Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft
Iceland's most unusual museum — exploring its dark history of 17th-century sorcery trials.
About
About Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft
Iceland's most unusual museum — exploring its dark history of 17th-century sorcery trials.
Nowhere else can you see actual grimoires (spell books), sorcery staves and the infamous 'Nábrók' — trousers made from a dead man's skin, believed to bring endless wealth.
Background
History & Background
Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft has been a significant site in Iceland's landscape. Throughout the years, this location has played an important role in Icelandic culture and natural history.
This museum in Hólmavík explores Iceland's history of sorcery, superstition, and folklore. Through unusual artifacts and detailed stories, visitors learn about magical practices from past centuries. It is one of the most unique and slightly eerie museums in Iceland, offering a completely different perspective on the country's cultural history.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Galdrasafnið á Hólmavík is one of those rare museums that genuinely shocks and fascinates in equal measure. Housed in a small fishing village on the Strandir coast of the Westfjords, the collection documents 17th-century Icelandic witchcraft — not the fantasy kind, but the real, terrifying historical kind. Original grimoires filled with rune-like magical staves, dried herbs and animal parts used in spells, and the full story of how fear and religious anxiety led to executions by burning. The 'Nábrók' — a replica of the most feared magical object in Iceland — is displayed with grim seriousness. Not for the faint-hearted.
💡 Did You Know?
Between 1604 and 1720, Iceland executed 22 people for witchcraft — 20 of them men, which is the opposite of most European witch trials. Sexual anxiety about male identity drove the prosecutions.
Local Legend
Legends of Museum of Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft
Museum of Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft has been part of Icelandic folklore for generations. Local tales speak of hidden people (huldufólk) and other supernatural beings who inhabit the area. According to tradition, this place deserves respect and visitors should be mindful of the ancient spirits who call it home.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Hrófá
Hrófá is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Fóstbræðra saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Skeljavík
Skeljavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Gísla saga Súrssonar, Gunnlaugs saga ormstungu", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Hólmavík – Museum of Sorcery & Witchcraft
The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft in the Westfjords — Iceland's centre of 17th century witch trials, with displays including stave magic and the notorious Nábrók (necropants).
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
✦ Talk to the Staff
Museum staff at Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft are often incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their subject.
They can share stories and insights not found in the exhibits, and may point you to related sites in the area.
✦ Gift Shop Treasures
Icelandic museum shops often carry unique locally-made items and books not available elsewhere.
You'll find authentic Icelandic crafts, design items, and publications that make meaningful souvenirs.
✦ Combine with Nearby Sites
Ask about related attractions in the area to create a themed day trip.
Many museums are located near the historical sites or landscapes they document, creating a richer overall experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Location
📍 Location
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