For fans of Vikings: Valhalla and The Last Kingdom walk, where Erik the Red plotted his exiles, Leif Erikson dreamed of Vinland, and sagas of betrayal and glory were etched into the land itself. This article on Viking Iceland explores Erik the Red’s homestead, Viking festivals, and Iceland’s Norse legacy. Perfect for fans of Vikings: Valhalla and history buffs!
Why Iceland?
Iceland is the Viking Age frozen in time. Settled by Norse explorers in the 9th century, its language remains nearly unchanged from Old Norse, and its landscapes volcanic plains, fjords, and turf-clad ruins still whisper tales of survival, ambition, and myth. This itinerary blends filming locations, archaeological wonders, and living Viking culture for a journey that’s as epic as the sagas.
1. Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park: Where Laws Were Forged
“Here, free men decided fates under open skies.”
- History: The Alþingi, established in 930 AD, was the Viking world’s first democratic parliament. Chiefs gathered annually to settle disputes and declare laws, including Iceland’s conversion to Christianity in 1000 AD7.
- What to Do:
- Stand between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates – a geological marvel and UNESCO site.
- Follow the Law Rock (Lögberg), where speakers addressed the assembly.
- Series Link: The dramatic rift valleys inspired Vikings: Valhalla’s rugged backdrops.
2. Reykjavik: Sagas, Ships & Sword Selfies
“A city where Norse gods duel with hipster cafés.”
- Settlement Exhibition: Descend underground to see a 10th-century longhouse, Reykjavik’s oldest structure, with interactive displays of Viking life.
- Saga Museum: Pose with wax figures of Erik the Red and Snorri Sturluson, the saga-writer whose works inspired Game of Thrones.
- Sun Voyager: Snap a selfie at this steel Viking ship sculpture, symbolizing Iceland’s exploratory spirit.
Pro Tip: Book a MINK Viking Portrait Studio session to transform into a fearsome raider (fur cloak included!).
3. Eiríksstaðir: Home of Exiles & Explorers
“From here, Erik the Red fled to Greenland – and his son Leif found America.”
- History: This reconstructed turf longhouse in West Iceland was Erik’s homestead. Archaeologists found tools and gaming pieces hinting at family life.
- What to Do:
- Grind barley with a Viking quern or try archery in the yard.
- Hear tales of Leif Erikson’s voyage to Vinland (Newfoundland) over a hearth fire.
4. Viking Festivals: Battles, Feasts & Fire
“June is for axes, ale, and alliances.”
- Hafnarfjörður Viking Festival: Held annually in June, this event features:
- Battle Reenactments: Watch the Rimmugýgur Viking Club clash with axes (safety-tipped!).
- Viking Market: Buy hand-forged jewelry or bone-carved tools.
- Feast at Fjörukráin: Devour lamb smoked with birchwood, served by singing Valkyries.
5. The Westfjords: Ruins & Raiders’ Hideouts
“Where outlaws and explorers carved their legends.”
- Hrafna-Floki’s Farm: See the ruins of the explorer who named Iceland after a disastrous winter killed his livestock.
- Grettisvarda Cairn: Hike to the burial mound of Grettir the Strong, Iceland’s most infamous outlaw.
- Arctic Fox Trail: Track the elusive fox – descendants of pets brought by Vikings.
6. Viking Museums: Relics & Replicas
- Viking World (Reykjanes): Board the Íslendingur, a replica ship sailed to New York in 2000, and explore exhibits on Norse mythology.
- National Museum of Iceland: Marvel at Thor’s Hammer pendants and the Valthjófsstaður Door, carved with Sigurd the Dragon-Slayer’s saga.
- Hofsstaðir (Garðabær): Walk through Iceland’s largest excavated longhouse, where 30 Vikings once feasted.
7. Snorrastofa: Where Myths Were Written
“Snorri Sturluson’s hot tub still bubbles with ideas.”
- History: The scholar-politician Snorri wrote the Prose Edda, preserving Norse myths like Ragnarök.
- What to Do:
- Tour his 13th-century estate in Reykholt, complete with a geothermal bath.
- Join a workshop on rune-carving or saga storytelling.
8. Practical Tips for Modern Vikings
- Rent a 4×4 Campervan: Navigate F-roads to remote sites like Hrafna-Floki’s ruins.
- Learn a Phrase: “Skál!” (Cheers!) – essential for mead toasts.
- Dress Code: Layer up – Iceland’s weather is as unpredictable as a Viking raid.
References and Usefull Links
- Official: Visit Iceland
- Reddit: “Best Viking experiences in Iceland” r/travel
- Tour: Far Horizons Viking Iceland Tour
Disclaimer:
- Filming Note: While Vikings: Valhalla used Icelandic landscapes, specific filming sites are guarded secrets.
- Cultural Respect: Many sites are sacred (e.g., burial mounds). Avoid climbing or disturbing artifacts.
- Accessibility: Turf houses and ruins may have uneven terrain; contact sites in advance.
- Sustainability: Stick to marked paths to protect fragile archaeology.
- Updates: Verify festival dates via Hafnarfjörður Tourism.
Ready to visit Iceland? Pack a sense of adventure, a waterproof jacket, and tag #VikingIcelandJourney in your saga-worthy snaps!
For deeper dives, explore our companion piece: Vikings Unleashed: A Historical Journey Through the UK’s Norse Legacy.
