Reykholt

Many travelers to Iceland may have learnt that there are a few places with identical names, but are set in different municipalities – Reykholt is one good example. Of course, the popular and historical Reykholt lies in Reykholts dalur valley in west Iceland and the other Reykholt near Selfoss in south Iceland, both located 133 km from each. 

Many travelers to Iceland may have learnt that there are a few places with identical names, but are set in different municipalities – Reykholt is one good example. Of course, the popular and historical Reykholt lies in Reykholts dalur valley in west Iceland and the other Reykholt near Selfoss in south Iceland, both located 133 km from each.

Here we aim to highlight Reykholt of cultural, historical and ecclesiastical importance, which was also the center of learning since the medieval period. With amazing centuries-old churches which are said to have been built during the period of the advent of Christianity in Iceland, Reykholt has also been home to Snorri Sturluson, a powerful chieftain who was also a Saga writer and poet. Some important attractions here include Snorri’s bath, one of the first archeological remains to be listed in Iceland in 1817, the stained glass windows in Reykholt Kirkja church and the exhibition centers.

The sparsely-populated town with barely 80 inhabitants, also has a school center and a library which focuses on the works of Snorri Sturluson. In the vicinity are the lava waterfalls, Hraunfossar and also the caves, Surtshellir, which are situated in the lava field, Hallmundarhraun. Barnafoss, which literally means ‘child falls’ has been so named after two boys fell off the stone bridge and drowned in the river below, is also located close by. 

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