Journey into the Past: Key Locations for Viking History in Iceland

Iceland, with its profound connections to the Viking Age and the Icelandic Sagas, offers a variety of historical sites, museums, and cultural experiences that provide a glimpse into its past. So, whether you're a fan of history or a traveler seeking new knowledge, these attractions offer an exploration of Iceland's Viking heritage.

1. National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik: This is a great starting point to learn about Iceland's Viking history. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of Iceland's history from the Viking Age to the present day, displaying a collection of artifacts that illustrate the life and culture of the early Norse settlers.

2. Reykjavík 871±2, Reykjavik: Also known as The Settlement Exhibition, this museum is built around a 10th-century longhouse unearthed in 2001 in downtown Reykjavík. Its interactive displays offer insights into Viking architecture and living conditions.

3. The Saga Museum, Reykjavík:  The museum's focus is the Icelandic sagas and the Viking history of Iceland. It recreates key moments in Icelandic history that have determined the fate of the Icelandic people. It gives an insight into Icelandic heritage and culture, including the arrival of the first settlers, the establishment of Althing (the national parliament), and the Christianisation of Iceland.

A replica of the famous Viking longship Íslendingur can be explored at the Viking World Museum in Iceland

4. Viking World Museum, Njarðvík: This museum houses Íslendingur, a famous Gokstad Viking longship replica. It also offers three exhibitions about the Vikings and their history, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts.

5. Viking Village, Hafnarfjörður: This is a fun and lively re-creation of a Viking-era village with a Viking-theme restaurant offering traditional Icelandic food and live performances. It hosts the annual Viking Festival, where you can see Viking battles reenacted, listen to old Viking sagas, and shop for Viking crafts.

The traditional Vikivaki ring dance is an unmissable part of Viking festivals in Iceland

6. Skálholt Cathedral, Skálholt, South Iceland: One of Iceland's most significant historic sites, serving as a cultural and political hub during the Viking Age. The cathedral showcases ancient relics and artifacts, while a reconstructed turf church provides additional historical context.

7. Þingvellir National Park, South Iceland: This UNESCO World Heritage site was home to the Althing, the national parliament of Iceland, from 930 AD to 1798. It's an important historical site where the old Viking laws were proclaimed.

8. Stöng, Þjórsárdalur Valley, South Iceland: Here, you can find the reconstructed farm Þjóðveldisbær, based on the excavated farmhouse Stöng, a victim of a volcanic eruption of Hekla in the year 1104. The rebuilt version gives a good idea of the architecture and living conditions during the Commonwealth Era in Iceland.

9. The Settlement Center, Borgarnes, West Iceland: This town is closely connected to Egil's Saga, one of the most read and loved Icelandic Sagas. The Settlement Center offers two exhibitions: "The Settlement of Iceland" and "Egils Saga." Both displays give insight into the life of the first settlers in Iceland.

The oldest hot tub in Iceland? Snorri Sturluson's pool and tunnels are a curious sight at Reykholt in West Iceland.

10. Snorrastofa, Reykholt, West Iceland: This cultural and medieval center is dedicated to Snorri Sturluson, an influential Icelandic historian, poet, and politician of the 13th century, renowned for his significant literary works. His most notable works are the Prose Edda, an invaluable source of Norse mythology and heroic lore, and Heimskringla, a historical narrative of the Norwegian kings, profoundly shaping our understanding of the Viking Age and medieval Nordic culture.

11. Eiríksstaðir, Búðardalur, West Iceland: This is the reconstructed farmhouse of Erik the Red, who founded the first Norse settlements in Greenland, and the birthplace of his son Leif Erikson, who is considered to be the first European to have set foot on North American soil. You can try Viking tools and experience reenactments of the Viking lifestyle from the local guides.

12. Glaumbær Farm, Skagafjörður, North Iceland: A traditional turf farm and museum that offers a glimpse into what rural life was like in Iceland from the 18th to the late 19th century, with some history dating back to the Viking Age.

The Glaumbær museum, housed within a traditional Icelandic turf house, offers a unique glimpse into Iceland's history.

13. 1238: The Battle of Iceland, Sauðárkrókur, North Iceland: An immersive and interactive historical experience that uses virtual reality to stage the famous Viking battles and events of the age of Sturlungs. The exhibition highlights the Battle of Örlygsstaðir, a turning point that marked the beginning of the end of Iceland's independence.

14. Kakalaskáli, Skagafjörður, North Iceland:  Kakalaskáli presents an exhibition depicting 13th-century Iceland, focusing on the Sturlungar clan's chieftain, Thordur kakali. It also features an outdoor installation, "The Staging of the Battle of Haugsnes," which marks the bloodiest battle in Icelandic history and is represented through a symbolic arrangement of rocks and crosses.

Crafting and spinning play a significant role in the annual Gásir Viking festival, as it celebrates and showcases the rich traditions of the Vikings.

15. The Gásir Viking Festival, Akureyri, North Iceland: Held annually on the third weekend of July (canceled in 2023) in the historic trading post of Gásir. The festival is a vibrant event that invites visitors to step back into the Viking Age, featuring live reenactments, traditional crafts, and period-accurate costumes to recreate the atmosphere of a medieval marketplace authentically.

Each attraction offers a unique perspective on the Viking Age, making them must-visit locations for anyone interested in this fascinating period of Icelandic history. Yet, this list merely scratches the surface since nearly every town and community throughout Iceland boasts historical sites, museums, and exhibitions that shed light on the country's early history. 

For further exploring, we recommend visiting The Saga Trail of Iceland​​, a website promoting saga and heritage tourism in Iceland. The website is a comprehensive guide to heritage-related attractions, offering filters for personalized searches and pre-planned itineraries with maps and descriptions, ensuring travelers can enjoy Iceland's rich heritage.