Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/cities/hrafnseyri Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # Hrafnseyri: Birthplace of Jon Sigurdsson A remote Westfjords farmstead on the shores of Arnarfjordur where Jon Sigurdsson, the father of Icelandic independence, was born in 1811. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Population ~10 Westfjords • Arnarfjordur Hrafnseyri is a historic farmstead on Arnarfjörður in the Westfjords. Only a handful of people live here today, but the settlement matters in Icelandic history as the birthplace of Jon Sigurdsson (1811-1879), the leader of Iceland's independence movement. The site now houses a museum with a reconstructed turf farmhouse and an exhibition about Sigurdsson's life. Around it are the mountains, waterfalls, and deep waters of Arnarfjordur. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Population and geographic data based on regional statistics and local heritage resources. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Visit Westfjords]() - [Hrafnseyri Museum]() - [Visit Iceland]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() Region Westfjords 420 km from Reykjavik Population ~10 Historic farmstead Known for Jon Sigurdsson Birthplace of Iceland's independence hero ## Arrange an autumn visit before driving over The [museum publishes free admission]() and daily 11:00–17:00 opening from June 1 through August 31. Outside that period, access is by arrangement. For a September visit, contact the museum before adding it to your drive; seeing a museum marked on the map does not confirm that the exhibition will be open. The [café is now in the main building](). If refreshments are part of your plan, ask about those when arranging an out-of-season visit. Both operator pages were checked September 10, 2026. ## Top Attractions near Hrafnseyri ### Jon Sigurdsson Museum A reconstructed turf farmhouse and modern exhibition hall on Iceland's independence hero and 19th-century rural life in the Westfjords. ### Dynjandi Waterfall A 100-metre tiered waterfall about 25 km away that fans out down the cliff face. Often called the jewel of the Westfjords. ### Arnarfjordur Fjord The Westfjords' second-largest fjord, with mountain scenery, whale sightings, and Arctic foxes. ### Hrafnseyrarheioi Mountain Pass A challenging mountain road connecting Arnarfjordur to Dyrfjordur, with wide views of the surrounding fjords and highlands. ### Thingeyri Village A Westfjords village about 40 km away with a historic blacksmith workshop, horse riding tours, and hiking and skiing terrain. ## How to Get to Hrafnseyri **From Reykjavik:** Drive north on Route 1, then take Route 60 into the Westfjords. The 420 km journey takes approximately 6 hours. The final section includes gravel roads and mountain passes, so a sturdy vehicle is recommended. **From Isafjordur:** Hrafnseyri is about 90 km south of Isafjordur via Route 60. You can also fly from Reykjavik to Isafjordur (about 40 minutes) and drive from there. No public bus service runs to Hrafnseyri. ## Best Time to Visit Hrafnseyri **Summer (Jun–Aug):** The museum and cafe are open during summer months. June 17th is the highlight, with National Day celebrations at Hrafnseyri. Check road conditions for your route even in summer. **Winter (Nov–Mar):** Roads to Hrafnseyri can be impassable due to snow on mountain passes. Outside the published June–August season, arrange museum access in advance. Check the actual route conditions before setting out; vehicle type alone does not make a closed or unsuitable route passable. Planning help ## Hrafnseyri FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What is the population of Hrafnseyri?** Hrafnseyri has fewer than 10 permanent residents, but it is an important site in Icelandic history. **Who was Jon Sigurdsson?** Jon Sigurdsson (1811-1879) was the leader of Iceland's independence movement from Denmark. His birthday, June 17, is Iceland's National Day. **What is the Hrafnseyri Museum?** The museum preserves Jon Sigurdsson's birthplace with exhibitions about his life, the independence movement, and 19th-century Icelandic life. **How far is Hrafnseyri from Reykjavik?** Hrafnseyri is about 420 km from Reykjavik, approximately 5-6 hours by car through the Westfjords. **Is Hrafnseyri on Arnarfjordur?** Yes, Hrafnseyri sits on the shores of Arnarfjordur, the second-largest fjord in the Westfjords. **When is the best time to visit?** The museum publishes daily 11:00–17:00 opening from June 1 through August 31, with visits at other times by arrangement. Confirm any out-of-season visit before driving to the site. **What is there to do near Hrafnseyri?** Drive along Arnarfjordur fjord, visit Dynjandi waterfall (30 minutes away), or hike in the surrounding mountains. **Is Hrafnseyri worth visiting?** Yes, for anyone interested in Icelandic history. The exhibition focuses on Jón Sigurðsson’s life, giving a historical reason to stop beyond the fjord scenery. [Back to Cities & Towns]() For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our [Iceland statistics]().