Óbyggðasetur Íslands

About the museum

The Óbyggðasetur Íslands (Icelandic Wilderness Centre) is in Norðurdalur in Fljótsdalur, at the edge of the largest wilderness area in Northern Europe. On site are old, restored farmhouses that house the exhibition “Líf í óbyggðum” (Life in the Wilderness). It deals with the history and legends of the area and with life on farms in remote valleys, and it is presented in a varied and visual way, partly as a museum and partly as an artistic installation.

A guided tour of the area is part of the visit, and an audio guide is also available. Visitors park their cars and walk across an old wooden bridge to the farmhouses. In addition, a traditional cable car crosses the Jökulsá í Fljótsdal river to a deserted farm.

The houses are also used as a guesthouse, and guests can “sleep at the museum” in restored baðstofur all year round. There is a restaurant on site, and day trips and longer tours are offered, such as horse rides and hikes, which are independent of the museum visit.

Highlights

• The exhibition “Líf í óbyggðum” in old farmhouses in Norðurdalur
• Guided tour of the whole area and a 30-minute audio guide
• The old wooden bridge and the cable car across the Jökulsá í Fljótsdal
• Overnight stays in a restored baðstofa (“Sofðu á safni”, sleep at the museum)
• Restaurant serving food made from local produce

Permanent exhibition

• Líf í óbyggðum – A visual exhibition in old farmhouses on the history and legends of the area and on life for people in remote valleys.

Admission & discounts

The admission ticket includes a guided tour of the entire area.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The exhibition is said to suit all age groups.

Getting there & parking

The centre is in Norðurdalur in Fljótsdalur, not far from Egilsstaðir.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

The restaurant, which serves food made from local produce, is open every day 8:00–21:00 from 15 May to 30 September; outside that period by arrangement. Accommodation is in restored old houses.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit