History, nature and cultural heritage

Vatnsdalur and Þingeyri offer a unique connection to nature, history and culture – ideal for anyone interested in Icelandic heritage.

Vatnsdalur – natural gem and setting of an Icelandic saga

Vatnsdalur is a 25 km long valley in Húnaþing vestra, known for its diverse landscape and historical significance. According to Landnámabók, Ingimundur the Old Þorsteinsson settled the area and lived at Hof. The Vatnsdalsvegur road runs through the valley for 40 km, following Vatnsdalsá – one of Iceland’s best salmon rivers.

The valley is also home to the Vatnsdalshólar, countless small hills forming a distinctive landscape popular among nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Vatnsdæla Saga – a family saga

Vatnsdæla Saga tells the story of the people in Vatnsdalur and their lineage. It begins around the year 900 when Ingimundur the Old arrives in Iceland and ends with the death of Þorkell Krafla in the 11th century. The saga was likely written around 1270, possibly at Þingeyri, where a strong literary tradition flourished.

The saga’s setting spans Vatnsdalur and neighbouring areas, mentioning numerous farms, farmers and individuals. Archaeological remains connected to the saga period have been found at several locations. An illustrated saga map of Vatnsdæla Saga is available at various places in North‑West Iceland, including the visitor centre at Þingeyrakirkja.

Þingeyrakirkja – Iceland’s first stone church

Þingeyrakirkja was built between 1864 and 1877 under the direction of Ásgeir Einarsson, farmer and member of parliament. The church features a curved vaulted ceiling, painted blue with golden stars – said to number one thousand. It contains many historic artefacts, some of which are preserved at the National Museum of Iceland. The church is now protected and considered one of the finest buildings in the region, attracting many visitors each year.

The monastery at Þingeyri – a literary centre for centuries

The monastery at Þingeyri was founded in 1133 and soon became a major cultural centre with extensive literary activity. Vatnsdæla Saga was likely written on vellum here, and several other Icelandic sagas are believed to have originated at Þingeyri, especially those set in Húnaþing – including Hallfreðar Saga, Bandamanna Saga, Heiðarvíga Saga and Kormáks Saga.