Gunnarsstofnun, a distinctive stone structure is the former home of Icelandic author Gunnar Gunnarsson (1889-1975). It now serves as a museum commemorating his life’s work, as well as a cultural centre for the region. Located just outside the building is an archaeological excavation and ruins from Skríðuklaustur, an Augustinian monastery founded in the 16th century.
Gunnar was a prolific author. He was celebrated and well received in Iceland, as well as in Europe. His novels include Borgslægten History, Advent, and Seven Days’ Darkness. From a poor peasant background, Gunnar moved to Denmark in 1907 to get an education. He wrote mainly in Danish throughout his career in order to reach a wider audience. Gunnar moved back to Iceland in 1939 and first settled at Skríðuklaustur, where he built the house, which German architect Fritz Höger designed.
In 1955, the Nobel Prize Committee considered Gunnar for the Literature award, though they eventually gave it to his fellow countryman, Halldór Laxness.
During the Middle Ages, Skríðuklaustur was a monastery (“klaustur” being the Icelandic word for monastery). In recent years there has been an archaeological excavation in Skríðuklaustur that revealed the monastery served as a local hospital. Today, Skríðuklaustur is a muesum about Gunnar, as well as a writers’ retreat. It also houses the Snæfell Visitor Centre for Vatnajökull National Park.
Opening hours
April-May & September-15th of October daily at 11 am – 17 (5 pm)
June-August daily at 10 am – 18 (6 pm)
Rest of the year: Upon request
Where is Gunnarsstofnun?
Gunnarsstofnun is 40km from Egilsstaðir town, in the upper end of Lagarfljót lake, in East Iceland.
GPS: 65.041417 N, -14.953272 W
