Located in the oldest section of Akureyri, this well designed folk museum hosts two permanent exhibitions representing life in Eyjafjordur Fjord as well the development of the town of Akureyri from 874 until the early 19th century.
Eyjafjordur fjord was among the first areas where settlement began. According to Landnáma, the Book of Settlement, Helgi magri, born in Ireland, was first to settle in the fjord. Helgi magri was a christian but not zealous and he also venerated Thor, as many vikings did.
Akureyri Folk Museum exhibition
There are a number of interesting pieces spanning the range from ancient Viking artifacts to local milk cartons from the 18th century. There are also excellent black and white photograph depicting local residents over the years. We also highly recommend a visit to the adjacent church and museum garden for a picnic. The garden adjoining the museum is the first forestation center in Iceland, dating from 1899. Next door to the museum stands a timber church from Svalbard, an Eyjafjordur farm, originally built in 1846.
Well designed exhibitions and the beautiful museum garden with its 19th century church is not to be missed if you visit Akureyri. Interesting and unique artifacts can be found in the exhibitions. Many of them relate to the Viking period, Middle Ages, religion and everyday life in Eyjafjordur and Akureyri in the past.
Opening hours
The museum is open daily in the summer June 1st to September 15th, between 10:00-17:00. During winter it’s only open on Saturdays, same hours.
Check out our complete guide to travelling in North Iceland.
