The Heritage Museum at Garðskagi
About This Museum
Tucked away on the very tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula, this place feels like stepping into a different era. It's not a grand, imposing building but rather a collection of old houses that tell the story of the local fishing community and the vital work of the lighthouse keepers. You can almost hear the wind howling outside as you explore rooms frozen in time, filled with personal belongings and well-worn tools. The history here isn't behind glass; it's in the worn floorboards and the salty air.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the old lighthouse lens—it's a beautiful, complex piece of glasswork that guided countless ships. The fisherman's cottage, preserved exactly as it was, gives you a real sense of how people lived here, with its simple kitchen and sturdy woolens. I was also fascinated by the old rescue boat, a testament to just how dangerous these waters could be.
Visitor Information
It's located right by the two lighthouses in Garður, so you can't miss it. Definitely check their opening hours online before you go as they can be seasonal. The staff are wonderfully knowledgeable locals who clearly love sharing stories about the area.
Architecture & Building
The museum is housed in several traditional Icelandic timber buildings, painted in that classic dark red color you see all over the countryside. They're low-slung and practical, built to withstand the harsh coastal weather, which makes them a perfect fit for the stories they hold inside.
