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Reykholt

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Landmark
—°2
Reykholt (Iceland)

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Reykholt is one of Iceland's most vital historical and cultural landmarks, located in the scenic Reykholtsdalur valley in the West. During the 13th century, it was the home of Snorri Sturluson, Iceland's most famous saga writer, historian, and chieftain, who authored the 'Prosaic Edda' and 'Heimskringla' here. The Snorrastofa Cultural Centre is now dedicated to his legacy and the study of medieval literature. A highlight of the site is Snorralaug, a small geothermal pool that is believed to be one of the oldest man-made structures in Iceland. Just a short drive away are the unique Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, where water emerges directly from beneath a lava field. Reykholt is roughly a 90-minute drive from Reykjavík. The area is rich in geothermal activity and provides a peaceful environment for those wishing to explore Iceland's intellectual and literary history.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-4-4-314910961-2-3
Rain mm160148141111877792101155123129159

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Reykholt is an open historical site with the Snorrastofa museum. The church and surroundings are freely accessible.
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Typical hours
The museum typically has seasonal hours, longer in summer. The outdoor area is accessible anytime.
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Photography
Photography is allowed outdoors and inside the museum (no flash). The Snorri bath is a nice motif.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on museum depth. The nearby hot springs invite relaxation.
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Combine with
Combine Reykholt with the hot waterfall Deildartunguhver and Skálholt church.
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Getting there
Reykholt is in West Iceland on Route 550, about 1.5 hours by car from Reykjavík.
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Insider tip
Visit the Snorrastofa museum and immerse yourself in the sagas - good on a rainy day.

Geography

Coordinates
64.66667, -21.30000

Facts

  • Home of Snorri Sturluson
  • Snorrastofa Cultural Centre
  • Snorralaug (historic pool)
  • Near Hraunfossar waterfalls
  • Reykholtsdalur valley
  • Key center for Sagas
  • 90 minutes from Reykjavík
  • Geothermal area

Explore nearby

Notable places around

ReykholtReykholt<1 km · SEExplore →
BaulaBaula22 km · NExplore →
KaldidalurKaldidalur28 km · SEExplore →
GlymurGlymur31 km · SExplore →
Borg á MýrumBorg á Mýrum32 km · SWExplore →
Borgarnes Settlement CenterBorgarnes Settlement Center33 km · SWExplore →
Hvammsvik Settlement HistoryHvammsvik Settlement History35 km · SExplore →
SkjaldbreiðurSkjaldbreiður39 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 Reykholt (2)

Snorrastofa🏛 museum

Independent research centre in Reykholt, focusing on Icelandic culture and history.

🕒 May-Aug Mo-Su,PH 10:00-17:00; Sep-Apr Mo-Fr 10:00-17:00♿💶

Snorralaug

13th-century bath in Reykholt, used by the Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson.

♿

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who was the most important historical figure in Reykholt?
Snorri Sturluson, a famous medieval poet and politician, lived and died here.
What is Snorralaug?
A historic thermal pool from the 13th century, one of the oldest in Iceland.
Is there a museum in Reykholt?
Yes, the Snorrastofa center is dedicated to research on Snorri Sturluson and the Middle Ages.
Can you stay overnight in Reykholt?
Yes, there are hotels and guesthouses in the village, serving as a good base for West Iceland.
What natural attractions are nearby?
The spectacular Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls are just a short drive away.
Reykholt: where is it located?
Reykholt is located in Iceland.
Reykholt: what is there to see?
Highlights include Snorrastofa, Snorralaug.
Reykholt: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Reykholt: why is it worth visiting?
Reykholt is one of Iceland's most vital historical and cultural landmarks, located in the scenic Reykholtsdalur valley in the West.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Reykjavík — Reykholt (Iceland)
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Hafnarfjörður — Reykholt (Iceland)
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Hafnarfjörður — Reykholt (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 — Reykholt (Iceland)
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Mosfellsbær — Reykholt (Iceland)
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Garðabær — Reykholt (Iceland)
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Akranes — Reykholt (Iceland)
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Seltjarnarnes — Reykholt (Iceland)
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Vestmannaeyjar — Reykholt (Iceland)
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Blue Lagoon (Grindavík) — Reykholt (Iceland)
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Grindavík — Reykholt (Iceland)
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Hveragerði — Reykholt (Iceland)
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Hveragerði — Reykholt (Iceland)
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Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall — Reykholt (Iceland)
Reykjavík City Hall
Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.
Hvolsvöllur — Reykholt (Iceland)
Hvolsvöllur
A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.
Reykholt — Reykholt (Iceland)
Reykholt
This was the home of Snorri Sturluson, the famous 13th-century historian and poet.

Nature

Baula — Reykholt (Iceland)
Baula
Baula is a striking, almost perfectly conical mountain in western Iceland.