Built between 1803 and 1805 by entrepreneur Bjarni Sívertsen, this beautifully restored residence offers a detailed look into the lifestyle of an upper-class family in early 19th-century Iceland. Visitors can explore the preserved domestic interiors and learn about the local shipping and maritime trade history that shaped Hafnarfjörður.
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Sívertsen House at Siggubær in Reykjavík
Sívertsen House is the oldest building in Hafnarfjörður, constructed between 1803 and 1805 by local entrepreneur Bjarni Sívertsen. The building has been restored to its original state, offering visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of an upper-class family in early 19th-century Iceland.
Built by the influential entrepreneur Bjarni Sívertsen, often referred to as the 'Father of Hafnarfjörður', the Sívertsen House stands as a testament to the town's early history and the post-monopoly trade era in Iceland. Bjarni Sívertsen was a major figure in the local community from 1794 to 1830, running a thriving business that included shipping, trade, and a shipyard. Today, the house is meticulously restored to its original appearance, serving as a historical exhibit that illustrates how an affluent Hafnarfjörður family lived during the beginning of the 19th century. Visitors can explore the interior to understand the domestic environment of the time and gain insight into the significant personal and professional legacy of Bjarni Sívertsen and his family within the historical development of the region.
The Sívertsen House is open to the public during specific seasonal hours, with weekend openings from September to May and daily openings from June to August. Visitors are welcome to book guided group visits outside of regular hours through the museum's official booking portal.
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Sívertsen House at Siggubær in Reykjavík
Domestic life of an early 1900s sailor family.
Experience the authentic interior of a preserved 1902 worker's home in Hafnarfjörður. Discover original architecture and personal stories from early 20th-century maritime history.
Siggubær Exhibition
A permanent outdoor folklore installation in Hellisgerði garden.
Learn about the mysterious stories of elves and hidden people through informative signs. Use mapped routes to explore legendary sites around Hellisgerði garden.
Folklore Exhibition
Step inside the historic home of British maritime entrepreneurs.
Tour the restored house and office of the Bookless brothers in Hafnarfjörður. Discover their contributions to local fishing, processing, and maritime logistics. View original artifacts from early industrial operations.
Bookless Bungalow Exhibition
Discover early power generation and historic local craftsmanship.
Experience the history of the town's first public electricity grid through an interactive local exhibition. Spin the water wheel to light up historic buildings and walk through a recreated workshop filled with period tools.
Cold Lights Exhibition
Three diverse exhibitions charting local Icelandic culture and history.
Explore a comprehensive display of local history from the settlement era to the present day. View vintage toys in the interactive attic space and enjoy changing thematic cultural exhibits in Hafnarfjörður.
Pakkhúsið Exhibitions
Waterfront gallery highlighting local maritime history and community life
Stroll along the harbor to experience rotating historical photographs of the area. This accessible outdoor public gallery showcases decades of local development, labor, and community evolution.
Strandstígur ExhibitionLocate historical displays and contemporary art across the city.
Plan your cultural itinerary by finding exhibitions in Reykjavík that match your interests. Discover historical installations, creative visual arts, and heritage displays across multiple venues. Streamline your exploration of local culture and find exactly what to see next.