Gestastofa Snæfellsjökulsþjóðgarðs á Malarrifi

About the museum

The visitor centre of Snæfellsjökull National Park stands at Malarrif, at the end of the Purkhólahraun lava field on the south side of the park. Malarrif was formerly an old farm where traditional farming was carried on, and from 1917 the farmer also looked after the lighthouse. In dry weather, when there was no water, water was fetched for the cows from the upper part of Vatnshellir. The farm was inhabited until 1997, when permanent residence ended within the area that later became the national park. The lighthouse was erected in 1917 and rebuilt in 1946.

The exhibition in the visitor centre has seasonal fishermen (vermenn) and nature as its theme and shows how they used nature to make a living. It appeals to all the senses, and visitors are encouraged to taste, smell and try things, with something for people of all ages. Rangers and service staff also provide information and education about the area under Snæfellsjökull.

In the Salthúsið (Salt House) there is an exhibition set up by pupils of Lýsuhólsskóli school in 2016, which they maintain every year. The focus is on recycling, reuse and natural materials, and there are drawings, sculptures and stones that have been turned into strange creatures. Visitors can take part by drawing pictures or placing beach pebbles.

Highlights

• Interactive exhibition on seasonal fishermen and nature, where you can taste, smell and try things
• The Salthúsið, with a student exhibition made of recycled and natural materials
• History of the farm Malarrif and the lighthouse from 1917, rebuilt in 1946
• Rangers provide information about the area under Snæfellsjökull
• Toilets at the visitor centre open around the clock

Permanent exhibitions

• Vermaðurinn og náttúran – Interactive exhibition on how seasonal fishermen used nature to make a living; visitors may taste, smell and try things.
• Sýning nemenda Lýsuhólsskóla í Salthúsinu – Exhibition by primary school pupils with works made from recycled and natural materials, to which visitors can add their own.

Operated by

Snæfellsjökulsþjóðgarður

Admission & discounts

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Accessibility

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Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Visitors are encouraged to taste, smell and try things, and there is something for people of all ages.

Getting there & parking

The visitor centre is at Malarrif, at the end of the Purkhólahraun lava field on the south side of the national park.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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