Landmarks and Historic Places

Akranes Folk Museum offers a unique insight into past times in Akranes and surrounding area. The museum's exhibition is in several houses, some of which were moved from other parts of town. The permanent exhibition reflects living conditions and life at sea, in rural areas, at work and in play. In the museum there is also a micro-cinema and a space for temporary exhibitions. A visit to Akranes Folk Museum offers something for all senses.   Opening hours Week days: Saturdays: Sundays: June 2nd - September 15th: 10:00-17:00 10:00-17:00 10:00-17:00 other times upon request

Ólafsdalur by Gilsfjörður, history of 1000 years Ólafsdalur is a small valley, surrounded by high mountains, where the first acriculture school in Iceland was established in 1880. The beautiful school-building is from 1896. Remains of many other buildings and man made remains from 1880-1900. Recently found remains of a Viking longhouse from 9-10th century.  Opening hours: 12:00-17:00 from July 25th - August 15th. Ólafsdalur family festival will be held August 14th.   

Discover the charm of Icelandic folks songs with Travel Tunes Iceland in Akranes. Would you like to meet local musicians and have a fun, unique experience?Travel Tunes Iceland offer you their wonderful music program introducing Icelandic folk songs. We are a family of three, musicians Vala (Valgerður) and Doddy (Þórður) and our daughter Sylvía. We live in a small fishing town called Akranes in Icelands West region, only a 40 minutes drive from Reykjavík. Small groups can visit us in our own home for a living room concert. For larger groups we can invite you to a concert in an old, charming house in the beautiful Akranes Folk museum area, in Akranes lighthouse or in our brand new activity center, called Smiðjuloftið. Please contact us for information on prices, locations and booking.

The Settlement Centre is located in the village of Borgarnes just one hours drive from Reykjavik on road no 1 towards the north. Exhibitions In two exhibitons The Settlement Centre tells the Saga of The Settlement of Iceland and Iceland´s most famous viking and first poet Egill Skallagrimsson. It gives the traveler a good foundation for further knowledge when traveling in Iceland. Audio guides in 145 languages: English, German, French, Italian, Polish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Dutch and Icelandic. A complete circuit of each exhibition takes about 30 minutes. 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. Egil´s 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. Restaurant & Café The restaurant & café offers a selection of soups & starters, vegetarian courses, fish and meat dishes, children's menu, deserts and cakes. Hot beverages, wines and beer. Shop The gift shop, Hladhond, offers selection of souvenirs, crafts and design. Opening hours   All year round 10:00-21:00 Also open on request for groups.  

A unique historical place, where you can step back to the Viking Era and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and scents 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 of the 10th century, sharing their crafts and knowledge.Opening hoursWeek days:Saturdays:Sundays:May 1st - September 30th:10:00-16:0010:00-16:0010:00-16:00Also open on request for groups.

Reykholt is one of Iceland's most renowned historical sites where some of the finest works of Old Icelandic literature were written. Snorrastofa, a cultural - and medieval centre, founded in memory of Snorri Sturluson,and situated in his ancient homestead at Reykholt. Snorrastofa manages various research projects and provides reception and information for travelers, historical exhibitions, guided tours and lectures. Books on history and culture, Icelandic handicraft and souvenirs are available in the shop. Guest accommodation for scholars and facilities for conferences and gatherings Concerts in the church of Reykholt.  Opening hours Weekdays: Saturdays: Sundays: May 1st - August 31st: 10:00-17:00 10:00-17:00 10:00-17:00 1st September - April 30th: 10:00-17:00 Closed Closed Open on request during winter weekends.

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