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Borgarnes Settlement Center

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Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)

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Landnámsssetur Íslands, better known as the Settlement Center in Borgarnes, is an award-winning museum dedicated to the early history of Iceland. Housed in two of the town's oldest buildings, it opened its doors in 2006. The center features two main exhibitions: one dedicated to the Viking settlement of Iceland in the 9th and 10th centuries, and the other detailing the life and deeds of Egill Skallagrímsson, the protagonist of the famous Egils Saga. Through the use of multimedia technology and artistic displays, the harsh reality of the first settlers and the complex world of the Icelandic sagas are vividly brought to life. The town of Borgarnes is intrinsically linked to the plot of Egils Saga, as many of the events described took place in the immediate vicinity. The museum serves not only as an educational facility but also as a cultural hub with a popular restaurant offering traditional Icelandic cuisine. It is an essential stop for travelers wishing to gain a profound understanding of the island's historical heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1-102591110731-1
Rain mm1341241199473647790136109114136

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Settlement Center in Borgarnes is a museum dedicated to the early history of Iceland and Egils Saga. It is housed in two historic buildings and open to visitors.
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Typical hours
Typically open daily, with longer hours in summer and shorter in winter. It is advisable to check the exact times on the website in advance.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the museum, but without flash in the exhibition rooms. The interactive exhibits and saga panels provide good photo subjects.
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Time needed
Plan about 1 to 1.5 hours to see the permanent exhibitions and multimedia presentations. If you also visit the café, allow 2 hours.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a walk around Borgarnes or nearby Borg á Mýrum. The town also gives nice restaurants and a harbor.
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Getting there
The museum is located in central Borgarnes, right on the ring road. Parking is available nearby, and it is also walkable from the bus station.
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Insider tip
Make use of the audio plays or guides, often available in multiple languages. Book tickets online to avoid queues, especially in summer.

Geography

Coordinates
64.53580, -21.92110

Facts

  • The center was opened in Borgarnes in 2006.
  • It is housed in buildings dating from 1890 and 1900.
  • The exhibitions are available in 14 different languages.
  • Egill Skallagrímsson was a famous 10th-century warrior and poet.
  • The museum has received several awards for its innovative exhibition design.
  • Borgarnes is located approximately 75 kilometers north of Reykjavík.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

BorgarnesBorgarnes<1 km · NEExplore →
Grunnafjordur Wetland ReserveGrunnafjordur Wetland Reserve17 km · SExplore →
Grundartangi Industrial CenterGrundartangi Industrial Center21 km · SExplore →
AkranesAkranes25 km · SExplore →
HítardalurHítardalur30 km · NWExplore →
ReykholtReykholt33 km · NEExplore →
EsjaEsja35 km · SEExplore →
GlymurGlymur36 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Borgarnes Settlement Center (7)

Kaupgangur

A shopping district in Borgarnes with stores and services along the main street.

The Settlement Center🏛 museum

A museum in Borgarnes covering the settlement of Iceland and the region's sagas.

🕒 10:00-21:00💶

Safnahús Borgarfjarðar🏛 museum

The museum in Borgarnes preserves cultural heritage and exhibits from the Borgarfjörður area.

🕒 Mo-Su 13:00-17:00🆓

Gamli Sparisjóðurinn

The old savings bank building in Borgarnes, a historic structure from the early 20th century.

Skallagrímsgarður🌳 park

A park in Borgarnes named after saga figure Skallagrímur, featuring green spaces and walking paths.

Borgarfjarðarbrú

The bridge in Iceland spans the Borgarfjörður, connecting the shores for road traffic.

Borgarkirkja

The church in Borgarnes is a temple in Iceland, serving the local congregation.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the exhibition about?
It covers the settlement of Iceland and Egil's Saga.
Are there audio guides available?
Yes, audio guides are available in several languages, including English.
Is the center suitable for children?
Yes, the visual exhibitions are engaging and interesting for families.
How long does a visit take?
You should plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours for both exhibitions.
Is there a restaurant on site?
Yes, the on-site restaurant is well-known for its healthy buffet.
Borgarnes Settlement Center: where is it located?
Borgarnes Settlement Center is located in Iceland.
Borgarnes Settlement Center: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kaupgangur, The Settlement Center, Safnahús Borgarfjarðar.
Borgarnes Settlement Center: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Borgarnes Settlement Center: why is it worth visiting?
Landnámsssetur Íslands, better known as the Settlement Center in Borgarnes, is an award-winning museum dedicated to the early history of Iceland.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Reykjavík — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.
Kópavogur — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Kópavogur
Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.
Hafnarfjörður — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Hafnarfjörður
Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.
Hafnarfjörður — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Hafnarfjörður
A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.
Keflavík — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Keflavík
Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.
Mosfellsbær — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Mosfellsbær
Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.
Garðabær — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Garðabær
Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.
Selfoss — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Selfoss
Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.
Akranes — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Akranes
Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.
Seltjarnarnes — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Seltjarnarnes
Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.
Vestmannaeyjar — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.
Blue Lagoon (Grindavík) — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)
Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.
Grindavík — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Grindavík
Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Hveragerði — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Hveragerði
Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.
Hveragerði — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Hveragerði
Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Reykjavík City Hall
Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.
Hvolsvöllur — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Hvolsvöllur
A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.
Borg á Mýrum — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Borg á Mýrum
This was the historical farm of Skalla-Grímur Kveldúlfsson and later his son Egill Skallagrímsson, the most famous saga hero.

Nature

Grunnafjordur Wetland Reserve — Borgarnes Settlement Center (Iceland)
Grunnafjordur Wetland Reserve
This estuary is a significant stopover for migratory birds like the brent goose on their journey to Greenland.