The idea for a sorcery and witchcraft exhibition was first presented in 1996 and developed through research and design for four years. The founders were local people who had a vision of creating an attraction for people to visit this remote region. The aim was to introduce guests to the whole Strandir area.
From day one, this was an ambitious cultural undertaking. With a subject delicate as this, a careful approach and professional design was important. Production designer Árni Páll Jóhannsson was given the task of designing the exhibition.
The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft was opened for the first time on Midsummer's Day, June 23rd 2000. The planning and designing of the second part of the exhibition, the Sorcerer’s Cottage, initiated already in the opening year. As 17th century building methods and material were used a great deal of work was involved in the construction. This was done in large part by volunteers as many hands are required to stack turf and rocks. The Sorcerer’s Cottage was formally opened on July 23rd, 2005.