The small village of Reykholt is tucked away in the western region of Iceland. Modest in size, but immense in historical weight, its principal significance is its close ties with Snorri Sturluson. Snorri was a man of many talents; lawspeaker, chieftain, writer and poet. His turbulent life was full of intrigue, living in a time reminiscent of A Game of Thrones, he was a prime mover in Iceland´s loss of independence to Norway, and it all ended here, dramatically, at Snorrastofa in Reykholt.
- Ricky Menzies
- Last Checked and/or Updated 29 August 2025
- Iceland
Nestled in the geothermally active region of Borgarfjörður, Reykholt has been described by scholars as one of the most important historic sites in Icelandic cultural memory, second only to Thingvellir. A place for the learned in medieval times, this was the final home of Snorri Sturluson, who penned both the Prose Edda (recommended translation) and Heimskringla (recommended translation). Some scholars have even floated the idea that he authored Egil’s Saga (recommended translation), although that remains a topic of debate.
Talking about Norse myths without mentioning Snorri is like discussing Shakespeare without Hamlet. His Prose Edda, or simply Edda, was an instruction manual on how to compose Skaldic poetry. Skaldic poetry relied on kennings, which in turn depended on a deep familiarity with Norse mythology. Snorri knew he had to outline some of the most well known myths of his time to help young Skalds (ancient Scandinavian poets and composers) create their own poetry using kennings (a figurative, two-word phrase that replaces a single noun, functioning as a poetic expression or metaphor to describe a person, place, or thing). Scholars argue scholars that he wrote the Edda as a way of protecting his cultural capital. You can read more about this theory in the scholarly book Snorri Sturluson and the Conversion of Cultural Capital.
The Prose Edda´s cousin, the Poetic Edda of the Codex Regius is generally more beloved, probably because, although younger, it is thought to have come directly from older sources. Yet, the origins of the Poetic Edda are anonymous. By knowing the provenance of the Prose Edda we are more aware of the historical context and biases of the author, allowing scholars to pick apart useful information from invention. From works such as the Sturlunga Saga, we know quite a lot about Snorri’s life.
Who is Snorri Sturluson ?
In 1179, Hvammur à Dölum, Dalasýsla Snorri was born to the renowned and powerful Sturlungar clan. At the age of three he was sent south to Oddi to be raised by Jón Loftsson, who had close ties to the Norwegian Royal Family. This would later have a significant impact on Snorri’s life as he grew up. At Oddi, Snorri received an education influenced by the scholarly legacy of Sæmundr fróði. After Snorri’s biological father died, his brothers squandered the inheritance, leaving Snorri at the brink of poverty. This was resolved with a strategic marriage to the daughter of a wealthy landowner in Borg, although the marriage would not last and in 1206 Snorri settled at Reykholt.
Along with wealth, Snorri inherited a chieftaincy that led to him becoming the Lawspeaker at the Althing at Thingvellir. His political position would take him to Norway where he found favour at the court of the Royal house of King Hákon Hákonarson. His skills as a poet earned him prestige and patronage with the Royal family allowing him to learn about the history and culture of the monarchs of Sweden and Norway. The King hoped to use Snorri to help him extend his power to Iceland. When Snorri returned to Iceland, it is thought he wrote both Heimskringla, also known as the Saga of the Kings of Norway.
Snorri seems to have played a dangerous game with the powers in both Norway and Iceland, which led to a clan feud between himself and his nephew Sturla Sighvatsson. Here began what is known in Icelandic history as The Age of the Sturlungs, the bloodiest era in Icelandic history. Snorri’s balancing act between Norwegian and Icelandic politics ultimately proved fatal. After defying the Norwegian king’s order to stay abroad, Snorri returned to Iceland to seek justice for his brother’s death. That defiance cost him his life. Assassins were sent, and he was killed in Reykholt in 1241. The Sturlunga Saga says his final words were, Eigi skal höggva! Do not strike!
Visiting Reykholt
About a 90-minute drive from Reykjavik, Reykholt is best known for its modern cultural centre, Snorrastofa. Built on the site of Snorri’s old estate, the centre was founded in 1995 and has become a hub of research and study of medieval history. Although divisive in his time, Snorri’s assassination led him to be martyred in the eyes of Icelandic culture. This has led to 24 books being published by Snorrastofa, drawing in scholars from around the world.
The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the life and works of Snorri Sturluson. A thought provoking exhibition of his works encourages questioning his purpose and motivations. It doesn’t dive deep into the mythological content of the Prose Edda or Heimskringla, but it gives a strong sense of why and how these works were created. Public events, lectures, and guided tours are regularly hosted, and there is a general library as well as a research library. The Snorrastofa museum gift shop deserves specific mention, as it has one of the most impressive collections of books I’ve seen at any Icelandic museum.
Accessibility is clearly a priority: the museum is fully wheelchair-friendly, all on one level, and audio guides are available in several languages. Display information is provided in both Icelandic and English.
Alongside presenting Snorri’s life, the archaeological story of the Reykholt area is also presented with artifacts and models. Between 2002 – 2007 excavations were undertaken around the 19th century wooden church, bringing to light a better understanding of the role played by the town during the medieval period. Visitors are also able to explore a number of historical features of the town, including a statue of Snorri and the famous Snorralaug, or ‘Snorri’s pool’. While it’s no longer permitted to bathe in it, the pool and the adjacent tunnel (which may have once been connected to Snorri’s house) are open to see, although be cautious, as the tunnel is dark and and the floor uneven.
Reykholt has been an ecclesiastical site since the middle ages and so the modern church is a continuation of this centuries-old tradition. Not far from the church is the 19th century wooden church, which is adjacent to the site of churches built and rebuilt on the same spot since the 11th century. Archaeologists have excavated the site, but it has been covered up again for conservation reasons – photographs of the excavation can be seen in the museum. The results of the archaeological research have been published in a book titled, The Buildings of Medieval Reykholt – the Wider Context – unfortunately this is not available to purchase online and no ebook exists.
Starting in the town are a number of short hiking trails have been created to allow visitors to enjoy the history natural beauty of the surrounding area. For those wishing to stay in the area for a few days, the town’s Fosshotel is open year round, and includes a restaurant and spa. Further afield you can explore such geological sites such as Deildartunguhver thermal springs, the Hraunfossar lava falls and Barnafoss waterfall, with its own eerie folklore.
Interactive Map of Historical Sites in Reykholt
Is Reykholt Worth Visiting?
Reykholt may not be the easiest place to get to, especially if you do not have access to your own transport. The town is around an hour -and-a-half’s drive from the centre of Reykjavik, to what is essentially the middle of nowhere. There are plenty of natural wonders surrounding this site, making it easy to incorporate into a road trip.
What ca not be understated though, is the cultural and historic importance of this place. While Thingvellir often gets the spotlight as Iceland’s most significant historical site, Reykholt makes a strong case for second place.
If you are interested in the Viking Age, medieval history, and Norse mythology, Reykholt offers a real insight. The museum’s exhibit focuses more on Snorri’s life and times than on the myths themselves, so if you’re hoping to dive deep into tales of Óðinn, Þórr, and Loki, you might walk away wanting more. But for historical context and an appreciation of how these stories survived, Reykholt is an essential stop on your itinerary.
What makes this site especially compelling is its ties to international medieval scholarship. Although a public exhibition, Snorrastofa is also used by academics and researchers in the field of medieval studies. This is reflected in both the libraries and the gift shop. Reykholt is definitely worth visiting if you are a particularly dedicated history enthusiast or historian and looking to dive deeper into the history of Norse myth and the Viking Age.
Add Reykholt to Your Itinerary & Travel Lists
Use our Itinerary Builder to add Reykholt to your Iceland itinerary and travel lists. You can see how this is done by watching our Using the Itinerary video on YouTube, or reading the Using the Itinerary page.
For more sites and museums in Iceland, see our Iceland Travel Guide.
Reykholt
Although a small village with only 60 or so inhabitants, during the Middle Ages Reykholt was one of the most important centres of learning in Iceland. The poet and politician Snorri Sturluson lived here, today the Snorrastofa Cultural and Research Centre is a testament to his work on the Old Norse language and mythology. Besides the Snorrastof Museum, there are a number of interesting medieval points of interest scattered about the village. Popular geological attractions nearby include the Deildartunguhver hotsprings, the Hraunfossar laval falls and Barnafoss waterfall. Fosshotel is open year-round, making this a perfect base to explore Iceland’s geological and medieval history throughout the year.
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