process in a fun and colourful way     Larger parties (10 people or more) and those interested in Carbfix tours are encouraged to send us an email to syning@or.is– we kindly ask that you include the group size and preferred date and time of the visit.  

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.  

Visit the world’s first beluga whale sanctuary and learn more about its first residents; Little White and Little Grey. Explore the Visitor Centre, home to Iceland’s only puffin rescue centre and local species aquarium. In summer months, book a guided boat trip to the sea sanctuary in nearby Klettsvik Bay.

LAVA "Iceland Volcano & Earthquake Center" reveals the epic forces of nature that shaped our planet and created Iceland only 20 million years ago. LAVA is dedicated to the unique volcanoes and geology of Iceland. The center features an interactive educational exhibition exploring the art and science of geology and the volcanic systems in Iceland and an educational learning center for geology where staff members educate visitors to make the visit as enjoyable and memorable as possible. The interactive exhibition further displays a collection of artifacts, films, and graphics from various volcano eruptions in the past century. For opening hours and price, click here 

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.

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

Skálholt is one of Iceland's most historical places and the capital of Iceland for over 700 years. It was the scene of the most dramatic events which shaped the political, spiritual, and cultural life in Iceland. Skálholt Cathedral was built in 1963 and is the 10th cathedral on the very site, the first one was built in the year 1000 when Icelanders became a christian nation. The current Cathedral is known for its stylish architecture, the beautiful altarpiece, and the spectacular glass-stained windows. The tomb of bishops, a museum of historical artifacts, and a mysterious underground tunnel is situated in the cellar of the church. Guided tours are offered for groups of 10 or more for a moderate fee.  Skálholt Cathedral is open from 9:00am - 6:00pm every day. Skálholt is located about 1 hour from Reykjavík and is part of the Golden Circle Route. From Reykjavík take Ring road 1 towards Selfoss town, and drive for around 30 minutes. Before entering the town take road nr 35, drive for about 20 minutes and turn right on road 31. Drive for about 5 minutes and you will see Skálholt on your right-hand side. Skálholt´s early history is traced back to the 11th century when religious disputes were at their sharpest in Iceland. Within two centuries of the settlement of Iceland, the first bishopric was founded at Skálholt in 1056 for South Iceland, and soon a second at Hólar in 1109 for North Iceland. In 1954, a team of archaeologists, while digging up the foundations of the old cathedral, came upon a sarcophagus which was believed to contain the skeleton of Páll Jónsson, one of the most powerful bishops of Skálholt. His sarcophagus, together with a few relics found at the scene, is now on display in an underground vault beneath the cathedral. The last Catholic bishop of Iceland, Jón Arason, was executed at Skálholt in 1550, along with his two sons. He had opposed the Reformation imposed upon Iceland by King Christian III of Denmark. Today, a memorial stands at the site of the execution. Arason's Episcopal robes are on display at the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík. Hotel SkálholtHotel Skálholt is a perfect place to stay when you want to visit places in the Golden Circle, the South Coast or the highlands of Iceland since it is situated near so many places to have wonderful day trips. In Skálholt there is a variety of accommodation; Hotel Skálholt has 18 DBL rooms with private bathroom. Organist house is a 3-5 bedroom villa with 2 bathrooms and a private hot tub. Skálholt hostel has 10 DBL rooms with shared facilities, a large kitchen, dining room, a large ballroom and seating area. The location is perfect for school groups, yoga groups, choirs, or for smaller parties. Two cottages, located close to Skáholt hostel has 2 bedrooms each (4 beds), living room, kitchen and private bathroom. Each cottage has a private hot tub. Hotel Skálholt has facilities for meetings, seminars and conferences. The space is also great for events such as weddings, concerts and more and the facilities is available for groups to rent out. There are regular cultural events, such as stand-up comedy, small concerts, book events, art shows and more. Hotel Skálholt is a perfect place to stop on your Golden Circle tour or for those who want to enjoy the countryside, the view, the natural beauty and the tranquility. For bookings please send an email to hotelskalholt@hotelskalholt.is or call to +354 486 8870. More information at: www.hotelskalholt.is  Hvönn restaurantHvönn Restaurant is an experimental kitchen where the focus is on using fresh local ingredients. Meat, fish, and vegetables are sourced locally, and fused Icelandic and international food traditions from abroad using fermentation techniques (kombucha, lactose fermentation, kefir) and drying methods. These practices give the food a unique and special taste and texture. During the day the a bistro menu has delicious Icelandic choices, and in the evening the menu has a distinctive and curated three-course dinner experience that changes nightly. Whether it is for lunch or dinner, you are welcome to Hvönn restaurant. The chef Bjarki Sól is one of the owner of the hotel. He has worked as a chef for many years on projects to increase the quality of food companies in the area and he takes advantage of all the experience and relationships on the restaurant. Summer opening hours from May to November - 11:30am - 9pm every day. Bistro menu is served from 11:30am to 5pm each day and 3 course set menu is served in the evening. Please send an email to hotelskalholt@hotelskalholt.is or call to +354 486 8870. More information at: www.hotelskalholt.is.  We look forward to welcoming you in Skálholt.

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. 

Skyrland immerses your senses in the world of skyr, Iceland’s unique superfood. A journey of sights, scents and tastes, you’ll discover a 1000-year story of how a Viking dairy product became a global health food.  Skyr, the creamy Icelandic yogurt, is woven through the story of a nation. The interactive exhibition takes you to the heart of Icelandic history, culture and nature, and what lies behind every delicious spoonful of skyr.  Skyrland is a part of The Old Dairy, a new destination in Selfoss – and a must-stop destination for food lovers. Food Hall with 8 Restaurants Tap Room with Icelandic Craft Beer Wine & Cocktail Bar Selfoss is the largest town in South Iceland, 45 minutes drive from Reykjavik and part of the Golden Circle Route

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.

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 

Landsvirkjun's energy exhibition is located in Ljósafoss Power Station, about a 50-minute drive from Reykjavík.  The exhibition is interactive, with an emphasis on play and experience. It offers guests a glimpse into the world of electricity and introduces them to the renewable and sustainable energy generation methods used by Landsvirkjun.  Open every day this summer from 10:00-17:00, free admission.  Groups of 10 or more guests organized by travel agencies, companies, institutions, or associations are kindly asked to fill out this visit request - https://www.landsvirkjun.com/form/group-visit-request 

Skaftárstofa is the Vatnajökull National Park visitors center, located near Kirkjubæjarklaustur at Sönghóll by road number 1. It also serves as an information center for the municipality of Skaftárhreppur, and visitors have the option to see the exhibition "Springtrip" by the Iceland Glaciology Society. The exhibition, which was made on the occasion of the society's 70th anniversary, sheds light on its history, explains the construction of the society's cabins, trips on the glacier, glacial tongue measurements, research projects that have been carried out during spring trips to Vatnajökull, the glacier bacteria and the magazine Jökull. Documentary Films:Eruption in Grímsvötn 2011Western part of Vatnajökull National Park Opening hours Participant in VAKINN Iceland tourism's official quality assurance organization  

Hólmur offers accomodation in an old farmhouse, renovated in 1960-70 style, with 6 double bedrooms and 2 shared bathrooms.  Good cooking facilities (only in winter) and dining area. We allso have 2 double rooms at the farmhouse. Breakfast is available, and dinner if booked in advance in a old rebuild cowshed. Nice walking trails in the area and diverse bird life. By the Ring Road highway nr. 1. Open all year round. We also run a restaurant and brewery at the farm. The Farm Zoo at Hólmur with Icelandic domestic animals, however are believed to be one of the purest breeds in the world because they have been here sins the settlement Icelandic sheep-lambs, horses, calves, goats, a pig and various kinds of birds and rabbits.The animals are indoors in winter but also outside in summertime. Different numbers and types of animals are between seasons.In the spring there is awakening of many lives in the zoo Wheelchair access.Guests that stay ower nigth in wintertime  have free access to the farm zoo and guests can help with feeding sheep and other animals on the farm. Open all year around.

Hveragerði is undoubtedly one of the few populated sites in the world located on active geothermal area. At the Geothermal Park, visitors are invited to take a guided walk around the hot springs and learn about the geological history surrounding this unique area.  In the Geothermal Park you can find mud pots that produce material for natural mud baths. Visitors can experience first hand, the benefits of the therapeutic mud while enjoying a mud bath for their hands and feet. Visitors can also enjoy a bite of delicious rye bread baked using the geothermal heat and/or boil an egg in the hot stream.

Vík is a seaside village with a rich maritime history, like the majority of Icelandic villages. However, what sets it apart is the fact that it has never had a harbour. The harsh waves and the shallow shores make it nearly impossible for ships to approach the land without stranding. And many ships did, in fact, strand on the black sands of the south coast. The Hafnleysa Maritime Museum depicts the extraordinary maritime history of the south coast. Its centerpiece and namesake is the Skaftfellingur ship, which brought people and products along the south coast from 1918 to 1939. It then served on the Atlantic in WWII and is renowned for saving a crew from a sinking German U-464 submarine in 1942. In the year 2001, Sigrún Jónsdóttir, a famous artist from Vík, salvaged the remains of Skaftfellingur and brought it home to Vík. She had a deep emotional connection with the ship, and if it were not for her, visitors might never have been able to see it up close and learn about its fascinating history. The museum is ideal for families. Kids can try on costumes, see the ship up close, learn about its history, and watch a documentary with historical footage from Vík. In the summer of 2023, the artist Macjie Lenda painted a beautiful mural on the museum to honor all the fantastic, hardworking people who made the foundation for Vík as a village at the beginning of the 20th century. Entrance fee:Adults: 500 ISK (free for seniors).12-16 year-olds: 200 ISKChildren under 12: Free entrance20% discount for groups of 8 or more.

Sólheima history museum was offically opened in the fall of 2022 in the oldest house of Sólheimar. It‘s been renovated to its original look and there you can read loads of information about the history of Sólheimar and its founder Sesselja Sigmundsdóttir. A documentary about Sesselja is also there for viewing, it‘s running time is 50 minutes. General admission fee is 1.500 ISK for adults, 700 ISK for children 12-18 years old and free admission for children 12 years and younger, senior citizens and disabled. There are no official opening hours but please contact sesseljuhus@solheimar.is or call +3548556080 to plan your visit ahead, especially groups. We look forward to greet you at Sólheimar!

Sagnheimar tells the unique story of Vestmannaeyjar. For example: The Turkish RaidOn July 16th, 1627, three ships arrived at the eastern shores of Heimaey, carrying 300 pirates who disembarked. Over the next three days, they rampaged the island with loud shouts and calls, capturing and ruthlessly killing people. Among the approximately 500 islanders, 242 were taken captive and transported to Algeria, where they were sold at slave markets. The story of this fateful day is captured in a large caricature-style mural of sequential panels. For the younger generationAt the museum there’s a piratecave where the children can dress up as pirates and embark on a treasure hunt. There is also a so-called touch collection where both children and adults can handle selected objects in the museum. MormonsAt the museum there is an area dedicated to the history of Mormons on the island. The first Icelandic Mormon missionaries, Þórarinn Hafliðason from Sjólyst in Vestmannaeyjar and Guðmundur Guðmundsson from Ártún in Rangárvellir, conducted their missionary work in Vestmannaeyjar from 1854 to 1914, leading to around 200 islanders converting and heading West in pursuit of a brighter future. Among them, three individuals, Samúel Bjarnason and Margrét Gísladóttir from Kirkjubær along with their friend Helga Jónsdóttir from Landeyjar, became the first Westerners to settle in Spanish Fork, Utah, in 1954. The Westman islands legion / Captain Kohl and the armyThe islanders are the only ones in Iceland to boast of having founded their own battalion. This was initiated by Andreas August von Kohl, also known as Captain Kohl, the commissioner, in 1855. The most dangerous job in the world?Fishing and fish processing hold significant importance in the lives of the islanders. The text and images depict the growth of fishing, the daily lives of fishermen, risks and adventures, rescue missions, land-based work, and living in fishing dormitories. Additionally, historical objects are showcased. Visitors can listen to tales shared by locals, reminiscing about incidents like sea accidents, on an antique radio station. Þjóðhátíð - Music festivalÞjóðhátíð is a festival that was first held in 1874 and has been celebrated every year since the early 1900s. It is an important unifying symbol of the islanders with all their rich traditions and customs. Visitors to the museum can experience the authentic Þjóðhátíð tent of the locals. Opening hours:May 1st - September 30th: Every day from 10:00-17:00October 1st - April 30th: Saturday from 12:00-15:00, other days closed (open upon arrangement)

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    

At the campground there are WC´s, showers, washing machines and a outside grill. In the service centre visitors can pay for camping and fishing permit and seek further information about the area.There is a small cafeteria which services soup, sandwiches and pizza.Summer opening hours (June-August):09:00-20:00 Winter opening hours (September - May):Information desk: 09:00-16:00Store and Service Centre at Leirar: 09:00-18:00