Iceland Tour: In the Path of the Vikings

Iceland Study Leader

Elizabeth Rowe received her BA magna cum laude, from Cornell University and her PhD from the same institution. Her life’s work began with her dissertation “Fables in the best of sagas: Studies in the genre of the Old Norse mythic-heroic saga”. A specialist in Medieval Icelandic and Norwegian history, Dr. Rowe is currently Professor of Scandinavian History and Head of the Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic Studies, University of Cambridge in England. In addition to her post at Cambridge, she leads the medieval section of the International Manuscript Summer School (held alternately in Reykjavik and Copenhagen). She is a prolific writer who has published numerous articles and encyclopedia entries, along with several books including, The Medieval Annals of Iceland, The Development of Flateyjarbók: Iceland and the Norwegian Dynastic Crisis of 1389 and Ragnarr Loðbrók in Medieval Icelandic Historiography, a study of a Viking hero known from Viking Age Old Norse poetry and sagas. She also has been a panelist or commentator on several programs on the Vikings including on BBC Radio and The History Channel. Dr. Rowe was Historical Consultant and writer for the video game Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice that has won twenty awards, including five BAFTA Video Game awards. Her knowledge of both Icelandic history and the sagas makes her an exceptional leader. ​

Iceland Tour Itinerary

(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner

Day 1: Depart for Iceland.

Day 2: Arrive Reykjavik Airport by 7am in the morning. (Note: If people want to come in early, arrangements can be made for the hotel and other services.) Upon leaving the airport stop by the Viking World Museum, home of the Íslendingur, the Icelander. Built in 1996, the vessel is an exact replica of the famous Gokstad, a remarkable archaeological find of an almost completely intact Viking ship, excavated in Norway in 1882. Additionally, the museum houses the Viking millennium exhibition produced by the Smithsonian Institution. Called Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga, it reveals the Norse settlement and explorations of unknown lands. Then it’s on to the renowned Blue Lagoon. Here, geothermal waters keep the bathing temperature at 39°C (102°F) year-round and we will test the waters! Note: this stop is based on availability. Our hotel for the next two nights is the boutique Apotek, housed in an historical building that was once a pharmacy and located in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. (L/D)

Day 3: Snorri Sturluson was a 13th century Icelandic historian, poet, politician, and the author of the Prose Edda saga. A renowned leader, he was twice elected as lawspeaker to the Icelandic parliament, the Althing. Presently his former estate at Reykholt, where he resided from 1206 until 1241, is the Snorrastofa Research Center. While here, learn about the excavations of his home and inspect the 800-year-old, still functioning ‘hot tub’ that Snorri built for his bathing enjoyment. Continue to Hraunfossar. Flowing out of this lava field are a series of rivulets. Then we wander to Barnafoss, a rapid waterfall just a short walk away. The Icelandic horse is derived from ponies brought to the island by Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries. Due to archaeological excavations in Europe, we now know that this equine is descended from an ancient breed. Markedly, it has been preserved in isolation and now is extinct outside of Iceland. At Sturlureykir Horse Farm we will learn about these special animals. Dinner is on our own to enjoy one of Reykjavik’s excellent restaurants. (B/L)

Day 4: As we traverse the southern edge of Iceland, we will take in several interesting sites. Keldur at Rangárvellir is an 11th century farm that has over 20 still-standing turf structures. This historic settlement once belonged to Ingjaldur Höskuldsson, a character in Njál’s Saga, along with other medieval literature. Accordingly, Keldur Hall was constructed in the old stave method. Subsequently, lovely carved moldings decorate the old wood and turf house. Interestingly, from the hall there is an underground tunnel thought to date from the 12th to 13th century. Certainly, it was an escape route during times of conflict. If available, we meet with the curator who will discuss the lengthy history of the farmstead. The extraordinary Skógasafn Museum is a collection of altogether 18,000 regional folk craft exhibited in three museums and six historical buildings on the property. Handsomely displayed are old bibles, ornate gold and silver jewelry, hundred-year-old cars and farm equipment, and other items from everyday life. Particularly of notice are the 18th and 19th century national costumes worn by women along with their elaborately decorated side-saddles. Our final stop is at Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s biggest and unquestionably most beautiful waterfalls. Any time the sun emerges, a rainbow is produced by the voluminous spray of the cascading water. In the town of Vik, on the southern tip of the island, we spend two nights in the lovely Hotel Kria in the town of Vik, (B/L/D)

Day 5:Today’s all-day excursion takes us further east. Our first stop is Reynisfjara where ebony basalt columns dominate a sparkly black sand beach. In 1991, National Geographic voted Reynisfjara as one of the top 10 non-tropical beaches to visit on the planet. Our ultimate goal is Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the national parks of Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur along with the Vatnajökull ice cap. At Skaftafell there is a short, easy trail leading to the base of Skaftafellsjökull Glacier. Bordering Vatnajökull, we will see the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón where still waters are dotted with aquamarine icebergs from the upstream glacier. Generally, seals cavort among the icebergs in search of dinner. At the end of our long day, return to Vik and the Hotel Kría. (B/L/D)

Day 6:Begin today with an opportunity to walk behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss waterfall (we’ll wear raincoats here!). After that, we board a ferry to Heimaey off Iceland’s south coast and the only occupied island in the Westman Archipelago. In Icelandic called Vestmannaeyjar, these land masses were formed by underwater volcanic eruptions. In 1973, Eldfell Volcano on Heimaey erupted. The lava flow destroyed buildings and forced a months-long evacuation of the entire population to the mainland. The fascinating Eldheimar Museum reveals the results of this eruption’s destruction. As we walk through the town, stop to admire the church. This is a replica of the Norwegian Haltdalen stave church which was built around 1170. Return to the mainland and continue to Reykjavik and the Hotel Apotek for five nights. Lunch is on our own. (B/ /D)

Day 7: Our explorations take us into the mountains and river valleys east of Reykjavik through stunning landscape to early Old Norse sites. Situated in the lower part of the Biskupstungur Valley, Skálholt was one of two episcopal seats in Iceland. Certainly, the first cathedral was built here in the 12th century. Subsequently, as many as ten churches have stood in this spot. Finally, the present sanctuary dates to the 1950s. While excavating for the foundation, a sarcophagus was found. Inside were the remains of Páll Jónsson, a bishop who died in 1211. Today, the coffin is on display in the church crypt. We continue into Haukadalur Valley to the Geysir Geothermal Area. Within the region are a plethora of hot springs and geysers. Here, we will watch Strokkur Geyser shoot jets of boiling water high into the air every few minutes. Nearby, view Gullfoss waterfall’s dramatic show produced by the melting waters from Langjökull Glacier. Along the way, stop to see Kerið volcanic crater lake. Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, on the UNESCO Tentative List, is a rift valley. Remarkably, this gorge marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. A venerated spot to Icelanders, this is where the open-air gathering of the National Assembly, called Althing, was established in 930. The Althing continued to meet at this spot until 1798. Over two weeks a year, the assembly met to set laws and settle disputes. Significantly, it was here that the nation abandoned the Old Norse pagan belief system and, in 1000, converted to Christianity. Nearly a millennium later, in 1944 on this spot, Icelanders declared their independence from Denmark and confirmed their first President. Greenhouses in Iceland use geothermal waters of hot springs to grow vegetables. At Friðheimar Greenhouse Farm we will learn about the cultivation of tomatoes. Moreover, 30% of the tomatoes eaten on Iceland are cultivated here! Afterwards, we will lunch on produce grown on this farm. And on our way back to Reykjavik, we will dine on lobster at Fjöruborðið Restaurant. (B/L/D)

Day 8: During this morning, we visit two splendid museums in Reykjavik. The National Museum of Iceland displays enthralling exhibitions illustrating the story of Iceland’s past, from the medieval days of Viking settlements to current contemporary culture. Unquestionably unique, the Valthjófsstadur Door, a medieval church gate dated to 1200. Beautifully carved, it displays the legend of the lion-knight that appears in several Icelandic sagas. In 2001, the remains of a 10th century Viking longhouse were found during excavations in downtown Reykjavik. To preserve this historic discovery, The Settlement Exhibition museum was built around the remains of the hall. After seeing the exhibit, we will lunch in a typical restaurant serving Icelandic cuisine. The afternoon is free to explore Reykjavik’s historic area with dinner on our own. (B/L)

Day 9:One thousand years ago, Viking farmers settled in Þjórsárdalur Valley unaware of a nearby volcano. Unfortunately, Mt. Hekla erupted in 1104 and twenty-two settlement farms were destroyed. As a result, one of these farmsteads, Stöng, had been hidden under massive layers of pumice for 835 years. But in 1939 archaeologists excavated the exceptionally well-preserved ruins. Today, the remains of the long house are protected by an enclosed building. In the 10th century, according to the Saga of Njáll, the Viking Gaukur Trandilsson lived at Stöng. Consequently, a reconstruction of the Viking-era farming complex where he lived, Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng, was developed. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)

Day 10: A variety of cultural and natural history awaits us today. Located at the head of the fjord in Borgarnes, Landnámssetur Settlement Exhibition tells the Saga of The Settlement of Iceland. Additionally, an exhibition of Egil´s Saga profiles one of the most colorful of all the saga heroes. Following our visit, we drive north to the picturesque fishing town of Stykkishólmur, overlooking the natural harbor of Breiðafjörður Bay. While here, see Stykkishólmur’s graceful church, opened in 1990. It was designed by the Icelandic architect Jón Haraldsson and the altarpiece was painted by Kristín Gunnlaugsdóttir. Our last stop is Eiríksstaðir, the former homestead of Eiríkr Þorvaldsson, known as Erik the Red. After being exiled from Iceland for committing a murder, he is remembered in medieval and Icelandic saga sources as having founded the first settlement in Greenland. Most compelling evidence points to Eiríksstaðir as the birthplace of Leif the Lucky who is said to have discovered America. Return to Reykjavik in the evening. Gather this evening for our final dinner party in one of the city’s exceptional restaurants. (B/L/D)

Day 11: Transfer to the airport for our morning flight back to the USA.

Tour Cost

CALL (per person, double occupancy) Includes round trip international airfare in economy class from New York to Reykjavik; airport transfer arrival or departure of the group flight; all hotels; meals as noted in the itinerary; ground transportation; entry fees; gratuities to guides and drivers; and emergency evacuation insurance.

Single Supplement: CALL.  Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement will be charged.

Cost does not include: a separate $150.00 (per person) donation check; passport or visa fees; airport or departure taxes; beverages or food not included on regular menus; laundry; excess baggage charges; personal tips; email, telephone and fax charges; necessary vaccines or tests; or other items of a personal nature.

Fuel Surcharges: Far Horizons must pass on price increases when additional fuel charges are levied.

Donation Checks: As a tour company that benefits from the cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to the scientific and cultural projects and museums we visit. This has created a bond between Far Horizons and the academic and local communities that has helped us establish an extensive list of lecturers and contacts in each of our destinations. We ask that each participant write a check to the noteworthy project we designate. The donation amount is $150.00 per person.

Registration

A deposit of $750 per person is required along with your registration form. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information. Prior to the trip, we will send links to various websites of pertinent interest. Click here to download our Registration Form.

Cancellations and Refunds

Cancellations received in writing at least 120 days before departure will receive a refund less a $450 per person administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 120 days before the departure date will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Upon registering for the tour, the purchase of travel protection with both trip cancellation and emergency evacuation is strongly advised. Insurance recommended by Far Horizons can be reviewed by clicking HERE.

Air Ticketing

International flights from New York to Reykjavik are included in the cost of the trip. If you do not arrive or depart on the group flight, you are responsible for all transportation (including airport transfers) to join the group. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased. Please contact Far Horizons if you would like for us to handle your air ticketing. NOTE: If you would like to upgrade to business class, please be aware that seats are very limited.

Travel in Iceland

This trip is not difficult. There will be several long days traveling on winding and not always paved roads into remote areas. You will be walking into and around sites extensively, at times over uneven terrain for a mile or more. Waterproof hiking boots are strongly advised. Hotels will be charming, but will not be five-star. Bell staff may not be available so you may have to carry your own luggage. The weather in Iceland is quite variable, with sudden and frequent changes. Layers and a warm rain jacket are recommended. All participants are expected to be physically active and able to walk independently throughout our very full touring days. Keeping up with the group is each participant’s responsibility. Team spirit and a good sense of humor are vital! If you have questions about your ability to handle this sort of challenge, please call us.

Private Tours of Archaeological Sites

The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be on site when our groups arrive due to other commitments.

This Archaeological Tour to Iceland is limited to 14 participants