Visitor Centres

Southwest Iceland Nature Research Centre is a regional institute of natural research and is based in Sandgerði. It was established in the year 2000 and is one of eight regional Nature Centres in Iceland. The institutes main focus is on ecology of marine invertebrates, exotic species in Icelandic waters, avian studies, and shoreline monitoring. The centre is also involved in various teaching programs for all educational levels. Southwest Iceland Nature Research Centre shares research facilities and housing with The Sudurnes Science and Learning Center and The University of Iceland‘s Research Centre in Sudurnes and are many of the researches done in collaboration between the institutes.

Aurora Basecamp is a one-of-a-kind facility, offering guests the chance to experience a real-time, indoor simulation of the Northern Lights, in a warm and relaxing environment. From there, our expert guides lead you out into the Icelandic night, and if the conditions are right you’ll get breathtaking views and photos of the real thing! Located just 20 minutes from Reykjavik, Aurora Basecamp provides a comfortable and inviting setting for the perfect Northern Lights experience.

The municipal museum in Garðskagi is located in a natural paradise, which blends the beauty of the landscape with its rich animal and birdlife. The museum was first opened in November 1995 in the old processing houses in Garður. The museum has both a Folk and Maritime Museum. It has an outstanding engine collection of Guðni Ingimundarson. There are over 60 engines on display and almost every one of them is functional. Many important items from the municipal history of Garður are located in the museum, items which were essential for the livelihood on both land and sea The Museum is a great point of interest for visitors as it tells the story of how fishing developed and the history of the people who lived and worked in the community. A restaurant and camping site with facilities is on-site and if you are lucky you might see dolphins and whales near the shore from the terrace of the restaurant. Summer opening is 10-17 From the 1st May - 30. Sept. From October the Museum can be booked for groups.

Kvikan is the cultural house of Grindavík. Diverse cultural activities take place in Kvikan e.g., events, performances, lectures, choir rehearsals and so much more. Kvikan announces its events on its Facebook page. On the second floor of the building is the exhibition “Saltfish in the history of the nation”. The exhibition should be interesting for foreign tourists, informative for schoolers, and enjoyable for all who want to know about the industry here. As the 18th century progressed, and deck ships began to replace rowing ships, salted cod became Iceland's main export. Until then, wading and crawling had been the basis of foreign trade. With the advent of trawlers, salted cod processing became an important industry, and salted cod has ever since played a very significant role in the economy's performance. The exhibition takes you through the history of the salted cod and lets you experience the journey of all the stages involved to make and transport the product.   Informative: Texts in the exhibition are in both Icelandic and English Coffee and tea (including bathroom fee) – 250 kr. Bathroom fee – 100 kr. No entry fee for the exhibition   Opening hours 15. May – 31. August      Every day from 11:00am – 17:00pm 1. September – 14. May Everyday but Sunday from 11:00am – 17:00pm It is also possible for groups to come outside of opening hours by arangement.

Duus Museum is the Art and Cultural Center of Reykjanesbær where you can experience diverse exhibitions and cultural activities all year round. The museum houses exhibition halls for the Art Museum of Reykjanesbær and Heritage Museum of Reykjanesbær which offer new and exciting exhibitions throughout the year. Reykjanes Geopark Visitor Center are also located in the museum. Closed Mondays - open 12:00-17:00 tuesday to sunday.