Iceland review - 2016, Qupperneq 107

SPECIAL PROMOTION WEST ICELAND
Explore saga history in West Iceland.
Reykholt in Borgarfjörður, is a charm-
ing village in West Iceland with a
rich literary past and home to many his-
torical sites for travelers to explore.
Snorrastofa is a cultural center housed
where the famous chieftain and saga
writer Snorri Sturluson once lived.
SNORRI STURLUSON
Snorri is one of the most famous and im-
portant figures in European literature.
He penned Snorra-Edda, Egils saga and
Heimskringla before his death in 1241. As
an author and poet, Snorri preserved the
Norse cultural and mythological heritage
in his works, but it’s no less tempting to
see him as a man of the world: a man
who was nourished by the multinational
Roman Catholic culture from the time of
his childhood and was both directly and
indirectly a participant in the cultural life
and politics of Scandinavia.
CULTURAL HUB
Snorrastofa was established in 1995
as an independent research center to
investigate and collect information
on the medieval era in Iceland. Today,
Snorrastofa holds a tourist information
center, an exhibition on Snorri’s life, and a
public and research library. There’s also a
gift shop that sells books, CDs, and hand-
crafts. The Snorrastofa staff welcomes
travelers from around the world, interest-
ed in exploring the history and the famous
sagas of Iceland. Guests have the opportu-
nity to visit the exhibition, book a guided
tour, or attend a lecture by a knowledge-
able guide. Exhibition texts are offered
in Icelandic, English, Norwegian, German
and French.
snorrastofa.is
ICELAND REVIEW 105
WELCOME TO SNORRASTOFA
Hótel Bifröst offers quick access to
various must-see places in West Iceland,
and its surroundings ensure peace and
quiet for travelers seeking to recharge.
SERENITY AND
COMFORT
Located at a convenient driving dis-
tance from Reykjavík, a mere 100 km
(62 miles), Hótel Bifröst is a great base for
anyone wanting to explore West Iceland.
NATURE ALL AROUND
The extraordinary Snæfellsnes peninsula,
the green Dalir region, picturesque fjords
such as Grundarfjörður, Borgarfjörður and
Hvalfjörður, are all within reach. Hótel Bi-
fröst is also a great starting point for or-
ganized tours to Langjökull and Þórisjökull
glaciers, as well as for those who want to
dive into Iceland’s history by visiting the
Settlement Center in Borgarnes, or the
War and Peace museum in Hvalfjörður.
For those seeking tranquility, Bifröst
is set in the middle of a mossy lava field,
with easy walking paths leading to Hreða-
vatn lake, volcanic crater Grábrók, Glanni
waterfall and Paradís, a serene hollow; all
within 30 minutes of hiking. On dark winter
evenings, it’s the ideal place for viewing
the northern lights.
VISIT ANY SEASON
The hotel is open all year round and has
larger-than-average en-suite rooms, which
makes it a good basecamp for more than
one night.
All rooms come with a fridge, tea/coffee
making facilities, satellite TV and include
breakfast, as well as a free wi-fi. The hotel
also boasts high-standard meeting facili-
ties for groups. The hotel restaurant offers
light meals and à-la-carte evening menu in
winter, all-day menu in summer.
hotelbifrost.is