Visit 1238 – The Battle of Iceland Virtual and Augmented Reality Museum, and participate in the largest battle in Iceland’s history.

Step into history and participate in the Battle of Örlygsstaðir immersive exhibition that takes you through some dramatic and violent Icelandic Sagas in a new and exciting way! The VR museum is located in Sauðárkrókur in North Iceland, close to where the Sturlungar family clan clashed against the Ásbirningar and Haukdalir clans on that fateful day, August 21, 1238. It was the height of the Sturlung Era. As many as 3000 men fought at Örlygsstaðir, more than in any other battle in Iceland’s history. This was a bloody and violent period, Iceland’s only civil war, which eventually led to the nation losing its independence.

In addition to the VR-experience, the museum has other interesting exhibitions about the Sturlung Era that are suitable for guests of all ages. Visitors can even walk through a “burning house” before having their picture taken in full Viking gear. The museum building also facilitates a restaurant, which serves delicious local food from the region, as well as a souvenir and handicraft store.

Ten ideas for recreation in Skagafjörður region in North Iceland:

1. Take a boat trip to Drangey Island with a guide to learn where locals used to graze their sheep, catch birds and collect eggs, and why a famous outlaw lived here.
2. Bathe in Grettislaug, where Grettir the Strong, the hero from the Icelandic Saga, warmed up after his hazardous swim from Drangey Island.
3. Experience the Battle of Haugsnes (year 1246) , another bloody battle fought at the Sturlung Era, through the history and art exhibition in Kakalaskáli.
4. For a continued voyage through history, visit stately turf farm Glaumbær, learn about traditional Icelandic architecture and daily life in the countryside.
5. Go on a wild rafting adventure on glacial rivers Austari- and Vestari-Jökulsá.
6. While in the cradle of Icelandic horsemanship, a riding tour is a must. If you’re visiting in the autumn, don’t miss the Laufskálaréttir horse roundup, a true country festival.
7. Explore archaeological sites at Hólar in Hjaltadalur, the ancient bishopric and school, where Hólar University now teaches equine science, among other subjects.
8. At Hólar in Hjaltadalur, learn more about the region’s four-legged star at the Icelandic Horse History Centre, and at the Icelandic Beer Centre, quench more than your thirst for knowledge!
9. In Hofsós, learn about the fate of the Icelanders who emigrated to the New World and swim in one of the country’s most scenic swimming pools with a view of Drangey Island.
10. Visit Víðimýrarkirkja Church near Varmahlíð. Built in 1834, it’s one of the last preserved turf churches in Iceland.

For more information and travel tips, go to www.visitskagafjordur.is