Oddi in Rangárvellir is one of the main historical sites in Iceland, and there has been a church there since in the 11th century. The most famous of the Oddi clan was Sæmundur ‘the wise’ Sigfússon (1056-1133), who studied  in Paris. Various legends have been created about Sæmundur. Then he was probably the first Icelandic historian that wrote a book about Norwegian kings. Sæmundur’s grandson was Jón Loftsson (1124-1197), one of the most powerful man in Iceland. He took the famous Sagas and Edda´s writer Snorri Sturluson into foster care and educated him. After the bloody conflicts of the Age of Sturlungs in the 13th century, the power of the Oddi -clan came to an end around 1300. Six priests from Oddi became bishops in Iceland.

The current church in Oddi was built in 1924 and has many significant artifacts. Next to the church is the sculpture of Ásmundar Sveinsson, ‘Sæmundur on the seal’, but the prototype stands in front of the main building of the University of Iceland in Reykjavík.

The Oddi Association was founded in 1990. It’s main goal is the construction of a new church in Oddi and of Sæmundarstofa educational center (multi-purpose hall for exhibitions and events, catering, a library and an apartment for academics). The Oddi Association organises the annual Oddi Festival.

During the archaeological research in Oddi, which started in 1918, i.a. many man-made caves have been found, the oldest from the 10th century.

Ten ideas for recreation in South Iceland:

1. Get a guided tour of the man-made Caves of Hella, which may be partly older than the settlement of Iceland.
2. Explore the medieval-type turf farm at Keldur, the only large turf farm that has been preserved in South Iceland. There is an underground tunnel leading from the hall, thought to date from the 12^th or 13th century.
3. Visit the interactive, high-tech exhibition at LAVA Volcano & Earthquake Centre in Hvolsvöllur.
4. Explore the diverse Skógasafn, one of the most visited museums in Iceland.
5. Feel amazed by the powerful Skógafoss, then walk up to the top of the waterfall. If you continue upstream, discover the beautiful series of falls in Skógaá river.
6. Walk on for one of the most popular treks in Iceland, across Fimmvörðuháls to Þórsmörk, an oasis of natural birch woods.
7. „Collect“ the waterfalls in South Iceland; other noteworthy falls include Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Hjálparfoss and Háifoss.
8. History comes to life in the charming old houses in Eyrarbakki. At Árnessýsla Heritage Museum, it’s easy to picture village life in the past.
9. Visit a exhibition about the traditional Icelandic skyr at Skyrland, in the new Selfoss Center. Take taste as well or go for an organised walking tour.
10. Swim in stunning surroundings in Seljavallalaug or in Landmannalaugar nature baths further inland.

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