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History & Culture



West Iceland is called the Sagaland and not without a reason, you will find history, icelandic sagas and folkstories in every step you take.

Browse through our operators here below and find out how they can help you expirence West Iceland, the Sagaland.
Akranes Library Akranes Library

Akranes Library

Open
Address:Heiðarbraut 40
Location:300,Akranes
Tel:433-1200
Fax:433-1201
In the library you will also find a photographic collection and the Regional Archives. Please feel free to sit down with a good book, magazine or newspaper - or you could make use of our wireless internet access and internet cafe. Service provided Libraries
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Reykholt District Information Office Reykholt District Information Office Reykholt District Information Office

Reykholt District Information Office

Open
Address:Snorrastofa í Reykholti
Location:320,Reykholt
Tel:433-8000 / 892-1490
Fax:

Reykholt  

Reykholt is one of Iceland's most renowned historical sites where someof the finest works of Old Icelandic literature were written.

Snorrastofa, a cultural - and medieval centre, foundedin memory of Snorri Sturluson,and situated in his ancienthomestead at Reykholt. Snorrastofa manages various researchprojects and provides reception and information for travelers,historical exhibitions, guided tours and lectures. Books on history andculture, Icelandic handicraft and souvenirs are available in the shop.

Guest accommodation for scholars and facilities for conferences andgatherings

Concerts in the church of Reykholt.

 

Open

From May1st - to Sept 30th:Daily: 10.00 - 18.00

Oct.1st to April 30th:Weekdays 10.00 - 17.00 

Also open on request.

 

 

+354 433 8000 

gestastofa@snorrastofa.is

www.snorrastofa.is

Service provided Cultural Centres, Exhibitions, History & Culture, Libraries, Tourist Information Centres, Visitor Centres
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The Library

The Library

Open
Address:Hafnargata 3
Location:340,Stykkishólmur
Tel:433-8160
Fax:438-1081
Website:
In Stykkishólmur library you can rent books as well as other material like DVDs. You can also get internet access as well as access to word processor.
Opening hours ar mon - thu from 14:30 - 18:30 and fridays from 12:00 - 17:30.
From 1st of June - 31st of August the library is closed on mondays but open tue - thu from 15:00 - 19:00 and fridays from 13:00 - 17:00
Service provided Libraries
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Akranes Local Archive

Address:Heiðarbraut 40
Location:300,Akranes
Tel:431-1595
Fax:433-1201
Service provided in:Libraries
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Snorrastofa at Reykholt

Snorrastofa at Reykholt

Address:Gestastofa
Location:320,Reykholt
Tel:433-8008 / 892-1490
Fax:435-1412
Service provided in:Cultural CentresExhibitionsLibraries
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Reykholt District Information Office Reykholt District Information Office Reykholt District Information Office

Reykholt District Information Office

Open
Address:Snorrastofa í Reykholti
Location:320,Reykholt
Tel:433-8000 / 892-1490
Fax:

Reykholt  

Reykholt is one of Iceland's most renowned historical sites where someof the finest works of Old Icelandic literature were written.

Snorrastofa, a cultural - and medieval centre, foundedin memory of Snorri Sturluson,and situated in his ancienthomestead at Reykholt. Snorrastofa manages various researchprojects and provides reception and information for travelers,historical exhibitions, guided tours and lectures. Books on history andculture, Icelandic handicraft and souvenirs are available in the shop.

Guest accommodation for scholars and facilities for conferences andgatherings

Concerts in the church of Reykholt.

 

Open

From May1st - to Sept 30th:Daily: 10.00 - 18.00

Oct.1st to April 30th:Weekdays 10.00 - 17.00 

Also open on request.

 

 

+354 433 8000 

gestastofa@snorrastofa.is

www.snorrastofa.is

Service provided Cultural Centres, Exhibitions, History & Culture, Libraries, Tourist Information Centres, Visitor Centres
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Snæfellsjökull National Park Visitors Center

Snæfellsjökull National Park Visitors Center

Address:Hellnar
Location:356,Snæfellsbær
Tel:436-6888 / 436-6860
Fax:436-6861
Service provided in:For the childrenHiking ToursVisitor Centres
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Reykholt District Information Office Reykholt District Information Office Reykholt District Information Office

Reykholt District Information Office

Open
Address:Snorrastofa í Reykholti
Location:320,Reykholt
Tel:433-8000 / 892-1490
Fax:

Reykholt  

Reykholt is one of Iceland's most renowned historical sites where someof the finest works of Old Icelandic literature were written.

Snorrastofa, a cultural - and medieval centre, foundedin memory of Snorri Sturluson,and situated in his ancienthomestead at Reykholt. Snorrastofa manages various researchprojects and provides reception and information for travelers,historical exhibitions, guided tours and lectures. Books on history andculture, Icelandic handicraft and souvenirs are available in the shop.

Guest accommodation for scholars and facilities for conferences andgatherings

Concerts in the church of Reykholt.

 

Open

From May1st - to Sept 30th:Daily: 10.00 - 18.00

Oct.1st to April 30th:Weekdays 10.00 - 17.00 

Also open on request.

 

 

+354 433 8000 

gestastofa@snorrastofa.is

www.snorrastofa.is

Service provided Cultural Centres, Exhibitions, History & Culture, Libraries, Tourist Information Centres, Visitor Centres
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The Icelandic Settlement Center The Icelandic Settlement Center

The Icelandic Settlement Center

Open
Address:Brákarbraut 13-15
Location:310,Borgarnes
Tel:437-1600
Fax:
The prime objective of the Icelandic Settlement Centre at Borgarnes is to dramatically recreate the fascinating sagas surrounding the birth of this island nation. It is not a museum but rather an instalation. Multi-media and theatrical techniques are employed to help the visitor experience first hand the trepidation and excitement of setting off over the open ocean for lands unknown. Audio guides lead the visitor on a voyage of discovery and are available in Icelandic, English, German, French, Norwegian, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japaneese and Polish. A complete circuit of each exhibition takes about 30 minutes.  

THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION

This exhibition provides an insight into the settlement of Iceland. It tells how the land was discovered, how the Viking sailors conquered the open ocean and why they left their homelands in Norway. It tells of the first men to set foot on the island and how the land was settled up to the establishment of the first parliament in the world, the Althing, at Thingvellir in 930AD. Multi-media and theatrical techniques are employed to help the visitor experience first hand the trepidation and exitement of setting off over the open ocean for lands unknown. Audio guides lead the visitor on a voyage of discovery and are available in English, German, Frendh, Italian, Polish and Norwegian, Spanish, Japanese and Russian. A complete circuit of the exhibition takes about 30 minutes. 

 

THE EGILS SAGA EXHIBITION

This exhibition profiles one of the most colourful of all the saga heroes, Egil, the son of Skalla-Grím Kveldúlfsson. One of the very first settlers, Egil’s father arrived from Norway just 10 years after the first land had been claimed. The Saga of this family’s pioneering and settlement of the Borgarfjörd region provides a brilliant insight in the tumultuous years of settlement. Egil himself is a larger than life hero, an intriguing combination of violent Viking and sensitive poet. The saga is a complex and vibrant intertwining of battles and love affairs, sorcery and pagan lore.  Situated in the stone-walled basement of the Centre, the exhibition leads the visitor through the twists and turns of this fantastic Saga. Audio guides for the exhibition are available in English, German, French, Italian, Polish, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Norwegian and a complete circuit takes about 30 minutes.

Service provided Cultural Centres, Dinners & Resturants, Exhibitions, For the children, History & Culture
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Snorrastofa at Reykholt

Snorrastofa at Reykholt

Address:Gestastofa
Location:320,Reykholt
Tel:433-8008 / 892-1490
Fax:435-1412
Service provided in:Cultural CentresExhibitionsLibraries
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Eiríksstaðir - Living Museum Eiríksstaðir - Living Museum Eiríksstaðir - Living Museum

Eiríksstaðir - Living Museum

Open
Address:Haukadalur
Location:371,Búðardalur
Tel:434-1118 / 430-4706
Fax:434-1212
Website:
One of most historic sides of Iceland. Step back to the Viking Era and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and sents of Eriks the Red's farm which is also the birthplace of Leif the Lucky who is said to have discovered America. Modern day vikings demonstrate the lifestyle og 1000 years ago, sharing their crafts and knowledge.

Service provided Exhibitions
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Eldfjallasafn Volcano Museum

Eldfjallasafn Volcano Museum

Open
Address:Aðalgata 8
Location:340,Stykkishólmur
Tel:433-8154
Fax:

A unique exhibition of international art and objects related to volcanic eruptions and their impact.  The volcanologistHaraldur Sigurðsson  gives lectures and guidance through the exhibits.
Open daily from 11-17


Service provided Exhibitions, History & Culture, Museums
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Grundarfjörður Heritage Center Grundarfjörður Heritage Center Grundarfjörður Heritage Center

Grundarfjörður Heritage Center

Open
Address:Grundargata 35
Location:350,Grundarfjörður
Tel:438-1881 / 893-7714
Fax:
Website:
A visit to the Heritage Centre in Grundarfjörður is an experience not to be missed. The first half of the 20th century comes alive as narrators guide you through exhibits showing how developments in farming, fishing and housing, marked the beginning of modern life in Iceland. Nostalgia reaches its climax in the toy museum. Service provided Exhibitions, For the children
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Kirkjuhvoll - Art center

Open
Address:Merkigerði 7
Location:300,Akranes
Tel:431-4580 / 863-6525
Email:
Fax:
Website:
Service provided Exhibitions
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Library of Water

Library of Water

Open
Address:Bókhlöðustígur 17
Location:340,Stykkishólmur
Fax:
Service provided Exhibitions
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Pakkhús Museum Pakkhús Museum Pakkhús Museum

Pakkhús Museum

Open
Address:Ólafsbraut
Location:355,Snæfellsbær
Tel:433-6930 / 866-6652
Email:
Fax:
Website:
The Pakkhús in Olafsvik is an old trading store, built in 1844. It is a national monument and the Regional Museum of Snæfellsbær town is located on the second and third floors of the building. A general store and a shop selling handicrafts are on the ground floor. Service provided Exhibitions, Tourist Information Centres
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Reykholt District Information Office Reykholt District Information Office Reykholt District Information Office

Reykholt District Information Office

Open
Address:Snorrastofa í Reykholti
Location:320,Reykholt
Tel:433-8000 / 892-1490
Fax:

Reykholt  

Reykholt is one of Iceland's most renowned historical sites where someof the finest works of Old Icelandic literature were written.

Snorrastofa, a cultural - and medieval centre, foundedin memory of Snorri Sturluson,and situated in his ancienthomestead at Reykholt. Snorrastofa manages various researchprojects and provides reception and information for travelers,historical exhibitions, guided tours and lectures. Books on history andculture, Icelandic handicraft and souvenirs are available in the shop.

Guest accommodation for scholars and facilities for conferences andgatherings

Concerts in the church of Reykholt.

 

Open

From May1st - to Sept 30th:Daily: 10.00 - 18.00

Oct.1st to April 30th:Weekdays 10.00 - 17.00 

Also open on request.

 

 

+354 433 8000 

gestastofa@snorrastofa.is

www.snorrastofa.is

Service provided Cultural Centres, Exhibitions, History & Culture, Libraries, Tourist Information Centres, Visitor Centres
print | Close
The Icelandic Settlement Center The Icelandic Settlement Center

The Icelandic Settlement Center

Open
Address:Brákarbraut 13-15
Location:310,Borgarnes
Tel:437-1600
Fax:
The prime objective of the Icelandic Settlement Centre at Borgarnes is to dramatically recreate the fascinating sagas surrounding the birth of this island nation. It is not a museum but rather an instalation. Multi-media and theatrical techniques are employed to help the visitor experience first hand the trepidation and excitement of setting off over the open ocean for lands unknown. Audio guides lead the visitor on a voyage of discovery and are available in Icelandic, English, German, French, Norwegian, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japaneese and Polish. A complete circuit of each exhibition takes about 30 minutes.  

THE SETTLEMENT EXHIBITION

This exhibition provides an insight into the settlement of Iceland. It tells how the land was discovered, how the Viking sailors conquered the open ocean and why they left their homelands in Norway. It tells of the first men to set foot on the island and how the land was settled up to the establishment of the first parliament in the world, the Althing, at Thingvellir in 930AD. Multi-media and theatrical techniques are employed to help the visitor experience first hand the trepidation and exitement of setting off over the open ocean for lands unknown. Audio guides lead the visitor on a voyage of discovery and are available in English, German, Frendh, Italian, Polish and Norwegian, Spanish, Japanese and Russian. A complete circuit of the exhibition takes about 30 minutes. 

 

THE EGILS SAGA EXHIBITION

This exhibition profiles one of the most colourful of all the saga heroes, Egil, the son of Skalla-Grím Kveldúlfsson. One of the very first settlers, Egil’s father arrived from Norway just 10 years after the first land had been claimed. The Saga of this family’s pioneering and settlement of the Borgarfjörd region provides a brilliant insight in the tumultuous years of settlement. Egil himself is a larger than life hero, an intriguing combination of violent Viking and sensitive poet. The saga is a complex and vibrant intertwining of battles and love affairs, sorcery and pagan lore.  Situated in the stone-walled basement of the Centre, the exhibition leads the visitor through the twists and turns of this fantastic Saga. Audio guides for the exhibition are available in English, German, French, Italian, Polish, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Norwegian and a complete circuit takes about 30 minutes.

Service provided Cultural Centres, Dinners & Resturants, Exhibitions, For the children, History & Culture
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Salmon fishing and heritage center

Address:Ferjukot
Location:311,Borgarnes
Tel:437-0082 / 616-6095
Fax:
Service provided in:Exhibitions
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Snorrastofa at Reykholt

Snorrastofa at Reykholt

Address:Gestastofa
Location:320,Reykholt
Tel:433-8008 / 892-1490
Fax:435-1412
Service provided in:Cultural CentresExhibitionsLibraries
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Akranes Museum Area Akranes Museum Area Akranes Museum Area

Akranes Museum Area

Open
Address:Görðum
Location:300,Akranes
Tel:431-5566 / 431-1255
Fax:431-1255
Website:www.museum.is
The museum preserves a comprehensive collection of exhibits from former times, bearing witness to farming, housekeeping and social conditions in and around Akranes. Among the exhibits on display are boats and ships, as well as a selection of other items connected with seafaring and fishing, such as trawl-wire cutters from the so-called Cod Wars with the British, instruments used by doctors and midwives, old cars and a smithy. The museum also offers information on sports in Iceland, Iceland’s Mineral Kingdom and an exhibition from the National Land Survey of Iceland.
Service provided Museums
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Eldfjallasafn Volcano Museum

Eldfjallasafn Volcano Museum

Open
Address:Aðalgata 8
Location:340,Stykkishólmur
Tel:433-8154
Fax:

A unique exhibition of international art and objects related to volcanic eruptions and their impact.  The volcanologistHaraldur Sigurðsson  gives lectures and guidance through the exhibits.
Open daily from 11-17


Service provided Exhibitions, History & Culture, Museums
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Leifsbúð Culture house Leifsbúð Culture house Leifsbúð Culture house

Leifsbúð Culture house

Open
Address:Leifsbúð
Location:370,Búðardalur
Tel:434-1441 / 430-4706
Fax:
Website:www.dalir.is
Leifsbúð (Leif’s Dwelling) is an old building which has been renovated and now plays the role of Cultural Centre for the region. Here is to be found an exhibition dedicated to the voyages of discovery made by Erik the Red and his son Leif the Lucky. There is a model of the Þjóðhildarkirkja Church in Greenland and the Vínlandrefill tapestry which tells the story of Leif in Vínland. Service provided Museums
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Local Museum, Norwegian House Local Museum, Norwegian House Local Museum, Norwegian House

Local Museum, Norwegian House

Open
Address:Hafnargata 5
Location:340,Stykkishólmur
Tel:438-1640 / 865-4516
Fax:
The Norwegian house was built in 1832 and was the first wood-frame residence with two full-sized storeys in Iceland. It is now the regional museum of the area and has been renovated back to its original style.
In the Norwegian house you will also find a old store with handicraft, sweets and other products from the area.
Service provided Museums
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Maritime Museum

Maritime Museum

Open
Address:Útnesvegur
Location:360,Hellissandur
Tel:436-6784 / 436-6686
Fax:
Website:
In the Seaman’s Garden you will find a collection of items reminding one of Neshreppur’s connection to the ocean and how its inhabitants dealt with a life that revolved around fisheries in days gone by. Here you can see the rowing boat Bliki, Þorvaldur’s Residence, which is an exact replica of a coastal dwelling which stood in Hellissandur, and the sculpture Jöklarar (The Glacier People) NBX by the artist Kjartan Ragnarsson, which was unveiled in 1974. Service provided Museums
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Museum of Borgarfjörður Museum of Borgarfjörður Museum of Borgarfjörður

Museum of Borgarfjörður

Open
Address:Bjarnarbraut 4-6
Location:310,Borgarnes
Tel:430-7200
Fax:430-7209
Website:www.safnahus.is

An exhibition that is intended to leave the guest with an impression of the Icelandic childhood, rather than to be a detailed compiliation of facts and therefore photographs paly an important role.

 

 

Service provided Museums
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Bjarnarhöfn

Bjarnarhöfn

Address:Helgafellssveit
Location:340,Stykkishólmur
Tel:438-1581 / 854-8161
Fax:
Service provided in:Museums
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The Agricultural Museum of Iceland

The Agricultural Museum of Iceland

Address:Hvanneyri
Location:311,Borgarnes
Tel:433-5000 / 433-5070
Fax:
Service provided in:FarmingMuseums
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