The Saga Museum

The Saga Museum, situated close to Old Harbour, is a treasure house of Icelandic history, culture, folklore and an exhibition of life that existed in Iceland for over a millennium. The museum gives accounts of early settlements in various parts of Iceland, recalling important historical, social, cultural and even climatic and geological activities. 

The Saga Museum, situated close to Old Harbour, is a treasure house of Icelandic history, culture, folklore and an exhibition of life that existed in Iceland for over a millennium. The museum gives accounts of early settlements in various parts of Iceland, recalling important historical, social, cultural and even climatic and geological activities.

Enthusiasts have the option of using audio-guides, which provide a self-guiding experience. The audio-guides, which gives details as visitors move along various sections, is available in multiple languages, besides Icelandic and includes English, French, German, Spanish, Swedish and Russian. The museum also chronologically displays the effect of volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes, storms and other natural calamities, besides disease, and epidemics, including the dreaded Black Death, on Icelandic population. Various interesting aspects of early settlements, historical figures and Vikings, including the man who is said to be the first settler in Iceland, Ingólfur Arnarsson and great poet Snorri Sturlusson, besides other legends from the Sagas are on display.

Also highlighted is the account of Leif Eriksson’s path-breaking voyage to Vinland, the first European to discover America, about 500 years before Columbus. A gift-shop, situated in the museum, is an ideal place for those keen on collecting curios and memorabilia. The end of the tour provides an opportunity to try on Viking attire and take back wonderful memories.

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