Árnessýsla Heritage Museum – Eyrarbakki: Built in 1765 when Danish merchants were allowed to overwinter in Iceland for the first time, Húsið (The House), Iceland’s oldest timber house, is like taking a journey back in time. Just 40 minutes from Reykjavik by car, the rooms of this fascinating heritage museum have been restored to their former glory with period furnishings and interesting facts about some of the town’s most illustrious inhabitants from when Eyrarbakki was Iceland’s main harbour and trading point.
Laugarvatn: Approximately an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, the delightful village of Laugarvatn, rests on the banks of a shallow lake which is heated by hot springs. The Laugarvatnsfjall Mountain provides the backdrop to this idyllic location, adding to the charm and beauty of an area which is ideal for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. Laugarvatn is so magnificent that the village has become a highly popular tourist resort for Icelanders.
Skógar Museum: Founded in 1949, this fascinating museum preserves the cultural heritage of South Iceland and offers a snapshot of the past. The museum can be reached in just under two hours when driving from Reykjavik. Covering all aspects of Icelandic life, the vast collection of artefacts has been put together over more than 75 years. There are also restored, turf-roofed buildings which have been recreated to show how the people of Iceland lived, as well as a modern building which houses an interesting transport and communication museum.