Akureyri Museum (Minjasafnid á Akureyri)
The city’s namesake museum focuses on the history of Akureyri, the Eyjafjörður fjord, and the region’s former inhabitants, displaying a collection of art, artifacts, and photographs dating back to the Settlement Era. The museum takes visitors on a journey through the past with reconstructions depicting everyday life throughout the ages.
The basics
The Akureyri Museum is one of the best spots in Northern Iceland for learning more about local history. Highlights of the permanent collection include a series of maps from the 16th to 19th centuries, an interactive cartographer’s room, and an exhibit on the mysteries of the Aurora Borealis. Also part of the Akureyri Museum is the Nonni House, the childhood home of writer Jón Sveinsson; a 19th-century church; and the Old Laufás Farmhouse, a restored traditional manor farm dating back to the early settlement.
Things to know before you go
- The Akureyri Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and families.
- Exhibit texts can be found in English, Danish, and German.
- Entrance to the museum is free but donations are accepted.
How to get there
The Akureyri Museum is a 25-minute walk from the center of town. To get there by public transportation, take bus 5 or 6 and get off outside the museum entrance. The only way to get to the Old Laufás Farmhouse is by taxi or car.
Trip ideas
When to get there
From the beginning of June to the end of September, the museum is open daily. During the winter months, hours are restricted to the early afternoon or by request. It’s a good option when it’s rainy outside.
Museums in Akureyri
For a town of just over 10,000 people, Akureyri has several worthwhile museums. After you’ve explored local history at the Akureyri Museum, browse the collection of visual arts at the Akureyri Art Museum, learn about science and industry at the Akureyri Museum of Industry, learn about life in the North at Into the Arctic, or see artifacts from Iceland’s history of flight at the Icelandic Aviation Museum.