Snorrastofa

About the museum

Snorrastofa in Reykholt in Borgarfjörður was formally founded on 23 September 1995 with the signing of its charter. It is a research institute in Icelandic and European medieval studies and also a visitor reception point at the ancient seat of the chieftain Snorri Sturluson. The idea of a museum at Reykholt is older, however: the headmaster Kristinn Stefánsson raised it in 1931.

The buildings were designed by Garðar Halldórsson, and construction began at Whitsun 1988, alongside a new church at Reykholt. President Vigdís Finnbogadóttir laid the cornerstone on 6 September 1988, and on that occasion Norway gave the place a national gift. The premises were brought into use on 29 July 2000, and the first scholar stayed in the research flat in February 2001. In 1999 Snorrastofa received the library of Jakob Benediktsson, around six to seven thousand volumes.

The main exhibition, “Saga Snorra” (The Saga of Snorri), traces the life of Snorri Sturluson (1179–1241) in text and images, along with his surroundings and times. The reception area also holds the Húsafellssteinar (Húsafell stones), grave slabs from the late 19th century carved by the descendants of Rev. Snorri Björnsson of Húsafell, which depict the life of the parishioners of Reykholt. Visitors receive an audio guide with the exhibition, and guided tours of the exhibition, the church and the library can be booked.

Highlights

• The exhibition “Saga Snorra” on the life and times of Snorri Sturluson
• Húsafellssteinar, carved grave slabs from the late 19th century
• Audio guide with QR code
• Library and research institute in medieval studies
• Guided tours of the exhibition, church and library by appointment

Permanent exhibitions

• Saga Snorra – Exhibition in text and images on the life of Snorri Sturluson (1179–1241), his surroundings and his times.
• Húsafellssteinar – Carved grave slabs from the late 19th century that depict life among the parishioners of Reykholt.

Founded

1995

Admission & discounts

The admission price includes the audio guide “Snorri í Reykholti”. School groups pay ISK 800 per pupil at primary school and ISK 1,700 per pupil at secondary school, with a minimum of 10 pupils; secondary school groups receive a presentation.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Children under 16 enter free.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

There is a shop at the reception. The old regional secondary school has conference and meeting facilities, and accommodation is available on site.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Conference and celebration hall in the old regional school, and smaller rooms for meetings and group work.

Plan your visit