Although Iceland has never been at war, Reyðarfjörður served as an Allied base during World War II. Today, the town hosts an interesting museum dedicated to this period in history. At the Icealndic Wartime Museum (Íslenska Stríðarasafnið), you will discover memorabilia, an airport, old barracks, and small gun shelters.
A number of original items from this time give the museum its unique position as a wartime museum in Iceland. Guests of the Icelandic Wartime Museum will travel back to the 1940s, the highpoint of the World War II, in this uniquely Icelandic museum. The museum’s exhibitions will show you the true story of days gone by. You’ll discover the story from the view of both the soldiers and the inhabitants of Reyðarfjörður village.
Back to World War II
Here is your opportunity to step into a time machine and revisit the days of World War II. The museum will give you an insight into the life of that period and the constant threats the inhabitants faced. You’ll learn about the effects of the military occupation on Icelanders, as well as how the occupation influenced fashion trends and daily life of the people.
The Iceland Wartime Museum’s location is by the barracks that were a part of a big hospital camp. When you visit the museum, you’ll walk a model of the camp, as well as the facilities the soldiers used.
Icelandic Wartime Museum Opening hours
1. June – 30. August: Daily from 13 – 17 (1pm – 5pm)
September – May: Open per agreements made in advance
GPS: 65.03816 N, -14.208746 W
