Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum
About This Museum
The Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum is a family-run affair, born from generations of shark fishing in this starkly beautiful corner of Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s less a formal institution and more a personal tour of a unique, and pungent, Icelandic tradition. The star of the show is the centuries-old process of making hákarl, or fermented Greenland shark, which you'll learn about from the people who actually do it. You can't miss the powerful aroma hanging in the air—it’s a key part of the authentic experience.
Collection Highlights
The undeniable highlight is getting to taste the infamous hákarl yourself, with a chaser of Brennivín schnapps to help it down. You'll see the sharks hanging in the traditional drying shed and examine their formidable teeth and jaws up close. The museum also displays historic fishing gear and tools that tell the story of this challenging livelihood.
Visitor Information
It's a small, rustic place, so just ring the bell if it seems quiet—someone will come out to greet you. Be prepared for that unforgettable smell; it’s all part of the adventure. They're typically open during daylight hours in the warmer months, but it's always best to check ahead as it's a family operation.
Architecture & Building
The museum is housed in a classic, dark-colored Icelandic turf farmhouse, low to the ground with grass growing on its roof, blending seamlessly into the dramatic landscape.
Contact & Location
Address: Bjarnarhöfn, Sveitarfélagið Stykkishólmur, Vesturland, Ísland
Phone: +354 438 1581
Website: Visit Website
