Viking Iceland: A Viking Age Travel Guide

Thanks to famous tales of discovery involving the likes of Erik the Red and Leif Erikson, Iceland’s Viking legacy is a significant draw for tourists today.

Despite the lack of Viking ship excavations that we see in Norway and Denmark, or the absence of runestones that are common in Sweden, Iceland’s rich stories of the Viking Age remains just as compelling.

Although most tourists visit Iceland for its breathtaking volcanic landmarks and thermal springs, the country is a hot history destination too. But if you’re not familiar with the Viking Age, it’s well worth spending some time getting to grips with the basics upfront to make the most of your visit.

Viking Iceland: From settlement to legacy

The Norse, despite settling Iceland, were not the first to reach its shores. Irish monks had inhabited the island, but when the Scandinavian explorers arrived sometime in the late 9th century, they discovered a deserted land.

Or at least, that’s what historians thought for years. The recent discovery of the remains of a longhouse suggests that at least some Vikings were aware of the island long before mass settlement took place. Whenever Iceland was settled, it quickly became an important base for the Norse people.

This Viking legacy deeply permeates Icelandic language and culture to this day. Icelandic as a language remains strikingly similar to Old Norse, the language of the Vikings, forming a living linguistic link back to the Viking Age.

Many traditional customs, folk tales, and superstitions trace their roots to Viking times. Today, the Viking Age is celebrated through art, literature, festivals, and historic sites, making the Vikings’ enduring influence a very visible aspect of Icelandic identity.

Discover the Icelandic sagas in Reykjavik

The Icelandic sagas offer a vibrant window into the Viking Age. The sagas narrate tales originally told orally, but weren’t transcribed until a few hundred years later. This time gap could have led to variations in the accounts, making the sagas’ accuracy a subject of much speculation among historians.

Iceland’s capital city Reykjavik is the ideal place to learn more about the sagas. Start your discovery of these enthralling tales at the Saga Museum, where notable events from the sagas are highlighted through exhibits and an English language audio guide.

For an entertaining interpretation, try to catch the 75-minute comedic performance of Icelandic Sagas: The Greatest Hits, delivered in English by two acclaimed Icelandic comedians. Expect to pay almost $50 for a ticket to the show, which is held three-times weekly during the summer.

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While in Reykjavik, visit the Settlement Exhibition to witness an open archaeological excavation brought to life through modern digital technology. Discovered in 2001, the remains of a 10th-century building—likely a longhouse—are the earliest such remains discovered in the city.

Viking sculptures in Reykjavik

Two Viking-themed sculptures in Reykjavik have become important landmarks of the city and are a must for selfie-seekers. A statue of Leif Erikson—credited by some as the discoverer of the Americas—greets visitors outside the impressive Hallgrimskirkja church.

Sun Voyager (Sólfar) is a striking steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, located by the sea. It resembles a Viking ship and is said to convey the promise of undiscovered territory, a dream of hope, progress, and freedom.

Replica Viking ships and longhouses

The Norsemen’s shipbuilding prowess played a crucial role in their discovery of Iceland. Similarly, longhouses protected them from Iceland’s severe winters. Today, you can see recreations of these iconic structures.

Although no Viking ship remains have been unearthed in Iceland, a wonderful replica exists. Crafted in 1996, Íslendingur (the Icelander) is an exact reproduction of the renowned Gokstad ship, discovered in Norway in 1882. This stunning replica is showcased at Viking World, a dedicated museum near Keflavik International Airport.

The archaeological park at Hofsstadir offers another glimpse into the past, showcasing a reconstructed longhouse that could have accommodated up to 30 people during the settlement period. Construction work here in the 1980s fortuitously led to the discovery of numerous artifacts, including a bronze brooch typical of those found in Jelling, Denmark, along with various metal objects.

Annual Viking festival

The annual Viking Festival in Hafnarfjörður is a key cultural event that brings Iceland’s Norse history to life. Held every June, the festival sees locals and tourists alike donning Viking attire, celebrating with traditional music, dance, and food.

Reenactments of Viking battles, traditional craft demonstrations, and a bustling market selling authentic Viking goods transport visitors back to the Viking Age.