Hólar in Hjaltadalur

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A Historic Cultural Centre for Nearly a Thousand Years

Hólar in Hjaltadalur is one of Iceland’s most significant historical sites, surrounded by majestic mountains and peaceful nature. For almost a millennium, Hólar has served as a centre of culture and education and was the seat of the bishopric from 1106 to 1798.

Today, Hólar in Hjaltadalur is home to Hólar University and a rich collection of historical remains that vividly illustrate the development of Icelandic culture.

Hólar Cathedral and Key Historical Sites

Hólar Cathedral, built in 1783, is the oldest stone church in Iceland. Constructed from red sandstone quarried at Hólabyrða, it houses remarkable artefacts connected to the religious and cultural history of Hólar in Hjaltadalur.

Nýibær is a turf farmhouse dating from 1860, offering insight into traditional Icelandic rural life and the everyday experience of 19th‑century farming communities.

Auðunarstofa, also known as the Timber House, was originally built in 1316–1317 and stood for nearly 500 years. It was reconstructed and reopened in 2002. The building hosts exhibitions of Bibles and printed works from the Hólar Printing Press, which operated intermittently at Hólar in Hjaltadalur between 1530 and 1799.

The Icelandic Horse Heritage Centre

At the Icelandic Horse Heritage Centre, visitors can explore the relationship between humans and horses through the centuries. Exhibits cover the history, breeding and cultural importance of the Icelandic horse, a vital part of Icelandic life since the settlement period.

Walking Trails and Nature

Hólar in Hjaltadalur is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and offers a variety of walking routes. Trail maps and information about interesting sites in the surrounding area are available on location.

Visitors can enjoy the tranquillity, history and natural beauty of Hjaltadalur at their own pace.

Activities and Experiences Nearby

Skagafjörður is rich in history, nature and vibrant culture. Here are ten ideas for activities near Hólar in Hjaltadalur to make your journey even more varied.

Take a guided boat trip to Drangey, where locals hunted birds and gathered eggs for centuries. The outlaw Grettir Ásmundarson also stayed there while fleeing the authorities.
Relax in the restored Grettislaug geothermal pool at Reykjaströnd, where Grettir the Strong warmed himself after swimming from Drangey to shore.
Experience the Battle of Örlygsstaðir through the virtual‑reality exhibition 1238: The Battle for Iceland in Sauðárkrókur.
Visit the turf farm at Glaumbær and learn about Icelandic architecture and daily life in past centuries. A statue of Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir and her son Snorri Þorfinnsson also stands on the site.
Enjoy an exciting river‑rafting adventure in either the East or West Jökulsá rivers.
Take the opportunity to join a horse‑riding tour in Skagafjörður, the cradle of Icelandic horsemanship. In autumn, the horse round‑ups at Laufskálarétt are an unforgettable experience.
Visit Kakalaskáli and learn about the Battle of Haugsnes in 1246, the largest battle of the Sturlung Age, and see Sigurður Hansen’s “Grjóther”.
Explore the history of Icelandic emigration to North America at the Emigration Centre in Hofsós.
Swim and unwind in the Hofsós swimming pool, which offers breathtaking views over Drangey and the fjord.
Visit Víðimýrarkirkja near Varmahlíð, one of Iceland’s most beautiful and best‑preserved turf churches, built in 1834.

Further information can be found at visitskagafjordur.is.