The Shark Museum at Bjarnarhofn farm, close to Stykkisholmur, is where visitors can get a down-home taste of ‘real’ Iceland. The friendly curators and owners reveal fascinating details about the local Greenland shark from which traditional ‘hakarl’ is made.
The shark processing operation has been the livelihood of this family for generations and for decades they have been the one of the country’s leading producer of ‘hakarl’.
The folksy shark museum has exhibits on the history of this culinary curiosity, along with the family’s fishing boats and processing tools. Furthermore it is filled with an astounding array of shark fishing equipment. That alone keeps young ones fascinated for hours.
An interesting video explains the hunting and fermenting procedure. Greenland shark is poisonous if eaten fresh but fermentation neutralizes the toxin.
The Shark Museum test
Guests can bring their bravery to the test and taste the pungent petrified shark meat. Along with a shot of the famous Icelandic schnapps Brennivin and dried fish ‘jerky’. Visitors can also taste the shark liver oil which purportedly cures all sorts of minor ailments.
Bjarnarhofn farm
Above Bjarnarhofn lies Bjarnarhafnarfjall mountain, where seagulls are particularly common. Nearby is the rugged Berserker lava field. The lava field is full of strange shapes, with beautiful colors, and stark contrasts in the rock and mosses. The area is steeped in history, featuring prominently in the classic Saga’s Eyrbyggja saga and Heidarviga saga.
At Bjarnarhofn is also a small and beautiful chapel, which has some great artifacts. Making the short walk to the chapel is more than worth it.
Opening hours of the Shark Museum
Daily from 11 am – 16 (4 pm)
Where is the Shark Museum?
Located on the northern side of Snaefellsnes peninsula, about 20 minutes drive from Stykkisholmur.
Check out our complete guide to Snaefellsnes peninsula.
