The Settlement Center in Borgarnes takes visitors on a magical journey through Egil’s saga and the story of Iceland’s settlement;  two interesting exhibitions.

The Egil´s exhibition is dedicated to Egill Skallagrímsson, poet, warrior, and one of the Icelandic sagas’ most colorful characters in the 10th century. The exhibition takes visitors through the magical and mythical storyline of Egil’s saga. Scenes from the sagas are demonstrated in wood carvings by many talented artists.

There is also an exhibition in the center about Iceland’s settlement. It explains how the Norse explorers managed to navigate the open ocean, why they abandoned their homes and what awaited them in this new, uninhabited country. Get to know the first settlers and find out how and where they built their new homes.

The stories come alive through an audio guide, available in 14 languages, and a special children’s tour is also available. The center regularly hosts popular storytelling events and monologues in the Saga Loft.  Don’t miss out on a delightful lunch or dinner at the restaurant before or after your tour.

Ten ideas for recreation in Borgarfjörður and surrounding regions:

1. Explore the natural treasures and history of Borgarfjörður, including the waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, and Snorri Sturluson’s home in Reykholt.
2. Travel across the icy surface of Langjökull and discover the glacier from within, by a magical manmade ice tunnel.
3. Venture on an excursion of Víðgelmir, Iceland’s largest cave and one of the world’s largest lava caves.
4. Go on a shorter or longer hike in the adventurous environment around Húsafell or bathe in the newly opened canyon baths.
5. Soak in Krauma thermal spa next to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring.
6. Go horseback riding with one of the horse rentals in the region, and/or book a stable visit at a local horse farm to learn more about the unique Icelandic horse.
7. Make the Icelandic goat’s acquaintance, an extraordinary breed, and its products at Háafell goat farm.
8. Relax in the Guðlaug Natural Pool on Langisandur beach in Akranes and play with your kids in the sand.
9. Visit Steðji Brewery and sample some of its beers.
10. Dive into the region’s history at the Agricultural Museum of Iceland in Hvanneyri, Akranes Folk Museum and The War and Peace Musum at Hlaðir by Hvalfjörður.

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