Iceland review - 2016, Page 133

ICELAND REVIEW 131
SPECIAL PROMOTION MUSEUMS
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Location: Various locations in Akureyri
Websites: minjasafnid.is, akmus.is, nonni.is
Tel: +354 462-4162; 895-3171
Opening hours: See website
The unusual quality and quantity of writers’ homes is a testament to
the richness of Akureyri’s culture, past and present. Nonni’s House
contains a fascinating story of a 12-year-old boy who became a
Jesuit priest and world-renowned author. Davíðs’s House is full of
books, an art collection and personal articles of beloved poet and
writer Davíð Stefánsson. The Matthías Jochumsson writer’s home
is dedicated to the priest and poet who wrote the Icelandic national
anthem and includes an exhibition of paintings by Harold Moltke of
the northern lights, from 1900.
AKUREYRI
LITERARY MUSEUMS
Location: Aðalstræti 58, Akureyri
Tel: +354 462-4162 Website: akmus.is
Opening hours: Jun 1-Sep 15: 10:00-17:00
Sep 16-May 31: 13:00-16:00
An interesting museum for the entire family, located in the histor-
ical district in a century-old garden with a beautiful 19th century
church. Exhibitions include ‘Akureyri the Town by the Bay,’ which
portrays 19th century life through objects and photographs, and
‘Are You Ready, Madam President?’ about the world’s first female
president, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, a fearless trailblazer in both word
and deed, surrounded by suit-clad officials. Also don’t miss the
interactive cartographer’s room or the sea monsters in the ‘Land
Ahoy! – Historical Maps of Iceland 1547-1808’ exhibition.
AKUREYRI MUSEUM
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Mætti koma mynd
hér innan úr safni
Location: Grenivík, 30 km from Akureyri
Tel: +354 463 3196; 895-3172 Website: akmus.is
Opening hours: Jun 1-Aug 31: 9:00-17:00
and by appointment

Laufás is a renowned church site and chieftain’s residence from
Iceland’s earliest settlement. The house is a good example of
a wealthy vicarage, built from 1853-1882 and is furnished with
household items and utensils from the period. One of Laufás’
characteristics is the bride’s chamber where brides prepared for
the big event. At the visitor center there’s information about the
nature and history of the area, a souvenir and handcraft shop,
coffee and cozy atmosphere to enjoy the picturesque countryside.
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THE OLD TURFHOUSE
LAUFÁS
Location: Grenjaðarstaður, Road 854, 30 km south of Húsavík
Tel: +354 464-3688, +354 464-1860
Website: husmus.is
Opening hours:
June 1-August 31: 10:00-18:00 daily. Closed in winter
Grenjaðarstaður is one of the most famous turf farms in Iceland.
While the farm’s history dates back to the ninth century, the current
turf house was built in 1865 and has been renovated in its original
form. This was a parsonage and the home of famous chieftains in
the past. The farm was considered the stateliest of all farms. Get
an idea of what privileged life was like in Iceland in the past by tak-
ing a stroll through a collection of more than a thousand regional
items, donated by the community. The farm includes a café, as
well as a shop that offers handicraft items for sale.
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GRENJAÐARSTAÐUR