As one of the Icelandic sagas, Vatnsdaela saga, a story of love and struggle,  is the family story of Hofverjar in Vatnsdalur near Blönduós and takes place in the 9th–11th century. It is mainly set in Vatnsdalur and the surrounding area but also takes place in Norway, Sweden, the Orkneys and Scotland. It is believed to have been written in the latter part of the 13th century.

Make your mark on history, quite literally, and participate in the embroidering of the Vatnsdaela tapestry,  where Vatnsdaela saga is slowly coming alive in the 46-meter-long tapestry based on the famous Bayeux Tapestry from the 11th century. The goal is to tell this graphic and dramatic saga from a new angle. It’s like a cartoon but made with an ancient embroidering method.

Anyone who wishes to take part in the making of the tapestry is welcome to. Visit Kvennaskólinn in Blönduós in Northwest Iceland and learn about the ancient embroidering method used. Then grab a needle and thread and help make a scene from the saga come to life. The names of all contributors will be included in a book placed next to the tapestry.

The artwork was designed by 22 students at the Icelandic Academy of the Arts under the supervision of illustrator Kristín Ragna Gunnarsdóttir in 2011. It´s planned that the tapestry will be finished in 2030.

Ten ideas for recreation in Húnavatnssýslur regions, NW-Iceland:

1. Don’t miss the famous rock formation Hvítserkur (a petrified troll, according to legend).
2. Watch as Kolufossar falls plunge down Kolugljúfur gorge.
3. Have your fortune told at the Museum of Prophecies in Skagaströnd and learn about Þórdís the fortune-teller, the area’s first named inhabitant.
4. Visit the historical sites from Vatnsdæla saga in Vatnsdalur valley.
5. Go on a shorter or longer horse trek in beautiful nature-galloping across the shallow lake Hóp is a heavenly experience.
6. Try your luck salmon fishing in Vatnsdalsá or by angling in other rivers and lakes nearby.
7. Visit the sites connected with the last execution in Iceland, including Þingeyrar and Þrístapar, and learn about the tragic story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir of Burial Rites.
8. Make a stop at the volcanic plug Borgarvirki, which stands 177 meters above sea level and, according to the sagas, was used for military purposes.
9. Go on a seal-watching tour from Hvammstangi.
10. Discover the elaborate Icelandic national costume and other examples of traditional handicrafts at the Textile Museum in Blönduós.

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