Technical Museum of East Iceland
Austurland
The Technical Museum of East Iceland, located in Seyðisfjörður, was established in 1984 to preserve and exhibit the technological history of the Eastfjords region. It highlights Iceland's technological advancements from around 1880 to the present day, focusing on machinery, electrical power, telecommunications, transportation, and architecture. The museum is housed in historically significant buildings including Wathneshús, the site of Iceland's first telegraph station established in 1906, and Vjelsmiðja Jóhanns Hanssonar, the country's oldest machine workshop dating back to 1907. The museum's exhibitions illustrate how technological changes have influenced the local lifestyle and environment. It also hosts an annual Craft Festival promoting traditional and modern crafts through workshops, exhibitions, and concerts. Unfortunately, the museum suffered severe damage in a 2020 mudslide that destroyed much of its collection and buildings, leading to its temporary closure and ongoing efforts to rethink its future location and operations.
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Tip: Visitors should check the museum's current status before planning a visit due to closure from the 2020 mudslide. The best time to visit Seyðisfjörður and the museum area is during the summer months when weather conditions are favorable. Although the museum's accessibility for disabled visitors is limited due to the historic buildings, efforts are underway to improve this. Booking in advance for special events like the annual Craft Festival is recommended. Discounts may be available for groups and students, so inquire ahead when possible.
Interesting facts
- •Seyðisfjörður hosted Iceland's first telegraph station in 1906, connected by submarine cable to Scotland.
- •The town was the first in Iceland to have electrical power from the Fjarðarselsvirkjun hydroelectric plant in 1913.
- •The museum includes the oldest machine workshop in Iceland, Vjelsmiðja Jóhanns Hanssonar, established in 1907.
- •The museum organizes an annual Craft Festival since 2006, featuring workshops in traditional crafts such as blacksmithing and knife making.
- •The 2020 mudslide caused extensive damage, destroying much of the museum's collection and buildings.
History
The museum was formally founded in 1984, with its first exhibition opened in 1995 on the 100th anniversary of Seyðisfjörður’s town status.
Seyðisfjörður is historically significant as the site of Iceland's first telegraph station in 1906 following the laying of a submarine cable from Scotland.
The town was also the first in Iceland to be electrified in 1913.
The museum expanded by acquiring the Vjelsmiðja Jóhanns Hanssonar machine workshop in 1993, preserving original machinery and tools.
On December 18, 2020, a devastating mudslide destroyed much of the museum's buildings and collections, forcing a reevaluation of the museum's future.
Place Guide
Wathneshús (Old Telegraph Station)1894
Built in 1894 originally as a residence for Norwegian businessman Ottó Wathne, this building became Iceland's first telegraph station in 1906 after the submarine cable from Scotland was laid. It now houses the museum's offices and is a key historical site illustrating early telecommunications in Iceland.
Vjelsmiðja Jóhanns Hanssonar (Johann Hansson’s Machine Workshop)1907
Established in 1907, this is Iceland's oldest machine workshop. It was expanded in 1918 to include metal smelting. The museum acquired it in 1993, preserving original machinery including smelting furnaces and blacksmithing equipment. It serves as both a permanent exhibition and a place for craft workshops.