Iceland’s history is relatively young compared to the majority of other European countries, but that doesn’t make it any less interesting! Due to its isolation, the recorded settlement of Iceland didn’t begin until the late 9th century, when Norse Vikings landed on the island.
The Vikings established Iceland as their home, bringing their culture and traditions with them. Remnants of this history are still present in Iceland today, and in this article, we will look at the 9 best historical sites in Iceland and how to get to them.
1. Þingvellir National Park, South Iceland
Þingvellir National Park is one of the most important historical sites in Iceland. It’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and was the location of the Alþingi, the world’s oldest parliament, which was established in 930 AD. The park is also where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, and it is the only place in the world where visitors can walk or even snorkel between two continents.
How to get there by car: From Reykjavik, drive northeast on Route 36. The drive to the park’s entrance takes about 45 minutes.
2. The Settlement Center, Borgarnes, West Iceland
The Settlement Center in Borgarnes is a museum dedicated to Iceland’s early history and the Viking Age. Visitors can find exhibitions and displays that explore the lives of early settlers. One of Iceland’s most iconic sagas is that of Egil Skalla-Grimsson, which holds special relevance to the area, and there is an exhibit dedicated to him at the center.
How to get there by car? From Reykjavik, take Route 1 (Iceland’s Ring Road) north towards Borgarnes. The journey is approximately 75 kilometers (46 miles) and takes about an hour.
3. Glaumbær Turf House Farm, Skagafjörður, North Iceland
Located in North Iceland, Glaumbær Turf House Farm is an open-air museum that provides a look at how the people of Iceland lived up until about the 20th century. This farm, which is believed to date back to the 11th century, features multiple turf houses with grass-covered roofs that provided protection from the harsh climate. It’s now part of the Skagafjörður Heritage Museum, and visitors can go inside to see a range of historical artifacts.
How to get there by car? From Reykjavik, head north on Route 1 and then take Route 75 towards Sauðárkrókur. The drive is about 300 kilometers (186 miles) and takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours.
4. Skálholt Cathedral, Skálholt, South Iceland
Located in South Iceland, Skálholt was one of Iceland’s most important religious and cultural centers from the 11th century onward. The cathedral that is there today was rebuilt in the 20th century; however, there is still a lot of history. Visitors can find the tomb of bishops and a museum of historical artifacts in the church’s cellar. The current church is the 10th church built on this site.
How to get there by car? From Reykjavik, take Route 1 south and then Route 35 towards Skálholt. The drive is approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) and takes about 1.5 hours.
5. Stöng, Þjórsárdalur Valley, South Iceland
Stöng is a reconstructed longhouse from the Viking era, believed to have been abandoned after the eruption of Hekla volcano in 1104, which destroyed it. In 1939, the ruins were excavated by archaeologists, and later, the shelter, as it may have looked, was rebuilt so that the ruins were preserved. Located in Þjórsárdalur Valley, this site is just a short detour from the popular Iceland Golden Circle route, surrounded by many Iceland waterfalls and the Þjófafoss reservoir.
How to get there by car? From Reykjavik, take Route 1 east, then Route 30, and finally Route 32 towards Þjórsárdalur Valley. The drive takes about 2 hours and covers around 130 kilometers (81 miles).
6. Snorrastofa, Reykholt, West Iceland
Snorrastofa in Reykholt is dedicated to Snorri Sturluson, one of the most famous medieval figures in Iceland. Snorri was a chieftain, poet, and author of several notable sagas in Icelandic literature. The site includes a museum, library, and the remains of the old Iceland hot spring, Snorralaug.
How to get there by car? Drive from Reykjavik on Route 1 towards Borgarnes, then take Route 50 towards Reykholt. The journey is approximately 120 kilometers (74.5 miles) and takes about 1.5 hours. It makes a great stop if you’re on the way to North Iceland.
7. Eiríksstaðir, Búðardalur, West Iceland
Eiríksstaðir is the reconstructed homestead that is believed to have belonged to Erik the Red, the famous Viking who discovered Greenland. It has a replica of a longhouse, along with guides dressed in period costumes retelling the stories of Erik the Red and his son, Leif Erikson, who is thought to be the first European to reach North America. Its location on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula means there is lots to explore in the area.
How to get there by car? From Reykjavik, take Route 1 north, then Route 60 towards Búðardalur. The drive is around 150 kilometers and takes about 2 hours.
8. Hofskirkja Turf Church, Öræfi, South Iceland
Built in 1885, Hofskirkja is one of the few remaining turf churches in Iceland. The church is still in use today and is a popular tourist attraction in South Iceland. Visitors can explore the inside of the church and learn about how it was constructed. It’s also only about 20 kilometers southeast of the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, making it a convenient stop on your way.
How to get there by car? From Reykjavik, take Route 1 east towards Öræfi. The drive is approximately 350 kilometers (217.5 miles) and takes around 4.5 hours.
9. The Glacier Lagoon, Jökulsárlón, South Iceland
While most people know it for its natural beauty Jökulsárlón also has a historic significance. The lagoon formed after the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier started receding in the 1930s. While one of the most breathtaking sites in Iceland, the lagoon is also a symbol of the impacts of climate change, which have caused glaciers to recede quickly.
How to get there by car? From Reykjavik, take Route 1 east along the South coast of Iceland. The drive to Jökulsárlón is about 390 kilometers (242 miles) and takes roughly 5 hours.
Explore the Historical Site in Iceland
Iceland has an incredible history, from the ancient parliament at Þingvellir to the Viking longhouse at Eiríksstaðir. And the best way to see them all is by renting a car with Hertz Iceland. Rental cars provide the flexibility to visit these sites at your own pace and discover other locations along the way. Book your rental car online with Hertz Iceland today.
