The Institute of Archaeology (Instarch) was established 1995. From the start the institute has aimed to provide high quality research and project outputs in Icelandic archaeology. It´s innovative survey technique has proved successful in Iceland by integrating place names, ethnography, historical documents, and archaeological information into a single database, Ísleif.

The institute also aim to bridge the research and commercial sector within the Institute and universities in the North-Atlantic region and North America. In doing so, it managed to maintain a high standard of professional practice in our work which is reflected in our academic output.

The Institute of Archaeology has a good domestic and international reputation in research-led projects, such as the excavation of a Viking feast hall, Hofstaðir, and landscape studies in Viking age burial practice. Aspects of this work have been published in several journal articles, academic books, and monographs. Recently, our research focus has been on the landscape of hreppur assemblies, later historical irrigation techniques, the built heritage of swimming pools and communal centres and further work on medieval and later historical material culture.

Archaeologia Islandica, journal published by Instarch,  is the first and only venue specially dedicated to aspects of Icelandic archaeology and provides a forum for the wider dissemination of such work to the international community. The scope of the journal covers any aspect of archaeology (landscape studies, archaeozoology, material culture, etc.) relating to Iceland from the 9th century colonisation of the island by Vikings to 19th century emigration of Icelanders to Canada – and beyond.