Æðarsetur Íslands
Education centre in Stykkishólmur on the eider duck and eiderdown harvesting, with an exhibition of old tools, photographs and films; free admission in summer.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Æðarsetur Íslands opened on 13 June 2011 in the Norwegian House (Norska húsið) in Stykkishólmur, with Dorrit Moussaieff as the patron of the centre, and it operated there in 2011 and 2012. Stykkishólmur was chosen as the location because Breiðafjörður has the largest eider colony in the world.
In 2017 the centre reopened in a handsome building at Frúarstígur 6, designed specifically for its purpose. The exhibition was set up in the new building and the facilities were greatly improved. It features an educational display of traditional methods and the tools used to clean eiderdown, along with photographs and films about nesting and down collection over the years.
The centre has a shop selling products made from Icelandic eiderdown and objects inspired by the eider duck, made specially for the centre in cooperation with artists in Stykkishólmur. Lectures on the eider duck, nesting, eiderdown production and its export can be held there, and the house can be rented for small parties and receptions.
Highlights
- Exhibition on old methods and tools for cleaning eiderdown
- Photographs and films about eider nesting and down collection
- Shop selling eiderdown products and artworks from Stykkishólmur
- Lectures about the eider duck in Icelandic and English
- Free admission in summer
Permanent exhibition
- Sýning Æðarsetursins – Educational exhibition on traditional methods and tools for cleaning eiderdown, together with photographs and films about nesting and down collection.
- Founded
- 2011
Admission & discounts
| Adults | free |
|---|---|
| Groups (20+ people) | ISK 2,000 per personGroups by arrangement in winter, 20–25 people, price per person. |
Free admission during summer opening hours. In winter, groups are received only by arrangement, at ISK 2,000 per person.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The centre states that there is good access to the building, including for people with disabilities.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop selling products made from Icelandic eiderdown and items made specially for the centre. Coffee is available according to the West Iceland travel website.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
Up to 30 guests.
The house is rented for small parties and receptions, with seating and tables for about 20–30 people; the rental fee is ISK 20,000. There is no kitchen in the house, but restaurants nearby provide catering.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Groups can visit the centre by arrangement. Lectures on the eider duck, nesting and eiderdown production take 40–60 minutes, are given in Icelandic and English, and can take place at the centre or elsewhere. |
