This modern museum and educational center explores the unique bond between Icelanders and eider ducks—an age-old relationship rooted in protection, respect, and careful stewardship. Visitors can expect thoughtfully curated exhibits, local stories, and an inside look at how this natural material has supported Icelandic life for centuries.
After your visit, enjoy a quiet coffee at the on-site cafe or browse the small shop, which features sustainably sourced eiderdown duvets and other cozy, locally made items. It’s a thoughtful way to support Icelandic craftsmanship and take home a piece of this extraordinary tradition.
Key Takeaways
- Iceland’s Only Eiderdown Museum: The Icelandic Eider Center is the only place in the country dedicated to the history, culture, and craftsmanship of eiderdown—one of Iceland’s most prized natural materials.
- Features Ethical Eiderdown Farming: Learn about the centuries-old, sustainable practice of collecting eiderdown from nests without harming the ducks.
- Shop Locally Made Eiderdown Products: Browse a selection of sustainably sourced eiderdown duvets and accessories, handcrafted by Icelandic artisans.
- Best Time to Visit: Plan your visit between May and August, when the center is open daily and the eider ducks are nesting.
Where Is the Icelandic Eider Center Located
The Icelandic Eider Center, known in Icelandic as Aedarsetur Islands (Æðarsetur Íslands), is located in the town of Stykkisholmur (Stykkishólmur). You’ll find it on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (Snæfellsnes Peninsula) in West Iceland.
The center overlooks Breidafjordur Bay (Breiðafjörður Bay), a region that holds the world’s largest eider duck breeding grounds, making it the most important area for eiderdown farming in the country.
It was officially inaugurated on June 13, 2011, by Mrs. Dorrit Moussaieff, former First Lady of Iceland and patron of the center. It first operated from the nearby Norwegian House during the summers of 2011 and 2012, before relocating to its permanent home.
Today, you can visit the Icelandic Eider Center at Fruarstigur 6, 340 Stykkisholmur (Frúarstígur 6, 340 Stykkishólmur), where it’s housed in a purpose-built building that opened in 2017.
Its location places it in the heart of Iceland’s eiderdown tradition, surrounded by the coastal environment and community that continues to uphold this sustainable practice today.
Why Visit the Icelandic Eider Center
The Icelandic Eider Center offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Iceland’s oldest and most sustainable traditions. It serves as a rich knowledge base on wild eider ducks, their nesting habits, the production of goods from eiderdown, and the global export of this prized material. A visit here connects culture, conservation, and craftsmanship in a way few other places can.
Here’s why you should visit the Icelandic Eider Center while exploring the rest of West Iceland!
Learn About Sustainable Eiderdown Farming in Iceland
See firsthand how Icelanders harvest one of the world’s most valuable natural materials without harming the birds that produce it. At the newly upgraded facility, the Icelandic Eider Center offers an educational exhibition that walks you through the full process, from past to present, making it one of the best museums in Iceland.
You’ll learn how wild eider ducks are gently protected during nesting season. And also how their down is collected, cleaned, and crafted into premium-quality bed covers.
Through old tools, photographs, and short films, the exhibition shows how eiderdown farming has evolved over time. A highlight includes a taxidermy display of a pair of eider ducks—the largest sea duck in the world and one of the native birds in Iceland—on view for visitors to better understand the species and its nesting habits.
It’s a rare opportunity to explore a truly sustainable farming method that still supports local communities and global demand today.
Note: Visitors can also arrange a 40-minute to 60-minute lecture, available in English or Icelandic, either at the center or another venue upon request. Check the official Icelandic Eider Center website or contact the center ahead of your visit for the latest hours and pricing.
Feel the Luxury of Icelandic Eiderdown
Eiderdown is one of the rarest and most luxurious natural materials in the world—and at the Icelandic Eider Center, you can actually feel the difference. It’s also the only down in the world collected from wild birds, using gentle and natural methods that protect both the ducks and their environment.
Soft, incredibly lightweight, and exceptionally warm, eiderdown is often described as the softest, warmest, and most valuable down in the world. At the center, it’s hand-cleaned and processed using traditional techniques that preserve its natural quality.
Visitors can touch both raw and refined eiderdown on display, giving a true sense of why it's so prized in bedding products worldwide and valued as a meaningful Icelandic souvenir. So, if you've never experienced eiderdown before, this is the place to understand its value, not just in price, but in craftsmanship and comfort.
Support Sustainable, Local Tourism in Iceland
Photo from The Icelandic Eider Center.
A visit to the Icelandic Eider Center directly supports one of the most ethical and locally rooted industries in the country and contributes to sustainable tourism in Iceland.
The center is operated by King Eider, a family-run company that has produced top-quality eiderdown products since 1991. They clean eiderdown sourced from farmers across Iceland and continue to uphold the traditional methods of gathering and handling with expert care.
Inside the center’s shop, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of luxurious Icelandic eiderdown products, including handmade duvets, pillows, and cozy quilts. Each is known for its softness, warmth, and exceptional quality.
You’ll also find handcrafted pieces that reflect Icelandic heritage, along with original artworks created in collaboration with local artists from Stykkisholmur. All items are exclusively produced for the center and are only sold on-site, making your Icelandic shopping experience more memorable.
Note: The center can also be rented out for small banquets or receptions. Rental proceeds help fund the center’s operations and its work in promoting sustainable eiderdown farming across Iceland.
While there’s no kitchen on-site, it partners successfully with local restaurants for catering. The venue accommodates around 20 to 30 people, offers full accessibility, and charges a rental fee of 150 USD (20,000 ISK).
How To Get to the Icelandic Eider Center
Reaching the Icelandic Eider Center is straightforward, but planning ahead is key, especially if you’re exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. While the center is located in the town of Stykkisholmur, which is fairly easy to access, getting there depends on whether you're driving or exploring on a self-drive tour.
Here’s how to get to the Icelandic Eider Center and what to expect on the way:
On Foot
Stykkisholmur is a compact, walkable town, and the Icelandic Eider Center is easily accessible from anywhere in the area. It's a popular stop on local walking routes, especially during the summer months from May to September, with peak visits between June and August.
Two easy loop walks that include the center are the Norwegian House–Sugandisey Island loop and the Sugandisey Island–Stykkisholmskirkja loop. These short, scenic routes take about an hour to complete and also pass by attractions like the Sailboat Statue and the Sugandisey Lighthouse.
By Car
Driving in Iceland is the easiest and most flexible way to reach the Icelandic Eider Center. Stykkisholmur is about 105 miles (170 kilometers) from Reykjavik (Reykjavík), and the journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours under normal conditions.
The route is straightforward: follow the Ring Road (Route 1) north from Reykjavik, then turn onto Route 54, and finally onto Route 58, which leads you directly into town.
Roads are paved and well-maintained, making this an accessible drive year-round. However, in winter, it’s wise to check the Icelandic weather and road conditions before heading out.
Once in Stykkisholmur, the Icelandic Eider Center is located in the town center and offers nearby parking. Driving also gives you the freedom to explore other highlights around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula before or after your visit.
Tip: Rent a car in Iceland earlier than your trip to save on time and costs.
By Self-Drive Tours
The Icelandic Eider Center is a great addition to summer self-drive tours around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You can rent a 4WD vehicle for comfort and peace of mind, especially if you’re planning to explore gravel tracks or more remote parts of the peninsula beyond the town of Stykkisholmur.
The town is easy to reach on paved roads, and the Eider Center pairs well with other local stops like Sugandisey Island, Stykkisholmskirkja Church, and Helgafell Mountain. With long daylight hours and clear conditions from May through August, summer is ideal for building your own flexible itinerary through West Iceland.
Best Time To Visit the Icelandic Eider Center
The Icelandic Eider Center is a seasonal attraction, open only during the warmer months when eider ducks are nesting and the region is most active. The center typically welcomes visitors from May to August, with daily opening hours from 13:00 to 17:00.
Good to know: Admission is free during regular summer opening hours, making it an easy and rewarding stop for those traveling through the area.
Visiting in summer also means ideal walking conditions, exciting bird watching experiences, and open roads. There’s also the possibility of attending lectures or events connected to the center’s educational mission. The busiest months are usually June through August, when most travelers explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Tip: Check out our complete guide to Iceland in June to learn what to expect during the peak of summer.
The center is closed during winter, typically from September through April, as this falls outside the eider duck nesting season. However, group visits (20 to 25 people) can be arranged by request during this time, with an admission fee of 15 USD (2,000 ISK) per person.
Top Attractions Near the Icelandic Eider Center
While the Icelandic Eider Center is the highlight of Stykkisholmur for many visitors, the town and its surrounding area offer several other worthwhile stops, most of them within walking distance.
These nearby attractions are perfect for pairing with your visit to the Icelandic Eider Center:
- Sugandisey Island & Lighthouse (Súgandisey) – A scenic island just a 5-minute walk from the harbor, with a small red lighthouse and sweeping views over Breidafjordur Bay.
- Stykkisholmskirkja Church (Stykkishólmskirkja) – A hilltop church (10 to 15-minute walk) known for its curved modern design and panoramic views of the town and sea.
- Norwegian House (Norska Húsið) – A preserved 19th-century timber house just 5 minutes away, now a local museum featuring exhibitions on Stykkisholmur’s history and culture.
- Gamla Kirkjan (Old Church) – A peaceful 1879 wooden church located a short walk from the Icelandic Eider Center, offering a glimpse into the town’s religious heritage.
- Helgafell Mountain (Holy Mountain) – Just a 5-minute drive from town, this low mountain is tied to Icelandic folklore and offers panoramic views after a short, silent hike.
Discover the Cultural Significance of the Icelandic Eider Center
The Icelandic Eider Center is more than just a museum. It’s a living tribute to one of Iceland’s most unique and enduring traditions. By highlighting the close relationship between wild eider ducks and coastal communities, the center helps preserve a way of life rooted in respect, sustainability, and harmony with nature.
Whether you come to learn, walk, observe, or simply take in something different, the experience offers a quiet but meaningful look into Icelandic culture. In a country filled with dramatic landscapes and big adventures, this gentle tradition adds something just as valuable—a deeper understanding of how Icelanders care for what the land and sea provide.
As you continue planning your trip, be sure to explore the top things to do in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for more travel inspiration. Also, check out top-rated hotels and accommodations in Stykkisholmur for a comfortable and convenient stay in this charming, culturally rich corner of West Iceland.
