Reykjavík 871±2

History & Background

The story of Reykjavík 871±2 begins with a remarkable archaeological discovery. During construction work in 2001, excavators unearthed the remains of a significant Viking Age longhouse, dating back to the settlement era. What made this find particularly extraordinary was the presence of a distinct layer of volcanic ash, or tephra, directly above the ruins. This tephra layer, originating from an eruption of the Torfajökull volcano, has been precisely dated to 871 AD, with a margin of error of just two years. This geological "timestamp" provides irrefutable evidence that the longhouse was built and inhabited around the time of Iceland's earliest known permanent settlement. This longhouse is believed to be among the very first structures built in Reykjavík, offering tangible proof of the sagas' accounts of Ingólfur Arnarson, traditionally considered Iceland's first permanent Norse settler. The site also includes a 10th-century stone wall, believed to be part of an enclosure, indicating continuous habitation and development in the area long before Reykjavík officially became a town. The decision to build a museum directly over these preserved ruins ensures that this pivotal piece of Icelandic heritage is protected and made accessible, allowing future generations to connect directly with the island's foundational moments.

Practical Information