Guide de Voyage : Draugasetrid (Le Centre des Fantômes à Stokkseyri)

Draugasetrid, also known as the Ghost Center in Stokkseyri, is one of the most interesting museums in Iceland dedicated to folklore and ghost stories.

Travelers can visit the museum by joining customizable and private tours on the South Coast, where Stokkseyri village is located. For example, this 10-Hour super jeep tour of the South Coast from Reykjavik allows you to customize your itinerary fully and add attractions such as Draugasetrid.

Photo from The Deacon of Dark River - Djákninn á Myrká - a Ghost Story from North-Iceland.

What is the Draugasetrid Museum in South Iceland?

Draugasetrid, written as Draugasetrið in Icelandic, lies in the small fishing village of Stokkseyri on the southern coast of Iceland. The village is approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) southeast of Reykjavik and is easily accessible via Iceland's ring road.

The museum's location in Stokkseyri offers visitors a chance to explore the fascinating world of Icelandic folklore and the natural beauty and charm of this small coastal village.

Draugasetrid is more commonly known to travelers as the Ghost Center because of its focus on local supernatural beings. The center is dedicated to Icelandic folklore, specifically the ghost stories passed down through generations. It offers visitors an immersive experience that combines storytelling, special effects, and a spooky atmosphere to bring different tales to life.

Guests can visit the Ghost Center by appointment from July to October, every Thursday to Sunday. The entrance ticket varies per age bracket but is 15 USD (2,000 ISK) for adults.

What to See in the Ghost Center of Stokkseyri?

As one of the unique attractions in Iceland, guests can expect to see exciting yet spooky displays while exploring Draugasetrid. It sits on a 10,763 square feet (1000 square meters) ghost maze, built to resemble a haunted house.

Inside the Ghost Center, you can engage with interactive elements to help you understand the stories and the cultural context that shaped the country's rich folklore. The center features several rooms dedicated to different ghost stories from Icelandic folklore. 

These stories are brought to life through animatronics, sound effects, multimedia displays, and atmospheric lighting, creating an immersive and spooky experience. There are also recreations of ghosts and their habitats through sculptures, rocks, and other objects.

To understand the stories and displays, you can use the facility's audio guides in English, Chinese, German, Japanese, French, and other languages.

In addition, there's also a snack bar near the entrance of Draugasetrid, where you can buy alcoholic drinks, coffee, snacks, and souvenirs.

Popular Ghost Stories Featured in the Draugasetrid Museum

The Ghost Center in Stokkseyri features 24 ghost stories that have haunted Iceland for centuries. While the specific ghost stories and exhibits at the Ghost Center in Stokkseyri may change over time, most of these well-known Icelandic ghost stories and supernatural beings remain.

One of the most famous ghost stories here is about the Deacon of Dark River or Djakninn a Myrka. This ghost story is about a deacon who dies in an accident while trying to cross a river to visit his lover. After his death, he returns as a ghost and continues to see her, not realizing he is dead.

Other popular stories in the haunted museum are Selkolla and the Mori ghost. While Selkolla is a woman who can transform into a seal, the Mori ghost is a vengeful ghost who haunts the occupants of a farm in southern Iceland.

How to Travel to the Ghost Center in Stokkseyri

The most convenient way to reach the Ghost Center in Stokkseyri is by private car from Reykjavik. You can take Route 1 or the ring road southeastward from the Icelandic capital before crossing Route 39. From here, you'll traverse Route 34 before reaching Route 33, leading you directly to the village of Stokkseyri.

Travel time usually takes about an hour, depending on how many stops you make.

Attractions to Visit Near the Ghost Center in South Iceland

Don't miss your chance to explore another unique museum in Stokkseyri called Icelandic Wonders. 

The museum focuses on the Icelandic elves, locally known as "Huldufolk," believed to live in rocks and hills throughout the country. Many Icelanders still deeply respect these hidden beings and consider them an essential part of the cultural heritage.

On the other hand, a trip to the South Coast offers the best opportunity to see two of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Iceland. Just over an hour's drive from the museum, you can visit the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Skogafoss waterfall, known for their beautiful cascade of 200 feet (60 meters).