Feel the Land - Hear Its Stories

Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds a significant place in Icelandic history. Established in 930 AD, it served as the meeting ground for the Alþingi, Iceland's open-air assembly, until 1798. This assembly was pivotal in shaping the nation's laws and societal structures. ​

Within the park, Þingvallabær, often referred to as the Republic Farm, stands as a testament to Iceland's cultural heritage. Adjacent to Þingvallakirkja  Þingvellir Church, this site includes remnants of agricultural use from the 18th and 19th centuries, reflecting traditional Icelandic farming practices. ​

Visitors to Þingvellir can explore the park's rich history through various landmarks, including the Lögberg  Law Rock, where laws were proclaimed, and Almannagjá gorge, showcasing the geological rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The park's visitor center offers exhibitions that delve into its historical and natural significance.

Byggðasafn Árnesinga, or the Árnesinga Heritage Museum, is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of Árnessýsla county in South Iceland. Located in Eyrarbakki, a historic coastal village, the museum operates across multiple sites, each offering unique insights into the region's cultural and occupational past.​

Húsið - The House: Serving as the museum's main exhibition space, The House is one of Iceland's oldest residential buildings, constructed in 1765. Originally built by Danish merchants, it provides visitors with a glimpse into 18th century mercantile life and the cultural evolution of the area. Period rooms and exhibits detail the lifestyle of the merchant class and the commercial history of Eyrarbakki.​

Sjóminjasafnið - The Maritime Museum: Situated nearby, this museum highlights Iceland's seafaring traditions. Its centerpiece is Farsæll, a twelve-oared fishing boat that exemplifies the maritime heritage of Eyrarbakki. The museum also includes the Beitingaskúrinn Baiting Shed, dating back to 1925, which offers insights into the daily routines of fishermen during the motorboat fishing era.​

Eggjaskúrinn - Egg Shed: Reconstructed and opened in 2004, this exhibit houses a collection of birds and eggs that once belonged to merchant Peter Nielsen, highlighting the region's natural history.​

Kirkjubær: Acquired by the museum in 2011 and opened to the public in 2016, this 1918 residence depicts a typical Icelandic home from the interwar period, showcasing domestic life and innovations from 1920 to 1940.​​

Skógar Museum, located near the iconic Skógafoss waterfall in South Iceland, is a cultural heritage center dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of the region. Established in 1949, the museum houses a collection of over 18,000 artifacts across three distinct exhibits: the Folk Museum, the Open Air Museum, and the Technical Museum. ​

Folk Museum: This section offers a diverse array of artifacts displayed over three floors, covering fishing, agriculture, textiles, and natural history. Notably, it includes items dating back to the Viking Age, providing insights into the daily lives and traditions of early Icelanders. ​

Open Air Museum: Visitors can experience Iceland's architectural heritage through this exhibit, which features traditional turf and stone structures. These buildings, including a reconstructed turf house, church, and school, allow guests to immerse themselves in the historical living conditions of Icelandic communities. ​

Technical Museum: This exhibit chronicles the evolution of transportation, communication, and technological advancements in Iceland during the 19th and 20th centuries. It showcases a variety of vehicles, including antique cars and boats, as well as displays on telecommunications and the development of infrastructure in the country. ​

Nestled near the town of Hella on Iceland's South Coast, the Caves of Hella are a series of twelve ancient, man-made caves carved into sandstone. These caves are among Iceland's oldest archaeological remains, with some historians suggesting they predate the arrival of Nordic Vikings, possibly constructed by Celtic monks. The caves feature ancient crosses, intricate wall carvings, and carved stone seats, adding to their enigmatic allure. ​

For those seeking a unique cultural and culinary experience, Hotel Rangá offers a Viking Feast within one of these historic caves. Guests can enjoy a three-course meal prepared by Hotel Rangá's chefs, featuring traditional Icelandic dishes such as gravlax, lamb shank, and a special skyr dessert. The candlelit setting is enhanced by live music, creating an atmosphere that transports diners back to the time of the Vikings. ​

To partake in this extraordinary dining experience, advance booking is required. Interested individuals should contact Hotel Rangá's reception to arrange their reservation. ​

Located in the heart of Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands archipelago, Sagnheimar Folk Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the dramatic and colorful history of this extraordinary island community. The museum brings local heritage to life through dynamic, hands-on exhibits that are both thought-provoking and fun.

One of the most powerful stories told here is that of the 1973 volcanic eruption, when the island’s residents were forced to evacuate overnight as lava crept toward their homes. Through multimedia displays and real artifacts, visitors can experience how the community faced destruction—and came back stronger.

But the museum goes further back too. The 1627 pirate raid, when Algerian pirates stormed the island and took hundreds of people into slavery, is retold through a vivid, larger-than-life mural and captivating storytelling. Other exhibits explore Heimaey’s deep ties to the sea, the evolution of the local fishing industry, and the island’s cherished national festival, Þjóðhátíð, which began in 1874 and remains one of Iceland’s biggest cultural celebrations.

For families, there’s even a children’s pirate cave, where young visitors can dress up and go treasure hunting—history has never been this much fun.

Eldheimar is a powerful and thoughtfully designed museum located in Heimaey, the largest of the Westman Islands. It centers around the 1973 volcanic eruption that took the island’s residents by surprise in the middle of the night and left a lasting mark on the town’s landscape. The exhibition focuses on the events of the eruption—how it began, how it unfolded, and what it left behind.

The museum is built around one of the houses that was buried under volcanic ash and lava. Today, visitors can walk through the excavation and see how things were left behind, giving a powerful and personal insight into everyday life at the time. It’s a quiet, respectful, and moving experience—but also incredibly interesting, with plenty of context and information to help you understand what happened.

In addition to the 1973 eruption, Eldheimar also features an exhibition about Surtsey, the volcanic island that appeared off the south coast of Iceland in the 1960s. As one of the youngest islands in the world, Surtsey has become an important natural laboratory for scientists studying how ecosystems form and evolve. This part of the museum adds a fascinating layer to the story of Iceland’s ever-changing landscape.

Located in the heart of Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland, Kötlusetur – The Katla Center is a welcoming cultural and educational hub where visitors can learn about the dramatic natural forces and rich human history that have shaped this unique region. Housed in the historic Brydebúð building, the center serves as the official visitor and information point for the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark.

At Kötlusetur, you’ll find engaging exhibitions that explore the geological wonders of the area—especially the mighty Katla volcano, which lies beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Guests can get hands-on with volcanic rocks and ash, and learn how eruptions have influenced life and landscape in South Iceland through the centuries.

One part of the center Hafnleysa is dedicated to maritime history, where you can explore the stories of shipwrecks and the harsh conditions faced by sailors along Iceland’s south coast. The story of the ship Skaftfellingur, once vital to the development of Vík, is a highlight. There’s also a charming exhibit featuring the work of local artist Sigrún Jónsdóttir, adding an artistic touch to the experience and showcasing cultural life in Mýrdalur.

Located in the town of Hvolsvöllur in South Iceland, Lava Centre is an interactive, high-tech exhibition that brings Iceland’s fiery foundations to life. Designed for curious minds of all ages, the center offers a deep dive into the powerful geological forces that continue to shape the island—earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the ever-shifting tectonic plates.

At Lava Centre, visitors can explore Iceland's volcanic systems through immersive displays, cutting-edge visuals, and hands-on exhibits. Feel the rumble of simulated earthquakes, witness a recreation of a volcanic eruption, and walk through a glowing magma corridor that gives insight into the immense energy below the Earth’s surface. The exhibition is both entertaining and educational, offering explanations in multiple languages.

One of the highlights is the 360° cinema, where a short film takes guests on a dramatic journey through Iceland’s most active volcanic zones—past eruptions, real footage, and stunning aerial views all come together for a truly memorable experience.

Outside, the Lava Centre’s observation platform provides panoramic views of nearby volcanoes such as Hekla, Katla, and Eyjafjallajökull—reminders of the ever-present forces beneath the surface. The center also includes a shop featuring Icelandic design and geology-themed items, as well as a cozy café for a break after the adventure.