This folk museum is housed in three separate historical buildings. One is Smiðjan (Strandgata 50) where the museum's main exhibition halls, offices and storage are located. The Sívertsen house (Vesturgata 6) is Hafnarfjörður's oldest house and it has been extensively renovated, today displaying a typical home of an upperclass family from the early 19th century. Finally Siggubær (Kirkjuvegur 10) is a small farm belonging to the museum. The farm has also been under renovation and gives an insight into the homes of working-class families from the early twentieth century.
Arbaer Museum gives you an opportunity to learn about the old Icelandic culture. Among the houses the Smith's House is the oldest, it was built in 1820. At Dillon's though you may be treated to delicious goodies, if you are tired and have explored the farm enough. Other dwellings on the museum site are ateliers, a printing press and a goldsmith's workshop. Furthermore, women and children dressed in the traditional Icelandic attire, (scarves and lacy petticoats included!) complete the picture. Now you may not look the part of a farm girl, but you have every right to buy yourself cookies at the old-fashioned sweet shop! Haymaking and Handicraft days are organized, so make hay while the sun shines!
Picture this: A dull day, icy winds beating on your face, and time on your hands. Where do you go? Well you can venture into one of the many thermal pools in the city or outskirts that cater to tourists and locals. Sundholl offers saunas, solaria, indoor and outdoor pools and hot pots. And it's Ladies' Night on Tuesday and Thursdays from 8p-9p!
Visit the National Theatre of Iceland with family and friends to witness premier Icelandic and foreign classic theater productions, new works, musicals, operas and children's productions. Established in 1950, the theater complex features five different venues, namely the Main Stage, the Black Box, the Small Stage for Children, the Puppet Theatre Attic and the Theatre Cellar (Leikhúskjallarinn with a total seating capacity of 910. This is the place to discover both upcoming Icelandic artists and playwrights, alongside the shows featuring international artists and performers. The National Theatre of Iceland produces close to ten new creations each year, promising its avid audience an eclectic variety of live entertainment.
The Reykjavik City Theatre offers entertainment ranging from new Icelandic drama, well-known classics and dance performances, to rock concerts and more. The theater is home to a thriving drama department alongside the Icelandic Dance Company, who host various productions throughout the year. The theater complex is composed of multiple smaller venues, including a main stage with a capacity of 560, and a cafe-theater for more informal, intimate performances. Those who truly enjoy the performing arts would do well to invest in a subscription. With its eclectic program and modern facilities, the Borgarleikhúsið, or the City Theatre of Reykjavík, is a great place to delve into Icelandic culture.
Exhibiting unique works of art, Gufunes is an ancient estate found in the northeastern part of Reykjavík. According to most of the historical sources, the estate was a private land. Some evidence points out to the existence of a church here since the 12th Century. The church was apportioned to The Holy Mother of God. Today, the museum exhibits nearly 25 sculpted works by Hallsteinn Sigurðsson