Welcome
Petra’s Stone Collection tells the story of Icelandic nature. More than a mineralogical museum, it tells the tale of an extraordinary woman who moved mountains, one stone at a time. Petra devoted her life to the earth’s beauty and to sharing that beauty with the world.
Petra's Stone Collection
Stöðvarfjörður, a small village in Eastern Iceland, is home to one of Iceland’s most remarkable museums: Petra’s Stone Collection. This museum is a lasting testament to the dedication and passion of Petra Sveinsdóttir, who spent her life gathering stones from Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes.
Open during the summer months, Petra’s Stone Collection attracts travelers, nature enthusiasts, and scientists from around the world. The collection showcases Iceland’s extraordinary geological diversity and includes a beautiful botanical garden where you can lose yourself among the flowers. A visit offers a unique experience for all ages.
Come and experience the power of nature through Petra’s life’s work. The collection is nothing less than Iceland’s soul captured in stone.
An open home since 1974
For more than 60 years, Petra Sveinsdóttir (also known as Steina-Petra, or “Petra of the Stones”) wandered the mountains and valleys of East Iceland in search of stones. She had an extraordinary gift for discovering the beauty hidden under our feet.
Thanks to her lifelong passion, you can experience Petra’s Stone Collection, a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through East Iceland.
The museum is in Petra’s former home, Sunnuhlíð, where she lived with her husband, Jón Ingimundarson (Nenni), and their four children. When Nenni passed away in 1974 at the age of 52, Petra opened her home and collection to visitors. She continued living in Sunnuhlíð until moving to a care home later in life, and as her collection grew, stones filled every room. Today, guests can explore the house much as it was when Petra lived there, surrounded by her beloved treasures.
More than just stones
Sea of flowers
Petra, a true nature lover, was passionate about all kinds of gardening. She had a special love for growing trees and cultivating flowers. When she and her husband moved to Sunnuhlíð in 1946, they planted trees to shelter their home from the cold northern winds and the merciless, salt-laden gusts of the sea.
Today, her garden has become a stunning botanical haven, where hardy Icelandic plants thrive alongside more delicate species from abroad. The Himalayan poppy (Meconopsis grandis), with its striking blue blossoms, never fails to inspire joy and wonder.
Throughout the garden, benches invite guests to rest and listen to birdsong and the gentle rustling of the trees.
Museum collection
Petra's collection extended beyond stones. Her home is full of remarkable treasures: stuffed birds and eggs, seashells and conches, keychains, pens, handkerchiefs, and countless other curious objects she collected over the years.
Her bird collection features over 70 specimens. Most of them are Icelandic species, but some are migratory birds. The collection also features several Icelandic mammals, including foxes, minks, and a seal pup that is especially popular with children.
Kaffi Sunnó
Having admired the stones and breathed in the flowers' fragrance, it’s time to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee with a slice of cake. A warm bowl of soup served with fresh-baked bread is also a popular option.
At Kaffi Sunnó, guests can enjoy freshly ground coffee from Stöðvarfjörður’s own roastery, Kvörn, along with a selection of tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks, and juices.
Brauðdagar Deighús serves delicious pastries and sourdough bread. The artisanal bakery is also based in Stöðvarfjörður, and guests are welcome to enjoy their food in the cozy glasshouse or in the garden.
Business hours and services
Opening hours
May 1 – October 15
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day
We look forward to welcoming you
Admission
2,200 ISK for ages 14+
Free entry for children under 14
15% discount for groups of 10+
Route 1
passes through Stöðvarfjörður.
As you drive through the village, you’ll pass Petra’s house.
Bookings
Advance booking is not required during opening hours, except for large groups. Contact us
Kaffi Sunnó
offers a tempting variety of homemade treats. Our premium coffee is roasted and ground locally at Kvörn Coffee Roastery, and our breads and pastries are baked locally by Brauðdagar Deighús.
Accessibility
for visitors with reduced mobility is good
Restroom Facilities
Are clean and well-maintained
Parking
Spacious, free parking is available at the museum