On Iceland’s south coast in the small village of Eyrarbakki stands one of the country’s oldest wooden homes. Built in 1765 by Danish merchants, this building now serves as the heart of the Árnesinga Folk Museum, providing a window into the region’s past. Once a centre for culture and commerce in the area, the village and its museum capture the significant shifts in Icelandic society over recent centuries.
A home shaped by trade and culture
The House, as it is known among locals, is a striking example of Danish architectural influence, reflecting the period when Eyrarbakki’s harbour acted as the main port for southern Iceland. Danish merchants chose this location to overwinter, and their presence shaped both the layout of the village and its economic fortunes. For nearly two centuries, this house was not only a family residence but also a hub where art and culture thrived, reaching throughout the district.
Transition and change marked life in Eyrarbakki from the mid-19th century onwards. The abolition of the Danish–Icelandic Trade Monopoly in 1855 allowed fishing to become increasingly important for the livelihood of the people here, shifting the village’s economic focus. Improved public transport and new opportunities in subsequent decades led to a decline in population, but many of the houses from 1890 to 1920 survived, each contributing to the distinctive atmosphere found in the village today.
Preserving living history
Although the Árnesinga Folk Museum was first established in Selfoss in 1964, it found its permanent home in Eyrarbakki in 1995, after the historic merchant’s house and the adjacent Assistant’s House were restored and transferred to state ownership. Now, the museum curates artefacts, documents, and exhibitions focused on rural, occupational, and cultural history in the region.
Temporary exhibitions often delve into the daily lives of locals, while the longstanding interiors of the house offer a glimpse of how a merchant’s family once lived. The museum’s role extends beyond static displays, it hosts concerts, readings with authors, and lectures, fostering ongoing cultural exchange in the village.
In 2001, the folk museum also began overseeing the local maritime museum. Situated close by, this collection features items such as a large twelve-oared rowing boat known as farsæll and Beitningaskúrinn, a 1925 fishery shed displaying stories from the motorboat fishing era. Additionally, Eggjaskúrinn, a small shed restored in 2004 north of the House, protects a collection of birds and eggs gathered by merchant Peter Nielsen.
A recent addition is Kirkjubær, a house built in 1918 now under restoration, meant to represent a typical home from the early 20th century. The museum’s approach to preserving and sharing regional stories earned it the Icelandic Museum Award in 2002 for its professionalism and foresight.
Near the museum is the village church built in 1890. Its altarpiece, a gift from Danish queen Louise of Hesse-Kassel, highlights the enduring cultural ties with Denmark.
