The Old Town in Akureyri

In the oldest part of Akureyri, the Old Town, visitors will find three varied and family-friendly museums. Two of them are situated next to the oldest ornamental garden in Iceland, an ideal place to rest with benches, tables, and chairs. The 19th century Akureyri Museum church is located in the garden, which can be rented for events and concerts.

Akureyri Museum –family-friendly exhibitions

Akureyri Museum offers interesting, high-quality exhibitions for the whole family. Current exhibitions are; Music in Akureyri, Icelandic maps – a lovestory, In the shadow – photographic exhibition, Akureyri – the Town by the Bay.

An annual Christmas exhibition featuring the wonderland of the Icelandic yule lads opens in November. Visitors are able to test their map-making skills, play on the Islandia gaming board, try out their musical skills, and even play dress-up in the shop.

Nonni's House –

A small house with a big story

Do you know Nonni? Did you know the building once housed a school? How many families lived in Nonni’s House at the same time? Why are there books in Japanese, Basque, and Esperanto? Nonni’s House is full of stories. The main one focuses on the history of Nonni and his family. Why did Nonni move from Akureyri as a 12 year old to become a Jesuit priest and an author?

Akureyri Toy Museum

The houses look a bit like dollhouses in the oldest part of Akureyri. One of them has been changed into a toy museum, full of toys in every shape and size from the last 100 years. Who hasn’t dreamed of playing in a toy store? Become a child again, and bring your kids with you. Beware! It’s often a hassle to get the kids out – you know who you are!

The house is called Friðbjarnarhús after Friðbjörn Steinsson who constructed it. The Independent Order of the Good Templars was formed there in 1884. On the upper floor is the old meeting room of the lodge.