Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 433 8000;
www.snorrastofa.is
;admission Ikr1200; 10am-6pm May-Aug, to 5pm Mon-Fri Sep-
Apr)
The interesting medieval study centre Snorrastofa is devoted to celebrated medieval poet,
historian and statesman Snorri Sturluson, and is built on his old farm, where he was bru-
tally slain. The centre houses displays explaining Snorri's life and accomplishments, in-
cluding a 1599 edition of his
Heimskringla
(sagas of the Norse kings). There's also materi-
al on the laws, literature and society of medieval Iceland, and on the excavations of the
site. You can ask to see the modern church and reading room upstairs.
Snorralaug
SPRING
The most important relic of Snorri's farm is Snorralaug (Snorri's Pool), a circular, stone-
lined pool fed by a hot spring. The stones at the base of the pool are original (10th cen-
tury), and it is believed that this is where Snorri bathed. A wood-panelled tunnel beside the
spring (closed to the public) leads to the old farmhouse - the site of Snorri's gruesome
murder. The pool may be the oldest handmade structure in Iceland.
Church
CHURCH
Among the more modern buildings found on Snorri's ancient farm is a quaint church dat-
ing from 1896, which is open to the public. A 1040-1260 cistern for a smithy was found
beneath it in 2001; look for the viewing glass in the floor.
Deildartunguhver
SPRING
(Rte 518)
Find Europe's biggest hot spring, Deildartunguhver, about 5km west of Reykholt, just off
Rte 518. Look for billowing clouds of steam, which rise from scalding water bubbling
from the ground (180L per second and 100°C!). A take-and-pay tomato stall is usually set
up in the parking lot - the tomatoes are grown in a nearby greenhouse which harnesses the
spring's energy.
Icelandic Goat Centre
FARM
( 435 1448;
www.geitur.is
;
Rte 523, Háafell;tour per person Ikr1000; 1-6pm Jun-Aug)
