Arctic Fox Centre

Our excursion included a stop here where we had someone from the center come out and tell us about the two current resident foxes and also explain the difference between Icelandic and North American foxes. For North Americans, the concept of fox hunting might be foreign, but it's just a part of the heritage here and was informative. We were given a quick snack (nice cake) and time to look around the information centre. It was crowded and small but its in an older building. A good stop and a chance to get some pictures of an arctic fox losing its winter fur.

A wonderful little place to learn about arctic foxes! They have exhibits on their genetics/coloration, diet, mating, contrasting them with other populations outside Iceland, and how they keep warm. They also discuss traditional Icelandic fox hunting and how it has changed over time. While I personally don't think fox hunting makes sense, the information is presented such that the reader can form their own opinion. The two foxes that live there were both out and visible 😁

This was such an educational and compassionate stop. I was a little apprehensive after reading the reviews, but this turned out to be an incredible exhibit. The woman who set it up does arctic fox research and has sourced all of her specimens from already deceased foxes. The intro video revealed a lot about current legislation (prohibits release of foxes that are raised by humans i.e. orphan rehabilitation) and its effects on the Icelandic artic fox population that I did not know or understand - it is slightly graphic, as it is research based and for education. A phenomenal exhibit allows for understanding of sizes, ailments, breeding and nesting habits, etc., and why caring about the artic fox population is so important and also why it is deemed acceptable, and federally encouraged in some cases, to reduce this population. The two residents were very happy to nap in the sun while I said hi to them, and seem to live a quite spoiled life together.

I am torn between giving it 3 or 4 stars,this is because I am a firm believer that conservationism is part of our duty, but what this centre is explaining it feels like it is focused in the hunting part of it. Of course you have information about the arctic fox but it feels super outdated, the format I mean. In essence it is just text and small images, I would recommend try to refurbish the informative part, with some interactive areas and maybe more kid focused. Try to make an enjoyable experience where you can learn about the arctic fox and the icelanders relationship with the animal. I think you will enjoy seeing the foxes but they are in a bit of a small enclosure, maybe try to expand it a bit. The centre really needs ª refurbishment and reminder it feels focused on the history of the fox hunting than the fox itself.

A small little place with a cafe attached. The place has a small exhibit about Arctic Foxes. It’s nothing wow but for the price (1500 ISK/ £10 pp) it’s not the most expensive thing to do, especially as Iceland is generally expensive.

I was unsure of visiting given the other reviews, but Im really glad we stopped, it was a highlight of the trip! Small museum with a lot to see. The video upstairs was very interesting and informative. There was a lot of information about the history of the relationship between humans and foxes, which does include hunting. All the taxidermy and furs come from foxes hunters then gave to research efforts conducted by the center. Research, advocacy, and conservation is at the heart of the center. The foxes at the center seemed well cared for and content. They are only kept because they are not legally able to be returned to the wild and would likely not survive. Staff was very friendly to us.

The folks running the centre were very friendly, the shop and cakes were super cozy, and the foxes outside looked pretty content (once the crowd moved away!). The scenery is absolutely gorgeous as well. I only wish I hadn't been on a timed tour so I could spend a bit more time here.

Unfortunately this museum was not what I hoped for. The lady that works the desk was very unfriendly, but that was not my reason to only give this place three stars. I did want to see an arctic fox and they do have two caged in the back that you can see once you go through the museum. The museum was a short walk with taxidermy arctic foxes with information and a short informative Video at the end. I was hoping for a rescue place to have someone that is passionate about their rescues but there was no one there to talk to. Sadly the rescue foxes just went from corner to corner in the cage, but I guess it is nice that they are rescued and cared for.