Unique access to Icelandic ancient books Old Icelandic Books offers a rare cultural experience where guests explore Icelandic ancient books and manuscripts in an intimate and hands-on way. The visit is based on one of the most remarkable private collections in Iceland, giving guests the chance to hold history literally in their own hands. The collector guides guests through the …
Dalir District
History and nature The Dalir District is a region where history and nature meet in a unique way. Here you can trace the footsteps of early settlers and the stories of the Icelandic Sagas, while also enjoying tranquillity, diverse outdoor activities and a warm local community. Dalir offers an experience that blends cultural heritage with natural beauty – a place …
Upper Árnessýsla Region
The Upper Árnessýsla Region is a place where nature, culture and adventure meet. Here you will find famous highlights and lesser-known gems, diverse activities and unique experiences suitable for all ages. Nature, culture and adventure Welcome to the Upper Árnessýsla Region, where natural beauty blends with captivating culture and unforgettable adventures. The area offers numerous interesting places to visit – …
Vatnsdalur and Þingeyri
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 …
Gljúfrasteinn – Laxness Museum
The Nobel Prize Winner Halldór Laxness (1902–1998) was the leading Icelandic author of the 20th century. During his lifetime, he witnessed the greatest social changes in Iceland’s history, from a traditional farming society to modern life. When he received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1955, the nation united around him as a symbol of Icelandic culture and literature. Today, …
Oddi in Rangárvellir
Historic site, church centre and chieftain’s seat Oddi in Rangárvellir is one of Iceland’s most significant historical sites. It has been a church site since the early Christian period. It was also the ancient seat of the Oddi chieftains and scholars. The farm stands on a green point between Ytri-Rangá, Eystri-Rangá and Þverá. For centuries it was a major estate …
World in Words – Manuscript Exhibition at Edda
Experience the Middle Ages At the exhibition World in Words – Manuscript Exhibition at Edda, visitors can explore Icelandic medieval manuscripts that preserve a remarkable cultural heritage. These works contain stories, poems, and diverse texts reflecting how earlier generations understood life and society. The exhibition places particular emphasis on the manuscripts’ content and their connection to Iceland’s history. The Árni …
Viking World
Viking History and Seafaring Traditions Viking World on the Reykjanes Peninsula is an impressive, educational museum where visitors can explore Viking history, the seafaring traditions of the Norse people and their culture through engaging visual exhibitions. The museum’s centrepiece is the Viking ship Íslendingur, built by master craftsman Gunnar Marel Eggertsson from the Westman Islands. The ship gained international attention …
The Settlement Exhibition in Aðalstræti
The Story Comes Alive Through Multimedia and Technology The Settlement Exhibition in Aðalstræti is based on archaeological research in the centre of Reykjavík. Visitors learn about the earliest settlement in the area. A 10th‑century longhouse ruin at Aðalstræti 16 is the heart of the exhibition. It was discovered during construction at the corner of Aðalstræti and Túngata. North of the …
National Museum of Iceland
Discover Iceland’s Cultural Heritage The National Museum of Iceland preserves and communicates 1,200 years of the nation’s history through living exhibitions, artifacts, and narratives that reflect the development of society from the settlement era to the present day. The permanent exhibition „A Nation is Born – Culture and Society over 1,200 Years“ In this popular permanent exhibition, visitors can explore …
Saga Museum
Experience Iceland’s Dramatic History The Saga Museum at Grandagarður offers a unique journey through the dramatic events of Icelandic history. Historical figures such as Gissur Þorvaldsson, Freydís Eiríksdóttir and Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði come to life in a vivid way. Wax figures, sets and an audio guide draw visitors into the past. A visit to the Saga Museum appeals to tourists, families …
Skriðuklaustur Cultural Centre
Archaeology and a Medieval Monastery Skriðuklaustur is a remarkable historical site in Fljótsdalur where the ruins of a 16th-century monastery have been uncovered through one of Iceland’s most extensive archaeological excavations. The Augustinian monastery operated from 1493 until the Reformation and served as a refuge for the sick and poor. The archaeological site is open year-round, allowing visitors to explore …
Thorbergur Museum in Hali
The Thorbergur Museum (Þórbergssetur) is dedicated to one of Iceland’s most prominent authors in the 20st century, Þórbergur Þórðarson (1888-1974). The centre is dedicated to his life and work, is easily recognizable due to the gigantic books that adorn one of its outside walls. It’s an adventurous place to visit for travellers of all ages. In addition to providing an …
Kirkjubaejarklaustur
In 1186 a nunnery was founded by the Benedictine Order in Kirkjubær, now called Kirkjubæjarklaustur, and it was active until 1554. German legend tells of disobedient nuns who were supposed to have been burned at the top of Systrastapi. Lake Systravatn and the Systrafoss waterfall above the building are also named after these sisters. In 1995-2006, archaeological excavations were carried …
The Settlement Centre
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 …
Eiríksstaðir
Warm yourself up by the long fire in the reconstructed longhouse in Eiríksstaðir and listen to a storyteller in Viking clothing tell about the inhabitants. The place can be called the „cradle of new worlds“ because it was here that Eirik The Red built a farm and started a family with his wife Þjóðhildur. Eirik was later the first Norseman to settle …
The Leif Eiriksson Center
The Leif Eiriksson Center in Búðardalur in Dalir is edicated to explorer Leif the Lucky and his father Eric the Red. The exhibiton traces the Saga of the Greenlanders and the Saga of Erik the Red, documenting their discoveries of parts of Greenland and North America. According to the tale, Leif arrived in America in the year 1000 AD, about …
Kakalaskáli in Skagafjörður
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 …
Museum of Prophecies
What does the future behold? Have your fortune told at the Museum of Prophecies in Skagaströnd in Northwest Iceland and learn about Þórdís the fortune-teller, the place’s first named inhabitant. Þórdís was not only known for her supernatural abilities, but she was also the foster mother of Þorvaldur the far traveller, Iceland’s first missionary, and her name appears in a …
Glaumbær Museum
According to sources, a farm has existed on the land of Glaumbær since the Age of Settlement around 900 AD. One of its most famous residents was Snorri Þorfinnsson, the first European to be born in North America, around 1000. The present buildings vary in age; the most recent addition was built 1876-79 and the oldest in the mid-18th century. …
1238: The Battle of Iceland
Visit 1238 – The Battle of Iceland Virtual and Augmented Reality Museum, and participate in the largest battle in Iceland’s history. Step into history and participate in the Battle of Örlygsstaðir immersive exhibition that takes you through some dramatic and violent Icelandic Sagas in a new and exciting way! The VR museum is located in Sauðárkrókur in North Iceland, close …
Snorrastofa in Reykholt
A Cultural Centre on a Historic Site Snorrastofa in Reykholt is a cultural and medieval research centre dedicated to the legacy of Snorri Sturluson. The centre stands on one of Iceland’s most important historical sites and connects visitors with medieval culture, storytelling traditions and local heritage. Snorrastofa in Reykholt aims to make history and research accessible to all who visit …