Plizio Visual Lab

Munkaþverá

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

ruins

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Munkaþverá in Eyjafjörður is a significant historical site, best known as the location of a Benedictine monastery founded in 1155. The monastery quickly became a prominent center of learning and played a vital role in the religious and political landscape of medieval Iceland. Prominent historical figures are associated with the site, including Abbot Bergur Gunnsteinsson and the renowned scholar Snorri Sturluson, who held strong family ties to the area. Following the Reformation in 1550, the monastery was dissolved, but the site retained its importance as a parsonage and a large agricultural estate. The current Munkaþverá church was built in 1844 and is noted for its harmonious proportions and simple elegance. A monument in front of the church commemorates the great statesman Jón Sigurðsson, whose family had deep roots in the region. Today, Munkaþverá stands as an important witness to Iceland's monastic history and the church's influence on the nation's early literary development.

Location: Iceland
Nearby: Akureyri (13 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-7	-6	-6	-3	-1	5	7	6	3	-2	-5	-6
Rain mm	110	96	100	87	86	71	98	104	126	132	125	121

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The ruined monastery site at Munkaþverá is completely open to the public outdoors without any fees. You can freely walk among the grassy remains and enjoy the peaceful riverside location while reading interpretive signs about the Benedictine monks and the Icelandic sagas.

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Typical hours

As an outdoor archaeological ruin site in Iceland, Munkaþverá is generally accessible at all hours without any restrictions. Visitors typically explore during daylight hours, and since there is no ticket office or entrance fee, you can come at any time during the day.

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Photography

Photography is allowed freely across the entire site, as it is an open-air archaeological area. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the extensive foundation walls and the surrounding riverside landscape.

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Time needed

Allow around 30 to 45 minutes for a walk around the ruin site. If you want to read the interpretive signs thoroughly, plan for a little extra time.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the nearby historic parsonage and church at Munkaþverá. The saga sites in the Eyjafjörður valley also make a worthwhile addition.

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Getting there

Munkaþverá is located in the Eyjafjörður valley and is accessible by car from the ring road and local roads. There is a small parking area right by the site, from which you walk.

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Insider tip

Visit the ruins in the late afternoon, when the soft light highlights the grassy stones beautifully. Bring binoculars to watch birds along the nearby river.