Other sights in Snæfellsnes
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Library of Water
For relaxing views of the town and the bay, head up the hill to the Library of Water. Housed in the old municipal library, this hallowed space flooded by natural light features a permanent exhibit by noted American artist Roni Horn. Twenty-four glass pillars are scattered throughout the room, each one filled to the brim with locally sourced glacier water. Light is reflected and refracted through the aqueous tubes, and adjectives in both English and Icelandic are inscribed into the delicate floor. It’s the perfect place to curl up with your journal or play a game of chess (provided); just don’t forget to take off your shoes. Although the space is closed during the colder…
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Stykkishólmskirkja
Looking decidedly out of place among the clutter of quaint maritime houses, Stykkishólmur’s futuristic church, Stykkishólmskirkja is a striking white structure with a sweeping bell tower that looks like a ship’s vent or a giant vertebra. The interior features hundreds of suspended lights and a large painting of the Mother and Child floating in the night sky. Enthusiasts of oddball architecture will be glad to know that there are heaps of funky churches throughout Iceland.
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Volcano Museum
Get the back story on the neighbouring lava flows at the newly built Volcano Museum, housed in the town’s old cinema. The brainchild of vulcanologist Haraldur Sigurdsson, the museum features art and artefacts relating to the study of eruptions and their devastating effects. Haraldur himself is usually hangin’ around offering additional titbits from his 40 years in the field. Ask about the geologically themed day trips (eight hours; Ikr13,000), which circle the peninsula.
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Norska Húsið
One of the most interesting buildings (and the oldest) is the Norska Húsið, now the municipal museum. Built by trader Árni Þorlacius in 1832, the house has been skilfully restored and displays a wonderfully eclectic selection of local antiques. On the second floor you can see the typical layout of an upper-class home in 19th-century Iceland.
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Sjómannagarður
The only artificial sight in this area is Sjómannagarður, a small maritime museum with an adorable turf house, loads of old photos and plenty of local memorabilia, including a set of lifting stones once used to test the strength of prospective fishermen.
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Norska Húsið
Stykkishólmur’s quaint, maritime charm comes from the cluster of wooden warehouses, stores and homes orbiting the town’s harbour. Most date back about 150 years and many are still in use. One of the most interesting buildings (and the oldest) is the Norska Húsið, now the municipal museum. Built by trader Árni Þorlacius in 1832, the house has been skilfully restored and displays a wonderfully eclectic selection of local antiques. On the second floor you can see the typical layout of an upper-class home in 19th-century Iceland.
reviewed