Westfjords Heritage Museum, Maritime museum in Ísafjörður, Iceland.
The Westfjords Heritage Museum occupies Turnhúsið, a restored storage house from the 18th century displaying items connected to fishing practices and maritime life. The collection includes hand tools, old photographs, and personal belongings that document the hard work of seafaring communities.
The collection began in the 1940s through efforts to preserve local maritime heritage and fishing traditions. The museum moved to its current location and opened to visitors in the late 20th century.
The museum displays a collection of nearly 200 accordions, including instruments played by renowned Icelandic musicians across different eras. These pieces show how music was woven into everyday life in this remote region.
The museum is open from spring through fall, with the longest hours during the warmest months. Plan your visit according to the season and check local conditions before arriving.
The museum maintains a boats program where traditional wooden vessels are kept in working condition using historic repair techniques. This hands-on approach passes traditional maritime knowledge to younger craftspeople.
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