Westfjords
An interesting place to travel to and visit
Proximity to fishing grounds
In Rauðasandshreppur were many fishing stations whence fishermen plied their trade, and relics of that history are in many parts of the museum. There, visitors get to see the objects which were used to catch fish and the accommodation available to people at the stations.
Boatwrights and inventors
The works of many craftsmen are in the museum. Foremost among these are the boatwrights, who were the artists of their times. The museum features many boats, including a boat designed by the first Icelandic naval engineer, Bárður Tómasson. In addition, there are many rowboats which were built around Breiðafjörður and in the southern part of Westfjords.
The whalers
In the museum, there are also many noteworthy objects from the Icelanders’ whaling period, from Suðureyri by Tálknafjörður. On display are photographs which depict vividly what it was like to ply this trade.
Opening hours
The museum is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00. The museum is open only in summer from 1 June to 15 September.
The museum may be opened on request at other hours by contacting the museum director, telephone 456 1569 and 456 1514.
Enquiries can also be e-mailed to museum@hnjotur.is. museum@hnjotur.is
Schedule of events 2008
June 2008
At the end of June, ethnologist Margrét Gunnlaugsdóttir will sew sails in the museum at Hnjótur. This is an ideal opportunity to have a look at how sail sewing is done, but there are many objects related to such sewing in the museum.
July 2008
July 13 is the Icelandic museum day, and admission to the museum is free.
August 2008
On 10 August, historian Heiðrún Konráðsdóttir will discuss Flatey’s trade history.
August–September 2008
At the end of August, the summer’s harvest will be celebrated with a programme which will be announced closer to the date.
The Egill Ólafsson Museum at Hnjótur , Örlygshöfn, Phone: 4561511, e-mail: museum@hnjotur.is, Webdesing: Emstrur