Hælið
Exhibition on the history of tuberculosis at Kristnes in Eyjafjörður, in a former tuberculosis sanatorium, with a café.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
A tuberculosis sanatorium opened at Kristnes in Eyjafjarðarsveit in 1927. Hælið (The Sanatorium) now presents the exhibition "Hvíti dauði" (The White Death) on the history of tuberculosis in Iceland.
Tuberculosis spread widely, mainly among young people, and those who fell ill were isolated in sanatoria. Before medicines came into use in the mid-20th century, treatment was based on good housing, nutritious food and fresh air, and many of the patients died.
The exhibition tells stories of loss, grief, isolation and despair, but also of hope, equanimity, will to live and love. Visitors can take a guided tour with staff who know the history well. The site also has a café, and concerts and events are held in the shelter of a house wall under the name "Í skoti Hælisins" (In the Lee of the Sanatorium), supported by the Friends of Hælið.
Highlights
- The exhibition "Hvíti dauði" (The White Death) on the history of tuberculosis
- Guided tours with staff who know the history
- Café with waffles and home-baked cakes
- Concerts and events in the lee of a house wall
Permanent exhibition
- Hvíti dauði – Exhibition on the history of tuberculosis in Iceland, the patients at the Kristnes sanatorium and their attitudes: loss and grief, but also hope and will to live.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | ISK 2,500 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | ISK 1,900Senior citizens, people with disabilities and young people (aged 11–18) |
| Seniors | ISK 1,900 |
| Visitors with disabilities | ISK 1,900 |
| Groups | ISK 1,900 per personGroup rate per person. |
| Families | ISK 6,000Two adults and all children. |
| Guided tour (extra charge per person, booked in advance) | ISK 250 |
Young people aged 11–18 pay ISK 1,900. Friends of Hælið receive a 50% discount.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
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
- Café
Café with waffles and rhubarb jam, home-baked cakes and light wine. Ingredients are sourced locally.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | A guided tour costs an extra ISK 250 per person and must be booked in advance. |