About

Eiríksstaðir is a historical site in Haukadalur valley, West Iceland, believed to be the birthplace of Erik the Red (Eiríkur rauði Þorvaldsson), one of Iceland's most famous Viking Age figures. Erik discovered and settled Greenland around 985 AD after being exiled from Iceland. Archaeological excavations in the 1990s uncovered the ruins of a Viking Age longhouse on this site. Based on these findings, a full-scale reconstruction was built using period-accurate materials and techniques: turf walls, timber frame, and a grass roof. The reconstructed longhouse measures approximately 15 metres long and contains a central hearth, sleeping benches, and work areas. During the summer season, costumed interpreters demonstrate Viking Age crafts, cooking, and daily life. Visitors can enter the longhouse, handle replica tools, and learn about the sagas. A modern visitor centre nearby provides exhibits on Erik the Red, his son Leif Erikson (discoverer of North America), and the Viking expansion to Greenland and beyond. Eiríksstaðir is part of the Saga Trail, a tourism route through sites connected to Iceland's medieval sagas.

📖 Story

Erik Þorvaldsson — known as Erik the Red — was born here around 950 AD. He was later exiled from Iceland for murder and sailed west, discovering Greenland. His son, Leif Erikson, would go on to discover Vinland (North America) around 1000 AD. Eiríksstaðir marks the beginning of this legendary Viking lineage. Today, a reconstructed longhouse stands on the original site, built using authentic Viking Age techniques. Costumed guides demonstrate daily life in the saga age — weaving, cooking, metalwork — bringing Iceland's most famous explorer family to life.

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