Langabúð

Langabúð is one of Iceland´s oldest commercial buildings. While the south end dates back to 1790, the building took on its present appearance in 1850 when the northern part was added. The present building was erected on older foundations which were located where the Djúpivogur trading post had always been since it was opened by German merchants in 1589. In 1989, on the 400th anniversary of Djúpivogur as a trading town, Langabúð was donated to the municipality. Extensive renovation was undertaken under supervision of the Iceland Heritage Institution and was completed in 1997.
Langabúð has fulfilled many purposes in its time, such as being a warehouse and even a slaughterhouse. Langabúð now contains an exceptional collection of works by the sculptor ríkarður Jónsson; a room commemorating a covernment minister from the area, Eysteinn Jónsson; a local heritage museum; and not least a pleasant coffee house. In addition to all this, Langabúð serves as the cultural centre of Djúpivogur community, providing a venue for events sponsored by the municipality and social organisations as well as for private functions. To mention a few, these activities include literary readings, cultural evenings, temporary exhibitions and card tournaments.

Ríkarður Jónsson Museum

Ríkarður became the first wood-carving artisan to graduate in Iceland, producing as his journeyman's piece a mahogany mirror frame that is now in the possession of the National Museum. From 1911 to 1914, he studied in the sculpture department of the Academy of the Fine Arts, Copenhagen. Following graduation, he and his family lived for a time in Djúpivogur but then moved to Reykjavík. Ríkarður Jónsson left a great many drawings, of which a broad assortment is displayed in Djúpivogur. Many of these were portraits of well-known contemporaries, but there are also sketches and illustrations for folk tales.

Heritage museum
Today, the loft area of Langabúð is home to the local heritage museum and contains numerous
articles once used at sea, on farmsteads, or for trade. Such as hanging scales and other weighing
devices once commonly used by merchants, many types of tools, a cinema projector and a
horizontal loom and all sorts of containers that were used in the old days.

Café
The Langabúð café bakes its own cakes and offers traditional Icelandic pastries and other delights.