East Iceland Heritage Museum

East Iceland Heritage Museum (Minjasafn Austurlands)The East Iceland Heritage Museum preserves and presents the cultural history, traditions, and community life of the region. The museum features two permanent exhibitions: Reindeer in East Iceland and Sustainable Unit. In addition, temporary and smaller thematic exhibitions are hosted throughout the year. The current special exhibition is titled Landnámskonan – The Settlement Woman.

Landnámskonan – The Settlement WomanTwo richly adorned women from the Viking Age are the focus of this unique exhibition: One is a chieftainess whose grave was excavated in 2021 at Fjörður, Seyðisfjörður, the other is the mysterious Fjallkonan, whose remains were discovered in a cave at Vestdalsheiði, above Seyðisfjörður, in 2004. Both finds date from around the year 950, suggesting that these women lived at the same time. The exhibition draws on research conducted on these archaeological discoveries to shed light on the lives and work of women during the Settlement period.

The exhibition is a collaboration between the East Iceland Heritage Museum, Antikva, the University of Iceland Research Center in East Iceland, and the National Museum of Iceland.

Reindeer in East IcelandThis exhibition explores the life and survival of reindeer in East Iceland, the natural and human-related threats they face, reindeer research, hunting history, and the various uses of reindeer products in food and craft. Visitors can watch the film Á hreindýraslóðum - On the Reindeer Trail by Eðvarð Sigurgeirsson (from the 1940s), hear stories from reindeer hunters, and view numerous related photographs and artefacts.

Sustainable UnitThe exhibition’s title refers to how traditional Icelandic farms had to be self-sufficient—providing food, clothing, tools, and shelter. On display are various objects that tell the story of rural life in East Iceland up to the mid-20th century. A key item is the traditional baðstofa - living and sleeping room from the farm Brekka in Hróarstunga.

Opening HoursSeptember – May Tuesday to Friday: 11:00–16:00 June – August Monday to Saturday: 10:00–18:00 From June 25 to July 31, 2025, the museum will stay open until 20:00 on Wednesdays, offering live music and local tastings.

Visits outside regular hours can be arranged upon request.