What to do and see in West Region, Iceland: The Best History Museums

The Settlement Center is closed until May 13th. Looking forward to seeing you. Settlement- & Egils Saga exhibition offering a wealth of information, the Settlement Center provides a wonderful insight into Iceland’s history. It also gives you the chance to put your visit into the context of the country’s past. The exhibitions recreate the fascinating drama of the sagas and the birth of this island nation. They also bring to life one of Iceland’s most important cultural treasures, Egils Saga. The exhibitions at the Settlement Center tell the story of the first settlers and the story of Iceland’s most important saga – Egils Saga. Egill Skalla-Grimson was a famous Viking and poet and his father and was one of the first settlers and his family settled at Borg near Borgarnes. The goal is to make the ancient sagas accessible to all ages.

Akranes Folk Museum offers a unique insight into past times in Akranes and surrounding area. The museum’s exhibition is in several houses, some of which were moved from other parts of town. The permanent exhibition reflects living conditions and life at sea, in rural areas, at work and in play. In the museum there is also a micro-cinema and a space for temporary exhibitions. A visit to Akranes Folk Museum offers something for all senses. The museum is open from May 15- September 15 from 10:00-17:00. Groups can book visits during other times.

War and Peace Museum are open from May 15 to Sep 15. Hvalfjördur has an important occupational history that tells the story from 1940 to 1945. At the War and Peace Museum you will find an exciting exhibition of items connected to the war and the history and culture of Hvalfjördur during that time.

The Norwegian House - The regional museum of Snæfellsnes. The Norwegian house was built in 1832, it was the first wood-frame residence with two full-sized stores in Iceland. The wood was imported from Norway hence the name. It was the home of Arni O. Thorlacius (1802–1891) and Anna M. Steenback (1807–1894) and has been renovated partially back to its original style. The Norwegian house serves as the regional museum for the Snæfellsnes area with an open storage on the top floor and rotating exhibitions on the lower level as well as a museum shop with handicraft, sweets and products from the area.

Exhibition on fisheries and natural by the Glacier. The Museum displays the rich history of the fishing industry in the region, include tools, photos, old ships, and a fully built turf house. The Museum has a good collection of taxidermy of local animals, birds and fishes. There are also informative videos about the local fish and fauna. The oldest fishing boat preserved in Iceland is kept in the Museum. Outside, in the Park, is Þorvaldarbuð, a fisherman´s cottage and an exhibition "Settelmen from the West" The Museum has a small coffee shop with cakes and hot waffles

The Saga Centre accommodates several interesting exhibits about the town in former times. On display is a replica of a shop from the fifties, an old fishing boat and gear, a cannon from a French whaling boat, and a small children's play with toys of olden times. There is also a small theater with a wonderful photographic collection of the people and town. All exhibitions are free of charge.