Bergþórshvoll

Background

History & Background

Bergþórshvoll is closely associated with Njáls saga, which places Njáll Þorgeirsson and his household here during the Icelandic Commonwealth period. The saga's account of the burning at Bergþórshvoll is one of its central episodes. The modern landscape is therefore culturally important as a traditional saga location, even though surviving buildings are not from the saga age.

Bergþórshvoll is best understood as a saga landscape rather than as a conventional attraction. In Njáls saga it is the home of Njáll Þorgeirsson and Bergþóra Skarphéðinsdóttir and the setting of the famous burning of Njáll and members of his household. The modern farm and surrounding landscape connect visitors with one of the best-known works of medieval Icelandic literature. Visitors should remember that this is a lived rural site and respect private property and any local access arrangements.