Museums and Exhibitions in West Iceland – A Journey Through History and Culture
Sagas, Settlement and Viking History
West Iceland is deeply connected to some of Iceland’s best-known historical figures and sagas.
In Borgarnes, The Settlement Center is an excellent introduction to Iceland’s settlement history and Egils Saga. Through engaging exhibitions, visitors can learn about the arrival of the first settlers and the dramatic world of Egill Skallagrímsson.
Also in Borgarnes, Safnahús Borgarfjarðar offers an insight into local history, culture and heritage.
For an even more hands-on experience of the Viking Age, head to Eiríksstaðir – Living Museum in the Dalir region. Here, visitors can step into a reconstructed 10th-century farm, meet storytellers and learn about Viking-age architecture, clothing, tools and craftsmanship. It is an opportunity to experience history rather than simply read about it.
Another important historical destination is Snorrastofa in Reykholt, located at the former home of the famous medieval writer and chieftain Snorri Sturluson. Reykholt is one of Iceland’s most important medieval cultural sites, and Snorrastofa offers exhibitions, research, lectures, guided tours and cultural events connected to Snorri and Iceland’s medieval literary heritage.
Discover Iceland’s Farming Heritage
At Hvanneyri, the Agricultural Museum of Iceland (Landbúnaðarsafn Íslands) tells the story of Icelandic agriculture through an extensive collection of farming equipment, tools and historical objects.
The museum offers a fascinating look at how generations of Icelanders worked the land, cared for livestock and adapted traditional farming methods to Iceland’s challenging climate.
For autumn and winter travellers, it is also a useful stop to keep in mind, as the museum has winter opening hours from September through mid-May.
Coastal and Maritime Heritage
With its long coastline and fishing communities, West Iceland has a strong connection to the sea.
In Akranes, the Akranes Folk Museum provides a glimpse into the history and everyday life of the town and surrounding area. Its collections help bring the story of this important fishing community to life.
The Old Akranes Lighthouse offers another perspective on the region’s maritime heritage, surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery. During winter, the area can also be a popular place to watch for the Northern Lights when conditions are favourable.
On the Snæfellsnes peninsula, the Maritime Museum in the Fishermen’s Park explores the close relationship between local communities and the ocean. The collection of maritime objects gives visitors an insight into the fishing life that once shaped everyday life in the area.
And for something truly unique, visit the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum. This family-run museum explores the centuries-old tradition of shark fishing and the traditional processing of fermented shark, or hákarl. Visitors can learn about the biology of the Greenland shark, the history of the family and the lengthy process involved in preparing this distinctive Icelandic delicacy.
From Iceland to North America
West Iceland also has strong connections to the stories of the Viking voyages across the North Atlantic.
At the Leif Eiriksson Center, visitors can explore the stories of Erik the Red and his son Leif Eiriksson and their voyages towards Greenland and North America. The exhibition combines history with works by Icelandic visual artists, creating an engaging experience for visitors of different ages.
It is an especially interesting stop for anyone curious about Iceland’s place in the wider story of exploration and the Viking world.
Iceland During the Second World War
For a different chapter of Icelandic history, visit the War and Peace Museum.
The museum explores Iceland during the occupation period of 1940–45 and shows how the arrival of foreign forces transformed life in the Icelandic countryside during the Second World War.
Through photographs, artefacts and stories, the exhibition places local experiences within the much larger events of the war. The museum also has a café where visitors can take a break and enjoy Icelandic specialities.
Art, Water and Weather in Stykkishólmur
Stykkishólmur offers some of West Iceland’s most distinctive cultural experiences.
At Vatnasafn – Library of Water, artist Roni Horn transformed a former library into an atmospheric work of contemporary art inspired by Iceland’s geography, geology, climate and culture.
One of the central installations consists of glass columns containing water collected from glaciers around Iceland. Together with words relating to Icelandic weather and recordings of local people discussing the weather, the exhibition creates a fascinating reflection on the relationship between people, landscape and climate.
Just a short distance away, the historic Norwegian House serves as the regional museum of Snæfellsnes.
Built in 1832 using imported Norwegian timber, it was one of Iceland’s earliest two-storey timber houses. Today, the building contains exhibitions about the region, an open storage collection and a museum shop featuring local crafts and products.
The Norwegian House and Library of Water can also be experienced together with a museum pass, making them an excellent cultural combination when visiting Stykkishólmur.
Why Visit Museums in Autumn and Winter?
Museums and exhibitions are more than rainy-day alternatives.
They allow you to slow down, meet the stories of the region and understand the people, traditions and events behind the landscapes you see outside.
Autumn is a wonderful time to explore West Iceland as the countryside changes colour and the days become shorter. In winter, snow-covered mountains, dark skies and dramatic weather create an entirely different atmosphere.
So, when autumn winds sweep across the fjords or winter snow covers the mountains, take a break from the road.
Step inside.
Listen to a saga. Discover an old farming tradition. Learn about Iceland’s fishing heritage. Explore contemporary art. Meet the stories of the Vikings. Or simply spend some time discovering the history of a small Icelandic community.