Guide de Voyage : Audunn’s Mineral Collection

Audunn's Mineral Collection is a museum in Djupivogur showcasing rocks, minerals, and fossils from Iceland and beyond.

The museum, locally known as Steinasafn Auðuns, offers visitors an opportunity to explore the geological diversity of Iceland, including volcanic rocks, minerals formed in various geological settings, and fossils from different periods in Earth's history. It serves as an educational resource for both locals and tourists interested in geology and natural history.

Travelers keen on visiting Audunn's Stone and Mineral Collection can add it as an extra stop on vacation packages or self-drive tours in Iceland. This seven-day Ring Road tour and this eight-day summer self-drive tour highlight Djupivogur as one of its stops.

If you plan on staying in town overnight or for multiple days, there are excellent accommodations in Djupivogur to choose from, such as Berunes HI Hostel and Hotel Framtid.

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Photo above from Steinasafn Auðuns / Audun's mineral collection.

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Where is Audunn's Mineral Collection Located?

The Audunn's Mineral Collection is located in Djupivogur, a charming coastal town nestled along the eastern shores of Iceland. Djupivogur itself is renowned for its picturesque setting, with views of the surrounding mountains and the tranquil waters of Berufjordur fjord. 

The town is known for its rich history, dating back to the settlement of Iceland, and its close connection to the sea, which has shaped its culture and economy over the centuries.

The museum is housed in a modern concrete building along Markarlandi street near the town's harbor. This area is accessible because it lies within the town center.

Features of the Audunn's Stone and Mineral Collection

This cultural attraction in East Iceland features thousands of geological specimens sourced from the region, its neighboring areas, and even outside the country. The exhibits offer visitors a firsthand look at the wide range of rocks formed through volcanic activity, sparkling minerals, and ancient fossils.

One notable aspect of the museum is its focus on local geology. Many of its rocks and minerals have volcanic origins, which offer a unique opportunity to learn about the country's geological heritage, as well as glaciation.

Most types of rocks inside the collection include igneous minerals, metamorphic rocks, sedimentary stones, gemstones, and fossilized rocks with shells, bones, or plant impressions.

Meanwhile, some of its most prized possessions include large cuts of amethyst, jasper, and agate. 

The museum is a personal collection of its owner, Auðunn Baldursson, who started picking up and polishing stones a few decades ago as a hobby. Over the years, his collection grew from hundreds to more than a thousand pieces, allowing him to formally open the exhibition in 2009.

Guests visiting Audunn's Mineral Collection can also purchase stone souvenirs at the museum's gift shop.

Photo above from Steinasafn Auðuns / Audun's mineral collection.

What Makes Audunn's Museum Special?

The museum provides an educational experience for visitors of all ages. Through the immersive displays of rocks and the extensive knowledge of museum guides, guests can learn about geology hands-on and engagingly. 

Whether it's understanding how rocks are formed, identifying different types of minerals, or discovering the significance of fossils, there's something for everyone to explore and learn from.

How to Travel to Audunn's Mineral Collection?

To travel from Reykjavik to the museum in Djupivogur, the most common method is by a private or rental car, as it allows for flexibility and the opportunity to enjoy Iceland's scenic landscapes along the way. 

The journey involves driving along Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1), which circles the island and provides access to many of its attractions. From Reykjavik, travelers can head east on Route 1, passing through towns and villages such as Selfoss and Vik before reaching Djupivogur. 

The drive from Reykjavik to Djupivogur takes approximately seven hours, depending on weather conditions and your stops. Once in Djupivogur, the museum is easy to find in the town center.

Attractions to Visit Near Audunn's Mineral Collection

Near Audunn's Mineral Collection, visitors can explore the renowned "Eggs of Merry Bay," a unique art installation along Djupivogur's coastline. These large granite sculptures represent the eggs of various bird species found in the area, offering a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks and photography.

Venturing further into East Iceland, travelers will encounter the majestic fjords that characterize the region's rugged coastline. These deep, narrow inlets are carved by ancient glaciers, creating dramatic landscapes of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and scenic bays. Along these fjords are coastal towns to stop by, like Breiddalsvik, Faskrudsfjordur, and Seydisfjordur.

A short drive south from the museum and Djupivogur is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, the deepest lake in Iceland. Situated at the foot of Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajokull, the lagoon is filled with shimmering icebergs calved from the glacier's edge. 

Visitors can take boat tours to navigate among the floating ice sculptures, marveling at their stunning hues of blue and white. For example, this Zodiac boat tour of Jokulsarlon will let you enjoy the lagoon's breathtaking hues of blue, white, and black icebergs.