The life's work of Petra Sveinsdóttir: a private mineral collection displayed in her longtime home in Stöðvarfjörður, now one of the most popular tourist destinations in East Iceland.
Story & Legend
Petra Sveinsdóttir (1922–2012), known as Steina-Petra — 'Petra of the Stones' — spent more than 60 years wandering the mountains and valleys of East Iceland in search of stones. She and her husband moved into the house Sunnuhlíð in 1946 and planted trees to shelter it from the cold northern winds. In the 1950s travellers were already knocking on her door to see the stones, and in 1974 she opened her home to anyone who wished to look. It has been an open home ever since.
Geology & Science
Nearly all the stones were found in the East Fjords, most of them around Stöðvarfjörður itself — Petra rarely searched elsewhere in the country. Jasper and chalcedony dominate the collection, which showcases the geological diversity of the region.
Safety
An easy village stop: the museum is a house, botanical garden and café at Fjarðarbraut 21 in Stöðvarfjörður, and Route 1 passes through the village. The official site notes good accessibility for mobility-impaired visitors. Open May 1 to October 15, 9:00 to 17:00 daily.
Photo Tip
Work close rather than wide: single stones with shallow depth of field read far better than whole walls of display cases. Save some frames for the botanical garden too — the official site singles out the blue-flowered Himalayan poppy among its plants.
Insider Tip
Children under 14 enter free, and the on-site café Kaffi Sunnó keeps the same opening hours as the collection, serving soups, fresh bread and desserts — so the stop doubles as a lunch break on the fjord drive.
Best Time to Visit
During the open season: May 1 to October 15, open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
What to Bring
Casual wear. The visit includes a botanical garden, so bring a rain layer for the outdoor part.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Petra's Stone Collection cost?
Admission is 2,200 ISK for ages 14 and up; children under 14 enter free, and groups of 10 or more get a 15% discount, as listed on the official website.
Who was Petra Sveinsdóttir?
A local woman (1922–2012) who collected stones in East Iceland for more than 60 years, most of them found around Stöðvarfjörður. In 1974 she opened her home, Sunnuhlíð, to visitors, and the museum still occupies the house and its garden.
