Nestled in the valley known as Reykholtsdalur, Reykholt is a small and tranquil community in Borgarfjörður, western Iceland. Today, it is home to only about 60 people, yet its historical significance reaches far beyond its humble size.
Snorri Sturluson’s home and legacy
Of all the names linked to Reykholt, Snorri Sturluson stands out. This influential figure from the Middle Ages was both a poet and a political leader. He lived in Reykholt from the early 13th century until his death there in 1241. His writings about Old Norse mythology and language have provided crucial insight for scholars around the world. Snorri’s farm and the remains of his bath, which included a geothermally heated pool (Snorralaug) and an excavated tunnel leading from the house, are present-day witnesses to his life and times. The pool itself is among the oldest structures of its kind remaining in Iceland.
Modern Reykholt honours this heritage through the Snorrastofa, an institution focused on medieval studies and research related to Snorri and his era. Established in 1988 at a ceremony attended by both Icelandic and Norwegian dignitaries, this centre has made the village a meeting point for scholars. There is also a library that collects works related to Snorri, and a statue of him, created by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland and given to Reykholt in 1947, stands in the village square.
Archaeological exploration is an ongoing effort in Reykholt. Researchers have uncovered many medieval remains, deepening knowledge of Icelandic history and shedding light on the life and customs of past centuries. Recent years have seen major excavations around the church, where Snorri is believed to have been buried.
Village life and the surrounding region
Although small, Reykholt contains a school and makes use of the local geothermal resources. Hot water, drawn from springs named Skrifla and Dynkur, provides heating for greenhouses, a swimming pool, and homes. The tradition of bathing here is centuries old, with written records mentioning the pool and hot water supply from as early as the 1200s.
The area also attracts those interested in natural phenomena. Japanese scientists have been present in the region, researching the aurora borealis. Beyond the village itself, the landscape includes remarkable geological sites such as Hraunfossar, a series of lava waterfalls 20 kilometres away, and Surtshellir, a notable lava cave located about 35 kilometres off. On the road to Borgarnes, the Deildartunguhver hot springs release more hot water than any other spring in Iceland, with an output reaching 180 litres each second at nearly boiling temperature.
Sources
- Wikipedia
- Wikipedia (Icelandic) in Icelandic
