Iceland review - 2016, Page 106

SPECIAL PROMOTIONWEST ICELAND
HISTORIC GROUNDS
Borgarbyggð is a vast municipality in
West Iceland that covers nearly five
percent of the country’s area. The region’s
roughly 3,700 inhabitants are happy to
share their spectacular surroundings and
history with visitors.
SAGA VILLAGE
The largest town in Borgarbyggð is the
‘saga village’ Borgarnes, which services
the whole of West Iceland, but accommo-
dation and tours are also offered at vari-
ous other places in the area.
Reykholt was the home of Snorri Sturlu-
son, one of the world’s greatest writers.
This is where he documented stories of
Icelandic settlers and put Norse mythology
into writing to preserve it for generations
to come.
SPECTACULAR SURROUNDINGS
The area boasts natural marvels, such as
Grábrókargígar, 3,000-year-old volcanic
fissure craters; the ice tunnel in Langjökull;
mossy lava fields; the most famous caves
in Iceland, Surtshellir and Víðgelmir; many
salmon rivers and spectacular mountains.
Nature and stunning landscapes that
change colors each season, and a palpa-
ble connection to Iceland’s past is what
makes a visit to Borgarbyggð an absolute
must. Iceland’s strong foundation is en-
twined with the history and landscapes
of Borgarbyggð, which makes the area
a precious place for both Icelanders and
visitors.
The region is easily accessible from
Reykjavík, both by car and public trans-
port, all year round.
borgarbyggd.is
visitborgarnes.is
BRINGING VIKING-ERA ICELAND
TO LIFE
Part art installation, part walk-through
storybook, the Settlement Center in
Borgarnes, West Iceland, has long inspired
guests with its imaginative approach to Ice-
landic history and culture.
PERSONAL GUIDED TOURS
There are two exciting exhibitions at the
Settlement Center: the first recreates
settlement-era Iceland, while the second
explores the colorful life of the poet-warrior
Egill Skallagrímsson. The stories come to
life as you listen to the audio-guide; avail-
able in 15 different languages.
Visitors can start their adventure with
the Settlement Center as soon as they ar-
rive in Iceland, by downloading a free
smartphone app with GPS-navigated
audio tours. It’s called Locatify Smart-
Guide North Atlantic.
The first tour narrates the drive from
Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík,
onwards to Borgarnes, and around West
Iceland, pointing out sites of historical in-
terest along the way, including locations
from Egils saga.
ENLIGHTENING AND
NOURISHING
Ideally located just an hour outside
Reykja vík, the Settlement Center is open
year-round—even on Christmas and New
Year’s Days. It’s a great destination for
winter travelers, who can start their day
with a little history and end it, if they’re
lucky, with a stunning view of the northern
lights.
Don’t forget to drop by the Settle-
ment Center’s in-house restaurant, which
offers a variety of Icelandic specialties, like
plokkfiskur (a creamy mashed fish stew),
lamb, fresh fish, mussels and lobster; as
well as pasta dishes and hamburgers,
light refreshments, homemade cakes and
vegetarian options—not to mention a
popular lunch buffet.
landnam.is
THE SETTLEMENT CENTER IN BORGARNES IS AMONG THE BEST IN HISTORICAL EDUTAINMENT IN ICELAND.
104 ICELAND REVIEW
West Iceland is where many of the settlers
took land and started a new Nordic
society, including today’s Borgarbyggð.
Borgarnes. Hraunfossar.