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Eiríksstaðir

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Eiríksstaðir, located in the Haukadalur valley, is the ancestral home of Erik the Red, the Norse explorer who founded the first settlement in Greenland, and the birthplace of his son Leif Erikson, the first European to reach North America. The original 10th-century longhouse was abandoned following a landslide, but extensive archaeological excavations conducted between 1997 and 1998 revealed the structural footprint of the Viking age farmstead. Today, the site features a living history museum with a faithful reconstruction of the longhouse, built using traditional methods involving turf walls and timber frames based on the archaeological findings. The reconstruction provides an authentic glimpse into the daily life, social hierarchy, and craftsmanship of the Viking Era, illustrating how the early settlers adapted to the harsh Icelandic environment. Visitors can explore the interior of the longhouse and learn about the saga of the Norse westward expansion across the Atlantic. The site serves as a vital cultural monument, preserving the legacy of the prominent figures who shaped medieval Nordic history.

Location: Iceland
Nearby: Reykhólar (51 km)

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Eiríksstaðir is a reconstructed Viking longhouse near Haukadalur, open as a museum. Visitors can tour the interior and learn about Erik the Red and Leif Erikson.

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Typical hours

The museum is typically open daily from 10 to 6, June through August. Outside summer, hours are limited; advance booking is recommended.

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Photography

Photography is allowed indoors without flash; the exhibits offer a glimpse into Viking life. The outdoor area with the reconstruction and surrounding landscape is also photogenic.

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Time needed

Tour of the house and grounds takes about 30-45 minutes. If you also visit nearby Haukadalur geothermal area, plan 1.5 to 2 hours total.

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Combine with

Combine Eiríksstaðir with the nearby Haukadalur geothermal area, which includes the Strokkur and Geysir geysers. Also, the Glacier Museum in Húsafell and the Barnafoss waterfalls are worthwhile destinations.

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Getting there

Eiríksstaðir is about 100 kilometers east of Reykjavík on Ring Road (Route 1) then Route 37. A rental car is the best option; there is no direct bus service.

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Insider tip

Read up on Erik the Red before your visit to better appreciate the site's historical significance. Combine the visit with a drive through the scenic Haukadalur valley.

Geography

Coordinates

65.12110, -21.53690

Facts

Birthplace of Leif Erikson, born around 970 AD.
The original longhouse covered approximately 50 square meters of floor space.
Major archaeological excavations took place in 1997 and 1998.
The reconstruction was completed in 2000 to mark the millennium of the discovery of Vinland.
Erik the Red lived here until he was outlawed from the district for manslaughter.
Traditional turf-building techniques were used to recreate the 10th-century structure.