Crafts and design

Local hand craft for sale.  Natural Icelandic materials from Skagafjörður, leather, fish leather, hides and wool.

Listakot Dóru studio and gallery on the farm Vatnsdalshólar.  Theme exhibitions in the summer where artists from the north-west take on folklore, antiquities or places. The artist who runs the gallery paints oil paintings - cards and candles. She makes gifts according to personal wishes. She also makes works of art that fall under the cycle system.

Only 5 minutes drive from the ring road. History and Art Exhibition about the turmoils of 13th century Iceland: The exhibition gives insight into the tumultuous 13th century Iceland, focusing on the story of the Sturlungar clan chieftain Thordur kakali. The art exhibition is the fruit of on-site work by 14 artists from 10 countries, uniquely portraying the events of the era. Audio guides are available in several languages. The Staging of the Battle of Haugsnes (The Stone Army) - large scale outdoor installation: The bloodiest battle in the history of Iceland is undoubtedly the Battle of Haugsnes, April 19th 1246, which claimed 111 lives. The battle occurred during times of great turmoil in 13th century Iceland, as told by the Sturlunga Saga. The owner of Kakalaskáli and history enthusiast, Sigurður Hansen, has arranged 1320 rocks, a total of 600 tons, each representing a warrior on the fateful morning of the battle, moments before the two feuding clans clashed. Those who died in battle and the following days are marked wiht crosses. María's Workshop and Antiques Shop: Situated at Kakalaskáli and open during the same hours. Open Daily from June 1st. - August 31st. Hrs: 13-17 except on Mondays. Other times open by appointment. Please call +354 670-8822 for further information.

The Icelandic Folk and Outsider Art Museum collects artworks by artists who have hitherto been seen as outside the cultural mainstream, often also called naïve or brut – artists who have a real and direct connection to an original creative spirit; true, unspoiled and free. The core collection consists today of about 140,000 artworks and sketches by over 300 artists, dating from the mid-19th century to the present. The Museum is located in North Iceland, on the eastern side of Eyjafjörður, just about 10 minutes’ drive from the town of Akureyri.  10 to 12 new exhibitions every year. Appartment to rent Opening hours: 10.oo - 17oo from first Saturday in May until second Sunday in September.Phone 461-4066

3rd weekend in July

Hof Cultural Centre is located in downtown Akureyri and is one of the greatest landmarks of the town. With the circular building’s exterior being inspired by the Icelandic columnar igneous rocks, the building makes a clear and deserved mark on the town and attracts a number of guests all year round. Hof is an information centre for travellers and is therefore a popular destination for tourists visiting Akureyri. The majestic design of the building’s exterior as well as interior creates a welcoming atmosphere and is admired by both guests and those just passing by.  Hof Cultural Centre is the heart of northern Icelandic culture and provides services across the entire north-east corner of the country with a great variety of events. So including foreign travellers the centre attracts thousands of guests from all over the country annually with it’s great melange of cultural and artistic events, concerts, conferences, meetings and so on and so forth.   The operations of Hof Cultural Centre is in the hands of Akureyri Culture Company, which also oversees the production and project co-ordination of most of the events that take place both at Hof and Samkomuhúsið. Besides that the ACC also oversees the renting out of Hof’s many halls and spaces for all kinds of events and thus contributes to the growing supply of a diverse cultural input in the North. 

The Arctic Handcraft and Design About 100 individuals are selected to sell their exclusive handcraft, art and design that often is based on the old Icelandic traditions. Some of the favourite materials used is the legendary Icelandic wool, the delicate skin of lamb and reindeer not forgetting the luxurious fish leather. Spend the afternoon exploring the core of the Icelandic culture in the great environment of Reykárhverfi just 10 km. south of Akureyri, surrounded by the peaceful mountains of Eyjafjörður. Opening hours:  12-19 from Thu-Sun (4 days) starting on Thursday after the first weekend in August each year.

Sauðanes is an old church estate on Langanes peninsula, 7 kilometres north of the village of Þórshöfn.  It is believed that there has been a church in Sauðanes since the 12th century.  The church that now stands was built in 1889 and is currently being renovated.  The vicarage in Sauðanes, called Sauðaneshús, was built in 1879 from dolerite and is the oldest house made of stone in the north-east of Iceland.  The dolerite was moved to Sauðanes from afar and cut on site.  Rev. Vigfús Sigurðsson (1811-1889) oversaw the building of the house.  The builders were two brothers from Vopnafjörður; Sveinn Brynjólfsson and Björgólfur Brynjólfsson.  A large piece of driftwood, that washed ashore on Langanes, was used to make the doors in the house.  After Rev. Vigfús died, Arnljótur Ólafsson (1823-1904) became the vicar of Sauðanes.  He was a well-known politician and writer. Sauðaneshús was inhabited until 1955 when a new vicarage was built near the old one.  Sauðaneshús was under reconstruction from 1991 to 2003.  Today, it houses a folk museum, tourist information and a cafe.  The artefacts in the house provide insight into how locals lived a hundred years ago.  Sauðaneshús is owned by the Icelandic National Museum and run by the local cultural centre.  The house is open to tourists during summer. Open from 15th of June to 15th of August. Closed on Mondays. More info: http://www.husmus.is/index.php?lang=en

Our company KIDKA is one of the biggest knitting factories in Iceland and its name stands for beautiful and high-quality wool products, which are fashionable, comfortable and genuine Icelandic. You can find our products in shops all over Iceland. Our factory is situated in the beautiful Miðfjörður area, in the small town Hvammstangi, halfway between Reykjavík and Akureyri, just 5 min from the main Road 1. KIDKA sweaters, cardigans, and accessories are knitted by knitting machines. If you stop by in Hvammstangi you are welcome to take a look at our factory and see it yourself.  A visit to the KIDKA Wool factory provides a unique insight into the genuine Icelandic way of knitwear production. We like to show you how your sweater is made.In our cozy factory shop, you can purchase our KIDKA wool products or buy some hand-knitted wool products for a good price. We are also in Reykjavík: KIDKA Wool ShopLaugavegur 54, 101 Reykjavík.kidka@simnet.is  www.kidka.com

Our guesthouse stands in the heart of Grimsey island. We are located just above the harbor with amazing views thereover. Our house is 3 stories high and the top two stories host the guesthouse while the bottom floor hosts our small handicraft store and café.   The guesthouse offers 6 rooms: 3 single bedrooms Two rooms with 120cm beds (For 1-2 people) One room with two single sized beds.   We also offer a toddler travel bed available for our guests free of charge.   Our bathroom is on the top floor and is shared by all guests. Free WIFI is included for all guests. We exclusively offer made up beds with high-quality sheets and two pillows for each guest. Each guest also gets a big towel and a washcloth to use during their stay. More offered for longer stays if requested.   We have a fully prepared kitchen which can be shared and used by all of our guests. The kitchen includes a fridge, stovetop, oven, microwave, coffee maker, sandwich maker, toaster, tea kettle and more appliances. Our kitchen table seats 8 people and furthermore next to the kitchen is the living room with a couch and two lounge chairs as well as a tv and a little bookcase.   On the first floor of the house through a separate entrance, we have a split space with both a little coffee house offering waffles with whipped cream, chocolate, and home-made jam as well as tea, coffee, and hot cocoa. The other side has a little handicraft store with Grímsey island made handcrafted things like wool sweaters, gloves, and hats. Also, we offer souvenirs and a document stating you‘ve crossed over the arctic circle.   For bookings and other information visit our website www.gullsol.is or send us an email at gullsol@gullsol.is

Welcome to Vogafjós Farm Resort The resort is located on the east coast of lake Mývatn. It consists of a cosy family-owned guesthouse, a restaurant next to a cowshed and a small boutique with unique local products. The guesthouse is located in a beautiful area, surrounded by lava rocks and birch trees. It is the perfect location for northern lights scouting. In good conditions the lights can be seen easily from outside the rooms. All our rooms have a private bathroom and a wireless internet connection. The reception is located on the other side of the road, inside Vogafjós Restaurant.   Restaurant Vogafjós Restaurant is located beside our cowshed. We offer homemade local food such as smoked trout, lamb shanks, beef burgers, mozzarella and salad cheese made from our own milk and our homemade Geysir rye bread which is baked in our underground bakery. The restaurant is fully licensed and specializes in high quality and healthy products. While enjoying your meal you can experience the great view of lake Mývatn or watch through a glass window when the cows are milked, at 7:30 am and 6:00 pm. Guests are also allowed to go inside the cowshed to pet the calves and even try the fresh milk.    Vogafjós Farm Resort is open all year round.   Vogafjós Resort Tel: (00354) 464 3800 vogafjos@vogafjos.is www.vogafjos.is facebook.com/vogafjosfarmresort www.instagram.com/vogafjosmyvatn

Woolmill at a farm where you get to see and learn about the process of spinning wool from sheep into woolen garments. Pure undye Icelandic wool, locally sourced from farmers, spun in natural icelandic sheep colors in small woolmill at the farm. The icelandic wool has unique properties that shines through in our yarn and fully knitted garments.Farmshop is located at entrance of woolmill where you can access our and local products.Farmshop is open daily from 11-18.The woolyarn is undyed and is in natural colours of the icelandic sheep.Spun and fully processed at the farm.Pure, icelandic, fully biodegradable woolyarn locally sourced straight from farmers in the arctic north.(over winter months we recommend to get in touch about road condition and opening hours)

Brúnir Horse organises professional shows where the Icelandic horse is introduced in its natural environment and its history and unique qualities are brought to life with emphasis on the horse‘s multiple skills and diversity. Our guests can enjoy local cuisine on the premises, made primarily with fresh ingredients from our region. Brúnir Horse also houses a studio and an art gallery where guests can view the farmer‘s artwork that is on show and for sale. The art gallery also hosts other local artists‘ exhibitions from time to time. For opening hours, please see www.brunirhorse.is Find us by GPS: N65° 34' 0.392" W18° 3' 51.597"