Reykholt - Snorri Sturluson's Home
Historic settlement where Snorri Sturluson wrote medieval sagas, with museum, hot pool, and literary heritage.
About
About Reykholt - Snorri Sturluson's Home
Historic settlement where Snorri Sturluson wrote medieval sagas, with museum, hot pool, and literary heritage.
Walk where Snorri Sturluson wrote the Norse myths — see his 800-year-old hot pool and museum celebrating Iceland's literary heritage.
Background
History & Background
This site in West Iceland is part of Iceland's rich tapestry of natural and cultural attractions. Iceland's history as a tourist destination stretches back to the 18th century, when European naturalists and adventurers first traveled to the island to study its unique geology and culture. Tourism grew steadily through the 19th and 20th centuries, accelerating dramatically in the 2010s. Today, Iceland welcomes over 2 million visitors annually, drawn by the same extraordinary landscapes and cultural heritage that have fascinated travelers for centuries.
Reykholt is located in Borgarfjörður valley, West Iceland. Key sites: - Snorralaug (Snorri's hot pool, c.1200) - Snorrastofa cultural center/museum - Reykholt church - Medieval settlement site Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241): - Wrote Prose Edda (Norse mythology) - Wrote Heimskringla (Norwegian kings) - Murdered here in 1241 Facilities: - Museum/cultural center - Café - Guided tours Access: - Route 50 in Borgarfjörður - 115 km from Reykjavík Nearby: Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Krauma
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Reykholt is sacred ground for Icelandic literature. Here, Snorri Sturluson wrote the Prose Edda and Heimskringla — foundational texts of Norse mythology and Norwegian kings' history. Snorralaug, his personal hot pool (still visible), was built around 1200 using geothermal water. Snorri was murdered here in 1241 during Iceland's civil war period. Today, Snorrastofa cultural center exhibits his life and work. The church cemetery holds his likely burial site. For anyone interested in sagas, Norse mythology, or medieval history, Reykholt is essential.
💡 Did You Know?
Snorralaug (Snorri's pool) still exists — built around 1200, it's one of Iceland's oldest constructed hot pools.
Local Legend
The Seal Woman of Breiðafjörður
The islands and shores of Breiðafjörður Bay in West Iceland are associated with the legend of the selkies — seal people who can shed their skins and take human form. In the most famous version, a farmer discovered a beautiful sealskin on the beach and hid it. A mysterious woman appeared and became his wife, but she always gazed longingly at the sea. Years later, she found the hidden skin and returned to the ocean, leaving her family behind. The story speaks to the deep connection between Icelanders and the sea, and the understanding that some wild things cannot be tamed.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
✦ Best Time of Day
Visit this attraction during golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) for the most beautiful light.
Iceland's low-angle sunlight creates long shadows and warm colors that transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary ones.
✦ Local Knowledge
Ask locals for their favorite nearby spots — Icelanders are friendly and love sharing recommendations.
The best experiences often come from local tips about lesser-known viewpoints, cafés, or hidden natural features.
✦ Weather Changes
Don't leave if the weather is bad — wait 15 minutes and it often changes dramatically.
Iceland's rapidly changing weather can transform a gray scene into a spectacular display of light and clouds in minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Location
📍 Location
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