A massive collection of cultural artifacts and turf houses next to Skógafoss.
Story & Legend
Founded in 1949 by Þórður Tómasson, who spent over 70 years collecting artifacts from the region, Skógar Museum has grown into one of Iceland's most comprehensive folk museums. The open-air section features reconstructed turf houses, a schoolhouse, and a church.
Geology & Science
Located at the base of Skógafoss waterfall on the South Coast, the area sits on the boundary between Iceland's older volcanic zones and the newer rift zone. The nearby Eyjafjallajökull glacier-volcano looms overhead.
Safety
The outdoor turf houses can be slippery when wet. Combine with a visit to Skógafoss next door. Allow at least 1.5 hours.
Photo Tip
Don't skip the open-air section. The turf houses outside are the real highlight and great for photos.
Insider tip
Most people rush straight to the famous Skógafoss waterfall and skip the museum. Do the museum first; understanding how Icelanders survived in these harsh conditions makes the rest of your trip much more meaningful.
Best Time to Visit
Mid-day or during heavy rain. It's the perfect indoor/outdoor shelter when the South Coast weather turns nasty.
What to Bring
Casual wear, but bring an umbrella or raincoat to comfortably walk between the open-air turf houses.
Frequently asked questions
Are the turf houses at Skógar Museum real?
Yes! The open-air museum features authentic historical buildings, including turf houses and a wooden church, that were carefully dismantled from around the region and reconstructed on-site.
How much time do I need at the Skógar Museum?
Plan for at least 90 minutes. The museum is deceptively large, divided into three parts: the Folk Museum, the Open Air Museum, and the Technical Museum (which covers the history of transport and communication).
