Experience the Age of the Sturlungs through the history and art exhibition in Kakalaskáli in Skagafjörður. The so-called Age of the Sturlungs was a period of repeated armed struggles between the main ruling clans in Iceland who fought for power.

Travel back to the civil war in 13th century Iceland and picture the ruling clans clashing at Haugsnes in North Iceland in the bloodiest battle in the country’s history.  An outdoor artwork, “The Stone Army,” symbolizes the 1320 men who fought at Haugsnes with an equal number of boulders. 111 of the boulders are marked with crosses in memory of those who lost their lives in the battle.

After observing “The Stone Army,” you can learn more about the events through the history and art exhibition in Kakalaskáli. It is dedicated to Þórður Kakali, one of the Sturlung chiefs, who won the Battle of Haugsnes in 1246. Experience the exhibition’s 30 artwork, made by 14 artists from 10 countries, by an audio guide.  María’s workshop is also on site. There you can see an buy various handicraft.

Only 5 min drive from the Ring Road.

Ten ideas for exploring the Skagafjörður region in NW-Iceland:

1. Take a boat trip to Drangey island and walk with a guide around the island where locals used to graze their sheep, catch birds and collect eggs, and find out which outlaw used the island as his hideout.
2. Bathe in Grettislaug, where Grettir the Strong, the protagonist of Grettis saga, warmed up after his heroic swim from Drangey.
3. Participate in one of the battles in the Age of the Sturlungs through the immersive exhibition at 1238: The Battle of Iceland, Virtual and Augmented Reality Museum.
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, the ancient bishopric and school, where Hólar University now teaches equine science, among other subjects.
8. At Hólar, learn more about the region’s four-legged star at the Icelandic Horse History Centre, and 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.
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