Borgarnes Settlement Center
Vesturland
The Borgarnes Settlement Center is a museum complex located in the town of Borgarnes, Iceland, dedicated to the country's earliest days and the rich heritage of the Icelandic sagas. The center focuses particularly on Egil Skalla-Grimsson, a legendary Viking warrior and poet, featuring exhibitions that include original artworks and dramatic family stories from the 11th and 12th centuries. Situated in two of Borgarnes's oldest buildings-the warehouse and merchant house-the center offers immersive experiences with audio guides available in 15 languages and a children's guide in Icelandic. Visitors can explore the Settlement Exhibition, which narrates the story of Nordic Vikings' ocean voyages and Icelandic settlement, alongside the Egil Saga Exhibition showcasing cultural treasures and a striking statue of Kveldulf by Axel Hallkell Jóhannesson. The center also houses a licensed restaurant, café, and a souvenir shop, making it a comprehensive cultural destination. Borgarnes itself is historically significant as the largest town in the Borgarbyggð municipality and the gateway to the Snæfellsnes National Park, with ties to Egill Skallagrímsson’s farm, Borg á Mýrum. The museum's dedication to Icelandic heritage and its engaging storytelling make it a unique and enriching stop for visitors interested in Viking history and Icelandic culture.
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Astuce: The Settlement Center is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, with a restaurant serving a popular wellness buffet until 3 pm. To avoid queues, consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides are available in 15 languages, enhancing the visitor experience. Groups can arrange visits outside normal hours by prior booking. The best time to visit is during daylight hours to also enjoy the scenic town of Borgarnes and its surroundings.
Faits intéressants
- •The Settlement Center houses a terrifying statue of Kveldulf created by artist Axel Hallkell Jóhannesson.
- •Borgarnes is the largest town in the Borgarbyggð municipality and serves as a gateway to Snæfellsnes National Park.
- •The center offers audio guides in 15 languages plus a special children’s guide in Icelandic.
- •Borgarnes features the oldest and tallest birch trees in Iceland in its nearby forests.
- •The town was a filming location for the Hollywood movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
Histoire
Borgarnes was founded in the late 19th century in a region famously associated with Egil's Saga, named after the farm Borg á Mýrum of Egill Skallagrímsson, the saga’s hero.
The Settlement Center was established in two of the town's oldest buildings to preserve and present Iceland’s early settlement history and saga heritage.
Over time, it has become a cultural landmark that celebrates Iceland’s Viking past and the stories that shaped the nation.
Guide du lieu
The Settlement Exhibition
This exhibition tells the story of the Nordic Vikings' daring ocean voyages and the settlement of Iceland. It features interactive displays and detailed narratives about the early settlers.
The Egil Saga Exhibition11th-12th century
Dedicated to Egil Skalla-Grimsson, this exhibition showcases original manuscripts from the 11th and 12th centuries, artworks by various artists, and a dramatic statue of Kveldulf by Axel Hallkell Jóhannesson.
Historic Buildings: Warehouse and Merchant House19th century
Two of Borgarnes’s oldest buildings housing the museum, offering an authentic atmosphere that connects visitors to the town’s historical roots.
Restaurant and Café
A licensed restaurant serving a popular wellness buffet until 3 pm daily, providing a cozy spot for visitors to relax and enjoy Icelandic cuisine.
Contact
Téléphone: 437 1600