Eiríksstaðir Viking Longhouse
About Eiríksstaðir Viking Longhouse
Eiríksstaðir is a living history museum in Haukadalur valley in the Dalir district of West Iceland, set beside the ruins of the farm where Eiríkur rauði, better known as Erik the Red, lived in the 10th century. His son Leifur Eiríksson, the Norseman who reached North America around the year 1000, is thought to have been born here. A full-size turf longhouse stands a short walk from the original foundation walls, so you see both the ruin and a version of the home it once was.
The longhouse was built in 1999 as a piece of experimental archaeology, using the methods, tools and materials that would have been at hand in Iceland a thousand years earlier. Its timber is driftwood, and the turf walls are stacked in the herringbone pattern known as klambra og strengur. Inside, guides in period dress tell the saga of Erik the Red by the fire in English throughout the day, and you can try on a chain mail shirt and hold replica weapons.
A paved path leads past a statue of Leifur to the excavated ruins. Digs in 1938 and from 1997 to 2002 uncovered a small longhouse and a pit house used for weaving and spinning, both dated to between 850 and 1000. The farm was abandoned when Erik's family moved away, and the saga goes on to tell how he was outlawed and sailed west to settle Greenland.
Eiríksstaðir is open from spring until October 31, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Adult tickets cost ISK 2,900, students and seniors pay ISK 2,500, and children 12 and under get in free with an adult. Plan on about an hour, and add Eiríksstaðir to a drive between Borgarnes and the Westfjords or Snæfellsnes.
The museum is about 20 minutes from Búðardalur and about 1 hour 15 minutes from Borgarnes, turning off Route 60 into Haukadalur. From Reykjavík the drive takes about 2 hours 30 minutes each way.
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Good to know
What is Eiríksstaðir?
Eiríksstaðir is a living history museum in West Iceland with a reconstructed 10th-century turf longhouse beside the ruins of Erik the Red's farm. Costumed guides tell the saga inside the house.
Was Leif Erikson born at Eiríksstaðir?
Leifur Eiríksson, known in English as Leif Erikson, is thought to have been born at Eiríksstaðir, the farm of his father, Erik the Red. The foundation walls of that farmhouse can still be seen on the site.
How much does it cost to visit Eiríksstaðir?
Adult tickets cost ISK 2,900 and students and seniors pay ISK 2,500. Children 12 and under get in free when they come with an adult.
When is Eiríksstaðir open?
The museum is open from spring until October 31, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed in winter, and groups of more than ten should book ahead.
How do you get to Eiríksstaðir?
Drive to Búðardalur in the Dalir district, then follow Route 60 and turn into Haukadalur valley; the museum is about 20 minutes from Búðardalur. From Reykjavík the trip takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
How long do you need at Eiríksstaðir?
About an hour is enough to hear the saga in the longhouse and walk the path to the original ruins.
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