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The White-Tailed Eagle Center is a small museum in Kroksfjardarnes at the base of the Westfjords, dedicated to white-tailed eagle preservation.

Travelers can enjoy a stop at the White-Tailed Eagle Center on the way to or from the Westfjords. A museum visit ties in perfectly with this epic 13-day Ring Road self-drive tour of the Snaefellsnes peninsula and Westfjords. Or, for a shorter adventure, try a customizable eight-day summer self-drive tour.

The White-Tailed Eagle Center, also called the Arnarsetur Eagle Center, is inside a craft store called Handverksfelagid Assa. Travelers can enjoy learning about the white-tailed eagle and shop for handicrafts inside this quaint store, a welcome stopover on any road trip to or from the Westfjords.

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Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by LG Nyqvist No edits made.

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The White-Tailed Eagle Center Visitor Information

Located in the tiny settlement of Kroksfjardarnes, it’s easy to blink and miss the area. However, travelers interested in wildlife and authentic local products won’t regret adding this adorable museum to their itinerary.

The Handverksfelagid Assa handicraft store is home to the museum. Its idyllic location boasts picturesque fjord views. Signs for the Arnarsetur Eagle Center, handicrafts, coffee, and information indicate you’re at the right place.

White-Tailed Eagles Exhibit

Visitors can read about white-tailed eagles inside the museum via displays and information panels. A video presentation allows travelers to learn more about these majestic and now-protected birds of prey.

In the museum, visitors will get a feel for the dedication of the people behind this initiative. Sometimes they help nurse wounded eagles before releasing them back into the wild.

More Than a Museum

Some travelers stop at the store without realizing what this charming establishment offers. Far more than a welcomed bathroom stop to break up a long drive, many people leave knowing more about eagles and with a beautiful souvenir to take home.

The store is a superb place to purchase locally-made handicrafts. You’ll find cozy Icelandic wool sweaters at excellent prices. Complete the look with a shawl, hat, a pair of warm socks, and some gloves. 

This community initiative also sells sheepskins and a range of handicrafts. It’s the perfect place to buy local items at a fraction of the price you’ll pay in big cities.

Finish your museum experience with a warm beverage and something sweet. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a delicious homemade cake with whipped cream, the perfect way to top off your visit to this not-to-be-missed hidden gem.

White-Tailed Eagles

White-tailed eagles are a coastal bird species and the largest bird in Iceland. Their wingspan can reach 8.2 feet (2.5 meters), and they hunt for small birds, fish, and rodents.

Rising from near-extinction across Europe in the late 19th century, successful preservation has led to a steady rise in numbers. Ongoing efforts, such as those at the White-Tailed Eagle Center, are necessary to ensure the eagle population continues to rise.

Getting to the White-Tailed Eagle Center

The White-Tailed Eagle Center is conveniently close to the Vestjardavegur (route 60) road into the Westfjords. It’s 76 miles (123 kilometers) north of Borgarnes town and 96 miles (154 kilometers) from Kirkjufell mountain on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. 

Coming from other directions, it’s 136 miles (220 kilometers) south of Isafjordur in the Westfjords and a similar distance southwest of Saudarkrokur town in North Iceland.

Stop at the settlement of Kroksfjardarnes, then turn onto the 602 road to get to the museum. Handverksfelagid Assa and the White-Tailed Eagle Center is 546 yards (500 meters) along the road. 

Photo from Birds in Iceland

Attractions Near the White-Tailed Eagle Center

During your stopover in Kroksfjardarnes, take a moment to admire the breathtaking coastal vistas before you continue your journey. You’ll find points of interest along the way in whichever direction you head next.

Travelers heading south towards Borgarnes or the Snaefellsnes peninsula shouldn’t miss a visit to the Eiriksstadir Viking Longhouse, a 4.8-mile (7.8-kilometer) detour from route 60. Visitors can look inside old turf houses and learn about how early settlers lived.

OIlafsdalur, one of Iceland’s first agricultural schools, is just 7.3 miles (11.8 kilometers) from Kroksfjardarnes. Heading into the Westfjords, travelers can visit the Bata og hlunnindasyningin (the boat-and gift of nature exhibition) in Reykholar, 18.2 miles (29.3 kilometers) away. Or check out the Sheep Farming Museum 18.8 miles (30.3 kilometers) northeast of the White-Tailed Eagle Center.

Those driving across North Iceland can break up their trip with a nature stop at the Benefoss waterfall. It’s just off the Ring Road, 58 miles (93.5 kilometers) from the White-Tailed Eagle Center.