History from the ashes

Saga-Age Farmhouse
opening hours:
1/6-31/8
10:00-12:00 and 13:00-18:00

At other times by arrangement

The farmstead site at Stöng is accessible all year

120 km from Reykjavík

Homepage
www.thjodveldisbaer.is

In the days of the Old Commonwealth, the valley of the river Þjórsá was grassy and flourishing, but in 1104 the valley was laid waste by an eruption from Mt. Hekla. The farms that were buried under a layer of tephra (volcanic ash) have been a goldmine for archaeologists: sites of about 40 buildings have been unearthed in Þjórsárdalur, and the best preserved and most remarkable is the farmhouse at Stöng, excavated in 1939. Based upon the Stöng farmhouse, a replica Saga-Age Farmhouse was built in 1974 to mark the 1100th anniversary of the settlement of Iceland. The replica farmhouse stands at the mouth of the valley, together with a replica of an early church. Þjórsárdalur offers a variety of natural beauty, with many impressive waterfalls such as Háifoss (122 m) at the head of the valley, Hjálparfoss at the mouth of the valley, and Gjárfoss, one of the attractions of Gjáin, a beautiful unspoiled gorge accessible on foot from Stöng. The valley offers many footpaths, along with camping facilities and a swimming pool (open in summer). A wide range of tourist services are available nearby.