We headed to the museum because 1) the weather that morning was awful and 2) the guidebook said it was the "prized jewel of the South Coast." I think that is a huge overstatement, but it is a nice little museum with A LOT of interesting stuff. Unfortunately the weather prevented us from seeing the turf house area.

NOTE: Don't bother going down to the basement, it's a bunch of random stuff strewn about and staked in corners with no explanation. It's reminiscent of a pack rat's basement/attic. There is a large taxidermy collection there, but most of the animals included aren't even from Iceland.

I'm also pretty sure we met Thordur Tomasson (age 88), founder of the museum. He led one of the tours in singing with one of the Icelandic instruments. He was quite friendly and kind of adorable.

What a wonderful place! The 3 floors of the main museum are chock full of interesting tidbits. The elderly owner grabbed me and gave me a private tour of the whole thing which was touching and fascinating! The preserved buildings are also well done, and also full of things to examine. Finally, even the transportation museum on the same premises was worthwhile. I think this is easily the best museum in all of Iceland. Each room had gems to explore and unique things you'll not see elsewhere (e.g., the famous cow stomach barometer). I loved this museum!

The Skogar Folk Museum was started to preserve cultural heritage at a time when Iceland's past was being swept aside by modern conveniences. The museum consists of a large museum/exhibition facility as well as a series of period sod roof farm buildings and a charming little Icelandic church.

The collection of tools, musical instruments, furniture, seafaring artifacts, photographs, documents, and other decorative arts is comprehensive and well displayed. The museum is included on the Reykjavik Excursions South Coast Tour to Vik and is within sight of the Skogarfoss, a splendid waterfall visible from the highway.

Pordur Tomasson is director here. He's in his late eighties at the time of this review, but he's sharp and attentive and remembers guests who return. He plays the zither, he tells stories, and he welcomes guests to the little church where he plays and invites visitors to sing. The stop is charming and well worth an hour of your time. You can go inside all of the farm buildings unescorted and the artifacts and photographs in the main building are a treasure trove for researchers of Icelandic culture.