Iceland review - 2016, Page 102

West Iceland
– where the sagas were written.
SAGALAND
No wonder West Iceland was chosen Lonely Planet’s 2016 Best
in Travel, one of the world’s top ten regions to visit. The area
combines what Iceland is made of: stunning landscapes and re-
markable history. It’s easily accessible all year round—by public
transport, or by car.
EXPLORE THE PAST
The Settlement Center in Borgarnes is a good point of entry into
the history and heritage of Iceland. Explore what life was like for
the first settlers through a wondrous multimedia journey. Then
enjoy a wander around an art exhibition telling the story of war-
rior-poet Egill Skallagrímsson, made immortal by Egils saga, one
of the Icelandic sagas, believed to have been written by chieftain
and scholar Snorri Sturluson.
Thanks to Snorri, Norse mythology was carefully documented
in Snorra-Edda, as well as the narration of the Old Norse kings
through his Heimskringla. Snorri’s legacy is an important input in
Northern European history and culture, as he was considered one
of the greatest writers of all time. Snorri’s old residence, Reykholt,
is a small village nearby, where his life story is told at the Snor-
rastofa cultural center. Ancient structures can also be visited, such
as the great writer’s hot bathing pool, Snorralaug, as well as the
ruins of Snorri’s farm and the old church.
ASTONISHING LANDSCAPES OF THE
GEOPARK
Reykholt is located within the Saga Geopark, a 2,270-km2
(876-sq-mi)-area of magnificent diversity of varied geology.
So why not venture farther into the Geopark and book a tour
to explore some of the many caves in Borgarfjörður, such as
Víðgelmir, one of the largest lava caves in the world, and Surt-
shellir, Iceland’s longest cave? Not to mention the man-made
ice tunnel in Langjökull glacier? There are numerous other
noteworthy places within the Geopark, such as Hraunfossar
waterfalls and Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartun-
guhver.
Farther north, you’ll come across Eiríksstaðir, the farmstead
of Eiríkur rauði (‘the Red’), discoverer and settler of Green-
land, which also makes it the birthplace of his son Leifur hep-
pni (‘the lucky’) Eiríksson, who discovered North America. A
spectacular archaeological site, Eiríksstaðir offers visitors a
chance to travel back in time in a replica of the original farm-
house. Modern-day Vikings demonstrate the lifestyle of 1,000
years ago during the summer months and at other times by
arrangement.
SPECIAL PROMOTIONWEST ICELAND
Eiríksstaðir, the reconstructed manor of settler Eíríkur rauði
(‘the Red’), which is now a living museum.
100 ICELAND REVIEW