Jón Sigurðsson Museum
About This Museum
Tucked away in the remote, windswept beauty of Hrafnseyri, this charming turf-roofed museum is a pilgrimage site for anyone wanting to understand modern Iceland. It’s dedicated entirely to Jón Sigurðsson, the leader of Iceland's 19th-century independence movement, and walking in feels like stepping into his world. You can almost hear the scratch of his pen; the air is quiet and reverent, filled with a palpable sense of national pride. It’s a small but profoundly powerful place that connects you directly to the soul of this country’s fight for freedom.
Collection Highlights
The heart of the museum is Jón's original writing desk, preserved just as he left it. Personal letters and first editions of his newspaper, *Ný félagsrit*, are displayed nearby, telling the story of his decades-long campaign from Copenhagen. A beautiful stained-glass window illuminates the main room, depicting key moments from his life and the struggle for sovereignty.
Visitor Information
It's a bit off the beaten path on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, but that's part of its magic—you really have to want to go. The road is gravel for the last stretch, so take it slow. Check their website for seasonal opening hours before you make the drive.
Architecture & Building
The building is a replica of the traditional Icelandic turf farmhouse where Jón was born, low-slung and blending seamlessly into the green hillside with its grass roof. It feels ancient and rooted to the land.
