Valþjófsstaður

Background

History & Background

Valþjófsstaður was an important medieval manor associated with the Svínfellingar and has been a church site since the thirteenth century. The present church dates from 1966, while the site's best-known artefact is the medieval Valþjófsstaður door, whose original is held by the National Museum of Iceland.

Valþjófsstaður is an ancient manor deep in Fljótsdalur and has had a church since the thirteenth century. The estate was one of the main centres of the Svínfellingar family, members of whom played prominent roles during the conflicts of the Sturlunga Age. The church that stands there today was consecrated in 1966. Inside is a replica, carved by Halldór Sigurðsson of Miðhús, of the famous 13th-century Valþjófsstaður door. The original medieval door was first used at a manor and later as an interior door in the old church; it is now preserved by the National Museum of Iceland.