A classic family saga
Þingeyrar church and visitor centre, Klausturstofa, next to the church are open
1/6- 31/8 daily
10:00 - 17.00
Other times by arrangement
240 km from Reykjavík
and 150 km from Akureyri
Homepage:
www.vatnsdalur.is
   
   
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Vatnsdalur and Þing in east Húnavatnssýsla provide the setting for the renowned Vatnsdæla saga (the Saga of the People of Vatnsdalur), which tells the story of the family from Hof in Vatnsdalur. The saga begins when Ingimundur the Old settled in Iceland from Norway around 900 and ends in the first half of the eleventh century. It is thought to have been written down around 1270 by scribes in the monastery at Þingeyrar (1133-1550). The present church at Þingeyrar (consecrated 1877) is a unique stone building from that time and contains many precious ecclesiastical objects. A tourist centre has recently been built there. The project On the Trail of Vatnsdæla Saga aims to preserve and present the many relics connected with the saga, mark them and make them accessible. The relics create a comprehensive impression of how people lived in the days of the settlement. Þingeyrar makes a convenient starting point for exploring the setting of the saga. Historic landmarks abound along the 50 km grassy, fertile valley of Vatnsdalur. At the mouth of the valley is the strange swarm of hills known as Vatnsdalshólar, which are said to be uncountable. A growing range of tourist services is available in Vatnsdalur.
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