Unique Iceland – The East and Petra's Stone Collection
East Iceland is a magical region where nature reveals itself in its most diverse forms. Here you can find glaciers, forests, bird cliffs, wilderness, black sand deserts, majestic mountains and deep fjords – all in close interplay, creating a unique experience for visitors and locals alike.
At the heart of this region lies Petra's Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður, one of the most remarkable museums of its kind in Iceland, and possibly the world.
Petra Sveinsdóttir's collection began in her childhood, but 1946 marked a turning point when she acquired her own house and land, and with it, the space to store her stones. Another turning point came in 1974 when her husband, Nenni, died suddenly after a short illness. To honour his memory, Petra opened her collection to the public. It provides a unique insight into the geology of East Iceland and the beauty that surrounds us all.
Petra walked through the mountains and valleys of East Iceland in search of nature's gifts in the form of beautiful stones. Her collection reflects not only the geological diversity of the region, but also Petra's personal story and life's journey.
The Stone Collection from a tourists viewpoint
This video is from a tour blogger named Jacks and is published on our site with her kind permission
Video from Roll Around Iceland
Perhaps tiny villages, however both towns with a big heart, history and exciting things to look at. As we rolled into Stöðvarfjörður on our electric bikes, we headed straight to visit Steinasafn Petru Stöðvarfirði / Petra Stone collection Stöðvarfirði.
What a collection and what an inspiring story of one woman's lives work.
Also we visited quite a unique market called Salthússmarkaðurinn á Stöðvarfirði. A market filled with local products made of sheep wool and reindeer horns. Wow... who would have thought that such a small village could produce such a variety of products in one place?
What a collection and what an inspiring story of one woman's lives work.
Also we visited quite a unique market called Salthússmarkaðurinn á Stöðvarfirði. A market filled with local products made of sheep wool and reindeer horns. Wow... who would have thought that such a small village could produce such a variety of products in one place?
Unique Iceland: East Iceland
This video from 2014 discusses East Iceland in words and pictures. Among other things, it includes a visit to Petra's Stone Collection, where Ívar Ingimarsson, Petra's grandson, is interviewed.
The video as a whole clearly shows the many facets of the beautiful East Iceland, both in terms of culture and nature. Locals are interviewed and interesting places to visit are highlighted.
The video as a whole clearly shows the many facets of the beautiful East Iceland, both in terms of culture and nature. Locals are interviewed and interesting places to visit are highlighted.
The Land and The People
An intimate and fascinating interview with Petra about her life, her work, and the creation of the museum.
Recorded in 1991 by Inga Rósa Þórðardóttir, this interview offers a rare glimpse into Petra’s world. It also highlights just how much the museum has evolved over the years, making it a wonderful time capsule for anyone curious about its history and her remarkable story.