The East of Iceland is, geographically, one of the oldest areas of the country, and the furthest from the capital. The mountains slump diagonally into the sea, creating a beautiful and distinctive landscape. Many of the winding fjords are cut off from Route One, which runs inland, but for the relatively few tourists who make it, they contain interesting little towns and tucked-away villages with many interesting and eccentric bars and shops. These are the best museums and galleries.
Best Museum / Gallery
Skaftfell Art Centre
Seyðisfjörður
This far-flung gallery maintains a year-round arts programme in a tiny eastern town, with a surprising and cutting-edge programme that relates to the town’s artistic history. It’s probably the best place in the East to see some contemporary art from both local and international artists. On the ground floor, there is also a café-bistro-bar with great pizzas, local beers and a small library. There’s an events programme with lectures and concerts in the summertime, too.
Runner-Up:
Snæfellsstofa
Skriðuklaustur, Egilsstaðir
This visitor centre located in the first BREEAM certified—meaning it’s sustainably built— building in Iceland offers a great museum about the Eastern part of the Vatnajökull National Park, and its fauna, flora and geological development. It’s a perfect place to spend a rainy day.
Runner-Up:
Bustarfell
Bustarfell Hofsárdalur
Just outside Vopnafjörður, is this really informative and charming little museum. It’s a window into the lives of many generations who lived and worked on the farm and it’s run by the last generation who lived there. “And they have stories, I tell ya,” said the panel.
Other Categories
You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Iceland 2019 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Iceland, from the Best Museum / Gallery in East Iceland and beyond—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack that also includes our Best Of Reykjavík magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, visit, and shop in the country’s capital city, here.
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