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In West Iceland, the history becomes vivid with every step, whether on account of the Sagas, folklore or just tales of men and the matters of men, the scenes of these stories are everywhere.
Most of the Icelandic Sagas were written in West Iceland, such as Egils Saga, Sturlunga, Laxdaela and Eyrbyggja, hence the name West Iceland - The Sagaland.
 
What does West Iceland Sagaland stand for?

Whether you are travelling on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or driving, your trip will be much more interesting with good guidance or information about the places you visit.

  • Interpretation and study of nature in West Iceland
  • Geology of West Iceland
  • Stories of outlaws
  • Folk tales and stories of elves and trolls
  • Social and cultural history of West Iceland
  • Customs and employment in West Iceland
  • Fishing stories of West Iceland
  • Stories of the settlement and the heroes of the Icelandic sagas
  • Stories of the university communities of West Iceland
  • Stories of the development of West Iceland
  • Stories of pilgrims and entrepreneurs
  • Travel stories

Share your stories of your trip through West Iceland with your family and friends.

Saga sites

Borg
Originally the home of Skalla-Grimur, father of Egill, hero of Egil´s Saga. Its full name means "rock in the marshes". The farmstead was defined by Kveld-Ulfur, Egill Skalla-Grimsson's grandfather, who got on the wrong side of King Harald Fairhair of Norway and fled to Iceland. As they approached Iceland on their way from Norway, Kveld-Ulfur became…
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Brákarey Island Borgarnes
Brakarey is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The island was named after Egill's nanny and Skalla-Grimur´s slave Thorgerdur brak, after Skalla-Grimur killed her and she drowned in the sea near it. From the island is a great view over Borgarfjord.
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Eirik the Red´s homestead in Dalir
Eiríksstaðir is one of most historic sides of Iceland. 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 1000 years ago, sharing their crafts and knowledge.
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Geirshólmi in Hvalfjorð
During the Sturlung Age 1220 - 1264, a company of men led by Svarthofdi Dufguson, a follower of Sturla Sighvatsson used the island Geirsholmi as a base for raiding the surrounding countryside. The tourist service at Bjarteyjarsandur nearby offers storytelling trips about Geirsholmi.
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Saga and Heritage

The Settlement Center in Borgarnes
Offering a wealth of information, the Settlement Center provides a wonderful insight into Iceland’s history. It also gives you the chance to put your visit into the context of the country’s past. The exhibitions recreate the fascinating drama of the sagas and the birth of this island nation. They also bring to life one of Iceland’s most important c…
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Trollpark in Fossatún
Location
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Other (2)

Ólafsdalur í Gilsfirði Erluhraun 4 220 Hafnarfjörður 6932915
Dagbjört Dúna Rúnarsdóttir Böðvarsholt 356 Snæfellsbær 867-4451

Museums

The Leif Eiriksson Center
The Leif Eiriksson center is an exciting destination for all ages, where stories of the voyages of Erik the Red and his son Leif the Lucky (also called Leifur Eiríksson), discovering parts of Greenland, Canada and the US, are presented in a new exhibition, consisting of works from ten renowned Icelandic visual artists. An audio guide will lead you …
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Norwegian House - Regional Muesum
Norwegian house: The regional museum  of Snæfellsnes The Norwegian house, built in 1832, was the first wood-frame residence with two full-sized storeys in Iceland. The wood was imported from Norway hence the name. It was the home of Árni Ó. Thorlacius (1802–1891) and Anna M. Steenback (1807–1894) and has been renovated partially back to its origina…
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The Settlement Center in Borgarnes
Offering a wealth of information, the Settlement Center provides a wonderful insight into Iceland’s history. It also gives you the chance to put your visit into the context of the country’s past. The exhibitions recreate the fascinating drama of the sagas and the birth of this island nation. They also bring to life one of Iceland’s most important c…
Read more

Other (1)

Pakkhús Museum Ólafsbraut 12 355 Ólafsvík 857-5050