Reyðarfjörður – WWII Exhibitions

Background

History & Background

During World War II, Allied forces established a major military presence in Reyðarfjörður because of its strategic location along North Atlantic supply routes. British troops first occupied the area in 1940, followed later by American forces who expanded infrastructure and logistics operations in the fjord. Military camps, storage facilities, and transport routes were constructed throughout the region, leaving a lasting impact on the local landscape and community. The presence of thousands of soldiers brought economic change and new international connections to East Iceland. Today, the Icelandic Wartime Museum stands near the former military barracks area and preserves photographs, equipment, and personal accounts from this period. It serves as an important reminder of how global wartime events shaped life in one of Iceland’s most remote coastal towns.

The Icelandic Wartime Museum in Reyðarfjörður explores Iceland’s role during World War II and the dramatic transformation of this small East Iceland town when Allied forces arrived in 1940. At the height of the occupation, several thousand British and later American soldiers were stationed in Reyðarfjörður, making it one of the most important military locations in eastern Iceland during the war. Through photographs, personal stories, uniforms, vehicles, and original wartime equipment, the museum presents daily life during the occupation years and explains how the presence of foreign troops affected local communities. Visitors can learn about military infrastructure built in the fjord, supply operations along the coast, and the strategic importance of Iceland in North Atlantic defense routes. Located in a former military barracks area above the harbour, the museum connects the peaceful modern town with its wartime past. Today it serves as one of the most informative World War II heritage sites in East Iceland and offers valuable insight into how global events shaped life in remote coastal communities like Reyðarfjörður.