Tel.: +354 511 1517

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Vibrant museum
The Saga Museum intimately recreates key moments in Icelandic history, moments that have determined the fate of our people and which give a compelling view into how Icelanders have lived for more than a millenium.

Visitors to the museum are guided through the museum´s many attractions as well as through a chronological history of the country. In this vibrant, multidimensional museum, both Icelandic and foreign visitors are given an opportunity to learn about Icelandic history in a way that is both educational and fun.

Replicas of historical Icelandic figures
Life-like replicas of historical Icelandic figures have been created, based on descriptions found in the Viking sagas and chronicles. In order to achieve authenticity, clothing, weapons and everyday objects were constructed using traditional methods passed down through the ages. The weapons were specially crafted, and the wool and linen articles dyed by hand.

Journey into a turbulent past
Throughout the period of settlement, everyday life in Iceland was very difficult. The weather was hardly friendly for most of the year and the land was still volcanically active. The Icelanders often fell victim to eruptions, earthquakes, avalanches and other natural catastrophes that made their lot even harder. And, if that was not enough, they were also subject to the notorious Black Death that led to the destruction of more than a third of the population. However, none of this deterred those who lived here and they developed a remarkable culture with a literature that equals that of any other country in Europe.

No such museum would be complete without its tally of horrors, and among the more gruesome events which can be experienced there are the execution of Jón Arason (Iceland’s last Catholic bishop), the burning at the stake of Sister Katrín (Iceland’s first heretic), and a taste of the famous and bloody battle at Örlygsstaðir.

The Saga Museum is open:
in the summer and all weekends from 10-18
and in the winter on weekdays from 12-17

Take a CD walk through.