About

Skrímslasetrið — the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum — is located in the small fishing village of Bíldudalur on the shores of Arnarfjörður in the Westfjords. It is one of Iceland's most unique and quirky cultural attractions, dedicated entirely to the rich mythology of sea monsters said to inhabit the surrounding fjord. The museum presents over 200 documented eyewitness accounts of unusual creatures spotted in Arnarfjörður, gathered over several centuries. Electronic displays and exhibit panels guide visitors through the descriptions, dates and witnesses of each encounter. A large gallery of cryptozoological illustrations — imaginative renderings based on witnesses' descriptions — lines the walls, creating a vivid picture of the alleged beasts. Arnarfjörður is the longest fjord in the Westfjords, stretching 30 km inland, and its deep, cold waters have fuelled monster legends longer than living memory. The fjord is sometimes referred to as 'Iceland's Sea Monster Fjord' in travel guides. The museum is small but engagingly presented and appeals to visitors of all ages. Bíldudalur itself is a quiet village of about 200 inhabitants, known also for its good weather by Westfjords standards and its shrimp fishing industry. The town serves as a useful stopover when exploring southern Westfjords, especially in combination with a visit to nearby Dynjandi waterfall.

📖 Story

Arnarfjörður has long been considered the most monster-haunted fjord in Iceland. Locals have reported strange creatures rising from its depths for centuries — long serpentine forms, massive beasts with glowing eyes, and shapes unlike any known animal. The museum in Bíldudalur documents over 200 of these accounts, collected from historical records and the memories of local families. Scientists have tried to explain the sightings as large seals, oarfish or optical illusions, but many witnesses remained convinced of what they saw. The museum lets visitors decide for themselves.

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