When winter finally loosens its hold, the family turns its attention to spring cleaning. In Petra’s guest books, visitors often remark, in equal parts awe and relief, that they are grateful not to be responsible for maintaining such a place themselves. Their sentiment is understandable. The work is immense and stretches over many days, even with help. Dead vegetation must be cleared away, and debris carried in by winter storms removed from the garden. What few realize is that every single stone outdoors has to be lifted, cleaned individually, and carefully placed back. Indoors, the ritual is repeated: each stone is removed from its shelf so dust and grime can be wiped away. Cleaning time also becomes a time for renewal. Stone benches and shelves are repaired, both inside and out, and other maintenance is attended to. Everything visitors see has been built by the family themselves, with help from friends. Specialists were never consulted; the museum grew entirely from Petra’s own vision and ideas.

Summer and autumn bring their own rhythm and demands. During the height of the tourist season, several hundred visitors might arrive in a single day. Over the years, the museum has become one of East Iceland’s most cherished destinations. Its guests come from many countries and backgrounds, lending the place a lively and varied character. Among them were encounters Petra never forgot.

Once, twelve Italians arrived by bicycle, caught in Iceland’s unforgiving weather. They reached Sunnuhlíð soaked through and shivering. Petra welcomed them in, fed them, and dried every piece of clothing they owned before they continued on their journey. Stories like these fill her guest books. Tales of weary travelers invited to share the family’s evening meal, and of strangers offered shelter for the night. Even many years later, letters still arrive at the museum - messages of gratitude from those who remembered Petra’s generosity.

On another occasion, an American Vietnam War veteran arrived in a wheelchair with his group. Though time was short, when it came time to leave, he refused to go. Only after several hours did he finally agree, telling Petra that his visit had helped him accept his fate. Now, he said, he knew what kind of place awaited him after death. Another visitor felt the same reverence and removed his shoes before entering, convinced that the museum was sacred ground.

People come to the museum for many reasons. Some believe in the power and energy of stones. Others approach them with scientific curiosity. Though these paths differ, the experience itself often proves deeply moving. Many visitors return year after year, drawn back by something they cannot quite explain. A German professor of geology visited more than twenty times, often accompanied by graduating students. Another German school regularly brought groups as well - students from a school for the visually impaired. Their encounters with the stones were unique, and it was striking how many of them could identify the colors of the stones placed in their hands. Petra knew countless stories of visitors who wept upon entering the museum, and of others who felt such a strong force from certain stones that it manifested physically. Whether stones possess healing powers or contain a special energy may never be settled, but people's experience varies. What remains beyond doubt is this: every year, hundreds of people who firmly believe in the stones’ energy find their way to Sunnuhlíð, seeking connection, meaning, and a quiet moment of wonder.