Uppsalir – Gísli of Selárdalur
Visit Uppsalir in Selárdalur, the remote Westfjords farm and home of Gísli Oktavíanus Gíslason, one of Iceland’s most memorable rural characters.
At a Glance
Visit time
Allow around 30–60 minutes for the site, with additional time for exploring Selárdalur.
Best Season
Summer, when access through the Westfjords is generally easiest.
Getting There
Uppsalir is in remote Selárdalur in Arnarfjörður. Check road and weather conditions before travelling.
GPS
65.7730, -24.0266
About
About Uppsalir – Gísli of Selárdalur
Visit Uppsalir in Selárdalur, the remote Westfjords farm and home of Gísli Oktavíanus Gíslason, one of Iceland’s most memorable rural characters.
A distinctive piece of Westfjords cultural history where the landscape, farm and story of Gísli of Uppsalir come together.
Tours Near Uppsalir – Gísli of Selárdalur
BIRD WATCHING - puffins and more
Westfjords Adventures · 7 hours
CROWN JEWEL; KJARAN'S AVENUE & DYNJANDI - jeep tour
Westfjords Adventures · 9 hours
Hornstrandir Panorama
Borea Adventures · 10 hours
GRAND WEST - Látrabjarg, Rauðasandur & more
Westfjords Adventures · 6 hours
Photos
Gallery
Background
History & Background
Gísli Oktavíanus Gíslason was born in 1907 and lived at Uppsalir in Selárdalur. He became nationally known after appearing in a television programme by Ómar Ragnarsson in 1981 and died in 1986. His former living quarters at Uppsalir were restored, and a museum about his life opened there on 7 August 2026.
Uppsalir is a historic farm in Selárdalur, a remote valley in Arnarfjörður in Iceland’s Westfjords. The farm is primarily associated with Gísli Oktavíanus Gíslason (1907–1986). Gísli lived at Uppsalir and became nationally known after broadcaster Ómar Ragnarsson featured him in a television programme shown in 1981. The programme introduced viewers around Iceland to Gísli, his personality and his life in the isolated landscape of Selárdalur. His former living quarters were restored and a museum devoted to his life officially opened at Uppsalir on 7 August 2026. The collection includes personal belongings, furniture and photographs, giving visitors a tangible connection to Gísli and everyday life at the farm. Uppsalir is a natural addition to a journey through Selárdalur. Because of its remote Westfjords setting, visitors should plan the drive carefully and check local road and weather conditions before travelling.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Deep in Selárdalur, at the edge of Arnarfjörður in the Westfjords, stands Uppsalir — the farm forever associated with Gísli Oktavíanus Gíslason. Born in 1907, Gísli lived a secluded rural life that might have remained known mainly in the local area had television not brought his distinctive personality to homes across Iceland. In 1981, broadcaster Ómar Ragnarsson featured Gísli in a television programme. The appearance made Gísli nationally known and helped turn Uppsalir into a place remembered far beyond Selárdalur. Gísli died in 1986, but the story of Uppsalir continued. His former living quarters were later restored, and in August 2026 a museum dedicated to him opened at the farm. Personal possessions, furniture and photographs help visitors understand both the man and the remote environment in which he lived. A visit to Uppsalir offers a glimpse into rural Westfjords life and preserves the story of an Icelander whose unexpected television fame made him one of the country’s memorable characters.
Did You Know?
Gísli became widely known across Iceland after a 1981 television programme by Ómar Ragnarsson brought his life at Uppsalir to a national audience.
Location
Location
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