Petra’s Stone Collection (Steinasafn Petru) is an extraordinary, globally renowned museum and botanical sanctuary nestled in the small coastal village of Stöðvarfjörður in the East Fjords of Iceland. Operating as a monument to the lifelong passion of Petra Sveinsdóttir, who spent over 60 years gathering stones from the surrounding mountains, this unique estate is a must-visit for flower and nature travelers. The museum flawlessly integrates a massive, world-class collection of minerals and crystals into Sunnuhlíð—Petra’s historic family home—where the expansive outdoor grounds have been transformed into a lush, sheltered paradise garden filled with vibrant flora.
Highlights:
📊 Key Statistics: Walk through one of Iceland’s most popular independent cultural properties, tracing an astonishing 60-year timeline of continuous collecting that eventually took over a family residence.
🌸 A Sheltered Botanical Oasis: Stroll through a beautifully manicured ornamental garden started in 1946, where tall shelter-belt trees protect robust native plants alongside rare, delicate foreign imports like the striking blue Himalayan Poppy (Meconopsis grandis).
💎 A Living Garden of Mineral Wonders: Marvel at thousands of local jaspers, quartz crystals, polished agates, chalcedonies, and rare zeolites beautifully arranged along outdoor wooden terraces and stepping paths winding between the flower beds.
🐚 The Ultimate Whimsical Archive: Step inside the historic house to view Petra’s secondary collections, which document her diverse interests through a massive collection of seashells, bird eggs, and an indoor aviary featuring over 70 taxidermy birds.
🍽️ Kaffi Sunnó & Sourdough Breaks: Conclude your garden tour at the on-site Kaffi Sunnó, a cozy sunroom bistro serving locally roasted Kvörn coffee alongside fresh sourdough breads and sweet pastries baked right in the village.
Information:
🌼Type: Botanical Mineral Garden
📍Place: Stöðvarfjörður, Iceland
📅 Date: Open daily during the high season from May to October
☀️ Best Time to Visit: Visit during late June or July to experience the lush garden paths in peak floral bloom while enjoying outdoor coffee on the sunny patio seats.
🌐Website: https://www.steinapetra.is/
